Deadline Is Raining in the Status Window - Chapter 318

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Imperial Harem. It had been sealed shut during the war, but it seems Cecilia intends to revive it. In the distant past, it housed those who could not become Empress Consort or Imperial Consort, but at some point it became the residence for those brought as hostages from defeated nations or for diplomatic reasons.
A form of welfare policy for colonial subjects and hostages, one might say. During the height of the war, there were no funds to maintain the Imperial Harem, so it was simply closed.
“Right now, only Rael and you stand by my side. I have great expectations.”
“Gasp! What an honor! I-I’m honored!”
That won’t do, you fool! Didn’t you say you didn’t want to become an Imperial Consort?
I smacked Reina’s head hard, and the Bachelor immediately grew angry and struck mine in return.
“You wretch! That is disrespectful to the Empress Consort!”
“She’s not the Empress Consort yet!”
“Her name has already been entered into the Imperial Registry!”
“What?!”
How could this proceed without the other party’s consent! I turned to stare at Cecilia in shock, but she merely tilted her head with a curious “Hmm?” as if our reaction was amusing. This wretch, using cuteness as a shield in a situation like this—how cowardly!
“There seems to have been some misunderstanding. But time will resolve everything.”
Cecilia smiled and then left with the Bachelor, claiming to have another engagement. Little Seian Mark Two, whom Cecilia seemed to have deliberately left behind, bowed respectfully to Reina and offered his escort.
“I shall guide you to the Palace. Your Highness, this way, please.”
“Eh? Eh-eh?”
Reina stumbled along after Little Seian Mark Two in confusion. It was wise not to resist rashly within the Imperial Palace, but watching Reina actually go along with it was amusing—and somewhat pitiful. The way she took a few steps, turned back to look at me, then took a few more steps and looked back again, resembled a calf being led to market.
“What should we do? It seems His Majesty has already decided this as fact.”
“There was no time to negotiate.”
“R-Reina, you’re really… really becoming an Imperial Consort?”
If Reina truly must become Count Letem, then she would need to fulfill the responsibilities and duties that come with it, so accepting the situation would be necessary. But we haven’t even sat down at the negotiation table with Cecilia yet, and Reina’s own wishes remain unclear. I must do everything I can before this is finalized.
“When night falls, I’ll ask Reina what she truly wants and speak with Cecilia. I cannot simply stand by and watch Reina be given away like this.”
“What if Reina says she’d rather abandon the title and escape?”
“Then there’s nothing for it—I’ll have to feed and house her at Serpent King’s Tower.”
That is the duty of the King of Ten Thousand Demons. I am responsible for the livelihood of those under me. I sent my friends back to the Neftis Townhouse.
Using the pretext of naming the New Palace as my excuse to remain at the Imperial Palace, I summoned my ice wings the moment the sun set and flew whoosh toward the Lake Palace. My memory is hazy, but I believe visiting the Imperial Harem requires the Emperor’s permission. The same applies to visiting my own brother Rael’s Imperial Consort’s quarters. If necessary, I would have to grab Reina and flee, but I conveniently omitted that part from my considerations.
I circled the Lake Palace, which shimmered and gleamed even more beautifully in summer. Finding her was not difficult. That place alone blazed as bright as midday, and for reasons I couldn’t fathom, it swarmed with handsome attendants.
“Ahahaha! Being an Empress Consort isn’t so bad after all?!”
“You mustn’t do this, Your Majesty.”
“If… if His Majesty were to find out…”
Reina lay sprawled on the bed with handsome attendants on either arm, receiving a foot massage from a well-built young man, while an attendant around Seian Mark Six’s age plucked grapes one by one and fed them into Reina’s mouth.
“Mmm…”
This might resolve more easily than expected. She might receive some punishment, but still.
I changed direction and flew whoosh toward the Main Palace. I knocked on the Emperor’s chamber door—tap-tap-tap-tap—and told him I had somewhere to go and needed him to come with me.
“How sudden.”
“This is the fastest way to travel.”
“Hmm.”
