Emily was frozen in place. No, frozen didn’t even begin to describe it.

Her entire body trembled, her heart tightening as if a steel grip had wrapped around it.

“H-How do you know that?” Her voice came out weak—uncertain.

This was a secret that had been buried so thoroughly, so perfectly, that even the royal court, known for its ruthless information network, had failed to uncover it. So how? How did this boy—a mere child—know?

Noah blinked, feigning innocence. He hadn’t expected this kind of reaction. He thought she’d lash out in rage, try to overpower him with her authority. Instead, she stood there, paralyzed.

A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. He had the upper hand.

Better strike while the iron is hot.

“The real question, Your Majesty, is not how I know.” His silver eyes gleamed coldly. “It’s what will happen if this information gets out.”

Emily’s breath hitched.

“What would the people think?”

“For the Emperor? At worst, he’ll be labeled a tyrant—a ruthless ruler who murdered his own brother in cold blood.” Noah’s voice was smooth, deliberate.

“But you, Empress Emily? You’ll be dragged through the mud. Humiliated. Your reputation ruined beyond repair. There are plenty in the nobility just waiting for an excuse to bring you down.”

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering to a near whisper.

“So… What’s your decision?”

Emily felt her head spin. Her mind raced, searching desperately for a way out. How? How did things end up like this?

But there was no way out.

There was only one choice.

“I accept.” She forced the words out through gritted teeth, her mana crackling in the air like a storm barely contained. “The engagement stays.”

She inhaled sharply, fists clenched. “But I want to know how you found out. And who else knows.”

Noah tilted his head, his smirk deepening.

“I’m the only one who knows.”

“As for how?” He chuckled, lifting a hand to his chin as if pondering. “Hmm… maybe I just read it somewhere?”

His sweet smile was a stark contrast to the dagger-like words he’d just spoken.

Emily’s face darkened.

“Why go to such lengths?” she demanded. “You have talent, you have status—you gain nothing from this engagement. So why?”

Noah raised a brow. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“I love her.”

Emily scoffed. Not believing a word.

“Only love could drive someone to blackmail an Empress, don’t you think?” Noah added, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Emily wasn’t amused.

She turned, ready to leave.

But Noah’s voice stopped her.

“Empress, did you really think I’d just take your word for it?”

Emily’s teeth clenched. Damn it.

He reached into his spatial ring—a gift from his mother—and pulled out a contract. A soul contract.

He placed it on the table between them.

“Sign this, and our deal is set in stone.”

Emily’s eyes narrowed as she scanned the terms.

1. The Empress must not disclose the details of this conversation to anyone.

2. The Empress must actively support Noah in gaining Sophie’s affection.

3. The Empress must not attempt to harm or undermine Noah or his family in any way whatsoever.

Breaking any of these conditions would result in soul extinction.

Emily’s grip tightened on the parchment.

This was not a normal contract. These things were rare and extremely costly to obtain.

Her gaze flicked to Noah. He sat there, completely at ease, watching her.

“And don’t worry,” he added casually. “I’ve signed one as well. As long as you keep your end of the deal, your little secret is safe with me.”

Emily inhaled deeply. This boy—this monster—was barely twelve years old.

Yet he was already playing mind games that even seasoned nobles struggled with.

Her fingers twitched as she signed the contract with her mana.

With a deep breath, she exhaled. Feeling a restriction deep in her soul the moment she signed.

The contract glowed faintly before vanishing. The deal was sealed.

‘What kind of creature has that witch birthed?’ she thought, suppressing a shudder.

…

Outside the Room

Sophie stood next to Selene, arms crossed, trying to mask her discomfort.

‘Crazy… I can barely stand straight—no, she’s making me feel this way.’

Selene’s control over her aura was terrifying. She was purposely applying just enough pressure to make Sophie feel insignificant.

Sophie hated it.

Then—

Click—

The door opened.

Noah stepped out first, his expression calm, a light smile playing on his lips.

Emily followed, her expression neutral. But Sophie knew her mother well. The subtle crackling of electricity in the air told her she was pissed.

Emily exhaled. “Can we stay here for some time, Duchess Selene?”

Selene didn’t even acknowledge her at first. Instead, she looked at Noah.

He just smiled.

Selene nodded. “A maid will guide you to your quarters.”

Without another word, she turned and left, Noah walking beside her.

As he passed by Sophie, he paused just long enough to murmur—

“I can’t wait for our wedding, Lady Sophie.”

His tone was playful, almost teasing.

Sophie stiffened, her brows furrowing as she watched him go.

Something about him felt… off.

Different from what she had expected.

Since the beginning he had acted nothing like the Noah she knew.

And that…intrigued her. Having SSS talent can change a bring this much ?

Her gaze snapped to her mother. “Mother, what is the meaning of this?”

Emily didn’t answer immediately. Her eyes were still on Noah’s retreating figure.

“I wish I knew,” she muttered, irritation lacing her voice. “We’ll talk once we’re settled.”

…

Noah’s Room

As soon as Noah entered his chambers, he collapsed onto the bed, exhaling heavily.

His mind felt…drained.

Less than a month ago, he was just a normal kid on Earth. Now? He had stood before the Empress of the entire human domain and blackmailed her into submission.

“…That was insane,” he muttered.

Then—

{Ding!}

A familiar sound echoed in his mind.

{Congratulations!}

{You have received a new title.}

{Title obtained: The Schemer.}

{Your existence has been strengthened.}

Noah chuckled, rolling onto his back.

“Well… I deserve that one.”

—End of Chapter 11—

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Madara Web Novel