My wife is an immortal black snake.

Page 120

"--Feel sorry."

He quickly lifted his head, but the lingering warmth and heat on his face still made his heart pound—he was clearly no longer a virgin, wasn't he? What was happening...?

Yang Hao was bewildered by this, while on the other side, Sonia seemed somewhat relaxed for some reason, simply smiling at him and saying, "If you want to continue resting, you can do so anytime."

"...Never mind. Sigh, we've arrived already?"

Yes. It's 11:20 a.m. now.

"Then let's go."

......

As she followed Lord Yang Hao to His Majesty's resting room, Sonia subtly stretched her shoulders while watching his retreating figure, lost in thought.

She felt she was enjoying that feeling... But then again, sir, you are actually aware of your own behavior?

Sonia shook her head, finding Mr. Yang Hao rather endearing.

"By the way, Mr. Yang Hao, may I ask you a question?"

"Ah, sure. Ask before we go to His Majesty's private lounge."

"So... besides being legally married to Lord Koschche, you're also legally married to Head Maid Monica?"

"......Forehead."

Sonia suddenly realized that she seemed to have asked a very awkward question, because Yang Hao awkwardly paused in his steps, then turned around and looked at her with a rather embarrassed expression.

He opened his mouth, hesitated, then reached out and scratched his left cheek before letting out a heavy sigh.

"...Although I don't know who told you that...but to be honest, my relationship with Monica is [illegal]...but it's a relationship that only exists with my wife's consent..."

"I see... So you mean, if Mr. Yang Hao is interested in other women, the first priority is to obtain Lord Koschche's permission?"

Hmm, that's a bit strange. From Sonia's personal perspective, it shouldn't be necessary, right?

What she meant was—aren't these things usually tacitly accepted? If we insist on bringing it up in public, wouldn't that be...

what...

So, is this also a sign of their good marital relationship?

Ms. Sonia nodded, noticing some interactions between Yang Hao and Koschke that differed from those with others. She also realized that the couple's relationship was indeed unbreakable.

"...I guess so." He nodded bitterly, then continued moving towards their destination.

......

After a while.

When Yang Hao and Sonia arrived at Her Majesty the Emperor's private lounge and saw Her Majesty Catherine dining there, along with the meal she had prepared for them, they first expressed their gratitude for Her Majesty's concern, and then discussed the important matters ahead while eating.

"In short, Your Majesty Catherine, we have completed the necessary preparations for burning those senators alive in the future—but I am a little short on funds now. Purchasing large quantities of flammable materials and spices that can produce smoke will require a lot of money and hard currency."

"Your Duchy of Kosichè is now the wealthiest region in the entire Ursus Empire, and you still have the nerve to ask me for money...? Well, that makes sense, since I asked you for this—I'll speak to the Imperial Guard later, and you can tell them how much you want or the minister in charge of the treasury."

Is Saint-Germain's economic situation also that bad now?

"Of course. Now the people of Saint-Germain also look down on the Imperial Ruble. They would rather use broken gold for transactions than Imperial Rubles. Alas, I have already tried to recall a large amount of Imperial Rubles to slow down inflation... but it is clear that the nobles of other territories do not think so."

Her Majesty Catherine smiled wryly, popped a piece of dessert into her mouth, then sighed heavily and recounted the recent actions of those hindering her economic reforms:

"Those members of the Sherlock Holmes nightclub and those neutral members of parliament, do you know what they're doing in their own territories? They're having the mint and printing presses print massive amounts of Imperial Rubles! Massive amounts! They think that as long as they print enough paper money, they'll have enough wealth to cope with this crisis. But the problem is that paper money represents the nation's credit. The only consequence of their reckless actions is a further decline in the credibility of our government..."

"...Moreover, this printed currency can't simply be considered worthless paper...If we can't quickly recall those currencies with the Imperial Bank's anti-counterfeiting codes..."

"Even if you successfully resolve the economic crisis in the Ursus Empire, these [worthless currencies] will destroy the economic core that we have painstakingly restored in the next moment."

In short, during the economic crisis, some members of parliament had a sudden inspiration: they believed that if they printed a large amount of imperial currency, they would have a large amount of imperial wealth to weather the crisis.

