Volume 10, Chapter 46 – Confessed to by Adonis to My Face!?

In the exquisite and quiet reception room, a silver-haired girl with pigtails dip-dyed blue at the ends sat opposite a golden-haired youth with a single ponytail. As if they had been talking for a long time, both sides merely picked up their steaming teacups. They didn’t even make eye contact, saying nothing.

After the silence stretched on long enough, Yisi, unable to bear the awkward atmosphere, finally placed her teacup on her lap and put on a professional smile.

“Your Majesty Adonis, did you come to find me today to discuss an important matter?”

Because Enos had told her the visitor was a woman, Yisi had thought for a moment that Adonis would visit in her female form. But when they actually met, she found that Adonis had come in her male guise, which made her sigh in relief. After all, Camilla and Adonis had similarities. Her companions might easily connect a female-Adonis to the royal bloodline.

As for why Enos insisted she was a woman when Adonis clearly appeared as a man, Yisi guessed it had something to do with a combat angel’s intuition.

Taking a light sip of tea, Adonis said unhurriedly, “…Cardinal Yisi, I wish to know, where is my imperial sister?”

“Camilla is in the dining hall, directing the servants who are cleaning the rooms. If Your Majesty wishes to see Camilla, I can take you there now.”

“No, no. I only need to know that my sister is living well. That is enough. Honestly, I still remember that slap from last time. I am probably hated by my sister. Appearing before her would only make her unhappy.”

Although she said this with a smile, from Yisi’s perspective, the smile on Adonis’s face was abnormally stiff, almost uglier than crying. If she were Adonis, she’d be in no better a state. Both she and Adonis knew Adonis’s gender, but Adonis, in order to protect the secret, had to say things in front of her that made her sound like an idiot. This feeling was just like pretending to be a cute girl online, only to be caught by a classmate you know in real life. You have to keep up the “cute girl” image while enduring your classmate’s silent snickering. Although Yisi had never experienced it, just thinking about it made her want to crawl into a hole.

Bradley, sitting next to Adonis, had a complicated expression.

“Making Her Highness the First Princess do work like cleaning rooms… Cardinal Yisi, just how do you treat Her Highness? As imperial royalty, she should be living a pampered life, far removed from servants’ work.”

“Your Excellency Prime Minister is speaking of the royal way. I am not of noble birth. Camilla is my family. In the eyes of us commoners, it’s perfectly normal for family to help each other. I also frequently direct the maids in cleaning.”

“Bradley, we are not here to talk about this. If not for Cardinal Yisi taking my sister in, we would have never had the chance to see her. Furthermore, we have yet to compensate the Cardinal for taking her in. We have no right to say such things.”

Adonis raised a hand, signaling Bradley to be quiet. Bradley lowered his gaze.

“…I misspoke. Cardinal Yisi, I apologize for my gaffe.”

Are these two putting on an act?

While it seemed fine at first glance, it became strange when considering their statuses and the shift in their expressions. Especially for Bradley, as Prime Minister, to say something so thoughtless, and then his rapid apology at Adonis’s word… it felt very unnatural, almost like a pre-rehearsed script.

Yisi was completely baffled.

Adonis first glanced at Laxy, who was pouring tea, then waved her hand at the soldiers behind her, signaling them to leave the room.

“Actually… I came to find you today, Cardinal Yisi, to ask for a favor.”

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“What is it?”

“My Lord, I also have the task of supervising Enos’s wing adaptation, so I will take my leave.”

Laxy actually saw through Adonis’s intention?

Yisi couldn’t help but look up, staring at Laxy in astonishment. Adonis had dismissed her soldiers and looked at Laxy, the subtext being that what she was about to say was very important, and Laxy should leave for a moment. But in Yisi’s impression, Laxy was the type of maid who couldn’t read the room. Her proactiveness now was so surprising, she didn’t know what to say.

Of course, it was a good thing that Laxy had noticed. Yisi could guess what Adonis wanted to say—no more than asking her to keep her female identity a secret. That was, of course, something that required others to leave.

Yisi nodded, permitting Laxy to leave. Instantly, only Yisi, Adonis, and Bradley remained in the reception room.

“Phew, now we can talk properly.”

Letting out a breath, Adonis’s right hand shimmered with magic light. After passing her palm over her face, her male features instantly changed to the female appearance Yisi had seen yesterday. Her tied-up golden hair and crisp attire gave her a very gallant impression. Even if she just walked out like this, she could probably attract the gazes of many women.

