Ch.188188. Imperial Decree (4)

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Fortunately, His Imperial Majesty wasn’t completely devoid of empathy.

That much was clear when he continued his explanation while chuckling at my flustered state.

“I understand it might be confusing to suddenly mention the position of Imperial Consort.”

The Emperor gently stroked the back of my hand as he spoke.

He seemed to find my startled, fidgeting reaction rather adorable.

‘…This feels different from what I saw in the game.’

Was this person always so playful?

In the original work, Cecilia Arc Bailey Diedonné’s character was barely highlighted. She just occasionally appeared to interact with Elnore, that’s all.

So the only image I remember is her stiffly handling official duties.

If anything, I have a stronger impression of her causing major incidents during main quests.

“…”

Unlike Faynol Leiphec, the boss of Chapter 4, this person’s death is already predetermined.

There are various routes to her end. She might die from failing to find a cure for the blood curse, or be immediately confined somewhere after losing a power game, or even be executed.

Among those, the worst would be…

‘…Civil war. Followed by a coup.’

National strife and war led by the “Council of Elders” composed of noble houses excluding the Tristan Dukedom and Count Kendrid of the borderlands.

Ultimately resulting in an event where both Gideon and this person die simultaneously.

It’s the worst branch of the Chapter 5 “Imperial Great Divide” scenario.

It’s also a game-over level event that triggers if you make a few wrong choices at the “climax” of Chapter 4.

“Let me ask you something.”

While I was lost in thought, the Emperor suddenly spoke up.

“What was going through your mind during the second trial of the hero selection?”

“…Pardon?”

“The way you threw yourself near death without hesitation. You did it without a moment’s doubt or hesitation.”

The Emperor said with slightly downcast eyes.

“Consider this a test and answer honestly. Why did you do such a thing?”

“…”

I closed my mouth at the sudden serious tone.

Since she suddenly called it a test, well…

I’m not sure what the correct answer is, but regarding this matter, I only have one honest response I can give.

“Because it was the best option.”

“The best option?”

“I was the only one who would get hurt, and I’ve survived situations like that countless times before.”

“…”

“I did it because I could. Because I was certain.”

“…In other words.”

Cecilia XI smiled slightly.

“You coldly assessed yourself as the most suitable ‘tool’ to resolve the situation. And you had the guts to be confident you could succeed even in a life-threatening situation.”

As if that was the correct answer.

“…I thought you might be that kind of person. Watching you all this time, you’ve shown remarkably bold and unconventional methods.”

The Emperor sighed and continued.

“I need someone like you right now, Darwood Campbell.”

“…When you say you need me…”

“I’m going hunting, Darwood Campbell.”

She continued in a calm voice.

“…As you suspect, the Empire currently harbors a massive spark. Sullivan and I are on relatively good terms, but I frequently hear disturbing reports about the Council of Elders’ movements.”

That would be… the case.

Considering how Chapter 5 progresses, they must be plotting something right now.

“…If internal strife breaks out in the Empire now… it would be catastrophic. Especially when it’s certain that the Pope of the Holy Empire is also formulating some grand scheme.”

“…”

Her concern is accurate.

Just as she says, the Imperial Great Divide in Chapter 5 leads directly into the main quest progression in the Holy Empire background of Chapter 6.

So.

What she wants to say is.

“I want to ‘use’ you to prevent such a thing from happening.”

That’s what Cecilia XI said.

“I can’t tell you the detailed plan… but I think you can do it. I feel you can help me seize an opportunity to take down the Council of Elders in one fell swoop.”

“…How exactly, Your Majesty?”

“With what you do best.”

The Emperor smiled gently and said.

“Survive.”

“…”

“You’ll be bait. That’s why I’m appointing you as Imperial Consort.”

Imperial Consort.

The Empress’s partner.

Currently, the Emperor is unmarried and has no children. If I take that position, I’ll be placed closest to the line of imperial succession.

Without any foundation, without any precursor, suddenly a baron’s son becomes the Empress’s consort.

For those blinded by power and plotting rebellion, there couldn’t be a more conspicuous target.

Whatever her plan is, the Emperor seems to have formulated a strategy to eliminate the Council of Elders through such a situation.

“One month will do. If things proceed as I expect, I guarantee you won’t be troubled beyond that. I promise.”

Calmly.

That’s what the Emperor said.

“…Of course, it would be disgraceful to issue such an order without compensation. I’m asking you to risk your life, after all.”

The Emperor said this to me as I remained silent.

“I’ll give you compensation that will satisfy you.”

“…Compensation, you said?”

“Yes.”

Then, as if it were nothing.

“I’ll give you everything that is mine.”

Those words dropped casually.

“…What?”

I barely managed to respond to those words that momentarily froze my thoughts.

But the Emperor continued with an air of nonchalance.

“Cecilia Arc Bailey Diedonné. Emperor of the Empire. Or Cecilia XI. I will dedicate everything that is ‘me’ to you. Use me as you please for one month. My body, my heart, everything.”

“…”

I was speechless.

I couldn’t understand what this person was saying.

What, body?

Heart?

“…”

To a nobody from a baron’s family who could be beheaded with a single gesture.

The ruler of the Empire.

Just now, what did she say?

“You may hit me for amusement if you wish. Using me as a doll to satisfy your desires is also your choice. My body is in this condition so anything too rough might be difficult, but do whatever suits your taste.”

“…No, Your Majesty, what are you—”

“This is the only ‘reward’ I can offer you.”

The Emperor cut me off with a bitter smile.

It was a gesture that blocked any possibility of objection.

“…The choice is yours.”

Her voice indicated she had already made up her mind.

As if what happens next depends entirely on me.

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‘…I feel dizzy.’

