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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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I knew the nobles of the Empire viewed me with suspicion.
I was a Carrier.
And even though I’d spared the Knights, I’d humiliated the Empire.
The Knights had been defeated by a single individual, and the Emperor had been forced to rescind an imperial decree, losing face.
And I’d used threats to achieve my goals. They couldn’t possibly like me.
I’d expected the identification tag. Even in my wildest fantasies, I’d imagined them grudgingly accepting me as a citizen.
But an invitation to the Imperial Palace? That was unexpected.
I was suspicious.
‘Are they planning to ambush me?’
The palace was their territory, unlike the forest. Hundreds of Knights, several Knight Commanders…
I wouldn’t stand a chance against a coordinated attack.
I doubted the Emperor would resort to such underhanded tactics, but I couldn’t rule out the possibility.
The messenger, sensing my hesitation, spoke.
“If you suspect a trap, rest assured. His Majesty genuinely wishes to meet you.”
He’d anticipated my concerns.
But I wasn’t going to lower my guard based on a single sentence.
I frowned.
‘But I can’t refuse…’
I resented the subjugation decree, but the Emperor was extending an olive branch. I couldn’t ignore it.
The consequences could be severe.
‘Ah.’
I had an idea.
“Can I bring someone with me?”
“Who? An otherworlder?”
I nodded.
A safety measure. An otherworlder could witness any… treachery, and broadcast it to the world.
That would deter them.
“Hmm…”
The messenger considered my request. He didn’t seem offended. It was an unexpected request, but he understood my caution.
He finally spoke.
“As long as they refrain from… broadcasting within the palace… it should be permissible.”
“Of course.”
I smiled and nodded. As long as they didn’t try anything funny, there wouldn’t be a problem.
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A week later.
I was on my way to the Imperial Palace. The forest wasn’t far from the capital, so the journey wasn’t arduous.
And they’d provided a carriage.
“This way.”
A carriage, with a driver and a knight escort, waited for me outside the forest.
It wasn’t particularly ornate, not the kind of carriage used by nobles.
But it was well-made, sturdy. Quality over appearance.
I climbed inside and sighed.
I felt like a VIP, and a prisoner being transported.
“…I’m nervous. Have you ever been inside the palace?”
“No. I know a few Knights, but I’ve rarely been to the capital.”
I’d brought Shin Han-byeol with me. I felt bad for Chae-rin and Ha-neul, but Han-byeol was the best choice for this situation.
She knew several Knights, which meant she had valuable information.
I was walking into a potential trap. Having someone with connections to the Knights was a good idea.
I asked her questions as we traveled.
Who should I be wary of? What were their personalities, their abilities? What was the current situation within the Knights?
“Why are you so curious? …Wait, I’m thinking.”
She grumbled, but she answered my questions patiently.
We reached the palace gates.
I stepped out of the carriage. The Knights at the gate exchanged glances, then opened the gates.
They’d been expecting me.
We entered the palace. The interior was… grand.
Long corridors, polished floors, ornate decorations. A fitting residence for the Empire’s rulers.
Han-byeol gasped.
“Wow…”
But I couldn’t relax. This could be a trap.
I felt eyes on me, watching, judging. Mages, servants, guards… they all stared as we passed.
“Is that him…?”
“Tsk, wearing such common clothes in this sacred place. Such a barbarian.”
“He’s… handsome, though.”
“…What?”
“N-nothing.”
They weren’t exactly friendly. I nodded inwardly.
‘As expected.’
The nobles didn’t like me. They’d heard the stories. The man who’d defeated the Knights.
It wasn’t surprising.
I was more interested in the Emperor’s reaction.
We reached the audience chamber.
The massive doors opened, revealing a room filled with nobles, and a woman seated on a throne in the center.
All eyes were on me, but I only looked at the woman.
Golden hair, a face etched with wrinkles, but an air of authority.
The Empress, Eldora von Elizabeth. Not the young, handsome man I’d imagined.
Turns out she was a woman.
But she wasn’t a warrior. A young, beautiful Empress would lack gravitas.
I knelt, along with Han-byeol.
“…Your Imperial Majesty.”
I wasn’t used to formalities. I usually spoke casually to everyone.
But I couldn’t afford to be disrespectful to the Empress. I might be subjugated again.
The formal words felt awkward.
“Oh! You’re here! Finally!”
The Empress approached me, her expression… surprisingly cheerful. Almost giddy.
The nobles looked alarmed, trying to stop her.
“Your Majesty! You mustn’t approach the demon seed! It’s too dangerous!”
She ignored them and reached me, a single knight standing guard behind her.
She helped me to my feet and offered her hand.
“Welcome. I assume you know who I am. You’re even more handsome in person!”
A surprisingly friendly welcome. Or perhaps, a friendly facade.
I had no political experience, but I could sense the undercurrent.
Every gesture was calculated. She’d defied her advisors, approached me, touched me.
She’d made herself vulnerable. And she knew it.
“You’ve given me much to think about. Should I be angry about the humiliation you’ve inflicted upon the Empire? Should I be frustrated by the dissent you’ve caused? Or should I be grateful that you spared the lives of my Knights?”
She continued.
“And I am grateful. You saved me a mountain of paperwork. That’s why I gave you the identification tag. It caused quite a stir, I assure you! Haha!”
“…”
“But you don’t seem… evil. You seem… quite pleasant. I’m glad I rescinded the decree.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
She placed her hand on my shoulder, a gesture of… camaraderie.
She lacked the usual imperial dignity, but it was a bold move.
She addressed her advisors.
“See? I told you it would be fine! All that fuss for nothing… I thought there was going to be a rebellion.”
“Y-your Majesty…!”
“That’s… inappropriate!”
The nobles, who had been glaring at me, looked stunned.
The Empress chuckled.
Then, her expression turned cold.
“It was a joke.”
‘Being an Empress is not easy.’
And I probably didn’t have to worry about being ambushed.
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