Starting a Reversal in Life From the Time of Release

28 – Various Things in the Palace (1)

The capital of the empire was truly magnificent.

Sturdy city walls, streets, and even the people were well-polished.

Of course, there might not be no shadows at all, but it seemed very bright.

The scenery exuded a wealth characteristic of a country that divided a vast continent.

Especially impressive was a tall tower visible from a distance.

“What is that tower? A lookout?”

“It’s a mage tower. A tower built by the mages in the empire. It’s different from the mage tower where mages are dedicated to magical research.”

“Oh… that’s it?”

I remembered the story Marie had told me before.

She mentioned that there were some who came to the country to hone their magic skills more comfortably.

“Yeah. When they think it’s time to reveal the cracks, they will actively participate. They will also mediate with the mage tower.”

“Mediate…?”

When I tilted my head, Marie subtly drew a circle on her lips.

“Yeah. It’s a gateway to another world, right? So, it will attract a lot of attention from the mages. In the process, there may be disputes over who conducts research proactively or who gains more access to the cracks.”

Marie eventually sighed and said there would likely be political movements.

I thought this world would be less complex than Earth due to its simple power structure, but I realized that there was complexity here too, with political movements.

My perspective was broadening once again.

“Halt!”

Whirr! As we were chatting and passing the time, there was a commotion outside.

Even inside the carriage, I could hear the sounds coming from outside clearly.

Someone calling to stop the carriage and the horses’ hooves stopping accordingly.

“Open the door!”

I sneaked a look outside as I opened the carriage door, and my goodness.

A very large gate came into view at a glance. It looked just like the castle gate that I saw from the outside.

The soldiers’ iron armor added to the grandeur.

Various elements of dignity could be seen here and there. After quickly scanning the female soldier instructing me to open the door, I immediately closed the carriage door. The coachman was already poised to depart.

In fact, the carriage rushed forward menacingly as soon as I closed the door.

“We have arrived.”

Soon, the carriage stopped and the coachman, who had been driving the horses, kindly opened the door. Marie got off first, followed by me.

Numerous carriages were lined up in a row.

And the large stable across from us caught my eye first.

“Something… it’s really big.” Even if it’s called the royal family, it’s probably not even a few people. It seemed too excessive for what it was set up for them. It makes sense if there are several carriages, but there were too many horses. “Sometimes, the knights stationed at the palace use them in emergencies. That’s why. And it’s also for preserving good bloodlines.”

Then there’s nothing we can do about it.

I just obediently nodded my head. “Princess, it’s been a long time.

Did you experience any setbacks anywhere?”

While I looked around, a woman in a ceremonial dress approached Marie and bowed.

Marie showed a very pleased expression, as if she knew the person well.

“Selene! You came all the way here yourself?”

“Yes, by the order of Her Majesty. I thought it would be considerate of me to come and meet the princess. ”

“Really? That’s great. Is Her Majesty in Daejeon?”

“Yes. Let me guide you. But, that person over there…”

After exchanging brief greetings, Selene’s gaze turned towards me.

It was natural since Marie, who had returned after a long time, was much more important.

“This is the person who helped bring the riches. ”

“Ah…! Is this the immigrant I’ve only heard rumors about? It’s an honor to meet you in person like this.”

Celie bowed politely, placing one hand on her chest.

It was a very elegant greeting.

From the way she acknowledged that I was from an immigrant background, it seemed like she didn’t know the full story.

“Yes. Nice to meet you. My name is Sihu.”

I also bowed deeply and greeted her.

In response, Celie replied in a trembling voice, as if she was overwhelmed.

“It is truly an honor to be greeted so politely by the hero who saved our country. And thank you. Because of the hero, we have been relieved of a great burden.”

“You’re being too kind.”

I know that Mr. Alberto has returned to his place and that the emperor’s energy has been restored.

I knew that, but the expression of being relieved of a great burden seemed too exaggerated.

“I will guide you to the main hall.”

She stood up straight with her back straight and walked straight to the door that was set far apart.

I thought it was a large and tall wall, but now I see that it is a palace.

Walking into the palace side by side with Mari, it was just as magnificent as the outside.

I also wondered how much the decorations on the walls or the scattered artworks were worth.

It was sad, but I thought that valuing things with money was a characteristic of modern people.

“Don’t be too nervous.”

Mari laughed, thinking that I was nervous, and held my hand tightly.

Rather than being nervous, it was more like being overwhelmed, but it was all stiff and stiff.

That’s why I was grateful for Mari’s consideration.

Thanks to her, I was able to escape the pressure and feel more comfortable.

