Chapter 60
Franz was flustered by the Princess's unexpected declaration. No matter how he interpreted it, her words were nothing short of a confession. Perhaps because she was a naive child, she didn't hold back, speaking her mind directly.
But.
She's only eleven.
Eleven years old. That would be an age for learning basic sums and playing in the schoolyard. What adult would take a confession from such a young child seriously? Of course, there's a possibility such an adult exists somewhere, but he sincerely hoped not. It's no joke; he could end up imprisoned.
In any case, given the situation, Franz didn't take it seriously either. It's a common occurrence for a child to say, 'When I grow up, I'll marry Daddy!' It's just that 'Daddy' has been replaced by the Magic Tower Master, hasn't it?
The problem was,
It seems everyone but me is taking this seriously.
The Princess in front of him was blushing profusely, acting like a girl in love, and as for the Emperor, what could he say? He was probably glaring at Franz's back as if trying to bore a hole through it.
The Princess was fine, but even the Emperor acting like this was a bit much. Someone who knows better is taking an 11-year-old's confession.
Ah, he's a doting father.
Franz understood belatedly. If it were the Emperor, he would have reacted similarly even if it were an 11-year-old boy, not necessarily the Magic Tower Master. He was truly an *extremely* doting father.
In any case, with the Princess waiting in front of him, he had to say something.
*What should I say?*
If it were an ordinary child, he might have just brushed it off with a 'Oh, alright, let's get married later,' but this was the Princess, after all.
Moreover, both the Emperor and the Princess were taking the situation seriously.
So he absolutely had to refuse, but if he did, there was a chance the Emperor would retaliate. Saying something like, 'What's wrong with my daughter that a wretch like you would refuse her?'
What if, in that situation, the Princess cried from the pain of rejection? Things he didn't even want to imagine would happen.
Hoo—.
Franz, having collected his thoughts with a short exhale, opened his mouth.
“Princess, I truly appreciate your feelings. You are far too charming for someone like me, so how could I not be pleased? However, I am certain you will meet someone far better. Someone much more distinguished and handsome than a mere Magic Tower Master.”
What in the world was he doing...?
Franz felt embarrassed even though the words had come from his own mouth. These were absolutely not words to say to an 11-year-old.
*The Emperor...
Fortunately, he said nothing.
It seemed the rejection wasn't too bad.
He just needed to get through this smoothly. It was just as Franz was about to breathe a sigh of relief.
“Th-then, am I being rejected by the Magic Tower Master right now...?”
The Princess spoke with a voice full of disappointment. Her two hands were tightly clutching the hem of her skirt. It was the typical image of a heartbroken woman.
If he left her like this, wouldn't tears start to fall from her bowed head?
Not that. Anything but that.
The Princess's tears were the Emperor's trigger for an outburst. He had to stop the trigger from being pulled somehow.
“W-well then, how about this? I will give you magic lessons.”
“You're giving me a chance to become a woman worthy of you...?”
How on earth did she interpret it that way? It was as if her ears had deceived her.
“Yes, I'll do that then! I'll work hard to become a woman worthy of the Magic Tower Master!”
Even though Franz hadn't said anything, the conversation proceeded on its own.
But trying to deny it now would be no easy task either.
And so, Franz ultimately decided to give up.
“Once a week, I will come and teach you magic.”
Anyway, once time passed and the Princess matured a bit, she wouldn't bring up today's conversation again. So, he just had to endure until then.
“Alright. I'll make the Magic Tower Master look my way, no matter what.”
“Ahahaha…”
Franz awkwardly scratched his head.
But what was he trying to say before all this happened?
*Ah...*
Franz belatedly remembered what he had intended to say.
“Princess, it's best not to rely on such tools when learning magic.”
“Understood. I'll put it back in the Treasure Vault then.”
“Yes, that would be for the best.”
Right, that's what he had intended to say from the beginning. It was just that the Princess's sudden confession had sidetracked him for a moment. In any case, he was relieved that it seemed to have ended well.
“Father, Magic Tower Master, I think I should go now. I have to resume my special magic training...!”
The Princess, having declared her firm resolve, bowed her head and departed.
Franz watched her retreating figure, then turned his head and met the gaze of the Emperor, who had a rather stern expression.
“Franz, this isn't the place to talk, so let's move somewhere else.”
