The following few days flew by in an instant. Although Aiden’s duties amounted to little more than observing the flow of affairs within the military headquarters, his surroundings were surprisingly quiet. He had undoubtedly expected to be summoned and interrogated about various matters just like before, but there was a complete lack of reaction—to the point where he found it odd. However, there was one thing that had definitely changed compared to the past.
“…….”
Aiden glanced sideways at Noel, who was working expressionlessly in front of him. Ostensibly, it was to look after him without discomfort, given that he had suffered two unpleasant incidents in the short time since being invited here. The problem, however, was that he had to spend most of the day in this man’s office with him. 'I feel like I’m being watched.' Noel kept him so close that it felt that way. Just looking at his work, he was clearly no ordinary busy man, yet he was always attached, as if trying to monitor his every move. It didn't exactly restrict his daily life, but it was incredibly uncomfortable. I feel like I'm going to get a stomach ulcer... "...Um, Sir Noel." "Yes." "When will my orderly be assigned?" I had been told by Stella the other day to stand by, as she would have someone assigned to me. It was a way of expressing my wish to be left alone, promising to relay any necessary matters to them, but Noel's calm reply remained merciless. "I know you are speaking indirectly because you find me uncomfortable, but..." "No, you don't necessarily have to point that out so directly just because you find me uncomfortable..." "It will likely take quite some time to narrow down the list for Mr. Aiden's orderly." "Huh?" "Because there are currently no personnel who meet the criteria. We are in the middle of the search." How could that be? After all, isn't an orderly just something like an ordinary adjutant? I don't think there would be anyone suitable for that job at the Capital Headquarters. "No. They must not be ordinary. Anyone assigned to you must be special." "..." “Given the abilities you’ve demonstrated, what use would I have assigning an ordinary person? If someone is going to be in close contact with me for most of the day, they must at least match my level.” That is an unnecessary overestimation. An ordinary person would be even better. I already feel like I’ve had too many encounters with peculiar people lately… …
“You can look forward to it. I’ll assign you a talent that satisfies you in many respects.” … … It feels like my stomach ulcer is just getting worse for no reason. Aiden frowned for a moment, then immediately came up with another excuse.
“……If you keep being with outsiders during official duties, bad rumors might spread—”
“It’s not like it looks strange to others, is it?”
After saying that, Lord Noel paused for a moment, smiled sweetly, and continued.
“We are... soon to be husband and wife, you know?”
It was a smile as pure as a blemish, but the color drained from Aiden’s face as he heard it. Soon to be husband and wife. Formally speaking, that is true. Though, while Noel might not mind, it is a phrase that makes Aiden himself cringe every time he hears it. And understandably so, considering what he had gone through in just a few days since getting entangled with this woman, it wasn't such a strange reaction. "...My fate has really gotten messed up." Given the kind of trouble he had caused, one would expect him to reconsider the marriage itself, but his resolve was unusually firm. And seeing the other person dwell on it again, it was likely a remark also intended to pressure him not to even think about escaping the surveillance currently being imposed on him. If so, it was the right time to do something to distract himself from this awkward atmosphere. He didn't exactly have a specific task assigned to him, but there was certainly information that needed to be organized. "..." Aiden frowned as he rummaged through the documents on the desk. While Noel was working, Aiden usually managed to find enough time to research the materials he needed. "Why isn't it here?" ...The fact that there was absolutely nothing he was looking for was a huge problem. Moreover, considering the importance of the information he was searching for, it was highly likely to be a harbinger of a catastrophe that would not simply end with the description of a "big problem." Information regarding the 'Protagonist.' Information about the focal point of the main scenario and the savior of the world. It is hard to find. Even now, I desperately want to escape the main scenario and return to an ordinary life, and the 'express ticket' for that lies right there. 'How could it be... not there...?' And if the Protagonist doesn't exist, it doesn't just end with Aiden being unable to return to a normal life. I mean. 