Chapter 6

"Well... In the end, nothing has been resolved, has it?"

At Jeffrey's exasperated words, the emperor glared fiercely.

"Shut up. If you're told to write a new work, you can only wait, can't you?"

While feeling sorry for the emperor, who was being completely bossed around by Elise like a loyal dog, Jeffrey cleared his throat.

"Ahem. Nevertheless, please hurry with the matters concerning the Tranchesta Marquis and Her Majesty the Empress."

"That's why I say, everything will be resolved if Elise becomes the Empress."

"I've heard that many times. But, that talk isn't making any progress, is it?"

"There's nothing I can do. Elise is busy."

"Hmm... Your Majesty. Are you aware that you are the busiest person in this country?"

"Um... I can't possibly handle being Empress. I'm just a plain marquis's daughter, you know? Don't ask the impossible of me."

Elise, who had heard the conversation while taking a break from writing, spoke up with a disgruntled expression at the two who were arguing over her.

Turning to Elise, the emperor also turned to Jeffrey, who looked equally disgruntled, and started walking with a tap-tap sound.

"Elise. You say that, but this isn't such an unreasonable idea. ...For example,"

Approaching his custom-made bookshelf for Elise's works, the emperor pulled out a book and showed it to Elise.

"What inspired the policies of the chancellor in this book?"

Asked this, Elise adjusted her glasses and answered honestly.

"To portray a brilliant chancellor, I studied politics thoroughly. I particularly referenced the policies of the Kingdom of Cuyère, which has seen remarkable development in recent years, and adapted them to our country's system."

Nodding in admiration, the emperor smiled and said something outrageous.

"Hmm. Actually, I've decided to implement this policy based on it."

"Huh?"

"It's scheduled to be implemented next month."

The emperor waved a document, which was the revised bill for the new policy. The document, already approved by the Imperial Parliament, was now swaying in front of Elise.

"Did you come up with that policy from Elise's novel...?"

Behind the speechless Elise, Jeffrey clutched his head in shock and exasperation.

Ignoring the two, the emperor pulled out another book from the bookshelf and showed it to Elise.

"The heroine in this story is from the Kingdom of Zaharoon, but the culture of the Kingdom of Zaharoon is depicted very well. How did you study the culture of another country?"

Elise, who was ready to answer when asked, recalled the time she wrote the book and answered calmly.

"I read a lot of books, but that wasn't enough, so I went on a trip to the Kingdom of Zaharoon for research. I also studied the Zaharoon language and, while researching original documents, I became friends with a diplomat from the Kingdom of Zaharoon, who taught me a lot directly."

Jeffrey reacted to this.

"Wait a minute, you have connections with the famous and stern diplomat of the Kingdom of Zaharoon...?"

"He's quite approachable. We still exchange letters. I've also become close with diplomats from the Kingdoms of Whiskers, Rochelle, Lycia, and Romwall through similar circumstances."

"......"

Jeffrey looked at Elise as if he couldn't believe his eyes and was speechless.

Pulling out a third book, the emperor asked Elise another question.

"How did you come up with the business ideas in this book, where the protagonist is a merchant? I haven't heard that the Tranchesta Marquis family is particularly focused on business."

"A few years ago, I had the opportunity to talk with the president of a chamber of commerce staying in the marquisate, and I got the idea from there. At the time, it was a small chamber, but I was inspired by the president's enthusiasm and invested all the money I earned from royalties in him. He used that money to expand his new business and was very grateful."

"A few years ago, in the marquisate... Could that chamber be...?"

Jeffrey whispered, trembling, and Elise, seemingly recalling the past, turned to Jeffrey with a smile.

"The Onyx Chamber of Commerce. Do you know it?"

"Of course. The chamber that started a new business in magic crystals four years ago and has been achieving the highest sales in the world every year since. You invested in that chamber and are on good terms with the president...?"

Jeffrey, who was more than just surprised, was now taken aback, and Elise shrugged.

"I don't know if he's serious or joking, but he says he can come to the empire whenever I call. The assets I invested have also grown significantly. Since I have no use for them, I've left them with him to invest in new ventures."

"......"

Jeffrey, who was speechless, was followed by the emperor, who shook his head in exasperation.

"I think you are more than qualified to be Empress."

Hearing this from the emperor, Elise looked genuinely puzzled.

"Huh? Where? I'm just a plain marquis's daughter who can only write books."

Looking at Elise, who seemed to genuinely believe this, the emperor and Jeffrey had an indescribable expression.

"Jeffrey, what do you think?"

The secretary, asked by the emperor, bowed deeply.

"The Tranchesta Marquis family is a prestigious and noble family, and they are a good match in terms of status. Moreover, the knowledge and connections that Elise possesses will surely benefit this empire."

Jeffrey continued, ignoring Elise's astonishment.

"Furthermore, she has no desire for power and is very humble, so she won't be an obstacle to Your Majesty. ...Although, to be honest, Elise may lack a bit of glamour, but that can be easily remedied with proper adornment. I believe she has all the qualities to be Empress."

Looking down at Jeffrey, who had finished speaking, the emperor showed a smug face.

"You really... don't understand anything."

"Huh?"

"Listen, this is a highly confidential piece of information that I will reveal temporarily. Pay attention."

Saying this, the emperor approached Elise and, with a fluid motion, removed her glasses.

"Wha—!"

Seeing Elise's face, Jeffrey covered his mouth with both hands and opened his eyes wide in shock.

"This...! With political knowledge, diplomatic connections, and ties to a world-renowned chamber of commerce, and on top of that, such...! Your Majesty! How enviable you are!"

"...Is my face that strange?"

Elise, who couldn't see, tilted her head in the direction where Jeffrey was.

"Ugh...! The beauty is overwhelming!"

Jeffrey, pressing his eyes dramatically, shouted. The emperor stood next to Elise, showing off.

"Ah, standing next to Your Majesty, it's even more blinding...!"

"...If I'm ugly, just say so honestly, won't you?"

Elise said resentfully, and the emperor denied it with a smile.

"What are you talking about? I've never seen a more beautiful face than yours."

"Even if you say that, Your Majesty..."

No matter how cruel or tyrannical, such things didn't matter compared to the radiant and unparalleled beauty. Even being called beautiful by such an emperor sounded like a poor compliment.

"What a discovery. I never thought such a talented person was living in obscurity. I understand Your Majesty's eagerness to marry."

"You can't let her be snatched away by someone else while you dither."

Ignoring Elise's pouting, the emperor and his secretary were getting excited.

"I am truly envious, Your Majesty."

"Hehe. She's the best woman you can't have. Envy her for the rest of your life."

"Um, I haven't agreed to become Empress yet..."