"Your Majesty, as I've said, everything I do is for Calot Empire as a whole."
Kenji decided to lay things out, mixing truth and half-truths. Naturally, staying alive wasn't his only goal. As soone from another world, it would feel like a waste if all he worried about was basic survival. Of course he had grand ambitions, but before pursuing them, he needed to keep breathing.
So he had to lie low first. Still, since Pluvia asked him so directly, he had to give an answer that suited her expectations.
"I want this land to stay strong forever… That's why I sotis do things you may not agree with." He waved at the boat on the distant lake. "Your Majesty, do you think I dislike you?"
"Well, you're always opposing my opinions."
Hearing those words from the emperor herself felt more like she was sulking than making a serious complaint. Kenji almost broke into laughter but managed to control his expression in ti. He nodded. "Indeed, I always argue with you, but that doesn't an I hate you."
"I can't say. But honestly, I do hold a few grudges."
"Then there's no helping that. I'm a subject of this empire, and I have to consider Calot's future. If I see sothing off, I'll speak up. If you think I'm out of line, you're free to refute ."
"…Fine."
Pluvia stiffened, looking annoyed.
"Let's set official matters aside. I don't want to add more stress here. That woman you introduced to…"
"Oh, the governor's daughter? How do you find her?"
"She's unexpectedly decent." Pluvia smiled, and Kenji noticed she seed to be recalling sothing in her mind. He frowned slightly.
"What's so decent about her, Your Majesty?"
"She has a good personality, plus she's nice to look at. And unlike so people, she doesn't hover around all day, worrying I might stub my toe. I appreciate that. I just wonder if she can handle sharing my bed."
"???"
Kenji blinked, staring at Pluvia.
Wait, what? Your Majesty, excuse —what are you talking about?
"I thought about setting her up in the harem quarters, but ever since I took the throne, most of those wings are empty. It'd be creepy having her and two maids living alone in so huge abandoned space. People might think I tossed her into a cold palace. I arranged a room next to my chambers instead—because I'm picky about who sleeps with . Most people wouldn't cut it."
She paused, lost in thought, like she was really working this out. Kenji got clammy.
Is it even okay for to hear all this? This is explosive.
"So do you think she…can manage?" he asked carefully.
"I think she can. She appears strong-willed, like so spoiled lady, but once she's truly at work, she's surprisingly skilled. She catches on the mont I give her a look, and I like that. You did a real favor."
Pluvia stretched, and the gentle curves of her body shifted under her clothes.
"I'm not sure that's a good thing," Kenji murmured.
Inside, he was practically yelling: Seriously? Did she succumb that fast? My Emperor, why so soon? Couldn't you at least wait a bit before giving in?
"What's not good about it? At most, it's tough for her. Yesterday she complained about feeling sore…" Pluvia noticed Kenji's tense expression. "Why are you sweating so much? Is it really that hot here?"
"It's nothing. Your Majesty, maybe you should take it easy…just my personal recomndation. Important national matters co first."
"You're always like this, Kenji. Don't forget, you're not my elder. I'm only two years younger than you." She waved her hand with a hint of impatience. "And why should I hold back? I just gained an extra helper. She's so quick that it takes a lot off my shoulders."
As Kenji listened, sothing began to feel off.
"Your Majesty, you an she's good at…work, right?"
"Yes. One glance is enough for her to know what I need brought to . She's quite clever." Pluvia studied Kenji with a curious look. "You're really sweating. Why don't you use your cloth to wipe—well, never mind."
She realized that sa cloth was the one she'd just used as a cushion. Handing it back to Kenji to mop up sweat might be awkward, so she let it drop. Kenji felt relieved.
That scared the life out of . I thought she ant the other kind of work. Ahem, never mind.
He cleared his throat and looked up. "Your Majesty, the governor said his daughter can be headstrong and maybe a bit prone to using force. Please be patient with her. If she actually dares raise a hand against you, you can handle her any way you see fit."
"Handle any way I see fit'?" Pluvia shot him a hidden glare. Executing soone who attacked her would be entirely normal—she was the emperor, and she didn't need Kenji's permission. Still, she decided not to say that out loud. No need to rip into him over nothing.
"Fine. I'll be generous with her. As for you… you really did bring a capable helper this ti. I have nothing to give in return except this tea. I'll send a few boxes to your residence later— you need to cool off."
Kenji couldn't figure out why she was giving him tea again, not realizing that ever since he'd blatantly asked for the emperor's tribute tea a while back, she'd kept it in mind. To her, either he was cocky or he really loved tea that much. Both seed possible, so she decided to offer him a supply directly instead of quibbling about it.
Kenji had no clue. He just assud she was being nice so he wouldn't leave empty-handed, so he thanked her.
"Let's head back," Pluvia said, waving him along.
They both stood and walked back the way they ca.
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