CH 82

*Karmeut’s POV

In the middle of work, Karmeut narrowed his eyebrows. This was because the Young Lady Gwynell, who was forbidden from entering the Imperial Palace on his orders, did not give up and sent Rainelle a letter every day.

The letters said that she wanted to apologize for her rudeness... But, as long as Rainelle doesn't like it, I don't want to make her meet Rainelle...

Judging by the momentum, Young Lady Gwynell is unlikely to give up easily. And thanks to her, Rainelle only uses her crow form these days.

Of course, her crow's appearance is cute, and it's good to have her acting cute and plunging into my arms, but...

“Haa…”

The Emperor let out a long sigh while twirling the quill.

--For some reason, the Emperor felt depressed as he had the urge to throw everything away and spend time alone with Rainelle.

***

*Rainelle’s POV

I was so sick of the heroine's behavior of sending letters every day without giving up. Of course, I pretended I didn't see it and burned the letters on the fireplace every time, but...

Arghh! I feel stuffy! I have to fly around to have fun at times like this!

I spread my wings and flew through the open window. I even called Mui and we fly excitedly in the wind together. At a point, my vision caught a carriage standing at the entrance of the Imperial Palace.

What's that?

The Imperial Palace is frequented by carriages. It was natural since most of those who entered the Palace were aristocrats. However, the carriages usually entered quickly. There was never a time when one stood in front of the Palace like that as it would block the way.

I was interested in knowing what was going on, so I sat on a branch nearby and watch. It was because I felt that it would not be ordinary.

"Can't you do anything about it?"

"This is the Emperor's orders."

The horseman had an embarrassed expression on the face of the Guard Knights, blocking the entrance with spears as one of them concluded his words in a firm tone.

As soon as I come up with something ominous, the carriage door opened. Then I saw thick and shiny honey-like blonde hair.

"I really want to meet Rainelle-nim... Can’t I?"

"...Even if you say that, we cannot disobey His Majesty's orders."

Argh! It’s really the heroine! Why is she here?! I’m sure Karmeut wouldn’t let her in?!

I felt my heart pounding and continued watching. The heroine said that she somehow wanted to enter the Imperial Palace. She tried with different words,

"Then let me see His Majesty the Emperor."

"That’s..."

The Guard Knights looked perplexed. It was natural. How much work does Karmeut have to do? Unless you had an appointment to meet him in advance, there was little chance of meeting.

Despite that, the will of this woman was so firm. Feeling threatened by it, I had to figure out how to kick the heroine out.

If she continued to stand in front of me like this, she might end up coming into contact with Karmeut. Because of my existence, the original story was already blown away in the first place. The best I can do is to prevent the meeting between Karmeut and the heroine. How do I know when and how the route will be built?!

Puffing my feathers to the max, I contemplated how to drive her away. Then my eyes lit up as I saw something.

Yes! That's it!!

*3rd person POV

Young Lady Gwynell had gotten off her carriage, lowering her face so that she could somehow enter the Imperial Palace.

The Guards were flustered by her behavior. Although they are guarding the Imperial Palace, they are also knights. It was difficult to ignore a Lady's request unconditionally because they had to act according to the spirit of a knight.

"Caaw!"

It was then that a crow's cry was suddenly heard, and Young Lady Gwynell shrieked.

"Kyah!"

"Rainelle-nim?!"

At the foot of the crow, which landed on the high wall of the Palace, there was a shiny accessory.

"My, my jewelry?"

"Caaw!"

Rejoicing at that reaction, the crow inflated her feathers and raised her head.

"Rainelle-nim. What brings you here...?"

The guards looked at Rainelle with a cautious attitude. Only one crow was wearing a sapphire gold necklace in the Imperial Palace. In addition, the contrast between black and gold colors was easy to notice anywhere, making it even easier to recognize.

The crow, who giggled under everyone's gaze, looked at Young Lady Gwynell. Then she tilted her head and twitched her tail.

