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“The Order of Knights hasn’t suffered much damage, so this is sufficient. However, the Wizards are an issue.”

As Cecilia mentioned, the damage to the Imperial Order of Knights was almost negligible considering the scale of the incident, but conversely, there were quite a few casualties elsewhere. The maids working in the castle, not to mention the significant loss of Wizards, was a painful blow, even if the overall situation was not too dire.

Of course, while the maids were also high-ranking individuals working for the royal family, Wizards were particularly rare and precious.

“Isis, it seems you must be the one to act swiftly.”

The one fortunate aspect was the presence of Isis. She was undoubtedly recognized among the gossips as the continent’s foremost Wizard. It wasn’t merely a matter of reputation; it was a substantial assessment.

Even though she was part of the royal household, her relationship with the Mage Tower remained friendly, which would make securing their support relatively easy. The shortage of magical troops could likely be replenished quickly.

“I understand, Your Majesty. Normally, given the situation, you should be the one taking action, but for today, please rest well. We will handle everything.”

“Hm. It feels quite strange to be recommended rest rather than urged to hurry. Leaving the work to others has always been my burden.”

Upon receiving Isis’s suggestion, Cecilia squinted, revealing her discomfort.

It seemed she had completely forgotten, or perhaps didn’t care, that Ferrent and I were also present in the Audience Room, as she spoke without a filter.

“Fine. Then take Ferrent along to get proper treatment. While there may be repercussions, if we can erase the scars, we should.”

“While I appreciate Your Majesty’s words, I must remain by Your side, Your Majesty.”

However, the stubborn Ferrent seemed intent on fulfilling his duty as the Emperor’s bodyguard as he limped and bowed his head again. Cecilia squinted the other eye at Ferrent’s stubbornness and spoke once more.

“Hmph. Enough. One Hero is sufficient for my protection. While I admire your loyalty, let us postpone my duties to tomorrow.”

Since I hadn’t received any special instruction, I found the situation puzzling, but I had no intention of refusing. I, too, wanted Ferrent to receive proper treatment as she suggested.

Despite Isis’s healing magic, it still would fall short compared to specialized holy magic. Ferrent was now a middle-aged man, and it was crucial for his health.

“…Then, although I feel disrespectful, I will take my leave per your command.”

In the end, Ferrent couldn’t refuse what sounded almost like an order and bowed once more to the Emperor, leaving the Audience Room with Isis.

The three Imperial Knights I had knocked out were regaining their senses one by one, and thankfully the three strongest among them had already managed to clear out the other knights. Now only Cecilia and I remained in the Audience Room.

“Hm… Let’s get up, shall we?”

In any case, no one would be visiting the Emperor in this situation. She stood up without hesitation and began to walk ahead.

Since I had devoted myself to her protection today, I followed her closely, just a single step behind her.

“…Your Majesty. Even so, this is a bit…”

Even though Cecilia viewed me favorably, there was still a fundamental social rank difference between an Emperor and a subject, and it was only natural I would consider my manners.

However, at that moment, I spoke to her in a somewhat rude tone that felt quite distant from my earlier resolution.

Fortunately, she didn’t seem to care at all and only urged me on.

“What does it matter? You’re also a woman.”

The first place she headed after leaving the Audience Room was, surprisingly, the Bathhouse. Even though her enemies hadn’t laid a finger on Cecilia, with windows shattered, walls broken, and knights tumbling about, it was impossible to avoid being covered in dirt and dust.

Thus, it was only reasonable for her to head to the Bathhouse. Yes, that was as far as my assumptions went.

What I didn’t expect was that Cecilia ordered me to attend to her while she bathed.

Perhaps Cecilia had spent her life being attended to by maids as an Emperor. Even when changing clothes for a bath, she likely received help from a maid instead of doing it herself.

The issue was that the vulnerable maids had either died due to Glen’s attack or were hiding away, so there were no maids available to attend to her right now.

