237 Traps.

Hearing the royal guard stutter his report, the frown on the Empress' face continued to deepen.

"Go and notify Sir Rufus," the Empress ordered as she motioned with her hands for them to leave. The royal guards didn't waste a moment and quickly stood up to leave the throne room.

Only after the guards had left did the Empress wave her hand and a fist-sized crystal appeared before her.

The crystal shone with bright blue light and dense Mana surrounded it. It was the crystal used to control the defensive formations.

Just when she was about to pour Mana into it, a sudden voice came from behind the throne.

"His Majesty should already be returning, your grace. Are you sure we should waste so many resources on formations?" The person who spoke still did not show his figure and hid in the shadows.

The Empress paused at his words. She didn't look behind and seemingly knew who the voice belonged to.