The next day, the entire continent, not just the Empire, was in an uproar. People had now completely forgotten about the Pope and his miracles. Instead, everyone was praising me, Marquis Meldenik Kinnoa, for my incredible talent in recruiting partners from across the world.
Somehow, a parade was being organized in my honor this very morning. But surprisingly, I had no time to revel in the moment. The butler, the household staff, and even the Kinnoa relatives were all bringing me new, bewildering news.
I smiled, remembering the events of the past hour. "Meldenik," the butler had said, "people are camping outside the gates."
"Why? Are they more protesters?" I'd asked.
"No! The protesters were all chased away. These are nobles, and they want to learn your business secrets."
"Nobles? Who are they?"
"They're the very same nobles who ignored you before..."
I simply raised one eyebrow and shook my head. "Just ignore them for now."
Another piece of news was that my name would be added to the list of the "101 Great People Who Illuminated the Empire."
"They're making a statue of you, aren't they?" a relative had said.
"I told them to make it out of diamonds. I simply won't settle for bronze."
I was well aware of my new, dramatically elevated status. After quickly delegating my various tasks, I put down my pen and smiled in satisfaction.
"I'm going to become a duke. Doesn't that sound wonderful? When I become a duchess, I'll make a huge playground for children—no, wait."
Something was wrong. My true thoughts kept slipping out of my mouth. I covered my mouth with a hand and pondered the situation.
So, now there was one more thing I had to do: protect my people. All the Kinnoa relatives were gathered safely in the mansion's annex. Dominic and Isaac were more than capable of protecting themselves. I had also set up a security detail to watch over the children at the academy. And of course, there were the four demons trapped in the sword.
'Come to think of it, the demons are probably…'
I'd heard they were playing with the priests as if they were a new toy. They were probably sticking their tongues out a lot…
"Ugh, let's not think about that right now." Demons had a cruel streak, and they seemed to hate humans who were more evil than they were, as if it wounded their pride. I rubbed my eyes to stop myself from dwelling on it.
'Who should I save next?' I wondered. Rosalyn, the Duke of Babylon's maid. Her maid contract had recently expired, so she could be legally taken away from him.
'How do I get Rosalyn?'
I felt my thoughts about her nearly spill out of my mouth. "Snap out of it, Meldenik!" I scolded myself and stood up. I needed to move my body to keep my mind from wandering. I headed toward the inventory warehouse to check on my stationery supplies.
On the way, I passed a beautiful flower garden that I had never been to before. "Wow, this is so pretty! I'll have to come back and see the cherry blossoms later... No, this is getting really strange." My mind was clearly not my own. "Why do I keep talking to myself?"
As I walked under a flower-covered arch, a small child hanging from the decorations waved at me. "Hello!" he said.
"Danny!" I exclaimed.
"You found me, Mom! The academy president tried to brainwash me! But I used my super cool brainwashing on him!"
"Good job. But look at how plump you've gotten. You're so cute, and you smell so good. Who is this adorable little dragon? Danny, you're the cutest thing I've ever seen!" I reached out to hug him.
"Wha—what's wrong with me? This is so embarrassing!" Danny said, his face turning red.
"You're cute when your cheeks are red! Do you know... why am I trembling so much?" I was as stiff as a board. Danny didn't answer my question. He simply jumped off the arch and flew straight into my arms. It was an unbearably adorable experience as the little ball of fluff rubbed his face against my collarbone. He smelled like sweet candy.
My mind was a complete mess. I barely managed to speak. "You're so cute, but I think I'm acting weird, Danny!"
I was about to walk across the grass when I stopped. "Danny, why aren't you talking?"
"Huh?"
"Uh, what?" he stammered.
Danny quickly looked away, like a child caught in the act. At that moment, I knew. That mischievous boy must have done something to me.
"That... Danny is sorry, Mom."
"So you're saying this is your fault?" I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes.
Frightened, Danny grabbed the lace on my sleeve and shook it. "It's true! I'm the reason you keep telling your true feelings!"
"..."
"The weak brainwashing spell I used at the hearing yesterday was a truth-telling spell. I used the same magic on the president, too..."
"So the reason my thoughts keep popping out of my mouth is because of that spell?"
"Yeah! Just for one day, I promise! There might be some side effects, but it's a weak spell, so it'll wear off fast, I swear!" Danny nodded his head so hard it bobbed.
I bit my lip so hard my teeth were showing. "My goodness, Danny! If I had gone out today, my social life would have been ruined. Poor president..." Luckily, I'm a person who is the same on the inside and outside, but it still could have been a disaster. "Okay, Danny. I understand. I just need to hold it in for one day."
I had almost become the Pope's puppet. Better to be a little arrogant for a day than to be his marionette for life.
"I will not talk to anyone today!" I put my index finger and thumb over my lips. But three seconds later, my serious declaration turned to dust.
"Mel, there's something important I need to talk to you about."
Isaac opened the door to the garden and walked in. He was looking more devastatingly handsome than I'd ever seen him. As soon as he arrived, Danny took off, saying, "I gotta go!" and leaving me alone with Isaac.
'With a mouth that can only speak the truth.'
"Okay, from now on, if I make a mistake, I'm going to die," I mumbled to myself. I made a solemn decision and stared at him. I could surely manage to resist the urges. I decided to trust my mental fortitude.
"Mel? Your face is pale," he said, suddenly stepping closer. He poked his face right in front of mine, his expression concerned. "What's wrong?" He touched my forehead. "You don't have a fever. You're not cold." His voice was soft and affectionate. He then held out his hand to me. "Mel, I think you need to rest. I'll escort you to your office."
I didn't know why I was so embarrassed. But this was the important part. My brain completely froze.
"I-Isaac, you're so handsome, it's honestly ridiculous."
"...Excuse me?" he asked, his expression puzzled as he slowly covered his lips with his hand.
"Something big has happened," I said, panicking. My brain was no longer working. "Don't bite your lip so playfully. And to be honest, your body is incredible…"
'Oh my god, what is this crazy mouth of mine saying!?'