Chapter 148
‘Why are you acting like this? Did something happen?’
– Grrrrrr.
Even at my question, Siri only continued to growl.
Since she was doing that within the shadow, no one else could hear her hostile snarling.
‘Why is she suddenly acting like this?’
I’d spent the past few months together with Siri.
But never once had she acted this way before.
Even when we fought side by side against the Lava Golem, she hadn’t shown this kind of hostility.
‘This hostility… it’s definitely directed at Rage. But why?’
Rage Isrinbloom.
Siri’s hostility was clearly aimed at that one person alone.
But I had no idea why she was acting like this.
‘Could it be because of that? The Isrinbloom Family’s massacre of hundreds of Hellhounds centuries ago, when they led a subjugation?’
If that memory had been engraved into her genes, perhaps she was instinctively hostile toward him...
‘No, if that were the case, she would’ve already been hostile to Dilug too. This hostility... it’s directed solely at Rage.’
Honestly, I wanted to bring Siri out of the shadow and check her condition directly.
If I could just look into her eyes, maybe I could read her thoughts, even a little.
But if a Hellhound suddenly appeared in the middle of the Imperial Palace… Siri would almost certainly not make it out alive.
‘...Let’s think this through. Siri wouldn’t act like this for no reason.’
I racked my brain as much as I could, but still couldn’t figure it out.
No matter how I thought about it, there was no reason for Siri to show hostility toward Rage, whom she was meeting for the first time today.
So, still lost in thought, I followed behind the others.
Together with the dukes and their heirs, we were heading toward the grand hall to meet His Majesty the Emperor.
“You may wait here. His Majesty will arrive shortly.”
The Imperial chamberlain guided us into a massive hall.
Inside that vast room was a long dining table fitting of its size.
“Hey, Andrew. What kind of dishes did Nazar-oppa prepare this year?”
“You think I’d know that?”
“So you don’t?”
At Lisa’s question, Andrew laughed playfully.
“Of course I know. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of meat dishes this time.”
“There’s beef too, right?”
“Steak, apparently.”
“Undercooked?”
“Yeah, he said he prepared some rare steaks just for you.”
The dukes, completely at ease, went up to the head of the table and took their seats.
Their children sat a little apart from them.
Meanwhile, I wasn’t sure where I should sit, so I hesitated for a moment...
“You can sit here.”
Lisa had seated me next to her.
“Since you’re here as my fiancé, stay close by my side.”
“Uh, okay. Got it.”
“Come to think of it, this is your first time meeting His Majesty, right?”
“Yeah. In that case, is there anything I should know... like things to be careful about?”
“Hmm, not really.”
Lisa thought for a moment, then shook her head.
“When we greet him, just follow my lead. And if he asks you something, just answer politely without overdoing it.”
“You’re sure there’s nothing else?”
“Yup, don’t be so nervous. His Majesty is a kind person—he overlooks most small mistakes.”
“Well, that’s a relief, but still...”
While I was quietly talking with Lisa, the grand doors of the hall suddenly opened.
The chamberlain who’d guided us earlier stepped in.
“His Majesty the Emperor is approaching. Please prepare yourselves.”
At his words, everyone in the room rose from their seats.
I followed suit, and moments later—
The Emperor entered, accompanied by numerous attendants and royal guards.
As soon as he stepped into the hall, the dukes and their heirs knelt on one knee and bowed their heads.
“We greet His Majesty the Emperor.”
I hurriedly followed their lead.
The Emperor—Nazar Arium—smiled faintly and waved his hand.
“Rise, all of you. For this occasion, there’s no need to stand on stiff ceremony.”
As he walked past the dukes and their children, he suddenly stopped in front of me.
“That white hair... it’s even more beautiful than in the photos. It’s good to finally meet you, Gideon.”
“Gideon Kyrgram greets His Majesty the Emperor.”
“I’ve heard much about your efforts for the Empire these past few months. My daughter also speaks of you often. I’ve wanted to meet you for quite some time.”
Nazar smiled graciously, and I bowed my head even lower.
“It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”
“Speaking of my daughter... she said she might be a little late, but by now she should be—”
Before he could finish, hurried footsteps echoed from afar.
“Dad! Sorry! It took a while—haven’t worn this in ages!”
“As long as you’re here. Still, you came sooner than I thought.”
“Mom helped me, so I finished fast, hehe.”
A familiar princess with golden hair just like Nazar’s entered.
Layla appeared, wearing a luxurious and elegant dress.
‘She really looks like a princess dressed like that. Makes sense, though.’
Usually, she wore her academy uniform and had the bright, puppy-like demeanor of an innocent girl, but dressed like this, she exuded an undeniable royal grace.
At least... on the outside.
“Dad, by the way—this outfit’s mine now, right? I get to wear it for every formal event from now on?”
Even though her attire gave her a noble air, the heart beneath was still that same pure puppy.
“Yes, it’s yours. But my dear, this is a formal occasion too. Shouldn’t you uphold the dignity befitting royalty?”
“Huh? Really? But everyone here’s on friendly terms... do I really need to?”
“...Well, that’s not wrong. True, everyone here’s close enough that formality isn’t needed.”
Nazar scratched his head awkwardly, letting out a chuckle.
Just like in the game, he wasn’t the type to emphasize authority and dignity—he was a friendly Emperor.
“Now, everyone, rise. Today’s gathering is simply for companionship, so let’s eat and enjoy the conversation.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Everyone, myself included, stood up in unison.
