WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Natty

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Copy Skills with Affinity! ◈

Chapter 6: Emperor

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The next few days passed in a flash.

The most Aiden did was watch how things operated within the military headquarters, but surprisingly, his surroundings were unbelievably quiet.

He had expected to be summoned again and questioned about this and that, just like before. Instead, there was no reaction at all, to the point that it felt strange.

There was, however, one clear difference from before.

“...”

Aiden kept stealing glances at Noel, who was working expressionlessly at the desk in front of him.

Officially, it was to make sure he was comfortable after being invited here and suffering two unfortunate incidents in such a short time.

The problem was that he had to spend most of every day in this person's office.

'I feel like I'm under surveillance.'

Noel kept him so close that it was hard not to feel that way.

She was obviously incredibly busy, yet she was always at his side as if she intended to watch his every move.

There were no particular restrictions on his life, but it was unbearably uncomfortable. He felt as though he were developing a stomach ulcer...

“Um, Lady Noel.”

“Yes.”

“When will my orderly be assigned?”

Stella had told him before to wait, since someone would be assigned to him.

It was his way of saying he would relay any requests through that person, so please let him have some time alone. But Noel's reply was as merciless as ever.

“I know you're indirectly saying that I make you uncomfortable, but.”

“No, you don't have to point out that I'm uncomfortable quite so directly...”

“It will probably take some time to select an orderly for you.”

“Pardon?”

“There is currently no one who meets the requirements. We are searching.”

Could that really be true?

An orderly was basically an ordinary aide, wasn't it? It was hard to believe there was no one at the capital headquarters suited to that work.

“No. Ordinary won't do. Anyone assigned to you must be exceptional.”

“...”

“You have shown us your abilities. What use would there be in assigning you someone mediocre? A person who will remain close to you for most of the day must at least be of an appropriate standard.”

That was an utterly unnecessary overestimation. An ordinary person would be more than enough.

He already felt that he had encountered far too many unusual people lately...

“You may look forward to it. I will assign you someone who will satisfy you in many ways.”

...He could practically feel his ulcer getting worse.

Aiden frowned for a moment, then immediately came up with another excuse.

“...If you continue working with an outsider present, rumors might reflect badly on you...”

“There is no reason for others to find it strange.”

Noel paused for a moment, then smiled lightly as she continued.

“We'll soon be husband and wife, after all.”

It was a spotless, radiant smile, but the color drained from Aiden's face as he heard it.

Soon to be husband and wife.

Formally, that was true.

Perhaps Noel did not mind hearing it, but Aiden felt a chill run through him every time.

Considering everything that had happened in only a few days since becoming involved with this woman, it was not a strange reaction.

'...My life is seriously twisted.'

After all that trouble, she might have reconsidered the marriage itself, but her resolve was unusually firm.

And since she was bringing it up again now, it was probably also a warning not to even think about escaping the surveillance currently imposed on him.

In that case, he needed something to occupy his mind and distract him from this uncomfortable atmosphere.

He had not been given any work, but there was definitely information he needed to sort through.

“...”

Aiden frowned as he searched through the documents on the desk.

While Noel worked, Aiden at least had enough time to look into whatever materials he wanted.

'Why is there nothing?'

...The enormous problem was that there was not a single thing he was looking for.

Considering the importance of that information, it was probably not merely a “big problem.” It could be a sign of impending catastrophe.

There was no information on the protagonist.

No sign of the central figure of the Main Story, the world's savior.

He desperately wanted to leave the Main Story and return to an ordinary life, and the protagonist was his express ticket to that future.

'Could they... not exist...?'

If there was no protagonist, it would not simply mean that Aiden could not return to an ordinary life.

In other words.

'If they're not here, then who's supposed to save the world?'

The protagonist, the savior of this world.

Aiden clutched his throbbing head as the thought continued.

The Main Story, tangled as intricately as a ball of thread, was ultimately constructed around that person.

Even his future plan to reunite with his family and live peacefully depended on the protagonist fulfilling their role.

'...I must not have found them yet.'

Of course, it was too early to conclude that the protagonist did not exist in this world at all. The information he had gathered so far could hardly be called sufficient.

But if they truly were not here...

Aiden would have to make a decision accordingly.

Suppressing the frightening possibility that was already sending chills down his spine, he summoned a system window before his eyes.

The protagonist was important, but there was something else he needed to check first.

-Skill Info

【 Katia Heinkel Craven 】

- Bond: Level 1

< Copied Skills >

◆ First Vow

※Unique: Only this character possesses it!

This is an oath modeled after the vow the First Seeker made with the God of Purification. Its firepower is unparalleled, and through the <Vow Ritual> with the God of Purification, the user can additionally manifest their own unique trait.

◈ A unique trait has not been unlocked because the ritual has not yet been performed.

Aiden slowly read through the listed text.

'If nothing else...'

Its high firepower would be useful in many situations.

