The Incompetent Emperor Who Changes the World from the Shadows: Iron, Gunpowder, and the Young Maidens of Favor - Chapter 16: Night of Kisses and Loyalty

Chapter 16: Night of Kisses and Loyalty

A knock comes at the door as the sun begins to set.

“…Excuse me.

Ariel Finn, reporting back.”

The office door opens quietly, and Ariel steps inside.

Her face still holds her usual steadfast sincerity—but she looks utterly exhausted.

No, it’s clear she’s forcing herself to stay composed.

“You must be tired.”

“Aren’t you going to ask me anything?”

I stand and point to the back of the room.

“There’s hot tea and sweet treats prepared on the table.

Take in their aroma first.

It’s herbal tea from Novaria—the scent of flowers and fruit rising from the cup should gently ease your fatigue.”

The tea, with pale pink and golden petals floating in it, fills the room with a faintly sweet and refreshing fragrance.

On a nearby plate, colorful berry-shaped tarts and heart-shaped pastries are arranged, their soft honey and fruit scents tickling the nose, instantly lifting one’s spirits.

“No words are needed.

Just rest here for a while today.

I had the maids prepare this specially for you.

Enjoy it thoroughly—that’s enough.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and she bows her head.

“…Thank you.”

“Not asking, just comforting”—that’s the only action needed today.

After Ariel sits at the table, I return to my desk and pick up my pen.

Sopina, sitting at the edge of the desk with her knees hugged, watches me.

(…Got something to say?)

No, it’s not a big deal.

Just thought you’re getting awfully attached to Ariel, treating her like a personal maid when she’s just a regular one.

(Is that so?)

Her usual teasing tone.

But it resonates oddly quietly.

I close my eyes and recall.

Ariel stood before the chancellor, without anyone’s help, facing his questions as an ordinary commoner.

She returned without mentioning “my name.”

That’s why, for now, the chancellor hasn’t come after me.

(You did well to return.

You endured.

And you believed in me.)

I sink deeper into my chair and stare at the empty ceiling.

I can feel the air in this country slowly changing.

The success of the detergent’s commercialization.

The reactions from the public.

The scrutiny of politics.

And—the person who overcomes it all and returns to me.

When deciding who to protect, look at what they carry and how they return.

The words of a former mentor flash through my mind.

Ariel is no longer just a servant.

To me, she’s become someone truly “special.”

※

Some time passes, and Ariel, looking relieved, stands with a determined expression.

She approaches my desk in the study and, steeling herself, begins to speak.

“…Today, at Lord Vogler’s, I was terrified.

I didn’t know what to say, what to protect…

It was overwhelming.”

“I bet.”

“The chancellor knows about the detergent’s development and commercialization.

He might even suspect Your Majesty is the investor…

No, I didn’t say anything, I swear…

I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but…

I just didn’t want Your Majesty to doubt me.”

Her words make me look into her eyes.

They’re steady.

Trembling, but unwavering.

“When I came to this room and was welcomed so warmly, my heart felt full.”

Ariel’s voice is gentle, yet it trembles.

“I put you through a lot.”

“Not at all…

Your Majesty has given me so many irreplaceable things.”

Her face gradually lowers.

“Don’t worry.

I’ll protect you.”

At those words, tears spill from Ariel’s eyes.

“…Thank you.

For someone as lowly as me to receive such kindness…”

“You’re important to me, Ariel.

I want you by my side always.”

Her face snaps up, startled, meeting my gaze directly.

“Someone like me, a former laundry maid with no name or status…

But if I can be of use by Your Majesty’s side…

I… I…”

Her voice trembles.

“Calm down.”

“Being of use to Your Majesty is my greatest purpose in life.

…If I’m allowed to hope for something more…”

She must have spoken those words with a certain resolve.

Her small shoulders tremble faintly.

I’m not so dense as to miss the meaning of her words.

It’s a kind of love confession, directed at someone of high status.

I stand and slowly approach her.

Standing before her, I gently touch her hair and whisper in her ear.

“Look up at me.”

When she slowly raises her face, her eyes are misty with tears.

“…I’ve heard your wish.

Due to my position, I can’t make you my wife.

But I can love you as a concubine.

Is that enough?”

Ariel’s eyes widen.

Then—she nods slowly.

“…Yes.”