Imperial IX-6

Meanwhile, at the mansion, Taro was facing a dire situation.

It had begun with Noelle's question.

"Hey, Taro, have you thought about it yet?"

For a moment, he was baffled, stunned, but then suddenly remembered—and couldn't help blurting out,

"Ah…"

His expression may have revealed it too.

Seeing that, Noelle instantly turned angry, then sorrowful, tears welling in her eyes, before running off somewhere.

I should have gone after her right away, but problems tend to pile up.

"Taro-san... really..."

Lina had seen it all.

Having understood something, Lina quickly disappeared somewhere.

I couldn't chase after either of them, left flustered and at a loss.

The mansion was spacious enough for one person to live in, but now it was home to many.

The matter spread easily, moving forward regardless of my will.

Noel's words ultimately reached the deputy commander's ears, while Lina's reached the knight commander's.

As a result, I ended up kneeling in the large room.

Two swords were pressed against my neck.

"Exactly as feared. You're dangerous. Not only did you lay hands on the young lady, but you even tried something with Noel too..."

The knight order really got close to Noel, huh. Come to think of it, they trained together... I must be reaching a point of resignation, thinking about something completely irrelevant like that.

"Taro, it's me. I see Noel like a daughter. She talks about you with such happiness. You really think you're ready for what'll happen if you make her cry?"

Noel is truly loved. That's why she's so kind to everyone.

Perhaps it's because of resignation, but I feel nothing at all.

"Yes."

"Which one are you marrying?"

The words of the deputy commander and the knight commander overlap.

If I answer either name, the other's blade will slice off my head. Neither of their eyes is smiling at all. They mean it.

I glance around.

People have gathered, drawn by rumors.

First, the two in front of me—Lina and Noel.

They're sitting on chairs, looking at us. Lina is smiling brightly, her expression carefree and relaxed.

But after spending so much time together, I've come to understand. Despite how she appears, her mind is filled with worries.

Noel is looking at us with clear interest, completely focused, as if nothing else exists. His gaze is wide-ranging, yet he's been quietly watching Lina, checking her reaction the entire time.

She's such a kind-hearted girl.

Others are here too.

Alek, rubbing his forehead in disbelief, unable to even look directly; Rilka, staring at something like trash; Coil, smirking with amusement; William, flustered and anxious, wondering what will happen next.

Merchants, knights, and others are present.

Looking at this scene, I realize how many people I've encountered...

Lost in thought, I feel a cold touch at my neck.

It seems to be urging me for an answer.

"I... I..."

"Can't you just choose both?"

I turn around at the voice that isn't mine.

There she was—the empress, someone who shouldn't be here. Smiling broadly, clearly enjoying herself immensely.

What could possibly be so amusing?

Of course, I can't afford to have a petty quarrel in front of the empress, so I'll pause for now.

"What business do you have with me at a time like this?"

"Fufu, I'm sorry for interrupting such a delightful moment. But it's your fault, really."

The empress's words made the people around her bristle.

I'd like you to stop speaking like that right now.

The empress laughed, genuinely amused, as if she fully understood.

"Then, regarding the purpose of my visit—this is about the reward for the war. You've not only fulfilled my request, but have also made significant contributions toward ending the conflict. Therefore, I shall grant you your reward."

As previously informed, I was supposed to receive a noble title.

"I would like to bestow a noble title upon you... but there are various complications."

Pretending to be deep in thought, he places his hand against his cheek, his expression one of deliberation.

It's as if he's deliberately provoking me.

I can't tell what he's hiding. I must not be swayed by his words and must remain calm in my judgment.

"Your accomplishments are simply too great to be recognized with merely a noble title. Moreover, this war did not result in the acquisition of new territory. Therefore, we must allocate land from somewhere else to grant you."

Ah, I see. That's a possibility too.

Nobles manage their territories and accumulate power through them.

"Powerful nobles don't want you near them. Though they'd lose territory—adding a disadvantage—they're afraid of someone called the Demon King and avoid getting close to you."

I haven't done anything at all, yet I'm utterly despised...

Moreover!

The female emperor continued.

"You used forbidden magic, didn't you?"

"Ah, whatever do you mean?"

I played it off casually, but of course you've already investigated it thoroughly.

I didn't expect you to be able to hide it, so this is where the real challenge begins.