episode_0159

Valkaros Lantana von Staufen. The sun reigning over the Empire. Recently, he had become fixated on one particular interest.

‘A prospective son-in-law.’

It was none other than an imperial marriage. Since the princesses were approaching adulthood, it was only natural for him to show interest in such a topic. After all, neither of the two had even a political marriage, which was common in noble society. In fact, compared to other young nobles, they were rather late. In such a situation, seeking a prospective son-in-law was a natural progression from the Emperor’s perspective.

Yes. I had no particular objection to this. The only problem, however…

“So, Imperial Son-in-law.” “……Yes, Your Majesty.”

Was it that I was the designated target? A sudden call. I stopped the cutlery in my hand. At the end of my gaze, Valkaros was staring at me so intensely it was burdensome. Unable to continue eating, I forced an an awkward smile. The Emperor spoke as if he had been waiting for our eyes to meet.

“When do you plan to give me an answer regarding my previous request?” “By answer, do you mean…” “I’m talking about the imperial marriage. Didn’t I ask who you intend to marry?”

Of course, I remembered. Charlotte and Elize. It was a question that came with blatant pressure, asking which of the two I would marry. It was also a question that had been repeated endlessly over the past few days. Valkaros wore an ominous smile.

“I’d like to hear your answer as soon as possible.” “……” “Are you still deliberating?” “Regrettably…” “There’s nothing to regret. You are to be a member of the Imperial Family and my son-in-law, aren’t you? You can be more open now than before.” “Thank you for your gracious words.”

It seemed my role as son-in-law was already a decided matter. I smiled with complex emotions. How did it come to this? Being grilled like this at every meal, I couldn’t even tell which way the food was going. I worried that a disaster might occur, where I’d accidentally shove a steak up my nose. Setting aside such idle fantasies, I straightened my posture.

“I will provide an answer as soon as possible.” “You’d better. Or I might just overturn the Snakers family, you see.”

The Emperor spoke casually, as if nothing. However, the content of his words was utterly terrifying. I felt a real-time chill run down my spine.

‘This is complicated.’

Perhaps it might seem strange. The Emperor, who supposedly ruled the Empire. Yet, such a person was so insistent on picking a scoundrel like me as his son-in-law. Surely there were better matches than a humble family like Snakers… I had already asked him a few days ago. I was curious myself.

-Isn’t our family from the remote regions? -For an imperial marriage… there must be many excellent matches among the central nobles, or like the ducal houses. -I am curious why you would set aside such options and give me this opportunity.

A perfectly normal question. But the answer I received was far from it.

-Even if it’s humble, it’s still an Earldom, isn’t it? -That’s more than enough. -As your family has been renowned for alchemy since the early days of the Empire, few would deny that it is a prestigious house. -It’s just that its adherence to mysticism has ingrained the perception of it being a backwater… -Who would dare protest? Against a decision made by me.

‘Who cares.’ Valkaros dismissed it with a single phrase. I gave up asking further questions. Judging by his complete lack of hesitation, it seemed he was quite fond of me. Thanks to that, I had been tormented by the same topic for the entire past week. And it was no different now.

“Furthermore, you’ve been coming back with strange marks lately, haven’t you? On your neck, that is.” “This is…”

He was referring to the marking Elize had left. A fresh mark renewed just hours ago. Thanks to it, a reddish tint still remained on my neck. Its vividness, far from fading, only grew deeper with each passing day. I subtly covered it with my palm. Of course, even that action only made Valkaros’s gaze sharper. Valkaros said,

“I trust you haven’t toyed with them as one-night stands.” “There’s a slight misunderstanding about that part…” “If you’ve taken their purity, you must take responsibility.” “……I haven’t taken their purity, or anything else for that matter.” “So, does that mean you dislike it?”

No. Just a moment ago he was trying to entice me into being his son-in-law, so why was he now glaring at me as if to kill me? I wished he would just set his course clearly. Then I could play along.

‘Of course, it doesn’t feel like genuine hatred, but…’

At least regarding the marriage, he seemed unwilling to back down. A difficult situation in many ways. I looked at Rose as if seeking help, but they were already in on it. Perhaps the rare sight of me flustered was enjoyable for her. The girl wore a subtle smile.

