episode_0088

An abrupt conversation with the Emperor, ending without unnecessary chatter.

After leaving that tiring place, the guy with a sword approached me, looking disappointed.

“Are you okay with just that? Seems like quite a modest request.”

“It’s not really that modest when you think about it. Because of my request, the Emperor might be scratching his head by now.”

Having received the wish rights from the guy with the sword, I made two requests to the Emperor.

One was the exoneration right, and the other was detailed information about the enemy country.

It may seem trivial compared to subduing the Empire’s enemies.

But considering the recipient is the ‘witch,’ akin to a walking time bomb.

From the Emperor’s perspective, he must be on edge, not knowing when or where trouble might arise.

He’s probably fretting in his office right about now.

I hope he didn’t give those things to me for nothing.

“Thanks, Cal.”

“For what?”

“For transferring the wish rights. I was debating which one to choose. Thanks to you, I could make the request without hesitation.”

“If you’re thankful, then keep up the good work. Be more convincing as my lover too.”

“…Do I need to do better here? This is already my best effort!”

Unbelievable.

Except for kissing, I’ve done everything!

I’m enduring embarrassment and trying so hard, yet he says that; it’s embarrassing!

But I can’t just kiss you! We’re not really in a relationship!

Giving him a stern look, he chuckles and carefully places a dagger in my hand.

“We’re done with everything. Want to explore a bit more before we leave? We might not be able to come back.”

“No, I just want to go straight back to the mansion. I’m tired.”

Although I wanted to explore a bit more as he suggested, my body and mind were too exhausted.

If we hadn’t pretended to be lovers, maybe, but now I have to keep up the act until we leave the palace, right?

That means if I want to explore more, I have to keep sweet-talking him.

I didn’t want to wander around the palace in such a tacky manner.

It might end with just putting my arm around his waist now, but it’ll get harder if we continue wandering.

Especially with the noble ladies.

It’s obvious trouble will arise if I encounter those flower garden-like girls in my head.

Didn’t something happen even during the short time before meeting the Emperor?

Avoiding is the best option if possible.

It’s not an unavoidable disaster, and there’s no reason to recklessly face danger, right?

*Sigh*…

Yawning to signal “let’s go,” Cal nods while showing disappointment.

“…If that’s your choice.”

Seems like pretending to be lovers was quite fun for him.

Seeing his pitiful state, my heart softened for no reason.

Yeah, I even transferred the wish rights to him.

If I have a conscience, shouldn’t I accommodate him a bit more?

He didn’t particularly expect a reward for his actions, but thanks to him, I resolved a difficult situation…

Pausing for a moment, I gently smiled at him, nodding slightly.

“No, let’s explore a bit more. When else will we have the chance to do so?”

“Really? Good call! I’ll guide you to only the best spots!”

As the gloomy guy brightens up, a disappointed smile replaces the uncomfortable emotions on his face.

He’s quite easy to read, huh? How swiftly his expression changes.

Watching his lively demeanor, I suddenly felt mischievous.

If the excitement escalates further from here, what kind of reaction will I see?

Filled with curiosity, I linked my arm with his and whispered softly.

“Then, please guide me? My knight.”

Having heard my whisper, the guy with a dumbfounded expression mumbled, “Wow, that was close. I almost really kissed you just now.”

“What are you saying, pfft…”

Though I forced a smile, in that fleeting moment, I could see it.

His eyes flickering with desire.

…I guess the joke should end here.

If we keep going a little further, we might not just be pretending but actually become lovers.

Still unable to collect himself, I lightly smacked the back of his head, urging him on, “Guide me, you fool.”

—–

Wandering around the palace was indeed as mentally taxing as I had anticipated.

Noble ladies giggling in the distance.

Mistresses diligently peeling pumpkin seeds while covering their mouths with fans.

And nobles casting sinister glances at us.

Just enduring those burdensome stares drained me, let alone keeping up the charade of being lovers.

Completely exhausted mentally, I decided to rest on a garden bench, leaving only one last place to visit.

“…Let’s rest a bit before we go; I’m so tired.”

“Shouldn’t we just head back? Your complexion doesn’t look good.”

“No, we agreed to see just one more thing. We have to see that before we leave.”

Leaving just one out of two would feel too awkward.

Sighing, I began muttering curses under my breath.

“Phew.”

…I shouldn’t have bothered looking around.