“This feels more natural.”

“Your Majesty Adonis, this is…”

“Ah, don’t worry. The only people who know my true gender are you, Cardinal Yisi, and Bradley. This is the empire’s most vital secret. Originally, anyone besides me and Bradley who knew this secret would have been assassinated by the Fallen troops I’ve cultivated. But you are not only my imperial sister’s adoptive sister, but also my benefactor. Besides, you promised you wouldn’t tell anyone. Therefore, I choose to trust your character, Cardinal Yisi.”

“Eh.”

Following Adonis’s lead, Bradley’s wrinkled face was full of bitterness.

“Honestly, if it had been Bayldes who found Your Majesty yesterday instead of you, Cardinal Yisi, things would be very troublesome. This matter of gender concerns the stability of the empire. Her Majesty hasn’t even told her own sister, Vina.”

“Precisely. As for why I’m visiting you, Cardinal, it is to discuss a joint operation against the demons with you.”

Deal with demons?

Yisi sat up a little straighter, a question mark popping up over her head.

“Deal with demons… how? I am just a Cardinal who has only just reached the heroic domain. Your Majesty Adonis has General Carl and Bayldes, who have surpassed the heroic domain, as aides. There should be no need for a small figure like me to take the stage.”

Although dealing with demons was part of her duty—on the premise of helping Tina, all demons from Styx’s faction were enemies—purposefully hunting demons was a different matter from dealing with them when she saw them. Besides, moving with other people would only hinder her ability to go all out. Yisi subconsciously declined.

As if they had already expected this answer, Adonis and Bradley exchanged a look, then put on troubled expressions.

“You may not know this, Cardinal, but when I commanded the soldiers to pacify the rebellion, the reason I always appeared as a man was because my men believe that a man, not a woman, is qualified to command them. Therefore, if my true gender were exposed, the empire would be thrown into turmoil. Neither Carl nor Bayldes knows I am actually a woman. If we were to encounter an accident like yesterday’s again, and one of them discovered my true identity, the empire’s future would be in jeopardy…”

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At this point, Adonis paused.

“After a full day of deep thought, I finally thought of you, Cardinal Yisi, and hoped to receive your assistance. The empire may have a decisive battle with the demons soon, and it’s highly likely we’ll face yesterday’s situation again. You know my identity, so even if my disguise fails, you can help me cover it up, preventing exposure. Plus, you yourself possess considerable strength—even Bayldes would need a long time to slay a five-headed Hydra, yet you, Cardinal, could kill it with a single sword stroke. You are naturally the best candidate for this cooperation. Of course, this isn’t to make you my bodyguard, nor is it to make you serve me. It would be a cooperative relationship between equals. Regardless of success or failure, I will provide a reward worthy of your status to express my gratitude. This is a small token in advance.”

With a clack , a heavy cloth bag was placed on the low table by Bradley. Just from the sound of gems clinking, one could tell it was full of gem coins.

So rich…

Even Evelyn wouldn’t just toss a bag full of gem coins at her.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to make her take action. She wasn’t short on money. She had always acted according to her own will. Although the request Adonis was making now was similar to the one Evelyn had made, their situations were completely different. Evelyn had no one else to turn to; only Yisi could help her. Adonis, however, had Carl and Bayldes. She didn’t need to worry about her safety at all. Even with the risk of her identity being exposed, it was a small matter that could be avoided with a little caution.

Yisi pushed the bag back with a wry smile.

“My deepest apologies, I cannot accept this request.”

Anxiety appeared on Adonis’s brow, and she leaned forward slightly.

“Is the reward I’m offering not enough? This is just a small token in advance, not the full payment.”

“It’s not about the reward. I came to Wilfred City to have a proper vacation with my companions. I don’t want to get involved in fighting and killing.”

“B-But Cardinal Yisi, our cooperation is to exterminate demons !”

She was probably emphasizing the demon part because she thought Yisi was a cleric who followed the Ymir Church’s dogma. But Yisi was just a Cardinal by title; she didn’t see demons as mortal enemies that absolutely had to be destroyed. If Evelyn was the most faithless cleric in the entire Church, then Yisi was the one who followed the dogma the least—she didn’t even know what the dogma was .

But what was strange to Yisi was… she clearly wasn’t the irreplaceable cog in the machine. Normally, Adonis had no reason to be this desperate to recruit her.

Yisi shook her head.

“I’m sorry. Even if it is related to demons, I cannot accept this request.”