“Well… I want to hear the answer too, you know? Who you plan to choose.”

Her captivating green eyes curved. The mischievous curve resembled a blade of grass on a spring day.

“You promised, didn’t you? That you’d make me happy.”

Rose rested her chin on her hand and looked at me. Her gaze, clinging to me with significant meaning. It was like pouring oil on a fire [a proverb about exacerbating a bad situation]. Though she herself seemed caught in that blaze, her face was flushed with heat. Why was she attacking me like this, even while looking so embarrassed?

“Excuse me.”

Just as the standoff continued. The one who interrupted Elize’s question was none other than Charlotte, seated beside me. She looked up at me with her characteristic clear eyes. The next moment.

“Do you have to choose?” “Your Highness?” “Can’t you just marry both of us?” “……Huh?”

A bombshell dropped onto the dining table. We, who had been conversing just moments before, were utterly stunned. We were trying to confirm if we had heard correctly. As the surroundings fell silent, Charlotte tilted her head. Her expression was blank, as if she didn’t understand why.

“Why is everyone like this?”

Where should I even begin to point it out? As no one grasped the situation and a brief silence continued, Charlotte suddenly grabbed my sleeve. She looked back and forth between Elize across from her and me beside her. Then, she added.

“It’s not fair for Elize to monopolize you.” “Sis, Sister…?” “Conversely, it’s not fair for me to monopolize you either. So, if you marry both of us, it solves everything.” “I… I understand what you’re saying… no, honestly, I don’t. But even so, isn’t marrying two princesses a bit much?” “Why?”

A direct question. Elize, who had been trying to answer, found herself speechless. Charlotte said with a slightly dejected expression,

“I don’t want to be separated over something like this.” “……” “Elize and Yuda… they’re like my entire world. So, this time, I won’t give in.”

The short paragraph contained a special meaning. The elder sister, who had always been devoted to her younger sister. Such a precious person had declared. That this time, she would not yield her will. As the younger sister who had witnessed her older sister’s sacrifices all this time, there was no way she could refuse that voice. She could only watch the situation with a bewildered gaze. Charlotte smiled with satisfaction.

“Yuda.”

*Shift*. Her blue eyes turned towards me. The girl had come close without me realizing. She suddenly opened her arms and hugged me, then unexpectedly pressed her face close to mine. The lips that approached instantly touched my cheek and then drew away.

*Peck*.

A short, soft sound. It was close enough that if it had missed slightly, our lips would have met. A lukewarm, sweet, and soft sensation lingered. It was a situation so sudden that no one could react. Everyone around us froze in shock.

“I succeeded.”

Whether she knew it or not. The person herself was wearing a proud smile.

“This means you’ve taken my purity too. So, we all have to take responsibility.” “……”

I couldn’t find anything to say in response. Did she even know the meaning of purity? As far as I knew, Charlotte was completely ignorant about matters related to sex. Perhaps resembling the unique innocence of a young prince, she had shown no interest in relationships between men and women.

‘In a word.’

A blank canvas. She probably didn’t even know the process of how life came to be. The girl’s voice fell out casually, without any particular intention. Of course.

“Hey, Elize.” “U-Uh…?” “It’d be good to have about five children each, don’t you think?” “Pfft! Cough, cough…!”

In the end, Elize choked and coughed. Her face was so flushed with heat that it looked as if smoke would immediately rise from her forehead. Charlotte tilted her head, as if not understanding her sister’s reaction. It was utter chaos.

“……”

I had my head bowed. Because of the intense gazes piercing me. Valkaros laughed with a dark killing intent.

“To think you’ve charmed both of them.” “……” “Let’s get along well in the future, Imperial Son-in-law.” “Ha, haha…”

It seemed it wouldn’t be easy going forward either.

***

Days passed peacefully. Ten days had already gone by since we started staying at the Imperial Palace. We were slowly getting ready to return to the academy.

“Are you leaving?” “I plan to return to my original place.”