This meant that Cecilia had commanded me, who was nearby for her protection, to assist her with her bath. Of course, if I were a typical woman, I wouldn’t find it uncomfortable at all under the circumstances.

But, while I was currently in a woman’s body, my real self was still a man. Furthermore, Cecilia was fully aware of my true identity. Yet, without a hint of embarrassment, she asked me to undress her.

Even if I were to remove her clothes by her order, it would be impudent, but refusing would also be impudent in a different way. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, I eventually surrendered and reached for her clothes.

Slowly, I began to peel away the garments covering her body one by one.

I reached around her back and untied the straps, slowly removing her top. Naturally, her ample chest became exposed, with only her undergarments left, but I maintained a neutral expression, trying hard not to react.

Next, I shifted my hands to her waist to unfasten the belt. Given that her trousers hugged her body tightly, I had to pull them down carefully with my hands.

Being royal attire, I took great care not to crumple them as I slid the trousers down. The more I stripped them off, the more her pale skin shimmered, and in contrast, my face reddened with embarrassment.

It wasn’t like it was my first time seeing a naked woman or that I hadn’t become accustomed to the sight of one, but actually undressing a woman with my own hands was a first. Well, aside from when undressing myself.

With every movement of my hands, one piece of clothing after another disappeared, and that sense of betrayal was no joke.

Even though the one who should feel ashamed was clearly her, it was I who felt increasingly embarrassed as her body was revealed.

“Phew….”

Excluding how red my face was, I managed to keep my expression as indifferent as possible and successfully peeled off her clothes. A sigh of relief escaped me.

“Hmm? What are you doing? Finish undressing.”

But even though Cecilia was now only in her undergarments, she didn’t budge at all, just staring at me. Her gaze conveyed a clear message.

She wanted me to remove her remaining undergarments.

No, even if she was an Emperor, she couldn’t expect a maid to undress her entirely, right? I couldn’t possibly know the private life of an Emperor, so I simply accepted it quietly.

When I unhooked the unfamiliar bra with a touch I’d grown accustomed to, her chest was fully exposed. I caught a glimpse of pink at the edge of my vision but quickly averted my gaze.

Next, I kneeled and reached for her panties like I did with the trousers. As I pulled them down slowly, I felt a resistance as the elastic of her underwear clung to her wide hips. But with a little effort, they eventually slipped down, completely revealing her naked form.

“Phew….”

Again, I let out a sigh of relief. However, despite having completely undressed her, she continued to stare at me blankly.

“Hmm? What are you doing? Don’t stop now.”

Her tone was similar to before, but the meaning was distinctly different this time.

“To attend to your bath, you must naturally come into the bathroom as well, right? Or are you planning to enter the bath wearing your clothes?”

Yes. What I had been asked to do was to attend to her bath. It wasn’t merely a request to undress her. Since I had already accepted it, I had no grounds to refute.

Ultimately, in front of her watching eyes, I started to slowly remove my clothing, just as I had done to hers.

Of course, unlike me, Cecilia had no visible change in expression, staring at me without a hint of interest, as if I were just another woman.

Yet, amid her unwavering gaze, stripping in front of her while knowing she was aware of my true identity was incredibly embarrassing.

“Ugh…”

“Your Majesty?”

“It’s nothing. Quickly finish undressing. You’ll catch a cold waiting like this.”

Certainly, unlike me, Cecilia’s physique was that of an ordinary woman. While she showed no interest, if I foolishly hesitated and she caught a cold, it would be a disaster.

With that thought, it didn’t seem hard to remove my remaining undergarments. I briefly considered covering vital areas with my hands but dismissed it; I never covered myself when going to the bath with a friend of the same gender.

In truth, the embarrassment of blocking her view might just lead Cecilia to remember I was a man, which would be far more awkward.

In the end, I had no choice but to act as if nothing were amiss. Ignoring her penetrating gaze, I led the way into the bathroom.

 

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