I’m in Trouble Because The Emperor Thinks My Time is Limited - Chapter 47

The music that had been flowing gently suddenly changed. The new piece being played was the renowned [Return of the Ruler – Fourth Movement by Veital], and its grandeur instilled a sense of tension in all who heard it.

Yet, people hardly noticed the change in the melody, their attention completely captivated by the figure who had just entered. The aura exuded by the person, as if they were the true master of this space, seized everyone’s focus, an unknown presence of a ruler surrounding them.

Who would dare to call her weak?

The countless rumors surrounding Lindel Bodebachne would be laid to rest today. Her upright and dignified steps sent the red cloak fluttering behind her. The return of the ruler—only then did those present recognize the perfection of the orchestra’s choice of music.

Lindel Bodebachne was here to announce her return.

The four captains who had been called entered behind her. Each of them was a person who could attract everyone’s attention on their own, but for now, they simply followed behind Lindel Bodebachne. It was as if they were declaring that the protagonist of this occasion was none other than the woman in front of them, as they respectfully followed her lead.

“Ah!”

“Look over there.”

At that moment, an exclamation rose from among the nobles.

The knights stationed along the ballroom’s walls ran and formed two lines, drawing their swords. Raising their swords high into the air and crossing them above, they created a path in the middle of the hall.

Lindel, who had been walking confidently, gazed at the path expressionlessly. A beautiful smile touched her lips at the sight of the path made with reverence and admiration.

“Such a pointless gesture.”

Her voice, sighed out like a whisper, was languid. Though her demeanor seemed indifferent, those standing close to her could detect the gentleness that lay beneath. A young noble lady witnessing the scene for the first time blushed slightly.

The knights who had drawn their swords returned to their posts. Still, Lindel’s gaze remained fixed ahead. The sound of five pairs of footsteps echoed in the hall. And at that moment—

“That’s enough.”

At the sharp command, the four knights following her halted. Without even turning her head, Lindel addressed them.

“You may all disperse now.”

Her cold voice might have seemed icy, but the admiration in the eyes of those watching her only deepened. Though her tone was curt, the tenderness hidden within it had already been seen by everyone present. No one misunderstood her.

“…Amazing.”

Mizar, standing among her awestruck friends, unknowingly murmured to herself. A soft pink hue had already spread across her cheeks.

***

It was foolish of me to trust those palace people.

I never expected them to plan something like this, and I’d been far too complacent. But as always, these people had no understanding of moderation.

Glancing behind me, I could see the faces of the captains. As irritation suddenly surged, I turned back to face forward, but what awaited me there was even more ridiculous.

‘What on earth is that.’

Ah.

Ahhhhh…!

I couldn’t bring myself to curse at the knights standing in formation before me, so I bit down on the inside of my cheek.

After all, what fault did they have? Knights had to follow orders from above, and there was no reason to be angry at them. They were probably just as miserable as I was, dragged out here to put on this ridiculous show instead of enjoying the festival. Their tense faces, holding their swords high, made my heart ache.

Of course, the person I pitied the most was myself.

‘I’m so embarrassed I could die!’

Though the path was made for me, my steps slowed involuntarily. I swore to find whoever was behind this and bring them to justice as I forced myself to keep walking. The heat of all the eyes on me made me feel like my spirit was about to leave my body.

Please, everyone just leave me alone. I wanted to shout it at the top of my lungs, but that wasn’t even the worst of it.

After I’d passed through the path, I could see the expectation in people’s eyes. I had no idea what they wanted me to do now.

‘Are they expecting me to dance or something, these fools?!’

I had intended to quietly kill time at the food table until Sionel arrived, but that was now impossible. I had no nerve to nonchalantly snack on food.

“You may all disperse now.”

I tried to divert some of the attention by speaking, but the four following me remained unmoved. I turned to glare at them, only to see a variety of expressions.

Cryan, smiling awkwardly like a neighbor caught in trouble, was clearly not the instigator. Millior stood still beside him—he was an odd one but not the culprit either.

-Pfft!

I rolled my eyes, trying to identify the instigator, when suddenly a burst of laughter rang out from the side. The culprit was Alita. Seeing his walnut-shaped jaw clenched, struggling to hold back laughter, it was obvious to anyone that he was behind this.

He was having a blast watching me. Clearly, he had orchestrated this spectacle to make my life difficult.

As anger surged within me, Zimokan, who had been standing beside Alita, spoke up, “Is something bothering you?”

Zimokan, in his characteristically old-fashioned tone, asked me. Despite his young age, Zimokan spoke in a stiff, antiquated manner that had somehow made him popular among young ladies and noblewomen for its quaint charm.

