Chapter 97
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: No Yielding This Time (4)
Erze's sudden appearance left me momentarily stunned. I knew we'd cross paths eventually, but not at such an unexpected moment.
But that reaction didn't last long. One couldn't afford to neglect etiquette in front of imperial royalty.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Elena and I bowed our heads in unison, as if we'd rehearsed it.
Yesterday's chaos had prevented us from observing proper protocol, but that had been an exceptional circumstance—and one that was improper from the start.
Erze seemed to find it awkward, though.
"You can both stand. No need to be so formal when no one's watching, right?"
"I believe loyalty shouldn't waver based on who's present."
Elena said that as she straightened up.
I followed suit, rising at Erze's command.
Erze furrowed her brow thoughtfully for a moment before giving an awkward smile.
"That's separate from loyalty. It just makes me uncomfortable. I want to be on genuine terms with you—no pretenses. Same with you, Luke."
"Understood, then. We'll dispense with formalities when no one else is around."
"Perfect. That's all I ask."
I had no idea what Elena was thinking deep down, but Erze's insistence suggested she wasn't taking offense.
Being on genuine terms, though...
It might be trickier than maintaining etiquette. Keeping that subtle distance just right would be the challenge.
"May I ask how Your Highness came to be here?"
"I was looking out the window when the Frozenheart carriage pulled up."
"So..."
"I just dropped by for fun."
"I see."
Elena nodded nonchalantly. She must have grown somewhat accustomed to Erze's whims.
I nearly burst out laughing at the sight of them, but managed to hold it in. Showing it would only turn Erze's teasing my way—and that was the last thing I wanted.
Too bad it didn't work out that way. Or maybe my thoughts were already transparent.
Suddenly, Erze's playful gaze turned to me.
"You know, lately I've been finding the tea in the palace tastes... off."
The reason she said it while looking at me was obvious. She was hinting that I was the reason it no longer satisfied her.
I wasn't entirely blameless—after all, I'd contributed to raising her standards.
Assuming, of course, that the palace servants couldn't match my brewing.
"Ah, yes—His Majesty mentioned sending someone over. To teach them how to make sandwiches and tea. If you'll just wait a moment, I can instruct them..."
"Hmm. I'd rather you took responsibility."
"What do you mean by that...?"
"You ruined my palate, so you should see it through to the end."
Why should I be responsible...?
No one holds a chef accountable just because you ate at a great restaurant. It was such an absurd notion I didn't know how to respond.
The problem was that my counterpart was the princess. In other words, normal logic didn't apply.
"If you show me the way, I'll do my best."
"I'll tell you later."
"Understood."
I replied calmly, though unease gnawed at me. Erze struck me as the type to suggest something outrageous.
Not that she had any inkling of my worries.
"Shall we chat until the banquet starts?"
After that, we conversed as she wished—mundane daily topics, the kind she'd shared often at the Academy. Nothing special.
Yet to her, it seemed special. A smile never left her lips the whole time.
'She did say she wanted no pretenses...'
Maybe Erze just needed a real friend—someone she could open up to. That might explain why she'd once wanted me by her side.
'Being friends with the princess might be a bit much, though...'
I was mulling that over when—
"Luke, what are you thinking about that has you grinning like that?"
"Must be Bella he's thinking of."
A voice snapped me back. Erze and Elena were both staring at me. Erze's face brimmed with curiosity; Elena's with displeasure.
I hadn't realized I was smiling...
Better apologize, though. No denying I'd zoned out mid-conversation.
"My apologies. I got distracted thinking about how exciting the upcoming banquet will be."
Right then, as if on cue, a knock sounded, followed by a voice from beyond the door.
"It's Bella."
Her arrival meant the moment we'd been waiting for had come.
Sure enough, Bella entered to announce that preparations for the banquet were complete.
Erze stood.
"Then let's head over."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Elena rose, and I followed.
We left the waiting room together, retracing our steps down the corridor we'd passed earlier.
Lined-up servants bowed deeply in greeting as we passed their welcome and arrived, naturally, at the palace banquet hall.
The hall embodied opulence in every detail—the massive chandelier overhead, the myriad decorations, even the stair railings exuding luxury.
I'd anticipated as much, but facing it in person was overwhelming.
Like the breath catching in my throat.
Elena was furtively scanning the surroundings too, so she must have felt much the same, even if she didn't show it.
Our esteemed princess, however, seemed utterly unfazed.
"No need to tense up so much. This isn't my invitation—it's from His Majesty the Emperor himself."
"...I'll try."
"Seriously—'trying to relax' is ridiculous."
Erze burst out laughing.
Normally, I'd inwardly sigh at her reaction, but not now.
This was probably the most comfortable moment of the entire banquet. Considering who was yet to arrive, it surely was. Attendees at an emperor-hosted event wouldn't be ordinary.
And as if to prove it, those who appeared next were anything but ordinary.
"Your Highness, I trust you've been well."
"Yes, of course. It's been a while, Duke Portman."
Starting with Portman Radrix, lord of the empire's fertile southern lands.
"Your Highness, you've grown even more beautiful."
"Duke Cernell, you've gotten even darker."
"Haha—A man of the seas needs tanned skin. Pale would lack charm."
Cernell Baitmun, master of the western coastal territories.
Along with the Magic Tower Lord, Sword Saint, ministers, and virtually every prominent figure in the empire.
I hadn't particularly wanted to know them, but standing by Erze's side made it inevitable. They all came to pay respects.
For a lowly baron's son like me, averting my eyes would have been proper...
"These are the Academy heroes His Majesty invited. They subdued the rampaging thug at the entrance ceremony in an instant."
"I've heard the tales, but I never imagined meeting you in person."
Thanks to Erze's gracious introductions, we exchanged brief greetings. In noble circles, connections were power—this was an immense boon.
Among them, I spoke longest with Cernell Baitmun, head of House Cernell.
"I'm Cernell Baitmun, patriarch of House Cernell. Never thought I'd meet the hero who saved His Majesty like this."
"Any man with a sword would have done the same."
"We have a saying back home: 'Not every man facing the sea is a true man.' Holding a sword doesn't mean everyone has the courage to wield it. You acted admirably."
In truth, recalling that moment, I'd mostly been swept up in Elena's momentum and acted recklessly. If there was glory in it, it belonged to her.
Yet Elena smiled, pleased by my praise.
"Still, you could stand to tan a bit. If the chance arises, visit the west. Riding a great ship across the ocean is quite the experience."
"I'd be honored, Your Grace."
"Good. Until next time."
I wasn't sure about tanning, but the sea intrigued me. Nothing profound—just a desire to play around.
How much time passed in such greetings? The hall, once buzzing with chatter, gradually fell silent, a solemn hush descending.
Then, clear footsteps echoed in my ears.
The Emperor, lord of the empire.