Chapter 33: Change of hearts

(Titus's (Takeru) POV)

"Hmm, this is good." I nodded, content with the contents of the box I carried on my way to Emperor Toba. Soon, I stood before the king, who was enjoying wine with some courtesans.

"Oh, Takeru-kun, you're here. Have you rid the mountains of all the bandits?" Emperor Toba inquired. As his number one supporter, he accorded me great respect.

"Yes, would you like to see the culprit?" I smiled and presented the box to him.

"G-go ahead..." He hesitated for a moment, although he always accepted my gifts.

I nodded and revealed a human head from the box. "Your Majesty, he was the mastermind behind the mountain terrors. I've defeated him and his companions, capturing their entire wealth in the process," I reported, wearing a kind smile.

To my confusion, everyone, including the Emperor, appeared pale, as if they had encountered a psychopathic killer.

I couldn't fathom their terror. Was this their first encounter with a severed human head? After all, it was a common practice for kings to display the heads of traitors and enemies on city walls. Nero and many Roman lords frequently followed this tradition, as did lords from various regions in Japan.

"T-Takeru-kun, I didn't realize... you could behead someone so swiftly," Emperor Toba commented, to which I smiled.

"But of course, I can. I possess warrior skills, though my expertise lies in strategy," I replied. "Your Majesty, you don't seem well. Should I have spared you the sight of a severed head?"

"Oh... it's not that..." Emperor Toba shook his head, instructing someone to remove the head from the court. I also heard some gags outside of the hall. I guess people in this era weren't not used to see human head.

I had taken extra care to cleanly sever the barbarian chief's head and remove all traces of blood, but he didn't even give my gift a proper look. Such a waste.

Later, I spotted Tamamo from a distance, and when our eyes met, she blushed and looked away. Was my rizz working?

Regardless, after the meeting, I left the emperor's chamber and, on my way, encountered a bulky big man. His name was Kazusa-no-suke, one of Emperor Toba's mightiest commanders.

He was what some might call a brute. In the first month, he challenged me to a duel to assert his physical dominance, but my temporary martial arts skills left him battered. Since then, he either glared at me or made snide remarks to provoke me.

In case you're unaware, he was one of the two generals implicated in Tamamo-no-Mae's death according to historical records. Yeah, I hated him.

"Did you remember to mention my name in your report?" Kazusa-no-suke inquired.

"Since when did you ever help in my work? If you are done babbling, then get lost from my sight." I replied, walking away.

"One day, I'll kill you," he threatened, his words hanging in the air.

---

"How is it?" I inquired of the pink-haired maiden seated at a table adorned with various desserts. We were now indulging in a meal we had prepared for each other.

"This is delicious~!!" Tamamo exclaimed with joy after tasting the pastry I had baked. Making cake without a microwave was challenging, but I utilized ingredients from my Inventory and invoked Imperial Privilege to make a functional stove. "Is this your original recipe?! Can you teach me?"

"But first, shouldn't I sample your cooking?" I arched an eyebrow, and Tamamo blushed with embarrassment. Despite her poised demeanor, her inner child occasionally surfaced.

"P-please, go ahead..." Tamamo granted permission, her confidence wavering. "Although I doubt I can match your culinary skills..."

On my table lay a variety of dishes crafted by Tamamo herself, mainly traditional fare such as dried meat and bread. There was also a tantalizing spicy fruit mix that caught my eye.

I took a few bites and was pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious, yet there was something oddly familiar about it, a sense of nostalgia.

"...how is it?" Tamamo inquired, but I continued eating, lost in thought.

This food reminded me of my first wife, Nero Claudius. Not in taste, as Nero's culinary skills were abysmal, but in the love a cook infused into their creations.

"Um, Takeru-sama?"

"Yes?"

"Are you all right?"

I wondered why she looked concerned until my eyes welled up with tears unexpectedly. I smiled and wiped my numb eyes. It was a habit of mine to become emotional whenever I remembered Nero.