That was my first thought after finishing the audience with the Emperor.

[…Want me to be honest?]

“No.”

[…]

“Just comfort me.”

I don’t need facts right now.

I know better than anyone that I’m surrounded by a terrible situation.

[You seem pretty fucked right now?]

“…”

I silently stare at the Soul Linker, who stubbornly sticks to expressing her honest opinion.

[…You honestly don’t understand it either, right?]

“…”

Of course.

Obviously.

I understand that the Emperor plans to use me as bait in some kind of “scheme.”

But that compensation.

-I’ll give you everything that is mine.

It’s essentially a declaration of slavery.

The Emperor has voluntarily given up her “human rights” and declared herself my “possession.”

In such a bizarrely disturbing situation, naturally, an emotion close to terror comes first.

‘…Why?’

What could be the reason?

I’ve often received unexpected goodwill from Demonic Vessels.

But still.

Neither Elnore, Yuria, Serath, Riru, nor even Faynol showed such sudden affection toward me “without any reason.”

At least they developed emotional connections after seeing my face, going through something together, or having some kind of exchange before their skills triggered.

This person is the first to say such disturbing things without any prior acquaintance.

Moreover, considering her position, she could “force” me into such a role using any excuse.

There’s absolutely no need for her to offer such a disturbing “compensation.”

‘…There’s no sign that Gift activated either.’

No matter how much I search through the system log, there’s no trace of my skill triggering on the Emperor.

There’s not a single understandable reason.

[…There must be something hidden. Whether it’s good or bad, I don’t know.]

‘…I agree.’

I replied while grabbing the doorknob to my quarters, which a servant had guided me to.

And as soon as I entered the room.

“…”

“…”

I simultaneously met the glaring eyes of Elnore and Elia, who were staring at me.

“…”

“…”

Who are you people?

Who are you to barge into my room?

“Come sit over here, Darwood.”

In an atmosphere like a child being scolded by a mother who had already received information about their wrongdoing, such a sentence flew at me.

It was Elnore, with a cold light in her eyes.

“…I heard you had a private audience with the Emperor. Is that correct?”

“…”

Information travels fast.

I just came out myself.

“…What happened in there? Tell me honestly.”

“Honestly, Professor. I promise you won’t get angry.”

Yeah, right.

You will get angry.

You’re planning to chew me up until not even bone dust remains…!

As I was sweating profusely, looking back and forth between the two, another voice suddenly came from behind me.

“If it’s about that, wouldn’t it be faster to ask me rather than him?”

Everyone in the room turned around in shock.

“Don’t torment the innocent person too much, Elnore. He merely listened to what I said.”

It was the Emperor’s voice.

She was waiting in front of the room, leaning on something like a cane.

“…”

No.

Why is this person here again?

Considering the timing, she must have followed me almost immediately after I left the room.

“…Your…”

While Elia was frozen with her mouth hanging open, Elnore barely managed to continue her sentence, looking like she was about to faint.

“Your Majesty…?!”

“Oh, Elnore. It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

That’s what the Emperor said.

To be precise, it was a “voice synthesizer” made with magical engineering. A device that responds to the user’s will and reproduces the target’s voice.

“…”

I realized it at that moment.

This person.

Until now, she has always spoken to me with her “real voice.”

As if giving me special treatment.

“You too, Darwood. We just met, but it’s good to see you again.”

Sure enough.

She speaks to me with her own voice, not the voice synthesizer.

Fragile and unstable, but as if she wants to do so.

“…”

“…”

Indeed, Elia and Elnore looked at the Emperor and me alternately with shocked eyes.

Their expressions were full of questions about what kind of relationship we had.

“Hmm.”

Meanwhile, the Emperor casually walked into the room and plopped down on the sofa.

Elia and Elnore jumped up from their seats simultaneously, startled by this action.

“So.”

Though her movements were awkward due to her physical condition, the atmosphere was undeniably cheerful. As if she was in a good mood.

That atmosphere continued until she spoke her next words.

“What are you planning to have me do first today, Darwood?”

The atmosphere in the room shattered the moment those words came out.

“…”

A heavy silence fell. Everyone just stared blankly at the Emperor who had uttered such words.

Of course, that included me.

‘…What are you saying?’

You said the choice was mine.

You said to let you know when I decided.

Why are you talking as if my becoming Imperial Consort and you becoming my “possession” is already confirmed?

“Ah, don’t misunderstand. The choice is still yours, as I said.”

As if reading my thoughts, the Emperor said those words.

“However, you might doubt whether I’m just making empty promises that I won’t keep. So, I wanted to give you some assurance. Feel free to order me to do whatever you want.”

“…”

“…”

Elia’s face, which seemed beyond further shock, turned pale. Beyond pale—it turned blue.

Of course, Elnore’s condition was even worse. With an almost darkened complexion, Elnore struggled to open her mouth.

“…Order you? Your Majesty, what do you—”

“Well, I made that kind of contract with that man.”

“…Contract, you said…?”

“Hmm.”

The Emperor grinned and continued.

“Well, think of it as giving a gift. Although the decision is up to that man.”

“…”

“Order me to do anything. Even something lewd. I’ve heard many times before that my body and face are quite nice?”

“…”

Elia was on the verge of respiratory distress.

Elnore’s situation wasn’t much different.

I was also staggering from the dizziness that overwhelmed me.

You must be an assassin.

The Luminary must have sent you to kill me.

Otherwise, there’s no way you could say such things so casually.

“…”

Elnore and Elia’s gazes turned to me.

They turned their heads with movements like poorly oiled machines, but those unnatural movements made them look even more frightening.

“…Explain.”

“…Now.”

Following that.

Two voices filled with killing intent dropped one after another.

“…”

Fuck.

Shit.

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