The Meeting with the Emperor

The heart of the Empire, the Imperial Palace. Corps Commander Muston was waiting for Loen in front of the entrance to the First Palace, where the Emperor resided.

“Follow me.”

At the Commander’s words, Loen responded with a slight bow and immediately followed him into the palace. With each step she took, it felt like crossing waves of gleaming white marble.

The atmosphere of the palace was lively. The servants moved busily, and their faces bore subtle smiles rather than tension.

‘I imagined a more solemn atmosphere.’

It was an unexpected sight.

After walking for quite some time, when people traversing the corridors gradually became less visible, the Commander broke the silence.

“I heard you repelled a high-ranking demon.” “To be precise, it’s closer to the demon choosing self-destruction during battle.”

Loen answered truthfully.

“No.”

The Commander shook his head firmly.

“They are not immune to the effects of death. Even if it took its own life, that creature will have to devote at least several years to recovery. So it’s appropriate to call it a repulsion.” “I see.”

The Commander’s indifferent gaze flitted to Loen’s stiff profile. He didn’t miss the subtle tension surrounding Loen.

“Don’t be too nervous. His Majesty is an extremely rational and wise person.” “Yes.”

Despite these words, there was no way Loen’s tension would ease.

This wasn’t due to the Emperor’s position or his absolute power. Loen’s tension stemmed solely from the Emperor’s transcendent strength that far surpassed the category of humans.

‘How can I not be nervous when I have to meet alone with a being close to a demigod?’

What thoughts the Emperor currently held, what the true intention was behind the Emperor pushing her forward like this. She couldn’t let her guard down for a moment until she clearly understood these things.

How much further did they walk?

Finally, Loen stopped in front of the massive doors of the Imperial audience hall.

Beyond the doors, an indescribable formless energy seemed to brush against Loen’s skin.

“Enter.”

After taking a short breath, Loen stepped forward and entered the audience hall.

As Loen slowly walked toward the center of the audience hall, she saw him seated on the golden throne.

The Emperor of the Empire. Brilliant golden hair and eyes. One who, despite living for hundreds of years, did not allow even a single wrinkle.

He was truly a transcendent being who defied the laws of the world.

The Emperor’s gaze slowly examined Loen from head to toe. It was a sharp gaze that seemed to penetrate to the very essence of her being.

Gulp. Loen swallowed dry saliva.

Thud, thud. That brief moment of walking from the entrance of the audience hall to the front of the Emperor felt like an eternity. Countless thoughts crossed Loen’s mind.

It was a moment of proof.

Just as Loen reached the Emperor and was about to kneel,

“Unnecessary formalities are not needed.”

Loen’s movement halted awkwardly at the Emperor’s voice. Understanding his intent, Loen slowly rose again.

Silence fell between them.

Loen silently met the Emperor’s gaze. She couldn’t be the first to speak.

However, the Emperor simply stared at Loen intently. But his eyes contained an inexplicable goodwill.

It was goodwill so evident that even Loen, meeting the Emperor for the first time, could clearly feel it.

To Loen, this was puzzling. Why?

‘Of course, a benevolent gaze is better than hostility, but…’

Yet his goodwill felt like a burden to Loen.

Historically, in any group, the favor of the highest authority is almost entirely disadvantageous to someone who is considering retirement at an appropriate time. Loen was well aware of this fact.

Amidst the uncomfortable silence that continued.

The Emperor opened his mouth.

“Let me ask you. If an order came down to willingly sacrifice your life for me, would you accept it?”

In that moment, Loen felt déjà vu. It was exactly the same question the Commander had asked her during the Inspection Corps interview.

Loen’s mind spun rapidly. It was to discern the hidden intention behind the Emperor’s question. A drop of sweat slowly trickled down Loen’s cheek.

In the end, Loen gave the same answer as before.

“I cannot do that.” “Why is that?” “Because only I myself can decide my life and death.”

There was no change in the Emperor’s expression. Therefore, Loen couldn’t even tell if her answer was correct. Loen swallowed once more.

The Emperor, without any response, continued with his next question.

To Loen, it felt as if his actions were testing her.

“What do you think about demons?”

Loen answered without hesitation.

“They are dangerous beings who threaten the survival of humanity.” “Why do you think so?”

Loen’s mouth clamped shut at the Emperor’s response. Of course, it was because she knew the facts through the original novel.

The demons were a species that sought to turn the world into another hell, who regarded humans as mere toys.

‘I can’t reveal to the Emperor that I know this fact…’

The current Loen shouldn’t normally know this truth.

After long deliberation, Loen found an excuse.

