- HELVETICA -
The sun was clearly waving its rays in a farewell gesture. The clouds are beginning to cover half of the capital and the wind is beginning to greet our skin. It may not be a sunny day, but exploring the capital in a windy environment might not be a bad idea.
"I was wondering if you ever get tired sometimes." Camilla asked. Despite the danger waiting for us, we decided to come out like we were just normal nobles strolling down the street. On our side, we have four knights in waiting. It doesn't include Vien as she's in-charge of training the other forces.
The only difference between us and the others is that we have the highest authority, but when you think about it, we're all just humans with different titles.
"What kind of 'tiredness' is this?" She clung to my arms and stared up at the sky, as if the clouds would give her the answer. "Tired of everything. You could phrase my question as—"
"Aren't you tired of living? "
Tired of living, eh?
"Who wouldn't get tired if you kept on waking up to the same world all over again?" She nods slightly as she shoots me another of her questions. "What motivates you to live?" I cracked a grin.
"I still have too much money to waste." I merely respond. "With money, I can buy happiness; I can even buy a loyal friend, Camilla. If I have a loyal subordinate beside me, that person will be the one to help me gain more money; and with more money, I can buy power; and with power, I can make people kneel in front of me."
"You're very self-centered, aren't you?" In the first place,
"Why should I be concerned about other people? It is not my responsibility, but Lithia's. You must've forgotten that I don't interact with people who won't even benefit me in the future, however—"
"I'll make an exception for you. You only have to stay by my side; fight along with me. And I'll make sure to bring you victory. " I stopped as the knights opened the door. The shop was brimming with the kind of jewelry you'd find in a regular store. The mannequins are dressed as if they were real humans. What a waste.
I wonder why people wouldn't even try to wear those accessories. I mean, they're selling it. Isn't it more credible if they wear it to themselves and act as if they've had it for almost a year?
My suggestion is considered a deception. But that's a part of the marketing strategy. Make them believe it will last, and they'll return to your store to buy more. Easy money.
"We greet the Emperor and the Empress." I signed my hand. Just listening to their marketing voices makes me sick. The fresh smell of roses is the only reason why I still have enough patience. Silence filled the room as they just looked at me. "Is this some sort of staring contest? I'm not here to look at your hideous faces. Are you dumb enough to forget who I am? Do I need to order you to get a magazine for me? "
"I still have a lot of patience, SO MOVE!" I never imagined there could be people dumber than my sister. Camilla laughs, but she maintains her composure as she stands tall. "You shouldn't be too harsh on them." I'm not sure if I have an anger issue, but I despise people who are not attentive.
"I'm being kind because I haven't decided to close their store yet." They better appreciate that 50% of kindness of mine. "Here's the magazine, Your Majesty." I examined the jewelry, taking into account the most recent reviews. How come they appear to be perplexed despite being regarded as one of the best gem holders?
"What kind of stone are you looking for, Your Majesty?"
"Grey Moonstone." I closed the magazine as they exchanged glances. As if they're pointing out who's going to get my request. It was only a matter of time before they decided to give me a small gray box. And the finished product satisfies me in a positive way. "Reward them with a thousand gold pieces. Double the price. "
We step out as soon as we step in.
"Do you have something specific in mind? Is there anywhere you'd like to go? " She smiles as she looks at me. "Would you like to try streetfood then?" What?
"Street.. what?" She chuckles as she offers her hand. "Your Majesty, we're not here to be expensive. We've come to take a break. For the time being, set aside your high standards. Let's stop being grumpy and embrace the capital's beauty, shall we? "
"You must've forgotten that I'm an Emperor—"
"And I'm the Empress, Your Majesty." Before I could even speak— she grabbed my hands as the knights ran along with us. That's when I realized that I had lost our argument for the fourth time.
"What are we even doing here?" I asked as she placed the gold on the merchant's table. "3 trials please!" Her eyes seemed to sparkle with delight as she yelled. What exactly is the point of this balloon and shooting range?
Instead of needles, they should've used a real bullet. She pulled the trigger confidently, but it was a failure since it didn't hit any targets. "One more time." How can she even hit those little things when she isn't standing straight?
"One more time!" And her 'one more time' became an abnormally large number of times. I look at the knights as they're trying not to laugh. I hate the sight of people who keep on looking when they aren't even helping.
"One more time!" I decided to butt in at this point. "Keep your shoulders straight." I whisper as I guide her hand. "Make a straight line to your target and close one eye." I cracked a grin as I thought of a silly gesture.
"Then shoot." I suddenly slide my hand to her waist as she flinches, causing her fingers to shoot. And there it is: "Jackpot." I chuckle. The bells rang as the people clapped their hands.
"WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" I shrugged, trying not to laugh. "You should be grateful to me. You've struck it rich. "
I could see her enraged expression and her desire to slap me. She gets her teddy bear price with irritation on her face. But suddenly she went back to her usual energy as we went to different places and tried different foods.
The ordinary capital, in my eyes, started to change. The lanterns began to light up, the night started to fill with various night vendors, and the nobles began to crowd the area.
Even though the sun was setting, it felt more alive here than in the palace. How long has it been since my last late-night visit to the capital?
And how did she manage to make me forget about my official title for a single day? This day has brought me a lot of embarrassment, which no one should ever spread. "Look, Your Majesty!" Her smile is elicited by a simple display of fireworks. Did this type of thing appeal to the general public? Even my knights are smiling like fools.
"They say that when two people are deeply in love with each other, they spark like fireworks in the sky." I listened carefully as I opened the box from earlier.
"Continue." I said as I put the necklace on her.
"I was thinking... what if our sparks suddenly vanished? Fireworks are beautiful, yet they're only temporary. " She looks satisfied as she touches the pendant.
"You never told me it was for me. THANK YOU! "
If this gift brings a smile to her face like that... probably.. "I'll buy millions of fireworks just for us to work all over again. It's your fault that I'm madly in-love with you. But if you wish to be liberated from me... "
"That won't do. This Empire will be in chaos if I ever lose you. "