The Emperor said so and began to walk somewhere.
*Surely the place he's taking me isn't the Torture Chamber...?*
Franz followed him, harboring such an uneasy feeling.
Fortunately, contrary to Franz's worries, they soon arrived at the Emperor's Audience Chamber.
“Would you care for a cup of tea?”
“I will serve it, Your Majesty.”
“No need. You may sit over there.”
At the Emperor's words, Franz said nothing further and quietly took a seat. Soon after, two teacups were placed on the table, and the Emperor sat down opposite Franz.
Slurp—.
The Emperor, after sipping his tea, gently set down his cup and spoke.
“I apologize for my daughter's causing you trouble.”
“How could I possibly say I was troubled by Her Highness's feelings? It is merely a pity that she is too good for someone like me.”
“Hmm, is that so? I think you're quite suitable, actually. Not now, of course, but after Karin grows up a bit more.”
...
Suddenly, alarm bells rang in Franz's mind. He simply couldn't understand what the Emperor was talking about.
Of course, historically, there haven't been any couples with a 16-year age gap. But even before that, Franz's common sense couldn't accept it. A 16-year age gap? Honestly, he could be accused of abduction. Yes, absolutely.
I need to stop this conversation now.
If he continued talking about this topic, he felt like his head would explode.
Slurp—.
After drinking the Emperor's tea, which he hadn't enjoyed in a long time, Franz moved on to the main topic.
“Your Majesty, I have something to report first.”
“Yes, speak.”
“I previously reported that I would go to subjugate Belphegor, but I captured him alive and handed him over to the Goddess Church.”
“Is that true?!”
The Emperor, who maintained his composure at all times, showed a rare, intense reaction.
Franz spoke casually, but that didn't make his achievement any less significant. Hadn't he plucked out one of the Seven Pillars, a major Cultist, who was a long-standing bane of the Empire? It was an unparalleled blessing for the Empire.
“Hah—, not just subjugated, but captured alive! I never cease to be amazed by you. Indeed, I can trust Karin to you, someone of your caliber.”
He's saying that again...? The thought that the Emperor might actually be serious sent shivers down his spine. Franz tried his best to ignore that ominous feeling and continued speaking.
“So, if I may, there is one request I would like to make.”
“A request? Speak. If it's possible, I will grant it.”
“I wish to receive the ducal title of Duke Ishtar.”
This was his true purpose for coming to see the Emperor in the first place. He needed a hereditary Title, and it would also solve Yuna's housing problem all at once. And if his prediction was correct, the Emperor would readily accept. After all, there was nothing better than bestowing a Title to tie down valuable personnel. Well, in a way, he'd become a sworn vassal of the Empire.
“The justification can be the subjugation of Duke Ishtar, who was a Cultist. Hmm, it doesn't seem too difficult.”
As expected, the Emperor readily granted it. With this, Yuna's housing problem was also solved, so there was nothing more to worry about. And as a bonus, she could pass on the very high position of Duke to future generations.
Then, the Emperor asked, as if he didn't understand.
“But, are you truly alright with this? I thought you didn't want a Title because you disliked getting involved in troublesome affairs.”
“How could I call the Empire's affairs troublesome when I live under the Emperor's benevolent gaze? It's simply that until now, I've been too busy with Magic Tower matters to have the leisure to look around.”
“Well, if that's the case, then it's fortunate…”
After that, Franz and the Emperor conversed for quite a long time. The main topic of their conversation was the ceremony for bestowing the ducal title. It seemed that such a high title couldn't be simply passed over. Franz wasn't particularly fond of being in the spotlight, but since it was unavoidable, he decided to accept it.
Thus, with all decisions made, Franz sought out Yuna's house.He wanted to deliver the news that her housing worries were over.Knock-knock—.
When he knocked on the door, it soon opened, and Yuna emerged.
“Franz? What's up?”
“Ah, it's nothing else but to talk about you staying at Duke Ishtar's Castle, as we discussed before.”
“Oh, if it's about that, just a moment…”
Yuna said that and went inside the house.
After a brief moment, she came out again and uttered something rather surprising.
“Franz, um, if you don't mind, would you like to stay for a meal at my house...? I haven't prepared much, but I still wanted to do something for you.”
A meal...
It's hard to refuse an invitation like this again.
“Alright, let's do that.”
Franz decided to accept for now.