Ch. 73

I realized I had made a mistake from the fierce stares of the Royal Knights, but fortunately, the Emperor didn’t seem to mind at all.

“It is the palace where royalty who have committed offenses are given time for reflection.”

In other words, Ash was being punished for running away.

“While residing in the Palace of Silence, one may meet no one, send no letters, and is stripped of all luxuries to learn restraint and patience. No one can leave before the time I have set.”

It sounded an awful lot like a prison for royalty.

“Then… is it impossible to meet him?”

“That is correct. Tell me, why do you so desperately wish to meet the Second Prince, even enough to make it your wish?”

“…It’s not a reason significant enough for Your Majesty to be concerned.”

“What is it?”

Since the Emperor urged me to answer, I had no choice but to speak.

I knew better than anyone that my reason wasn’t anything grand.

“We’re friends… I just wanted to say goodbye before leaving Elan.”

After much internal debate, I defined my reason for wanting to see him that way. At least for now.

“Friends, you say.”

“That night, we shared a moment we’ll never forget. If that isn’t friendship, what is?”

Saying it out loud made it sound more profound than it really was.

Worried that others might misunderstand, I hurriedly added,

“I know it will become harder to meet him as time goes by. There are things I haven’t said yet.”

There was a painfully obvious gap between us that made the idea of friendship almost laughable, but still.

And the distance between Elan and Dmitri was not easily crossed.

I might never set foot in Elan again during my lifetime.

“My son has a friend, it seems.”

The problem was, he wasn’t someone you could just knock on the door and casually meet.

While still kneeling, I could only despair at the towering barrier that was the Imperial Family.

“Your Majesty, I won the tournament to meet Ash.”

“How bold.”

“Please reconsider, just once more.”

“Girl, I will say no more. I deny your wish. Even generosity must have its limits.”

“…….”

“Do you not understand? To grant your wish, I would have to revoke an order I have already given. That is something I cannot do.”

I understood perfectly well that the Emperor’s dignity and pride wouldn’t allow him to overturn a command he had issued.

But no matter how I looked at it, it just seemed ridiculously petty.

It’s not even a real prison, just a disciplinary retreat for a ten-year-old kid—what’s the big deal about letting me meet him once?!

Why did they have to be so inflexible about it?!

There were so many things I wanted to say, but all I could do was clench my fists and tremble as I stared at the floor.

If I had nine lives, maybe I would have dared to say something.

“What is it?”

Huh? Did I accidentally let my thoughts slip out loud?

“Speak, Rovenin Fedri.”

I froze while still kneeling.

Because I noticed Rovenin standing right beside me.

When did he get here?! And who did he think he was, raising his hand and asking to speak to the Emperor?!

Even I wouldn’t dare initiate a conversation with the Emperor—was this guy out of his mind?!

I was sure he was crazy from the moment he opened his mouth.

“Your Majesty, I have a good idea.”

“What is it?”

And then, when I saw the Emperor looking at Rovenin with such softness and affection, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of injustice.

Excuse me. That’s not the look you gave me!

So this is what national favoritism looks like.

“As a tournament winner, I too am entitled to make a wish, am I not?”

“That is correct.”

“But I have no personal desires.”

Well, being the son of a duke, of course he wouldn’t. What else would he even need?

I figured it had nothing to do with me and idly stared at the pattern of the stones on the floor.

“But if I had to name something, it would be a duel with Geenie Crowell here.”

What the hell, you lunatic.

“Oh?”

Don’t act interested, you crazy Emperor!

“However, if she does not consent, it would be difficult to proceed.”

“Naturally.”

“So, if Your Majesty would magnanimously permit it, I would like to transfer my wish to her—on the condition that she duels with me.”

The more I listened, the more my teeth clenched in fury.

Basically, he wanted to fight me anyway but now was pretending to do me a favor!

Did he think I was an idiot?!

What a freak. Even worse than I thought.

“A duel between champions. A fine idea. And the spirit of yielding your wish is admirable, too.”

“I’m honored that it pleases you, Your Majesty.”

“Indeed, indeed. If we consider it two wishes combined, there’s no harm in overturning an order after all.”

Sure enough, birds of a feather flock together. The Emperor looked not just pleased but practically gleeful.

“This tournament was dreadfully dull, after all. In both the Toddler and Youth Divisions, there were overwhelming champions—it was like watching children versus adults.”

“E-Excuse me, Your Majesty!”

I’m a person too! Can’t you at least ask for my opinion?!

“What is it? Surely you don’t have an objection?”

Of course I did, but admitting it felt like it would ruin my life.

“It’s just… I’m only ten years old, and Lord Fedri is sixteen, so it doesn’t seem very fair.”

“Naturally, if a duel takes place, the young lord would be given a handicap.”

I had heard the Emperor cherished Rovenin like his own son, but I didn’t expect it to be this extreme.

“What say you, Geenie Crowell? If you defeat Lord Fedri, I shall grant your wish.”

I have to win too?!

“I fail to understand why things are turning out like this, Your Majesty.”

I couldn’t help but speak out with heavy dissatisfaction.

I was finding it harder and harder to hide my temper.

“The wish you asked for is excessive. However, if you can defeat the Empire’s proud genius and even steal the wish that belonged to him, then I shall gladly grant it.”

“Lord Fedri only said he’d grant it if I fought him…”

“Listen here.”

“…….”

“It is I who sets the rules. It is I who grants permission, and I who bestows mercy. None of these decisions are yours to make.”

Damn it.

So it’s all just whatever you want, huh? Because you’re the Emperor, I guess…

I wanted to punch that lazy, predatory-looking face of his.

He wore the exact same expression as a beast toying with prey it had no intention of killing.

Was this the sorrow of belonging to a small nation?

“With two geniuses facing each other, I am very curious to see who will win.”

Alarms blared loudly inside my head, but there was no way out.

The Emperor had already decided to make Rovenin’s suggestion a reality.

And if the Emperor wanted something, it would happen, without fail.

I clenched my teeth at the feeling of being a bull thrown into a bullfighting arena.

“Lord Fedri. What do you think? Is my mercy lacking?”

“No, Your Majesty. Please do as you wish.”

“You have no complaints, then?”

“Yes, I will obey.”

I was going to hate all these Empire bastards forever.

It was painfully clear what the Emperor wanted.

He wanted to enjoy his entertainment while crushing me utterly beneath Elan’s genius.

It was pathetic, but I had no choice in the matter.

“Geenie Crowell. I am curious to hear your answer.”

The answer had already been decided. I just had to say it.

If I had to do it anyway, I wasn’t going to do it while looking pathetic.

Even if I was just a mere citizen of Dmitri caught between an Imperial Emperor and a noble, my pride was still intact.

I stood up and looked up at the Emperor, gritting my teeth so lightly it barely showed, and said what he wanted to hear.

Fine.

“I will do it.”

Let’s do it, just as you wish.

But there wasn’t a single thought in my mind about losing meekly.

They thought they could look down on me, these Empire bastards!

“Steward!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Prepare for a match between the champions. I will grant any wish to the victor.”

The Emperor looked at me, and I glared back, filled with resentment.