Absolutely Do Not Touch ELdmia Egga – Chapter 168

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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Yes, I recognized this scene.

It was a primal, shared experience for most South Korean men: the military, and specifically, the combat equipment and command inspection, or jeon-jang-bi for short.

The sight of the staff moving with such frantic, synchronized efficiency brought back vivid memories.

“The bath and a change of clothes have been prepared.”

The contrast between the calm, capable maid, responding with her usual unflappable demeanor, and the others darting around like rabid dogs was worthy of a cinematic masterpiece.

It was as if everyone around her was moving at triple speed.

“Ah, yes.”

I ascended to the second floor, detecting the familiar scent of PTSD emanating from these unfamiliar individuals.

Once this was over, they’d likely be scrambling again, rearranging the furniture back to its original positions.

Witnessing their frantic efforts, all for a once-in-a-lifetime visit from an Imperial Princess to a temporary detention center, reminded me of my own discharge from the military.

“I was ridiculously happy that day.”

On my discharge day, an emergency training exercise had been called.

While the entire unit scrambled to prepare for deployment, I remained blissfully relaxed.

That memory remained one of the most satisfying of my life.

“They’ve created such luxurious accommodations, yet they still panic and fuss when someone of high standing arrives. Some things are universal, I suppose.”

Of course, this situation had nothing to do with me.

I decided to focus on cleansing myself.

It wasn’t as if I’d engaged in strenuous training; a simple soak in warm water, accompanied by contented groans, sufficed.

However, as I finished washing and changing into my everyday clothes, Esmee arrived.

Descending to the first floor with the maid, I entered the lobby, neither cramped nor spacious, filled with nobles standing stiffly at attention.

Among them, Esmee, clad in the familiar purple attire I’d seen before, walked towards me.

The only difference was the addition of a thick, fur-lined cloak.

It looked warm enough to elicit cries of “Winter is Coming!” but appeared slightly oversized on Esmee, its weight seemingly burdensome.

She entered with a composed expression, surveyed the lobby, and her gaze settled on me as I descended the staircase.

“Indeed, it is I. You appear to be faring well, Eldmia.”

It felt as if barely a week had passed since our return from the Empire, yet, as she’d written in her letter, it felt like a month.

Reflecting on the events, I had certainly been incredibly busy.

“It seems like barely a week has passed since we last met, Esmee. I’m disappointed it’s not under more pleasant circumstances.”

My casual address of Esmee caused the kingdom’s nobles, excluding the Imperial delegation, to flinch collectively.

However, Esmee simply extended a hand towards me, requesting an escort as I reached the bottom of the stairs.

“The circumstances are quite pleasant from my perspective. I’ve made time for this brief visit before proceeding to the royal palace, so let’s keep our conversation focused on essential matters.”

Meanwhile, the maid, with seamless grace, approached and accepted Esmee’s cloak, ensuring her movements remained unimpeded.

It was like watching a master thief in a film, effortlessly lifting earrings and necklaces from unsuspecting individuals.

I found myself staring, captivated by her fluid movements.

“Indeed, a highly capable maid. I had initially suspected she’d simply shifted the furniture around haphazardly to appease me, given the pristine condition of the room. However, observing her actions confirms my initial assessment was unfounded.”

The nobles flinched again, their collective anxiety palpable.

Honestly, I was tempted to humiliate them further, but despite their culpability, it was the staff who bore the brunt of the consequences.

I decided to refrain from further commentary and stick to factual observations.

“Her culinary skills are also exceptional. I’ve experienced no discomfort during my stay.”

Some nobles offered grateful glances in response to my compliment, but I ignored them.

They had practically replaced the entire kitchen, yet I hadn’t even acknowledged it upon returning from my bath.

Consider this my apology for not commenting on the redecorated interior…

Had I not witnessed the staff’s frantic efforts, I would have certainly made a sarcastic remark about the sudden change in décor.

Reaching the top of the stairs, two Black Knights, fully armored and visors lowered, stepped forward, blocking my path.

Only then did Esmee speak, her voice lowered to its usual soft tone.

“They claim to be offering protection, yet they confine you to a temporary detention center. I arrived prepared for the worst, but the accommodations are surprisingly adequate.”

“Indeed, they are. I was quite taken aback initially. It’s a stark contrast to Lagnis’s experience.”

“Have they subjected you to any mistreatment?”

“On the contrary, I’m being treated exceptionally well. Almost excessively so, considering the circumstances.”

I knew the reason for this preferential treatment: Esmee, my formidable benefactor.

I hadn’t anticipated that my initial decision to accompany Lagnis to the Empire, simply as a gesture of support, would result in such significant changes.

However, the changes were undeniably positive, so I accepted them gratefully.

