Popular NPC in a Gender-Reversed Game-Chapter 102: Joke

Honestly, I was certain of one thing:

The Empire’s upper echelons must be looking at me with utter disdain.

The fact that I was a Manifested alone was a problem.

Even though I spared the knights, the Empire’s honor was undoubtedly tarnished.

An entire knightly order had been defeated by ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) a single individual, and the Emperor had been reduced to someone who contradicted their own decree.

On top of that, I had even resorted to threats to persuade them—there was no way they could view me favorably.

Honestly, I had anticipated receiving a status tag. Even in my wildest speculations, I thought they might grudgingly grant me that much.

But an invitation to the Imperial Palace? That was entirely beyond my imagination.

As a result, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious.

‘Surely they’re not planning to call me in and ambush me, right?’

Unlike this forest, where I could move freely, the Imperial Palace was their home turf.

There would be hundreds of knights stationed there, possibly even several knight commanders.

If they decided to attack me together, even I would have no way out.

Though it was hard to imagine an emperor resorting to such underhanded tactics, I couldn’t completely rule out the possibility.

Perhaps noticing my hesitation, the messenger spoke again.

“If you are concerned about a trap, rest assured. His Majesty sincerely wishes to meet you.”

It seemed they had anticipated my wariness.

But just one statement like that wasn’t enough to dispel my doubts.

I made a troubled expression.

‘I can’t just outright refuse, either...’

The suppression decree had left a bitter taste, but a king extending a hand of reconciliation was no small matter. Ignoring it outright could lead to unforeseen repercussions.

‘Ah.’

As I mulled over my options, a solution suddenly came to mind.

I asked the messenger,

“Would it be possible for me to bring someone else along?”

“Someone else... Are you thinking of bringing an otherworlder?”

I nodded.

It was a form of insurance.

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If they tried anything underhanded, the otherworlder could witness it firsthand and immediately broadcast it to the internet.

With such a deterrent in place, they wouldn’t dare act recklessly for fear of damaging their reputation.

“Hm...”

The messenger hesitated briefly, pondering my request.

He didn’t seem particularly displeased, just caught off guard by the unexpected question. His expression suggested he understood my caution.

After a moment of consideration, he spoke.

“As long as they don’t stream or record anything inside the palace... I believe it should be possible.”

“That goes without saying.”

I nodded with a broad smile.

As long as they behaved, there wouldn’t be any issues.

A week later, I was en route to the Imperial Palace as per the messenger’s request.

Fortunately, the distance between the forest and the capital wasn’t too great, so I could set out with minimal preparation.

Not to mention, they had prepared a carriage for me in advance.

“Here, this way.”

Exiting the forest, I saw a coachman and a knight waiting near the plains.

The carriage wasn’t overly ornate or adorned with extravagant decorations, so it likely wasn’t a noble’s transport.

It made sense—I wasn’t a noble, so expecting such a carriage would’ve been unreasonable.

That said, the carriage was remarkably clean and sturdy, focusing on practicality over appearance.

I climbed in with a small sigh.

This situation made me feel both like an important figure and a prisoner being transported.

“Whew... This is nerve-wracking. By the way, have you ever been inside the palace before?”

“No. I only know a few knights, but I’ve never set foot in the capital itself.”

The companion I brought along was Shin Hanbyeol.

Apologies to Chaerin and Haneul, but when it came to matters involving knights, Hanbyeol was the most fitting choice.

Knowing several knights personally, she had a wealth of information about them.

If I were venturing into enemy territory, it only made sense to bring someone with connections to my potential adversaries.

As we headed toward the palace, I asked her various questions:

Which individuals in the palace should I be cautious of?

What were their personalities and abilities like?

What were the recent developments among the knights?

“Why so many questions? ...Hang on, let me organize my thoughts.”

Despite her grumbling, she answered my questions one by one.

After a lengthy conversation, we finally arrived at the palace gates.

Clack.

As the carriage door opened and I stepped out, the knights exchanged glances before silently opening the way.

