In response to this, the priests were naturally angry.

“Where is such a case as this!”

“The owner of the saint’s celebration has already been decided by law!”

Along with the protests of the priests, the face of the Empress was also beyond words.

She tried to control her expression and pleaded with the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, but isn’t the owner of today’s seat already decided?”

“Has Zim ever mentioned it?”

“That……”

Wieno momentarily lost her words.

No one mentioned it, but it was an implicit agreement.

However, the Emperor had never directly confirmed it.

While Wieno was choosing her words, the Emperor, facing those who opposed, stood up from the throne.

“Halen has the qualifications to be the owner of the blessing.”

Everyone fell silent at his words.

“She has taken care of the princes who were out of Zim’s gaze alone and has spread benevolence to the lowest land with outstanding business acumen.”
Eventually, the Emperor’s gaze shifted to Pherbeprof.

“I believe the Grand Minister is well aware of this matter as well.”

“…Of course.”

He knew exactly what the Emperor’s words meant.

The imperial family was delivering a substantial donation to the temple every year.

‘I thought they would just let it pass.’

As the Emperor was a follower of the Shaina goddess and hadn’t said anything about the incident yet, the temple was somewhat relieved and had let their guard down.

“The goddess will understand this as well. Was I wrong?”

If the temple opposed this incident, it meant they wouldn’t just let the manipulation of the donation records pass.

In the end, it was the temple that stepped back.

However, no matter how high-ranking the Grand Minister was, it was impossible to make Elsias understand.

“Saint!”

Unable to hold back his anger, Elsias jumped up and left his seat.

Both the Grand Minister and the temple officials had no choice but to go after the saint.

It was a ridiculous sight.

While observing the empty seat for a moment, the Emperor turned his gaze back to me.

“Eilin Halen?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Accept this.”

The chamberlain handed me a box.

The box, adorned with jewels, seemed unusual in itself.

A hand with white gloves opened the box for me.

“It is the ‘Brooch of Green Eyes,’ one of the four treasures of the imperial family.”

Everyone was astonished at the appearance of such a great treasure.

Even I knew about it.

‘That’s the brooch that Micael gave to Elsias as a wedding gift!’

Although the imperial family had various precious items, among them, the four treasures were exceptionally valuable.

The Brooch of Green Eyes was one of them.

‘In legends, it’s said that the elves made it by encapsulating the essence of the forest.’

It was said that the brooch had a special power to protect the owner and bring good luck.

“Now, try wearing it.”

Imperial treasures were bound to the person until they died.

After that, they were returned to the imperial family.

Even if one won at the Table of Blessings, no one had received such a treasure until now.

“Your Majesty, this is too much. If this is because of what happened during the day…”

“No, this is a pure reward for the food.”

I couldn’t say anything more in the face of his resolute expression.

“Halen, please accept the brooch.”

Both the Emperor and the chamberlain focused their gazes on me simultaneously.

“Well… Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”

I reluctantly agreed to wear it.

Soon, an emerald-green light sparkled above my chest.

It was a complete binding.

But it wasn’t over yet.

“One more thing.”

The Emperor added another announcement.

“I will grant Eilin Halen the authority to negotiate on behalf of the imperial family.”

It was truly a radical declaration.

From now on, my transactions would have the endorsement of the imperial family.

There was no clearer trust, and along with overwhelming support, it would be a significant help in future dealings between different countries.
Exclamations of admiration erupted from all directions.

In the excessive commotion, it felt like I was the only one facing difficulty.

‘I just wanted to ask Kasar if he could collect the debt owed to him.’

The Emperor, finally appearing satisfied, concluded the declaration about the Table of Blessings.

“Well then, everyone, let’s enjoy the party.”

The Emperor, rising from the seat, passed by me.

“Wait…!”

…Just wait and see.

Without giving me a chance to speak, he disappeared along with the tail he had magically created.

‘I’ll have to go find him separately later.’

Though it might not be the same as in the case of a portal, they wouldn’t mistreat someone who received such a grand award.

Today, that would be enough.

It was when I descended the stairs.

“Ah…!”

Leaving the last three steps, Kasar’s hand wrapped around my waist.

Thanks to him lowering me onto the carpet, my shoed foot touched down silently.

“What kind of magic did you use?”

Kasar was smiling, but his eyes revealed intricate and subtle emotions.

No matter how twisted the past was, it was a fact that the Emperor had done something inexcusable to him.

So, he was more cautious.

“…I just wanted to help you.”

But then things got too big.

Through a series of experiences, I learned something.

‘Hiding isn’t my strong suit.’
To convey sincerity, there was no choice but to be honest and confess.

“I……”

“I?”

As I hesitated for a while, he prompted me.

In the end, I burst out, “I’ll make sure you’re not uneasy!”

Kasar’s signs of anxiety and madness stemmed from the fear of losing me.

‘If that’s the case, I just need to make sure he’s not uneasy!’

To prevent the Emperor from pulling the leash, so to speak.

“Is this a proposal?”

“No, it’s not!”

How does this sound to you?!

My serious words were a mistake.

As I was getting worked up, a soft laughter could be heard.

“…You really are something.”

When I glanced at him, his dazzling face was smiling.

‘That face of his is the problem.’

Being excessively handsome is also a flaw.

At that moment, as I faced him, the music changed.

“May I request a dance?”

“…Of course.”

Kasar’s hand led me.

I got immersed in our first dance together.