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The next few days passed by in a blur.  

All Aiden did was try to gauge how things were moving within the military headquarters, but surprisingly, his surroundings were eerily quiet.  

He fully expected to be summoned again and interrogated like before, but there was no reaction, almost to the point where it felt strange.  

However, there was one noticeable change compared to before.  

Aiden stole glances at Noel, who was working expressionlessly in front of him.  

Officially, he was invited here to be taken care of after going through two unfortunate incidents in a short period.  

But the real problem was that he had to spend most of his day in this person’s office.  

‘I feel like I’m being watched.’  

It was to the extent that Noel kept him so close by that Aiden couldn’t help but feel suffocated.  

Despite being incredibly busy, it was as if Noel was constantly watching his every move.  

It wasn’t like Aiden was restricted in his daily life, but it was uncomfortable enough to make him feel like he was developing an ulcer.  

“Excuse me.”  

“Lady Noel.”  

“When will my guard be assigned?”  

He remembered Stella telling him to wait since they were going to assign someone to him.  

It was a way of saying that he would pass on any needs to the guard, so that he could finally be left alone. However, Noel’s calm reply was still as merciless as ever.  

“I understand you’re indirectly saying I’m making you uncomfortable.”  

“No, you don’t have to point it out so directly….”  

“Aiden, your guard will probably take some time to be selected.”  

“What?”  

“There’s no one who meets the criteria at the moment. We’re searching.”  

Could that be true?  

A guard was essentially like a common adjutant, wasn’t it? It seemed unlikely there wouldn’t be someone appropriate for the job within the capital.  

“No, they must not be ordinary. Whoever is assigned to you has to be special.”  

“With the abilities you’ve shown, we can’t just attach anyone. The person who will be with you most of the day needs to meet a certain standard.”  

It was unnecessary overvaluation. If they were just an average person, that would be more than enough.  

Lately, Aiden felt like he had been encountering too many unusual people.  

“You can expect it. I’ll assign someone truly satisfactory in various ways.”  

Aiden felt like his ulcer was only going to get worse.  

With a brief frown, Aiden quickly came up with another excuse.  

“If you keep spending time with an outsider while working, rumors might not be good—”  

“It won’t seem strange to others.”  

With those words, Noel smiled sweetly after a slight pause.  

“We’re soon to be married, aren’t we?”  

Noel’s smile was flawless and pure, but Aiden’s face turned pale upon hearing that.  

“Soon to be married.”  

Formally, that was true.  

Though Noel might not care, the mere thought of it made Aiden feel like he was having a fit every time.  

Considering all the things he had gone through in just a few days since getting involved with her, his reaction wasn’t entirely unjustified.  

‘What a mess my life has become.’

After causing so much trouble, you’d think the marriage would be reconsidered, but her determination was unusually firm.  

And the fact that she mentioned it again seemed like a subtle reminder not to even think about escaping from the surveillance he was currently under.  

In that case, it was the perfect timing for Aiden to find something to do to distract himself from the uncomfortable atmosphere.  

While he didn’t have any assigned tasks, there was certainly information he needed to organize.  

Aiden furrowed his brow as he rifled through the documents spread across the desk.  

While Noel handled her duties, Aiden at least had time to investigate the materials he wanted.  

‘Why can’t I find it?’ 

The fact that none of the information he was looking for was there was a major issue, to say the least.  

Given the importance of what he was searching for, it wasn’t just a “major issue”; it could very well be a prelude to a catastrophe.  

The information related to the “main character”—  

The central figure of the main scenario, the savior of this world, was missing.  

Aiden still desperately wanted to deviate from the main scenario and return to an ordinary life, and the existence of a “fast track” to that was supposed to be through the protagonist.  

‘Could it really… not be here?’ 

If the protagonist was missing, it didn’t just mean Aiden couldn’t return to his peaceful life.  

It meant that—  

‘If they’re not around, who’s going to save the world?’  