"I'm fine. It just reminded me of something a loving wife would make," I said to which Tamamo blushed and giggled. Although it seemed like my charm was working, she was clearly thinking of someone else, which irritated me. Well, it was time to make a move.

"I wonder if this is a hint from Lady Tamamo about her feelings for me," I teased.

"Eh? EH? EHHH?!!" Tamamo exclaimed, her face turning beet red. "I-I put in extra effort for you as my friend! Yeah, that must be it! That must be it!"

Being friend-zoned hurt. Rin used to act this way all the time, but I never intended to start a romantic relationship with her. On the other hand, her friend-zoning hurt my heart.

It had been two weeks since I met Tamamo-no-Mae and indirectly confessed my love for her. We had met a few times, but we only exchanged poetry and talked about various subjects. It felt heartwarming to converse with her, but there had been no progress. So today, we decided to prepare lunch for each other to showcase our cooking skills. I thought I had a chance, but now she had firmly placed me in the friend zone.

'Maybe she didn't understand the message in my poems?' I pondered. However, her next question proved me wrong.

"So, about your first poem... 'The moon is beautiful, isn't it?' What does it mean?" Tamamo asked, her cheeks tinted with red. I tried to read her expression, and I believed she was lying about not understanding its meaning.

I raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Ho? I thought Lady Tamamo possessed the wisdom of the ages, but I guess that's not the case."

"Wha! Of course, I know its meaning! It means I love you... eep!" Tamamo hastily covered her mouth and started sweating. She then glanced around to check if anyone had overheard her slip.

I knew it! Finally, it was my chance.

"That's right. Lady Tamamo, I love you," I stated firmly.

"Wha!" Tamamo turned pale and glanced around but found no one nearby. "Please don't joke around. People might get the wrong impression…!"

"What kind of wrong impression? I'm stating the truth," I said, wiping my lips. I just hoped my poker face was working. Even though I was skilled at wearing a mask, Rin and Shiro could sometimes tell when I was lying. Before arriving in this timeline, I practiced maintaining a calm facade and read hundreds of books on how to woo women.

I was laying the groundwork because she would be blamed for Emperor's illness, and I intended to offer her my support in her 'damsel in distress' scene. However, I also hoped to make her fall in love with me to prevent the impending disaster. I just didn't want to face that drama.

"Do you know my relationship with his majesty?" Tamamo looked disappointed. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear—"

"What is your relationship with Emperor Toba?"

"What?"

"I'm asking about your relationship with Emperor Toba," I pressed. "As far as I know, you're neither his wife nor concubine. Can you explain the 'oh-so-close' relationship you share with Emperor Toba?"

"I... I am his wife, okay? He just hasn't officially declared it yet. He has also professed his love for me," Tamamo asserted confidently until she averted her eyes.

Checkmate!

"Then where is the proof? What sets you apart from his other indulgences? Love? I've seen many men, even lords, in Yoshiwara confess their love to courtesans, but it's all driven by lust and money, devoid of substance."

At this point, Tamamo abruptly stood, her face contorted in anger. It was the first time I had seen her express such fury. I began to sweat, realizing my head might be on the line. She might be an easygoing servant in the game, but lore-wise, she was one of the strongest Divine Spirits. Remember, she was the reincarnation of Amaterasu, considered one of the most powerful gods in the Nasuverse. While many Olympian Gods disappeared in the war against Sefar, Amaterasu, in one timeline, simply withdrew to observe humanity from 'Heaven.'

Nevertheless, I stood my ground, remaining calm.

"What are you implying?! I might be your friend, but I won't tolerate insults to the love his majesty has shown me," Tamamo declared angrily. She closed her eyes, her voice firm. "I believe Takeru-sama must be tired. You should leave."

She attempted to exit, but I blocked her path. Tamamo snapped, fear in her eyes. "W-What do you want...?!"

I didn't answer. Instead, I began walking slowly toward her. Tamamo, growing increasingly alarmed, retreated until her back met the wall.

