Ch.187187. Imperial Decree (3)

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In this world, there are always people who mix like oil and water.

No matter how many times they meet, there’s that intuitive feeling of “I just can’t get along with this person.”

That’s very likely the emotion Elia and Elnore feel when they look at each other.

“…”

“…”

Indeed, it’s uncomfortable.

In the rattling carriage, Elia and Elnore had almost the same thought simultaneously.

Truthfully, they could become close if they wanted to. They have quite a lot in common.

Both started wielding swords from a young age, both are extremely interested in swordsmanship and physical training, and both find it difficult to expand their social circles because they occupy positions that others look up to.

The problem is, among all these commonalities…

These two harbor feelings for the ‘same man,’ and that’s fatal.

‘…I might be able to handle Riru, but this person…’

Unlike Riru, whom she’s gotten to know by interacting with her, Elia fundamentally still hasn’t shed her dislike for the Tristan Dukedom.

That would be reason enough for even close friends to suddenly fall out, let alone two people who weren’t on good terms to begin with.

“…So.”

Elia finally broke the prolonged silence, unable to bear it any longer.

“Why are we suddenly going to the Imperial Palace?”

She doesn’t particularly mind visiting the Imperial Palace itself.

As the adopted daughter of the Margrave Kendrid, one of the Empire’s top nobles, visiting the Imperial Palace was practically like an annual event that came around periodically.

The same would be true for Elnore as the Tristan duchess.

The problem is, no matter how you look at it, it’s obviously not a place to visit with a carefree picnic mindset.

Even the Margrave Kendrid, who normally acts almost like a half-beast, behaves so docile and obedient in the Imperial Palace that it was shocking to witness.

-This is a battlefield of predators, Elia.

The warning she received in that sharp voice is still vivid in her memory.

-Never do anything that could be used against you. Never. Don’t even stand out.

“…”

Even one of the Empire’s top nobles says such things.

There’s no need to elaborate further on the threats lurking inside.

“You already know the reason.”

As she was thinking about this, Elnore answered her question in a calm voice.

“Because we heard that Darwood has gone there.”

“…”

Yes. That’s what she thought.

Nine times out of ten, when Elnore shows an unusually high level of drive, it involves that man.

“…He did suddenly disappear.”

After the second trial ended, she remembered going to Darwood’s private room in the evening with a bottle of alcohol to celebrate, only to be surprised when no one was there.

And now to hear he was suddenly summoned to the Imperial Palace—

“No, wait.”

Elnore narrowed her eyes and cut off her words.

“…You went to his private room alone at night with a bottle of alcohol?”

“…”

“Was it really just for a celebration party?”

“…”

Elia scratched her cheek and slightly averted her gaze.

Then, with a forced friendly smile, she continued.

“Aren’t you thinking strange things, Madam President? I really just wanted to have a celebration party.”

“…”

This excuse clearly isn’t working.

The gaze directed at her is extremely cold.

All that’s left is to deliberately change the subject.

“…S-so, do you know why the teacher was summoned to the Imperial Palace, Madam President?”

“…”

Fortunately, it seems she’s decided to let it go this time.

She withdrew her glaring gaze and sighed.

“…I don’t know. All I heard was that His Majesty personally requested that man.”

“…”

Elia’s expression crumpled.

The Emperor personally requested that man?

Why on earth?

“…I don’t know the reason either. His Majesty must have his reasons. I’m not too worried about that part.”

“…”

“The problem is those damn elders.”

Elia snickered and silently agreed.

It’s the first time she’s heard Elnore openly curse like this, but the targets of her words certainly deserve such language.

While the two nobles—the Grand Duke and the Margrave—boast tremendous influence, dividing between them three to four tenths of the political shares, it’s the “elders,” representing the old noble families, who hold the majority of the Empire’s political landscape.

The five prestigious families positioned just below the great nobles.

People who cling to both the Emperor and the Chancellor, filled with thoughts of their own gain.

In the words of Margrave Kendrid, they are those with the hearts of snakes.

“So, there may come a situation where you and I need to move together.”

Elnore continued in a low, subdued voice.

“…We need to prevent anything that might cause Darwood to be attacked by them inside. If we combine the power of the Margrave’s family and the Grand Duke’s family, it shouldn’t be difficult.”

