🍵🍵🍵
SEVERAL days later, Emma and Ian were in the palace chamber designated for time travelers.
“It feels like ages since we’ve been here.”
“Indeed, as we’ve been able to complete most of the jobs lately from the Academy without any issues.”
Emma’s duties as a time traveler remained unchanged in her second life. When she received the same assignments as the ones she’d undertaken in her original life, it didn’t take her long to report on those findings. And any new ones she had been able to accomplish quickly with brief trips into the future.
Once Emma realized her new power could change the future, she became reluctant to use it. In my old life, I used it pragmatically and without hesitation because I considered it a normal part of my job. But now, I try my best not to look too deeply into the future for fear of wanting to change it.
“In any case, it doesn’t really make a difference since I’ll only be pretending to use my power here, just like I usually do nowadays,” she said.
“Agreed. But I think you should utilize this space occasionally, even if you’re only pretending, to keep up appearances,” Ian advised.
Time travelers left their bodies behind in this room while their consciousness flew into the future. In her second life, the monarchy allowed Emma to conduct her missions from the Academy because she used the pretext of prioritizing her academics. But Ian’s suggestion was sound, so she would have to make more of an effort to use this room. She didn’t want to raise any red flags.
“In truth, His Majesty summoned us today.”
“What?!” Emma froze in shock. That was news to her. “Why… Why didn’t you tell me…”
They arrived here right after classes ended for the day. That meant Emma was still in her school uniform instead of proper formal attire. Ian was in his, as well, except social convention wasn’t nearly as rigorous for men. For a noble’s daughter like her, though, her current appearance was an abject failure to uphold etiquette, and she worried she’d be seen as discourteous and disrespectful to the king.
“Forgive me, Emma. His Majesty didn’t want to make you nervous, so he instructed me to bring you here without informing you first.”
“Then thank you for telling me now, Ian.”
I knew he had to have a good reason. Once they exited the special room for time travelers, they found Victor waiting outside. He must have also come from the Academy for the impending audience with his father.
“Ian, Miss Emma. This way.”
When his eyes met Emma’s, he gave her his usual smile, emanating his pure sense of justice. Instead of leading them to the chamber reserved for guests, he took them to the parlor facing one of the palatial gardens. Beyond the stately double doors, a table had been set up by the windows. His Majesty awaited them there.
“Lady Emma. It has been quite some time since we last met, hm?”
At the king’s gentle greeting, Emma curtsied politely.
“Yes, it has, Your Majesty. I thank you for…inviting us here today.”
She paused and carefully selected the word “invite” after noting the tea service prepared for them. The king is a very busy man, so to have him set up like this… What’s happening? Emma glanced inquiringly at Ian, but he shook his head, just as confused as her. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
“I can tell from your expressions that you don’t know why I summoned you. Am I right?”
His Majesty, always kind but majestic, nodded at two chairs, encouraging Emma and Ian to sit. Once Victor took his own seat at the table, Ian followed. Emma was the last to settle in hers. He always indulges me… But this is the first time I’ve seen His Majesty behave in such a manner. Anxiety pulled her nerves tight. Emma unconsciously started tapping a foot on the floor.
“Lady Emma, I’d like to reconsider the marriage contract between the Sagden and Seagrove families. Which is why I invited you here today.” The king picked up his teacup and carried it to his lips. His thick fingers wrapped around the handle made the cup look incredibly tiny and fragile. “First, is it true you wish to cancel your engagement to Count Sagden’s son? My son informed me he witnessed a scene wherein your intended acted unfaithfully.”
“Yes, that’s correct. For myself and for my family’s sake, I wish to end this betrothal as quickly as feasible.” Despite her nerves, Emma replied smoothly, which reassured her. It indicated how strongly she felt about the situation.
“I see. Then consider it done. Because of my lack of due diligence in forming this arrangement… I caused you pain, and for that, I’m sorry.”
“That is not the case at all, Your Majesty. If anything, I must beg your pardon for bothering you with such a trivial matter, knowing how busy you are.”
The king’s eyes were full of sympathy as he stared at Emma’s bowed head. Then he glanced at his son, seated next to him. At Victor’s slight nod, his father spoke again. “The truth is… We think quite highly of you. From the time you were but a child to now, you have done your utmost for the country and the royal family.”
“I’m very grateful for your exceedingly kind words.” Emma intuitively knew the conversation was veering in the wrong direction.
“And so. In exchange, I’ll once more make arrangements for rewards to be bestowed upon you after your work as a time traveler ends, so your future may be happy and unburdened.”
“Begging your pardon, Your Majesty! I’m so sorry to interrupt, but may I say one thing!”
She knew interrupting the king was outrageously disrespectful. She knew, but she didn’t care. Because the possibility was high that the outcome would be what Glen had predicted.
“Yes, yes, of course. I invited you here today because I wanted to hear your opinions before I approached your father. So speak freely, child.”
“Thank you so much, Your Majesty. I… I want to work as a lady’s maid abroad once I graduate from the Magic Academy.”
“Well, well… Do you indeed?” The king nodded slowly in thought, surprised to hear of Emma’s dream.
“Thus, I think of the dissolution of my engagement with Bernard Sagden as a clean slate for myself—a chance to start anew. I love my country, so please don’t doubt my patriotism. But I want to challenge myself abroad.”
Determined to convey that she didn’t require a fiancé as a reward, Emma subconsciously infused passion into her words.
“I see, I see… Then perhaps the tradition of the royal family choosing a partner for a noble young lady in recognition of her services as a time traveler might be an antiquated one, despite its well-intentioned nature to make sure she’s provided for in her future.”
“I find I agree, Your Majesty.” Victor concurred with his father’s soft but earnest assertion.
“If I might be so bold, I humbly request freedom as my reward,” Emma declared. “More specifically, my wish is for my duties as a time traveler to end when I graduate from the Academy. That way, I can apply for employment more easily.”
Everyone in the parlor knew Emma’s argument was sound. Regardless of what profession one entered in the Monarchy of Reauxvil, the best time to look for work was when a citizen had just graduated from the Academy.
“Hm… Recently, no one possessing an affinity for time has been born, though I think it will happen soon enough… Lady Emma, remind me again how much time you have left on your ability?”
“If she continues time traveling at this rate, two to three years, approximately, Your Majesty.” Ian answered the king’s question with a smile.
“So even if you choose to retire early, it’s still within the margin of error. Understood. Then, once it gets close to your retirement, we might have to squeeze in many requests until the last minute, but consider your wish fulfilled, Lady Emma.”
“I… Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”
I wonder if Annette from the future is at peace now. She bowed her head deeply again in gratitude to the king.