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The Glavior Empire’s Imperial Palace stood proudly at the heart of Argentum, the capital city. Just beyond its expansive grounds, on the outskirts, loomed the imposing spire known as ‹Torres del Pecador›, the Tower of Sinner.

Legend had it that this tower, resembling a grand monastery, had existed since the mythical ages. Its seemingly stone walls possessed an unparalleled resilience, impervious to even the finest sword skills of the Imperial guards—masters capable of subduing dragons. Any marks left upon its surface would effortlessly vanish overnight. It was a testament to a lost civilization, a repository of secrets where all forms of magic were rendered null and void upon contact.

On this particular day—this present moment—Baldum, the former leader of the Cres-Cent’luna federation and the sole prisoner within the tower, found himself engrossed in a book. However, as the sound of a door opening and the echoing footsteps climbing the stairs reached his ears, he set the book down on the table. It wasn’t time for the usual patrols or meals, indicating something out of the ordinary was afoot.

From his room atop the tower, a space that resembled the personal chambers of a noble rather than a prison cell, Baldum closed his eyes. He sensed that the hour of his execution had finally arrived.

However, the footsteps abruptly halted within the tower.

Click-Click!

Baldum’s ears picked up the distinct sound of a lock being opened, followed by the creaking of a rusty door and the thud of something heavy being thrown inside. Soon after, the door closed and locked again, and the fading footsteps retreated into the distance.

It appeared that another individual had been imprisoned alongside him in this tower. While a part of Baldum was mildly curious about the identity of this newcomer, he ultimately dismissed the thought. Knowing who they were wouldn’t alter their circumstances in any way.

Baldum paid it little mind, the fate of the other inmate was of no consequence to him.

With a nonchalant snort, Baldum returned his attention to the table, reaching for the book once more. He deftly flipped through the pages, searching for the section where he had left off. As he located the spot, thoughts of the newly arrived prisoner vanished from his head.

◆◇◆◇

I assessed the Esteemed Princess of the Graviol Empire as a tough cookie to crack.

While discussing how to handle the unconscious Kagerou, whom I had rendered immobile with a well-executed stun blow, the Princess interjected with a compelling argument, “I have heard that this man is not only the Prime Minister’s subordinate but also responsible for the assault on the Cres messengers. Considering these facts, it is only fitting for us to deal with him according to the laws of our nation.”

With her eloquent speech and casual physical gestures, she skillfully persuaded Revan to agree with her stance.

As someone of the same gender, it was apparent to me that any woman is capable of employing their femininity to manipulate and charm men, like using them as cueballs in a game. I, who typically lack experience in such matters, could easily discern this, so it’s safe to assume that Asmina, with her razor-sharp instincts when it comes to Revan, also noticed it. She glared at the Princess, recognizing her as an adversary.

Revan, on the other hand, seemed to interpret Asmina’s reaction as her usual bouts of jealousy, completely oblivious to the fact that his thoughts were being subtly influenced by the Princess. Honestly, it’s ironic coming from me, but men are simple creatures, ain’t they?

The Princess tried to sway me with her eloquence, briefing me on the potential benefits that awaited me. She promised improved relations between our nations once the Emperor faction gained authority and even mentioned compensation. But such promises from influential figures mean little to me; they often turn out to be empty talk. Frankly, I couldn’t care less.

It’s just, the current situation is such that we have illegally trespassed into another nation’s palace, not to mention targeting the Prime Minister himself. Therefore, I will fulfill my obligations within the limits of what is required. Moreover, it’s a relief that all we need to do is hand over Kagerou. If the Princess’s plan succeeds, it would be perfect, and even if it fails, we won’t be at a significant loss.

The problem with all of this lies in the fact that we’re dealing with Kagerou, not just any ordinary assassin. Making him confess to assassinating the messengers of Cres United or being the mastermind behind the destruction of teleportation equipment, as the renowned ‘May Bell’ Princess believes, would be quite challenging. In fact, I can already imagine him blabbering away, mixing half-truths and half-lies without a care in the world. That’s why I think handing him over would be pointless. However, I can’t take responsibility if they decide to revoke the agreement later.

When I explained this to her, she responded confidently, “It’s fine even if that happens. As long as there’s evidence of his confession, we can handle the rest.”

She puffed her chest with assurance.

Well~, to be honest, even I find Kagerou a bit difficult to manage, and it would be somewhat unfortunate to take the shortest route and kill him. After all, I would miss the opportunity to learn more about the enemy I’ve finally caught up with.

Although I can’t deny that there’s reluctance in me to kill him either, considering we used to be fellow guild members in E.H.O, it would be impossible to keep a player restrained for a long time. Giving Kagerou to her feels like releasing a tiger back into the wilderness after finally capturing it.

