The Incompetent Emperor Who Changes the World from the Shadows: Iron, Gunpowder, and the Young Maidens of Favor - Chapter 28: The Vision of an Intelligence Agency and the Eve of Espionage Reform

Chapter 28: The Vision of an Intelligence Agency and the Eve of Espionage Reform

Even as husband and wife, Iris and I, the emperor and empress, have separate rooms.

We sometimes dine together, but with my frequent banquets, we’re often joined by nobles or influential figures.

So, we’re only truly alone during intimate nights or, like now, when we both have free time to enjoy tea on the terrace.

On the table are fragrant herbal tea from Novaria, cute berry tarts, and buttery pastries.

The steaming tea wafts a gentle honey and fruit aroma, soothing the heart.

A plate of fresh-baked bread topped with soft cheese and seasonal fruits brightens the mood just by looking at it.

“Iris, fulfilling your wish means tackling a mountain of problems.”

I take a bite of bread, grumbling.

“Yes, I understand.”

“That requires gathering information.

You get that, right?”

“Of course.

Preparation is essential for anything, and that needs various knowledge and information.”

“That’s why I’m planning to create my own intelligence organization.”

“Aren’t the spies held by various imperial groups enough?”

Iris sips her tea, tilting her head curiously.

“They’re not unified.

The Empire’s military spies, Garava Kingdom’s spies, the chancellor’s personal spies, and those serving imperialist nobles—they don’t share information.”

Valuable intelligence gets discarded because it’s not shared.

“Yes, my grandfather’s spies only report to him.”

“That’s normal.

No one wants to share info with potential enemies.

Plus, spies focus on enemies, not their own side.”

“Their own side?”

“For example, how much do you know about Novaria?”

“Well, it’s my country, so quite a bit.”

“Do you know the population of Janks, the western city?

The fish catch at Sorya Port in the south?

The popular games among the commoners in the capital, Nove?”

I use clear examples.

“…No, I don’t know any of that.

But is that necessary?”

“Whether it’s needed depends on the situation.

Statistical data is crucial too.

For instance, studying crop yields and detailed weather patterns can predict famines caused by climate shifts.

With continent-wide climate data, predictions get even more precise.”

“Um, uh…”

My rapid explanation seems to overwhelm her.

“Information can be linked, so no data is useless, right?”

Corinna says, refilling an empty cup.

Unlike Iris, she’s sharp.

Not that Iris is lacking, though.

“Exactly.

I want an organization that collects information for the Empire’s—or eventually the world’s—efficiency, not just a few people’s profit.”

It’s like mimicking a certain organization, but with a stronger focus on world peace.

Though, the one I know has a villainous reputation.

“Your Majesty… is there anything I can do?”

“Not now, but we’ll need to investigate Novaria eventually.

When that time comes, I’ll send operatives.

Make their work easier by facilitating their entry—like choosing who accompanies you on kingdom visits instead of leaving it to others.”

“Understood.

I’ll cooperate when the time comes.”

“Also, creating an organization requires parliamentary approval.

But if an ‘incompetent emperor’ suddenly proposes it, it’ll raise suspicions.”

In a dictatorship, I could do whatever I want, but my position is precarious.

“Yes, you’re already mocked as a womanizing incompetent.”

Iris gives a wry smile.

This topic comes up often, so I brush it off, and she speaks freely.

“So, I’ll ask a noble or senator to propose it for me.”

Iris isn’t just smart—she’s understanding and can calculate long-term benefits.

“Anyone in mind?”

“Not sure.

There’s the reception party coming up, right?”

Sopina will have to shine there.

She’s invaluable in these moments.

“Our wedding reception…

I’m nervous about the dance.”

“We’ll practice later.

It’ll be a chance to be alone outside of nights.”

“Well… that’s nice.”

Iris blushes slightly, smiling happily.

“Anyway, the party’s about us, but nobles will aim to push their daughters as concubines.”

“Haha… yes.

As a concubine’s child myself, I understand.”

“If a cooperative noble emerges, I might take their daughter as a concubine.

Do you object?”

“…It’s complicated.

But it’s necessary for my wish, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll endure it.

No, ‘endure’ is presumptuous.

You’re not mine alone, Your Majesty.”

“Sorry.

But I promise this: as long as I’m in this palace, I’ll love you every day.”

“W-Well!”

She covers her cheeks, blushing deeply.

She knows “love” means intense intimacy.

In my case, one woman a day isn’t enough for this body, so even loving Iris daily, I turn to maids—a beastly trait.

Still, Iris knows and accepts my time with maids.

Once, I skipped maids and went five rounds with Iris, and she fainted.

Loving only her too much might break her.

I continue.

“I also want to know public movements.

Building an intelligence agency takes time.

Before that, I’ll set up a temporary network.”

“That sounds like a lot of work.”

“I’ll tell Gerda, the head maid, I want to mess around with town girls—a sleazy pretext.

I’m not serious about it, but it’s good cover.

As I mentioned, Gerda’s the chancellor’s spy, watching me.

So, I’ll use that, pretending it’s [womanizing].”

“Hahaha…

Very emperor-like strategy.”

“Well, I’ll make sure it doesn’t disrupt our nightly life, so don’t worry.”

“Hahahaha…

It’s complicated.”

Iris’s smile twitches.

Marrying an overly virile emperor might be her misfortune.

Sorry for the trouble, Iris.

But this is necessary for our dreams.