However, they did not expect that their actions would only exacerbate the economic crisis of the Ursus Empire, nor did they realize that they were laying landmines for their future generations! Because when those currencies entered the market, they would first cause huge inflation in the commerce of their own territories, and merchants would certainly not be able to bear that kind of inflation. They would choose to transfer their pressure—that is, to circulate the excess hot currency in their hands to other regions.

However, doing so would also harm regions that hadn't yet experienced inflation. After all, the Imperial Ruble was universally accepted throughout the Ursus Empire, but... at this time, the Ursus Empire's government didn't seem to have a complete monopoly on the empire's minting power. With printing presses in the noble territories of various regions, nobles of all ranks, seeing that this model [seemed effective], would also choose to follow suit and print money under the pressure of survival and wealth.

If you print money, I print money, and everyone prints money together—the end result will simply be that the Imperial Ruble completely loses its domestic and international credibility, and everyone will perish together.

Moreover, if this is not stopped, it will seriously affect the currency circulation of the Ursus Empire after the economic reforms, and may even deal another blow to the Ursus Empire, which has just emerged from the economic crisis—Yang Hao could not stand by and watch.

So he needs to think of a solution.

Thinking of this, Yang Hao frowned, realizing that this was an urgent matter that could only be resolved quickly using the [Puppet Stage].

But...should I honestly reveal my abilities to His Majesty the Emperor?

He hesitated.

Chapter 12

Looking at the hesitant man before her, Her Majesty Catherine swallowed the delicious food in her mouth. She knew that this was the time for her to set an example and put his mind at ease. After all, how many capable people throughout history have worried about their ability to protect themselves once they stepped onto the stage because of their special abilities?

A person's abilities are like gemstones. Most people's abilities are like stones—stones that are inconspicuous, which also means they can easily be crushed into sand by others.

Some talented individuals possess abilities that are like diamonds—brilliant and dazzling. However, without protection, these diamonds can be destroyed, stolen, or even crushed into powder and buried alive by countless people who envy them.

Her Majesty Catherine believes that Yang Hao's hesitation in volunteering stems entirely from his fear that displaying his abilities might lead to his assassination by some scoundrels. Well, Her Majesty Catherine cannot guarantee that no one will attempt to harm him, but at the very least, Her Majesty can offer one assurance.

Besides, wouldn't the white-haired, red-eyed guard beside him be able to protect his safety just fine? So after thinking it over, Her Majesty Catherine felt that in addition to making a "guarantee," it was even more important to give him a corresponding "reward."

“Mr. Yang Hao, don’t worry.” Thinking of this, Ekaterina knew what to say. “You don’t need to worry about your abilities—I know that your abilities are destined to be kept secret for you, but at least I can assure you that as long as I am alive and still the Emperor of the Ursus Empire, no one will slander you or plot against you because of your abilities—at least after the two major events of the future are over.”

"...After the burning of Parliament and the civil war ended?"

"Of course. I trust you completely. Not only because of your abilities, but also because of your character."

“However, I don’t think you can guarantee that… Never mind. Your Majesty, could you please explain why this is happening? I mean, why are paper currencies being issued when the local minting rights haven’t even been revoked?”

Logically, without reclaiming local minting rights, establishing a paper currency system should have caused the Imperial Ruble to depreciate completely within a few years of its issuance! Why is it only now that this is becoming apparent?

Yang Hao looked at Her Majesty Catherine, completely bewildered. He simply couldn't understand what was going on—after all, in his understanding, paper money was something that could only be used under conditions of complete monopoly over the right to mint coins...

Not to mention, this is a paper currency used throughout the entire Ursus Empire! If you say it's similar to the special paper currency used by a duchy of the size of Kosiché duchy, that's one thing, but how did the Imperial Ruble become a printing press?

He really doesn't understand...

Faced with Yang Hao's question, Her Majesty Catherine remained silent for a while before she could only smile bitterly and say, "This is a pit left to her by her father, an enormous pit."

“As far as I know, during the reign of my father’s father, my grandfather, the minting power of the Ursus Empire was still firmly controlled by the royal family and the Imperial Bank,” she explained. “But from some point onwards… my grandfather came into contact with something called the [Endless Cycle]…”

"...grass?!"

