I’m Not the Heroine

This was the first time I was facing the Emperor.
Until now, I had only known him through the original story or through the letters of Tania that I managed, reading about him in writing.

So, when I saw him in person, honestly, I couldn’t help but be surprised.

'He’s younger than I expected.'

I didn’t imagine him as an old man, but I had thought he would be in his late thirties or early forties.
Yet, the man sitting before us now looked to be around Aswell’s age.

'It feels like he just ascended the throne.'

However, in the original story, he had already been ruling the massive Empire for nearly a decade.
The fact that he had successfully governed such a vast land and people since a young age was a direct testament to his abilities.

"Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty."

"Your… Majesty…"

Aswell, Miara, and I all knelt and showed our respect.
Miara probably wanted to escape right then and there, but it seemed she realized there was no way out.

So, she glanced at Aswell and me before hesitantly adopting a kneeling posture.

"Rise."

The Emperor immediately motioned for us to rise, and we slowly stood to face him.
He had curly blonde hair and purple eyes.

A special bloodline that only the Emperor could possess.

His gaze swept over each of us, and when his eyes met mine, I felt a chill run down my spine.

'Is that power…?

Although not arrogant, the three of us here were among the strongest on the continent.
Yet, the Emperor’s gaze reduced even the might of the Hero Party to a mere breeze before a storm.

"Hero Aswell. And White Smith Louis."

The Emperor named Aswell and me.

"The reason I called you here is for the growth of the Hero Party. Will you accept?"

At the Emperor’s question, Aswell flinched slightly before replying.