“Originally, either the First or Second Prince should have attended this gathering, but unfortunately, both are busy preparing for the Academy Tournament. Especially the First Prince—since it’ll be his first time appearing in an official event, he has a lot to prepare. So, though it’s not quite the same, my daughter, Layla, will be attending in their stead.”
“Hehe, it’s been so long since I’ve seen all the dukes. Why don’t we relax and eat while catching up on how everyone’s been?”
The meal lasted about an hour.
And during that hour, I experienced the finest meal of my life.
‘They said only the best chefs of the Empire work in the Imperial Palace… and they weren’t kidding.’
It didn’t seem like an exaggeration that the best chefs in the Empire were gathered here.
The food was incredibly delicious.
As I savored the Empire’s finest cuisine, the Emperor conversed with the dukes about various matters.
“Dilug, you’re saying you’ll hand over the Head position in about five years?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’m planning to pass it down once the southern development project in Muktaba is complete.”
“That’s quite early, sooner than I expected.”
“I believe staying as Head for too long would not be wise. Once the southern development concludes, I think my duties as Head will have been fulfilled.”
After answering the Emperor’s question, Dilug turned to look at me.
“While we’re on the topic, I must thank you once again. Gideon, thanks to you, we were able to resume development in southern Muktaba.”
“It’s an honor to have been of help to you, Your Grace.”
“It was more than help. The southern region had been untouched for centuries, and a large amount of ore had accumulated there. Without you, it probably would’ve remained that way for decades more.”
Dilug then turned his head toward Kafka.
“I heard Gideon and your daughter’s engagement ceremony is this winter. Have you finalized the details?”
“Nothing’s been set yet. But since it’s just an engagement, we’ll probably keep it simple.”
“Simple isn’t bad either. Let me know when the date’s set. I’ll visit with a gift.”
“Oh my, you’re bringing a gift? You must really like Gideon, huh?”
“He greatly helped the Isrinbloom Family, so I’m simply returning the favor.”
Hearing Dilug and Kafka’s exchange, Nazar burst out laughing.
“Hahaha, Dilug, you never change. But still—Lisa’s getting engaged soon? Time really flies. Kafka, if I were to attend Lisa’s—”
“Hey, Nazar-oppa! I said we’re keeping the engagement small. If you want to come, then come to the wedding. The wedding.”
“Kafka, mind your words.”
Dilug shot Kafka a sharp glare as he spoke coldly.
“The attendants are present. How could you speak so casually before His Majesty...”
“Oh, what? The attendants are still here? Nazar-oppa, shouldn’t it be about time to dismiss them?”
“I agree. Hmm... Andrew, did you bring what I asked for?”
“Of course. Everything’s ready.”
“Good. Then... everyone, you may leave. I wish to speak privately with my guests.”
At Nazar’s command, all attendants and royal guards exited the room.
And the moment they left—
“Andrew, take it out.”
“Yeah, yeah. The Kayar White Wine you asked for—I brought three bottles, plenty enough.”
Andrew suddenly pulled out three wine bottles from the inner pocket of his jacket.
I blinked in surprise, wondering how those could fit in such a small pocket. Andrew quickly caught my stare.
“The pocket’s enchanted with a spatial expansion spell. Nothing to be amazed about.”
“Ah, I see…”
“Anyway, brother, drinking again today? Did you get permission from Her Majesty the Empress?”
“Hey, Andrew, meeting with the dukes is still official business. And while handling state affairs, it’s fine to have a little drink.”
Nazar laughed, then turned to his daughter.
“Layla, remember how you helped me get a villa in Floris last time? Let’s keep this between us today, alright? Don’t tell your mother.”
“Sigh... okay, Dad. I owe you from when you helped me during the break, anyway.”
Layla nodded reluctantly, a resigned look on her face.
Nazar, looking visibly at ease now, accepted a wine bottle from Andrew.
“Of course, Kafka will drink... and Dilug, you’ll have a glass too, won’t you?”
“If it’s a drink granted by His Majesty, then of course…”
“Dilug, can’t you loosen up just for today, like old times?”
“…Haah. Brother, you love alcohol but can’t handle much of it. Can you manage Her Majesty’s scolding later?”
“Nope. But I’m not worried. I trust you’ll both cover for me.”
At Nazar’s words, Dilug let out a helpless sigh and smiled faintly.
“Drink in moderation. And since we’re drinking, wouldn’t it be awkward to have the children stay here?”
“Ah, right. Then I’ll give a short toast, and after that, I’ll ask Layla to take the kids on a little tour around the palace. Oh, but come to think of it—Rage.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You’re an adult now, aren’t you?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then you should join us for a drink too. This wine is extremely rare—you should try it while you can.”
“It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”
Rage picked up his glass and stood, walking toward Nazar.
He approached the Emperor’s side and held out his glass to receive the pour.
Up to that point, there was no reason for anything unusual to happen—
– Grrrrrrr!
‘…Siri?’
Siri, who had been in the shadow, suddenly began to move.
She shifted from my shadow to another—specifically, the one beneath Nazar’s chair.
Then, she poked her head out of the shadow and bit the leg of the chair.
And then, she shook it.
“Whoa—?!”
The chair wobbled, and the wine Nazar had been pouring spilled straight onto Rage’s chest.
It happened in an instant.
I had no idea why Siri suddenly did something like that.
Just as I was about to ask her mentally what was wrong—
“…Huh?”
The white wine that splashed onto Rage’s chest soaked his shirt, making it cling to his skin.
And because of that, the faint outline beneath it became visible.
It was faint, but I definitely saw it.
A strange mark—on Rage’s chest.