Chapter 115
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: Scene 115 To the Imperial Palace
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The next day, I prepared for a late outing.
Count. Let me tie your necktie for you.
Hm.
Helga gently wrapped the necktie around my neck. Her hands skillfully shaped it.
Your skills have improved.
You flatter me.
It had been over a month since Helga had taken over attending to me in place of Wendy, who was focusing on her studies.
At first, she was clumsy at everything.
It was unreasonable to expect the delicate touch of a mansion maid from Helga, who had once been a berserker roaming the battlefields.
There. All done.
Helga puffed up with pride after just one compliment.
Looking in the mirror, I noticed the necktie was slightly crooked.
Perhaps because my body had absorbed the noble's bearing since possession. I couldn't just let such a minor flaw slide.
I decided to teach her directly.
Your finishing touch is sloppy.
...Ah.
I took her hand and guided her to adjust the necktie again.
Pay attention to this part when tying the knot. Do that, and itll be perfect.
Ah, um.... Yes.
Helga hesitated in her usual manner and retied the necktie following my guidance.
Dont get cocky.
...Yes.
I wont tolerate mistakes.
...Yes. Im sorry.
Always keep this in mind. Your hands shape my dignity.
Yes. Ill keep it in mindengrave it in my heart.
Do you think Im being harsh?
No. Please keep scolding me, Count.
Helga said that as she looked up at me.
My reflection filled her oddly colored odd eyes. There was no room for anyone else in them.
That wont work on you.
Oh? Why not?
You enjoy the punishment anyway.
Hehe.... Busted? But I dont ask just anyone to scold me.
Helga covered her mouth and giggled.
Youre the only one who can scold me.
...Dont get cheeky.
I released her hand.
Looking in the mirror, the necktie was now flawlessly tied. Perfect.
Helga looked at me with satisfaction and said,
Hehe.... You look dashing as ever today, Count.
...Youve put in quite the effort yourself.
Unlike usual, Helga was dressed in Aslans uniform. In her black military coat and boots, she cut a sharp figure like a proper soldier.
Her shoulders were squared as if shed returned to her role as Aslans vice-captain.
Yes. Im heading off to war from here on.
Yesterday, the Imperial Guard knight had ultimately left the study in a hurry, leaving only the Emperors letter behind.
It was a satisfying sight, but only for a moment. After reading the letter from the Emperor, I couldnt help but fall deep into thought.
To summarize the letters contents:
In recognition of my merits in calmly resolving the recent demon realm explosion incident, they wished to bestow commendations and rewards.
And if I truly wished to be acknowledged as one of the Seven Stars, I must present myself before the Emperor.
A commendation from the Emperor was quite an honor, but it held no real meaning for me.
The Emperor had probably sent it with public opinion in mind.
He couldnt ignore the influence of the nobles aligned with the Ruelverta family.
If I were the original Tristan, I would have ignored it outright.
On top of that, relations between the imperial family and Ruelverta were the worst of the worst. For Tristan, the head of Ruelverta, to go to the palace would be like walking into enemy territory.
However, I decided to go to the palace.
It was something I had to face eventually anyway.
To bend this world to my will, the Emperor was a necessary gateway.
I gladly accepted the imperial invitation.
Your shoelace is undone.
Helga knelt and began tying my shoelace.
I looked down at her and spoke.
Helga.
Yes?
You can stay here.
At my words, Helgas hands paused mid-tying.
The path Im taking from here is thorny. Youve shown unwavering loyalty to me until nowyou deserve to live without getting hurt.
I continued quietly.
Even without your protection, I wont fall. I wont break. If youre still worried, you can take Aslans captain, Wylie, along. So you
!
....
Count.
Helga, still on her knees, quietly cut me off.
Youll make me sad if you say that. I am your sword and shield.
There was no tremor in her voice.
My reason for being is to take wounds in your place and bear them for you.
Rip.
Helga tore her stocking above her boot with sharp nails.