"...ah!!"

Then she hovered over Young Lady Gwynell as if she was making a tantrum.

"Please, give it back, Rainelle-nim!"

"Caw!"

The crow, who cawed as if to answer, "No!" then sat on a tall tree and blinked her purple eyes. She then began to move back and forth over her fountain while clutching the trinket, as if intimidating.

She acted as if she was saying: “If you don't do what I want, I’ll drop this hair decoration into the fountain!”. That was why Young Lady Gwynell had to open her mouth urgently,

"I, I understand! I'll go back!"

At those words, the crow landed on a nearby pole. Young Lady Gwynell nodded her head again at the crow’s act of tilting her head as if asking: ‘Really?”.

"I'll go. So give it back, Rainelle-nim."

Hearing that, the crow let out a short cry. Then, in a swish, she flew, dropped the ornament exactly on the Young Lady’s palm, and then landed on a nearby branch.

The crow's gaze was tenacious as she tilted her head while blinking her clear purple eyes. Young Lady Gwynell couldn't help but sigh inwardly as the crow looked like she was telling her to go back quickly and that she would be watching from there until then.

"---Let's go back."

"Y, yes, My Lady."

The Young Lady, who had retrieved her hair accessory, got into the carriage. Then the carriage drove away from the Palace.

"Rain, Rainelle-nim..."

The Guards looked at the crow, which was now sitting on the pole, with a puzzled expression. ‘She didn't really cause any troubles(?) except for her usually flying around excitedly, so why did she suddenly do all this?’

Their puzzlement and doubts lingered, but they didn’t get any answer. The crow only puffed her neck feathers and raised her head high, as if acting proud.

*Rainelle’s POV

I did it! I made her go back! This way, I just have to make an effort so that the heroine does not meet Karmeut!!

I flapped my wings, feeling proud that I had driven away the heroine with my own strength.

But I didn't think she'd give up... She’s the heroine after all.

My shoulders slumped when I remembered her figure.

What the hell is her purpose?! Is she really trying to apologize to me? No! I'm not that naive! The heroine's purpose must be to negotiate with me or something related to Karmeut!

...Of course, it could be that she came to meet Galenos, who works in the Imperial Palace, or Namuel and Miel who are nobles! But people always have to think about the worst-case scenario to prepare themselves!!

I thought about what her purpose was for coming into the Palace with all my brain energy, but then I gave up.

I don't know! I defeated her today, so I'll leave tomorrow's work to tomorrow's me! So, I should eat some fruits today! When Karmeut comes, I'll have to ask him to turn into a wolf!

I smiled while imagining the wolf's soft fur. Then I poked the fruit on one side with my beak and swallowed it.

No worries left today! Tomorrow's worries are for tomorrow's me! ---But please! Just move on!! I mean, I think my head is going to explode!!

...but my wish was shattered in a day, or not even a day.

"...wha, what?"

"I think you'll have to meet Young Lady Gwynell."

Karmeut's words were nothing short of a thunderbolt.

Why! Why should I meet her?!

"Why why?!"

"You're so anxious. But externally, Young Lady Gwynell didn't do much wrong. I'll keep the Young Lady out, but why don't you at least explain it to her?"

There was not a single point of error in Karmeut's words. But, it was a big problem for me!

I made such a fuss not to meet the heroine, but in this way, then the heroine and Karmeut will meet?!

"---Rainelle, what’s wrong?"

Karmeut asked with a bewildered face as if my reaction was unexpected, but I had no spirit left to answer.

Ah, crazy... Is this what it feels like to jump into a tiger's den while trying to avoid a wolf? No! This can't be! No way!!

"Uh, wait, Karmeut. I've changed my mind."

"...? Would you like to meet Young Lady Gwynell?"

"Yeah, I'll see her."

"But don’t you feel burdened...?"