'If he isn't there, who is supposed to save the world?' The Protagonist, that is, the savior of this world. Aiden clutched his throbbing head as he continued to ponder this thought. The main scenario, intricately tangled like a ball of yarn, is ultimately structured around him. Aiden meeting his family and living peacefully is also a future plan built on the premise that he fulfills his role. '...I must just not have found him.' Of course, it is premature to conclude that he is completely absent from this world. The information he has gathered so far is hardly sufficient, even as empty words. But, what if he really isn't there? Aiden, too, had to make a 'decision' that aligned with that. Suppressing the assumption that sent shivers down his spine at the mere thought, he brought the system window before him. He was the protagonist, after all; right now, there was one more thing he needed to verify. -Skill Info 【 Katya Heinkel Craven 】 - Bond: Tier 1 <Copied Skill> ◆ First Vow ※Unique – Only this character possesses this! A pledge mimicking the covenant the First Seeker made with the God of Purification. It is unrivaled in terms of firepower, and through the <Ritual of the Vow> with the God of Purification, the user can additionally manifest their own unique traits. ◈ The unique traits have not been unlocked as the ritual has not been performed yet. Aiden slowly read through the listed sentences. 'I don't know about anything else...' Having superior firepower would be helpful in various situations. Compared to Noel's <Heart of Pure White>, the output would undoubtedly be lower, but...Unlike Ki, which lacks any distinct attributes within the ability itself, Divinity possesses clearly powerful characteristics. 'As for the others…' I don't quite understand what the "Oath Ritual" means, but it certainly feels like some massive ceremony performed only on the mainland of the Holy Empire. There is no reason to worry about it right now. Subsequently, Aiden’s face contorted slightly as he lowered his spear and scanned the contents. In fact, judging solely by what was written so far, there wouldn't be any reason to do so. Considering that people can get used to anything, and recalling Noel's case, it is actually much better if they just informed you that something like this would drop before it did. The problem lies here. Attached to the very bottom of the spear, completely unfamiliar content. -Skill Info ■ Omnipotence [ Locked ] Skill is locked. Unlock the initial stage by wielding two or more abilities simultaneously. ■ Source [ Locked ] Skill is locked. What on earth is this? I don't recall ever acquiring anything like this separately, and now the information is locked, preventing me from even viewing it. '… … The best scenario would be for a situation where I have to use these things never to arise.' Aiden gave a bitter smile to himself as he thought this. Ultimately, no matter what, if the time came to use the abilities here, it was highly likely he would be swept up in another urgent situation. Unfortunately, the probability of that happening did not seem low at all.
“.......”
He desperately wanted to return to the ordinary life of an ordinary person, even now. Normally, shouldn't he be having dinner with his father and younger sister by now? 'I wonder what Dad and Sissela are doing…' They were probably anxiously worrying about him, who had vanished in a flash leaving only a letter behind. Recalling such thoughts, Aiden glanced sideways at Noel, who was engrossed in his duties. Actually, if you think about it, you could say that the time he should have spent with his family was stolen away because of that woman right now— “Mr. Aiden.”
“—Yes.”
He had almost choked up for a moment at the sudden remark, but he still managed to return the answer. Noel briefly scrutinized him with a strange look, but soon continued in a calm voice.
“I will be going to the Imperial Palace tomorrow.”
I remember hearing about this. It is an itinerary I was previously notified of by Stella as well. Didn't she say that I had to report the marriage negotiations with Sir Noel directly to the Emperor?
“If you are going to the Imperial Palace, aren’t there more than a few things to be careful about? It seems you haven’t been taught anything at all.” Although the question was likely coming from nerves on edge due to a recent incident where I was challenged regarding etiquette, Noel answered in a nonchalant voice.
“You don’t need to worry too much about etiquette. There might be other things you need to be careful about, though.”
“What do you mean…?”
Noel tilted his teacup, resting his chin beneath his still-smiling face, and continued speaking.
“The contract period for this 'fake marriage' is one year. I will definitely compensate you generously after the contract ends, so I ask for your cooperation just for the time being.”
“Yes?”
“I understand that it is distressing for you to be entangled with a woman like me, but given our position, we must act a little more intimately than usual in official settings. I ask for your understanding in advance.”
What was there to ask for understanding about? You kidnapped me without a word in the first place, and now you're saying this?