“Sir Seirbel.”

“Yes, my lady?”

He nodded politely as I called his name.

As I approached him, Zimokan helpfully bowed his head.

“You dislike attending these gatherings, do you not?”

“While I have no interest in entertainment, if it is for the sake of the Lady I respect, I can endure such events. Please do not worry.”

“…What did Sir Uwenn say?”

When I immediately brought up Alita, Zimokan’s face lit with admiration. “As expected, your insight is remarkable. How did you know it was Sir Uwenn who called upon me? In any case, he told me that today was a very important day for you.”

“An important day?”

“He mentioned that you were about to face several significant battles with many unknown figures, and that we needed to lend our strength.”

“……”

“I do not know the details, but I wished to support you, and so I have come.”

Zimokan continued with sparkling eyes, “I do not know who you are fighting, but to be stepping out in your weakened condition—I must say, I am even more in awe of you.”

His pure words made the skin under my eyes twitch involuntarily. Next to him, Alita’s face twisted as he tried to hold back his laughter.

“Sir Uwenn said that it was crucial to win the battle of spirits from the outset. I wonder if I was of any help.”

Zimokan’s innocent face showed a hint of expectation. No wonder he’d been frowning earlier—he must have thought it was part of his role in the so-called “battle of spirits.”

Casting a sidelong glance at Alita, who was now snickering aloud, I turned back to Zimokan.

“Sir Seirbel. Sir Uwenn expressed his desire to assist in your special training today. What do you say to starting right now?”

“Special training?” Zimokan’s eyes sparkled.

“W-wait! When did I say that?!”

Alita hastily interjected, but I moved his face aside and smiled brightly at Zimokan.

“He said that he has been feeling far too lax lately and that he wished to join you for spiritual discipline.”

“Is that so!”

Zimokan Seirbel’s special training was indeed something special. Even the members of his Black Order fled at the mere mention of it. Given that Zimokan often trained alone, it was only natural that his face brightened at the prospect of having a partner. Meanwhile, Alita’s face had turned deathly pale.

“Let’s go immediately.”

“But as a loyal subject, I must first greet His Majesty before leaving this banquet, must I not?”

“Y-yeah! We can’t train on a day like today!”

“No.” Looking at Alita with an amused smirk, I spoke, “His Majesty will not mind in the slightest. Just focus on your training and return.”

“Oh, how delightful.”

“W-wait! Hey! Let go of me! Agh! Put me down!”

Zimokan, hoisting Alita onto his shoulder, started to run off. It was always amazing to see him easily lift someone as large as Alita. His beaming face looked almost boyish.

I waved softly at their retreating figures.

“Aaaaagh!”

This is what you get for messing with me, fool!

“…Um.”

I was relishing my victory, chuckling, when a small voice called out to me. Turning my head in the direction of the voice, I saw a young girl gazing at me with a shy expression. Only then did I realize that everyone around us was staring.

The nobles had just witnessed the top figures of the Imperial Palace making a spectacle of themselves in real time.

“Ah, is there something I can help you with, young lady?”

But what did it matter to me? I’d already been embarrassed to the point of no return, so I figured I might as well keep going. Besides, Alita had just made an even bigger fool of himself.

“Y-you were so amazing today.”

Her face reddening, she stammered her admiration, and I responded somewhat awkwardly.

“Thank you—”

“You’ve always been impressive, but today you are several times more incredible. Truly the best!”

The young lady almost screamed her words.

Seeing my astonished face, the surrounding young women suddenly surged towards me.

“Oh my! How is it possible for you to look like this?!”

“Even the Saintess of the Holy Empire couldn’t be this holy!”

“W-wait—!”

“Lady Lindel, please look over here!”

“Hey! Are you recording this on your image recorder? Please share it with me later!”

I felt overwhelmed by the crowd suddenly pressing in on me. Someone had even taken out an expensive image recorder, and a few young ladies were passionately demanding a copy.

Why would you want to share that?!

“Lady Lindel, I love you!”

“I’ve missed you so much! You’ve been staying at the palace, and it made me so sad.”

“Take me as yours, please!”

“Is your body alright now? Please don’t get sick again—eek, stop pushing!”

It was utter chaos. Did I just mishear someone saying ‘take me as yours’?

In the midst of the turmoil, I caught sight of the knights who were supposedly acting as my guards, watching from afar.

“This is when you’re supposed to help!”

“Kyaa, Lady Lindel!”

As I helped a young lady who almost fell, I looked up, and my eyes met Millior’s across the room.

‘I’m jealous.’

I could read his lips, and I yelled back at him.

“Stop saying nonsense and help me!”