episode_0086

“Perhaps tomorrow.”

Tick tock.

In the cramped space, only the sound of the feather pen moving could be heard.

Emperor, staring fixedly at the never-ending pile of documents no matter how much he processed, finally set down the feather pen he had been pressing against his temple.

“Who is there?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! Did you call for me?”

“Bring me a cup of sweet tea, I feel like taking a break.”

“As you wish!”

Closing his eyes briefly to cool his head weary from long hours of work, soon a steaming cup of tea arrived.

Emperor, holding the cup with steam rising, walked towards the window.

Sip.

Gazing out the window with a solemn expression as he sipped his tea, the bustling view of the empire reflected in his deep blue eyes.

“I should go out for an inspection sometime.”

It had been nearly three years since he couldn’t leave the palace due to heavy workload.

Apart from the same view outside his office, he desired to see something different.

Being the ruler above all, always looking down on others, he wanted to check places beyond his sight.

“Shadows always loom where eyes can’t reach… Hm, if this issue resolves well, I should sneak out once.”

The most pressing matter was finding a suitable husband for the Crown Princess, who would be the future Empress.

Currently at a marriageable age, suitable suitors for her were scarce.

Or rather, one could say there were none. The good matches had already been taken by high-ranking nobles through strategic marriages.

“A difficult situation in many ways. Can’t just offer up a piece of the royal family as a bargain.”

Emperor habitually tapped the window frame in frustration.

There was indeed one excellent suitor left.

Unfortunately, even that prospect was already taken.

“…Of all people, a witch.”

If the other party had been a regular human, he might have schemed something deceitful, but a witch was not someone such schemes would work on.

No, he didn’t even have the heart for such schemes.

The opponent had even defeated the empire’s archenemy, the Glare Dragon, in a day.

How could he scheme against someone capable of defeating a foe the empire couldn’t guarantee victory over even at the cost of their lives?

“One can’t show their hand too soon.”

Emperor chuckled ruefully, lowering his head.

Or was it that he had shown his hand too soon? In a way, this was also a form of strategy.

Emptying the contents of the teacup neatly, he sat back down.

“Tessia needs to do well.”

He thought of his daughter, who was nothing short of a troublemaker.

If she stood still, at least her appearance was outstanding.

She had expressed a desire to marry, so perhaps she would listen this time?

“It would be a joyous occasion if she could be connected to the Pasible family. If only those sons weren’t such odd fellows. Whew, connecting them with those strange sons…”

Emperor still couldn’t forget that nightmare-like incident.

Bringing in a Chaste Direwolf and proposing a bill recognizing the Direwolf as a sentient being.

What nonsense was that about bowing down to a Direwolf?

Fortunately, Lord Drake intervened directly and crushed the sons, but the ominous and relentless momentum still haunted the Emperor, tormenting him with fear.

“…I can’t give my precious daughter to such a person.”

All he wished for was one thing.

For his daughter to snatch the youngest of the Pasible family from the witch.

If that alone succeeded, he had nothing else to ask for.

“This is your first and last chance, Tessia. Gather your strength, not for me, but for yourself.”

With fervent hope, the emperor picked up his pen and began to attend to his duties once more.

—–

The long-awaited day of entering the palace had finally arrived.

The grand mansion of the Pashible family was bustling with activity from early morning.

With the need to prepare seven individuals, many people were busy moving around, leading to quite a few mistakes due to haste.

By the time all preparations were completed, the sun was already high in the sky, prompting the group to depart for the palace without delay.

And so, they set off on the road to the palace.

Their companions engaged in lively conversations, each discussing their desired rewards.

“So, what reward are they offering? If I could get a durable barbell with adjustable weights, that would be perfect.”

“I want to be treated to a royal feast at the palace. I wonder how delicious the Emperor’s usual meals are.”

“I just want to be able to fight. I’ve heard the Imperial Knights are so strong; I want to fight until the brink of death.”

“Stroheim, why so quiet? You said you had plenty you wanted last time.”

