Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Imperial Palace (7)
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Chapter 100
Episode 100: Imperial Palace (7)
The audience with the Emperor was in two days.
Until then, I gave Esterize my special attention.
First, I had to tell her about the characteristics of the Holy Sword.
“I can feel a special power… but I’m still not sure.”
It seemed she couldn’t get a good grasp on it, even when holding the Holy Sword.
Well, that was to be expected. Unlike me, who already knew everything, it would feel awkward for her.
She would come to understand it instinctively over time, but it wouldn't hurt to tell her in advance.
I explained the various functions of the Holy Sword one by one.
The princess’s expression filled with puzzlement.
*Huh? How did you figure all that out already?*
*Is it because Jace is a Hero? But by that logic, so am I?*
The only difference was the presence of a system window.
Since I couldn't mention that, I gave a vague excuse.
I just knew it instinctively.
That wasn't what was important, so there was no need to worry about it.
She needed to recognize the Holy Sword's functions and get used to them as soon as possible.
“Umm…”
She hesitated at that sound reasoning before nodding.
Though her reaction was one of suspicion, she seemed to understand what took priority.
The girl swung the sword in the quiet garden of the detached palace.
As if she had steeled her resolve, she strove to become familiar with the Holy Sword.
I watched her with a pleased expression.
The process of my favorite character growing was bound to be enjoyable.
I hope she continues to grow up strong.
One day, she will become a wonderful woman befitting a Hero.
When that day comes…
How should I treat her?
Our relationship would certainly become closer.
Though I didn't know what form the future would take.
For some reason, it felt like being the queen's favorite consort might be one of the options.
“…”
Well, hey…
A little fantasy is fine, right?
That's just how humans are.
Designed to constantly crave something more, even when they should be content.
My feelings for Ceria remained unchanged.
But if the princess really started a reverse harem… I absolutely couldn't stand to see that!
“…”
I don't know why I'm being like this either.
Well, I can think about that problem when the time comes.
For now, I need to handle the event right in front of me.
***
Esterize’s heart was in turmoil.
She had wished and wished to become a Hero.
But now that it had come true, it felt like an immense burden.
*Can I really do this well?*
*How am I supposed to handle such a heavy responsibility?*
Such questions came to her mind several times a day.
The only saving grace was that there were two Heroes.
Jace was perfect in so many ways, which put her mind at ease.
With him, she felt like she could overcome any trial.
The burden was halved.
No, it was almost turning into confidence.
For a while, she had been more or less positive.
But after arriving at the Imperial Palace, she was forced to face reality.
The heart of the Empire that ruled the continent.
A mysterious place she had only ever pictured in her imagination.
The moment she saw the sheer scale of the Imperial Palace, Esterize’s spirits plummeted.
She had once lived the life of a princess in a royal palace.
But the Imperial Palace was on a completely different level in every aspect.
There was no reason to compare them.
The Empire was the Empire, and a kingdom was just a kingdom.
Nevertheless, she couldn't help but be conscious of it.
The girl was overcome with the feeling of being shabby.
It might have been different if her kingdom were still standing, but that wasn't the case.
It went beyond feeling down; a sense of misery began to set in.
If one were to define her relationship with the Empire…
It was impossible, as there were no elements to define it.
The fact that she was a student at the Hero Academy, which was under the Empire's jurisdiction, wasn't very important.
Such a very, very, very unfamiliar place…
It was the most populated place in the world.
But there was no one who knew anything about her.
It was no wonder that the thought of being lonely came to mind.
‘Still, I have someone to rely on…’
She was so glad Jace was by her side.
If she had been alone, she might have fallen into depression.
Jace was the heir to a renowned family in the Empire.
Perhaps because of that, he acted as he always did, even in the Imperial Palace.
His confident dignity didn't change even when the prince came to visit.
‘He rejected the Second Prince’s request in a heartbeat…’
She had been inwardly surprised to see that.
But for some reason, the Second Prince just laughed and let it go.
Was it because he was a Hero?
Apart from that, he seemed to acknowledge Jace.
As if they were equals, the Second Prince acted chummy and familiar.
When you thought about it, it wasn't that strange.
Jace was already of high birth, and now he had become a Hero.
His authority would be more than a match for a prince's.
Of course, Esterize's case was completely different.
Above all else, the fact that she wasn't an imperial citizen was the deciding factor.
Though they were both Heroes, if one had to be chosen.
Most would choose Jace for the simple reason that he belonged to the Empire.
Having a different origin.
Esterize was so worried about that.
She was a foreigner, and a descendant of a fallen kingdom at that.
How would the nobles and royalty here take that fact?
If they ignored her, she could endure it, but they might become hostile for no reason.
The very fact that she looked like an easy target created an opportunity to be torn apart.
It was sad, but it couldn't be helped. It was simply the sorrow of the weak.
‘Well, maybe I’m just worrying for nothing…’
The girl glanced at Jace.
If anything unpleasant were to happen, he would step in.
The thought of his reliability made all her anxieties melt away.
But at some point, the topic of conversation changed.
When a ball was mentioned, her anxiety shot up.
A ball was of the utmost importance.
It could be considered the pinnacle of social activities.
This time, it was a stage for the Heroes to shine.
As a former princess of a country, she had attended balls before, but she had been too young then.
Also, too much time had passed.
*What was the etiquette again? What if I make a mistake without realizing it?*
“…”
All sorts of worries came to mind.
If she had it her way, she would just not attend.
But since it was an event to introduce the Heroes, she couldn't possibly skip it.
