"No, what in the world is this…?"
"Heh, could it be that the black mage's restraints have been undone?"
As the floor of the garden became engulfed in a suspicious grayish smoke, the ministers, who had been frozen in place watching the situation unfold, began murmuring in panic.
"Hmm."
Amidst the swirling chaos, the emperor alone remained composed, her gaze fixed on Whitney, the origin of the smoke.
"Sir Whitney, this is quite unexpected."
As she finally spoke softly through the haze, Whitney, who had been staring at Meredia, slowly turned his head to look behind him.
"Is this your choice?"
"Haha…"
Through the drifting smoke, two pairs of smiling eyes, strikingly alike, met in silence.
"I think I finally understand why the ministers always look at me with such disapproval."
The only difference was that one carried a thick killing intent, while the other maintained an unreadable and enigmatic air.
"…I have no idea what you're thinking."
Of course, as someone who also possessed the same slit-eyed expression, the emperor knew all too well that facing such a look meant this was the most dangerous moment. She hesitated to act rashly and instead chose to observe the situation.
'What is she saying?'
In truth, however, Whitney was merely pricking up his ears, trying to catch the emperor's words amidst the ministers' murmurs, which had grown louder due to their fear of the white magic-induced smoke he had created.
"Cough, cough. What is this smoke, anyway…?"
Because of that, the brief confrontation between the two slit-eyed figures was soon interrupted.
"Huh?"
Right in front of Whitney, the black mage who had been coughing and frowning suddenly spotted his face through the smoke, eyes widening in shock.
"You… You're that bastard who stole the Saint!"
"..."
"Huh? What are you doing here?"
At the black mage's absurd accusation, the murmuring ministers began to quiet down.
"Wait, are you talking about me?"
"Hah. Did you really think I'd forget that smug smile of yours?"
Thanks to that, the garden, which had momentarily fallen silent, was once again filled with the black mage's furious outburst.
"If you hadn't suddenly interfered, I wouldn't have been abandoned and half-burned like this!"
"Hmm."
"Enough with that damn smile—reveal your true identity! Are you part of a rogue faction of black mages? Or perhaps…"
However, as she was raising her voice in fury, the black mage suddenly noticed the emperor standing behind Whitney and momentarily fell silent.
"Hah, I see now. You're just the emperor's lapdog. A traitorous wretch."
Her lips twisted into a sneer as she glanced back and forth between Whitney and the emperor, her gaze filled with ridicule.
"I knew it. For a so-called white mage, your aura felt far too similar to ours. Now it all makes sense."
"I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Hah! You may be smiling triumphantly now, but you'll regret it soon enough."
Whitney, now being branded as the emperor's lackey, responded with an expression of clear dissatisfaction. However, the black mage ignored him and continued to glare daggers at him as she spoke.
"Now that you've left the embrace of the Great Shadow, not even the emperor will be able to protect you."
"So, why not help me instead? If you do, I might just put in a good word for—Guhk!"
Her monologue, which had gone uninterrupted for quite some time, was abruptly cut short when Meredia, who had been quietly staring at the back of her own hand, suddenly kicked the black mage in the stomach.
"Black mages have a tendency to ramble on about things only they understand, to an exhausting degree."
Meredia, now having physically silenced the black mage in place of the temporarily disabled magic shock device, spoke in her usual cold tone.
"However, what she said at the beginning cannot be ignored."
Her face carried an expression that stood in stark contrast to the emperor, who was now scowling deeply.
"Black mage. Just now, did you say that my fiancé kidnapped the Saint?"
"Ugh… And who the hell are you?"
"You were just speaking with such certainty that I had abducted the Saint. Why are you suddenly changing your story?"
It was the same predatory expression that the emperor herself had worn just moments ago—the look of a beast baring its fangs after spotting its prey.
"I-I never said that!"
Now trapped in a completely reversed situation, the black mage, still gasping from Meredia's kick, stammered in a dazed voice.
"I'm sure none of you can understand this foolish black mage's actions."
