The Response to my Drunken Proposal was Surprisingly Good

Chapter 10-11:The Emperor (1-2)

✦ Chapter 10 – The Emperor (1) ✦

'...In the end, I couldn't refuse.'

I sat alone in the reception room, chewing on the sunweed.

If there was one thing I'm more familiar with than anyone, it was the cold. Yet even I felt as if the world had frozen over for a moment. How is this possible?

Fortunately, Solana had so far lived up to her nickname as the Angel of the Empire, showing kindness. But angels are known to transform into the most vicious demons the moment they change their minds.

...I don't want to witness an angel becoming a demon.

[Letter of Appointment]

[Ezekiel Hound is hereby appointed Imperial Magic Tower Inspector]

It seems I've become the Inspector of the Magic Tower.

An ordinary magic tower was impressive enough, but this was the Imperial Magic Tower we're talking about.

Huh─

I exhale the sunweed deeply, reflecting on how I spent my days just a few days ago.

My routine was remarkably simple.

Drinking, painting, whiling away time immersed in nature.... But now, everything had changed. I've suddenly found myself in a position where I need to dress smartly and report for work.

"It's a shame mind-reading isn't my specialty."

I still haven't fully grasped Solana's intentions.

She was dispatching me to resolve an issue at the Imperial Magic Tower, yet she added that it would be fine even if I did nothing.

Does she believe my mere presence will solve the problem?

Well, it was not something to dwell on right now.

I was being forced into this Inspector role anyway, and since I promised to trust her, I had no choice but to do so. Solana must have asked for my trust while harboring only the best intentions.

Now, there's only one thing bothering me.

"...So who wrote the reply? Was it really Solana?"

While it was certain that Solana read the letter, I couldn't confirm if she actually sent a reply due to the awkward atmosphere. Simultaneously, another thought occurs to me.

'If it wasn't Solana who sent the reply....'

A cold sweat broke out on my back.

Accepting Solana's goodwill while potentially marrying another princess? It was impossible to imagine what would happen. I couldn't even use the excuse of a 'drunken mistake.'

...Is this what it feels like when playing with fire accidentally burns everything down?

No matter how I saw it, it was the worst-case scenario. It had been a long time since I've felt such fear.

'I suppose I'll have to meet the Emperor himself.'

Although I was not particularly fond of the Emperor, perhaps using his power could forcibly erase this whole affair?

"It's something the Emperor has forbidden"─ that sounds plausible.

Bang─

Just then, the reception room door opened once again.

A now-familiar face. Agnes, with her short black hair and expressionless demeanor.

Click─ Click─