211 CHAPTER V -- WHAT I WANT TO SAY (2/2)

No. ......

And as punishment, I've decided to live as an emperor for life. How's that?　Doesn't that make sense?

No, I don't agree with that: .......

If the emperor was okay with it, how could he say no?

”But ...... what if the child between me and Shelly doesn't want to be the emperor?

I want my kids to be free to live their lives.

Yeah. It's not just Shelley's kid. Any of your children. Name the boy you think is fit to be king.

'What?　Isn't that strange: ......?

You don't really think that someone who isn't of royal blood is going to be emperor.

There'll definitely be some concern about that from the nobility.

That won't be a problem. If I'm the Emperor and I say so, no one will stand in my way.

Sure it is, but ......

''Well, you have the blood of an emperor many generations ago, so I don't think you have to worry about it.

What do you mean?

''It's true that you're the grandson of a brave man, and it seems that a large portion of your blood is foreign, but your grandmother's mage is a duke. You definitely have some royal blood in you.

I see. ......

Just in case you can't manage the bloodline problem, too .

Yeah ...... I don't think I'm going to be able to say no, no matter how hard I try .

''Well, I don't think there's anyone to complain about. I'm sure all the dukes will be on your side when the next head of the family comes around.

The Baudrells are Frank, the Lefebvre's are Bert, who married his sister, and the Forsters are brother Alex. ...... Surely, no one seems to be complaining about that...

...... Okay, I get it. But please let Mr. Cliff choose the next emperor.

'No, I think you'd be better off, Leo, than I would be, wouldn't you?

No. Only the emperor has the right to nominate himself. I think this is a good rule to follow. And I haven't forgotten, have I?　Mr. Cliff's signature magic.

It's a forensic spell that specializes in seeing right through people. With that, you'd never pick the wrong person to be emperor.

Ha-ha. You're right... the ability to judge a person is the only power I'm proud of. Yes. Yes, that's true. You mind if I do some of that?

Yes,

''I managed to say it before the Trilateral Council. I managed to say it before the Trilateral Conference: ......

Is there any connection between the Trilateral Council and this story?

'No. . I just wanted to make sure I was on the right path for the fight tomorrow . Just self-satisfaction, I was actually thinking of talking to you over drinks on the day you came of age, but ...... you've been busier than I thought you would be.

I've certainly been busy dealing with Fontaine.

'I see. ....... Well then, when all is said and done, we'll have a drink together.

Booze or ....... I haven't had a drink since I came to this world.

I don't know what kind of liquor I drink, so I'll ask the liquor expert Colt for his recommendation.

That's a good idea. Well then, I'll have to work on that tomorrow to make it a fun drink.

Yes. Let's go for it.

Hey, what's the story?

Shortly after Mr. Cliff left the room, Shelly came in.

'Yeah ...... we're going to start working hard tomorrow . Also, when everything is settled, we can have a drink together.

You can't talk about our son being emperor, so I just had to tell you.

I didn't lie.

Yeah. If you're talking about tomorrow, it won't matter what I hear.

I'm not talking about that much.

Hmm.

Come to think of it, it's been a long time since I've been alone with Shelly like this.

'You'll always have Belle by your side!　Also, Leena hasn't been as reserved with me lately!

I think I stepped on the tiger's tail when I said the first thing that came to mind in an attempt to divert the conversation.

I'm sorry. You'll have to forgive me, but I'll find a way to spend some time with Shelly next time.

'No, that's okay. I'll have Leo all to myself for a week or so when he's free.

Ha ha ha. A week is a long time.

It's a very Shelley-like solution, though.

Yeah?　I could give Elsie a couple of days, though.

You're right, you haven't been making time for Elsie either .

I'm sure Lou would be more than happy to treat you to a good meal than to spend time with me at .......

Well, you'll have to be nice to me.

You don't have to worry about that.

Yeah. I wouldn't be too worried about it. Whew. I've got an early start tomorrow, so I should get to bed.

Okay. Okay, I'll sleep with you today.

Oh, that's great.

Well, good night.

Good night.

I changed into my nightgown and kissed Shelly, who had crawled into bed first, goodnight before I closed my eyes.