Sigrid Novel Chapter 78

"Yes."

A silence fell. Sigrid felt cold sweat running down her back.

'What if he suddenly says he knows everything? What if he knows I'm trying to join as a spy...?'

After a mont of terror, during which she feared imdiate arrest, the Emperor spoke quietly.

"I, too, thought it was a waste to keep soone of your talent on tasks like guarding the Third Prince. The Empress has urged

several tis as well. Stand up."

As Sigrid rose, the Emperor smiled slightly and patted her shoulder lightly.

"Welco to the Imperial Guard, Alita."

At the Emperor's call, Alita, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward. Sigrid looked at her forr colleague from the 1st Imperial Guard.

"Take Sigrid with you. Alita will explain everything well."

"I'm honored."

"This way."

Alita gestured with his head. Sigrid carefully bowed to the Emperor and followed Alita out. Wearing the jet-black uniform of the Achtschwietz, he stopped after walking a short distance.

"I didn't expect you to co here too."

At his words, Sigrid shrugged. He chuckled and turned his gaze forward.

"Well, I suppose it's better than cleaning up after the Third Prince."

"He wasn't a bad person."

At Sigrid's words, Alita said, "That's quite different from what I've heard," and continued walking.

"The Imperial Guard doesn't have an exact structure yet. But you can think of it as similar to the regular guard. We stay in the main palace. As the Imperial Guard, we need to be close to His Majesty."

"I see."

"You'd better get rid of that navy blue uniform."

Alita glanced at the guard uniform she was wearing and said.

"We do provide the Imperial Guard uniform, but it might be better to alter it or have a new one made."

'An unexpected expense...'

She glanced down at her clothes.

'I liked this uniform.'

"And since you're a Master, you might beco a squad leader right away."

"Squad leader?"

"Like the regular guard, we're organized into squads for now, not divisions, so squad leader."

"I see."

"Until then, I'll put you in a temporary squad. We've been getting new recruits lately."

"Understood."

"I'm a squad leader, so you should address

formally."

Standing in front of the door, Sigrid silently corrected her manner of speech.

"Understood, Squad Leader."

"Good."

Alita opened the door. Inside were people in black uniforms, and Sigrid thought they looked like a flock of crows. Soon, she found a familiar face.

"Sig?"

Morris, who had been sitting, stood up in surprise. Alita asked Sigrid, "Do you know each other?" and Sigrid nodded.

"Yes, I do."

"That's good. Lord Deforest, I'll put her in the temporary squad with you."

"Understood."

Morris nodded lightly. Alita said with a relieved expression:

"Then hear the details from him."

"Yes."

As Alita left the room, Morris turned to her with a puzzled look.

"What about the Imperial Guard?"

"What about you?"

"Huh? Sigrid?"

"Alkerto—!"

Alkerto, who had just entered the room, also looked surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm joining the Imperial Guard starting today."

"Huh? You're quitting the regular guard? Why?"

"To do what I want to do."

Sigrid said, taking a deep breath. Alkerto still looked puzzled, and Morris's face darkened. Morris whispered softly:

"Because of the Third Prince's guard duty? You weren't forced to co, were you?"

Seeing his concern, Sigrid smiled.

"No, it's not like that. Do I look like soone who'd be forced to co?"

"No, I guess not."

Morris finally relaxed and smiled. Alkerto said with a sigh:

"So all three of us are in the sa squad?"

"Is that how it is?"

"Yeah. We're the most recent recruits."

Alkerto grinned. Sigrid wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not. It would be convenient if she could get their cooperation, but she didn't want to involve them in this. She'd have to deceive them, which bothered her, being in the sa squad.

'But...'

Should she tell them? If she spoke honestly and asked for help, they would surely assist her.

'Let's keep it a secret for now. That's the basic rule.'

Having decided, Sigrid turned her head to look around and asked:

"So, are there no specific orders for the Imperial Guard yet?"

"No, not yet. It's just the beginning..."

"I see."

Sigrid nodded.

"Then I'll change my clothes and go see the Third Prince first."

"What for?"

Morris frowned. Sigrid shrugged and said:

"I haven't received notice to quit yet, so for now... By the way, can you tell

where to get the uniform?"

Alkerto tapped Sigrid's shoulder.

"Ah, wait. I'm not sure if we have a size that fits you."

As he left the room again, Morris stared at Sigrid. When she smiled and asked "What?