“The royal family, having endured seven years of conflict against the demons, is simply demonstrating prudent adaptability. Even this is a consequence of your preemptive actions. Had you adhered to their intended course of action, you would currently be enjoying considerably more lavish accommodations.”

“How dreadful.”

My genuine shudder of disgust elicited a faint smile from Esmee.

“You possess no shortage of ambition, yet you exhibit a remarkable lack of avarice.”

“It’s not a lack of ambition. I simply dislike being manipulated. This entire situation has been a considerable source of frustration.”

“Indeed. I would gladly listen to a detailed account of the events that transpired, but the current circumstances are not conducive to such a lengthy discussion.”

Despite the privacy of the second floor, Esmee waited until we reached my room and cast a spell, seemingly checking for something, before continuing.

Wait, was that a detection spell for eavesdropping or surveillance magic?

“Did you just check for eavesdropping devices?”

“Indeed, I did. Is there a problem?”

“If there were such devices, wouldn’t our previous conversation have been…?”

“My dear Eldmia, you stand before the Princess of the Empire. Surely it’s self-evident that I would welcome such an opportunity to exploit any intercepted information to our advantage.”

Her matter-of-fact response rendered me speechless.

“Our conversation merely hinted at a degree of familiarity between us, hardly a violation of our agreement. More importantly, it’s crucial for the royal family to anticipate my actions and their consequences. Now, please be seated.”

Esmee tapped the bed impatiently with her small hand, her tone firm.

I sat on the edge of the bed, ready to listen attentively.

Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she sat beside me, facing me, and embraced me.

“…Esmee?”

I addressed her, slightly flustered, as she nestled against me with a contented hum, seemingly pleased with her audacious maneuver.

Her response was characteristically bold.

“Considering my personal involvement, a certain degree of recompense is only natural, wouldn’t you agree? Now, listen closely.”

The problem was, her audacious statement was undeniably true, leaving me without a retort.

“To be blunt, you will incur no harm from this incident. Nor will those associated with you. However, you will also gain nothing.”

“Gain nothing?”

“Honor, rewards, power, or official recognition?”

“The lack of reward is slightly disappointing, but the rest are irrelevant.”

What use would I have for such things?

I had no intention of attending the academy; my sights were set on the battlefield.

My indifferent response elicited a chuckle from Esmee.

“I anticipated as much. However, this pertains solely to Itsiel. You still have much to gain from the Empire, so it’s hardly a significant issue.”

“You speak of such significant matters with remarkable nonchalance.”

“Why should I hesitate to speak the truth?”

She tugged at my idle arm, guiding it around her waist, urging me to embrace her.

While I could embrace Asirye without hesitation or self-consciousness, such physical intimacy with others proved more challenging.

“I intend to adopt an assertive stance. I will express considerable interest in you as an asset, implying a willingness to relinquish you only if deemed necessary. Such a display is essential to deter any attempts to exploit you politically.”

Had this been a purely internal kingdom affair, they would have undoubtedly attempted to manipulate my seemingly reckless actions to their advantage.

Whether for personal gain or the public good, I wouldn’t have cared, but they would have certainly tried.

Failing that, they might have resorted to less drastic measures to expel me.

However, the current circumstances precluded such actions.

Their only viable option was to retain me while refraining from any direct interference.

The reasons were clear.

Whether intentional or not, the Empire had extended a formal invitation to Lagnis, bolstering her symbolic significance.

They had also acknowledged my accomplishments without reservation.

To mistreat the individuals they had so warmly received, immediately upon their return, would be tantamount to spitting in the Empire’s face.

In this already delicate situation, to discard the individual who had not only resolved a potentially damaging incident but also eliminated a traitor, simply because the Empire had expressed a willingness to take him in?

Even if they attempted to justify their actions by claiming a pro – Empire stance and a general distrust of the Empire, such an excuse would be easily refuted.

Considering the substantial material support the Empire had provided to the kingdom over the past seven years, such rumors would jeopardize future aid, making it the least desirable course of action.

Furthermore, any attempts to manipulate me could result in another Envelde incident.

While my actions were always justified, from their perspective, I appeared unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Their only remaining option was to feign enthusiasm, proclaiming their unwavering support while carefully keeping me at arm’s length.

With this, my invulnerability was complete.

While I had anticipated potential complications, Esmee’s intervention had simplified matters considerably.

I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

Slightly embarrassed, I returned her embrace with a gentle squeeze, expressing my gratitude.

“Wh-what are you doing?!”

“Thank you.”

I hoped for an opportunity to repay her kindness in the future.

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[You can almost think that eldmia actually cares for other people that dont directly benefit him…. that cant be, right?]