(Orlax POV)
"Wait a minute, repeat what you just said, because I think I heard something ridiculous."
"I want to become the empress."
"..."
I was speechless as I heard Riana's request for the second time. I kept staring at her to determine whether she was serious or not.
"Let me understand this—just moments ago, you were declaring your hatred for me, and now you're asking to become my wife?"
Riana's face turned red with embarrassment, and she started looking away to avoid meeting my eyes.
"I don't want to be your wife; I want to be the empress."
"And what's the difference? If you become the empress, you'll be my wife."
"Regardless, this is my request. Will you go back on what you said earlier?"
When I met Riana's serious gaze, I realized she wasn't joking—this was truly her request.
"You do know that I already have a fiancée, right? I can't betray her. Ask for something else."
"If you already have a fiancée, then break off your engagement with her and make me the empress."
My lips trembled at her words, and I started feeling slightly angry.
"That's impossible!"
"Well, just as I expected. I knew you wouldn't keep your promise and fulfill my request."
Hearing those provoking words made me feel like my pride had been hurt, and I spoke louder than I intended.
"Riana Elin, show some respect and don't say things like that. Remember who you're speaking to."
"So, you're the great emperor, yet you don't keep your word. I can't respect you because of that."
"..."
I remained speechless as the anger inside me reached unprecedented levels.
[Cold Blood Activated]
[Patience Activated]
"I... wait a little so I can give you my answer. Let's return to the city first."
I slowly got up from the ground and stood up straight with difficulty.
Riana also stood up, and we exited the cave we were in.
I pulled my phone out of my jacket pocket but found that the screen was broken. Fortunately, it was still working, so I opened the map and started walking toward the city.
'I have regained a little of my magic during this short rest period, but it's not enough for me to fly while carrying someone.'
I thought about this as we navigated around a mountain to reach the city's front gate.
After about an hour of continuous walking, we finally reached the gate.
"Whew, we finally made it. But how are we going to get in? The gate is closed."
I looked at the stone wall that covered the gate—it was something I had placed there just a few hours ago.
"Try to stay calm."
"Huh? Why is the gro... kyaah! I'm flying!"
Mid-sentence, I used control magic to lift Riana quickly over the wall and slowly lower her down.
I glanced at the wall, which was over ten meters high, gathered the little strength I had in my legs, and jumped upward.
Boom!
The impact of my jump caused an explosion sound as I launched into the air, reaching the top of the wall and landing quietly.
"Don't do that again! I nearly had a heart attack."
A sarcastic smile formed on my lips as I saw Riana's startled expression. Then, I slowly climbed down from the wall, and we were finally in the city.
"Your recovery rate is truly astonishing. If it were anyone else, they would have been bedridden for at least a week, but you managed to walk after just half a day. That makes me a little jealous."
"If you ever reach the Grandmaster level, you'll start seeing the world from an entirely new perspective."
"That's if I ever reach that level someday..."
Riana spoke with a hint of despair, considering she had been stuck at the same level for over six years without any progress.
I remained silent until we reached the city center, where the residents were still gathered, concern evident in their eyes.
"Your Majesty! Lady Riana! You're back! How are things? Has the monster wave ended?"
The knight exchanged glances between me and Riana. Then, I turned to her and gestured for her to speak.
Riana took a deep breath, stepped forward, and began speaking.
"People of Elin City! Thanks to the efforts of all the knights and His Majesty's assistance, the monster wave has finally ended. Though we have suffered great losses this time, we must gather our courage and move forward for the future!"
Riana spoke in a loud, clear voice filled with a confidence I hadn't seen in her much lately.
'Could it be that she managed to...'
"And unfortunately, in defense of the city, many knights sacrificed their lives to protect us. My father, Baron Elin, our protector, has also passed away while defending us."
"Oh no, Baron Elin has died..."
"My God, even Baron Elin..."
A sorrowful atmosphere spread through the crowd upon hearing the news of Baron Elin's death.
Even though this city is only a barony, Baron Elin was a person everyone respected and admired.
So when they heard of his passing, they all mourned him and shed tears.
Riana tried to remain composed, but the tears flowing from her eyes betrayed her.
I placed my hand on her shoulder, asked her to step back a little, and continued speaking.
"People of Elin City, despite your grief, now is not the time to mourn. You must rebuild and strengthen the city so that such tragedies never happen again. From today forward, Riana Elin will be recognized as the official ruler of Elin Barony."
As the crowd calmed before me, I looked into their faces and felt a slight sense of satisfaction.
For the first time since arriving in this world, I saw expressions of gratitude and appreciation from the people.
Even though there was still a little fear in their eyes, their hatred toward me had significantly decreased.
'This brings a good feeling to my heart.'
"And furthermore, all those responsible for this tragedy will be held accountable. In two days, we will hold a funeral ceremony for all the heroes who lost their lives today. For now, rest and return to your homes, and begin rebuilding tomorrow."
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving us."
"Thank you!"
The voices of gratitude from the people and the smiles on their faces left me slightly astonished.
I regained my senses after a few moments and gestured for them to disperse.
"Let's go to your home, Riana Elin."
"Sniff, Okay, Your Majesty."
Riana wiped the tears from her eyes, and we headed to Baron Elin's residence.
I entered the guest room, bid farewell to the exhausted Riana, and sat on the bed.
I held my phone for a while and called Alex.
"Alex."
"Greetings, Your Majesty. Did you arrive at Elin Barony safely?"
"I'll explain everything when I return. For now, I need you to investigate and gather information on someone called 'The Golden One.'"
"'The Golden One?' This is the first time I've heard that name. I'll see what I can do. Do you need anything else, Your Majesty?"
"That's all. Thank you for your work."
"It's my duty, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me."
After ending the call with Alex, I contacted another person.
"Lira."
"Your Majesty! How are you? What happened? Has the monster wave ended?"
"Yes, it has. But more importantly, where did the plane land?"
"Your Majesty, after departing from the plane, we headed south and landed in the Northern Duchy. Do you want me to come to Elin Barony now?"
"No, stay where you are. I'm coming to the Northern Duchy anyway. Inform them of my arrival."
"Understood, Your Majesty. I'll see you soon."
After ending the call, I hesitated for a while before dialing another number.
'What should I do? This is really annoying.'
I sighed, pressed the call button, and waited.
After a few seconds, I heard a voice from the other end.
"Lax, how are you? Have you arrived? How's the atmosphere over there?"
Alice's cheerful voice made my hesitation even greater. After gathering my thoughts, I finally spoke.
"Hello, Alice. I'll explain everything later."