It seemed everything had been arranged in advance.

Entering the palace grounds, we were greeted by an imposing interior.

The seemingly endless corridors, the immaculately polished walls and floors, and the strategically placed decorations—all of it.

It was a space befitting the residence of the Empire’s elite.

Hanbyeol, unable to hold back her awe, muttered,

“Wow...”

But I couldn’t afford to admire it. This place could very well become my grave if I wasn’t careful.

The stares I felt from all directions were suffocating. Palace mages, stewards, and various other staff members cast glances my way as they passed.

“Is that him? The one they’re talking about?”

“Tch, showing up in such shabby attire in a place like this—typical of someone uncultured.”

“Hmm, but doesn’t he have a rather striking appearance?”

“...What?”

“N-Nothing.”

The looks weren’t exactly welcoming. I nodded internally.

‘As expected.’

At least the nobles didn’t seem to view me kindly.

It made sense; they’d undoubtedly heard of my victory over the knights.

Their reactions were well within expectations.

What intrigued me was not their response, but the Emperor’s.

After walking for what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at the audience chamber.

Creeeak—

As the massive doors opened, the room revealed itself.

Lining the sides were numerous officials, while at the center sat a woman on a grand chair.

All eyes were on me, but my attention was solely on the middle-aged woman in the center.

Golden hair framed a face lined with wrinkles, exuding an air of majesty.

This was Eldora von Elizabeth, the Emperor.

Unfortunately, not a youthful beauty.

Not that I’d expected one. After all, someone without extraordinary power or presence wouldn’t last long as a ruler.

A young girl wouldn’t exactly inspire confidence in a position like this.

I knelt briefly and offered a bow, as did Hanbyeol beside me.

“...I greet Your Majesty.”

Normally, I’d drop casual remarks regardless of who I met.

But not here. Not with the highest authority in the land.

Anything less than utmost respect could lead to another suppression decree.

It felt awkward to speak so formally.

“Oh! You’ve arrived! Finally, you’re here!”

Before I could fully rise, the Emperor rose enthusiastically and began walking toward me.

Even the officials seemed caught off guard by her unexpected movement, rushing to stop her.

“Y-Your Majesty! Approaching the demon’s seed so carelessly is—!”

“This could be dangerous! Please reconsider!”

But she ignored them, approaching me with only a single knight in tow.

She reached out, helping me stand, and extended her hand for a handshake.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I don’t think I need to introduce myself, do I? My, you’re even more striking than I’d heard!”

Her welcome was surprisingly warm. Or perhaps, it was all an act.

I wasn’t versed in politics, but I could tell this was a calculated display.

Every gesture was deliberate.

Defying her advisors, she approached me directly and even initiated physical contact with a handshake.

Frankly, she was exposing herself to the point where, if I wanted, I could kill her right here and now.

And she likely knew that.

“You give me much to think about. Should I be angry at the dishonor brought upon the knights? Frustrated by the growing dissent? Or relieved that you spared the knights and returned them alive?”

She continued,

“Ah, of course, I’m deeply grateful you sent the knights back unharmed. Thanks to you, I avoided hundreds of additional documents piling on my desk. That’s one reason I issued the status tag for you. Though, naturally, there’s been considerable backlash! Haha!”

“...”

“But now that I see you, you don’t seem so wicked. Quite composed, in fact. I’m glad I didn’t stubbornly maintain the suppression decree out of pride.”

“I’m relieved to hear that... Your Majesty.”

She suddenly placed a firm hand on my shoulder, as if to suggest we work well together moving forward.

It was an uncharacteristically bold gesture for an emperor but fitting for someone in her position.

Then, she turned to the officials and declared,

“See? Didn’t I tell you there was no need to worry? And yet, you all made such a fuss... I almost thought a rebellion was brewing within our own ranks.”

“Y-Your Majesty...!”

“Your words are excessive!”

At her statement, the officials who had glared at me moments ago now froze in silence.

The Emperor merely laughed heartily.

After a moment, her expression turned cold