The Low-Ranking Civil Servant Wants to Achieve Success-Chapter 42

“It feels like a storm just passed.”

I agreed. I felt completely drained.

I cautiously nodded and looked at the hands of the Emperor and Empress clasped together.

Even though they were a middle-aged couple, they seemed so close.

No matter how I looked at it, it seemed the Emperor was a bit jealous that the Tower Master and Empress had high-fived each other.

‘The Baron and Baroness just fight about money every day.’

Since I had never seen my parents show affection either, it honestly felt a little strange.

The Emperor, noticing my stare, spoke awkwardly.

“Ah, well...... Dragonbloods tend to be a bit obsessive about their mates.”

Ah, right, something like that had been mentioned in the original novel too.

The Emperor gripped the Empress’s hand even tighter and said,

“So forgetting a first love...... is extremely difficult for a Dragonblood. I tried very hard, but in the end, I failed.”

“Gehh, kyahh, kehihiahk!”

The Empress, embarrassed by the Emperor’s cheesy words, smashed a nearby teacup. The aides’ workload increased again.

“In that sense......”

I just rolled my eyes, not knowing what to say, when the Emperor gently smiled and continued.

“Namia Roafi, your appointment as Minister is imminent...... but before that.”

Before that?

Was there still something else to do?

The Emperor looked like he couldn’t hold back any longer as he turned his gaze to Kiaros.

“Kiaros, there’s something you haven’t said yet, right?”

Unlike the excited Emperor, Kiaros appeared calm as ever.

“Yes. There is. I will say it now.”

Kiaros nodded with an elegant expression.

“Namia Roafi.”

This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.

The Emperor and Empress squeezed each other's hands tighter, looking nervous.

Meanwhile, Kiaros, showing no signs of disturbance, asked in his usual perfect voice,

“Do you remember the price you demanded when you saved me back then?”

***

Kiaros sipped his tea amidst the chaos.

A lot had happened, but his business with Namia wasn’t finished yet.

He already guessed what Namia’s answer would be.

[“I want to marry a man who’s super, super, super rich!”]

Fifteen years ago, young Namia had said that.

[“No matter how rich he is, I wouldn’t marry some old guy like that.”]

Even now, Namia had said she preferred someone her own age, no matter how rich.

And when he had asked her a tiny, very tiny question out of curiosity, she had given exactly the expected answer.

[“Well, if it’s His Highness the Crown Prince, and if I could get married right now in my situation, I think I’d probably marry him......”]

So really, it was almost as if the answer was predetermined. Maybe that’s why he didn’t feel nervous at all.

Everything would proceed rationally, exactly as he predicted.

“Guhh, guhhp.”

“Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?”

“No, Fron. Guuhhp. It’s just, I’m a bit nervous......”

While the Emperor was reacting overly dramatically, Kiaros glanced at Namia.

‘Just looking at her, she’s clever and smart, looks like she’ll be a great asset to the Imperial Family.’

Kiaros and Namia would make a good match. Even after becoming Empress, she would probably govern internal affairs with great skill.

And...... she seemed to have a fair bit ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ of ambition, too.

‘The way she showed greed for the Tower Master’s seat and the minister position.......’

Naturally, she would also be pleased to take the Crown Princess’s seat. Exactly as predicted.

Looking at Namia’s usual indifferent expression, Kiaros spoke leisurely.

“You said you would grant any wish I asked for.”

“Ah, yes.”

“You once said you wanted to marry a man who’s very rich.”

Right now, Namia’s eyes looked a bit dead.

It was a different vibe from her passionate attitude when discussing the ministerial position. Still, Kiaros decided not to misunderstand her.

After all, even Kibon Altess had secretly cherished this woman.

“And among people your age, I probably have the most money.”

“Ah, yes.”

“I kept that in mind...... and purposely refrained from getting engaged.”

The Emperor now gripped the Empress’s hand tightly and gasped for breath.

“Therefore, if Namia desires it, I can marry you.”

Kiaros, not nervous at all, elegantly sipped his tea and asked.

“What do you say, shall we marry?”

***

Mmm.

I blinked at Kiaros, who looked like a sculpture.

There was nothing illogical about what he said.

‘Come to think of it, I did once hear that he’d grant any wish. And yet, I struggled so hard without realizing it.’

But seeing the Empress, who looked so lively now, I didn’t regret it at all.

Saving someone wronged was rewarding in itself.

‘Anyway, so that’s why he hadn’t gotten engaged all this time.......’

Back then, the little me had been obsessed with a ‘Cinderella operation.’

Since the debt was caused by marriage, why not repay it with marriage — something like that.

Dad had scolded me terribly when he heard it. Saying marriage should be for love and all.

‘Ha, honestly...... none of Dad’s advice ever led to anything good though.......’

I thought for a moment.

Because Dad, who married for love, completely wrecked his life.

Repeating good-hearted choices only to fail every time...... that was my Dad.

Should I really follow his last piece of advice?

‘If I marry Kiaros now.......’

Becoming the Crown Princess would give me massive authority.

I’d probably enjoy being a guest of honor at various events. Eat tons of delicious food, wear beautiful clothes every day.

But imagining married life realistically......

[Consort, it seems we should produce an heir now.]

[Of course. Please give the order, and I will do my best.]

It would feel like living with my boss 24/7.

[Consort, it seems we should have another child.]

[Understood. Please inform me of any points of dissatisfaction last time, and I will improve.]

It would basically be a life without clocking out.

And more importantly.

‘He promised to find my father, to save him even if he’s charged with a crime.......’

I no longer needed to curry favor with the royal family.

‘Besides, even fifteen years ago, I was the one who saved Kiaros. If he has any conscience, he’ll spare my dad, no matter what the charges.’

Honestly, if this conversation had happened just thirty minutes ago, I probably would’ve nodded my head eagerly if offered the Crown Princess seat.

I needed to meet Kiaros as often as possible back then.

‘But now, I’m a minister. If I have something to say, I can just go find him whenever. I’m not a low-ranking civil servant anymore.’

Meaning marriage with Kiaros was no longer crucial for me......

“Ah.”

Besides, Kiaros didn’t seem to have real feelings for me either. He was just graciously offering to marry me.

Naturally.

As kids, he never even looked at my face. Even as adults, this was only the second time we’d really talked.

So I answered without a hint of hesitation.

“No.”

The Emperor, who had been holding his breath, dropped his teacup with a thunk.

With a clatter, the cup shattered on the floor.