“The Imperial Palace, huh…”
Coming and going, I never thought I’d end up stepping into the Imperial Palace.
Guess I’ll live long enough (??) to see interesting things.
As I approached the massive castle gates, the royal crest etched on my wrist reacted.
Guguuung-
Who would’ve thought such a heavy-looking gate was actually automatic…
Magic really is amazing, isn’t it?
As I was marveling at this, a man who looked like a guard approached me.
“Your loyalty, Colonel Allen. I am Hanson, captain of the Royal Guard’s First Squad.”
“Do you know me?”
“Yes. Those who bear the royal crest have their information automatically displayed inside the checkpoint to prevent any unintended rudeness. Please understand.”
“Aa, I see. Thanks for explaining it so kindly.”
“In that case, let’s proceed.”
I started walking behind Hanson.
Since this was my first time entering the palace, I took my time looking around.
It certainly lives up to being the capital of the world’s most powerful empire – the palace is the epitome of luxury.
“Those pillars… could they really be made of gold?”
“Yes. I heard gold conducts mana very well. That’s why the main pillars are decorated with it.”
This is truly opulence beyond imagination.
Even if it’s just gold-plated, coating all these pillars must have cost a fortune…
The Helios family mansion feels modest in comparison.
I honestly marveled at it.
“Maybe we could chip off a little bit without anyone noticing?”
“…”
“Just kidding.”
Does humor not work with palace guards?
I should be more careful, I thought, when Hanson suddenly smirked and spoke.
“I figured even we might think that, but I didn’t expect you, Colonel, to do the same.”
“Everyone thinks it but doesn’t say it. How many people don’t like money?”
“You’re absolutely right.”
Thankfully, he doesn’t seem too rigid.
Still, I should remain cautious.
No matter what, getting thrown in jail over some misunderstanding while here for an award ceremony would be troublesome.
“I shall escort you this far. The building ahead is His Majesty’s residence, the Heaven Wolf Palace.”
“Thanks for guiding me.”
“It was an honor meeting you.”
Do palace guards have designated areas too?
After saluting, Hanson returned the way he came.
“You’re already getting along well? Your charm is impressive.”
At the sound of a hearty voice, I turned to see a muscular man with striking blonde hair approaching.
“Ah, Leo. Nice to see you again.”
This was our second meeting since he delivered the imperial order last time.
Approaching with a bright smile, Leo suddenly stiffened his expression and spoke.
“By the way, didn’t you know my name?”
“… That’s…”
Did Earl rat me out about that?!
Caught off guard by the sudden question, I quickly bowed my head.
“My apologies.”
Then Leo burst into hearty laughter and patted my shoulder.
“Haha! Just joking. You wouldn’t know since I rarely go outside. It’s never too late to learn, brother-in-law.”
“Thank you for understanding…”
Brother-in-law…?
When did I become Leo’s brother-in-law?
Blinking in confusion, he tilted his head.
“Isn’t that right? I assumed so since you’re wearing a gold ring.”
Hearing this, I reflexively looked at my left hand.
So this had that kind of meaning too?!
The Helios family is terrifying…
“What happened there…”
“Never mind, it’ll happen soon. Let’s go.”
He cleanly ignored my attempted excuse and walked into the palace.
With an awkward expression, I had no choice but to follow him.
Unable to even look around, we walked down the long corridor when Leo spoke.
“Be careful with your words and actions in front of His Majesty. Even if you’re my brother-in-law, there are limits to what I can cover for you.”
“But I’m not your…”
“Don’t worry too much. His Majesty is quite lenient if you’re not a bureaucrat.”
“Now you’re not even listening.”
“Hm? What did you say?”
“… Nothing.”
How do I escape this quagmire?
The problem is, I’m starting to get used to this kind of thing.
What if I accidentally call Amy “you” someday…
Lost in useless thoughts, we soon reached the end of the corridor.
A door that looks like the entrance to a dungeon where the final boss waits.
In front of it stood a middle-aged man.
Leo gave a light bow.
“Good day, Chief Steward.”
“Good morning, Lord Leo.”
The stern-looking steward with a proper gaze calmly looked at me.
“Colonel Allen, I presume.”
“Ah, yes. Pleased to meet you. Call me Allen.”
“I am Palts Groin. My title is Count, and I serve as the Chief Steward of this palace.”
While listening quietly, Leo provided additional explanation.
“Chief Steward declined further elevation despite being eligible for higher titles to continue serving in this position. He has deep devotion to this royal family.”
“That flattery won’t change anything about me.”
“It wasn’t flattery, just stating facts. Haha”
Palts shook his head as if saying there’s nothing he can do about Leo’s jokes.
“Shall we enter together?”
“Of course. We pulled an all-nighter preparing for today.”
“You’ve worked hard. Then let’s proceed.”
With precise movements, Palts turned around and knocked on the door.
Dun dun-
What could possibly make such a majestic sound?
While wondering about this, Palts shouted in a booming voice.
“Special Task Force Commander Colonel Allen, Lord Leo Robert, requesting permission to enter with two attendants.”
After a moment, the heavy doors slowly began to open.
“Remember what I said, right?”
“Of course.”
Nodding, I stepped forward with the feeling of entering a boss room.
The red carpet leading the way.
At its end lay a magnificent throne adorned with jewels and gold.
Leo and I carefully avoided looking directly at it as we slowly knelt on one knee.
“…”
Silence fell.
Confusion filled my mind from the unexpected silence.
Is this it?
Shouldn’t there be grandiose phrases like “pay respects” or something?
I thought I had fully studied the etiquette for paying respects to the emperor, but my mind went blank faced with the unexpected situation.
I was saved by a deep voice.
