This Emperor Is Running a Marriage Scam - Chapter 146

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

Chapter 146

A natural silence descended upon the tea table.
The gathered individuals sat with sealed lips as though bound by an unspoken pact, sipping their tea in stillness.
It was the sensation of Bloden observing the board from above everyone’s heads.
It was true that the Emperor’s movements appeared somewhat different from his usual patterns.
As an ominous premonition crept in that matters might not unfold according to plan, everyone’s minds grew increasingly turbulent.
‘Yet surely that cannot be the case?’
Anna could not fathom that Bloden could possibly understand all the circumstances, no matter how much she deliberated.
Bloden was specialized only in the extermination of monsters; he was ignorant of all else.
Merely months prior, Bloden had been preoccupied with maintaining proximity to the Commanders and defending the Northern Region, and since no one had instructed him and all had feigned ignorance, it was only natural. A considerable number of Knights from the Northern Region had become Anna’s eyes, sending regular reports—of this she was certain.
‘Come to think of it, his trail only went cold these past months.’
When Bloden returned to the Imperial Palace, his appearance was that of a refined adult, as though he had never borne any curse from the beginning. Naturally, her attention converged upon this void.
‘After the victory report, Aner left the Imperial Palace. That must certainly be connected to his covert movements.’
Soon Anna concluded that discerning what Bloden had been doing during his time in hiding was her most pressing priority.
In that regard, she felt she ought to spend more time with Nelloa as well. After all, it was Nelloa who had most closely pursued Bloden’s movements.
Anna had not forgotten that Nelloa’s prediction of Bloden appearing in Snoril had proven accurate.
“The tea has been so enjoyable that time has slipped away from us.”
Anna set down her teacup and offered a forced smile.
“Regarding the amnesty list, I shall inquire of His Majesty. Each of you, please do your utmost in the duties entrusted to you.”

* * *

I hadn’t anticipated that Kyle and Charlie would join Baron at the Emperor’s birthday festival. It was equally surprising that Baron had readily permitted their company. Still, I was delighted to enjoy the festival with Baron as I’d been looking forward to.
Now that the sun had set, all that remained was to wander through the magnificent nighttime festival streets. However, Baron and Kyle began discussing weapons, and Charlie, listening from beside us, mentioned there was a special Weapon Shop in the outskirts that only opened on particular occasions.
When Baron and Kyle heard that all manner of fascinating items were available and that it had opened precisely today, they became eager to visit.
Truthfully, I held little interest in weapons, but since Baron enjoyed them, I thought I could simply accompany him. Yet Baron said something unexpected.
“I’ll go take a look. You stay here and enjoy the festival, Nuna.”
“What?”
“That place will be packed with smelly men. If you showed up there, those fools would stare at you and cause trouble, wouldn’t they? I’d prefer to browse leisurely.”
“Ah, now that you mention it, Baron has a point.”
Charlie nodded in agreement.
“A young woman like Hailey, especially one as beautiful as you, would certainly attract the unwanted advances of thoughtless men.”
Though flustered, I knew that if such a situation arose, Baron’s temperament would never allow him to tolerate it.
It would be unfortunate to interfere with Baron’s enjoyment.
“All right. Be careful out there.”
I waved until Baron disappeared from sight, then surveyed my surroundings.
Stars glimmered across the darkening sky, while small fireworks burst among them, sparkling and fading in endless succession.
Torches planted throughout and suspended lanterns strung on lines brilliantly illuminated the streets, which were adorned with elaborate festival decorations.
Beneath them, temporary stalls stood densely packed. Simple tables overflowed with food and the boisterous laughter and chatter of crowds so numerous that empty spaces were impossible to find.
I spotted bards plucking lute strings while singing, street performers breathing fire, clowns leading children, and groups of people who would suddenly burst into song and dance whenever the mood struck them.
“Long live the Emperor!”
Amid the chaos, someone shouted in a drunken voice, and others echoed the cheer.
It was truly a grand festival that deserved to be called a night ablaze.
Except for me, left standing alone.
“Ah, I never imagined I’d be wandering around by myself like this.”
As I looked around and heaved a deep sigh, I suddenly felt light emanating from beneath my feet.
A small Salamander had been watching me from below—I wasn’t sure when it had arrived.
“Oh, when did you get here?”
I quickly crouched down to examine the Salamander.
“Chirp.”
The Salamander grinned happily and raised its front paw, waving it through the air once. Simultaneously, the flames that had enveloped its body vanished.
To anyone watching, it was clearly asking to be petted.
I extended my hand and stroked its head. The Salamander, seeming pleased, leaned into my touch and climbed onto my palm. Then it pointed ahead with its front paw and began nodding insistently.
“Chirp.”
“You want to go together?”
“Chirp!”
Though its cries were simple, I found their meaning remarkably easy to understand.
“All right, all right. Let’s go together.”
I began to move forward.

