Chapter 77
The next day.
Once Kard had gathered all the materials, we began making the diffuser.
Actually, calling it “making” was a bit of an exaggeration—it was simple.
Mix the extract of McRancho with the fragrances Kard had collected, pour the solution into glass bottles, and package them with sticks. That was all.
The key to this operation lay in the “fragrances Kard had personally retrieved.”
It meant that his hands had touched the solution forming the base of the diffuser. If it were discovered that this solution was poisoned, there would be no way for Kard to escape.
“…I’m really sorry, Kard.”
I offered a silent apology I knew he wouldn’t hear, and picked up a diffuser bottle.
Kard had good instincts. He quickly understood my design and had found some rather pretty bottles.
“The bottles are nice.”
“I made a special effort.”
I added a little perfume to the McRancho extract and handed the solution to Kard.
He skillfully poured the liquid into the glass bottle and capped it.
I gathered the bottles and sticks and neatly placed them in a box I had prepared in advance.
A seemingly decent gift was complete. Nominally a gift, but at least it looked presentable.
Kard seemed to think the same; upon seeing the packaged final product, he casually remarked:
“The Emperor will like this.”
“Do you think so? That’s a relief.”
I smiled, looking at the box in my hands.
With this tiny box, I was about to “catch” two powerful figures: the Emperor and Kard.
Technically, it was planned, but still—the thought made me feel sick. I hated myself for creating something like this and calling it a gift.
“Thank you, Sir Damen. I couldn’t have completed it without you.”
From his perspective, there was no need for him to help me so much.
Still, despite his initial impression, Sir Damen was gentle and kind. He was someone I could exploit easily—which only made me feel more guilty.
Perhaps that was why a sudden thought struck me.
When everything was over. When I succeeded in the quest and saw the ending of this game.
When I was finally freed from this absurd punishment called regression.
Would there even be a reason for me to live, bearing so many sins?
That evening.
I left the prepared gift with Serena and headed to the dining hall with her.
The Emperor, who had arrived first, immediately checked my condition as soon as he saw me. I felt his gaze on my body, but I pretended not to notice and sat down.
“…You’re here, Empress.”
“Yes. Did you have a good day?”
“Seems like you’re feeling better today.”
He appeared slightly relieved at my greeting.
That was a relief. To give the gift, I needed to look at least a little better than usual.
I had to look cheerful, so the Emperor would not suspect the poison in my gift.
“I’ve always been fine, you know.”
“Fine? You didn’t look fine at all yesterday. Do you know how worried I was?”
“Ah… yesterday…”
Now that I thought about it, I hadn’t been feeling well yesterday.
It was strange; the food had felt like it was stuck in my throat. Remembering that made me frown.
“Sorry. I guess I wasn’t feeling well yesterday.”
“Feeling better today?”
“Yes.”
I lifted my fork and shook it slightly to show I was fine.
Amused, the Emperor gave a small smile.
“Eat well, then.”
I nodded and focused on the meal.
Well, outwardly, at least. Inside, I was far from focused. The moment I tried to quietly eat, all the thoughts I had been holding back started flooding in.
The Emperor’s reaction when he received my gift, Kard’s reaction when he realized what I had requested from the guild—these images kept replaying in my mind.
Their imagined reactions were different.
The Emperor would undoubtedly be happy to receive something from me; he wouldn’t dislike it.
Kard would certainly be surprised and resist. I imagined two scenarios: him eventually accepting reality and siding with me, or stubbornly opposing me until finally revealing everything to the Emperor.
And then, what should I do?
Honestly, I had no plans for that moment. I didn’t want to think about it.
For now, I decided to enjoy this day, even if just a little, conversing with the Emperor while he smiled so kindly. There wouldn’t be many days left like this.
“Empress, have you been busy lately?”
As I thought this, the Emperor spoke first.
“No, not busy at all.”
I answered eagerly, as if waiting for the chance.
These days, aside from managing quests and basic duties, I had little else to do.
“Then… would you like to go somewhere, maybe for a change of pace?”
“Somewhere I want to go…?”
“Yes. We’ve been busy preparing events lately, and since our honeymoon, we haven’t had time alone together.”
“Oh…”
That was true…
“The Bellerc Empire is vast, and even I haven’t seen it all. I thought it might be nice to go somewhere with you.”
“With me?”
“Yes. This is your chance too—to freely visit wherever you want.”
The proposal was tempting. I swallowed hard without realizing it.
Just imagining it made me feel free and lighthearted.
After spending every day with the same people in the palace, staring at the tedious system screen, I longed to see the sea, feel the wind, and watch the waves.
I wanted to wander freely, enjoy beautiful things, and laugh out loud.
“…That would be nice.”
Had he heard my mutter? The Emperor smiled at me again.
“Think about where you want to go. We’ll coordinate a schedule soon.”
His words jolted me awake.
‘What the hell am I thinking?’
A trip with the Emperor, just the two of us. I clearly wasn’t in my right mind.
Even worse, traveling with him? Did I really think I could act innocent and carefree, pretending to know nothing while on a trip?
“…How do I refuse?”
There was no valid excuse to refuse.
I didn’t want to go on a trip, but I was giving him a gift? Everything felt off.
Honestly, everything around me just felt strange.
“But… is it really okay? At a time like this, if I’m away and something happens…”
“…I don’t think anything will happen. Are you worried?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t have to worry. If anything happens, I’ll protect you.”
“….”
He clearly never considered that I might betray him.
I had completed the trust quest I aimed for, but still…
“Thank you.”
My throat tightened again.
I put down my utensils, and the attendants cleared the empty plates and brought dessert.
It was almost time to give the gift.
I gazed at the dessert plate for a moment before speaking.
“Your Majesty, right now… rather than a trip, there’s something I’d like more.”
“What is it?”
As expected, the Emperor immediately showed interest.
I decided to end the trip talk quickly and give him the gift.
“It’s a small thing, but I prepared something… I hope you’ll accept it.”
The Emperor’s eyes widened, clearly surprised. Seeing this, I called Serena, who was waiting behind.
The Emperor’s gaze made me a bit nervous, so I rambled without thinking:
“It’s nothing special. You’ve helped me so much and indulged my odd requests. I wanted to make something as a small thanks… and apology.”
Serena, perceptive as ever, brought the gift box to the Emperor.
The Emperor looked dazed as he received it.
His usually sharp and piercing eyes were replaced with a mysterious, unfathomable expression.
When he unwrapped it, he found the diffuser bottle and sticks just as I had arranged.
“This… what is it?”
“It’s a room fragrance. I made it as a liquid. Insert the stick and place it in the room, and the scent will subtly fill the space.”
“You made this yourself?”
Technically, I hadn’t entirely made it myself.
I was about to clarify, but stopped, seeing the Emperor’s expression.
It was brighter and clearer than ever before.
Not a face a tyrant would make.
Realizing this made my heart stop.
