Never touch Eldmia Egga - Episode 390
The place we arrived at after being one-sidedly teased by Esmuye was a mansion so luxurious that we wondered if we had ever lived in a place like this while living in the capital. The mansion built for VIPs was located very close to the royal castle, and it even had a large garden, as if it didn't care about the price of land in this expensive capital city..
In fact, rather than a typical empty stable, the building was connected to the mansion by a passageway, so it had a structure that prevented attacks from the outside even while moving between the stables and the mansion. It was quite shocking that the barn, which had only a carriage and horses, was bigger than our house and made of better stone..
However, what is even more surprising is that this spacious mansion and grounds did not feel empty at all because so many people were busy coming and going as if it were a given..
Well, even ordinary nobles are invited to a party, and when they move around, twenty of their relatives follow them, so how awesome would it be if she were the princess of an empire? Even though she thought so in her head, seeing the scale in person made her feel new..
"Well... now let's talk about the reward the empire will give you and the reason why I called you this way.."
It was clear that it was goodwill, but in an atmosphere so solemn that it felt uncomfortable, Esmuet arrived at the office and clapped her hands lightly, and the old butler naturally followed us and handed me a document as I sat on the sofa..
"This?"
"This is a memo that briefly describes the contents of the meeting related to the compensation plan. There is no reason to show you an official document. Still, the outline is written down.."
I looked at it to see what was going on, and it looked like meeting minutes written very neatly in Esmuet's handwriting. At first, I wondered why they bothered to show me this, but fortunately, while I was reading the note, Esmu sent the old butler away with a light wave and quietly explained further..
"The opening is an empire. This is an undeniable fact. By saving such a woman, isn't it no different from saving an empire??"
Esmue began her speech with a confidence that belied her small stature and cute face, and continued speaking while raising the teacup that the old butler had prepared for her before leaving..
"Since the future of the empire was protected, there should be a corresponding reward. However, if the gratitude and reward to be given interferes with your long-cherished wish, then it is a mistake, so we have gone through many meetings to give you the most useful reward.."
The first suggestion was a title. He said that although it was an unprecedented and unconventional proposal, no one objected. Since I am a commoner in Ethisel, there seems to have been an opinion to use this opportunity to bring talented people to the empire..
"However, with status comes certain responsibilities. It was clear that this would become shackles for you, so you refused.."
That's probably what the note written on the paper, 'Noble - Annoying', means. Most of the compensation plans that followed followed similar patterns. Granting territory, joining the knights, etc. were generally great perks, but they were also rewards that were all intended to tie me down..
"That's how the empire views you. I thought it would be a good idea to use this opportunity to give a hint in advance, so I wrote it down diligently.."
It was as she said. In the end, the main content of the meeting minutes was compensation, but it was more like a fierce movement over how the empire could embrace the person I was. Some even wrote that they had already confirmed that Esmuët viewed me favorably and that there were signs that he was trying to make separate contacts to get her attention..
There was also a note written saying that everyone would be ordered to block it..
"There were many people who interpreted your unexpected actions in Itisel according to their own convenience, so it was a bit difficult. I think it's good for subjects to have pride in their country, but it would be difficult if that pride made them make a wrong decision and resulted in their death.."
It is said that there were more people than expected who thought that my dissatisfaction with ‘Ethisel’ and my making a fuss was an opportunity for the empire. If it had not been for the connection with Esmuët, it is clear that many people in the empire would have paid tribute..
I understand. It would be an extremely cautious, cautious, and crazy idea considering that there would be someone who would try to bite anyone, even a noble, if they touched him..
"Still, since the reasonable opinions of his subjects could not be unfairly ignored, it was decided to award the final reward directly to convey symbolism and the will of the empire.."
The text, which was a little larger than the other notes, was even circled for easy viewing, and thanks to this, it was not difficult to see that this was the compensation that Esmuet had mentioned..
"Armor?"
"Wouldn't you need to wear a proper suit of armor anyway? Since I already had enough weapons, I turned this way. The performance varies depending on the funds, so it can be condescending, has symbolism, and can prevent you from committing an unexpected death.."
Even though the pitching fell far short of what he showed, it became meaningless..
Muttering that, Esmuet rang the bell on the table, and the door opened as if he had been waiting, revealing two servants holding a cloth-covered stand. They could have just put it on a cart and rolled it, but perhaps they thought the sound of the wheels rolling was not dignified. The two people lifted the stand with their strength, quietly placed it next to the sofa where Esmueh was sitting, and quickly left the room..
"It was made at the request of a famous craftsman.."
Esmuet stood up and removed the cloth, and there was a set of dark blue armor lying there..
