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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Declaration
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Ekiel asked, bewildered.
“Because he's my subject, you saved him?”
“That's right. He's one of your people to protect. That's what an emperor does, isn't it? You have to save every single one without giving up. Life is precious.”
Ekiel's eyes widened as Jusielia looked him straight in the eye and spoke with such clarity.
He felt as if someone had struck him hard on the back of the head.
*Ah.*
It was similar to what the former emperor, his grandfather, had once stressed to him.
-Ekiel. An emperor must fight with all his might for his people. That is why the throne of the Rilberg Empire is held by the most exceptional mage. It is both a responsibility and a duty.
-Responsibility and duty.
-Yes. Therefore, an emperor must protect every single one of his people, without giving up on anyone.
His grandfather's voice echoed clearly in his mind.
*I see.*
Ekiel gave a faint smile to Jusielia, who had reminded him of this precious lesson, and slowly released his grip on her paw.
“You're right.”
“Yes.”
As Jusielia cautiously withdrew her paw, Ekiel let out a soft chuckle.
“Thank you, Jusielia. Claude Continell is safe because of you. I'll thank you on his behalf.”
“It was nothing.”
Jusielia giggled at the politely bowing Ekiel and wagged her tail briskly.
“But how did the necklace protect me? Why am I completely fine?”
As Jusielia tilted her head, Ekiel sighed and touched the star-shaped pendant.
“The defensive and restorative magic I placed on this artifact activated automatically when the wall collapsed.”
“Ah!”
Jusielia's eyes went wide with admiration.
“Amazing. With this, I'm invincible, right? Artifacts are the best!”
“Not a chance. It's not permanent; you can only use it once. The magic is gone now.”
Ekiel fiddled with the clasp of the sparkling star necklace.
“I'll take it for today. I need to recast the spells. I'll put the healing and defensive magic on it again. Of course, something like this shouldn't happen again, but…”
“Mhm. Of course! It won't happen again!”
“Right. I. Will. Trust. You.”
Ekiel said, eyeing Jusielia suspiciously, then unfastened the necklace.
“Well, good night. Judging by your condition, you should be able to do the evaluation tomorrow if you get a good rest.”
“Kyakakyakyang.” (Yeah, I can do it. Good night to you too, Ekiel!)
Ekiel watched Jusielia yipping on the bed for a moment, then looked down at the artifact in his hand and sighed.
“...Yeah. I need to fix this quickly. It's frustrating not being able to understand you.”
Ekiel waved goodbye to Jusielia and left, only to stride back in again.
Just as Jusielia tilted her head, wondering if he had forgotten something, Ekiel leaned down and planted a soft goodnight kiss on her forehead.
A stunned Jusielia's jaw dropped.
“Kyang???” (Wha-what?)
Ekiel straightened up and explained.
“The mayor of the city I visited on business today raises a lot of cats. People who raise cats call themselves ‘butlers.’ Apparently, butlers say goodnight like this to the cats they serve. I learned how.”
“Kya, kyang?!” (A cat?! Claude already did, and now you're treating me like a cat too?)
“Hmm, not bad. I'll do it every day. Good night, Jusielia.”
Jusielia protested, but without the translation artifact, her words didn't get through.
Ekiel said his piece, nodded to himself with a smile, and waved.
“Krararang!” (You'll do it every day? Are you serious?!)
“Sweet dreams. See you at the training grounds tomorrow.”
Staring like a statue at Ekiel, who left with a nonchalant expression, Jusielia finally collapsed onto her side.
*He must be crazy.*
It was clear that both that damn Ekiel and Claude saw her not as a tiger, but as a pet cat.
She had to grow up quickly or learn to humanize so she could show them the greatness of the magnificent Jusielia.
*Sob.*
Meanwhile, Sophie, Uni, and Xaviet, who had been watching from a distance, were in an uproar.
“Oh, my goodness. Did you see His Majesty give her a kiss? It's so adorable.”
“I know. This must be kept an absolute secret from the Penterin Empire. Forever.”
