Before I knew it, the time I had promised to meet Helsion had arrived.

Ascan followed me all the way to the carriage parked in front of the mansion, which I was about to board to head to the Imperial Palace. By now, Calspelliver was securely fastened at my waist.

I turned around to look at Ascan, who was trailing a step behind me, and chuckled softly.

“Since I’ll be back soon anyway, why see me off?”

“I just don’t feel right letting you go to the Imperial Palace alone.”

“What could possibly happen? And on a day like today, it’s only right that I go alone.”

Today, I was going to formally reject Helsion’s marriage proposal.

Last time, since we had been instructed to enter the palace together, Ascan and I had gone as a pair—but it wasn’t appropriate to be seen constantly clinging together without a valid reason.

Especially not on a day like today.

Ascan understood this well, which was precisely why he couldn’t accompany me.

“I’ve stationed the Royal Guard throughout the palace. Even though the Manoko family has been quiet since you met the Empress, we can’t afford to be careless.”

“Don’t worry. The Empress won’t dare target me recklessly anymore. It won’t be easy for her to ignore the warning I left behind.”

Ascan asked, his expression curious.

“What exactly did you say to the Empress to make her stay so quiet?”

“It’s a secret.”

I winked one eye and climbed into the carriage, prompting Ascan to laugh helplessly.

Unlike last time, when I had gone to the Empress’s quarters to meet Seruna and Ascan had accompanied me, today Ascan remained at the mansion while Zen came with me.

Ascan glanced suspiciously at Zen, who was waiting mounted on horseback, and muttered,

“Can he be trusted?”

He hadn’t directly named Zen, but anyone listening could easily guess whom he meant.

Zen frowned, clearly displeased. Though perhaps not Ascan’s equal in strength, Zen possessed formidable dark-elemental abilities and was no slouch by any standard.

“Ha, hah.”

I laughed awkwardly, trying to diffuse the tense atmosphere.

Though Ascan had said he’d turn a blind eye to Zen accompanying me, his jealousy ran deep—he couldn’t help but bristle whenever he saw us together.

Trying to defend Zen clumsily at a moment like this might only backfire.

Pretending I hadn’t noticed anything, I quickly changed the subject.

“By the way, didn’t you say you had plans today too?”

“Yes. I promised Bill I’d show him the sword first thing once it’s finished.”

“Right. Have a good meeting. I’ll be back soon.”

“Be careful.”

Ascan looked at me as though I were a child being sent off to the riverbank.

I smirked and waved at him. I wasn’t the fragile type who needed such coddling, but I didn’t dislike this kind of care.

The coachman, who had been watching the situation nervously, spoke up cautiously.

“We’ll be departing now, Miss.”

“Alright.”

Slowly, the carriage began to move toward the Imperial Palace.

Behind me, I could see Ascan and Zen exchanging strange, tense glances as they passed each other—like rivals locked in a silent standoff. Fortunately, they were heading in different directions, so no further friction occurred.

Once we’d moved far enough away from the mansion, Zen approached and spoke up.

“I really don’t like the Royal Guard Captain.”

I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

Zen had disliked Ascan from the very beginning. And judging by how things had unfolded so far, it seemed Ascan felt exactly the same way.

“I know Ascan keeps saying things that get under your skin. But please, try to view him a bit more favorably.”

“Why should I—!”

“He’s the man I like.”

At my words, Zen’s mouth snapped shut, his expression shocked.

He must have already suspected something about the nature of my relationship with Ascan, but hearing me say it directly seemed to catch him off guard.

Feeling unexpectedly embarrassed myself, I scratched my cheek and continued.

“Given time, both of you will come to recognize each other’s true worth. Honestly, I think you two would actually get along quite well.”

When we arrived at the Imperial Palace, I saw the Head Steward waiting for me.

Zen was unavoidably halted midway by palace guards—something I had anticipated, knowing he couldn’t accompany me all the way.

Alone, I followed the steward’s courteous guidance to an extravagantly decorated chamber.

It seemed the Calua Empire’s treasury overflowed with wealth. Even when I had met Seruna previously, I’d felt the opulence bordered on excessive.

Helsion, who had arrived earlier and was waiting, spotted me and greeted me warmly.

“At last, Lady Brellof has arrived.”

I dipped my knees slightly and bowed respectfully to Helsion.

