36. Sorry, I’m not good enough

From the moment I parted ways with Kephiel, I had already known about the existence of the imposter Euclid from the script, and I had decided to personally resolve it to prevent Kephiel from encountering the “danger” in the script. I had already infiltrated Louis XXV’s distribution meeting.

As the script became clearer, after dodging the excited Louis XXV, I found myself just one door away from this imposter, even preparing to “mock the imposter based on the script when I see him next, to vent my anger.”

However, with another update to the script, the imposter Euclid who appeared before me upon opening the door was actually…

【Louis IV impersonated Euclid.】

It was none other than Queen Louis IV herself!

You, this “intelligent big boss,” actually have to personally step in to do bad things!? I always thought it would be Professor Moriarty! Moreover, the queen’s demeanor just now was quite similar to mine!

Our eyes met, and for a moment, silence fell. The masked figure before me was indeed Louis IV according to the script, but my own identity and current actions could not withstand scrutiny from others.

So, I immediately stepped into the room and closed the door. At the same time, Louise, who had mostly calmed down from her surprise, shot me a cold smile. She didn’t seem so tense or anxious about my appearance; she even had the mood to mock me.

“What’s with your outfit? I don’t remember Kephiel’s preferences turning into such a ‘street’ style.”

“You should worry about yourself! Be more serious when impersonating someone else; that voice… if I didn’t know better, I’d think I was a eunuch.”

We exchanged polite jabs, but at the same time, I was acutely aware that my situation was extremely dangerous, and I quickly surveyed everything in the room using the script.

【There is only Louis IV in the room, and he is unarmed.】

【Louis IV killed Euclid for self-preservation.】

I didn’t plan to do anything to her; self-preservation, what the hell is that?

Louis IV’s bizarre “death script” still existed for me, but the script also stated that they couldn’t bring weapons in. Thus, with the script’s support, I shouldn’t be too afraid of Louis IV’s “kill, kill, kill” script directed at me.

So, my purpose for being here was quite simple.

“To use my identity to frame Louis XXV, while conveniently putting pressure on me and Kephiel, forcing me to obediently return and apologize to you for something that makes no sense at all, Your Majesty the Queen, that’s what you were thinking, right? “

In response to me was Louis IV’s silence.

Then, she lifted her hood, removed her mask, revealing a slightly different ponytail version than usual, and gave me a malicious smile, frankly admitting it.

“Hmm, that’s right.”

After tearing off a small strip of tape-like thing from her neck, Louis IV’s voice, which had mimicked my strange tone, finally returned to normal. Truly, she was the Queen of the Great Yeng Empire; even her disguises were filled with the scent of money.

“However, O’Keefe, I am also forced by circumstances. Just as you said before, my position carries a lot of pressure. Hmph, how could a man like you possibly understand?”

It sounded genuine, but in reality, this Queen before me had far more complex thoughts than such “simplicity.”

【Louis IV wants to use O’Keefe’s sympathy to sell her tragedy and whitewash herself.】

I admit that every healthy, normal man has the inherent vice of wanting to “redeem bad women,” but the timely reminder from the script brought me back to reality from that tiny, unrealistic fantasy.

“Save that talk for later when you’re honest and slowly explain and apologize to Kephiel.”

Saying this, I took a step back and revealed the “big treasure” in my hand. Since Louis IV had disguised herself to frame me, I naturally had to have something to counter with.

“I’ve noted everything you just said and did.”

Next, I would follow the actions I was supposed to take in the script, using the evidence from the scene to threaten the Queen. Evil people need to be dealt with by evil means; I had no other choice.

“Don’t use my already terrible reputation to do anything unnecessary, and don’t foolishly think you can use this to threaten me and Kephiel. Outside of this, whether you go after Louis XXV or Louis 250, whatever you do, even if you want to reach the heavens, I won’t ask further.”

Pausing, I stared intently at Louis IV, fearing that this Queen still had some hidden tricks up her sleeve.

“This deal looks good, doesn’t it?”

Louis IV’s script was already filled with death, so I didn’t want to push things too far. As the saying goes, leave a line for others, and we can meet again in the future. As long as Louis IV could accept my ” threat,” we could all get along peacefully afterwards.

After all, why would this Queen want to clash with me? The so-called “prophecy” was never that reliable; Kephiel’s presence could easily change the script according to the whims of a favored daughter. Not to mention that Louis IV herself was dangerous enough; looking beautiful and having lovely legs meant nothing if she stabbed me one day—I wouldn’t have the life to enjoy it.

Louis IV, like others, would eventually have some “strange reason” to “kill me.”

The “disguise” on Louis IV’s face finally faded a bit, and she sighed softly.

“O’Keefe, I thought you would understand me.”

“It’s precisely because I understand what kind of person you are, Your Majesty, that I didn’t believe a word. Of course, I know you do everything for the Great Yeng Empire, but can you not use that to deceive me?”

The next moment, Louis IV’s body shook, and she suddenly looked up at me!

In an instant, even knowing that Louis IV’s disguise was very “deep,” I couldn’t help but feel a sense of danger.

“How did you know?”

Hmph… such a question.

“Aren’t you clearer than I am, Your Majesty?”

Louis IV’s expression became peculiar, neither smiling nor angry, as if he didn’t hold a grudge against me, yet there was no sense of defeat like “You’re so impressive, I give up.”

“Ogilvy, I and Kephir…”

“Kephir!”

Don’t ask about something so certain; hurry up and give me an answer regarding our deal! Don’t forget we’re thieves!

However, in the next moment, the script took an abrupt turn!

【Louis IV is taking action!】

At the same time, Louis IV, who clearly shouldn’t have any weapons according to the script, reached for a pen on the table.

“Ignis.”

In an instant, the pen transformed into a sword!

It was obvious who it was aimed at!

“If neither body nor mind submits, then… I’m sorry~”

【Louis IV killed Ogilvy with the artifact—Ignis!】