That thing?! No, if your grandfather really came into contact with that thing, how the hell would the Ursus Empire still exist?! Yang Hao was stunned, not for any other reason than the five words that came out of Her Majesty Ekaterina's mouth, the very thing that caused the Gallic Empire to be wiped out, and now even the Deep Sea Hunters are inexplicably going to be wiped out, a great thing.

"But whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, after making contact with that entity without a physical form for about 20 years, my grandfather still refused to sign a contract that would allow the Ursus Empire to rule the world for fifty years..."

"No, what...what does this have to do with the economic issues we're discussing now?"

"Of course there is. Although my grandfather did not sign a contract with that being, my father did sign a contract with another being because he longed to achieve the same great feats as my grandfather... He did not tell me the name of that being, but he did tell me about the effects of the contract."

At this point, Her Majesty Catherine's bitter smile deepened. She sighed heavily, propping her cheek up with her hand to prevent her head from drooping. She scrutinized Sonia, who had been staring at her for some time, before finally recounting a story she had overheard from her father when she was young:

"That contract... is perhaps the culprit that has made the Ursus Empire into this wretched state. My father told me that as long as that contract was signed, the Ursus Empire would be immortal, because every noble territory would fight to become Ursus."

"...Wait a minute..."

"And indeed it was—I saw that contract when I ascended to the throne. The contract clearly stated a 'guarantee,' but a 'guarantee' is bound to be triggered by some major event, isn't it? When the Gallo Empire suddenly disappeared, and an economic crisis suddenly swept through countless surrounding countries, bringing disaster to our society... that 'guarantee' was activated."

Her Majesty Catherine, rubbing her forehead, bitterly recounted the remaining matters in concise sentences:

"First, the Empire's right to mint coins suddenly changed from a monopoly to openness. Then, every corrupt councilor, while claiming to be fighting for the Ursus Empire, tried to build mints in their own territories and create all sorts of strange things—they began to defy my father, my incompetent father who pursued achievements at all costs and gambled with the safety of the entire Empire."

"Ah this..."

"And then it became what you see—when I ascended the throne, not only had I lost the empire's monopoly on minting coins, I had even lost control of some noble territories... for example, the territory controlled by the councilors of the Sherlock Holmes nightclub. That contract turned the entire Ursus Empire into the ghastly state it is today, do you understand? I even suspected at one point that those cannibalistic incidents were also caused by this contract..."

She sighed again, then listlessly continued eating, seemingly no longer wanting to discuss this awful topic.

Across from her, Yang Hao was still in a daze, processing the overwhelming amount of information while also understanding why Her Majesty Catherine was so eager to seize control of the empire.

So, it turns out that not only did the Gallic Empire sign a fifty-year life contract with some powerful entity, but the Ursus Empire was almost tricked into signing that contract too! If it weren't for Her Majesty Catherine's grandfather's discerning eye, the Ursus Empire's territory would probably be similar to the original Gallic Empire's territory, and it would have been inexplicably wiped out.

But Catherine's grandfather was wise and cautious—but that doesn't mean his son was the same, right? Well, look what happened! In pursuit of merit and fame, Catherine's father directly signed a contract with another great being—a contract that would only lead to the deaths of his own people—making him look like an unlucky soul tricked into a small room for "learning" through a pyramid scheme...

Moreover, that contract not only brought misfortune to Empress Catherine's father, but in a sense, it also brought misfortune to Empress Catherine, who had only recently ascended the throne... What "the Ursus Empire will be immortal"? This contract only makes the entire Ursus Empire more chaotic!

The moment the contract took effect, it separated the Empire's monopoly on minting coins, turned countless once-loyal Ursus Empire councilors into the pathetic figures they are now forced to do menial tasks, and in some ways, may even be the culprits behind the cannibalistic nobles. This is...

[Event: Chaos and Disorder]

Huh? The incident popped up? And it's marked in red with "Danger" on it? I'm so pissed off—

Yang Hao was already quite exasperated—he had thought that saving the Ursus Empire's economy would be an epic task, but he never imagined that the cause of this task would be the mess caused by a terrible teammate!

This is terrible?! An unprecedented event marked with the words "Extremely Dangerous" in red?! How am I supposed to handle this?!

