# 49
---
Appearance being a weapon only applies to the likes of Cyretin. I bit my lip hard and shook my head.
“It's not like that...”
I had many things to say, but seeing his calm face made my resolve falter.
“I just wanted to ask you what you were going to do. You know my secret.”
"I said I wouldn't kill you. I wouldn't fire you."
“So...what should I do?”
This was the most important question. I want to live long, and to do so, I must prevent Sirtine from falling into darkness.
I must prevent quarrels and misunderstandings between him and Roger, and I must prevent the moment when they point swords at each other.
I have to deal with the Duke of Spelman before things get worse, and also with Veronica and the Empress…
“Do what you want to do.”
"…What?"
“But do not do anything dangerous or reckless.”
“…But I have no choice but to do this.”
She whispered softly
“No one listens to me, and I can't talk to anyone. So, how…?”
“Talk to me.”
“To Your Highness?”
“I will not go out of your sight. If you want, you can come to me at any time, and I will help you.”
I remembered everything I had done so far—the poisoned cookies, the gunpowder, the kidnapping, the assassinations, and so much more.
As Certain said, I was reckless.
If I had been unlucky, I would have been exposed or hurt. I was only moving out of necessity, without much thought.
“What if you're not by my side, Sirtain?”
“I will find you a new assistant. I doubt you will like Lady Rosalina.”
“You mean monitored?”
"exactly."
Certain replied simply, and I felt inexplicably disappointed. He still saw me as someone who couldn't be completely trusted, even after I revealed everything about me to him...
"I'll keep an eye on you so you don't do dangerous things again. I'm very strict about that."
“…Am I not doing anything dangerous?”
“If you need help, don't hesitate to ask for it.”
His words made my pessimistic thoughts disappear. Ah, so this is the kind of surveillance he means? I feel a little ashamed.
It seems I still tend to mistrust two biographies more than I should.
“Hmm, who is this assistant?”
“Julia.”
"What? Duchess of Demeter? What about Rodrik and Leia?"
“Your two best friends?”
I narrowed my eyes. He knew the answer, but he only asked to enjoy making fun of me.
This bastard….
“Those two children have grown enough. Then you will become the Empress one day.”
He said it as if it were the absolute truth, as if it were as f-evident as the Crown Prince would eventually become Emperor.
But why did his words seem strange to my ears?
“It's best to surround yourf with trusted people in preparation for that day. I haven't discussed all the details with Julia yet, but I don't see it being a problem.”
“Can I really become the Empress?”
At my question, Sertine's eyebrows twitched.
“What do you mean by that?”
I tried to think about it, but I couldn't come up with a clear answer.
People think I'm stupid, that I'm just the Duke of Spelman's daughter.
If Cirten became Emperor, it would make sense for him to take on a capable and politically influential partner, right?
Of course I'm not stupid, but the world sees me as such. There has never been a foolish empress in history.
“I literally meant what I said. I don't have the qualifications for this, Serten.”
“I don't understand what you're talking about.”
"I'm from the Spellman family, and everyone thinks I'm stupid. How can someone like me become an empress?"
“You're not really. I don't understand the problem here. I've never seen someone as brave and able to analyze situations as you are. Sometimes, you're even more efficient than my knights. You have amazing quick wits and reflexes.”
I... like this?
Hearing the compliment from him made me feel ashamed. I coughed slightly and turned my face away from him.
“I'm the one who decides whether you're qualified or not.”
“…Will you reveal my truth to the Duchess?”
“I think that would be helpful. But only if you're okay with it.”
“…I…”
I looked at two biographies.
What if I could strengthen the relationship between Cyretin and Demetor because of me?
What if they became such staunch allies, that no conspiracy could sow doubt between them?
If Spellman had not blamed Demeter for the death of the Empress and Princess, they would not have parted in the first place.
At that time, the Cirtine was like a rushing train without brakes. He wasn't even able to think rationally, as stated in the original story.
Julia, on the other hand, is smart and strong. I think I can count on it...
In many ways there was no reason to reject it.
“...Okay. If Julia helps me, that would be really great.”
I would totally approach Julia.
“I never heard you promise not to do dangerous work.”
"this……."
There are moments when you have to take action. Just like it happened this time.
“Do you intend to be kidnapped again of your own free will?”
As I expected, he realized it.
“If necessary, yes. Duke Spellman will not kill me. That is the most likely possibility. If Her Imperial Highness were kidnapped… but if that happens, I will ask for help.”
It is much better than saying nothing and relying only on vague hope.
Faith that Sirtain will inevitably come.
Just this is enough for me to be able to survive even in such a miserable situation.
"……Good."
Certain replied coldly.
“Your secret must never be revealed.”
“At least until Duke Spelman is dealt with.”
“I will do my best to help.”
You've got an ally.
When I first saw two biographies, it seemed like a dead end, but now we are having such a dialogue.
Certain was a more flexible person than I thought. He had no prejudice against me even though I was of Spelman blood.
Plus, he readily agreed to help me. He was like a ray of light in my boring and frustrating daily life.
With Sertin's help, the things I intend to do will become a little easier.
“Is Veronica okay?”
"Of course. Who was protecting her, do you think?"
“Hmm, also, are you going to leave my palace empty like this?”
“I thought that would be more comfortable for you.”
“That's true, but...”
Doesn't the palace seem too big? Currently, there are only three people, brought by Julia, who are in charge of the entire management of this vast palace.
It is an unbearable burden.
“It is difficult to fill a place with people who can be trusted. The more there are, the more difficult it is to manage them, and eventually there is bound to be a traitor among them. It is dangerous.”
Should you choose comfort, or……?
“It might be a good idea to close some rooms.”
“Good idea.”
“Should the knights continue to guard my palace?”
As soon as I started talking, questions flooded my mind.
“They will be back soon.”
truly? I nodded. Is this enough?
“By the way.”
"Yes?"
Does he have anything else to say?
When I blinked, I saw Sertin running his hand through his hair. It was just a simple movement, but it caught my attention.
It was like a merman's temptation.
“Are glasses your style?”
"What?"
What did he just say?
Certain recreated the same situation that happened yesterday. He was sitting at the table, then pulled me towards him.
The only difference was that he was bolder this time.
My legs intertwined with his again.
Everything happened so quickly and naturally that I couldn't even respond.
I stared at Sirtain while holding my breath a little.
What did you just hear?
“You keep glancing at me.”
Sertin narrowed his eyes slightly.
Through the lenses of his glasses, his wide eyes looked captivating.
I stared at him absently.
“Do you want to touch her?”
What?
He grabbed my hand and pulled it towards him.
I stared at the large hand holding mine as if mesmerized.
Sertin placed my hand lightly on the frame of his glasses.
“If you love her that much, you can touch her.”
Yes.
My heart started beating fast.
I swallowed.
My fingers were shaking a little.
I tried to pull my hand away, but Sertin grabbed it again.
I slowly lowered my hand, then placed it gently above his lips and smiled.
His voice and laughter spread under my fingers.
“If you like glasses, how about not wearing them? I would rather take them off too.”
What? W-What do you mean by taking off what exactly?!!