“There’s no particular reason. I was simply taught that demons are dangerous beings, and I accepted that as natural.”

A moment of silence passed.

Eventually, the Emperor answered briefly.

“I see.”

The Emperor continued.

“I’ve heard that your contribution was the greatest in eliminating the southern traitors and the high-ranking demon. Then I ought to give you a reward. Tell me what you want. I will grant anything.”

Loen felt that now was the opportunity to ask a question.

“Before stating my reward, there is something I would like to ask. I want to know why Your Majesty is supporting me.”

Was it because he hadn’t expected such a direct question? The corner of the Emperor’s eye trembled ever so slightly.

“Well. For now, let’s just say it’s because our goals align.”

Goals. Loen fell into thought momentarily.

‘My goal is to finish everything and retire…’

But that probably wasn’t what he meant. The goal he mentioned must clearly be to protect the Empire from the threat of demons.

At least as long as Loen maintained her hostility toward demons and traitors, the Emperor’s implicit support would remain unchanged. This was the conclusion Loen had reached.

In that case….

The Emperor spoke as if to hurry her.

“Tell me what you want.”

Loen, deep in thought, said.

“I want the power to destroy demons.”

The Emperor, who had been listening nonchalantly with his chin resting on his hand, momentarily showed a flash of interest in his eyes. For the first time, light glinted in his golden pupils.

“I could give you independent military command authority, or hand over the governance of the entire southern region. Alternatively, I could elevate the Franz family to a grand ducal family of the Empire.”

After pausing briefly, the Emperor continued.

“Think carefully once more.”

Nevertheless, Loen did not change her mind.

“My thoughts remain unchanged.” “Hmm.”

The Emperor’s eyes moved rapidly. It was a gaze trying to discern the hidden intentions deep within Loen’s heart.

After a long silence, the Emperor let out a low laugh.

“How bold.”

A faint smile of amusement hung on the Emperor’s lips.

“But unfortunately, that is the one thing I cannot grant you.”

Confusion spread across Loen’s face. He had said he would grant anything… The Emperor observed Loen’s expression and slowly continued.

“You already possess the power to destroy demons.”

Already possess it? Could he be referring to the light and dark attributes? Before Loen could ask a question, the Emperor raised his hand.

“Instead, I’ll give you this.”

At the Emperor’s gesture, a small, shining object flew and lodged itself at Loen’s waist.

It was a small brooch crafted from gold. A strange power emanated from what appeared to be an ordinary ornament.

Before Loen could examine it closely, the Emperor dismissed her.

“I hope that your heart, which is hostile to demons, remains unchanged.”

The Emperor carelessly waved his hand.

It was at that moment.

“Huh.”

Loen looked back at the entrance of the audience hall with a dazed expression.

She, who had just been facing the Emperor on the golden throne, was suddenly standing in the corridor outside the audience hall.

It happened in the blink of an eye.

All the conversations with the Emperor felt unreal, as if they had been a dream.

The Emperor’s inexplicable goodwill. The true meaning behind his words that she already possessed the power to destroy demons. And finally, the strange brooch.

Her mind was still filled with unresolved questions.

Nevertheless, there was a clear gain.

At least regarding the point that ‘demons must be eliminated,’ she confirmed that her purpose clearly aligned with the Emperor’s.

Yes. For now, that was enough.

Loen’s hand unconsciously moved toward her waist. The brooch given by the Emperor touched her fingertips. He had not made a single mention of what effect this item possessed.

But it certainly wasn’t an ordinary object.

Anyway.

Loen shook her head lightly to clear her complex thoughts. Further contemplation in this state was meaningless.

‘Let’s return to the annex palace first.’

Shaking her head to clear her complicated thoughts, Loen headed to the annex palace where her family and companions were waiting.

Imperial State Council.

At the highest council that decided the major affairs of the Empire, the Emperor declared.

“I will appoint new nobles to govern the vacant cities and territories in the southern part of the Empire.”

Tension immediately gripped the entire council chamber. It was the very moment everyone had been waiting for.

Under the gaze of all attendees, the Emperor’s mouth slowly opened.

However.

“…?” “….”

As the Emperor’s words continued, confusion and shock spread across everyone’s faces.

Even the Imperial Guard Commander, whose expression rarely changed, could not hide his surprise.

Finally, as soon as the Emperor’s announcement ended, the First Imperial Prince abruptly stood up.

He asked in a trembling voice, trying to maintain a respectful attitude.

“Your Majesty. May I humbly ask about the selection criteria for these appointments?”

The Emperor gazed at his son, then raised his hand to brush back his golden hair once.

And then answered in a calm manner.

“In order of contribution to the eradication of traitors.”