I Broke Off My Engagement and Got a Job at the Academy

56 – 56. Threat

Could you follow? He seemed polite, but the reality was different.

Reading between the lines, it’d be something like, ‘If you don’t follow, I might make things really difficult for you.’ That’s why he approached revealing his connection to Hwangga.

Cerise, with a scowl, moved towards the man standing in front of me.

“Even if you’re from Hwangga, can you handle things so arbitrarily? Idun is my guest. I don’t appreciate this at all.”

Cerise attempted a threat, yet the man replied without a flicker of hesitation.

“I apologize, but it’s a direct order from Her Majesty, the Empress. I have no choice.”

I grimaced. The Empress herself looking for me? How audacious. But even so, I couldn’t outright ignore the Empress’s command.

Filled with anger, I responded.

“Fine. Let’s hear what you have to say.”

The man deeply bowed towards me.

“Then, allow me to escort you.”

Damn it. The pleasant feeling from moments ago sank in an instant.

…

After riding in the carriage sent from Hwangga, after some time, the carriage stopped. And the carriage door opened.

“Please step out.”

I complied and stepped out. My expression was heavily soured, of course. The man who brought me paid no mind to my expression.

“This way, please.”

The palace was disgustingly extravagant and overwhelming. Scanning the surroundings, I finally spotted an old man.

His beard and hair were snowy white, yet he maintained the distinct air of Hwangga.

“Ah, you’ve arrived.”

He was the Emperor. Disgustingly, he approached me with a smile. The man who brought me here bowed his head and spoke.

“Well then, I hope you have a good time.”

“Yeah. You can leave now. Good job.”

The man turned and left, and finally, only the Emperor and I were left in the reception room.

I glanced at the Emperor. Should I just kill him now?

As I entertained that thought, I quickly dismissed it. He may seem defenseless, but he’s adorned with all sorts of protective artifacts, and if I touch him, the guards will swarm in an instant.

Seemingly aware of my gaze, the Emperor smiled and said,

“I anticipated it, but your stare isn’t flattering. Well, it’s inevitable. Anyway, take a seat. Have some tea and snacks.”

I sat down but didn’t touch anything. I felt like I would vomit if I put anything from the table into my mouth.

In a cold tone, I asked the Emperor,

“So, why did you summon me?”

Despite my behavior, the Emperor simply smiled, not showing any sign of displeasure. No, he seemed to enjoy it, finding it endearing.

“Why are you in such a hurry? It’s been a long time; let’s have a little chat. I’ve been longing to see outstanding talents of the empire for a while.”

Nonsense. I replied icily,

“I’m not pleased to be here, and I have nothing to discuss.”

Despite my attempt at being assertive, the Emperor chuckled while looking at me. And the more he did that, the more my expression just crumpled.

“Ah, such a shame. Well, have some tea. It’s a special blend exclusive to the royal family, with a delightful fragrance.”

I remained silent. The Emperor raised the teacup and took a sip.

“Aren’t you drinking? My attendants are eager to have this tea with me.”

“Enough of this. Please get to the point.”

At my words, the Emperor, with a deep smile, picked up a scone from the table and took a bite.

“Haha, so straightforward. You’re quite stiff. It must be because of your youth, isn’t it?”

Even though it was obvious that it wasn’t because of my youth, the Emperor just continued smiling.

“Well, then, let’s get to the point. I’ve heard about the results of your Mage Guild presentation. You’ve created some splendid magic.”

“It’s not particularly remarkable magic. And certainly not something worthy of your attention, Your Majesty.”

‘You really have nothing better to do. Mind your own business,’ I retorted in a sophisticated manner, yet the Emperor’s expression didn’t change.

“Oh, what words. Upon hearing about your magic, I couldn’t contain my joy. The person who created such magic is a servant of mine. How could I not be pleased?”

I almost blurted out, ‘Who’s your servant, you damn bastard?’ but I managed to restrain myself and said,

“It’s an overstatement.”

“On a personal level, I consider your magic to be on par with the three major magics.”