“But without you, Cardinal, I cannot—”

“Your Majesty!”

Just as Adonis was about to say something, Bradley’s low shout made her stop.

“Er… I misspoke. Please pay me no mind, Cardinal Yisi.”

Hm?

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Curiosity instantly bloomed.

Although Adonis hadn’t finished her sentence, the first half already showed her meaning—this mission required Yisi. It couldn’t be done without her.

What kind of mission requires me, specifically? Am I that important?

Curiosity is often like that. Just as when you’re walking down the street and hear someone mention your name, you can’t help but stop and eavesdrop on what they’re saying about you. Once the desire to know takes root, you must find out.

A hint of anticipation appeared in her blue eyes. Yisi moved the teacup from her lap to the table.

“Your Majesty Adonis, what was that you just said? ‘Without me, you cannot’ what?”

“Ngh…” Her face, so similar to Camilla’s, was filled with hesitation, her brows deeply furrowed. “Are you sure you want to know, Cardinal Yisi?”

“Of course. I don’t like it when a partner holds back information from me. Whether I cooperate or not, I will decide based on the situation.”

“Very well, I—”

“Your Majesty, let’s come back tomorrow. We have said enough for today.”

“No, Bradley, I can’t wait that long! The opportunity is right in front of me! If you make me wait any longer, I’ll go mad!”

“But once… the consequences…”

“If one path doesn’t work, I’ll take another. I will not back down on this.”

Her ruby-like eyes filled with determination, Adonis took a deep breath. She had thought that telling Yisi her true feelings was no different from a gamble—one failure and she’d lose everything—but now, she had to say it. Just as she had told Bradley, this slow-boiling, frog-like agony of keeping her love bottled up… she couldn’t stand it any longer.

Under Yisi’s confused gaze, Adonis stood up. With an intensity that could overwhelm even a level 427 powerhouse, she spoke, enunciating every word.

“Cardinal Yisi, do you know Viel?”

She’s even using the formal ‘you’ now?

No, wait, what did she say? Viel?

A bad feeling rose in Yisi. Under Adonis’s intense aura, she leaned back slightly.

“Wh-What about her?”

“You look very similar to her. I have always thought of you as Viel’s sister. I heard from Gore that back in the Duchy of Chloe, you, Cardinal Yisi, served as the envoy for Chloe in negotiations, correct? The Duchy of Chloe is controlled by the Divine Religion, and the Pope of that religion is Viel. Even though the two churches are incompatible, the Divine Religion sent you, a Cardinal of the Ymir Church, as their envoy. That, combined with your similar appearance… I can think of no other reason than you and Viel being related by blood. …Of course, I don’t mean to make things difficult for you. While it’s true Viel destroyed my palace and even did things to me that are worthy of execution, I do not resent her.”

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What on earth is she trying to say?

Yisi smiled in bewilderment.

“…What is Your Majesty trying to say?”

Adonis pressed her hands to her chest as if in prayer, her rosy lips pursed, her eyes brimming with deep emotion.

“Cardinal Yisi, I think I have fallen in love with your sister, Viel. I have already decided in my heart. She is the future Empress of the Norta Empire. Besides Viel, I will never love another woman.”

“HUHH?!”

As if she’d been jabbed with a needle, Yisi nearly shot off the sofa.

Has Adonis lost her mind?

But looking at her, she clearly wasn’t lying. She might look a little foolish, but those feelings were real.

So, does this count as being confessed to?

But I don’t feel any romance at all! In fact, it’s so awkward I’m about to die!

What is this? I punched her, blew the roof off, and she fell in love with me? And she’s confessing, even knowing I’m a girl? Even a novel couldn’t get away with something this absurd, could it? And yet, it’s happening!

No wonder they say fiction needs logic, but reality can be utterly ridiculous.

No, that’s not what I should be thinking about. I need to make this person see sense.

Yisi didn’t realize that this sudden confession had thrown her into a rare state of panic.

“Y-Your Majesty Adonis, do you even know what you’re saying?”

“Of course I know. I love Viel, and Viel loves me… No, perhaps she doesn’t love me yet . But one day, my persistence will make her change her mind.”

She’s making a fool’s declaration with such a straight face.

Yisi felt the urge to curse. This world was too absurd. Thank goodness Adonis didn’t know that she was Viel. If she did, who knows what Adonis would be doing right now. The way Adonis was staring at her with those red eyes told Yisi she was completely serious.

I should probably try to turn her down…