“…”

In a way, this is admirable.

Even though Elnore herself probably doesn’t find Elia very agreeable, the moment Darwood is involved, she immediately casts aside such personal feelings and extends her hand for cooperation like this.

“…Normally, I would have just refused.”

So.

She should show at least some sincerity worthy of such dedication.

“…I’ll help you this time. It’s about the teacher, after all.”

“Thank you.”

“However.”

Elia continued with a grin.

“Would you like to ‘concede’ something to whoever proves more helpful?”

“…”

This remains in her memory.

Previously, during the vacation.

Wasn’t it a bet they made when the two of them turned an entire territory upside down?

“…That’s not a bad idea.”

Elnore replied with a grin.

“So you want to settle that bet from back then.”

“What, don’t think you’ll lose?”

With those words, Elnore and Elia exchanged fierce smiles.

After affirming their resolute determination to each other, the two arrived at the Imperial Palace and…

“…He went into His Majesty’s bedchamber? Darwood? At this hour?”

“That’s what I heard.”

“…”

Upon hearing this from the Tristan Dukedom’s informant in the Imperial Palace,

They couldn’t help but let their expressions turn to shock simultaneously.

●

To put it bluntly.

I’m now right in front of the Emperor’s bedroom.

“…”

I remember how even the Sword Saint had to work hard to calm down the Chancellor, who looked ready to breathe fire, before we got here.

“Is this a declaration of war or what?! I need to see His Majesty right now—!”

“…You shouldn’t use the word ‘war’ so carelessly, Chancellor Sullivan. When you say it, it doesn’t sound like an empty threat.”

I somewhat sympathize with parts of that conversation.

When the Chancellor says such things, it’s impossible to take them as empty words.

‘…That was scary.’

It’s no joke—he really looked ready to fight the Emperor.

It’s surprising to see someone who always maintained a cool demeanor in the game lose his composure to the point where such words would slip out.

Anyway, only after the Sword Saint repeatedly assured him that “nothing you’re worried about will happen” did the Chancellor finally calm down.

Though he did forcibly hand over an emergency communication crystal to use if anything were to happen.

-You must press this if anything happens, Darwood.

He looked extremely reluctant until the end, but what can you do against an imperial order? Disobeying could become the seed of civil war.

That’s why I obediently followed along.

“His Majesty is waiting inside.”

The Sword Saint who brought me here bowed respectfully and continued.

“Considering this is your first visit, His Majesty himself won’t mind if you don’t observe all the formalities. Please be at ease.”

“…Thank you.”

I’m grateful even if it’s just lip service.

I’m sure he doesn’t actually mean I should ignore protocol completely.

“I mean it.”

“…Pardon?”

The Sword Saint continued with a gentle smile still on his face.

“These are His Majesty’s direct words. On the honor of the Imperial Family, you will not be punished for matters of etiquette. He said to treat him comfortably.”

What?

Why?

“…Th-thank you…?”

I barely managed to give such a response.

This is an exceptional privilege beyond comprehension.

A mere viscount’s son being told to be “comfortable” before the Emperor? Emphasized to the point of invoking the honor of the Imperial Family?

I’m someone whose head could be removed with a single gesture if they wanted!

‘…What is this all about?’

Nothing makes sense from start to finish.

With these thoughts, I follow the guidance into the Emperor’s bedroom.

And as soon as I enter…

“…Welcome, Darwood Campbell.”

The completely naked Emperor was saying this to me.

“…”

What the fuck.

What is this?

“Thank you for responding to my invitation at such a late hour.”

Along with that low, softly whispering voice, a window appeared before my eyes.

< System Message >

[ Demonic energy is detected. ]

[ The ‘Seal of Fallen Heaven’ is responding! ]

“…”

I feel dizzy for a moment.

Of course, I’ve always known there was one demon left.

The Brown Demon. The Demon of Greed.

The Emperor is its vessel?

“…”

Alone in a bedroom with a Demonic Vessel?

And my counterpart is a power holder I absolutely cannot refuse?

This is completely…!

“…This isn’t a formal appearance, I ask for your understanding.”

That voice continued to float toward me as I was thinking.

It was the Emperor, lying on the bed and wiping her body with a towel, who spoke with a chuckle.

Huh.

Wait.