“Oh… I’ve already experienced an overdose of romance. I’m in a state of philosophical tranquility now, so I don’t really desire anything at the moment.”

“Does enlightenment come with philosophical tranquility? That’s quite intriguing.”

“…Are we going to fight now?”

Worried that his comrades might lose their minds, they continued their somewhat disoriented conversation, which kept them entertained as they arrived promptly at the palace without a dull moment.

“You must have never been bored during your travels with such interesting companions.”

“It was fun at first, but if you keep listening, it becomes confusing. It’s because you didn’t travel with me.”

“Is that so? Hmm, I think I’d get along quite well.”

“Yeah, you seem like you’d fit right in.”

If that sharp fellow turns into TS, it’ll be Cecilia, no doubt.

Nodding in agreement, Cecilia smiled and presented her identification to the gatekeeper.

“I am Cecilia, Commander of the Dawn Knights. I have received orders to enter the palace. Please open the gates immediately.”

“Understood, let me see… one, two, three… yes, I have confirmed eight individuals, including Cecilia. You may enter.”

“Thank you for your assistance.”

As they entered through the open gates, Cecilia warned the rest of the group with a stern expression.

“For those unfamiliar, the palace is like a maze for first-timers. Without guidance, you might end up lost and unable to find even the exit, becoming a lost soul.”

“So please follow closely. Once you become lost and are apprehended by the palace guards, there’s hardly any way we can help you.”

“Oh, by the way, Carcian? Stick close to the witch. I noticed some unsettling looks directed at you earlier.”

After a brief briefing, Cecilia confidently took the lead, and I, observing her back, cautiously scanned the surroundings.

Then, the covetous gazes became apparent.

Realizing my fears about Karl were coming true, I began preparing for the impending nuisance.

Hmm, how can I protect this guy from those vixen-like women?

Perhaps… it’s best to go in the direction of showing as much friendliness as possible?

Lost in thought for a moment, I casually linked arms with him.

“Beatrice?”

“Hmm?”

Closing one eye in a wink, I quietly whispered to him in a voice only he could hear.

“Don’t be surprised; right now, you and I are ‘lovers,’ remember?”

“R-right.”

“It’s natural for lovers to link arms, isn’t it? If anyone sees us, they shouldn’t think otherwise.”

Teasingly, as he squirmed, he nodded with a serious face.

“Right, I was your lover just now.”

“…Why does your face suddenly look so scary?”

“It’s just a mood, blame the mood. But, Beatrice.”

“Uh, yeah?”

Thick arms suddenly wrapped around her slender waist.

She almost screamed in that moment, but managed to hold it back when she saw his playful face.

“…What are you doing?”

She growled, but he shrugged as if it was nothing.

“What am I doing? Even lovers on bad terms can link arms. What we need to show is that we’re a happy couple.”

“So you linked arms around my waist? Hey, isn’t this a bit much?”

“Too much? Look over there and tell me.”

“Where…”

When she followed his finger, she saw a couple engaging in embarrassing public displays of affection in broad daylight.

They were passionately kissing without a care for their surroundings.

With a meaningful smile, he whispered softly in her ear.

“See, if those people can do that, shouldn’t I at least put my arm around your waist? Or should we go for a deep kiss ourselves?”

“S-Shh! Th-That’s just a special case!”

“But the effect is clear. They have such a hot relationship that they’re passionately kissing even in the palace. Who would dare interrupt them?”

“W-Well, that’s true but…!”

Her head was spinning.

No, this must be nonsense! Why does it sound so convincing? Did I eat something wrong this morning?

Feeling like her common sense was being constantly challenged, she reluctantly wrapped her slender arm around his waist.

This doesn’t feel right at all! I feel completely deceived!

I shouldn’t have joked around first if I knew it would be this embarrassing!

By the time regret set in, it was already too late.

And so, my day began with embarrassment yet full of unexpected events.

…When I return to the mansion, I will definitely make him pay for this disgrace.

Carthian.

That damn pervert.