“Your Imperial Majesty, Emperor of the Calua Empire.”

Helsion took my hand himself and helped me rise. Then, he personally pulled out a chair for me and guided me to sit.

His excessive kindness was almost burdensome, but since I couldn’t refuse, I accepted it.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Haha, why thank me for something so trivial? We haven’t seen each other in so long—why not have dinner together and chat at leisure?”

As Helsion gestured to summon someone else, I quickly spoke up.

“No, Your Majesty. I have something I wish to say to you first.”

A flicker of interest flashed in Helsion’s eyes. He must have sensed something unusual in my tone, as if I were drawing a line.

The Head Steward, standing outside, asked in a puzzled voice,

“Your Majesty, do you have any orders?”

“Lady Brellof and I have important matters to discuss. Clear the area.”

“And dinner…?”

“Later.”

At Helsion’s firm command, the steward bowed his head and disappeared elsewhere.

Everyone else followed suit. I could feel those nearby had withdrawn far enough that they couldn’t possibly overhear our conversation.

Though Helsion’s expression remained relaxed, his gaze had turned serious.

“Very well. What is it you wish to say to me?”

“To be frank, I came to see Your Majesty today to formally respond to your previous proposal—that I become your Empress.”

“I suspected as much. If you wished to negotiate terms with me, we could have discussed them slowly over dinner… But judging by your urgency, I take it your answer isn’t favorable?”

Indeed, he was perceptive.

There was no point in delaying further, so I nodded.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize, but I believe I am far too inadequate to become Empress of the Calua Empire.”

I phrased my refusal as gently as possible—though refusal it remained.

Helsion frowned. He spoke with an expression of disbelief.

“What reason could you possibly have? I didn’t think the conditions I offered were insufficient.”

He was right.

The terms Helsion proposed weren’t merely adequate—they were so generous anyone would covet them.

Undoubtedly, most noble ladies would have accepted his proposal. The problem was simply that I didn’t fall into that “most.”

“Your Majesty’s conditions were beyond excellent. It’s simply that my desires differ. Should you ever need magical engineering weaponry, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If it concerns Your Majesty, I will prioritize your request above all others.”

It was clear Helsion had proposed marriage because of my magical engineering weapons. So, to ensure a graceful conclusion, I offered a reasonable compromise.

This should allow us to part ways amicably, without souring our relationship.

“Kukuk.”

Suddenly, an unexpected chuckle reached my ears. I hadn’t anticipated Helsion reacting this way to my words.

I found myself staring at him—and he spoke, amused.

“You expect me to be satisfied with that?”

“My intention was—”

“The risk that the magical engineering weapons you create might support nations other than the Calua Empire cannot be ignored. Wouldn’t it be fairer, then, to ensure no one obtains them at all?”

“…!”

Wherever and to whomever I chose to supply weapons, that decision belonged solely to me—the continent’s premier arms dealer.

As Helsion implied, if magical engineering weapons were to be rendered unusable by anyone, there was only one way: my death.

Gulp. I swallowed hard without realizing it.

I had a growing, uncomfortable feeling that today’s meeting would turn out far more unpleasant than expected.

Helsion chuckled alone for a long while, then murmured softly,

“No need to be so tense. I’m a greedy man—I dislike fairness. I prefer to take more for myself, always.”

“…I see.”

I couldn’t shake my sour mood. Though I couldn’t precisely discern Helsion’s intentions, I sensed he wouldn’t kill me—at least, not today.

Once I returned to the mansion, I’d need to prepare thoroughly for whatever moves Helsion might make next.

“Regardless, I understand Lady’s intentions. I had hoped for a more favorable answer, but it’s disappointing.”

“I sincerely apologize. I hope Your Majesty finds an Empress far more suited to you than I am.”

For some reason, Seruna’s words from last time suddenly echoed in my mind.

—“His Imperial Majesty is far more frightening than you think. Since he offered you the position of Empress, he’ll ensure you cannot refuse.”

In the novel , Helsion had not been Emperor of the Calua Empire—which meant I had very little information about him.

Had I underestimated him simply because he wasn’t portrayed as a major character?

My wariness toward Helsion heightened. Anyone bold enough to say such things directly to my face was clearly no pushover.

Whatever his motives, I couldn’t risk lending my magical engineering weapons to such a dangerous individual.