“I mean, please bear with it even if I suddenly make physical contact or act friendly. It won’t be easy, though.”
Aiden quietly blinked his eyes as he listened attentively to Noel’s calm words. It felt a little strange. It wasn’t a joke; wasn’t that a tone that genuinely considered his own worth low? 'Does he have low self-esteem?' That was nonsense. A knight with the Empire’s greatest military prowess, a beauty so coveted by men, and a soldier with a standing high enough for the Emperor to pay special attention to? The words that followed were also, in that same context, an expression of incomprehension.
“I don’t think you need to say that.”
As Aiden scratched his cheek and replied, Noel, who had been silent for a moment, stared at him intently.
“……Thank you.” A weary voice returned with a smile. However, that smile somehow gave the strong impression that he considered Aiden’s words to be nothing more than a perfunctory response, rather than genuine joy. It is a common characteristic of people with low self-esteem.
“…….”
Aiden’s head tilted slightly. This person. She genuinely believes that marrying a woman ‘like herself’ would be torture for the other person. Though I don’t know why.
“To be honest, it’s because I have absolutely no dating experience.”
“…….” As the conversation continued, Noel’s voice grew softer and softer. A flush rose on her face as well. Clearing her throat, she managed to continue.
“I just don’t know where the appropriate line is.”
“…….”
“……So, I mean, I might exhibit some inappropriate behavior, that is.” Ah. For that reason? ‘… … That’s unexpected.’ Come to think of it, it wouldn’t be strange if men were lining up for someone like her. If you look at it that way, the fact that she kidnapped Aiden out of the blue instead of looking for someone for a fake marriage is a bit odd in the first place.
“Ah, and let me tell you one more thing.”
Noel immediately added.
“If you enter the Imperial Palace, please do not say a word. Do not draw attention to yourself.” At this serious warning, rarely seen from this man, Aiden’s mouth dropped open slightly.
“...Yes?”
“You would do your best to stay out of ‘that person’s’ perception as much as possible. Otherwise...”
Noel fell silent for a moment. To Aiden, it appeared as though he was carefully choosing words to express ‘that person’ with the least blasphemy, even though he did not know who ‘that person’ was.
“...If you get entangled with the wrong person, you will be in for a very troublesome time.”
“.......”
Of course, despite such efforts. The words that slipped out were a sentence that felt utterly ominous.
▣
“You’re unnecessarily good-looking. Was that your taste?”
Compared to the fearsome title of ‘Emperor,’ the person puffing away on a cigarette in front of him looked more like a friendly, down-to-earth older brother from next door. A young man with striking features who appeared to be only a few years older than Aiden. And true to that first impression,Even the current situation feels somewhat odd for someone called an Emperor. 'The reason he said there was no need to worry about etiquette...' Was that remark made because he was meeting the Emperor directly, bypassing all sorts of complicated procedures? The Pope of the Holy Kingdom, a close friend of the Emperor, is called an eccentric particularly often among the monarchs of hegemonic nations, but judging by this alone, the Emperor of the Empire feels just as formidable. "Yes, well." Noel answered curtly with a frown, as if she were stressed out by serving such an eccentric liege. Considering her usual demeanor of being polite to everyone regardless of rank, this was quite a shocking sight. Even more shocking, however, was the Emperor of the Empire, who didn't even blink an eye in the face of such behavior. "My dear. Didn't I tell you repeatedly that the best men are those who look sturdy? Bringing home a guy who looks like a gigolo like this—" "I do not think this is a matter for Your Majesty to meddle in. Isn't he my husband, whom I chose myself?" “Good riddance. Look at your manners toward the Emperor.”
“You picked a fight with me first—”
And the level of conversation between the two was even more shocking. It was exactly like a teenage sister bringing her first boyfriend home and an older brother who disliked him. No matter how you looked at it, this was not a conversation expected of the Empire’s greatest soldier and the Emperor, and both seemed incredibly accustomed to it, as if this kind of childish dialogue wasn’t the first of its kind… …
“…….”
Of course, despite this, there were two facts that could be clarified in the current situation. That Sajasim and the Emperor were much, very, extremely close than publicly known. In fact, such an informal relationship is not something that can emerge in just a day or two. I’m sure they have had quite a deep exchange for some time. And.