"It's okay! I think I'm okay now! So I'll see her, huh? All right? Allow me, Karmeut."

Karmeut's golden eyes shook, perhaps flustered. Well, even if it were me, I would be like that too.

I made such a fuss because I didn't want to meet her, but I suddenly changed my attitude and said I would meet her.

"---Yeah, okay, meet her if you want."

But Karmeut didn't ask me why. He simply nodded his head and agreed.

“However, you will meet her with Marquis Albion.”

"...with Marquis Albion?"

"Yes. Marquis Albion is an excellent Elementalist and can protect you. I will allow you to meet her on this condition."

I thought about it for a moment, then I nodded my head. The most important thing for me was that Karmeut and the heroine did not meet. Since this was Miel, or rather, it was better for her to fall into Miel’s route -as long as she didn’t take Karmeut’s route – then I would even be happy.

"Okay, I'll do that."

Karmeut smiled at my reply, but that smile looked somewhat bitter.

"---Rainelle, can you tell me why?"

I couldn't answer his gaze that seemed as if asking: “Why you are distancing yourself from Young Lady Gwynell so much?”. I couldn't.

Who can say, “I’m not supposed to be here, and you might form a connection with that Gwynell girl” ---Besides, I don’t want to lose Karmeut to the heroine!

"...I'm sorry... I can't tell you."

"...really?"

"Yes..."

"It's not because of a dangerous reason, is it?"

"It’s not."

I'm a little worried, but I could say no right now. Karmeut nodded his head slightly in response.

"Then it’s fine. Because your safety is more important than anything else"

Saying so, he caressed my cheek with a familiar touch. It was the same touch I usually felt when I was a crow, so I unwittingly closed my eyes and rubbed my cheek onto his palm.

A soft laugh reached my ear. Karmeut, who smiled and touched my cheek, hugged me tenderly as if he couldn’t help it.

"Then when will you meet her?"

"...I think I should meet her as soon as possible. Young Lady Gwynell sends a letter every day after all."

"Don't worry, I'll call Marquis Albion."

"Okay, Karmeut."

With a soft thud, he placed his hand on my head. Then, gentle stroking followed. As always, I smiled involuntarily at the gentle touch. His voice reached my ear,

"And if you think it's dangerous, you can run away from the spot at any time. But between your crow form and under Marquis Albion’s protection, ---I think the latter is safer, so if you can, don't resort to your crow form."

"...but still, I can fly in my original form."

"Don't do it, Rainelle. Humans can hunt flying birds."

I nodded my head involuntarily at Karmeut's words of: "Don't trust your wings too much."

Hmm, since ancient times, people have also caught birds with bows and arrows, right? They hold guns in modern times.

...if I think about it, it isn't that reassuring that I can fly?! What was I really thinking!!

"Ah, okay, I'll be careful. Can I get help from Marquis Albion?"

"If you think it's dangerous, of course the Marquis will move before that."

"...Oh. I see."

"And if you ever feel like telling me... No, no, it's up to you to say it."

I was terribly sorry for Karmeut when he said that while hiding his sadness.

But I can't help it! I can't say it! I'm sorry!

---Then... Now, all that's left to do is to negotiate with the heroine...?

For some reason, I have a feeling that I didn't want to do it, but I avoided the option of her meeting with Karmeut, so let's be content with that. Yeah, that's it.

If she’s in her right mind, and if she doesn't want to be attached with the stigma of an assassination attempt in the Imperial Palace, there's no way she'll bring a weapon or something like that, right? To be honest, I don’t like it because there is a risk of running into Karmeut if we meet inside the Palace... But before that, I have to take care of my life first!

I was desperately attached to Karmeut because I didn’t want to live in the forest, now I can't throw my life away after coming here! I have to live so that I can’t continue enjoying life!

I will survive! And I'll protect Karmeut from the heroine's tricks!

So let's be strong! I'll win both the game route and the survival flag from the heroine!!