As if she had been waiting for this very moment, Meredia turned away from the black mage and scanned the gathered crowd, beginning her explanation.
"Of course, that's to be expected."
"Wait, my story isn't over ye—"
"This black mage seems to be under the effects of an extremely strong delusion spell."
For a brief moment, as Meredia uttered those words, her gaze lingered on the emperor. However, she soon turned her attention to Whitney, who was standing behind her.
"My fiancé attempted to neutralize it, but it appears the delusion was so severe that her brain has already been completely addled."
"N-No! I'm sure that bastard kidnapped the Saint!"
"First, she accuses me. Now, she tries to falsely incriminate Sir Whitney, the hero personally chosen by Her Majesty the Emperor."
Sensing instinctively that things were taking a turn for the worse, the black mage desperately tried to defend herself, but it was already too late.
"Therefore, Your Majesty the Emperor, I would like to officially raise an objection regarding the reliability of this witness's testimony."
"No! No! You stupid imperial bastards! Aaaah!"
The more she raged in fury, the further her credibility plummeted—especially since she already bore the disgrace of being a black mage.
"What does Your Majesty think?"
To drive the final nail into the coffin, Meredia cast a faintly mocking smile at the emperor and posed the question.
"…Well, now that I think about it, you have a point."
After a brief silence, the emperor finally spoke, her expression surprisingly calm.
"However, the key issue remains unchanged."
Of course, the composure and sense of victory that had been on her face moments ago had completely vanished without a trace.
"Unless you have something to hide, I see no reason why you would refuse to remove your handkerchief…"
"How curious that Your Majesty, so wise, would say something so illogical."
Meredia, having caught on, narrowed her eyes slightly before repeating words eerily similar to what the emperor herself had said just a few minutes prior.
"Now that the testimony has been all but confirmed as nonsense, there is no reason for me to go out of my way to prove anything."
Her argument struck right at the heart of the matter, and just when it seemed like Meredia was trapped with no way out, the tides had shifted in her favor.
"No matter how strong the pact between the Embergreen family and the imperial household may be, I cannot overlook such an arrogant attitude."
But of course, the emperor was not someone to be easily outmaneuvered.
"Lady Meredia, at the very least, should you not uphold the proper decorum between a ruler and his vassal?"
Her tone implied that the respect she had shown her so far had been nothing more than a matter of her own discretion—a privilege granted at her whim. Considering her status as the most powerful noble in the empire's history, her words were not entirely unjustified.
"Well, if you truly refuse, then so be it."
Though the emperor never outright crossed the line, it was obvious that if Meredia chose not to reveal her hand, dubious rumors would undoubtedly spread throughout the empire in the coming days.
Lilieth Winter Clouds' methods were always subtle and silent—but all the more lethal because of it.
"That is true."
Yet, Meredia, who was more aware of this fact than anyone, slowly curled her lips into a smirk.
"As Your Majesty's loyal subject, it would be improper for me to disobey your command any further."
"…Surely not."
Watching her with slight suspicion, the emperor's expression finally stiffened as Meredia suddenly raised her hand high and spoke aloud.
"Then, everyone, watch closely with your own eyes."
At that moment, Whitney's handkerchief wrapped around her hand—came loose, revealing her sinister smile.
"See for yourselves if there is even a speck of a wound on my hand."
Before everyone's eyes, Meredia's previously concealed right hand was revealed—spotless, smooth, and unblemished, just as she had claimed.
"Anyone with properly functioning eyes should be able to see it clearly, yes?"
"Hah… Haha."
The emperor, who had been staring at the sight in a daze along with the others, finally let out a hollow laugh and muttered under her breath.
"This… seems to be quite the blow."
Her gaze remained locked on the young man—no doubt the true mastermind behind this trap—whose face bore an uncanny resemblance to her own.
'Ah… I'm getting lightheaded.'
Unaware of this realization, Whitney—who had unintentionally lifted the sealing spell due to his depleted mana—was trembling slightly, his legs struggling to hold him up.