Its output would undoubtedly be lower than Noel's Heart of Pure White, but unlike ki, a supernatural ability with no particular attribute, divine power had distinctly powerful properties.

'As for the rest...'

He did not know exactly what the Vow Ritual was, but it was probably some enormous ceremony that could only be held in the Holy Empire itself. There was no reason to worry about it now.

Then, as Aiden scrolled down through the window, his face twisted slightly.

There would have been no reason for that if he had only seen what was written so far.

People could get used to anything. Compared with Noel's case, it was far better that he had been warned in advance that something like this would be dropped on him.

The problem was this.

The completely unfamiliar entries at the very bottom of the window.

-Skill Info

■ Omnipotence [ Locked ]

This skill is locked. Unlock the first stage by wielding two or more supernatural abilities at once.

■ Origin [ Locked ]

This skill is locked.

What on earth was this?

He did not remember obtaining these separately, yet he could not even view their information because they were locked.

'...The best outcome would be never having a reason to use any of this.'

Aiden gave a bitter smile to himself.

After all, if he ever had to use the abilities listed here, he would probably be caught up in another desperate situation.

Unfortunately, that did not seem unlikely at all.

“...”

He desperately wanted to return to the ordinary life of an ordinary person.

At this hour, he should have called his father and younger sister over and been eating dinner with them.

'What are Dad and Sissela doing right now...?'

They were probably worried sick about him after he had vanished with nothing but a letter left behind.

With that thought, Aiden glanced sideways at Noel, who was absorbed in her work.

Really, when he thought about it.

This woman had taken away the time he should have been spending with his family.

“Aiden.”

“Yes.”

The sudden call nearly made him choke, but he somehow managed to answer.

Noel gave him an odd look for a moment before continuing in an even voice.

“We will go to the Imperial Palace tomorrow.”

He remembered hearing about this.

Stella had mentioned it before. Noel had to report their marriage arrangement directly to the Emperor.

“If we're going to the Imperial Palace, aren't there a great many things I should be careful about? I don't think I've received any training.”

The question came out because he was still on edge after being challenged over etiquette only recently, but Noel answered calmly.

“You do not need to worry too much about etiquette. There are other things you should be careful about, though.”

“What do you mean...?”

Noel took a sip of tea, propped her chin on her hand beneath her smiling face, and continued.

“The contract period for this ‘fake marriage’ is one year. When it ends, I will compensate you generously, so please bear with me until then.”

“Pardon?”

“I understand that being involved with a woman like me is difficult for you, but we will have to act somewhat more intimately in public due to our circumstances. I ask for your understanding in advance.”

What was there to ask forgiveness for?

She had kidnapped him without discussion in the first place, and now she was saying this?

“I mean that you should tolerate it if I suddenly make physical contact or act familiar with you. It will not be easy for you, but.”

Aiden only blinked silently as he listened to Noel speak in an even tone.

Something felt strange.

For a joke, her tone sounded too sincere in how little value she placed on herself.

'Does she have low self-esteem?'

That was ridiculous.

She was the knight with the Empire's greatest military strength, a beauty admired by countless men, and a soldier important enough for the Emperor to give special attention to.

He went on to say that he could not understand it in that context, either.

“I don't think you need to say such things.”

When Aiden replied while scratching his cheek, Noel fell silent and stared at him.

“...Thank you.”

Her weak voice returned with a smile.

But rather than looking pleased, that smile gave the strong impression that she thought his words were merely a polite response.

It was a common trait among people with low self-esteem.

“...”

Aiden tilted his head slightly.

This person genuinely believed that marrying a woman like herself would be a burden to the other person.

He did not know why.

“To be honest, I have no dating experience at all.”

“...”

Noel's voice grew quieter as she continued. Her face became increasingly flushed. After clearing her throat, she barely managed to continue.

“I do not know where the appropriate line is.”

“...”

“...So, I mean that I may behave somewhat inappropriately...”

Ah.

That was why?

'...That is unexpected.'

Considering someone like her, it would not have been strange for men to line up after her.

Then again, it had been odd that instead of finding someone around her for a fake marriage, she had suddenly kidnapped Aiden.

“Oh, and there is one more thing.”

Noel immediately added.

“When we enter the Imperial Palace, do not say anything. Do not draw attention to yourself.”

Aiden's mouth opened slightly at the serious warning, something not easily found in this person.

“...Pardon?”

“It would be best if you remain as far outside that person's awareness as possible. Otherwise...”

Noel fell silent for a moment.

Aiden did not know who “that person” was, but it looked as if she was choosing words that would be as little disrespectful as possible.

“...If you become entangled with them, it will be extremely exhausting.”

“...”

Despite the effort.

The words that came out felt profoundly ominous.

▣

“He's unnecessarily handsome. Was that always your type?”

For someone bearing the terrifying title of Emperor, the person smoking heavily before Aiden looked more like a friendly, easygoing older neighbor.

A young man who looked only a few years older than Aiden, with striking and well-defined features.