So I didn’t hesitate to inform her about the challenging part, but she easily rebutted it as well.

“Please be at ease. Within this palace is the ‘Torres del Pecador,’ which has existed since the mythical age. There’s a precedent where even the most powerful beings, be it a magician, a monster, a demon king, or even players, lose their power inside it. Breaking out is simply impossible.”

Her voice became even deeper when she mentioned the word ‘Player.’

“Oh, so you’re aware of players?”

Knowing it was her bait, I couldn’t help but want to probe further. It was a word that was difficult to ignore.

“Only as much as the legends passed down to the Imperial family… What do you think? Would you be willing to share more information?”

I clicked my tongue at her shrewdness, which she concealed behind her seemingly harmless smile. Nonetheless, I maintained an amiable smile on the surface.

“Well, it doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Though the information better be worth it… that’s all.”

With my smile implying ‘don’t even think about bluffing or telling lies,’ I awaited her response.

“Of course, I’ll ensure you won’t be disappointed,” she replied, matching my smile.

As we subtly probed each other while maintaining friendly expressions, Revan looked at us and let out a relieved sigh, likely thinking that we, the leaders, had finally reached an understanding. Asmina, on the other hand, sighed too, but her expression seemed to say ‘this is just a pain in the a̲s̲s̲.’

… Anyway, this was how Kagerou found himself shackled and temporarily transferred into her custody.

◆◇◆◇

After that, we moved from the guest room to her personal quarters.

The participants remained the same: Princess Oliana and her attendant, Reena, on their side, while on our side, it was just me, Revan, Asmina, and Shin the lion cub.

“Please forgive me, my room is a bit small and messy.”

With those words, she led us into a Rococo-style room spanning 20 tatami mats. The walls and ceiling were painted white and adorned with intricate golden plant patterns. In the center of the room was a reception set with a white theme, and the walls showcased beautiful oil paintings with elegant touches. Commodes and consoles were placed along the walls.

“This is a lovely room.”

It wasn’t mere flattery; the room was genuinely beautiful.

I couldn’t help but wish I had a modest, cozy room like this too.

“Thank you very much.”

Encouraged by Oliana’s apparent happiness, we took our seats on the sofa in the center. I sat in the chief seat, Princess Oliana occupied the seat closest to mine, followed by Revan and Asmina. Reena poured tea for us.

“Well, there is something I would like to clarify first, Your Highness, the ‘Rose’ Princess.”

“Before that, may I also ask you something, ‘May Bell’ Princess?”

We casually mentioned each other’s moniker. Though being referred to as “Your Highness, the ‘Rose’ Princess” is quite embarrassing, I hope this title doesn’t spread to the masses.

“What is it?”

“Considering your position as the first in line to become the next Empress, I assume you don’t hold official political rights at the moment, do you? I’m curious to know the extent of your influence over the politics of your nation.”

She had been acting as the representative of the Empire, but I doubted she had the authority to make the final decisions.

I’m truly impressed by her thought process and… well, let’s just say her shrewdness, but that being said, conversing with a figurehead would likely lead us nowhere.

“I understand your concern,” Princess Oliana replied with a wry smile in response to my question.

Then, she suddenly shifted her gaze towards an oil painting adorning the wall.

“What do you think of this painting, Your Highness?”

The artwork depicted a serene landscape with plateaus and mountains, featuring lilies at its center, which was the origin of her nickname.

To be honest, in a world dominated by photos and digital art, I had always considered paintings as relics of the past during my previous life. I was hardly qualified to provide a critique. However, it was a pleasant painting that conveyed a hint of the artist’s emotions, at the very least.

“It’s a beautiful painting. The lilies… I can sense the artist’s thoughtful touch towards the Princess,” I expressed my opinion, prompting a delighted smile from Princess Oliana.

“Thank you. It’s also one of my favorites,” she shared, as if unveiling a secret.

“And my father is the one who painted it.”

Surprised, everyone’s gaze shifted towards the painting.

“…This truly surpasses the work of even professional artists. I would have believed it to be the creation of a renowned court painter,” I commented, expressing my impression.

Asmina and Revan nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, maybe I’m biased as his daughter, but I genuinely believe my father possesses talent in this art form. Perhaps history will remember him as the ‘Artist Emperor,'” she chuckled cheerfully, but all I could see was that if she ascended the throne safely, he would most likely be remembered as the ‘Father of Empress Oliana.’

Continuing with a rhyming tone and a smile on her lips, she shared more about her father.

“My father has a gentle and warm personality. He’s a bit of a dreamer, but I cherish every aspect of him as his daughter.”