'Well… is it finally over?'
Regardless, it was a hard-earned victory for both him and Meredia.
°°°°°°°°°°
"You idiots! Can't you see it?! That scheming bastard is the real culprit!!!"
"…Throw her into the underground prison. You never know—she might prove useful later."
"You bastard!!! Even if it kills me, I swear I will— Guhhh!"
And so, the black mage—deemed to be out of her mind due to the delusion spell—was subdued by the magic shock device once more and dragged out of the garden, bringing an end to the unexpected commotion.
"Now then… Let's finally get back to the main topic."
With the disturbance settled, the long-delayed rewards and recognition were carried out with surprising swiftness.
"As for the honors… Sir Whitney shall be granted the highest-tier imperial treasury key."
"…It is an honor, Your Majesty."
"You may take one item of your choosing from there within the next year. Consider it a sufficient reward for your dedication. Probably…"
Unlike before, the emperor now slouched lazily in her throne, speaking in a languid voice as she dismissed Whitney with a wave of her hand.
"Alright, that concludes the reward ceremony—"
"Your Majesty. My reward has yet to be discussed."
However, when Meredia sharply interrupted, the emperor cast her a sidelong glance before adding in a reluctant tone:
"…Fine. Then Sir Whitney may select one additional item from the treasury."
"How is that a reward for me?"
"After what you just pulled, do you really not understand?"
As Meredia nearly snapped in response, the emperor—who had been faintly smirking at Whitney—suddenly let out a sigh and muttered to herself in a deflated tone.
"I never expected the Lady to actually be interested in the shameless romantic escapades of noblewomen…"
"…What exactly do you think of me?"
"I thought you were the same kind as me. Haah, some of us are nearly thirty and have never even been in a relationship."
At those words, Meredia's face twisted in annoyance, but for once, no sharp retort came from her lips.
"Since you're not outright denying it, tomorrow's imperial newspaper should be quite entertaining."
Watching her with a mixture of disbelief and amusement, the emperor eventually waved a tired hand, signaling an unceremonious dismissal.
"Alright, everyone, you may disperse. I need some time alone in the garden to bask in the sunlight…"
With that, the long and chaotic reward ceremony finally reached its conclusion. The ministers, looking utterly drained and overwhelmed, quickly vacated the garden as if fleeing from disaster.
"Lady Meredia, shall we take our leave as well?"
Amidst the commotion, Whitney, who had been listening intently the entire time, extended a hand toward Meredia and whispered softly.
"…Sir Whitney, there's still a chance for you."
It was then—when the last of the ministers had disappeared, leaving the garden completely empty—that the emperor's lingering voice echoed once more.
"No matter how I look at it, you're much better suited to moving in the shadows than basking in the sunlight."
"Ha, seriously…."
Meredia's expression darkened instantly, a chilling aura radiating from her as she prepared to speak.
But before she could, Whitney stepped in, extending his hand further to clasp hers as he addressed the emperor in a quiet but firm voice.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I am not some hidden mastermind—I am merely a son-in-law."
Naturally, he maintained that same shamelessly confident smile.
"Then, I bid you good health, Your Majesty."
At Whitney's words, the emperor fell silent. Whitney, still holding Meredia's hand, gave a polite bow before swiftly leading her out of the garden.
"Haha, Lady Meredia, did I do well today?"
"…"
"Gasp—don't tell me you're upset again."
As their voices faded into the distance, silence completely settled over the garden.
"…Didn't I say I wanted to be alone?"
The emperor, who had been lounging lazily in her seat, let out a sigh of irritation as she sensed a presence nearby.
"Your Majesty, the thing is…"
"Tsk."
When she saw that the knights had brought back the black mage who was supposed to be locked in the underground prison, her face twisted in displeasure.
"Station guards around the garden. Not a single rat should be able to slip through."
"K-Kugh… Urgh…!"
The black mage, who had been raging just moments ago, now looked deathly pale, gasping for air.