“—So, I’m saying it is a decision I absolutely cannot approve in the current state.” That, despite their relationship, the Emperor was actively opposing Noel’s marriage to the point where he would say something like this to the very end.
“Noel.”
“……Yes.”
With a voice that had settled much deeper compared to before, Noel also dropped his curt demeanor and replied with a serious expression.
“It’s not like you don’t know the internal situation of the Empire, my boy. The aristocratic society right now is a den of iniquity, filled with greedy devils looking out for their own self-interest. Everyone is pouring their hearts and souls into your position, as you enjoy great support from the people, and even if I remain silent, the other factions won’t sit idly by.”
“No matter who I marry, the scales will tip, Your Majesty. The ideal scenario is a civil war, and the worst-case scenario is it escalating back into a coalition war. Wouldn’t bringing in a third party be the most reasonable option?”
“That’s just a stopgap measure. There isn’t a single one who doesn’t know what a sham is. My own son won’t sit idly by.”
Then, a long stream of incomprehensible talk followed. Talk about the chaotic post-war state of the aristocracy, how imperial authority had been greatly weakened to the point of being unable to control them, and so on. And so on. The difficult talk of the high-ranking officials. If there was anything that stood out, it was the attitude the Emperor adopted when addressing the Crown Prince. It was practically the same as speaking to a complete stranger. It was as if their relationship went beyond mere discord, making it seem like they were sworn enemies. Aiden’s eyebrows curved subtly. 'Family members don't get along?' —This felt subtly different from the 'original' version he knew. In his memory, the Crown Prince was clearly an excellent hero. A human being close to being flawless in character. I don't recall him being the type to have a falling out with his father.
“Then there is only one option left.” As he ruminated on this thought, a sentence suddenly fell from the front of him.
“Ultimately, the biggest problem is that others are raising objections, claiming this fellow is unsuitable as your husband. Once they realize that you two make a good couple, their superficial complaints will sink in, if not all of them.”
“......I do not wish to burden you any further, Mr. Aiden. But isn't it strange to dig into my personal issues that deeply in the first place?”
“You’re right, but politics is just that kind of garbage dump.” As the bickering went back and forth, Aiden’s expression grew serious as well. From what he heard, it was clear that His Majesty the Emperor was maintaining a very negative stance regarding this engagement. That wasn’t exactly welcome news for him either. ‘If the marriage falls through…’ If the sham marriage falls apart, it’s a ‘quest failure.’ That is a situation Aiden absolutely does not want. Therefore, the course of action he must take now is clear.
“I will do it.”
The Emperor and Noel’s gazes turned back simultaneously.
“I will do it. Proof of worth. If that is the only way to proceed with the engagement.”
At Aiden’s words, a long silence fell over the surroundings. Noel’s eyes, in particular, were wide open. It looked as if he had never imagined Aiden would step forward himself. Then.
“—His spirit is fine, isn’t it?”
A smile spread across the Emperor’s face as he tapped his pipe against the ashtray. That smile, as if. He looked like a mischievous rascal who had come up with a brilliant idea.
“You said you’d do it, didn’t you?”
“…….” —If you get entangled in this wrong way, you will find it extremely tiring. In his mind, a sentence he had heard just yesterday was flashing through.
“……Your Majesty. Such a dangerous thing—”
Noel interrupted in a voice tinged with tension. Seeing how slightly pale his complexion had turned, it seemed as though he had been tormented by the Emperor wearing such an expression more than once. Then, the Emperor, ignoring her words very naturally, turned his head toward Aiden.
“You, did you say your name is Aiden?”
Having brought up the subject, the Emperor continued immediately without waiting for a reply.
“Let’s prove just how harmonious a couple you two are.”
“……I apologize for speaking, but I do not quite understand—”
“There is no means of persuasion as effective as combat power for the stuffy Imperial nobles. Especially in times as chaotic as this.”
“…….”
“Fight together, you two.”
The Emperor grinned and cut Aiden off in the middle of his answer. "I happen to have a good match, you know?"