Chapter 57: The Bet of Fate

“Hmm… Did I lose?”

“To be precise, it wasn’t a loss for me, it was just you. There’s no more to it.”

After sending Aisis, who had strongly opposed, out of the room, only the Emperor and Celian remained in the audience chamber.

“Ahem, let’s not talk about that anymore. I’ll just lose interest if I keep hearing about it. I hate spoilers the most.”

The Emperor casually tossed aside the topic they had been discussing and instead brought up a subject that piqued his interest.

“So, Celian. Is your goal still to defeat the Demon King?”

“That’s the role of a hero.”

It was the role she had heard about from her father, the head of the family, her kind mother, her older brother who was five years older, and everyone around her since she was young.

“To be exact, you’re still a candidate for the hero. It’s better to make that clear. Keep that in mind.”

“…Yes.”

“Then let me ask again. Is your goal to defeat the Demon King?”

It was the same question as before, but this time, she couldn’t answer.

“Yes. Your goal isn’t that. You just want to protect that child.”

And that silence was almost the answer to the question.

“However… the child you wish to protect will definitely go to defeat the Demon King. Along with you.”

Celian’s beautiful face twisted into a deep frown, and she glared at the Emperor with a frightening look. It was an extremely rude act that she could easily be dragged off to prison for at that moment, but the Emperor didn’t seem to care.

“Well, well, seems like someone is about to eat someone alive.”

As usual, the Emperor might not care, but Celian, who didn’t think she was suited to being in his presence, opened her mouth.

“…That will never happen. I won’t let her join me.”

“Celian, the hero candidate. You know a lot, don’t you? You even know about my eyes.”

“But do you know why I’m so certain about this?”

As the Emperor had said, Celian was already aware of his eyes. The Emperor’s insight was so sharp that it could almost be called the ability to see the future, but she also knew he couldn’t truly see the future.

Going to defeat the Demon King was the most dangerous thing in this world. There was no way she would take Elysia along.

Thus, the Emperor’s prophecy, or rather his prediction, would never come true.

“The party formation of the hero is completely up to the hero’s discretion. My thoughts won’t change, so His Majesty’s words can never be fulfilled.”

“Hmm… You’re quite certain, aren’t you? Then, how about this? Since both of us are so sure, when our opinions clash like this, wouldn’t making a bet be a fun diversion?”

The Emperor continued with a joyful smile, as if he had found a fun new toy.

“What do you think? Will you accept the bet?”

“…How childish.”

“Heh. What of it? Even if it’s childish, I don’t care in the slightest, just as you don’t care about the opinions of those around you. Ah! Could it be that you’re unsure? That’s why you’re hesitating, aren’t you? Your will is only as strong as that? So, your feelings for that child must be as weak as that.”

The Emperor spoke in a tone that lacked any dignity, almost like a gambler in a back alley challenging thugs to a bet.

And that childish provocation hit Celian much harder than expected.

“Fine. If His Majesty insists, I’ll take you on. My resolve will never falter.”

“Alright. Then the bet is settled. But the most important part of a bet is missing. The stakes.”

The Emperor pretended to think for a moment, making a few noises before clapping his hands and speaking.

Celian’s brows furrowed once again at the Emperor’s unnecessary acting, but as usual, the Emperor didn’t seem to care.

In fact, the Emperor seemed to enjoy seeing Celian’s change in expression.

“Since the bet is about that child, how about we stake that child? If you win, I’ll give you the child. By any means necessary, even if I have to overthrow the Empire.”

“…Elysia is not an object. Even if it’s you, Your Majesty, you cannot insult her.”

“Stop with that goody-goody talk. After all, it’s just you and me here.”

His voice sounded as if he were coaxing a child.

“Yes. To be honest, Your Majesty’s proposal is certainly attractive. But just as my will doesn’t break, I’m not easily swayed by desires. What I want, I’ll achieve with my own hands.”

“Hmm… That’s a boring answer. Elysia, on the other hand, was a lot more interesting.”

Once again, Celian realized that her personality didn’t match with the Emperor’s.

“Well, let’s think about the stakes later. For now, let’s end it here. I’ll see you next time with a more interesting expression.”

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, sending Celian away just as he had sent Elysia out earlier.

I, who had been standing by the bed, checked that Presia was asleep before getting up from my seat.

However, even though I tried to return to my room, I was still lost, so I had to ask Presia’s maid for help before finally making my way back.

Back in my room, my dedicated maid’s gaze seemed to say “I knew this would happen,” which made me feel embarrassed, but I had no excuse, so I just quietly sat down and started reading a book.

Knock knock.

“Who… Ah, Celian.”

I hadn’t flipped many pages when I heard someone knocking on the door.

Instead of the maid opening the door, I grabbed the doorknob myself, and there stood Celian in the hallway.

“Come in.”

I gestured toward the inside of the room, and she lightly nodded before walking in.

We sat across from each other at the small round table, and despite not saying anything, the waiting maid placed tea cups in front of us and poured the tea.

“By the way, Celian, did you talk to the Emperor?”

It had been quite a while since I had spoken with the Emperor, so even if Celian had seen him after me, her conversation would likely be over by now.

“Yes. I finished talking to him just a moment ago. Did His Majesty say anything strange?”

Celian’s tone was almost like an interrogation. However, I didn’t feel uncomfortable because I could sense concern in her voice.

I recalled the conversation with the Emperor but didn’t remember anything particularly odd.

It wasn’t that it was strange; it was just a bit embarrassing.

“Ah, right. I don’t know why, but His Majesty gave me a title of Count. Though it’s just in name.”

A wrinkle formed around her beautiful eyes.

“Was there anything else? Like, perhaps something about the Demon King…?”

Her sharp question made me flinch, but instead of being honest, I told a lie.

If I had been honest, she might have misunderstood and thought I was trying to use her for the Demon King’s defeat to fulfill my own desires.

Of course, I’m still contemplating whether to go on the Demon King’s subjugation journey, but even if I do, my intention will be more about helping Celian than fulfilling my own desires.

“I’m not sure, why? Did His Majesty say anything about me?”

“No, nothing. We just talked about the Demon King.”

Well, considering Celian is currently the only candidate for the hero role, it makes sense that such a topic would come up.

“By the way, now that we’ve met with His Majesty, does that mean the purpose of the royal invitation for us has been fulfilled?”

“…I suppose so.”

“Then, do you want to go out?”

Looking at Celian’s slightly gloomy expression, I felt a weight in my heart. She looks much better with a smile on her face.

“This is my first time in the capital. If it’s your first time too, how about we take a look around together? If not, could you show me around?”

“Well… I’ve been to the capital often. I’m not sure if the stores I remember from before are still there, but it should be fine.”

At my suggestion, the frown on her face disappeared, and her lips began to curl up a little.

“Then, let’s stay longer at Celian’s mansion and, just like the day we left early, let’s enjoy the capital before heading back. Sounds good, right?”

Well, the location just changed from Celian’s mansion to the palace.

The main reason I stayed at her mansion was Celian herself, so changing the place isn’t much of a problem.

While we’re out, I’ll cheer Celian up and, at the same time, pick up some snacks for Presia.

“…Are you thinking of someone else right now?”

I flinched!