The feeling doesn’t seem to be that I’m about to be “devoured.”

“…”

The dim candlelight was the only illumination in the spacious bedroom, making the body without a stitch of clothing appear even more ethereal under the pale moonlight.

To be honest, this is the first time in my life seeing a woman’s body so close to nudity.

It’s a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

Cecilia XI is described as “inhumanly” beautiful even among the Serra protagonists, who are generally known for their high level of attractiveness.

The elegant curves composing her entire body. Skin as white as finely crafted glass.

A body reminiscent of a meticulously created sculpture.

However, within that beautiful body…

Due to the “dragon blood” flowing through all her blood vessels, her entire body’s veins are visibly necrotic and blackened.

It looks as if black blood is flowing through her body.

“…”

The curse of dragon blood.

Seeing it in person makes it even more horrifying.

Even the curse of severance eating away at Yuria’s body wasn’t this bad.

“Would you come closer? My eyesight isn’t very good.”

“…As you wish, Your Majesty.”

As I approached the bed, Cecilia XI slowly reached out her hand toward my face.

Slowly, as if savoring the moment.

With clouded eyes, she slowly traced my face.

“…So, this is.”

Then, with a chuckling laugh, the Emperor’s words flowed out.

“The face of Elphante’s greatest heartbreaker. You have an interesting face, young man.”

“…”

Words that could cause a brain freeze suddenly entered my ears.

“…Hmm? What’s with that reaction? Don’t tell me you want to deny it? Even in the short time I’ve been observing you, I lost count of how many people were clinging to you.”

“No, Your Majesty.”

It was a moment where I confirmed myself as a crazy playboy with my own mouth, but what could I do when the Emperor says so?

When told to admit it, I have to admit it.

“There’s no need to be so formal. I understand you’re tense because of the vast difference in status.”

The Emperor said with a playful smile.

“I need to know your ‘usual self.’ In fact, it’s not good for me if you’re this formal.”

“…My usual self, you say?”

“Yes. It will be easier to convince others that way.”

“…”

Convince?

About what?

As I was pondering this, the Emperor continued with a sigh.

“I hear you’re quite knowledgeable about international affairs, Darwood Campbell.”

The conversation continued.

“What do you think about the current situation of the Empire?”

“…”

Since she asked to see my usual self, there’s no point in pretending, but this isn’t a question I can answer straightforwardly.

Why?

‘Honestly, it’s a mess.’

The current situation is that while the Chancellor and Emperor are trying their hardest not to clash, the nobles below are busy dividing into factions and fighting.

It’s a strange situation where the top people are clear-minded like clean water, but everything below is completely rotten.

“…I can tell what you’re thinking just by your expression.”

The Emperor said with a bitter smile.

“Indeed, the Empire is in a chaotic situation right now. At least I and Sullivan are working hard to maintain a semblance of balance by plugging the holes. But no one knows how long this fake peace will last.”

The Emperor looked down at her own body with a bitter smile.

“Now, imagine.”

Her body, being eaten away moment by moment by the curse of dragon blood.

The pale flesh that doesn’t seem far from death.

“If the throne were to be empty in the current situation, how much chaos would ensue?”

“…”

“…I too don’t know how long I can hold out with this body.”

“…”

To me, who remained silent, the Emperor’s words dropped.

“That’s where you come in.”

“Me, Your Majesty?”

“Yes. Looking at you, I had a good idea. A way to help resolve this situation.”

The Emperor continued in a dignified voice.

“Originally, I should have called Elia Chrysanyx, the hero candidate… but she has some disqualifying factors.”

“…Disqualifying factors, you said?”

“She’s a woman, isn’t she?”

“…”

An ominous feeling runs down my spine.

My counterpart is a “Demonic Vessel,” and if such a person is rejecting a “woman” and has business with “me,” a man…

Based on experience, I can’t imagine a good future.

“Darwood Campbell.”

The Emperor continued with a grin.

“Would you be my consort for about a month?”

“…”

Wait.

Time out.

“…Your Majesty.”

I barely manage to squeeze out a voice from my vocal cords.

“…What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Simply put, be my husband for a month.”

“…”

“Was that difficult to understand? I mean, as the Empress’s partner, living together for just a month—”

Miss.

Please explain why you’re doing this.

Please.

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