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“You did not hear it wrong. I asked you, Elroy, to enter into an engagement. Do you want different words? Then let’s get married.”

She dropped two bombs. I almost spilled my tea but managed to endure and lowered the trembling cup with a shaky breath. I couldn’t figure out how to take Agnes’ words. It’s been a long time since I felt this bewildered.

“Your Majesty, this is a jest that goes too far.”

“Though I don’t say it in jest. If it sounded like a joke, I apologize.”

Even now, I don’t know if it’s a joke or not. Aside from her smile, Agnes’ red pupils radiated an endlessly serious light. I had to look straight into her eyes, and suddenly, looking at them made me a bit tense.

“Until now, there hasn’t been anyone around urging me, but as the Queen of a country, I have to marry someday. It’s only natural to leave an heir. If I’m going to get married, it would be more appropriate to marry the most influential person on the continent, the Hero, rather than some obscure nobleman.”

It was a reasonable argument. I had no choice but to listen to Agnes’ words flowing out like clear water.

“Even from your perspective, it would be more convenient for you to have a clear political standing rather than reporting to me every time to continue your activities comfortably. I don’t think it’s a bad proposal for you either.”

“…In a political sense, you mean.”

“It should be seen as the best choice. Anyone can’t speak recklessly of you then.”

As if she found it refreshing just to imagine, Agnes smiled brightly. Then, she reached out her hand towards mine, which had been stiffly placed on the table. The touch of her hand, which met mine, was rougher than I had expected. With her slender hands, she has handled royal affairs and wielded the sword tirelessly. I lowered my gaze toward Agnes’ hand and blinked.

“I… I am taken aback. The situation…”

“I understand. From your perspective, you may not be sure if what I’m saying is sincere or not.”

Agnes laughed as she withdrew her hand. The hand casually lifted the teacup, and my gaze rose again to meet her eyes.

“Whether this is a joke or not, can you respond as if it were serious?”

At first glance, Agnes’s voice sounded no different from usual. However, my somewhat sensitive intuition told me that her words were not spoken without any thoughts.

“Your Majesty.”

My voice uttered with such force that even I was surprised. Agnes, seeming a bit startled, straightened her posture.

“If you think that’s the best way, I will certainly comply. How could I refuse such a proposal overflowing with generosity?”

“Don’t you know I don’t want to hear such an answer right now, Elroy?”

The response came immediately. My eyes met hers, and I unknowingly swallowed dryly. In Agnes’ crimson eyes that always looked directly into mine, there was a determination to peer into the depths of my being.

“Put everything aside and consider whether you can accept me as your marriage partner.”

I stood still, unable to divert my gaze from her. Then, as if losing strength, my eyes slowly fell towards the teacup, laden with various thoughts. My reflection shimmered in the intensely brewed black tea.

“Just think about it. Is there anyone who can match me? The elegance that makes the sun pale. The beauty that makes wildflowers bloom in early spring. Power, strength, wealth, and character.”

Silence followed. As I continued ruminating, Agnes, who hadn’t touched the teacup all this time, began to speak quietly, her lips trembling.

“If you… dislike it, that’s fine. I don’t mind. I never intended to disregard your wishes. With so many people around you, it wouldn’t be surprising even if you rejected me…”

Agnes’ sentence was unexpectedly long, unlike her usual self. I lifted my head to look at her as if being drawn by some force. Her eyes were slightly trembling. It wasn’t the eyes of someone seeking salvation. What was she looking for in me?

“It’s okay, Elroy. I would appreciate it if you just answer honestly.”

“Your Majesty, I…”

Agnes was waiting for my words. When her gaze, which had been looking at me, slowly descended to the teacup, I spoke again.

“I was thinking about a normal marriage.”

“Yeah. Marrying into royalty… marrying the Queen would certainly not be as ordinary as you might hope.”

“No, no. It’s not about the status.”

Suddenly, I prevented her from sinking into darkness. Agnes, who seemed to be slowly receding into it, managed to lift her gaze and look at me. I could feel all her worries. I gradually brought my thoughts into words.

“If that’s the case…?”

“It’s a matter of procedure. It’s time for us to get to know each other. Time to talk about things other than official business. We can discuss the matter of marriage after that.”

There was no intention to reject. I thought there needed to be some plausible actions to turn this abruptly initiated marriage proposal into something reasonable. There were also other things to sort out.

“…So you don’t completely dislike the idea…”

Agnes regained her smile. Was it all an act until now? I blinked perplexedly and noticed a subtle blush on Agnes’ face. The corners of her mouth rose.

“It’s not something I can just impose on you alone. If you have more to say, feel free to say it. I also know what emotions the women by your side harbor for you.”

I opened my eyes wide, and Agnes shrugged her shoulders as if asking why I was so surprised.

“Daphne and Marianne…You should know that they have feelings for you. I believe you are also hesitating because of your colleagues.”