At this point, we were close enough for a face-to-face conversation. We could feel each other's breath, inhaling each other's scents.

"I have never professed my love to any woman. I have never been with any woman. I have never coveted another person's partner, and I certainly am not doing that now," I said, then locked my gaze with hers. "Lady Tamamo-no-Mae, I have said this before and will say it again: I love you. This isn't just words to claim your body. It means I want you as my one and only wife and I will also be looking for a child with you."

"C-c-ch-child?!!" Tamamo blurted out, her face now embarrassed. A moment ago, she was seething with anger, but now she was flustered. I had heard in the game that she yearned to be a proper wife and eventually have a child with Master. So I knew this might work.

"However, since words and sincerity might not be enough for you, I suppose I need to be a bit bolder," I said, smiling, and leaned in, meeting her gaze.

"What?" she asked, but I silenced her with a kiss.

For a moment, I felt a pang in my brain, but it sway away. On other hand, it seemed like, I was transported to another reality. In the intimate twilight, our lips met, a lingering kiss that seemed to stretch into eternity. I marveled at her lips, soft and inviting, like rose petals. With every touch, I tasted the sweetness of her essence, lost in a moment where words ceased to matter, and only the language of passion existed.

It wasn't my first kiss. It's just that it felt more like drinking water from an oasis after a long journey through the desert.

However, I soon parted my lips from hers since this wasn't a gesture of love. It was hard to believe, but only a few seconds had passed despite feeling like an eternity. It was just a soft, tender kiss.

On the other hand, Tamamo also opened her eyes, her breathing heavy, likely feeling the same way I did. I could sense her allure, tempting me to go further, but I held back these emotions.

"Please take care of yourself. I consider you the greatest treasure in my life," I said, gently caressing her cheek and kissing her forehead. Then I left her chamber.

!!!

On my way, I realized something. Didn't I have PTSD from Nero's death? Why hadn't I experienced those hallucinations?

"Perhaps I'm cured?" I turned around and glared at the path leading to Tamamo's room, but then shook my head and sighed. "No, I shouldn't be greedy."

I had already steeled my heart to confess my fake love to her, but I shouldn't be selfish enough to test my little dragon's awakening through her body.

"Mister!!" Several children, around 7 to 12 years old, surrounded me. "We've finished cleaning! Can you play with us?"

They were the children of the imperial palace workers. As a former foster father, I couldn't contain my paternal affection. I usually played with them at dawn after we finished our duties.

(AN: SUS!)

'UwU!' Despite my weariness, I couldn't betray those innocent smiles. "Of course~!"

---

(3rd Person's POV)

Tamamo observed Takeru playing with the palace children, his gentleness and caring nature evident even after a long day's work.

'He seems so pure…' Tamamo thought as she gazed out the window. It had become her daily routine, witnessing this gentleman interact with the children. He even engaged in exciting games with other servants, earning everyone's affection.

'It's true; he doesn't show interest in any women…'

Not a day passed without women seeking his attention. Takeru had numerous admirers, perhaps more than Tamamo herself. Almost daily, women vied for his favor, and officials proposed their daughters or sisters for marriage. Yet, he graciously declined, breaking numerous hearts of maidens but leaving no bitterness behind.

She then remembered the meeting of their lips. She didn't know what it was. Without knowing, she licked her lips as if yearning to have that sensation once again.

'But why does it feel like his feelings for me were a lie…?'

---

(Titus's (Takeru) POV)

"Phew, finally finished." After dealing with some late documents, I stretched my arms and gazed at the moon from my room. The clear sky and the first moon of the month reminded me of Tamamo. Besides her dedication to Emperor Toba, she was genuinely kind, possessing every quality a man could desire from a woman. A beautiful body, a commanding presence, and exceptional cooking skills.

But… was deceiving a woman worse than not saving the world? Perhaps if I approached her with sincerity instead of lies, I could be true to myself. Of course, no one wished to harm their beloved, so I feigned my feelings. It was a coward's move.

