Deadline Is Raining in the Status Window - Chapter 325

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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 closed for some time due to the war, but it seems Cecilia intends to revive it. In the distant past, it was where those who couldn’t become Empress Consort or national concubines gathered, but at some point it became the residence for those taken as hostages from defeated nations or for diplomatic reasons.
You could call it a form of welfare policy for colonies and hostages. During the height of the war, there were no funds to maintain the Imperial Harem, so it was simply closed.
“Those who will stand by my side now are Rael and you alone. My expectations are quite high.”
“Gasp! What an honor! I-I’m honored!”
That’s not right, you fool! Didn’t you say you didn’t want to become a concubine?
I smacked Reina on the head, and the Bachelor immediately grew angry and struck mine in return.
“You wretch! Show respect to the Empress Consort!”
“She’s not even 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 Cecilia in shock, but she merely tilted her head with a curious “Hmm?” as if amused by our reaction. This woman, using cuteness in such a situation—how underhanded!
“There seems to have been some misunderstanding. But time will resolve everything.”
Cecilia smiled and then left with the Bachelor, saying she had other matters to attend to. Little Seian Mark Two, whom Cecilia seemed to have deliberately left behind, bowed respectfully to Reina and offered to escort her.
“I shall guide you to the Palace. Your Highness, this way, please.”
“Eh? Eh-eh?”
Reina followed Little Seian Mark Two while stammering. It’s wise not to resist hastily within the Imperial Palace, but watching Reina actually go along with it is amusing… and somewhat pitiful. She takes a few steps, looks back at me, takes a few more steps, looks back again—like a calf being led to market.
“What should we do? His Majesty seems to have already decided this as fact.”
“There was no time to negotiate.”
“R-Reina, are you really… really going to become a concubine?”
If Reina truly must become Count Letem, then she would have to accept her responsibilities and duties. But we haven’t even sat down at the negotiation table with Cecilia yet, and Reina’s own wishes remain unclear. Before this is settled, I need to do everything I can.
“Once night falls, I’ll ask Reina what she wants and have a conversation with Cecilia. I can’t just watch Reina be sold off like this.”
“What if Reina says she’d rather abandon the title and run away?”
“Then what else? I’ll have to feed and house her at Serpent King’s Tower.”
That’s the duty of the Ten Thousand Demon King. I’m responsible for the livelihood of my subordinates. I sent my friends back to the Neftis Townhouse.
Using the excuse of naming the New Palace as my reason to stay at the Imperial Palace, I summoned my ice wings the moment the sun set and flew whoosh toward the Lake Palace. My memory’s a bit hazy, but I believe the Emperor’s permission is required to enter the Imperial Harem. The same applies to visiting my own brother Rael’s imperial quarters. If necessary, I’d have to grab Reina and flee, but I conveniently glossed over that part.
I circled the Lake Palace, which shimmered and gleamed even more beautifully in the summer heat. Finding him wasn’t difficult. That place alone was as bright as midday, and for reasons I couldn’t fathom, it was swarming with handsome attendants.
“Hehehehe! 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 was sprawled on a bed with handsome attendants on either arm, receiving a foot massage from a well-built Young Attendant. And a Young Attendant around the level of Seian Mark Six was plucking grapes one by one and feeding them into Reina’s mouth.
“Mmm…”
This might resolve more easily than expected. She might face some punishment, though.
I changed direction and flew whoosh toward the Main Palace. I knocked tap-tap-tap on the Emperor’s chamber door, then told him to come with me as I had somewhere urgent to be.
“How sudden.”
“This is the fastest way to travel.”
“Hmm.”
A sound of approval. Cecilia threw on 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 come along. 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!”
It was a complete mess. Yet it 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 be quite difficult?”
“I should impose punishment.”
“No, don’t think of reforming her.”
Where should I even begin explaining this? I paused to consider, then brought up a point I’d emphasized throughout my acquaintance with Cecilia.
“A person’s heart is not something you can always bend to your will. When you took the Empress Consort, you never obtained Reina’s consent, did you?”
“I’ve already concluded negotiations with Count Letem.”
“So did you obtain Reina’s consent?”
“….”
Cecilia, having nothing to say, shrugged with an “Mmm?” This fool—don’t think I fall for your charms every time. This once, I’ll let it slide.
“Do not blame His Majesty Cecilia. This decision was made after careful consideration of various factors, including Lady Reina’s disposition. Since she is intoxicated by power, it was judged she would be satisfied with the status of Empress Consort.”
“Time resolves all things, as I’ve said.”
Yes, that reasoning is rational enough—provided the creature in question is truly as starved for strength, power, and honor as he is. But even that coveted power can become worthless before conviction.
“Hey, Reina! Come to your senses!”
I threw 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.
“Ah, gasp! Your Majesty the Emperor!”
If you’re so terrified, why were you carrying on like the Third Princess with these men? Reina, guilty as charged, knelt on the floor, but her sense of injustice was so acute 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 act so bold and resolute. You’ll win Cecilia’s favor? If he truly takes a liking to you, he’ll lock you away regardless of your consent or anything else.
“I—”
Tears of sorrow welled up in Reina’s eyes in an instant. It was likely due to her usual convictions. Her lips trembled as she expressed her grievance, and she 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 live with a hundred men even after marriage! Muscular men! Handsome men! Sly men, cute men, beautiful men! I want to interact with all kinds of attractive men, from the young to the old, and do that! And do that! And do that!”
“….”
Cecilia’s expression grew slightly displeased. Good. Seeing her so obsessed with men must have dampened his 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. So she truly loved men that much. A creature mad for men. No wonder decent men wouldn’t come near her. Even if I were a man, I’d find you repulsive and couldn’t date you.
“If you don’t become Empress Consort, you cannot inherit the Count Letem title. Didn’t you hear this from your mother?”
“I can’t give up the title either! Power is too wonderful!”
“Truly, what a willful child.”
Ah, so this aspect appeals to your tastes as well? Cecilia chuckled 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 worry for your well-being, the well-being of my friends is equally important to me.”
Reina was brought here as Empress Consort because of my proposal to provide the Egg so 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.
“Even the Emperor has his pride. I cannot forcibly take a child who says she dislikes me.”
“Gasp, then—!”
“Instead, I’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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