And befitting that first impression, the current situation was also somehow strange for an audience with the Emperor.

'So that was why she said I didn't need to worry about etiquette...'

Had she said that because he would meet the Emperor directly without complicated procedures?

The Holy Empire's Pope, who was close to the Emperor, was often called an eccentric among the rulers of major powers, but from this alone, the Emperor of the Empire seemed no less unusual.

“Yes, well.”

Perhaps serving such an eccentric ruler was stressful, because Noel answered bluntly with a frown.

Considering that she normally treated everyone courteously regardless of rank, it was a truly shocking sight.

Even more shocking was that the Emperor of the Empire did not bat an eye at her attitude.

“My dear, how many times have I told you that a man ought to look dependable? You bring home a pretty-boy fop and start talking about marriage...”

“I do not think this is something Your Majesty needs to interfere with. Is he not the husband I chose?”

“Well, look at the way you speak to the Emperor.”

“You were the one who started picking at me in the first place...”

And the level of conversation between the two was even more shocking.

They looked like a teenage younger sister who had brought her first boyfriend home and the older brother who disapproved of that boyfriend.

It was not at all the sort of conversation one would expect between the Empire's greatest soldier and its Emperor. Both were far too accustomed to it for this to be the first time they had exchanged childish remarks like this...

“...”

Still, Aiden could draw two facts from the present situation.

Lionheart and the Emperor were far, very far, closer than the public knew.

Such informality was not something that could emerge after only a day or two. They must have had a deep relationship for quite some time.

And.

“So, as things stand, this is a decision I absolutely cannot approve.”

Despite that relationship, the Emperor actively opposed Noel's marriage strongly enough to say that.

“Noel.”

“...Yes.”

The Emperor's voice was much heavier than before, and Noel dropped her blunt manner as she answered seriously.

“You know the Empire's internal situation, do you not? Noble society is a den of demons filled with ghouls chasing their own interests. Everyone is watching your movements closely because you have enormous popular support. Even if I remain still, the other factions will not.”

“Regardless of whom I marry, the balance will tip, Your Majesty. At best, it will lead to civil war. At worst, another coalition war. Would it not be more reasonable to bring in an outsider?”

“It is a stopgap measure. No one is too foolish to see through that. Starting with my son, he will not stay still.”

After that, the conversation moved on to matters Aiden could not understand for quite some time.

The chaotic state of noble society after the war, how imperial authority had weakened so much that it could not control them, and so on. Difficult matters for important people.

The only thing that stayed in his mind was the Emperor's attitude when referring to the prince.

His tone was practically that of someone speaking about a stranger. It went beyond simply having a bad relationship, as though they were sworn enemies.

Aiden's brows shifted slightly.

'Their family does not get along?'

This felt subtly different from the original story he knew.

As he remembered it, the prince had clearly been a good character. Someone nearly flawless in personality.

He did not seem like someone who would have fallen out with his father.

“Then there is only one method left.”

As he mulled over that thought, those words suddenly fell before him.

“In the end, the greatest problem is that others object because this fellow is not suitable to be your husband. If they recognize that the two of you are a well-matched couple, their outward objections will subside, even if not all their discontent disappears.”

“...I do not wish to place any further burden on Aiden. Besides, is it not strange for people to pry that deeply into my personal affairs?”

“You are right, but politics is a garbage heap by nature.”

As the debate went back and forth, Aiden's expression also became serious.

From what he had heard, His Majesty was clearly maintaining a very negative stance toward this marriage.

That was not welcome news for Aiden either.

'If the marriage falls through...'

If the fake marriage was called off, it would mean quest failure.

Aiden absolutely did not want that.

Then the action he needed to take was clear.

“I will do it.”

The Emperor and Noel both turned to him.

“I will prove my worth. If that is what it takes to proceed with the marriage.”

Silence settled over the room at Aiden's words.

Noel's eyes were especially wide. She clearly had not expected Aiden to step forward himself.

Then.

“You have some spirit.”

The Emperor tapped his pipe against the ashtray, and a smile appeared on his face.

It looked like the smile of a mischievous child who had just thought of a good idea.

“You said you would do it?”

“...”

If you become entangled with him, it will be extremely exhausting.

The words Noel had spoken only yesterday passed through his mind.

“...Your Majesty. Nothing too dangerous...”

Noel interjected in a tense voice.

Her face had gone slightly pale, as though she had suffered at the hands of the Emperor wearing that expression more than once or twice.

Naturally ignoring her, the Emperor turned his head toward Aiden.

“You are Aiden, correct?”

Without waiting for an answer, he immediately continued.

“Let us prove just how affectionate the two of you are as a married couple.”

“...Forgive my ignorance, but I do not understand what you mean...”

“There is no more effective means of persuasion for old-fashioned Imperial nobles than combat power. Especially in chaotic times such as these.”

“...”

“Fight together, the two of you.”

The Emperor grinned as he cut off Aiden's reply.

“There happens to be a good opponent.”

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