An Unforgettable Memory

Erda summoned Ivan to tell him that his reward was ready.

Ivan had no great expectations. After all, he had practically achieved his goal already.

If things continued like this, Erda would become emperor before long, and no war would break out.

The most she could offer as a reward would probably be immense wealth and honor, but he already had more than enough of both.

Even so, refusing a reward she had presumably prepared with great care felt a little awkward.

His expectations for the reward Erda would give him amounted to no more than a gift accepted out of courtesy.

“You seem rather unenthusiastic. You weren't expecting much, were you?”

Erda immediately saw through him.

“Could you at least pretend to be a little pleased? I put considerable effort into preparing this for today.”

“···That's a misunderstanding.”...