However, I also wanted to save the world. Not out of concern for humanity, but because I had seen the horror in Nero's eyes. I had heard her nightly tormented cries. I knew the 'monster' inside her was real. She had sacrificed herself to stop that demon, and I wanted to respect her death and banish this 'monster' from the universe forever.

One path was a thorny truth, while the other was a clear lie.

"Am I doing the right thing?" I questioned myself.

"Mommy, are you sad~?" Jack, who was playing console games with her head on my lap, asked with concern. "Is it about that woman?"

I smiled and ruffled her hair, "Yes, I don't understand why she's so fixated on the emperor."

"Then should we torture her with- Ai Ai Ai!!" She was about to say something a serial killer would say when I gently pinched her cheek. Even though she was a ruthless killer as a servant, certain words weren't suitable for a child.

"But mommy is the person who saved us. We wanted to go back to womb and be born again but mommy gave us even better future." Jack said then put the game console. She then got up and hugged me from behind, "If mommy can save us then mommy can do anything. Mommy is best in this universe."

She then gave me a kiss on my cheek before started compiling documents from my desk and taking them to the shelf. After that she started preparing my futon.

I looked at her and smiled. Maybe… just maybe I can open my heart a little to Tamamo-no-Mae.

---

(3rd Person's POV)

"Haha! Takeru-kun is truly skilled. Today, he introduced me to a high minister from China! With these new trading routes, I am bound to prosper!" Emperor Toba exclaimed, sipping Sake (Japanese alcohol). He gestured for Tamamo, seated beside him, to pour more.

"Hai, your majesty," Tamamo smiled and poured the Sake. Each time she met Emperor Toba, she heard nothing but praises for Takeru. While hearing praises for someone else might annoy most people, it warmed Tamamo's heart. Takeru's efforts had significantly bolstered Japan's government and economy. In a matter of months, he had achieved more than anyone had in decades, making him the most capable individual in the government.

Yet, Tamamo couldn't help but wonder why he was helping Emperor Toba. She had initially thought Takeru might harm the government to claim her from Emperor Toba, but he was doing the opposite. It puzzled her.

His words echoed in her mind, "As far as I know you are neither a wife nor concubine? Can you tell me what kind of 'oh so close' relationship you share with Emperor Toba?" She couldn't stop dwelling on those words. No matter how hard she tried to forget them, they lingered, scratching at her heart.

Shaking her head, she sighed, forgetting she was in the emperor's presence.

"What is wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing..." Tamamo shook her head.

"Then why wear such a sad expression? It doesn't suit your usual bubbly personality," Emperor Toba said, smiling and winking at her. Tamamo, who once might have swooned at such gestures, now found them rather silly coming from him.

But the emperor's inquiry opened a door. "Your majesty, I have been wondering... when you will announce our marriage?" she asked.

"Huh? Where did that come from?" Emperor Toba's face stiffened.

"Ah, please forgive my impudence...!" Tamamo smiled awkwardly. "Even the position of concubine... it would be for the best. I want others to recognize our relationship."

"Others' opinions do not matter," Emperor Toba said, sipping the Sake. "Our love for each other is proof enough."

It was the same old response. Tamamo, however, pressed on, "Yes, but... I wish to be close without societal barriers separating us."

Takeru was right. At this point, she was only a lover, and no matter how much they loved each other, problems would arise if she were to have children. Children from legal wives were considered princes and princesses, receiving education and land. Children from concubines, at the very least, received some education. But children from 'lovers' were viewed as illegitimate, scorned and without rights. They might even be assassinated. Once the emperor passed, the 'lovers' were swiftly removed from the palace as if they never existed. Tamamo had read these records and heard these tales.

Emperor Toba had promised to marry her and make her his legal wife, but it remained unfulfilled. Until now, it had been mere words of affection and admiration.

