Chapter: 12
On the morning of the day I was to meet the Emperor, yet another unexpected visitor barged in.
“Wake up! We have preparations before meeting His Majesty, so everyone get out of bed!”
I did hear about the schedule yesterday, but is it some new trend in the royal family to skip knocking?
“Did everyone sleep well?”
The question was overshadowed by Ryona, who was hopping next to Izuri, the Knight Commander.
It wasn’t long before Rayhem was hastily whisked away, so he must have snuck out to see us.
As I observed Princess Ryona’s sigh, I lightly nodded to Rayhem. It was a relief to see him in good health.
“Maria, now is the time to wake up.”
“Uuuuummm… Just one more hour, Maria…”
That definitely went way past the “just a little more” threshold.
As I flicked the light on, I saw Maria perched on my head like a baby bird, so I shook her about wildly.
“Uh, uh, uh, uh, oh, Ma-ri-a, wake up, uh, uh!”
Took her long enough to respond.
Now finally, having only opened her eyes halfway—well, with her standards—Maria scanned her surroundings and comprehended the situation.
“…Maria is already pretty.”
“Our lovely little lady, it’s time to get even prettier for His Majesty♪︎”
“Oh, brother! Maria’s being sold…!”
I simply waved at Maria, who had somehow become even cuter.
Don’t worry! Slavery in the Empire was abolished by big brother a century ago.
“…?”
After sending Maria off, I decided to take a seat and rest for a moment.
Those still remaining in the room, including the Izuri Knight Commander, approached me.
“Uh… Commander? Are you saying I’ll be subjected to this too?”
He showed off his cloth-masked face, pleading to be left alone.
There’s no way you’re going to draw eyebrows on me with a marker, right?
“Don’t worry. We’re just giving you a quick haircut.”
“Just my head?”
“Yeah, aren’t I already doing the ‘captain’ work?”
“…”
“…”
Normally, I would’ve laughed, but considering it was someone so unexpected, I was caught off guard and didn’t know how to react.
Even if I laughed now, it would probably end up being awkward. Luckily, she didn’t show any discomfort.
“…I apologize. I’ve often been told I’m a bit too rigid, and while trying to loosen up, I made a mistake.”
“No need to apologize…”
“Once we’re done with the audience with His Majesty, make sure to tell the vice-captain to come to the captain’s office.”
“Yes, understood.”
Was it the vice-captain who suggested the joke? If you’re comfortable enough to tease your superior, that means the atmosphere must be pretty laid-back.
Looks like he has suffered quite a bit under tight military discipline since he was young.
“I veered off topic there for a moment. Before we delay any longer, let me introduce this person. This is the royal gardener.”
“Hello.”
Izuri, who had shifted the conversation, presented a new character.
Seriously, introducing a gardener out of the blue? I thought, “No way…”
“I will take care of your head.”
“Did I mishear you?”
What in the world? I thought he was a soldier, but he’s really brought in the gardener saying he’s going to tidy up rags.
Even more surprising was the gardener’s unfazed demeanor. Why’d he look like it was totally normal for him?
‘Maria… save me.’
With shears that chirp and snip, they drew closer. By the way, the sound was eerily reminiscent of a sparrow.
There was no chance for Maria, who had already been whisked away, to swoop in to save me.
*
“I’ve never trimmed rags before, so this is quite the challenge…”
If it’s tough, just don’t touch it!
Fortunately, the severed rags were replenished once my HP was restored, so I managed to survive. I almost ended up needing a hair transplant at this age!
“By the way, Commander. I can’t possibly wear robes in front of His Majesty, can I…?”
“Right. But don’t worry! Those unaware of your identity are excluded from this audience.”
“Good to know… that’s a relief.”
Still, everyone here seems capable enough on such matters.
“Maria, what are you planning to ask His Majesty?”
“Maria already told the captain beforehand. It’s a secret!”
“A secret? Even from your big brother?”
“Yep. A secret!”
With both hands covering her mouth, Maria turned her head completely the other way, making it clear she wouldn’t spill the beans.
Last time, when I bought her clothes, she even hinted at her preferences for underwear. It’s impressive she’s now gone all tight-lipped with Izuri!
What in the world did she order?
“Don’t tell me you’re planning to toss me out and get yourself a new brother?!”
“Absolutely not!!”
Maria yelled with a completely different energy than before.
She probably realized it was a bit loud, as she widened her eyes for a moment, then promptly lowered her head.
“Sorry for yelling, Maria…”
“…No, Oppa, I’m sorry for saying something silly.”
“Both of you, act serious. This is the imperial palace.”
We continued walking, with an awkward air between us. It wasn’t a serious fight, so I’ll have to smooth things over later.
As for what she requested from the Emperor… that’s bound to come out eventually, considering it was probably something trivial.
“I’ve brought the distinguished guests to meet His Majesty.”
“Alright! I’ll relay the message!”
In no time, we found ourselves just a door away from the Emperor.
I thought it would feel noticeably different from the game in reality, but surprisingly, it wasn’t nerve-wracking at all.
“Follow me from about three steps behind, then stop and take the posture of loyalty.”
“Yes.”
“You’re calmer than I expected. Have you met His Majesty before?”
“No, this is truly my first time.”
“…It’s Maria’s first time, too.”
I’ve been on bad terms with our ancestors the entire way!