It was something I hadn’t intended to bring up. Daphne and Marianne. I laughed bitterly as I thought of their faces. Even if you form a connection with someone, you never know how long you’ll stay by their side. It wasn’t something I could casually pursue, and even thinking about it was done cautiously.

“…Your Majesty, I am afraid.”

So, this time, I decided to be more honest.

“What is there for you to fear?”

“I fear that if I connect with someone, I won’t know how long I can stay by their side. I fear how sad the remaining ones will be if I leave first.”

Agnes didn’t mock my words. Instead, she stared at me intently and reached out her hand again. I found myself holding both of Agnes’s hands, my expression dumbfounded.

“At least I won’t leave you first. I’ll stay by your side as long as I have the strength. It’s my responsibility as your companion, a promise I can make, regardless of my Queenship or anything else.”

Agnes’ words were gentle, and I could feel my heartbeat slowing.

“But if I were to…?”

“That’s something to think about when the time comes. Even then, I don’t think I’ll regret marrying you.”

Her voice was resolute, and there was a smile. I felt partly overwhelmed by her beauty, biting my lips briefly before letting out a bitter laugh.

“If Your Majesty wishes to do so, is there anything I wouldn’t do?”

“You seem to intentionally say things like that even though you understand the underlying meaning of my words.”

In response to my playful remark, Agnes tapped the teacup with her spoon. She took a moment, seemingly catching her breath.

“It’s not a complete rejection for now. If only it weren’t such a frustrating answer.”

“But if you’re willing to accept it, then it is what I’ll say.”

The atmosphere between us became somewhat lighter, and Agnes chuckled softly. The conversation had taken unexpected turns, revealing layers of complexity beneath the surface.

“As long as it’s not a rejection, it’s fine.”

Agnes said with a sly smile.

“From now on, it’s my role to make you change that answer from a vague acceptance to affection.”

***

“Welcome back, Elroy.”

The next day, Daphne returned after finishing her duties at the Tower. I responded with a strange sense of guilt, offering an awkward and stiff smile. Daphne, puzzled by my expression, pursed her lips and sat beside the fireplace. It was that time of the year again.

“The weather has gotten quite chilly, hasn’t it? People have started wearing thicker outerwear.”

“Yeah. This year, the wind is blowing particularly strong.

Suddenly, I recalled the passerby chasing after the hat that had flown away yesterday. With today’s strong wind, there might be more than a few people in that situation. Daphne took off her overcoat and placed it on the sofa’s armrest. The complicated thoughts in my head were swirling and settling like dust in the air. I reached down to pet Daisy, Daphne’s approaching puppy. She had grown quite a bit, but she was still small.

“What were you doing at the Tower?”

“I met Lady Nella after a long time and had various conversations. She seems to be enjoying her professorial life.”

Daphne chuckled and said, “Elroy, nothing unusual happened, right? Nothing extraordinary should have occurred since you often visit the Royal Palace.”

The ‘incident’ happened roughly 24 hours ago. I hesitated to speak and bit my lip. Although I instinctively touched my waist, the Holy Sword that used to offer reliable advice was currently absent from its sheath. I forced a composed smile and nodded.

“…Nothing unusual happened. I relayed Arjen’s words to the Queen, and she seemed quite worried about it.”

“What did she say?”

“Just that she wants to make me a symbol of victory, to occupy a place in people’s hearts as a belief. It’s quite a daunting task, but there seems to be no other suitable way.”

Daphne exhaled a long sigh and nodded while I glanced at her expression. I sank into the sofa. The Queen’s voice, transparent like an ice crystal, still echoed.

“Daphne, what is marriage to you?”

At my abrupt question, Daphne tilted her head and, lowering it, adopted a thoughtful posture. As she delved into her thoughts, her face, already flushed, seemed to redden even more.

“Marriage… I think it’s when two separate lives become one. It’s about two different people sharing a life together.”

“How romantic.”

I chuckled, looking at Daphne, whose face had turned red. She pouted and inflated her cheeks, seeming displeased with my laughter.

“Well then, Elroy, what do you think about marriage?”

“I don’t really know, that’s why I asked.”

“Don’t play around! Just answer seriously!”

Whether she felt unfairly teased or not, she scolded me. Laughing at Daphne’s bright red face, I raised my head at the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Oh, Marianne.”

“Is there something you need?”

I lost myself in a playful thought as I observed Marianne’s expression. I wondered what she could be thinking. Unlike Daphne, I couldn’t imagine her blushing.

At that moment, we heard a knocking sound at the headquarters’ main entrance. I reluctantly got up, but Marianne got to the door first.

“Yes?”

Marianne mumbled to herself as she opened the door, and her expression froze as if she had just seen Medusa’s eyes.

“Is Elroy home?”

It was Agnes’ voice. In an instant, a strange sensation tingled at the back of my neck.

“Your… Majesty?”

The gleam disappeared from Marianne’s golden eyes, obviously unsettled.

Translator’s Corner

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. The raws are currently at 179 chapters, so we’re finally within 10. I could probably finish within two weeks. Hopefully, I can find something to do when that finishes.

-Ruminas