Chapter 67
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: The Couple Who Danced at the Festival... (5)
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"Excuse me for a moment."
I set down a plate of sandwiches and a teacup in front of the Sword Saint, and a plate of pastries and a teacup in front of the Magic Tower Lord.
And just as I picked up the teapot to pour their tea, a single question popped into my head.
'Which one should I pour for first...?'
These two were competing over even the smallest details, like who got what to eat. Though calling it "small details" was putting it mildly—they were being downright childish, but that wasn't really a problem.
Either way, pouring for one before the other was bound to cause an issue. Tea was traditionally poured for the higher-ranking person first, after all.
As I wrestled with the dilemma, I let out a long internal sigh. Debating something like this felt utterly pointless from the start.
'If you're the Sword Saint and the Magic Tower Lord, can't you two act a little more mature...?'
With that thought, I stepped forward and filled their teacups. Not a single drop splashed around—the mark of true expertise.
For the record, the Sword Saint's cup was filled first.
"Well, isn't this awkward. My teacup got filled first?"
"He's a knight, so naturally he served you first. And I'm not the type to get jealous over something as petty as who gets their tea first."
For someone saying that, his glare was pretty sharp...
I did my best to ignore the Magic Tower Lord's stare and filled his teacup as well.
If I had to do this one more time, I might actually drop dead. My heart felt like it was about to stop.
"Oh, that reminds me—how has Lord Nineheart been faring?"
The Sword Saint asked as he took a big bite of his sandwich. He wasn't using a fork or knife, so he clearly knew his way around food.
"My father is doing well. Thank you for your concern."
"Glad to hear it. It's a shame such a talented man retired from the battlefield, but dying would be an even greater loss."
"I hope for my father's long life and good health as well."
Talking about my father seemed to ease the tension a bit.
That said, the Sword Saint seemed to know quite a lot about him. Maybe I should write Father a letter.
I could ask the Sword Saint right now, of course, but honestly, I didn't have the guts.
At that moment, the Magic Tower Lord took a sip of his tea and set his cup down with a loud clink.
"Swallow your food before you speak. Basic etiquette, isn't it?"
"You've got a point there."
The Sword Saint seemed to accept the advice, but replying with his mouth full showed he wasn't backing down an inch.
The Magic Tower Lord looked at him pitifully and sighed.
"I figured Cain and the lady from the Frozenheart Ducal Family would be here..."
"They're enjoying the festival. If you'd like, I can pass along a message."
"No need. I just wanted to check on Cain, and as for the Frozenheart girl, I was curious to see for myself if the rumors are true."
"Understood."
It made sense for the Magic Tower Lord to seek out Cain. Everyone was already treating him as the next lord of the tower.
He may have lost to Elena in the entrance exam and first-semester tests, but no one questioned his skill.
But coming to see Elena in person was unexpected. I'd figured he'd make contact eventually, but sending someone versus showing up yourself felt entirely different.
Surely Elena wasn't going to push Cain aside and claim the Magic Tower Lord's seat...?
Purely in terms of talent, it wasn't impossible. It just wasn't something I'd welcome.
'The Magic Tower Lord's servants are all mages, after all...'
Where did the Magic Tower Lord even live? The Magic Tower—the heart of mage society. Even the janitors who swept the floors were mages.
I'd naturally be out of a job, shipped off to the frozen northern frontlines in the end.
An army stuck in eternal winter? One where you fought for your life?
Remembering how I'd shivered in that A-frame tent, I shook my head vigorously to clear the thought.
'Absolutely not. Never that.'
As I trembled in quiet terror, the Magic Tower Lord popped a pastry into his mouth, took a sip of tea, and gave a faint smile.
"I've thought so since the first sip, but this tea is exceptional. If I were a bit more greedy, I'd want to take you back to the tower."
"You're too kind."
"The same leaves can taste worlds apart depending on who brews them. Much like magic. That's why I love tea."
To think he'd consider hiring a servant just for tea—it showed how much it meant to him.
I had my own duties, so I couldn't exactly follow along, though.
"Asking the man who'll one day be the empire's sharpest blade to brew tea? Short-sighted even for you."
The Sword Saint shook his head at the Magic Tower Lord. His plate had somehow emptied already.
He took a quiet sip of tea and set his cup down.
"Not that the tea was bad or anything—don't get me wrong. The sandwiches were incredible too."
"You're too kind."
"Come to think of it, His Majesty mentioned your name once. I had some expectations, but you're beyond them. I look forward to the day we cross swords."
I was dumbstruck. The emperor mentioning my name? And exceeding the Sword Saint's expectations?
Regrettably, the one who'd cross swords with him would be Yubel, not me...
No need to say that out loud, though. A compliment deserved simple thanks.
I placed my hand where the sword hilt would be and bowed at the waist—the knights' formal greeting, used before and after spars.
The Sword Saint just shrugged it off, as if he hadn't done anything worthy of thanks.
After that, conversation died down. Maybe it was the food's magic, but the bickering pair simply sipped their tea with smiles.
But as always, peace didn't last.
"Wait, this is..."
"No doubt about it..."
The Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord suddenly stiffened, exchanging glances. I had no idea what was going on and just tilted my head.
Right then, the closed door swung open, revealing someone new.
I turned, saw who it was, and without hesitation dropped to one knee, bowing my head.
The Sword Saint, the Magic Tower Lord—even Evi coming out from the kitchen—did the same.
"So this is the tea house run by Erje and Evan."
Was this the growl of a predator on the plains? The voice carried such immense weight and dignity that I felt crushed by it.
And casually naming the princess and prince like that—his identity was obvious without asking.
The empire's ruler—no, the empire itself. Emperor Esler Kaiser.
"Rise. I'm not here as emperor, so no need for formalities."
The Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord lifted their heads first. I waited for a cue before raising mine late.
For some reason, my eyes met the emperor's exactly then. More precisely, he'd been looking right at me.
"Luke Nineheart, isn't it?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for remembering."
"I didn't expect to find you here. A pleasant surprise."
"The honor is mine, Your Majesty. I owe this chance to Princess Erje's kindness."
"Erje arranged that, did she? Well, that's... fitting, I suppose."
The emperor's expression grew complicated for a moment. Probably because he knew Erje could read minds.
Too bad I couldn't, so I had no clue what he was thinking. The mood suggested it wasn't bad, though.
"Whatever. It matters little."
The emperor shifted his gaze to the Sword Saint and Magic Tower Lord.
Both flinched simultaneously. Even they found the emperor overwhelming.
"What did you two have here?"
"Pastries and tea for me, sandwiches and tea for him. Both excellent."
"Oh ho, is that so? If you say that, now I'm intrigued."
Please don't get your hopes up. I'm dizzy already.
Hiding my panic behind a smile, I replied.
"I'll do my best to meet them."
"Good. Bring out what you're so proud of."
I bowed stiffly and headed to the kitchen. The moment I arrived, I let out a massive sigh.
'Never thought I'd serve food to an emperor in my lifetime...'
I'd expected big crowds—the gardening club members were heavy hitters, after all.
But the emperor? Come on. From the entrance ceremony to the festival, was His Majesty's butt made of feathers or what?
Haa—.
I sighed again and cleared my mind. Complaining wouldn't change reality. I had to prepare something for him.
Did my feelings show on my face? Evi, who'd followed me into the kitchen, asked worriedly.
"Luke, you okay...?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
No, actually, I'm not. Someone please cook for me instead.