Walking through such a magnificent corridor. Celie, who was leading the way, stopped in front of a door.

It was taller and more majestic than the other doors.

“Your Majesty, Princess Mari has returned.”

[Let her in.]

When Celie shouted loudly, strangely, the voice from inside could be heard very clearly.

It was a voice that seemed quite excited.

I wondered if it was a room that wasn’t as big as I thought.

However, as the tightly closed door opened and I stepped inside.

I realized that I was very wrong.

The room was as vast and majestic as any indoor sports arena, with numerous columns standing in a row.

When we decided to go to the capital, this place was a perfect fit.

Marie and I followed the red carpet that extended all the way to the high throne.

We knelt before the elevated throne at the bottom of a short flight of steps.

Marie had taught me to do this in front of the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, we have returned.”

“Hmm, you may raise your heads.”

After Marie greeted first, the Emperor granted permission to raise our heads.

As our gaze lifted from the red floor, the first thing that caught our eyes was the deep azure hair.

It was the same color as Marie’s hair, creating a sense of familiarity.

“You’ve been through a lot outside. I’m pleased to see you unharmed.”

“All thanks to Your Majesty’s grace.”

“What have I done?”

The Emperor met Marie’s eyes and gave a faint smile, then turned his gaze toward me.

His eyes were filled with curiosity and a hint of coldness, a stark contrast to the warm and inquisitive eyes from earlier.

“I see. You’ve seen me once before, haven’t you?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We briefly met at the White Marquis’ estate.”

“Ah, I remember. I was in such a hurry at that time that I couldn’t properly express my gratitude. I seize this opportunity to convey my thanks.”

“I am honored, Your Majesty.”

I bowed my head using a tone and manner I had learned from historical dramas.

The Emperor seemed quite satisfied with this.

It was all thanks to the artifact hanging around my neck. Without it, the tension would have been much higher, and I might have missed the timing to lower my head.

The Emperor cast a brief glance at both Marie and me, then spoke in a calm voice.

“You must be tired from the long journey. Rest first when you enter. We can talk tomorrow. Is that agreeable?”

“We appreciate your consideration.”

After bowing in gratitude, Marie slowly stood up, and I followed suit for a moment.

“Oh, by the way, what will you do about the rooms? Separate ones, I presume? It’s not the right time yet, after all.”

“We’ll take separate rooms. It’s not the right time yet.”

When Mari emphasized the word “(still),” the Emperor smiled with a sinister look in his eyes.

“So, how have you been on that side?” Mari glanced around lightly before answering.

It seemed like she was checking if there were any other people around.

“As Your Majesty thought, we lived in the same house. We had separate rooms,” she said.

“Well…then it must not be much different from now. Perhaps you don’t like that man?” The Emperor asked, giving me a sidelong glance. Strangely, I couldn’t find the right words to respond.

I could have firmly denied it, but it seemed like it wouldn’t be right to say so.

“No, Your Majesty. I have a strong desire to have a child with him, even right now,” Mari answered decisively, causing the Emperor to tilt his head sideways.

It seemed like he didn’t understand English.

On the other hand, I was dumbfounded.

The conversation was too disorganized and shocking.

“Really? Yet you still don’t sleep together? Could it be…is he inadequate?” the Emperor asked.

“Your Majesty, forgive me for being frank, but the Crown Prince is stronger than any man on this continent. I can’t say for certain, but if he is inadequate, I can make up for it,” she said.

“Oh? It seems like you really like to say that,” the Emperor said with a pleased expression.

Mother and daughter crossed the line without caring if I was present or not.

Thanks to them, I felt dizzy and embarrassed.

Why is embarrassment always my share…

“Hmm. It seems like we should talk about that today. Can you make time for it?” the Emperor asked.

“Of course. Please prepare a place after the meal,” Mari confidently responded to the Emperor’s sparkling eyes.

There was no way to express his reaction to an overtly s*xual comment…It was like he was a beast.

“Alright. You will lead the way to the room. Give him a room that he will like,” the Emperor commanded.

“It is a wise suggestion,” Mari bowed her head as if she was truly grateful and left the palace.

I followed behind her like a puppet with my hidden stick.

Mari walked along the wide corridor, scanning the doors, and finally stopped in front of a certain room.

“This room will do,” she said.

“Thank you.”

“Not at all. If you need anything, feel free to tell the servants outside anytime.”

I expressed my gratitude with a tired voice.

Fortunately, Marry seemed to understand why I was acting this way and was considerate.

After a brief explanation, Marry returned to her room, and I realized that my room was right next to hers.

I had nothing, but I was extremely tired, and a yawn escaped involuntarily.