The protagonist, the savior of this world.  

Aiden clutched his aching head as he continued to think.  

The main scenario, intricately tangled like a ball of yarn, ultimately revolved around that person.  

Aiden reuniting with his family and living in peace was part of a future plan based on the assumption that the protagonist would fulfill their role.  

‘I must have missed it.‘

Of course, it’s too early to conclude that the protagonist is completely absent from this world. He still didn’t have nearly enough information to make such a claim.  

However, if the protagonist really didn’t exist…  

Aiden would also need to make a decision accordingly.  

Suppressing the chilling thought, he summoned the system window before his eyes.  

The protagonist aside, there was something else he needed to check immediately.  

—Skill Info  

【Katia Heinkel Craven】  

—  

Bond: Level 1  

<Copied Skill>  

Vow of the First Pilgrim

※Unique – Only this character possesses this skill!  

This is a vow imitating the oath made by the first pilgrim to the God of Purification. It excels in firepower, and through the <Rite of Vow>, the user can additionally manifest their own unique trait with the God of Purification.  

The unique trait has not been unlocked since the rite has not been performed.  

Aiden slowly read through the lines.  

‘Even if I don’t understand everything… The high firepower would be helpful in various situations.’  

Compared to Noel’s <Heart of Purity>, the output was undoubtedly lower, but unlike energy without specific attributes, the divine power had an unmistakably powerful quality.  

‘Other than that… I’m not sure what the ‘Rite of Vow’ refers to, but it seems like some grand ceremony one might only conduct in the Holy Kingdom. Not something I need to worry about right now.’  

Aiden’s face slightly twisted as he continued to scroll down the system window.  

There was no real reason to react like this based on what he had seen so far.  

After all, considering Noel’s case, it was better to be informed in advance about abilities that might not manifest.  

The problem was this.  

At the very bottom of the window were new, completely unfamiliar entries.  

—Skill Info  

Omnipotence [Locked]  

The skill is locked. Unlock the first stage by simultaneously using two or more abilities.  

Origin [Locked]  

The skill is locked.  

‘What on earth is this?’ 

He had no memory of acquiring such skills, yet the information was locked, making it inaccessible.  

‘The best outcome would be never needing to use these.’  

Aiden thought with a bitter smile.  

If the time came to use these abilities, it would likely mean he was caught up in another desperate situation.  

Unfortunately, the odds of that happening didn’t seem low.  

He still desperately wanted to return to the ordinary life of a regular person.  

At this time of day, shouldn’t he be enjoying a peaceful dinner with his father and younger sister?  

‘I wonder what Dad and Sisella are doing… They must be worried sick after I disappeared, leaving only a letter behind.’  

As those thoughts crossed his mind, Aiden glanced at Noel, who was absorbed in her work.  

In truth, if he thought about it, his time with his family was being taken away because of that woman.  

“Aiden.”  

“Yes?”  

The sudden voice almost caught him off guard, but he managed to respond somehow.  

Noel gave him a brief, puzzled look before continuing in her usual calm tone.  

“We’re going to the Imperial Palace tomorrow.”  

He had heard this before.  

It was part of the schedule Stella had mentioned earlier, where they had to report directly to the emperor about the marriage arrangement between him and Noel.  

“Aren’t there many things I need to be mindful of when going to the palace? I haven’t received any formal training on etiquette.”  

His question came from the nervousness lingering from his recent experience of being nitpicked for protocol violations, but Noel answered in a casual voice.  

“You don’t have to worry too much about etiquette. There are other things you should be cautious of, though.”  

“What do you mean…?”  

Taking a sip from her teacup, Noel rested her chin on her hand and continued with a smile still on her face.  

“The contract for this ‘fake marriage’ lasts one year. Once it’s over, I’ll compensate you generously, so please bear with me until then.”  

“What?”  

