Kaiser scoffed lightly, leaning back as if the matter were trivial.
"What is there to be concerned about?" he said. "We select a small group—those who are capable, adaptable… and able to work as a team." His gaze swept across the room. "Naturally, the younger ones would be more suitable."
The implication was clear.
Lord Elbus stiffened immediately.
"You insolent brat," he snapped. "Are you implying that I am unfit?"
Kaiser's lips curved faintly. "If the thought troubles you, then perhaps there is some truth to it."
"You—!"
"Please," another noble interjected quickly, raising his hands. "Let us not quarrel before His Majesty."
But the tension had already sparked.
Voices began to rise, tempers flaring as pride clashed with pride.
The room teetered on the edge of chaos—
Until Ayumu stepped forward.
"Your Majesty," she said softly, yet her voice carried enough clarity to cut through the noise.
The room quieted.
"I would suggest… a small, specialized team. A handful of magis, one knight, and a general would suffice." She folded her palms calmly. "A smaller group would be able to maneuver more effectively. Should they encounter risks beyond their capabilities, they may retreat and report back without significant loss."
Her words were simple but sound.
Visil pressed his fingers against his temple, exhaling slowly. The weight of the Empire, the strain of its failing coffers, the constant noise of conflicting opinions—it all rang loudly in his head.
Yet… her suggestion made sense.
These were not ordinary individuals. The nobles and officers before him had endured wars, crises, and upheavals. A scouting expedition, if handled carefully, would not break them.
And doing nothing was not an option.
"Very well," Visil said at last.
The room stilled.
"A team of six shall be assembled. Four magis, one knight… and a judge-in-training."
His gaze shifted toward Lord Elbus.
"I believe your son would be suitable for this, Lord Elbus."
Elbus let out a dry chuckle. "Drobar? By all means, Your Majesty—take him. The boy has caused me more than enough headaches."
A faint smile tugged at Visil's lips.
Then his gaze moved.
"And you," he said, turning to Kaiser, "will lead the team, Lord Kaiser."
There was no hesitation.
Kaiser replied calmly. "I have no objections."
Before the matter could settle, Ayumu stepped forward again.
"Your Majesty… I would be able to assist the team in their journey—"
"NO."
The response came instantly.
Sharp and absolute.
It cut through the room like a blade.
Ayumu froze.
"B-but, Your Majesty…" she tried again, her voice faltering slightly. "I have experience in the forest, and I possess knowledge of the place. I would be of great assistance—"
"You will be of greater assistance here," Visil interrupted firmly. "As my Royal Advisor."
His tone left no room for negotiation.
"I believe this concludes today's meeting. You are all dismissed."
The nobles began to rise, murmurs filling the room once more.
But Ayumu remained where she stood.
"…Your Majesty—"
Visil turned his gaze toward her.
It was not the emperor's gaze.
It was a brother's.
Firm. Unyielding.
A silent no.
Ayumu's words caught in her throat.
Slowly, she lowered her head and gave a small curtsy.
"…Understood."
—
She exited with the others, her steps quieter than usual.
Once outside, she lifted her hand and gently pushed back her veil, letting it rest behind her head. The cool air brushed against her face as she walked along the long palace corridor.
Her expression was calm.
But something lingered beneath it.
Disappointment. Frustration. Perhaps… even a little hurt.
Footsteps echoed beside her.
Without looking, she already knew who it was.
Kaiser.
He walked alongside her in silence for a moment, his presence steady, unhurried.
Then—
"You seem upset."
His voice was low, almost casual.
But his eyes were on her.
Watching carefully.
Ayumu snapped out of her thoughts and turned to Kaiser.
"I am—…yes," she admitted softly. "Perhaps I am upset. Lord Kaiser, I truly believe I would be of great assistance to this expedition."
"I don't doubt it," Kaiser replied without hesitation. "It was your idea, after all."
A small smile appeared on Ayumu's lips—but it soon faded as her brows knit together.
"I don't understand… why His Majesty refuses to allow me to go."
Kaiser's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he answered.
"He cares too much about you," he said plainly. "He wishes to keep you out of harm's way."
