The Response to my Drunken Proposal was Surprisingly Good

✦ Chapter 91 – Not A Battle of Wits, But A Warm Celebration of Spirit (2) ✦

「Translator – Creator」

𒋝𒋝𒋝𒋝𒋝

Before the Second Princess Hedera, the Imperial Magic Tower delegation stood.

They were unsure of the exact reason for Hedera’s summons. However, all three instinctively understood one thing— the atmosphere was delicate.

— Why have we been called here?

Tether sent a nervous telepathic message.

— Did I do something wrong…?

Whatever the reason, this did not feel like a safe space.

Tether’s gaze darted towards Ezekiel.

As always, wasn’t Ezekiel the most reliable person in times of crisis? Or so she thought.

“…………….”

She quickly realized she’d placed her hopes in the wrong person. The Inspector’s expression was just as unreadable as ever.

— Um, Inspector. Do you have any insights?

— What in the world is going on?

— … Well, she probably called us because she wants to hear a report.

— Aha!

But what was with this oppressive atmosphere?

…Just what was the source of this foreboding feeling?

Just as Tether was about to speak up again—

“Have some manners. That’s enough telepathic chatter.”

BEEEEEEP—!

With a single word from Hedera, the telepathic communication was completely severed. The power of her command easily surpassed any ordinary magic.

“Hmm.”

Hedera tapped her fingernails against the armrest, her gaze sweeping over each member of the Imperial Magic Tower personnel standing before her.

“Now, where should I begin?”

She paused for a moment, as if in thought.

“You’ve all worked hard.” 

“I was merely doing my duty as an Inspector.”

Ezekiel bowed his head respectfully.

“Is there anything more admirable than carrying out one’s duties with such unwavering diligence? You deserve to be commended.”

Hedera knew very well that this was not a simple matter that had been resolved by chance. 

The Imperial Magic Tower personnel, especially Ezekiel, had performed exceptionally well.

Lifting a teacup to her lips, Hedera spoke.

“Tether.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Despite being my secretary, you accompanied the Inspector on this mission. Tell me, what are your reflections on this experience?”

“Well, now that you ask me to explain…”

At that moment, Hedera’s and Tether’s eyes met.

“Yes. I learned a great deal. Where should I even begin? Allow me to elaborate on everything.”

“Go on.”

“I’ve come to truly understand the indispensable role the Imperial Magic Tower plays in serving Your Highness. Rest assured, the Imperial Magic Tower will continue to be your unwavering support.”

Hedera nodded silently. 

“The end?”

“Pardon?”

“That’s it? That’s all you’ve learned?”

“Oh….”

For a brief moment, Tether’s mind raced.

Then, a realization struck her, and she found the ‘correct’ answer.

“…Of course, there’s more!”

Tether quickly flashed a bright smile.

“I was deeply moved by the Inspector’s unwavering devotion to Your Highness! He poured his heart and soul into this mission because it was for Your Highness’s tower, you see!”

“…Is that so?”

It was subtle, but all three of them noticed it.

Hedera’s demeanor brightened, just slightly.

The princess’s gaze shifted to Ezekiel.

“Inspector, did you really say such a thing?”

“…Yes.”

Ezekiel averted his gaze, a faint blush creeping up his neck. Now it was Agnes’s turn to be subjected to the princess’s scrutiny.

“The Inspector’s secretary.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“And what are your thoughts?”

“I’ve made a number of observations.”

Agnes’s expression turned serious.

“Your Highness.”

“I’m listening.”

“The Imperial Magic Tower can no longer afford to be what it once was.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

Hedera fixed her gaze on Agnes.

“First and foremost, the success of this mission was truly remarkable.”

“Are you saying you wanted to express how remarkable the Imperial Magic Tower is?”

“That’s correct, but what I want to convey to you, Your Highness, is a slightly different matter.”

Agnes paused, taking a deep breath.

“Truth be told, the Imperial Magic Tower should have collapsed today.”

Hedera slowly closed and opened her eyes.

“It should have collapsed?”

“Yes. Prioritizing leisure over duty, postponing tasks—such laxity had become the norm, with little regard for productivity or tangible results.”

“Well, that’s certainly true.”

“As a result, today’s exchange was meant to be our downfall, a public spectacle of our incompetence. In a way, it was only fitting.”

“…You speak the truth.”

Hedera nodded slightly in agreement.

What is unremarkable receives the treatment it deserves, and what is beautiful is considered beautiful — isn’t that the way of the world? The Imperial Magic Tower was naturally destined to fail.