Through the current Emperor of the Ursus Empire's explanation, you realize that not only the Gallic Empire, but even the Ursus Empire itself nearly signed that doomed pact—but it doesn't matter! It didn't perish immediately, but it's practically there now. Under the influence of the psychic being known as "Chaos and Disorder," the chaos within the Ursus Empire is escalating... You are the only one who can save the Ursus Empire, while on the other side, Columbia, who hasn't signed a pact with any psychic being, is also planning a ruthless attack on the Ursus Empire.

You need to resolve this contract as soon as possible! Otherwise...

You might be considering immigrating to Kazdel or Yan with your wife and maid.

"What the hell?! Who did I offend?!"

.....

grass.

What is chaos and disorder?

What kind of psychic energy exists?

Isn't this guy just a show-off?! He's high and mighty, and when he's bored, he deliberately messes up a country's economy and political system, then sits on his couch watching the show from his lofty perch!

You fucking... fine! I'm unlucky to have run into you guys! I'm also unlucky to have a wife who's working hard for Ursus's prosperity and who definitely won't run away with me!

I refuse to believe I can't completely crush you bunch of clowns!

My inner emotions fluctuated in a very complex way.

Yang Hao put down his knife and fork, and while wiping his mouth with a napkin, he took a deep breath.

"In short, Your Majesty Catherine... I think I've figured out what this being who made a pact with your father is all about." He then raised his head and gave the astonished Catherine a forced and twisted smile: "[Chaos and Disorder]... Remember this name, this psionic being is a [elegantly Ursusian swear word] entertainer! But thankfully, he's not as extreme as the entertainer who made a pact with the Gallic Empire... We can still pull the Ursus Empire out of the furnace, but before that... Your Majesty, I need many things."

"...While I am curious as to why you know his name, and even more curious as to why you know the secrets of the Gallic Empire's purge...if you can guarantee that you can save the Ursus Empire from the brink of death, not to mention restoring it to its former glory, but simply to its normal level...then I will give you whatever you want."

"...I need an officially certified position, only one level above yours, within the Ursus Empire."

"...what?"

If Yang Hao wants to use the [Puppet Stage] ability to save the Ursus Empire's economy, rescue it from the [Chaos and Disorder] contract, and restore it to a normal level, or even make it powerful...

He needs a position, a position within the Ursus Empire, only one rank below His Majesty the Emperor—and this position must be public, because the Puppet Stage needs a public location to be effective within the Ursus Empire!

Only by obtaining this position can Yang Hao save the Ursus Empire from its dire straits. Only then can he restore his wife's beloved homeland from the clutches of the Lezi people and make it strong again!

But the problem is... he also knows how unacceptable his request for the position is to an emperor who craves autocracy.

...But that was all he could do. If Her Majesty the Emperor was willing to give him the position, he was willing to repay Her Majesty's trust. If she was unwilling, then in order to preserve Koschei's dream, Yang Hao could only openly raise the banner of rebellion, let Koschei become emperor, or let himself become emperor.

So... Your Majesty Catherine, for the sake of the Ursus Empire, please give me that position, okay?

...

Yang Hao looked at the silent Empress Catherine, swallowed hard, and waited anxiously for her reply.

For a moment, he thought that Her Majesty Catherine would be furious and order the guards to take care of him and Sonia on the spot.

But... after a while...

"...I understand. But can this be done after the parliamentary proceedings are over?"

This was the reply he received. And for some reason, Her Majesty Catherine seemed somewhat shy.

Chapter XIII

After ending that topic, Yang Hao and His Majesty continued to chat about lighter subjects—such as the plan to burn those councilors alive, how much money Yang Hao needed to buy things, and... who exactly was the owner of that night bar so close to the palace.

"You mean him? He was the head of the Imperial Guard in my father's generation. After retiring, he chose to open a bar near the palace so that the Imperial Guards could relax. But secretly, he was also responsible for intelligence exchange within the Ursus Empire. In a sense, it wouldn't hurt for you to buy some intelligence from him. However, he only has intelligence that I'm allowed to sell. For example, some unpleasant things between nobles who have grudges against each other."

"So here's the question: can I buy information about Her Majesty Catherine?"

"you wanna die."