Valkaros spoke with a hint of regret. Of course, he didn’t try to stop me. He knew that both I and his daughters had places to return to. The father, left alone, simply offered a short farewell. The Emperor said,

“I owe you much.”

The man’s eyes were serene. As if reminiscing about some past.

“It was a life where I couldn’t save anything… my Empress, my children, the Empire, and in the end, even myself.” “Your Majesty has always done your best, haven’t you?” “Perhaps.”

He smiled as if it didn’t matter. Valkaros patted my shoulder several times with a heavy hand. A certain emotion was imbued in the weighty taps. What was it?

“I have much I wish to say. Much I need to say.”

But I couldn’t ask. I merely listened to the monologue that continued in silence.

“However, I’ll keep it brief. Such laments would hardly be interesting.”

Thank you. That single phrase filled the audience chamber. Because it was a profoundly meaningful echo. Beyond the clearly articulated sentences, only a faint smile was visible. The conclusion I had once resolved upon must surely be something like this.

“You saved the princesses, you saved the Emperor, and furthermore, you saved the Empire. I express my gratitude for all the mercy you have shown.”

A shining moment.

“The Imperial Family will always stand by your side.”

Indeed, greetings are meant to carry vitality. Whether it’s a greeting of well-being, a promise, or an expression of gratitude. Even in thin words, peace can sometimes dwell. I could feel that moment now.

“Please take good care of my children.”

An outstretched hand. I didn’t hesitate to shake it. Reflecting an unwavering, firm resolve.

“Gladly.”

Only then did I conclude the farewell. Afterward. As I walked out of the audience chamber. The red-haired and platinum-blonde girls were waiting along that path. They, too, had gentle smiles spreading across their lips. I said,

“Shall we return then?” “Yes. I’ve been waiting.” “It feels like it’s been a long time, somehow.”

The home where everyone would be waiting. We walked forward without hesitation.

[EP???. For Elize]

-A lonely nest, a rose withering in winter-

A new story. A new tomorrow. And, towards the Academy.

***

Meanwhile. In the shadows behind the Empire, another evil was stirring. A nightmare that had held its breath for a long time.

“To think… they would stop the four-headed dragon at the academy.”

The mysterious shadow, seated at the head of the table, muttered. His face was obscured by the surrounding demonic energy. However, from his strong presence and the executives lined up beside him, it was clear he was the leader of the group. Only a dark red banner, symbolizing the cult, was spread across the table. The shadow lamented.

“The grandest plan has gone awry.” “We are truly sorry.” “What responsibility could you bear? It is all a consequence of my own shortcomings.” “How do you intend to accomplish the unfulfilled great task?” “Perhaps.”

The shadow, speaking with his right-hand man. He seemed lost in thought for a while, then a sinister smile spread across his lips. The demonic energy that instantly surged sent an ominous shiver down my spine. He was a dangerous being.

“The collapse of the Grand Cathedral, and the Academy… both are essential for [Him] to resurrect.”

They had suffered a bitter defeat before. Their long-cherished great task had been foiled, along with the death of the Puppeteer, one of their core forces. However, shadows always deepen when the light shining upon them is brighter. The shadow commanded,

“We must prepare for a holy war.” “However, Prelate-nim. Due to the previous attack, the academy staff’s security is fierce. It seems difficult to infiltrate without another method.” “As for that, isn’t there a way?” “By way, do you mean…?” “Those who allied with us under [His] name. Let us move the treasured items we’ve kept hidden.” “O Summoner. Which individuals do you intend to bring into play?” “A businessman, and the Duke Venity’s family should be sufficient.” “I will send a letter immediately.”

*Bow*. The executive bowed his head in deference. The shadow added one more thing.

“And one more thing.” “Speak, please.” “I heard that the twins of the Duke Venity’s family are currently attending the academy.” “That is correct. The older sister is Emilia Venity, and the younger brother is Ruthka Venity.” “Indeed… the young sacrifices will finally have a use.” “Which child will you choose as the agent for the great task?” “The one easier to use would naturally be the younger one.” “I will prepare the name Ruthka for the elders.” “Good.”

A story unfolding like a puzzle. The world was now on the brink of true chaos.