Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Request - 4
Following Anna, we arrived at a rather splendid place.
"This is called the detached palace."
"You mean a palace specially built for the occasion?"
"Yes. It's used to receive important guests. That means you, Sir Iman."
Her words left me wondering whether I should feel moved or sense some impending crisis.
That's when I saw it.
In other words, I beheld a place far more magnificent than I had imagined.
The floor was covered in the thickest, most luxurious carpet that sank beneath my feet with every step.
Dozens of mana stones embedded in a chandelier on the ceiling cast a soft glow.
Every painting on the walls was a national treasure-level masterpiece, and the porcelain in the display cases looked priceless.
...What is this place?
And in the center of the room, seated gracefully before an elegant tea table, was Lia.
She wore a dress even more ornate and refined than usual as she held her teacup.
'First things first, kneel and think.'
I straightened my clothes, put on a solemn expression, and approached her. Then I tried to drop to one knee.
"Your Highness the Princess, I am honored to—"
"Oh my!"
Lia jumped in surprise and set down her teacup. She rushed over in a fuss and pulled me to my feet.
"What are you doing, Sir Iman!"
"Pardon? But Your Highness..."
"Shh!"
Lia pressed a finger to her lips and put on a mock-serious face.
"I'm a commoner, remember? I told you. Just call me Lia."
"But this is the imperial palace..."
"Oh, this place?"
Lia glanced around casually.
"It's just... the mansion of someone I know. I have a close friend here, so I'm staying with them for a bit."
"..."
How was I supposed to react to that? As I hesitated, Lia flashed a bright smile.
The moment I saw that beaming smile, I was utterly shocked!
"Really? That's incredible! That person must be ridiculously rich!"
Good heavens! Owning a mansion like this! How much money did they have to have?
A great merchant? A tycoon? Or maybe a noble with immense power?
Either way, Lia clearly had some amazing connections!
"Exactly. Even I feel intimidated thinking about them. They have such refined elegance that doesn't suit someone like me..."
"They must like you to keep the friendship going, right? If it didn't suit them, they'd have cut ties already!"
"Ah-ha! You're right! That makes me feel so much better!"
It was a full 500% mood boost event. Anna, standing nearby, shook her head as she watched us.
Why is she suddenly acting like this? I don't get it.
"Now, have a seat."
Lia guided me to the sofa. She hesitated for a moment, then shyly spoke up.
"And... actually, there's something I need to confess."
"A confession?"
"Yes. Lia... is actually a nickname."
She said it carefully.
"My real name is... Elise."
I was utterly astonished! How could a name be so beautiful?
Elise came from Elizabeth, which originated from the biblical Elisheba!
And that Elisheba symbolized God's promise and devotion!
"Heavens... Elise, you say?"
"Yes... Is it strange?"
"No, not at all!"
I waved my hands frantically.
"It's a truly beautiful name! Elegant, refined, and it embodies devotion and promise... It's the most beautiful name I've ever heard!"
Kneeling here would be the clincher.
"That's why you were so moved when I played 'For Elise' before—because it's your name!"
Elise lit up and nodded eagerly.
"Yes... It made me so happy. It felt like fate."
"Then, may I call you Elise from now on?"
"Of course, please do."
Elise smiled radiantly. She stood and walked to the piano.
"Well then, shall we continue the lesson? Professor Iman."
"Of course. Ha ha. I'll teach you diligently."
Suddenly, I recalled what Anna had said. Not to think too strangely of Her Highness the Princess.
But who was Her Highness? I had no idea.
The person right in front of me was Elise, the freeloader!
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Three days can feel both short and long.
In that time, all our schedules at the imperial palace had wrapped up.
A carriage waited for us at the main gates of the palace.
It wasn't the massive golden one we'd arrived in, but it was still a luxurious noble's carriage.
"Sir Iman, let's meet again next time."
"Of course. Miss Versha, I'll definitely introduce you to my friend later."
"I'll look forward to it."
I'd built a decent rapport with Versha during our stay, even learning her ideal type.
Surprisingly, it was Hans! I'd introduce them someday for sure.
I'd also said goodbye to Elise and Anna.
"Thanks to you, it was so much fun, Sir Iman."
"The pleasure was mine, Lady Elise."
"I'll never forget your teachings. Not just the piano... but your attitude toward life as well."
Anna had been brief and to the point.
"Take care of yourself."
With that, we exchanged farewells and boarded the carriage.
Clatter.
The carriage set off, and I gazed at the receding palace scenery through the window.
It had been a dreamlike week. Performing with the Imperial Orchestra, teaching piano to the princess... no, wait. Not that.
Either way, instructing Elise—who had incredible connections—and even receiving a title.
Life really is unpredictable. Inside the carriage, it was just Haruna and me, and an awkward silence hung in the air.
Haruna sat glued to the window, staring outside.
Whenever our eyes met, she'd flinch and look away.
The aftermath of that "maid outfit incident" clearly lingered.
...This is painfully awkward.
I cleared my throat. I felt like I should say something, but the words wouldn't come.
Apologizing for it now would probably make it even more embarrassing...
And saying I liked it wouldn't fly either.
In the end, Haruna and I didn't exchange a single word.
The carriage rattled on in silence for a good while before finally stopping.
"We've arrived."
At the coachman's voice, Haruna bolted out like a bullet. I followed behind.
"Haruna."
"...What."
"Uh. See you. Thanks for all your hard work."
"...Yeah."
Haruna said that and turned to leave.
Or so I thought—she walked a bit, then turned back toward me.
"Um... Iman."
"Yeah."
Haruna fidgeted, her face flushed. She twirled her hair with her finger and stared at the ground.
"From next time on."
"..."
"Don't ask for anything like that."
"...Sorry about that."
"No, you don't need to apologize. What I mean is..."
She took a deep breath, then blurted it out rapidly.
"Next time, as long as it's not too weird... No, forget it!"
Haruna covered her face with both hands and took a sharp breath, her... well, everything shaking with each inhale.
"So."
The words slipped out automatically.
"Lap pillow's out, but everything else is fair game?"
Haruna froze, then lowered her hands. She stared blankly at me for about three seconds.
"Sorry."
"No. Uh. Um."
"Sorry."
As I apologized again, the blank look faded from Haruna's face, and the atmosphere shifted slightly.
If I had to describe it—calm acceptance? Or maybe... anticipation?
"So."
"...?"
"So, what kind of request... are you gonna make?"
"...I'll think about it."
Haruna nodded as if to say "got it," then walked away. I could only stand there dumbfounded.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ An empty house. Opening the door, the familiar air welcomed me.
The palace's splendor was nice, but nothing beat my own home.
"Haa..."
I flopped onto the sofa. The piano was back in its usual spot.
Having it there made the house feel full.
"Time to rest a bit."
After a week away, dust was everywhere. I checked the pile of mail.
Amid the junk, one envelope stood out.
A luxurious white envelope made of fine material.
No sender's name—just the recipient written in neat, familiar handwriting.
[To. Brother]
It was from Serika.
Why would she send a letter from the academy dorms? If it was urgent, she'd have used a magic messenger.
I tore open the envelope. Inside was a short note.
-Brother. How've you been? Heard about the imperial concert. Congrats.
-Anyway, can I come home this weekend?
-I have something to say. Something... really important.
That was the gist. But the postscript was a bit scary.
[P.S.: Rozina apologized to me. I'd already forgiven her. But she told me directly that she'll continue serving you as her master from now on? We need to talk about that.]
The letter gave off a very ominous vibe.