I knew better than anyone the lethality of the weapons I created—which was precisely why I’d always traded with extreme caution.

Though my mind raced with thoughts, I kept my emotions carefully concealed. I maintained a smiling expression as I spoke.

“Your Majesty, I believe I shall take my leave now.”

“Oh, come now, leaving like this would be discourteous. Even if you’ve rejected my proposal, must you refuse even a meal with me?”

“No, of course not.”

This sly fox!

I didn’t show it outwardly, but inwardly, I seethed.

No one could possibly swallow food under these circumstances—not after he’d just subtly threatened me moments ago.

I forced a perfectly normal smile and continued.

“To be honest, I’ve been so nervous about speaking to Your Majesty today that I’ve had indigestion since yesterday. As you know, Your Majesty’s charisma is simply overwhelming. Perhaps we could postpone dinner and arrange another meeting another day?”

Beyond merely feeling uncomfortable about sharing a meal, I now fundamentally distrusted Helsion. I even suspected he might slip something into the food.

After all, Empress Seruna had once used every trick imaginable—including hypnosis—to manipulate me.

Having rejected his proposal, I saw no reason why Helsion would behave any differently.

Yet, upon hearing my words, he smiled contentedly—as though the situation pleased him.

“I knew I liked you. It’s truly a shame to let you go like this.”

As far as I was concerned, I wanted nothing to do with him. I’d never intended to marry Helsion to begin with, but after today, I was utterly convinced it had been the right decision.

I’d assumed someone with hidden motives wouldn’t back down so easily—but to my surprise, Helsion rose from his seat without hesitation and said,

“What can I do? It’s not just anything—it’s my charisma that gave you indigestion, after all.”

As he spoke, the corners of his mouth curled upward. He didn’t seem to believe my excuse, yet his expression suggested he was thoroughly entertained.

He smoothly extended his hand toward me and murmured,

“Still, I hope you won’t refuse at least a final handshake?”

Reluctantly, I nodded.

I had already rejected his marriage proposal and declined dinner. I couldn’t very well refuse even a simple handshake at the end.

Slowly, I lightly grasped Helsion’s rough, calloused hand.

Prick! Suddenly, something pierced my skin as though I’d been stabbed by a needle.

Startled, I hastily pulled my hand away—and saw a tiny bead of blood forming on my fingertip.

At that moment—

Hiss! Hiss!

I spotted a very small snake slithering up Helsion’s wrist. Though tiny, it shimmered with rainbow-like, dazzling colors.

Judging by the tiny fang marks left on my finger, the snake had undoubtedly bitten me.

“This…!”

I was about to demand what he was playing at—

But I couldn’t even finish my sentence before my body lurched unsteadily.

As if by magic, all strength drained from my limbs. I couldn’t even stand properly—I desperately grabbed the table for support, but felt I might collapse at any moment.

Helsion approached me with a mysterious smile. He even gently supported me and asked softly,

“Lady, are you feeling dizzy?”

I glared at him with furious eyes.

It was unmistakable—he had pulled some trick. I’d been as cautious as possible, but never expected he’d use a handshake to pull such a stunt.

He was fiendishly cunning. He’d counted on my reluctance to confront him forcefully, given his imperial status.

“Soon, your tongue will stiffen, making speech difficult. And that’s not all. The paralytic venom from this snake will render your entire body immobile—you won’t even be able to control a single finger on your own.”

If his words were true, my situation grew worse with every passing second. I tried to summon the hidden magical engineering weapon using my remaining strength—but it was futile.

‘Without my bracelet… I can’t summon the magical engineering weapon.’

When I’d stolen Calspelliver, I’d modified the bracelet that allowed me to summon magical engineering weapons at will—now, unless I could move my hands, I couldn’t activate it.

Just as Helsion said, my entire body had stiffened rigidly, making voluntary movement nearly impossible.

Instinctively, I realized I’d fallen into a trap.

“What… treachery… is this…”

I didn’t know how long he’d prepared this snare, but it was undoubtedly a meticulously planned contingency for the moment I rejected his proposal.

Helsion laughed as he watched me struggle to speak, my words fragmented and halting. His languid hand brushing my cheek sent chills down my spine.

“Even if you reject my proposal, Lady… I must still marry you.”