I Kidnapped the Hero’s Women

Chapter 80 - Journey to the Imperial Palace (3)

“Fetch Sylvia. Tell her to hurry, as the Imperial messenger is waiting.”

“Yes, Master.”

It was a state of emergency.

I’d caused quite a stir this time, so I expected a significant response, but I never thought the Imperial Palace would be the first to reach out, with the nobles staying quiet.

But is this really a friendly overture?

It felt more like, ‘If you don’t show up, I’ll destroy you socially.’

Imagining that my dear Empress Big Sis is a yandere queen who can’t express her love for me in any other way than threats helped quell my fear.

Phew. That\'s strangely appealing.

“Should I bring Charlotte and Julia along?”

[The Evil God ‘Kali’ nods, saying that’s a good idea.]

Empress Vanessa is much like me.

She hides it, but she’s quite fond of children.

So, I considered bringing Charlotte and Julia, but then…

“No, that’s too obvious. It could backfire.”

[The Evil God ‘Kali’ agrees.]

Trying to win favor with the children again, as I did the first time, might seem presumptuous.

It could come across as manipulative, and she might even become furious, thinking I’m using the children.

I had to handle this on my own, without relying on anyone else.

“Master! Huff. Did I make it in time?”

“Perfect timing. Cool down a bit and get on the carriage. You’re sweating and it smells.”

“It does not! Want to check?”

“I’ll pass.”

“Aaah…!”

Sylvia arrived, galloping on her horse.

She must have dashed over from the Ariente Territory like a bolt of lightning.

I’d have felt uneasy going alone, but it’s a relief she’s here.

“Her Majesty has given us a task? What does that mean?”

“It means exactly what it sounds like. She wants Vermont Security to take on an assignment.”

“We haven’t even completed the staff training at Vermont Security yet.”

“You’ll have to wrap it up quickly. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s an order.”

“….”

Sylvia’s expression stiffened as she grasped the situation.

An urgent message sent directly by the Empress, with a hint of coercion.

This was clearly not a trivial matter.

“I understand. I’ll ensure I don’t cause any trouble on the way to the palace.”

Clatter, clatter.

Sylvia swiftly adjusted her attire and boarded the royal carriage.

The carriage soon set off, merging onto the Vermont Expressway.

I was worried it might be awkward sharing a carriage with the messenger, but thankfully, we were directed to a different one.

Sitting across from Sylvia, I leaned in slightly.

Sniff, sniff.

There was a faint scent.

Liar.

“Tell me the current status of Vermont Security. I need to know everything, including what I don’t already.”

“We conduct a private evaluation of the staff on a point system. Training is held once a week, and attendance is mandatory every other week. Scores are assigned based on performance in training and peer reviews. As of now, only one person is deemed fit for immediate deployment. There are five others who are not quite at that level but show promise and could become proficient with field experience.”

“….”

I hired nearly a hundred people, but only six are ready for deployment?

My head throbbed for a moment, but considering Sylvia’s rigorous standards, I should be grateful for even that.

After all, it hasn’t even been two months since the company was established.

“Six. Then we’ll have to decline any assignments requiring more personnel.”

“Yes, that would be wise.”

For assignments requiring a large workforce, even the Empress can’t force us.

Deploying untrained personnel could lead to mistakes, which would be a disgrace to both the Imperial Family and Vermont.

In that case, everything I’ve built so far would be lost, and Vermont would be ruined.

None of the work I’ve done has been without risk, but this time, it’s particularly severe.

This isn’t the time to aim for a big score by walking a tightrope.

The carriage began to slow down.

Pulling back the curtain, I saw the grand palace come into view.

I handed Sylvia a handkerchief.

“We’ve arrived. Use this to wipe the rest of your sweat. Let’s get out.”

“Do I really smell…?”

“Not much.”

“‘Not much’ means I do smell…!”

“It’s bearable. I’m getting out first.”