This time, Tamamo-no-Mae anticipated a positive response from the emperor, but instead, she saw disappointment and disgust written all over his face.

"I have said it many times, it's not easy. I have to consider everyone at the court," Emperor Toba sighed, taking the Sake bottle from Tamamo's hands. "Perhaps you are tired. Go and rest."

In short, 'Get lost.'

Tamamo silently nodded and left the room. Before going, she peeked at his room where Emperor Toba started admiring the Emerald Dragon that Takeru gave it to him.

It was not Takeru's fault that Emperor Toba's priority now lies somewhere else.

Looking at such a sight, a pain surged in her heart. She bit her lips and left that place.

Soon, she returned to her room but saw someone standing in the middle.

"Takeru-kun, what are you doing here?" It was Takeru, the man who had confessed his love for her.

"Did you want to watch the full moon with me? It is very beautiful tonight," Takeru asked, raising his hand.

Normally, she should have refused his advances, but her heart, heavy from the Emperor's dismissive words, didn't care. She stepped forward and took his hand.

Unnoticed by her, Takeru scooped her up into his arms, then... jumped out of the window!!

"EEP!!" Tamamo squealed in terror at the sudden leap but then watched in awe as Takeru leaped across the rooftops. It was as if he was dancing in the air. She looked at his face and saw him smirking.

"Sorry for not warning you," Takeru apologized.

Tamamo shook her head, but instead of speaking, she hugged him more tightly and buried her face in his chest. Even though Takeru could easily take advantage, he didn't. His touch was gentle, and she felt as if she was cradled in the arms of Mother Nature. She was safe. She was cared for. She was loved.

Then, it seemed like Takeru had come to a stop. When she opened her eyes, the sight took her breath away. Bathed in the ethereal glow of the bright moon, the grassy plains stretched endlessly. The night whispered secrets, and the world was cloaked in a serene, silvery luminescence. Cold air brushed her face, making her feel like she had stepped into a new world.

She looked at Takeru, and at that moment, he seemed to resemble the same beautiful moon. His smile matched the moonlight.

They sat down and continued to watch the full moon. Then, they shared stories of their lives. Takeru expressed his frustrations with the government officials while Tamamo listened, calm and understanding.

Finally, Tamamo tilted her head onto Takeru's shoulder and continued to gaze at the moon. At that moment, Takeru spoke, "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?"

It was clear what Takeru was implying, but instead of rejecting him, Tamamo embraced those feelings, if only for this night. "Yes, the moon is truly beautiful."

Takeru looked at her and grinned, "Then doesn't this set the mood?"

Tamamo felt conflicted; she knew what Takeru intended to do. It was natural for men to succumb to their desires, especially when the mood was as charged as this. As someone else's lover, she shouldn't even be here.

But her heart ached after hearing Emperor's response. Just this once, she wanted to run away. It was a coward's way out.

"Takeru-sama, you may... you may proceed," Tamamo hesitantly gave her consent. She wasn't flustered; she wasn't shy. She was just hurt.

"You mean the kiss? My, I didn't know Lady Tamamo would become so bold," Takeru said, raising his arms as if to embrace her, but Tamamo bit her lips.

"Takeru-sama, just this once. Just for tonight.... I just need a sincere answer. Not driven by lust or pleasure," Tamamo's voice trembled. "Please forgive me for my selfishness-"

"It's okay. But remember this," Takeru whispered before sealing her lips with his.

Tamamo was taken aback by the surprise, but she couldn't help but enjoy the sensation of Takeru's affection. His lips weren't tainted by alcohol or food; they were soft and tender. Moreover, as she had requested, Takeru refrained from touching her body, instilling a newfound confidence in her.

In that moment, she realized what it felt like to be the one and only, to be truly loved.

(AN: Urg, I went to hospital because of overdose of sheer cringe in this chapter. Still the longest chapter I have ever written. Almost 3.7K words. Also note that Emperor Toba had wives and sons but I am not going to include any of them.

Anyway, real drama will start from next chapters.)