Meeting the Emperor is hard for the first time, and later becoming acquainted is its own challenge. There are barely any later quests worth it.
SCREECH
The door swung wide open, warning me to mind my rude thoughts.
Under the resplendent lights, knights and ministers lined the path, and at the end stood the Emperor and Empress, waiting for us.
“Commander of the Fourth Division, Izuri Pa Chest, Four Holy Emperor, I present myself before you, Your Majesty, the supreme ruler of the Empire.”
With one knee on the floor and my right hand over my left chest in a loyal posture.
Thanks to the collaboration event I had with four major hamburger brands, it wasn’t all that tough.
Honestly, doing this without even speaking in front of people who take it for granted is another story altogether.
“Knight Commander Izuri Pa Chest and the distinguished guests, please raise your heads.”
At the Emperor’s command, I lifted my head and was met with intense gazes, especially focused on me.
Although looking around openly wasn’t possible, it was recognized that I could feel the mixed swirls of intrigue, hesitation, and distaste directed at me.
It’s a familiar sensation. More importantly, let’s focus on the task at hand.
“Izuri, it seems your chest has grown a bit since I last saw you. Is it an I now?”
“After Your Majesty personally measured me, I haven’t had a chance to do new measurements. I will update the figures and report back shortly.”
“What do you mean, you measured it yourself?”
“Madam! I, I… didn’t touch it! I only measured with a tape measure!”
‘As expected.’
I heard bits and pieces from Maria, too. The bright gold hair, the thick whiskers on his nose and chin. He looked like a spitting image of his ancestor from a century ago.
Even tastes are perfectly mirrored! How is it in any way normal to be tied down by one’s wife like that?
“I ensured you wore proper underwear as well!”
“Are you seriously trying to call that an excuse?”
That’s when my gaze drifted more towards the Empress.
‘An elf, isn’t she?’
With her nearly white, light gold hair, translucent skin, and long ears, she possessed all the unmistakable traits of an elf.
It’s probably extraordinary for a human to connect with an elf. Given her similar physique (excluding her chest) to Izuri, it was clear who was proactively pursuing her.
“Ahem! That wasn’t the important matter right now.”
“See you later.”
“…First, I will award ten gold coins and a medal to Knight Commander Izuri.”
“I am humbled by Your Majesty’s grace.”
Thanks to the Emperor’s smooth maneuvering, we managed to bring the conversation back on track. The Empress turned her head in response.
I held back laughs internally. Most of the individuals here may have changed, but it feels like this place has a persistent charm.
“I will also award ten gold coins and a medal to both Adventurer Ai and Maria Garmatoa each.”
“I am humbled by Your Majesty’s grace.”
“I am grateful.”
“Furthermore…”
And finally, the moment has arrived! The Emperor says, “Whatever you wish, speak!”
This is more real than those gold coins valued at about 100 million won each!
“Young adventurer! Now tell me one more thing you hope for. I, the Emperor of the Philia Empire, Crime Fedoricon, will grant you anything I can.”
It’s the only game event that requires you to type in exactly what you want, instead of choosing from options.
There was even a guy who got executed for jokingly cursing! After respawning, that poor bloke couldn’t even set foot near the system again.
“I wish to use the palace library.”
“Your Majesty, that cannot be allowed! How is it possible to allow a demon’s hand into the sacred imperial library?!”
“Correct! If important information were to be stolen, who knows what catastrophes might occur!”
Before I could finish my intentions, the surrounding ministers raised their voices in unanimous dissent.
A place where all of the Empire’s history and the entire continent’s information are accumulated—the Imperial Palace Library.
Despite it being a bothersome thought, their panic was understandable, as many among them had likely never set foot inside.
“Stop.”
However, this was promptly quelled by the Emperor’s simple command.
No matter the circumstances, he’s the top authority of the empire. He exemplified the majesty of a nation with strong imperial authority!
“By the Emperor’s decree, I grant Adventurer Ai and Maria Garmatoa the right to access the Imperial Library. They may stay in the palace for now and read as many books as desired.”
“”Your Majesty…!!””
‘You’re not just letting us use it once; you’re allowing us entry as we please?!’
“And I shall state it here. The Philia Imperial Family acknowledges your existence, child. Yet, it’s still too early for this to be made public. I will wait until your fame rises.”
‘…!’
In other words, it means it’s a bit too hard to wrap ourselves around the idea of monster existence right now.
In the future, once I become famous and my identity is unveiled, the royal family will come forward in support.
I unexpectedly received a reward I hadn’t anticipated. As I suspected, getting chummy with the royal family turns out to be a good idea.
‘I wish I could go back to before my name ever got out there…’
Regardless, the audience event concluded successfully.
“You come over here.”
“Madam, please let go of my ears…! It hurts! Madam…!!”
“Vice-captain. I truly hope you’re bracing yourself.”
Successful… right?!
With the Emperor and Knight Commander making their exit, everyone else hurried to find their paths.
Although I garnered a few curious glances, hearing the Emperor’s endorsement didn’t stir much excitement.
Tap, tap—
“Hmm?”
“…Oppa, earlier you…”
“Maria, would you like me to read you a storybook tomorrow?”
“…Okay…!”
Starting tomorrow, I plan to scour the library for all books related to ‘possession.’
Still, for the sake of this young lady, I could find the time to read her a few stories. After all, didn’t the Emperor mention taking our time to explore?
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