Unlike typical armor that is made symmetrically, the armor she prepared was asymmetrical. The first thing you notice about her is her right shoulder blade, which is noticeably larger than her left shoulder blade. Looking more closely, not only the silk pauldrons but also the armor on the right arm, including the elbow protector, is thicker than the left arm overall. The breastplate did not extend down to the abdomen, but only covered the ribs, and underneath it were articulated iron plates and dense chain mail that made it possible to bend down and touch the ground..
As a result, there was no fold fauld to protect the hips and pelvic area. Instead, the thigh guards are made in a similar design to my gauntlets and sit a little higher than usual. Looking at the shape, it appears to be secured by wrapping a leather strap around it, like when a gas mask case is worn on the thigh in the military. The knee and shin guards are also designed with a very simple design that focuses only on efficiency without being overly decorated..
Actually, the helmet was quite cool, but it didn't really attract any attention because it was already meaningless. After looking at the armor once, I asked Esmuët, who was looking at me expectantly..
"Was this made to suit my swordsmanship??"
"As expected, you are quick-witted. In fact, it is difficult to say that it was produced perfectly, but it is true that it was made based on the image you showed at the Academy.."
I was wondering what use all the custom-made sword armor would be if I didn't have any special sword skills to begin with, but the fact that the armor was slightly asymmetrical had something to do with the habits I had gotten used to..
Because of the obsession with protecting the heart, the forward direction is usually to the right. Even though the lower body changed each time depending on the walking method, it was almost a fixed habit when using the upper body. I didn't spar much while living in the empire, but it was surprising that I caught and applied that habit like a ghost..
Maybe it was because I didn't try to hide my feelings, but Esmuët smiled in satisfaction and stretched out her hand to take off my cape..
"Now, it is time to achieve the purpose for which I called you today. Try it on."
"uh? Uh oh..."
I wondered if she was talking about adjusting the armor, so I obediently followed her instructions and took off my cape and overcoat and prepared to put on the armor. Then, there seemed to be no problem in putting it on by herself, but contrary to my expectation that she would naturally call someone to get the job done quickly, Esmuye whined and started taking off the armor on the stand..
"...Esmueh? calling someone...?"
"Well, this was the purpose.."
"...adjusting the armor?"
"To be exact, the first time I put this armor on you...! I wanted to have some leisure time.."
Although I was wondering what she was talking about, I helped her take off the breastplate and started to put it on, and Esmueh moved her small hand to help me and continued talking..
"Ragnis and Asili can fight on the same battlefield as you if they want, but not Yeo. This ultimately means that from the moment your investiture ceremony ends and you head to the distant front, there will be an indefinite wait. Every time I read the stories of women who prayed every day while sending off their knight lovers, I thought it was truly pathetic, but in reality, even women ended up in a situation that was no different.."
Usually, stories about such women would only appear in third-rate romance novels, but the fact that I had read something like that in Esmu was a refreshing moment. Of course, I couldn't focus on that feeling for long. Because what she said in her mouth was extremely serious..
"In that case, I wanted to prepare at least some armor to protect you. So she personally inquired, prepared, and secretly asked her maid, her closest confidant, to help her put on the armor.."
Although the weight of the armor was difficult, it definitely helped Esmuye wear it more skillfully than I expected. I couldn't ask if he learned it right away because he was a genius or if he practiced a lot for it..
Soon, I put on all my armor and faced her, and I could see that there was a slightly bitter emotion on her young face..
"From today onwards, we won't be able to see each other properly until the day of the event. Needless to say, on the day of the event. In the end, today was the only time I was able to dress you in armor with my own hands, so I called you here solely for the sake of your life.."
Emotions of regret and disappointment were briefly revealed on Esmuët's face as she looked at me. It's as if he's worried that by gifting me this armor, he's pushed me off my back and that I might be in danger of dying because of it. But she quickly captured those feelings and said,
"Promise me. I will find the enemy, and when you have achieved your goal, I will come to the empire as soon as possible.."
I was speechless out of regret, so I unconsciously tilted my head and asked back at Esmuët's request, which broke through the momentary silence..
"That's not difficult. why?"
"Just as I helped you put on your armor today, I will help you take it off then.."
The sight of Esmuët smiling confidently and tapping his breastplate seemed like he was trying to lighten my mood, so I responded with a joke..
"Then I'll have to come back covered in blood without even being able to wash properly.."
"Don't worry. I have no intention of just taking off my armor.."
She answered with a playful smile and smiled brightly, and I laughed along with her..
...?
Wait, what did he just say??
It suddenly became difficult for me to smile.
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