Through the ripped black stocking, her flawless white leg gleamed.
For you, Count, Im prepared to endure any wound.
...Even if I say thats not what I want?
Yes. Im sorry.
Helga, still kneeling, took my hand.
This body and heart have been yours from the start.
She quietly kissed the back of my hand.
I dont mind if it breaks. Or gets ruined. Or is discarded. Just let me live my last as yours. So....
Her soft lips parted from my hand.
Ill follow you today thinking its my last.
Helga looked up at me with a seductive smile.
Seeing her face brought to mind the Helga from the original story, who devoted herself to Tristan and lost her life.
In the end, I had no confidence in breaking her steadfast resolve.
I adjusted my attire and let out a sigh-like breath.
Fine.... Do as you like.
Yes. Hehe.... From now on, Ill do exactly as I like.
With all preparations complete, I headed downstairs with Helga.
The moment I opened the door and stepped out, I inwardly exclaimed in admiration.
All the mansions servants were lined up in a row.
And at the end, in front of the carriage, stood a giant of a man.
Wylie.
Yes, Family Head.
Aslans captain, Wylie Bibes, bowed deeply to me. Like Helga, he was in uniform. Behind him, Aslans members lined up in their black military coats.
Well escort you to your destination.
Hm.
Rumble.
Thunder rumbled through the dark clouds.
The dry ground looked ready for a lightning strike.
Perhaps the perfect weather.
For the day when this countrys highest figure met its worst villain.
I boarded the carriage and said,
Depart for the imperial palace.
Your Majesty.
In the imperial palaces audience chamber.
The Empires Prime Minister, Odel Ryumin, appealed to the Empress beyond the screen.
Please reconsider.
Odel. Ive already said it. As you advised, I will acknowledge him as one of the Seven Stars. However....
A mystical aura emanated from her silhouette visible through the screen.
Only after the Count shows his face in the palace.
The deer antlers protruding from her head swayed.
Her usual deer-shaped mask made her silhouette look almost like a beastkin.
But the screen and mask were mere devices to hide her true identity.
Faced with the Empresss firm stance, Odel shook his head.
Then hell abandon the Seven Stars position without hesitation.
No helping it. Why would I grant a position to someone who wont even show his face?
Your Majesty....
Quiet, Odel. Telling him not to renounce his title is already me showing ample mercy.
...What if his words are true?
Odel recalled what Tristan had said at the Harmony Council.
He had clearly stated a hero had appeared.
An unmistakable omen of the crisis approaching this world.
He hadnt shown proof there, but by all accounts, there was no reason for him to lie.
The Count is probably rightthe hero exists....
Moreover, that infamous Tristan had proposed cooperation first.
In Odels view, this was an opportunity not to be missed.
If a crisis truly looms over this nation, keeping him as one of the Seven Stars would benefit us.
I believe him too.
Your Majesty...?
Odel couldnt help but question.
For the ever-suspicious Empress to believe so readily.
The Empress spoke calmly.
Odel. Im not opposed to cooperating with him.
Then why....
The reason is simple. I have no intention of cooperating with someone who wont even show his nose or face. Its a matter of trust. Plus, just in case, I sent a letter yesterday, and apparently the knight got thoroughly thrashed delivering it.
The screen fluttered in the breeze, rippling her silhouette.
What cooperation can there be with such a man? In the end, its all the same. The Ruelverta Count wont back down anyway. He and I cant even hold a conversation.
........
Odel fell silent in the end.
He realized there was no way to persuade the Empress now.
I suppose theres no choice but to bring the Count here myself....
Just as he pondered that.
Your Majesty!
A mans urgent voice came from beyond the door.
Likely an Imperial Guard knight serving the Empress.
He hadnt dared enter the audience chamber, but his desperation came through clearly.
What is it?
The Empress asked calmly.
The knight beyond the door shouted,
The Ruelverta Counts private forces are approaching the imperial palace right now!