“O-of course. For. Ev. Er.”
Hearing them whisper, Jusielia's mind snapped to attention.
*Of course, it has to be a secret.*
Ritain and Ijeten would raise hell if they found out.
This fact had to be taken to the grave.
***
The next day.
After washing up and eating a hearty, meat-filled breakfast, Jusielia headed for the main road between Stella Palace and the Imperial Palace, where she was supposed to meet Ekiel.
The training grounds at Stella Palace, where she was staying, were currently unusable, undergoing repairs after being completely wrecked while she was playing with a friend (?).
And the only training grounds made of special materials capable of withstanding Emperor Ekiel's magical attacks were the special ones at the Imperial Palace.
*Well, Ekiel was confident it wouldn't matter since he wouldn't be using any attack magic anyway.*
That confidence of his only made her angrier.
No, of course, she acknowledged he was strong enough to be made emperor of this country based on his magical skills alone, even at his young age.
*But is it okay for him to dismiss me like this?*
*Then again, he was incredibly strong.*
Jusielia recalled being held in Ijeten's arms, her mind going blank at the sight of the flashing lightning before her.
Thinking about how formidable Ekiel's mana chain attack had been gave her goosebumps.
*Can I handle that?*
The thought of a real fight made her so nervous that she broke into a cold sweat, and her throat began to feel dry.
She was very worried, but there was also a pleasant sense of anticipation.
Once she left Stella Palace with her entourage and waited on the main road, Ekiel would arrive.
Then they could enter the Imperial Palace together and go to the training grounds.
*I want to get there quickly.*
However, Jusielia had to stop before she could even leave Stella Palace.
*What is this?*
It was because of a boy who was blocking the path, kneeling demurely near the corridor that connected Stella Palace to the Imperial Palace.
He had striking, fine silver hair and sky-blue eyes.
It was Claude.
*Huh?! What is he doing here?*
Not only Jusielia but also those accompanying the White Tiger Princess were bewildered and began to murmur.
“I-Isn't that the young lord of House Continell?”
“I heard he was ordered to be confined to his residence yesterday.”
“Kyang?” (Why is he acting like that?)
Jusielia, baffled, chimed in.
“I'm not sure. I will go and check.”
Xaviet stepped forward and approached Claude.
“Young Lord? What in the world are you doing here…?”
“I apologize, Your Highness!”
Claude ignored Xaviet's question and prostrated himself flat on the ground in Jusielia's direction.
Jusielia was so startled she took a step back without realizing it.
*What's with him?*
The guy who was so arrogant yesterday, why is he acting like this today? Is it because I saved him?
Jusielia felt awkward. People should be more consistent.
“Kya, kraang?” (What's wrong with you? Did you eat something bad?)
“You have every right to be angry, Your Highness. Please give me my punishment. I will, deservedly, and willingly, accept it!”
“Krrrrrang!” (Hey! Aren't you under house arrest?! You should be doing as you're told! Why are you wandering around?! You're going to get in big trouble!)
“That's right, Young Lord. Shouldn't you be at your residence as His Majesty commanded?”
Xaviet backed up Jusielia's angry outburst.
At that, Claude sat up and replied nonchalantly.
“I escaped.”
His expression and voice were so casual that it sounded as if he were saying, "I came for lunch."
After a moment of stunned silence, Jusielia finally growled.
“Krrrang?” (What? Are you crazy?)
“Are you saying you disobeyed His Majesty's command?”
Xaviet asked again, dumbfounded, but Claude, who seemed to have truly lost his mind, even cracked a smile.
“Yes. I am no longer a nobleman. I have renounced my title. I've decided to live as the Princess's slave from now on. Therefore, the Princess's orders take precedence over His Majesty the Emperor's. I am under the Princess's authority now, so I will carry out my confinement here at Stella Palace. Just give me a spare warehouse, and I will serve my time there.”
Hearing his long speech—a declaration of slavery(?)—everyone's eyes widened as if they would pop out, and their jaws dropped.