* * *

As we approached the Town Square, the crowd grew denser and more congested. I could see people lined up in various spots, apparently waiting for popular food stalls.
But the more I observed the people emerging from the Town Square, the more I found myself smiling.
It was because of the snack in their hands—rice cake skewers—a sight that had become familiar to my eyes. And they weren’t carrying just one; several people held three or four at a time.
I had broken down the work for the twenty people assigned to me into precise, sequential steps, ensuring each person performed exactly one task with accuracy. As a result, we achieved uniform quality in our rice cakes, and now they were being sold fresh from the stone griddle—their exteriors crispy, their interiors moist.
“What are you holding in your hand? Where are you selling it?”
“Is it delicious?”
I could hear a few people asking those holding the rice cake skewers with curious expressions.
“Yes, it’s delicious.”
“What flavor is it?”
“Well, how should I describe it? I’ve never tried anything like this before.”
The companion beside them added to the conversation while waving the rice cake skewer in their hand.
“You have to taste it to know.”
Those holding the rice cake skewers turned back toward the Town Square with a triumphant air.
Now they would mention that it could be purchased at the Red Roof Building that appeared when heading toward Fountain Square. But as he glanced around, he pointed to a location I hadn’t anticipated.
“Just get in that line and follow it.”
It was an unbelievable answer. Those who saw the line were taken aback.
“What? The distance from here to the Town Square is easily over 500 meters?”
“Still, the line moves faster than you’d think. If you don’t believe me, go check in front of the shop and come back.”
“Since it’s only sold during the festival, make your own judgment.”
Those holding the rice cake skewers wore victorious smiles as they continued on their way.
At that moment, the Salamander, stretching its neck to gaze at the rice cake skewers, let out a small cry.
“Squeak.”
“Do you want to try some too?”
“Squeak.”
I laughed at the sight of the Salamander pointing toward the long line.
“Wait, you’re a lizard, but you even know how to stand in line?”
Rather than joining the queue to purchase rice cake skewers, I headed toward the Town Square. While it had seemed unbelievable when I heard it described, the long line truly did lead to our shop.
From a distance, I could see the staff assigned to me moving busily. As I approached the counter with satisfaction, one of those standing in line spoke up loudly.
“Hey, isn’t this the young lady? We’ve been waiting all this time, and you just cut in line like this?”
When I turned around, it was the Ajusshi who had cursed Bloden at the tavern.
Just as the Ajusshi, who had been shaking his fist as if he wouldn’t let this slide, recognized me and his eyes widened in shock, protests from others began to pour in.
“What? Who dares to cut in line?”
“Where are your eyes? Don’t you see this line?”
“This young lady won’t do! Get to the back and get in line before we teach you a lesson!”
Just as I was about to explain the misunderstanding, a familiar voice suddenly rang out.
“My, quite the protest, isn’t there?”
When I turned around, a silver-haired handsome man caught my eye. But his face was Bloden’s.
“Oh my!”
Startled, I quickly tried to bow respectfully, but Bloden winked and swiftly brought a finger to his lips.
“Shh.”
‘Oh right, now that I think about it, the hair color is different.’
She appeared to be on a secret outing.
“What brings you here?”
“I came out alone and happened to spot you.”
“I see.”
I laughed awkwardly and pointed toward the rice cake skewer stall.
“It’s common fare, but would you care to try one?”
That was when it happened.
“Excuse me, Miss, are you ignoring what people are saying?”
“Did you bring your boyfriend too?”
The protests from those waiting in line grew louder. The vendors, who had been flustered and unable to find the right moment to greet her, quickly gathered their composure and called out to me in a loud voice.
“Welcome! Owner!”
In that instant, as if cold water had been splashed on them, the people’s protests subsided completely.

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