“However, the Inspector averted that outcome.”

“Hmmm.”

“The problem is that this accomplishment was solely due to the Inspector’s efforts. It was not a testament to the Imperial Magic Tower’s capabilities.”

Agnes continued, her tone measured and calm.

“With suspicions surrounding the Imperial Magic Tower now dispelled, a wave of individuals harboring high expectations will soon come knocking at our door.”

“That is to be expected.”

“Should the Inspector find himself preoccupied or burdened with multiple tasks, it will undoubtedly create a difficult situation.”

Tap—! Tap—! Tap—!

Hedera drummed her fingers against the armrest thoughtfully.​

“It has become clear to me that the Imperial Magic Tower must now strive for excellence, even if it means pushing ourselves to our very limits. It will be a challenging endeavor, but as the secretary, I am prepared to give it my all.”

With that, Agnes concluded her report.

Hedera’s expression remained unreadable. Not that it was easy to decipher, with half of her face concealed behind a mask.

And yet—

“I’m pleased.”

Hedera’s words came as a surprise.

Tether’s eyes widened in astonishment, but Hedera continued speaking in an even, measured tone.

“I never expected to find a mage who cares so deeply for the Imperial Magic Tower. And you’re relatively new to the position, if I’m not mistaken. Your loyalty is admirable.”

“Is that so?”

Agnes nodded curtly, accepting the compliment without a trace of arrogance. 

“Though my tenure as a secretary has been short, I have a history with the Imperial Magic Tower. I’ve always wished for its success, but until now, Your Highness was absent, and a capable Inspector was nowhere to be found.”

Hedera chuckled lightly at Agnes’s straightforward answer.

“Those words sound almost like an accusation. It’s true I was absent, and it’s my fault for not appointing a capable inspector. Well, it is my responsibility.”

Agnes quickly lowered her head in a gesture of respect.

“Those were not my intentions at all, Your Highness. It seems my excitement over the current circumstances has led to a slip of the tongue.”

“I’m only teasing, Agnes. Relax, there’s no need to be so formal.”

Hedera reached into her robes and retrieved a small object. Agnes stepped forward and received it with both hands, her movements cautious and respectful.

It was a thin, gleaming gold bar. 

“Here. Consider this a token of my appreciation.”

Tether gasped audibly.

“Whoa…!”

She even made a sound without realizing it. The amount Hedera gave to Agnes was so staggering that it far exceeded the usual rewards.

“It is only fitting that I reward such thoughtfulness towards my beloved tower. I trust you will continue to serve with the utmost dedication.”

“This is far too much.”

Agnes began cautiously. 

“Would it be presumptuous of me to perhaps, return this gold bar?”

“Nonsense. Keep it.”

Hedera waved a dismissive hand.

“It’s a modest sum, all things considered. Enough to last you until you retire, perhaps.” 

Hedera’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. 

“Should you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to take a break. Whether it’s a few days or a few months, don’t feel pressured to rush back. You’re a wealthy woman now; surely there are places you’d like to visit, things you’d like to see.”

“There may be tiring days, but I will never take a rest, Your Highness. I have been taught that responsibility is of utmost importance.”

“You always say the right things.”

When Hedera lifted her teacup, everyone quickly lowered their heads. It was considered disrespectful to look directly upon the Second Princess as she took her tea, especially with her mask lowered.

“Agnes.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“As you pointed out, the Imperial Magic Tower is currently… lacking in many areas. There’s no need for you to remain confined to a secretarial role, if that’s not your true calling. Should a more suitable position arise, I’ll gladly offer it to you.”

“My abilities are insufficient for anything other than the secretary role, Your Highness. Should I be moved, it would undoubtedly cause significant inconvenience. I wish to remain in the secretary position if possible.”

Agnes kept her gaze lowered, her demeanor the picture of respect and decorum.

Hedera observed her for a moment, her expression unreadable.

“……….….”

Tether, meanwhile, glanced between the two women, trying to decipher the strange atmosphere that had settled over them.

‘What’s this atmosphere?’

On the surface, their conversation seemed perfectly pleasant, even encouraging. But something about it felt… off. An undercurrent of tension, subtle but undeniable. Almost… flirtatious.

And at the center of it all— Ezekiel.

Both the Princess and Agnes had been glancing at Ezekiel from time to time since earlier. Tether was not ignorant of this tension.

Then, a sudden, strong thought hit her.

Wait.

Could it be? 

Tether blinked rapidly, trying to dismiss the idea as ridiculous. 

…Are they… fighting over him? 

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