How could one not fall for an emperor who appeared like a prince on a white horse and saved her from pickpockets? She might have clung to him like a leech even if Caenian told her to go away.

If only she hadn’t turned into a duck, surely!

— Quaaack. (But I don’t have the luxury to fall in love.)

The duck’s small shoulders drooped. Not having the luxury to love was a sad thing. Bestia, who had only known herself as human, had a simple dream. To live happily ever after with Garnet and Aesop. If she were to be more ambitious, she’d like to marry a man who owned an apple orchard since Garnet loved apples.

— Quaaack. (Who would marry a beastman from an extinct family.)

But it was all wrong. She wasn’t human. She was a beastman. Not just any beastman, but a duck beastman—the only one left.

— Quaaack. (No. Don’t give up on your dreams! I can still have hope, right?)

For instance, marrying a goose beastman who belongs to the same waterfowl family…….

Anyway, while the three people were thinking different thoughts, the music flowing through the Diamond Hall changed. The royalty’s eyes sparkled at the sound announcing the official start of the banquet.

“The musicians of Delta are truly skilled.”

“The music from last year’s banquet kept echoing in my ears, causing me trouble.”

“Us too. That’s why we decided to follow Delta Empire’s style of performance starting this year.”

Those who couldn’t join the conversation because they didn’t know much about ducks brightened up.

— Quack. (Everyone looks happy. But why isn’t the emperor dancing?)

You said you’d warm up by dancing with me. Wasn’t once enough?

“Betty, are you fascinated by the dancing people? You’re quite talkative today.”

After the conversation awkwardly ended, Caenian had been watching Bestia the whole time. He found it cute how she rolled her blue eyes and quacked. A smile unconsciously rose to his lips.

“This is driving me crazy. Why does the dress suit you so well?”

When he gently touched her crown with his fingertip, the duck looked up at him. And then she tilted her head!

I’m going to lose my mind. Really.

You know you’re cute, don’t you?

“Your Majesty, do you like that duck so much?”

It was when Caenian was smiling mindlessly at Bestia that a presence forgotten in his memory spoke up. It was Princess Rika Harael of the Kingdom of Runda.

“Ah. Princess Harael. You’re still here? Why haven’t you gone to dance?”

“I stayed because I wanted to talk more with Your Majesty. If I’m not interrupting your conversation with the duck.”

“Hmm. I’ve been rude. Many would want to dance with you, and I’ll be criticized for this.”

Caenian hastily composed his expression. She must have heard his soliloquy while looking at the duck. Her expression didn’t look good, which was evident. It was embarrassing.

“Respecting a woman’s wishes is what any gentleman should do. Besides, Your Majesty knows that I am the only princess of the Kingdom of Runda, Rika Harael.”

“Of course. I also know that quite a few countries have sent you strategic marriage proposals.”

“Do you also know that you are the only man who hasn’t sent me such a proposal?”

Rika smiled sweetly. There was a sting in each of her pointed responses.

Why haven’t you proposed to me, a beautiful woman as you say? I’m Rika Harael.

You do know that our Kingdom of Runda is the top preference for alliance countries, right?

Her red eyes exuded confidence. Caenian pretended not to notice, turned his head, and moistened his throat with champagne.

“I haven’t sent such things to anyone. As I’ve been saying for years. Perhaps it’s time for you to choose a marriage partner?”

“Your Majesty, I’m waiting for the most glorious and honorable moment. The king of Runda, my father, wants to send me as a companion to someone more magnificent than a place embroiled in rank disputes. I also dare to think that I am suitable for that position.”

Rika, whose patience was running thin, gave an obvious hint. Though others didn’t know, the truth was that the king of Runda had sent several letters to Caenian.

「Daring to send a letter to offer Runda’s treasure to Your Majesty the Emperor, the greatest monarch in the continent of Lorencia, I eagerly await a positive response.」

Runda’s treasure referred to Rika, and Caenian, who had no thoughts of marriage yet, showed discomfort each time a letter arrived. It was burdensome to simply refuse, but being vague felt like he would be caught by the ankle.

「Since Runda’s treasure is extremely noble and beautiful, I believe there will be plenty of good choices. May blessings be with you.」

Therefore, he kept his replies short but sent plenty of gifts. It was like saying, ‘Take this and don’t be upset.’

