Chapter 69

I found a way to implement the relief measures for now, but there was still another problem that needed immediate attention.

The imperial family had invited the entire Academy to the Empress’s pregnancy celebration.

Although it was likely to be an ordinary ball with little more than a few words of congratulations, according to Iris, the real reason behind the invitation was none other than to see me.

I had no way of knowing what approach they would take, but the Emperor surely knew how close Iris and I were. And yet, if he was going out of his way to summon me specifically… it was almost certainly an attempt to bring me over to his side.

“Hmmm…”

“Why is it that every time I see you, you’re always deep in thought, Theo? What could you possibly have so much to worry about?”

Marty spoke to me from the seat beside mine.

“And why is it that every time I see you, you never seem to have a single worry in the world? I’m honestly jealous.”

To be honest, I did kind of want to live a life like Marty’s.

I had felt pretty hopeless when I first possessed this body, but in the end, I was just an extra.

The protagonists could handle things on their own, while I lived my life peacefully, playing the role of a dutiful son. That had been my plan all along.

“Haha, do I really seem that way?”

“I’ve never met anyone who looks as carefree as you do.”

“Well, I’ve never really been the type to stress over things. It’s not like worrying will make things go my way, so what’s the point? Might as well just go with the flow. Especially someone like you; what’s the worst that could happen if you just let things be?”

It might have been an offhand remark, but it actually made a lot of sense.

“…That’s a surprisingly convincing argument.”

“See? So stop overthinking everything. Sure, your hair is nice and thick now, but if you keep stressing like this, you’ll be bald in no time.”

“Are you cursing me?”

Still… he wasn’t exactly wrong.

If I kept living like this, constantly lost in thought, wouldn’t I end up going bald before ever meeting anyone and be doomed to spend my life alone?

“Ugh, whatever. Instead of wasting time worrying, I might as well swing my sword one more time or practice my magic again.”

“Just don’t use it on me. I’d rather not have my arm twisted again like last time.”

“That was your fault for suddenly rushing at me, you idiot.”

Talking with Marty had a way of making all my worries disappear, if only for a while. It was honestly kind of nice.

Whenever I talked to other people, it was nothing but endless concerns….this problem, that problem.

In a way, maybe this was one of Marty’s greatest strengths.

“Anyway, thanks.”

I gave him a quick nod before getting up and heading to the training grounds.

As enjoyable as it was to have mindless conversations with Marty, I couldn’t spend my entire life doing just that.

I was me, and Marty was Marty.

“Haa…”

Swish-shhk!

I steadied my mind by swinging my sword and decided to prepare for the Emperor’s summons since I’d be going anyway.

For now, it didn’t seem like there were too many people stronger than me, so it made sense that the Emperor’s attention might be on me.

Not that it mattered. I had no intention of getting caught up in whatever he was planning.

It wasn’t like Iris and I were strangers.

I had no idea what kind of proposal he’d make, but regardless, I couldn’t help thinking that the Emperor was truly a fool as I continued swinging my sword and practicing my magic.

***

“No, come on. This is just ridiculous.”

The day of the Empress’s pregnancy celebration.

Theo who had been called by the Emperor came out with a bewildered expression and shouted to Estelle and Iris.

“He actually brought up my parents and tried to blackmail me into becoming the Empress’s knight. Isn’t that seriously crossing the line?”

Iris’s face twisted into a deep scowl the moment she heard those words.

Estelle felt the same way, but her reaction was entirely different.

“No, but bringing up your parents like that? That’s outrageous. I should go and have a word with His Majesty—”

“What kind of crazy bastard does that?! Is he crazy?!”

Since the Emperor was her father, Iris remained relatively composed, but Estelle was a different story.

She had no connection to the Emperor, and the fact that he had targeted Theo was enough to make her furious. She didn’t bother hiding it.

“Iris, how are you not angry?! Sir Theo just had to hear something like that!”

On top of that, Iris’s calm demeanor made it all the more frustrating.

The man she liked had been subjected to such words, yet she remained this composed?

“…Of course, I’m angry. How could I not be? But getting upset won’t change anything.”

Naturally, Iris wasn’t calm because she wasn’t angry.

She was absolutely furious. But she knew that simply lashing out wouldn’t solve anything, so she was focusing on finding a way to handle the situation.