In his mind, Kaiser knew the truth of it.
Ayumu would walk into danger without even realizing it—guided by instinct, kindness… and a lack of self-preservation.
In that sense, he understood Visil completely.
"However, I am capable," Ayumu insisted, her voice gaining strength. "If that is the reason… then I simply need to prove it to His Majesty."
There it was again.
That quiet determination.
It drew a faint smile from Kaiser.
"There is a saying," he said, turning slightly as if preparing to leave, "the more one persists, the more likely they are to be heard."
He glanced back at her.
"So do try your best, Lady Ayumu."
With that, he gave a slight bow.
Ayumu returned it with a gentle curtsy.
As Kaiser walked away, Ayumu watched his retreating figure.
Strong. Resolute. Unshaken.
Someone she looked up to.
Her hands clenched slightly at her sides.
Then I must try harder.
—
But every time she approached Emperor Visil—
"NO."
The answer came swiftly.
Firmly.
Unchanging.
"No."
"I have said it before, and I will not repeat myself. No."
Each rejection chipped away at her resolve.
Until Ayumu found herself slumped over a bench in the hospital staff room, her posture completely deflated.
Nearby, Rhea continued her work, only sparing her a glance.
"What is the cause of such despair, oh White One?" she asked casually.
"Rhea…" Ayumu pouted, resting her chin against her own arms. "The emperor is a very mean person."
Rhea snorted.
"Aww… first time not getting what you want?" she teased. "How tragic."
Ayumu groaned softly.
"Well," Rhea continued, almost absentmindedly, "it's a pity, really."
Ayumu didn't respond.
"Because I'll be going on the expedition."
"…What?"
Ayumu shot up instantly, eyes wide.
"WHAT?!"
She stepped forward, utterly outraged.
"That is very unfair! If Rhea is going, then I should be going too! I need to support my friend!"
Rhea raised a brow, clearly amused.
"Hmm. Are you sure it's supporting me you intend to do…" she said, crossing her arms, "…or is it that you want an adventure?"
Ayumu paused.
Then looked straight at her, eyes shining with determination.
"…Of course it's both."
Rhea couldn't help but laugh.
There was something disarmingly honest about her.
"Well," she said with a shrug, "I doubt I can help you convince the emperor."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Maybe… you just need to be more creative."
"…Creative…"
Ayumu repeated softly.
The word lingered.
Then—
Her expression shifted.
A spark lit in her eyes.
Without another word, she turned and hurried out of the room.
—
Not long after, Ayumu stood once more before the doors of the Emperor's chamber.
Determined.
This time—she would try again!
"Your Majesty… I— I will be going on the expedition. No matter what."
Ayumu's voice wavered at first, but she steadied herself, lifting her gaze.
"It is for the safety of the others. I can serve in that capacity… as your Royal Advisor."
The room fell silent.
Visil looked at her—really looked at her.
There was something different.
A firmness that hadn't been there before.
For a brief moment, he wondered where she had found such resolve.
But he said nothing.
He simply stared.
The silence stretched.
And stretched.
Until Ayumu began to feel it—
That creeping sense of panic.
Had she said something wrong?
Was she being disrespectful to her brother?
Her fingers tightened slightly against her robes.
"Y-Your Majesty…?" she called softly.
Visil exhaled.
Then, without another word, he turned slightly.
"Guards."
The doors opened at once.
Two guards stepped in and bowed.
"Escort Lady Ayumu to the palace library," Visil ordered calmly. "She is to remain there for the rest of the day. Relieved of her duties."
Ayumu froze.
"…Y-Your Majesty?"
His voice remained firm.
"This will serve as punishment for your conduct today."
The words struck harder than she expected.
Her lips parted slightly—but no words came out.
The guards hesitated for only a moment before approaching her.
"…This way, Lady Ayumu."
Ayumu lowered her gaze.
"…Understood."
She gave a small, subdued curtsy before allowing herself to be escorted out.
As the doors closed behind her, the room fell quiet once more.
And just like that—
Her attempt at being "creative" had failed… miserably.