“Princess Harael, you’ll surely achieve that.”

“Do you really think so? Dare I hope that the position Your Majesty envisions is the same as the one I’m thinking of?”

It’s not easy to humor a princess with high self-esteem who grew up pampered.

Caenian closed his mouth. He didn’t like the red-eyed fox’s way of speaking. It irritated him how she didn’t ask directly but probed gently. He couldn’t tell if she showed interest in him because he was the emperor or because she genuinely liked him as a person. She was too convoluted and roundabout in her speech.

Our Betty is honest in expressing herself, which is comfortable.

I think I get along better with ducks than foxes.

Anyway, the important thing was that Caenian had no interest in Rika. He glanced at the duck.

— Quack? (Why are you suddenly looking at me?)

Bestia raised her head at the gaze directed at her. She had been quietly listening to the conversation between the two. Even to a duck’s ears, it was clear that Rika had feelings for Caenian. But Caenian’s gaze seemed unusual.

Why are you looking at me so deeply?

I’m a duck. You’re not thinking of a duck and a human woman the same way, are you?

Maybe… your type… No, no…….

— Quack…… (I feel uneasy for some reason……)

It didn’t feel good. Bestia averted her eyes. Her wandering gaze collided with an unexpected person. It was Rika. Her red eyes sparkled meaningfully.

“Your Majesty, it seems you look at this duck whenever you don’t want to talk to me. May I ask why Your Majesty cherishes this duck so much that you keep it like a lover?”

“Princess Harael. It seems you’re quite uncomfortable with my companion duck being here.”

“To be honest, yes, I am, Your Majesty. A banquet is by people, for people. Moreover, since Your Majesty is the one who invited us, wouldn’t it be better to pay more attention to your guests?”

— Quack? (Is it okay to speak so strongly?)

Rika was very displeased with this situation. It was understandable that her father’s letters sent over several years hadn’t received a positive response.

After all, an emperor taking an empress wasn’t a simple matter.

And after all, even though the Kingdom of Runda was growing in power every year, it was still just a kingdom.

But now the issue was different. Until now, there had been no woman by Caenian’s side. So Rika could wait patiently. With the expectation that someday he would consider her as a candidate for empress…….

But a duck beastman?

Rika’s face revealed her displeasure. Of course, Caenian felt the same.

“Princess Harael. I fully understand your point. However, Betty’s presence here is as a member of the imperial family welcoming distinguished guests. There seems to be some misunderstanding.”

“Your Majesty, when you say a member of the imperial family… is this duck truly a beast……”

“Princess Rika Harael of Runda. It would be best to think thoroughly before opening your mouth. I won’t tolerate treating our Betty as a mere duck.”

Caenian was outraged by Rika’s attitude, which seemed to belittle Bestia. Thanks to this, the word “beastman” was abruptly cut off, but he didn’t notice. Neither did Bestia.

At that moment, from far away, a servant approached carrying something flat. The eyes of the distinguished guests followed the massive object gleaming with golden light.

“Your Majesty, here is the golden board you ordered to be delivered as soon as it was completed. We’re just returning from receiving a blessing at the temple.”

“Oh. Good. Since a song just ended, I’ll demonstrate Betty’s amazing abilities. When you see this, everyone will know that Betty is special. Princess Harael. Watch closely.”

When Caenian commanded with a triumphant expression, a place was immediately prepared.

“Let me clearly show you what kind of duck our Betty is to remove your doubts.”

As Bestia stood on the golden board, Caenian expanded his chest and addressed the audience once more. Though he declared it to many, his eyes were fixed on one person. On Rika, who had blatantly disrespected the duck.

Of course, what Rika felt was closer to jealousy than disrespect, but Caenian didn’t think that far. After all, he only saw Bestia as a duck. No matter how much he liked animals, Caenian wasn’t that kind of pervert.

Not yet, perhaps……?

“Your Majesty, what is this?”

“What is that duck going to do……”

“You naturally wouldn’t know. This golden board is a modification of the Ouija Board, which every citizen of the Delta Empire knows.”

“What is a Ouija Board, Your Majesty?”