"P-Please… spare me…"
Her trembling form bore an eerie resemblance to another black mage—the one who had attempted to poison Whitney's tea in secret, only to suffer a seizure upon Whitney awakening to his past life.
"Ah…"
The emperor coldly watched as the black mage convulsed in agony, her movements gradually weakening.
"…Hmm."
Just then, she abruptly sat upright, her eyes darkened completely, and let out a deep, unnatural breath.
"Sigh. Did you really have to reveal yourself in such an open place?"
The emperor sighed in exasperation, as if dealing with a troublesome acquaintance.
"Next time, before you possess someone, do consider my dignity."
"..."
"If word ever got out that the Emperor of the Empire is secretly in contact with the leader of the black mages, all hell would break loose."
The black mage—no, the entity possessing her—stared at the emperor for a long moment before letting out a cracked, sinister chuckle.
"…That's not my concern, Emperor."
At that very moment, the restraints shackling the black mage shattered, clattering to the ground.
"If anything, I should be the one angry at you."
"..."
"With things ending up like this, keeping that black mage alive and handing her over to you was a complete waste."
As the entity took a slow, deliberate step forward, the emperor—who was still lounging in her seat—narrowed her eyes even further.
"Wasn't your goal to overcome your only weakness and survive?"
Now standing right in front of her, the entity leaned in, whispering in an icy tone.
The emperor, openly displaying her displeasure, exhaled sharply before responding in a dull voice.
"…It may sound like an excuse, but there was an unexpected factor."
"An unexpected factor?"
"Lady Meredia, who has eyes similar to mine, I can understand… but for some reason, my hypnosis didn't work on Sir Whitney."
"That hypnosis method of yours…"
Hearing that, the entity's interest was visibly piqued. The suffocating bloodlust that had filled the air a moment ago suddenly dissipated.
"Very well."
Taking a step back, the entity smirked.
"Next time, I'll handle it myself."
With those parting words, it silently withdrew from the black mage's body, dissipating into a cloud of smoke.
"So, the leader of the black mages is finally taking interest, huh?"
The now-empty body of the black mage collapsed onto the garden floor. The emperor stared down at her motionless form for a moment before letting out a chilling chuckle.
"Heh. At this point…"
A sinister smile crept onto her lips.
"I'm starting to really want to take you for myself, Sir Whitney."
Her eyes—now wide open—gleamed ominously.
***
"Ugh…?"
As I walked alongside Lady Meredia, exiting the garden and nearing the palace gates, an inexplicable chill suddenly ran down my spine.
I shuddered involuntarily and stopped in my tracks.
"Lady Meredia, we did leave the garden, right?"
"…Yes, we did."
"Phew, that's a relief."
Hearing her response, I finally exhaled and glanced around cautiously, muttering to myself.
'Good thing I closed my eyes in time. I nearly got completely controlled.'
Though the emperor's true ability was left vague in the game, players had developed a widely accepted theory about it.
After all, in the game's loading screen, whenever an uncanny coincidence occurred in Lilieth Winter Clouds' favor, there was always a subtle mention of her eyes being slightly open.
So the moment I saw her eyes open wide, I instinctively shut mine—and it seemed that was the right call.
'Times like this, having narrow eyes is a real advantage.'
Considering that both in my past life and this one, my perpetually squinted eyes had often led to misunderstandings, it was nice to finally put them to good use.
"Whitney Lingard."
Just as I was absentmindedly scratching my head, lost in thought—
"Let's talk."
Lady Meredia suddenly stopped, yanking her hand away from mine, her voice cold as ice.
"Ah, of course—wait, huh?"
I had grown somewhat used to her frosty demeanor by now and was about to respond with my usual relaxed smile—
But then I saw her face, and the words caught in my throat.
"Why…?"
Her expression didn't show her usual irritation, anger, or even the guarded wariness she always maintained.
"What exactly do you want from me?"
Instead, her eyes were filled with something far more obvious.
Unease.
And… anxiety.