The difference between them was too big. Anyone could see it at a glance.

How do these two end up dating later? It makes no sense.

Even in this situation, Theo found himself wondering about the ending of the original story.

It was fascinating to see the two of them who would one day be madly in love arguing like this right in front of him.

“I get how both of you feel, but for now, just calm down.”

No matter what was on his mind, Theo was always the one to step in and mediate between them.

It was ironic. Today’s events revolved around him, yet here he was, playing the peacemaker between the two.

“Either way, I don’t think anything will change just because someone says something to His Majesty. So there’s no real reason for Iris to go see him again.”

It wasn’t as if they got along in the first place.

Theo saw no point in Iris going out of her way to meet someone she could barely stand.

“And Estelle, don’t forget that, for now, they’re still an allied country of the Holy Empire. You should be more careful with your words. We are after all inside the Imperial Palace, and there are plenty of eyes watching.”

Even though it seemed like only the three of them were there, many eyes were undoubtedly watching.

That was the nature of the Imperial Palace.

“…Yes, I’m sorry, Sir Theo. I’ll be more careful.”

Estelle wasn’t unaware of that fact.

Even in the Holy Empire, there were always eyes and ears everywhere.

She had simply let her emotions get the better of her and spoken too openly.

Now that Theo had stepped in, she took a deep breath to calm herself before nodding her head in agreement.

“Then, what do you plan to do, Sir Theo?”

Iris asked for his thoughts.

“This isn’t the right place to discuss it. I’ll tell you once we’re back. For now, since we’re already here, why don’t we enjoy the party a little?”

Theo spoke with a smile.

Bringing up my parents… How despicable. To actually act like that at his age.

It wasn’t that he wasn’t bothered by what had happened.

However, since he hadn’t given the Emperor a clear answer yet, he was certain that nothing drastic would happen immediately.

After all, the Emperor needed him. Targeting his parents recklessly would be a foolish move, and the Emperor surely knew that.

“The Imperial Palace may have its issues, but the food here is excellent. I’d love for you to try some, Sir Theo.”

Since the entire Academy had been invited, there was no way anything suspicious had been done to the food.

Besides, the Emperor and Empress themselves would be eating it, which meant any tampering would be too risky.

With that in mind, the three of them returned to the ballroom and decided to follow Theo’s suggestion. That is to enjoy the party for now.

“Th-Then Sir Theo… would you dance with me?”

Estelle had already decided to enjoy herself, so she decided to make the most of it and asked Theo for a dance.

“Ah, I’m sorry, Estelle. I’m not very good at dancing… I don’t think I’d be able to dance with you.”

However, what she received in return was a firm refusal.

“How about dancing with Iris instead? I think the two of you would make a great pair.”

At a ballroom dance, it was customary for men and women to partner together, but that didn’t mean friends couldn’t dance with each other.

“With Iris?”

“…Why do you look so disgusted? It’s not like I want to dance with you either.”

The two of them frowned at the idea of having to hold hands and dance together.

“Oh, come on. Just give it a try. I’d love to see it.”

But Theo remained steadfast.

Wasn’t it said that the scene of them dancing together in the Yuri mode was supposed to be so beautiful?

There had been no proper illustration of it in the game, so he hadn’t been able to witness it there. But now, he wasn’t about to miss the chance to see it in real life.

“…Ugh, if you insist, Sir Theo, I suppose I have no choice.”

“The same goes for me. It’s not like I want to do this…”

With that, Iris held out her hand to Estelle.

Estelle still wore an uneasy expression as she took Iris’s hand, but once the music began and they started dancing, their expressions changed slightly.

“Oh…”

There was no trace of affection between them, yet their movements were undeniably graceful.

They really are both pretty.

Their elegant dance moves played a part, and they were both naturally skilled dancers, but even beyond that, their sheer beauty added to the spectacle.

They suit each other well.

Was it because they were the protagonists?

Or simply because they were both so breathtaking? Theo wasn’t sure, but one thing was certain…..they looked exceptionally good together.

“Oh my, Her Highness the Crown Princess and the Saintess are dancing together!”

“They’re absolutely beautiful!”

And it wasn’t just Theo who thought so.

Everyone watching them dance found the sight utterly mesmerizing.