“I understand it must be uncomfortable being entangled with someone like me, but we’ll have to act a bit closer than usual in official settings. I’m asking for your understanding in advance.”  

What was there to understand?  

Wasn’t it absurd to demand cooperation now, after abducting him without any negotiation in the first place?  

“What I mean is, if I suddenly initiate physical contact or act overly friendly, I hope you’ll bear with it. I know it won’t be easy.”  

Aiden blinked quietly, listening to Noel’s composed explanation.  

There was something odd about the way she spoke.  

It didn’t sound like a joke; it felt like she genuinely believed her own value was low.  

‘Is her self-esteem… low?’

That didn’t make sense at all.  

She was the empire’s most powerful knight, admired by countless men, and held a special place even in the emperor’s regard.

The following words were also in that context, not making much sense.

“I don’t think you’re the type to say such things.”

When Aiden scratched his cheek and gave a vague response, Noel, who had been silent for a moment, stared at him.

“Thank you.”

The weak voice returned with a smile. 

But the smile somehow gave a strong impression that it was more of a customary response than one of real joy.

It’s a characteristic often seen in people with low self-esteem.

“……”

Aiden tilted his head slightly.

This person.

She genuinely believes that marrying someone like her would be a burden on the other party.

He didn’t know why.

“To be honest, I’ve never had any romantic experience.”

As Noel’s voice continued, it grew quieter and quieter. 

Her face flushed redder as well. 

She coughed and barely managed to continue.

“I don’t really know where the proper boundaries are. So, I might end up behaving inappropriately… that’s what I’m saying.”

That’s the reason?

…That’s unexpected.

When he thought about it, someone like her would easily have men lining up for her.

From the start, the fact that she didn’t look for a fake marriage partner nearby and instead kidnapped Aiden out of nowhere is odd when you think about it.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

Noel added immediately.

“When we enter the imperial palace, don’t say anything. Make sure you don’t stand out.”

At Noel’s rare serious warning, Aiden’s mouth dropped slightly open.

“…Pardon?”

“It’s best if you stay out of ‘his’ awareness as much as possible. Otherwise…”

Noel fell silent.

In Aiden’s eyes, it seemed like she was carefully choosing a word that wouldn’t be too disrespectful when referring to ‘him,’ though he didn’t know who ‘he’ was.

“If you get tangled up with him, it’ll be very exhausting for you.”

Of course, despite her efforts, the words that came out gave off an ominous feeling.

***

“Why does he look so annoyingly handsome? Was that always your type?”

Despite the terrifying title of ‘Emperor,’ the man smoking a cigarette in front of him seemed more like a laid-back neighbor than anything else.

Age-wise, he looked only a few years older than Aiden, with sharp, striking features.

And, fitting with that first impression, the current situation also felt a bit strange for someone called an emperor.

‘The reason we don’t have to worry about formalities…’

It must be because they’re having a direct meeting with the emperor without any complicated procedures.

Even though the Pope of the Holy Empire, a close ally of the emperor, was often called eccentric among world leaders, from this alone, it seems that the emperor of the empire isn’t far behind.

“Yeah, sure.”

And perhaps because serving such a quirky ruler was stressful, Noel replied with a grumpy face.

Considering how she always acted politely regardless of rank, this was a shocking sight.

Even more shocking was that the emperor didn’t bat an eye at such an attitude.

“Kid, didn’t I always tell you that a sturdy man is the best? What kind of marriage are you planning with this pretty boy—”

“I don’t think this is an issue for Your Majesty to interfere with. Isn’t it my husband that I chose?”

“Well, well, listen to how you’re talking to the emperor now.”

“You were the one who picked a fight with me first—”

And the level of conversation between the two was even more astonishing.

It was like a teenage girl bringing her boyfriend home for the first time and her older brother disapproving of him.

There was nothing about this that resembled a conversation between the empire’s top soldier and its emperor, and judging by their familiarity, this was clearly not their first childish exchange.

Still, two things were clear from the situation.