“Don’t feel too burdened. If you have respect for the other person, does formality really matter? Feel free to speak.”
There was a rustling sound before the emperor continued.
“I hear you’re close friends with Gold Eagle Palace… such an attitude would be fine then.”
Treating me like a wise elder?
That’s impossible, isn’t it?
“Commander of the Special Task Force, Colonel Allen. I greet the brilliant star of the empire.”
“Hmm, rather boring fellow. Still better than someone spouting meaningless words…”
“Don’t torment him too much. He’s going to be my brother-in-law.”
Leo’s playful tone.
I almost admired him by now.
Or is he cleverly determining my future right in front of the emperor…?!
“That’s news to me. When did Professor Allen start having that kind of relationship with Amy?”
At the familiar voice, I unconsciously looked up to see Lux dressed in pure white.
“That girl… is she really this beautiful?”
Her elegant figure subtly revealed through the soft fabric of her dress.
The pearl necklace completing her refined aura.
Yet the sheer dress revealing glimpses of skin added a subtle sensuality.
“Are you here for a blind date?”
“… This was done by the handmaidens. It’s not my preference.”
“Then I should commend those handmaidens. It’s rare to see you like this.”
Indeed, Lux was even wearing makeup today, as noted by the emperor.
Her allure was strong enough to make even me feel a slight flutter.
Perhaps if she put her mind to it, there wouldn’t be a man she couldn’t charm.
Was I staring too obviously? The emperor’s voice snapped me out of it.
“Look at that. You’ve already enchanted one person.”
“Ah…! I apologize for the disrespect.”
At that remark, I hastily bowed my head.
“Recognizing one’s student isn’t wrong. Raise your head. Staying bowed like that makes it seem like you have ill intentions toward my daughter.”
“Wouldn’t that be fine? They’re both grown adults. I was swayed myself, so it’s a natural reaction for a vigorous young man to be charmed.”
At Leo’s words, the emperor replied with an exasperated expression.
“… Didn’t you call him your brother-in-law? Isn’t it the right reaction to dislike him looking at another woman?”
“That’s fine. After all, Amy will be the main wife anyway.”
“Tch, I can’t let that pass. There shouldn’t be such a thing – making the emperor’s daughter a concubine…”
“Let’s stop there, shall we? Wasn’t the professor invited here to receive an award?”
“Hem hem…”
Lux’s sharp words made the emperor clear his throat.
Even the emperor can’t do anything against his own daughter, it seems.
Lately, I’ve been witnessing quite unusual scenes…
“Alright, we’re all busy, so let’s get to the point. Listen carefully, Commander of the Special Task Force, Colonel Allen.”
The emperor, who had briefly glanced at Lux, spoke solemnly.
Having briefly raised my head, I bowed again to correct my posture.
“For your great contributions during the recent heresy incident, I wish to bestow an award in the name of the empire. You may choose any item from the Procyon Treasury.”
“I thank you for your sun-like favor, Colonel Allen.”
Though I don’t know what the Procyon Treasury is, its extraordinary name suggests it’s not an ordinary award.
“Lux herself will guide you to the treasury, not Palts… Allow them to choose what they need most after hearing the explanations.”
I felt a faint magical reaction just now…
Deciding it was probably a mistake, I responded politely.
“Yes. Thank you once again.”
“And this is a personal question from me as a father.”
“? Please ask.”
Surprised by the sudden question, I looked up curiously.
“What do you think of Lux?”
“I consider her a precious disciple.”
While pondering the intention behind the question, my mouth answered quickly.
“Disciple… I hope that thought never changes. Since we’re busy with official duties, you may rise.”
With that gesture, the emperor rose from his throne and moved away.
“Hmm, it seems we have a formidable competitor.”
After the emperor left and we rose from our kneeling positions, Leo remarked with Palts sighing.
“No one but Lord Leo could consider His Majesty a romantic rival.”
“Haha, that means Allen is an excellent candidate for a son-in-law.”
“Whatever you’re thinking… Anyway, let’s go. Since His Majesty ordered us to leave, the two of us shall take our leave.”
“Shall we?”
“Ah, no…”
Leaving me flustered, the two of them chatted casually as they exited.
That left only Lux and me in this vast palace.
Walking leisurely toward me, Lux smiled and greeted me.
“It’s been a while, Professor.”
“Ah… Oh, it has been a while. Your Highness.”
I responded awkwardly.
At this, Lux slightly furrowed her brow.
“You can speak as usual.”
“Not even here in the palace?”
“If you insist, then I command you as a princess to treat me as usual.”
“Hmm, must it come to that?”
“Of course. Are you feeling well?”
“I’m fine physically, but mentally…”
“This place tends to do that.”
Still, seeing her up close, her appearance shines so brightly it hurts the eyes.
If beauty were humanized, would it look like this?
Continuing to look might really charm me, so I turned my head and said.
“Let’s go.”
“Why are you avoiding eye contact?”
“When did I avoid it?”
“You just did.”
“… Haa…”
It seems she’s going to persistently pursue this.
Having no choice, I gave her an honest impression.
“My heart is trembling, so I can’t keep looking.”
“… Excuse me?”
“You’re so beautiful I can’t make eye contact. Why did you come dressed like this? You’re already beautiful enough…”
Being honest is embarrassing.
I could feel my ears heating up in real time.
I’ll definitely repay this humiliation someday, mark my words.
“Let’s… go.”
After momentarily losing her words, Lux quickly moved forward.
Her ears were tinged red when seen from behind.
Mine must be the same, I imagine.
Haa, resisting a disciple’s allure is also part of a teacher’s role, is it?
Truly, the path of a true teacher is long and perilous.
