Chapter 45: The Empire Does Not Support Idlers

When Elma spoke those words, both Alexia and Simon’s expressions changed inside the private room.

Alexia was shocked that such a dangerous figure as the Witch Chief had been lurking within the Empire for more than ten years without anyone noticing.

Simon, on the other hand, quickly sorted through the subsequent events in his mind, trying to trace the Witch Chief’s whereabouts.

Although many future events were related to witches, he had not expected that the mastermind behind it all was the Witch Chief.

This truly went beyond the norm.

It also meant that resolving the problem of malicious witches had become even more troublesome.

“How can you be sure the Witch Chief has been hiding in the Empire for so long?”

Alexia questioned Elma with suspicion.

“From your tone, even the malicious witches don’t know?”

How did Elma, a lower-ranked witch, know something that even higher-ranked witches were unaware of?

“Do you think I’m simply strong in spiritual power?”

Elma looked at Alexia, as if wanting to show a disdainful expression, but her current physical state prevented her from making such a subtle face.

“That’s only a part of my witch abilities, not the whole.”

Elma continued, “In reality, I can foresee some information about the past and future to a certain extent, but compared to the detailed investigation of a Destiny Witch, what I know is quite vague.”

If a Destiny Witch could thoroughly uncover all information, opening the other party’s household registry and bank account password, then she could only obtain some basic data.

For example, name, age, gender…

As for more detailed information, even if she wanted to know, it was impossible.

Therefore, at most, she could only learn that the Witch Chief had been hiding in the Empire for over ten years, but as for how she came, where she was now, or what she was doing, Elma knew nothing.

“But to be honest, I really didn’t expect you to withstand my Spiritual Impact. Just what kind of magic tool did September Nine give you?”

Due to the special nature of witch abilities, she was relatively weak in magic, but abnormally strong in spiritual power.

This made her spiritual attacks extremely powerful, though her magic level could only be considered average.

Therefore, her magic was mainly focused on escape and defense, not offense.

Alexia was the first person able to withstand her Spiritual Impact head-on, which was unbelievable to her.

“It was just a Pocket Watch.”

Alexia had no intention of revealing that she resisted it with her own spiritual power.

Although it was easier to defend against spiritual attacks than to attack directly, Elma had indeed almost turned her into an idiot.

It was precisely because she had practiced magic that her spiritual power far surpassed that of ordinary people; otherwise, she would have already failed at that moment.

From Elma’s words, it wasn’t difficult for Alexia to judge that she was likely a witch with qualifications for council membership.

She had the ability to join the official ranks of the Witch Council but always lacked an opportunity.

Elma heard the implication in Alexia’s words but did not dwell too much on the issue.

“So, Your Majesty the generous Empress, what kind of job do you think suits me here?”

Elma asked Alexia.

She was well aware that the reason she was still standing here was not to say trivial words.

“Stay here for now.”

Alexia replied.

Elma’s existence couldn’t be easily revealed; her spiritual attack was an extremely useful trump card.

Alexia then turned to Simon:

“I remember telling you before to bring Belinda to the birthday banquet. Where is she?”

Simon answered:

“For safety, I didn’t let her appear directly. If you wish to see her, I can go call her.”

Alexia thought for a moment, then said:

“Bring her here.”

“Oh~ Sounds like a secret matter. Should I step out for a bit?”

Elma said as her body moved toward the door.

“Elma, you’d better leave here with me.”

As Simon walked to the door, he glanced sideways at her.

He wasn’t comfortable leaving Alexia and Elma alone in the same room.

Elma shrugged and complied:

“Gladly, since I don’t have anything else to do for now.”

After Simon brought Elma to another room, he headed to Belinda’s room.

Because he had known in advance that Alexia would summon her, Simon had not let Belinda wear her usual black-and-white Maid Uniform.

Instead, he had someone specially dress her up.

Her long hair was neatly tied behind her, making her look spirited.

Her originally delicate face needed only light makeup to appear beautiful and enchanting.

A white dress made her look like a Snow Elf descending from the heavens.

When the door opened and Belinda saw Simon enter, she immediately rushed forward and hugged him.

“Is Her Majesty the Empress really going to see me?!”

There was a hint of fear in her voice.

Though she hadn’t met Alexia many times, each encounter left a deep impression.

She felt as though she had no secrets before Alexia.

“Her Majesty the Empress always keeps her word; there’s no falsehood.”

Simon nodded.

“Then…”

“Based on my understanding of Her Majesty, she definitely wouldn’t allow me to stay in the room.”

Simon could see the words Belinda wanted to say from the panic in her eyes.

“So you’ll likely have to face Her Majesty alone.”

Belinda’s eyes dimmed slightly upon hearing this.

Even if Simon said nothing, as long as he was there, she felt safer.

But if Simon wasn’t present and she was alone, she felt she might not be able to handle it.

Simon crouched down, placing one hand on her shoulder and the other supporting the head she wanted to bury like an ostrich.

“Belinda, don’t lower your head. Her Majesty isn’t scary.”

“Just do as I told you before. Never fear clashing with Her Majesty. The weaker you act, the more she’ll dislike you.”

He had once controlled Belinda’s choices, so he naturally understood what kind of choices suited Alexia’s preferences.

When it came to Belinda, Alexia favored strength over weakness.

Any hint of hesitation or timidity could trigger a chain reaction.

You know, just dealing with Alexia alone, Simon had died three times before due to the wrong choices.

So those memories were still fresh.

But now, unlike before, at least Belinda still had him watching over her, so Alexia wouldn’t eliminate her on a whim.

“I… but I…”

Belinda slowly clenched her fists, her mind in turmoil.

“There’s no turning back, Belinda…”

Simon spoke in a low voice.

“Either you come out of there alive and achieve your future revenge, or you die there.”

“The Empire does not feed the idle, and Her Majesty the Empress has always hated useless waste.”

“I know you’re scared and terrified, and what I say is cruel, but you must overcome it—even if it’s for your mother…”