A sound of assent. Cecilia donned another silk robe and settled obediently into my arms. The Bachelor insisted on coming wherever His Majesty went, so I told him to grab my leg and hold on. I carried Cecilia in a princess hold while dangling the Bachelor from my leg as I flew whoosh toward the Lake Palace.
“Hehehehe! Bring more wine, more wine!”
“Oh no! You really mustn’t do this!”
“Please, spare my trousers!”
A complete mess. Yet this was precisely the scene I’d wanted Cecilia to witness, so I found myself satisfied. I pointed to Reina’s shameful display and spoke.
“If your wife possesses such a character, wouldn’t your position become quite difficult?”
“I suppose I’ll have to impose discipline.”
“No, don’t think about correcting her.”
Where should I even begin explaining this? I pondered briefly before drawing upon a theme I’d emphasized throughout my acquaintance with Cecilia.
“A person’s heart is something you can never control entirely by your own will. You never obtained Reina’s consent when you took the Empress Consort, did you?”
“I’ve already concluded my discussions with Count Letem.”
“So did you obtain Reina’s consent or not?”
“….”
Cecilia, having nothing to say, shrugged with an “Hmm?” This fool—don’t think I fall for your charms every time. I’m only letting it slide this once.
“Do not blame His Majesty Cecilia. The decision was made after considering various aspects, including Lady Reina’s disposition. Since she becomes obsessed with power, it was judged that she would be satisfied with the status of Empress Consort.”
“All things are resolved by time, as I’ve said.”
Yes, that reasoning is rational enough—provided that creature is truly so starved for strength, power, and honor. Yet even that coveted power can become worthless before conviction.
“Hey, Reina! Come to your senses!”
I flung open the veranda doors and stepped inside, clapping my hands sharply to draw attention. The men hastily straightened their clothes and dropped to their knees before Cecilia, bowing their heads.
“Gasp! Your Majesty the Emperor!”
If you’re going to be so terrified, why were you carrying on with men like the Third Princess? Reina, having committed her transgression, knelt on the ground, but her indignation was so profound that she lifted her head stubbornly and spoke with sharp defiance.
“Your Majesty, there are things I cannot compromise on!”
“Things you cannot compromise on?”
Listen, don’t carry yourself with such audacity and determination. You’ll end up pleasing Cecilia? If she truly takes a fancy to you, she’ll confine you regardless of your consent or anything else.
“I—”
Tears of sorrow quickly welled up in Reina’s eyes. It was likely due to her usual convictions. Her lips trembled as she expressed her grievance, and the woman laid bare her true self before Cecilia.
“I love men!”
“….”
“I want to date a hundred men before marriage and then get married! Actually, I want to keep a hundred men around even after marriage! Muscular men! Handsome men! Coy men, cute men, beautiful men! I want to interact with all manner of handsome men from youths to the elderly, and do that! And do that! And do that!”
“….”
Cecilia’s expression darkened slightly. Fortunately. Seeing her so enamored with men seemed to have dampened her interest.
“I love men! I don’t want to marry a woman! I want to die surrounded by men!”
Reina beat the ground and wailed. She loves men that much. This fool obsessed with men. That’s why decent men won’t come near you. Even if I were a man, I couldn’t date you—you’re too repulsive.
“If you don’t become Empress Consort, you cannot inherit the Count Letem title. Haven’t you heard this from your mother?”
“I can’t give up the title either! Power is so wonderful!”
“Truly, what a willful child you are.”
Ah, so this aspect appeals to your tastes as well? Cecilia laughed softly, as if troubled. At this point, perhaps I should step in.
“Cecilia. Do not forget that providing the Egg is an act of my goodwill. Just as I concern myself with your welfare, my friend’s welfare is equally important to me.”
Reina was brought to become Empress Consort because of my proposal to provide the Egg so that Cecilia wouldn’t suffer. If Reina is forced into an unwanted marriage because of the Egg, I have no choice but to withdraw my offer. As I made this clear, Cecilia nodded.
“The Emperor too has pride. I cannot forcibly take a child who says she dislikes me.”
“Gasp, then—!”
“Instead, you’ll have to face punishment. And there needs to be a legitimate reason for it.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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