The term “Three Great Magics” referred to the three most powerful magics that had the greatest influence on humanity, regardless of their circle.

Telecommunication magic. Teleportation magic. And memorize magic.

These three magics were also having a significant impact on human history and modern nations.

To say that my magic is comparable to that would mean that there is a use for my magic.

And perhaps it did not simply mean that it could be used for defensive magic, and so on.

“Well then, I’ll speak frankly. Do you have any intention of selling your magic to the country?”

“If it’s artifacts, I plan to make a small amount and sell it to only a select few. I have no intention of mass producing it.”

Surely, what the emperor was saying did not mean that, but I spoke sarcastically.

“That’s not what it means.”

The emperor, who said so, lifted his teacup.

“Do you see this tea?”

He said it was a tea supplied only to the imperial family. I looked at the emperor without answering.

“I said this tea is supplied only to the imperial family. Therefore, the value of this tea is tremendous. Perhaps the tea leaves are more expensive than an equal amount of gold.”

With a look that said “What does it matter,” I locked eyes with the emperor.

“If you were to ask whether the taste and aroma of this tea are incomparable to other teas, perhaps the answer would be no.”

Saying so, the emperor took a sip of tea.

“What makes this tea valuable is not the taste or aroma, but its uniqueness. Only the imperial family and those allowed by the imperial family can taste it!”

“…So, what’s your point?”

When I asked, the emperor chuckled and smiled.

“Give me the recipe for this magic. Mass-produce the artifacts and supply them.”

“I assume you intend to use it for war.”

The emperor said in an excited voice.

“Yes. Exactly! If our empire is the only one that can use this magic, the empire can dominate the world. While others can only use the Three Great Magics, only our empire! It means we can use the Four Great Magics, enjoying that uniqueness!”

I looked at the emperor coldly. The emperor spoke with a generous expression and gesture.

“Of course, I will reward you handsomely for it. You can become a national hero. How about marrying my youngest daughter?”

“I understand that the youngest princess is only three years old.”

The emperor smirked and replied.

“Does that matter?”

Well, it doesn’t really matter. I pinched my chin and furrowed my brow.

Being treated as a national hero? That’s a laugh. Have you forgotten what you did to my family?

The Emperor spoke with a smile.

“Well, what do you think? I hope for a positive response.”

I also spoke with a bright smile.

“If you restore my family to its original state and bring my deceased father back to life, I will consider Korea.”

At that moment, the Emperor’s expression changed instantly.

“Are you suggesting that you want to drink the punishment? Hmm?”

I smirked and replied.

“When did you ever offer me a drink?”

The Emperor stood up and spoke.

“Alright, the pleasant words are over. You will receive some torture from the Imperial Guard, and after you confess, you will also have to drink the confession juice.”

“Let’s give it a try. The Derin family and my master won’t just sit quietly.”

“Oh, is that so? What can those do to the royal family?”

The Emperor grumbled. I rolled my eyes and looked at him.

“Well, we should call the Imperial Guard and take you away, then maybe you’ll come to your senses. You’ll give a positive response, probably.”

As I said that, just as the Emperor was about to call the Imperial Guard, the man who had brought me to the palace rushed in.

“Your, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor’s expression turned sour and he spoke.

“I didn’t call for you. Why have you suddenly come here?”

Then, the man bowed deeply and spoke.

“…There is a visitor.”

The Emperor made a frustrated sound.

“Who on earth dares to interrupt?”

Then, the man, with a miserable expression, spoke.

“…Marquis Sielaine has something to say to Lord Kayneus.”

The Emperor’s eyes became confused in an instant. I also couldn’t help but be confused.

“He brought Lord Kayneus here personally, so bring him here quickly.”

The Emperor gritted his teeth and spoke.

“Marquis Sielaine dares to…!”

And then, the face that I had seen a few hours ago was approaching me.

A few people seemed to try to stop her, but she was unfazed.

Ariel Cielain. With her silver hair, she confidently spoke as she looked at the emperor.

“I must take Eden Keynes.”

Her eyes, emitting a determined light, were shining upon me.