If I knew it would be this difficult, I would have just closed my eyes and returned to the mansion.

Cupping my face in my hands, I weakly asked him, “Karl.”

“What?”

“We were told these places were secluded, so why are they crowded everywhere we go? Isn’t that strange?”

“…Yeah, it does seem odd.”

With a melancholic tone, Karl expressed his guilt.

I patted his back, not thinking he had chosen the locations incorrectly.

The places he introduced were truly exclusive spots accessible only to those in the know.

Like the small shelter behind the imperial hall.

Or the observatory offering a panoramic view.

Or even the most subtly charming spot within the palace.

It seemed like he was trying to accommodate my evident fatigue by selecting secluded places, but unfortunately, he seemed to have overlooked the determination of nobles eager to enhance their family’s influence.

“Sorry. If I knew it would be this strenuous, we would’ve just gone straight back to the mansion.”

“It’s fine; it’s already done. Let’s wrap things up and head back. So, where’s the last place?”

“The central garden. It’s usually crowded, though…”

Pausing briefly, he scanned the surroundings before shaking his head.

“It seems quite challenging to go there today. With this many people here, how can we even make it?”

“…Were nobles always this abundant in the empire?”

“I don’t know. This is my first time seeing such a sight too.”

With bewildered looks, Karl and I observed the nobles lurking in every corner of the garden.

Why were they all so insistent on bothering us?

Of course, I knew their intentions quite well.

The noble ladies and mistresses wanted to confirm our relationship status before seizing an opportunity.

As for others, it was probably to stand out in the eyes of the powerful Pasifal family.

Maybe I’m jumping to conclusions.

But considering they all ask if we’re in a relationship every time we meet, my assumption is likely correct.

Wait, didn’t I act quite convincingly?

Suddenly doubtful, I immediately questioned Karl.

“…Hey, I have something to ask you.”

“Yeah?”

“Was my acting that bad? Why do people think everyone is not in a relationship?”

“Hmm.”

After a moment of contemplation, the guy named Karl opened his mouth with a playful smile.

“It was lacking. Even if they are not lovers, holding hands or hugging can be common between close male and female friends.”

“…So, you’re saying because there’s no clear signal, everyone holds onto regrets?”

“Perhaps? If they had kissed from the start, wouldn’t they have parted ways sooner? No matter how close, kissing is unreasonable if you’re not lovers.”

“…”

His words sounded quite convincing, causing a sudden rush of thoughts in my mind.

Does it really make sense when you hear it?

Should I just go for a kiss as he suggests?

As I pondered, staring at Karl for guidance, he shrugged as if to say, “Figure it out yourself.”

Hey, your nonchalant response only adds to my confusion! Just give me your usual mischievous look!

Because of his uncharacteristically indifferent reaction, my mind became even more tangled.

To kiss or not to kiss?

Honestly, doing it might be more beneficial…!

Ah, I don’t know. Let’s just go for it!

I’ll handle future consequences on my own!

After much deliberation, I steeled myself and looked at him with trembling eyes.

Yes, if I kiss him in front of all these people, these annoying situations won’t arise again!

Once rumors spread, those who dare to criticize me will disappear from this world!

Isn’t that actually great?

“Phew.”

Taking a slow deep breath, I stared intently at Karl.

“Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“It’s your turn.”

“What?”

…Did this guy completely miss the hint? Or is he pretending not to understand on purpose?

I pinched his side and whispered softly to him.

“T-that thing where our lips touch. Do it, do it.”

I couldn’t bring myself to say ‘kiss.’

If I say ‘kiss,’ it seems like something only real lovers would do.

I didn’t want to feel those sweet emotions towards him.

Did I lower my gaze due to the overwhelming embarrassment rising within me?

After a moment, his calm voice tickled my ear.

“…Are you serious?”

“Y-yes! After hearing your advice, it seems like the most certain way… A-afterward, all the trouble will disappear, right?”

“Though it makes sense…”

Sigh.

I could hear his brief exhale.

Was this a mistake after all?

Kissing was a bit too much for two people who weren’t really in a relationship.

I should probably admit it was a mistake even now.

Trying to play it off coolly with a smile, but…

Smack –

As if he wouldn’t allow it, Karl stole a kiss from me.

…Did he sneakily eat a sweet treat just now?

The unexpectedly moodless first kiss with him.

It was sweeter than I could have imagined.