No, wait a minute…
Where would she find a partner?
That thought snapped her to attention.
Meanwhile, Ilensia had already hit it off with the Second Prince.
As if her pretty face were paying its dues, she had easily secured the best partner.
A certain emotion suddenly welled up.
For some reason, Esterize felt a surge of sorrow and wanted to cry.
She wouldn't have trouble finding a partner, of course.
The Imperial Family would select a partner befitting a Hero, but such consideration would only feel pathetic.
The girl unconsciously stared at Jace.
How wonderful would it be if he escorted her?
Just imagining it made her heart pound.
She couldn't ask for more, but realistically, it was impossible.
Jace's partner would obviously be Ceria.
There was no reason for him to take another woman as his partner while neglecting his fiancée.
They were already looking at each other, enjoying themselves.
The more she saw it, the more her envy for Ceria grew.
If nothing had happened…
What if she had lived a normal life as a princess?
She didn't know for sure, but she probably wouldn't be drowning in such sadness.
Esterize soon denied her own thoughts.
Things weren't bad now. Just having a connection with Jace was enough.
If anything, she was closer to happiness than misfortune.
No matter how she thought about it, wanting more than that was greedy.
‘Still…’
She harbored a vain desire.
She began to wish for a dream that could not come true.
That was human nature, so it couldn't be helped.
Even though she had become a Hero, nothing had changed.
The girl's heart felt like it was wandering through a maze.
Anyway.
She tried to insist that she wouldn't attend the ball.
Jace persuaded her, saying it was absolutely not an option.
His firm attitude felt harsh.
But on the other hand, it felt like he was looking out for her, which made her secretly happy.
‘If you're going to be like that, then you should just take responsibility for me…’
As she fretted inwardly.
The Second Prince casually spoke to Jace.
—Ah, that's right. How about you escort her?
That was a perfect assist.
He framed it as the Heroes getting along with each other.
For some reason, Aruru also chimed in.
—I also think it would be best to follow the prince's suggestion.
Ceria looked displeased.
But the fox beastkin somehow managed to quell her complaint with some trickery.
*Huh? What's this?*
*Why is she doing something so cute all of a sudden?*
It was so unexpected that she felt a little dazed.
But what was good was good, so she just went with it.
She could repay that favor (?) with a tasty snack later.
In any case, the decision was up to Jace.
The girl looked at him with an anxious heart.
The two Heroes becoming partners and getting along.
If he said no because he had a fiancée, she couldn't do anything about it.
But separate from understanding Jace's position, it would probably hurt quite a bit.
Fortunately, nothing that would hurt her happened.
Jace readily agreed, as if that direction was fine too.
In that moment, the girl felt a lump in her throat.
She barely held back an indescribable emotion with superhuman endurance.
*You'll really be my partner?*
Then she could be confident even in front of everyone.
A splendidly held ball.
Herself in a dress, standing side by side with Jace.
Just imagining that scene made the world feel beautiful.
—Right. Now that that's settled, you'll attend quietly.
Esterize quickly nodded her head.
How could she complain when things couldn't be better?
All her worries disappeared, and a smile naturally formed on her face.
This might be a golden opportunity.
She could only hope it would be a chance to get closer to Jace.
—Let's take this chance to show them. A cool, Hero-like image. That our bond is strong.
He said they should clearly show their close relationship.
The girl interpreted his words in her own way.
*Does that mean I can do all sorts of things?*
As partners, some physical contact would be unavoidable.
Dancing together would be nice, but what about aiming for something more?
Her head went blank from the overwhelming happiness.
Because of that, she couldn't continue her fantasy.
Right, let's just enjoy it comfortably.
The best possible outcome was already set.
Wanting something more from that would be excessive greed.
Afterward, a duel between Jace and the Second Prince suddenly began.
The process was so shocking that her excited mood completely vanished.
*Is this okay?*
*No, is it really okay to beat up a prince like that?*
She was worried in many ways, but in the end, it turned out well.
The Second Prince, on the contrary, praised Jace highly.
He even secured a promise of active support.
Esterize glanced at Jace.
At this point, it seemed like the heavens were helping him.
Perhaps the goddess's will was with him?
‘I’m a Hero too, but no matter how I look at it…’
She had a feeling that Jace was the true Hero.
It was just a thought, something she wished were true.
Soon, Jace began to explain the characteristics of the Holy Sword.
*Huh? Why is he so detailed?*
*The words are flowing so smoothly, as if he read a manual, right?*
A powerful suspicion was triggered.
The circumstances suggested that the true master of the Holy Sword was Jace.
But.
He was trying to pass the Holy Sword to her with the excuse that she was weaker than him.
Esterize couldn't quite grasp his intention.
‘Why on earth is he doing this? It’s so burdensome…’
Putting the burden aside, Jace's attitude was highly suspicious.
It felt like he was taking too good care of her, and it didn't seem to be just her imagination.
He was looking out for her because they were comrades?
He had long since crossed that line.
His consideration was excessively over the top, as if he were insisting she was someone special.
‘It’s like he wants something from me, too…’
*Hmm, perhaps… is this something I can get my hopes up about?*
It was unlikely, but she couldn't help but be conscious of it.
Anyway.
One thing was for sure: he was giving her special treatment.
It went without saying, but Jace's existence was special to Esterize as well.
Assuming that was the case…
Maybe there was a small chance.
“…”
She wanted to do something right away.
But it didn't seem like the right time.
The girl set aside her disappointment and carefully tucked away her feelings of affection.