The Lionheart and the Emperor were much, much closer than widely known.

Such an informal interaction doesn’t develop overnight. 

There must have been a long-standing relationship between them.

And.

“Which means, I can’t allow this marriage decision in its current state.”

Despite their closeness, the emperor was still strongly opposed to Noel’s marriage.

“Noel.”

“…Yes.”

At the much more solemn voice, Noel responded seriously, dropping her grumpy tone.

“You’re not ignorant of the internal affairs of the empire, are you? 

The noble society is a snake pit, full of those looking out for their own interests. 

“Everyone is watching your movements closely, as you have considerable public support, and even if I remain still, other factions will not.”

“Whoever I marry will tip the scales, Your Majesty. The best-case scenario is a civil war, and in the worst case, it could escalate into another allied war. Wouldn’t it be more reasonable to bring in a third party?”

“It’s just a temporary fix. Everyone knows that turning a blind eye won’t fool anyone. Even my own son won’t stay quiet.”

After that, Aiden overheard a long conversation that he couldn’t understand.

Talk about the chaotic state of the noble society after the war, how the imperial authority had weakened to the point that they could no longer control them, and so on, and so on. Difficult discussions among the high-ranking people.

The only thing that remained in his memory was the emperor’s attitude when he mentioned the prince.

It was as if he were addressing a stranger, nothing more. 

It wasn’t just that their relationship was bad; it felt like they were sworn enemies.

Aiden’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

‘The family doesn’t get along?’

—This is.

It feels slightly different from the ‘original’ story he knows.

In his memory, the prince was definitely a noble character.

A man almost without flaws in terms of personality.

He didn’t recall the prince being someone who would have a falling out with his father.

“Then there’s only one solution left.”

As he mulled over his thoughts, a sentence suddenly caught his attention.

“In the end, the biggest issue is that others are challenging the suitability of this guy as your husband. Once they acknowledge that you two are a perfect match, most, if not all, of the surface-level complaints will fade away.”

“…I don’t want to burden Mr. Aiden any more, but isn’t it strange to dig this deeply into my personal matters in the first place?”

“What you’re saying is reasonable, but politics is inherently a trash heap.”

As the back-and-forth argument continued, Aiden’s expression became increasingly serious.

From what he could hear, His Majesty the Emperor clearly maintained a very negative stance on this engagement.

And from Aiden’s point of view, that wasn’t particularly good news either.

‘If the marriage falls through…’

If the fake marriage collapses, it’s a ‘failed quest.’

That’s a situation Aiden absolutely wants to avoid.

Thus, the course of action he must take now is clear.

“I’ll do it.”

Both the emperor and Noel turned their gazes toward him.

“I’ll do it. If proving my worth is what it takes to make this engagement happen.”

At Aiden’s words, silence descended around them.

Noel, in particular, widened her eyes.

Her expression clearly showed that she hadn’t expected Aiden to take the initiative.

Then.

“You’ve got some spirit.”

A smile spread across the emperor’s face as he tapped his pipe against the ashtray.

That smile resembled that of a mischievous child who had just come up with a fun idea.

“So you’re really going to do it?”

—If you get tangled up, it’ll be incredibly exhausting.

The words Noel had said the other day flashed through his mind.

“Your Majesty, isn’t this too dangerous—”

Noel interjected in a voice laced with tension.

Her face had paled slightly, as if she had endured this kind of expression from the emperor more than once.

And, as naturally as ever, the emperor ignored her words and turned his head toward Aiden.

“You, Aiden, was it?”

Without waiting for a response, the emperor continued.

“Let’s prove how well you two get along as a couple.”

“…I beg your pardon, but what exactly do you mean—”

“In a situation like this, nothing persuades the imperial nobles better than combat prowess. Especially in these chaotic times.”

“Fight together, you two.”

The emperor cut off Aiden’s reply with a grin.

“There just so happens to be a suitable opponent.”

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