“Aaaah…!”

It’s not that she doesn’t smell, but it’s not strong enough to be unpleasant.

More like a faint scent if you get close enough.

Honestly, it’s not a bad smell at all.

Leaving the bewildered Sylvia behind, I opened the door.

She quickly shut her mouth, trying to hold back her voice, and glared at me with hostility.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you coming out?”

“….”

Sylvia didn’t seem to want to leave the carriage.

She wasn’t standing or sitting, but rather stuck in an awkward squat near the entrance.

What’s the issue?

“…Did you soil yourself?”

“Wh-what?!”

“If not, just tell me what’s wrong.”

“Give me your hand. Otherwise, I’m not getting off.”

“….”

Her cheeks slightly flushed, she continued to glare at me.

I could see the stubbornness in her eyes.

Is she serious?

“Treat me like a lady and offer me your hand politely.”

“…Are you serious?”

“I am. If you want to drag me out forcibly, use the brand. I’ll follow your orders, writhing in pain, even before Her Majesty.”

“Are you really going to be this childish? This is exactly what Julia did, demanding to be treated like a lady. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“Ugh! Regardless, I’m not getting off until you give me your hand!”

[The Evil God ‘Kali’ is appalled at this childish behavior.]

Sylvia’s face flushed bright red at being called childish, and she folded her arms and turned her head away.

Unbelievable.

What does she want with being treated like a lady when she’s here as a guard knight?

I considered picking her up like I did with Julia, but…

‘Yeah, that’s not going to work.’

I glanced over Sylvia and quickly decided against it.

I might be able to carry her on my back, but lifting her up from the front is impossible.

I sighed deeply.

“Fine, live in there, then. I’m going to see the Empress.”

“W-wait! Aren’t you going to use the brand?”

“You said you didn’t want me to. Just live there.”

“…!?”

I turned my back on her.

If I go to meet the Empress alone, people might gossip about how the Count of Vermont didn’t even bring a guard.

But I don’t care about external appearances.

I already have ties to the Empress.

I’m not looking to form any political alliances, so I’m immune to such concerns.

I heard Sylvia’s frustrated voice from behind.

Thud, thud, thud! She stomped her feet and marched up beside me.

“You\'re too much!”

“It’s more ridiculous for a guard knight to demand to be treated like a lady. Do you want rumors to spread that the Count of Vermont is dating his guard knight?”

“Th-that’s… Ugh…”

“You didn’t think that far, did you?”

“….”

Short-sighted girl.

But I don’t dislike it entirely.

She used to frown and act stiff around me, but now she shows a wide range of emotions.

I’m not sure if I’ve gained Sylvia’s trust yet, but at least our relationship has improved.

That’s enough for me.

I’m satisfied with that.

“Then… will you hold my hand on a day off?”

“What?”

This girl.

We were wrapping up on a positive note, and now she’s dragging it out.

“I was asking if you’d be willing to treat me as a lady on a day off, when I’m not a guard knight.”

“Why are you so obsessed with being treated like a lady? Was the comment about smelling that shocking?”

“…Just answer me.”

“You don’t smell that bad. You do smell, but I find it pleasant.”

“Wh-what?!”

“And yes, I’ll hold your hand on a day off. Is that a good enough answer? Now focus. We’re at the palace. This isn’t a place to make a scene.”

“Y-yes… I understand…”

She stammered, clearly flustered, and slapped her cheeks to regain her composure.

Finally, she returned to her usual stoic expression, the appearance of a steadfast guard knight.

‘Why is it more exhausting to manage her than the kids…?’

Ah. I take back what I said about being satisfied.

If I’d known she’d be this troublesome, I’d have asked her to remain an emotionless guard knight.

I never imagined Sylvia would have such a childish side.

Of course, I’m not going to treat Sylvia like a lady in the future.

Not that I lied, just that I have no intention of spending a day off in a carriage with her anyway.