They still didn't know exactly why Hedera had summoned them, but all
three instinctively understood one thing: the atmosphere was tense.
─Why were we summoned here?
Tether transmitted nervously, sweat beading on her forehead.
─Did I make a mistake…?
Whatever the reason, it didn't seem like a safe situation.
Tether, having served Hedera for quite some time, knew well that Hedera
was in a foul mood.
Tether's head quickly turned towards Jaekiel.
As always, Jaekiel was the most helpful in moments of crisis. It was a
simple calculation.
"…"
And yet, she found herself at a loss for words. The Auditor's expression
wasn't much different.
─Um, Auditor, do you have any idea what this is about?
─What could be going on here?
─… Well, she probably wants to hear a report.
─Ah!
But then, what is this terrifying tension?
…What exactly is this ominous aura?
Just as Tether was about to add something.
"It's not polite. Stop the telepathy."
Beeeeeep!
With one word from Hedera, the telepathy was completely severed. Her
words carried a power far beyond simple magic.
"Hm."
Hedera tapped the armrest with her fingernail, looking at each member of
the Imperial Tower group standing in front of her.
"Where should I start?"
She seemed to ponder for a moment.
"You all worked hard."
"I only did my duty as an auditor."
Jaekiel quietly showed his respect.
"Is there anything more impressive than doing what must be done so
successfully? You deserve praise."
Hedera knew well that this situation wasn't simply something that had
resolved itself by chance.
The Imperial Tower group, especially Jaekiel, had done exceptionally well.
Hedera lifted a teacup as she spoke.
"Tether."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Even though you're my secretary, you accompanied the Auditor. Tell me
what you felt during this expedition."
"Well, when I try to explain it…"
At that moment, Hedera and Tether's eyes met.
"Yes. I felt many things. Where should I start? I'll tell you everything."
"Alright."
"I came to realize exactly what the Imperial Tower, under Your Highness's
ownership, should be doing. The Imperial Tower will become Your
Highness's wings."
Hedera nodded quietly.
"Is that it?"
"Huh?"
"I was just wondering if that's all."
"Uh…"
For a brief moment, Tether's mind raced frantically.
She quickly grasped the situation and found the right answer.
"…Of course, that's not all!"
Tether quickly smiled, showing her teeth.
"I truly felt how deep the Auditor's feelings are for Your Highness. He said
he could work so hard because it was Your Highness's tower! Yes!"
"…Is that so?"
Though subtle, all three noticed it.
Hedera's mood had brightened slightly.
The Princess's gaze turned to Jaekiel.
"Auditor, did you really say that?"
"…Yes."
Jaekiel averted his gaze slightly.
The Princess's gaze now turned to Anes.
"Auditor's Secretary."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"What did you feel?"
"I felt quite a lot."
Anes's expression became very serious.
"Your Highness."
"I'm listening."
"The Imperial Tower can no longer be the same as it was in the past."
"It can't be the same as before. What do you mean?"
Hedera looked at Anes intently.
"First of all, what we accomplished this time is truly remarkable."
"You're saying that the Imperial Tower is remarkable?"
"That's part of it, but what I want to tell Your Highness is a bit different."
Anes took a deep breath.
"The truth is, the Imperial Tower should have failed today."
Hedera slowly blinked.
"Should have failed?"
"Yes. If we wanted to play, we played. If we wanted to delay something, we
delayed it… The thought of spending each day comfortably took
precedence, and we put things like achievements on the back burner, didn't
we?"
"Well, I suppose so."
"As a result, it was only natural that today's presentation at the meeting
would expose our poor performance and lead to our collapse. It was fitting
for our position."
"…You're right."
Hedera nodded slightly.
Isn't it the way of the world that what is shabby is treated as shabby, and
what is beautiful is valued as beautiful? It was only natural for the Imperial
Tower to fall.
"But the Auditor prevented that."
"Hm."
"The issue is that this feat was essentially achieved by the Auditor alone. It
wasn't the Imperial Tower's achievement."
Anes continued speaking carefully.
"Now that the suspicions toward the Imperial Tower have been dispelled,
many people with very high expectations will start visiting the Imperial
Tower."
"Indeed."
"If the Auditor finds himself in a situation where he can't manage
everything, or needs to handle two tasks at once, it will definitely lead to
difficulties."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Hedera quietly tapped the armrest.
"I think the Imperial Tower will have to make an effort as if it's scraping
away its very soul. It will be very difficult, but as a secretary, I plan to do
my best."
Anes's statement ended there.
It was still impossible to read Hedera's expression, especially since half of
her face was covered by a mask.
But then.
"I'm pleased."
Hedera's response was unexpected.
Tether's eyes widened in surprise, but Hedera continued speaking in a calm
tone.
"I didn't expect there to be a magician who would care so much about the
Imperial Tower. I understand you haven't been in this position for long, but
your loyalty is quite deep."
"Really?"
Anes nodded.
"Although I haven't been a secretary for long, I have a history with the
Imperial Tower. I've long wanted the Imperial Tower to do well, but back
then, Your Highness wasn't here, and we didn't have a capable auditor."
Hedera lightly chuckled at her sharp answer.
"It sounds like you're blaming me. I was the one who left my post, and I
was the one who didn't appoint a capable auditor. Well… It's true that it's
my responsibility."
Anes quickly bowed her head.
"That was never my intention. I'm just so happy that the situation has
changed that I must have misspoken."
"It's a joke, a joke. I guess I can't even tease you."
Hedera rummaged through her clothes and quietly handed something over.
Anes quickly approached and carefully received it with both hands.
What she received was a thin gold bar.
"Take it. It's a gift."
Tether's mouth dropped open.
"Whoa…!"
She couldn't help but make a sound. This was on a whole different level
from a typical gift; the amount Hedera gave Anes was that enormous.
"I've found a magician who cares so deeply about my tower. How could I
not reward you? I hope you continue to do your best."
"This seems too much."
Anes spoke cautiously.
"May I return this gold bar to you?"
"No. Take it."
Hedera waved her hand dismissively, as if it was no big deal.
"It's a lot, I know. Enough that you could quit right now if you wanted."
Hedera's eyes curved slightly in a smile.
"If the work gets tough, don't hesitate to take a break. Even if your break is
very long, it's fine. You have enough money now, right? There must be
many places you've wanted to visit."
"There will be days when I'm exhausted, but I won't take a break. I've
learned how important responsibility is."
"How can you say everything so correctly?"
As Hedera lifted her teacup, everyone quickly lowered their heads.
Watching the Second Princess remove her mask and sip tea was not
something they were allowed to do.
"Anes."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"As you said, the current Imperial Tower has many holes that need to be
filled. It doesn't have to be the secretary position, right? If there's a better
place later, I'll move you there."
"I don't have much talent outside of being a secretary. If I were to be
moved, I'd likely cause more trouble. If possible, I'd like to remain in this
position."
Anes remained bowed politely.
Hedera stared at Anes quietly.
"…"
Tether glanced between the two women.
'What is this atmosphere?'
The conversation seemed perfectly healthy and friendly on the surface, but
the atmosphere felt so sharp, subtly sticky, and tense…
It seemed Jaekiel was the source.
Both the Princess and Anes kept glancing at Jaekiel from time to time.
Tether wasn't oblivious to this tension.
Then, a sudden, intense thought struck her.
Huh?
Wait, huh?
Tether blinked, thinking there was no way.
…Could this be a battle of wills?