Chapter 40 (1/2)

Chapter 40

No matter how often he took care of the wound, the rate at which he healed couldn’t keep up with all the expeditions he went on. But it wasn’t like the emperor was going for my sake, so I couldn’t complain about it.

I resigned myself to the situation and prepared to go, but the emperor turned halfway to look at me with his chin in his hand.

“Are there any more uncomfortable areas?”

“You look pale.”

Again with this.

Although there was a clear difference in status, was it necessary not to answer this much? Regardless of the question, I can’t have a proper conversation only by answering with what they wanted to hear.

When I pretended not to hear and tried to stand up to leave, the emperor patted the bed, beckoning me to sit.

‘You shared an almost-hug with him in front of other people today, and didn’t you carry him in the hallway?’

It was strange to act like a person who kept manners when there were only the two of us while acting comfortably in front of others.

After fixing my hair, I sat down on the edge of the bed. “What’s wrong?”

“Early graduation, you said you’d make it. How’s it going?”

“I’m trying.”

“I’m afraid I’ll die before you graduate.”

“I’ll try not to let that happen.” I looked at him, wondering if he had more questions, and he did.

“And the party?”

“What?”

“Isn’t it after the test?

“Oh, you mean the year-end party?”

“Yeah, didn’t someone ask you to come with them?”

Apparently, I mentioned that I was asked by Vincenzo. He remembered everything, really.

No matter how much information was filtered before it reached the emperor’s ears, he was the final decision-maker. He worked hard every day to assess the empire’s situation and even handled the undead that popped out of the dungeon. In the midst of all that hard work, he remembered the little things like the academy party schedule. And the story of the party companion.

How smart he was.

I shook my head in wonder and disgust. “I decided not to go.”

“Why?”

“As long as the person who broke into my room is not the same person as Xenon, I think there are a lot of people who are after me and I’m going to be careful from now on. Participating in an event where outsiders can enter is a risk that I don’t have to take.”

The emperor was lost in thought and did not speak for a moment.

“Do you mind if I go now?”

Without saying a word, he tapped his finger on my cheek, asking me to stay for a little longer. And soon, he said something interesting to me. “After you’re officially appointed as secretary, you’re going to have to spend all your time with me except sleeping and waking up.”

I was nervous about why this was making him smile.

Seeing me nodding slowly, the emperor quickly continued, “It’ll be your last memory, so let’s just attend the party.”

“…What? No, I’m really fine. We don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“No, I don’t think so. I insist.”

It felt like the academy was suddenly becoming far away. Of course, learning new things was fun, and making friends was fun, but… now I felt that my place was by the Emperor’s side. At least, I hoped so.

But the emperor didn’t give me any more time to refuse. “Let’s go. When you said you wanted to go to the academy, all you wanted was to graduate like this in a hurry. I’d be sorry if I don’t give this much to someone who’s going to devote their whole life to me.”

“Your Majesty…”

The emperor was stubborn in strange aspects, but sometimes he was considerate enough to melt people. The same was true when he ordered me to bring my shoes as a slave, and as the head of the academy, he provided me with a dress when I had nothing to wear when attending the banquet.

It was touching, but there was one more reason why I couldn’t go to the year-end party.

“But as long as I know there are people who are after me, I don’t think I should make trouble for you. And what if Vincenzo gets caught up in a dangerous situation when I’m with him…?”

“You won’t have to worry about that student. I’ll figure it out for you.”

“…What?”

“Can’t outsiders join as partners?”

“That’s right.”

“Didn’t you say it was a masquerade ball?”

“That’s true…”

“I’m coming.”

“What?”

“I’m coming.”

“Your Majesty…?”

The emperor was coming? Where? To an academy party?

I knew what that clear stare was. He wasn’t joking. He meant it. And I didn’t want to be the one to challenge his decision.