"Your Majesty, as I've said, everything I do is for Camelot Empire as a whole."
Kenji decided to lay things out, mixing truth and half-truths. Naturally, staying alive wasn't his only goal. As someone from another world, it would feel like a waste if all he worried about was basic survival. Of course he had grand ambitions, but before pursuing them, he needed to keep breathing.
So he had to lie low first. Still, since Pluvia asked him so directly, he had to give an answer that suited her expectations.
"I want this land to stay strong forever… That's why I sometimes do things you may not agree with." He waved at the boat on the distant lake. "Your Majesty, do you think I dislike you?"
"Well, you're always opposing my opinions."
Hearing those words from the emperor herself felt more like she was sulking than making a serious complaint. Kenji almost broke into laughter but managed to control his expression in time. He nodded. "Indeed, I always argue with you, but that doesn't mean I hate you."
"I can't say. But honestly, I do hold a few grudges."
"Then there's no helping that. I'm a subject of this empire, and I have to consider Camelot's future. If I see something off, I'll speak up. If you think I'm out of line, you're free to refute me."
"…Fine."
Pluvia stiffened, looking annoyed.
"Let's set official matters aside. I don't want to add more stress here. That woman you introduced me to…"
"Oh, the governor's daughter? How do you find her?"
"She's unexpectedly decent." Pluvia smiled, and Kenji noticed she seemed to be recalling something in her mind. He frowned slightly.
"What's so decent about her, Your Majesty?"
"She has a good personality, plus she's nice to look at. And unlike some people, she doesn't hover around me all day, worrying I might stub my toe. I appreciate that. I just wonder if she can handle sharing my bed."
"???"
Kenji blinked, staring at Pluvia.
Wait, what? Your Majesty, excuse me—what are you talking about?
"I thought about setting her up in the harem quarters, but ever since I took the throne, most of those wings are empty. It'd be creepy having her and two maids living alone in some huge abandoned space. People might think I tossed her into a cold palace. I arranged a room next to my chambers instead—because I'm picky about who sleeps with me. Most people wouldn't cut it."
She paused, lost in thought, like she was really working this out. Kenji got clammy.
Is it even okay for me to hear all this? This is explosive.
"So do you think she…can manage?" he asked carefully.
"I think she can. She appears strong-willed, like some spoiled lady, but once she's truly at work, she's surprisingly skilled. She catches on the moment I give her a look, and I like that. You did me a real favor."
Pluvia stretched, and the gentle curves of her body shifted under her clothes.
"I'm not sure that's a good thing," Kenji murmured.
Inside, he was practically yelling: Seriously? Did she succumb that fast? My Emperor, why so soon? Couldn't you at least wait a bit before giving in?
"What's not good about it? At most, it's tough for her. Yesterday she complained about feeling sore…" Pluvia noticed Kenji's tense expression. "Why are you sweating so much? Is it really that hot here?"
"It's nothing. Your Majesty, maybe you should take it easy…just my personal recommendation. Important national matters come first."
"You're always like this, Kenji. Don't forget, you're not my elder. I'm only two years younger than you." She waved her hand with a hint of impatience. "And why should I hold back? I just gained an extra helper. She's so quick that it takes a lot off my shoulders."
As Kenji listened, something began to feel off.
"Your Majesty, you mean she's good at…work, right?"
"Yes. One glance is enough for her to know what I need brought to me. She's quite clever." Pluvia studied Kenji with a curious look. "You're really sweating. Why don't you use your cloth to wipe—well, never mind."
She realized that same cloth was the one she'd just used as a cushion. Handing it back to Kenji to mop up sweat might be awkward, so she let it drop. Kenji felt relieved.
That scared the life out of me. I thought she meant the other kind of work. Ahem, never mind.
He cleared his throat and looked up. "Your Majesty, the governor said his daughter can be headstrong and maybe a bit prone to using force. Please be patient with her. If she actually dares raise a hand against you, you can handle her any way you see fit."
"Handle any way I see fit'?" Pluvia shot him a hidden glare. Executing someone who attacked her would be entirely normal—she was the emperor, and she didn't need Kenji's permission. Still, she decided not to say that out loud. No need to rip into him over nothing.
"Fine. I'll be generous with her. As for you… you really did bring me a capable helper this time. I have nothing to give in return except this tea. I'll send a few boxes to your residence later— you need to cool off."
Kenji couldn't figure out why she was giving him tea again, not realizing that ever since he'd blatantly asked for the emperor's tribute tea a while back, she'd kept it in mind. To her, either he was cocky or he really loved tea that much. Both seemed possible, so she decided to offer him a supply directly instead of quibbling about it.
Kenji had no clue. He just assumed she was being nice so he wouldn't leave empty-handed, so he thanked her.
"Let's head back," Pluvia said, waving him along.
They both stood and walked back the way they came.