[FMMIKA] Chapter 301: Longed for One Another

'You're truly an amazing man.'

After fully grasping Artorius's purpose, Nero's admiration for him intensified as she looked into his eyes.

'What an extraordinary man. You've piqued my interest.'

Artists.

They always had a strong passion, even more so if they were young women. Especially, if this woman happened to have a stubborn personality and high status to the point where no one dared to question her and did whatever she wanted.

Coincidentally, Nero was exactly that kind of artist, with the highest status and a self-centered personality.

'It's decided! I will definitely win this man over!'

At this point, Nero didn't have much romantic interest in Artorius. Her appreciation for him was still pure admiration. However, this admiration would grow stronger and stronger over time.

'But how should I do it?'

After making the decision, Nero fell into contemplation and confusion. She wasn't sure how to proceed.

To win Artorius over, she needs capital. Without enough capital, there was no way she could do it. It was like a kid without financial freedom, crying over a toy they like.

Artorius was an exceptionally outstanding man among men. No exaggeration, Nero had never seen a man more outstanding than him.

The more outstanding the man, the better treatment he required.

However, what to do?

'Money? He probably doesn't care about ordinary wealth, land, or status.'

'Of course, I can offer him a title, but Governor is not enough... a Consul maybe? But, he doesn't seem like someone who cares about titles. He has vast territories, and his extravagant lifestyle is even better than Rome's.'

'How about ideology?'

'I am the Roman Emperor, the legitimate one. No doubt about that. But he's a rebel, so he won't bow down to me just because I'm legitimate, and follow my orders...'

'Then how about using women?'

'Nay, ordinary women won't do. After all, Artorius is such an outstanding man. Even before he became famous, he probably didn't lack women.'

'So, what should I do...'

Nero fell into contemplation. She was distressed to find that, as the proud, wealthy, and world-leading Roman emperor, she had nothing to offer Artorius.

'Is this the end of the road...? Even though I'll definitely make a comeback. But in this interval, the chips I can bring to the table are indeed quite limited... what should I do... damn it, I don't know...'

And so, Nero became deeply troubled.

Artorius, on the other hand, mistakenly believed she was contemplating diplomatic matters and alliances, so he didn't interrupt her and just waited quietly.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman spending time together, it looked quite sweet, especially with Nero's slightly bulging belly, one could easily believe they were a newlywed couple expecting a child.

'So cute... compared to poison, daggers, court conspiracies, and intrigue, this girl should just enjoy life without worries.'

Watching the contemplative and adorable Nero, like a small animal, Artorius couldn't help but feel a sense of tenderness.

Before, Jeanne always criticized Marie, saying she always lived a carefree life like a princess in the palace and all that.

But Artorius thought there was nothing wrong with that. Allowing a lovely girl to live carefree and happily, isn't that the responsibility of a man?

He looked at the cute creature in front of him, who was clearly about the same age as Mordred—or rather, in appearance. However, under Artorius's protection, Mordred still lived a carefree and happy life, enjoying her girlhood, while Nero had already shouldered the responsibilities of a big empire.

With that in mind, Artorius felt sorry for her and had a desire to help, to save, and to love her.

The silence between the man and the woman lingered, each other's shadows in their hearts. Despite facing each other, they still longed for one another.

If this situation were to continue a little longer, things might have taken a different turn.

Unfortunately, before that could happen, an uninvited guest disrupted their respective thoughts.

"Report!"

A hastily arriving Roman soldier burst in and loudly exclaimed.

"Report to Your Majesty! Enemies attacking! A medium-sized united force is launching an assault on the outer gate of the capital! It must be remnants of the expeditionary force! Our Eastern Gate garrison is struggling to resist...!"

The sudden intrusion forced Artorius and Nero's meeting—or rather, feast—to come to a halt.

"Enemies?!"

Nero stood up abruptly, and in the next moment, couldn't help but instinctively look at Artorius. She found his expression rather pleased as if he were enjoying her misfortune.

This irritated Nero and made her feel disheartened.

The logic was clear.

She was under siege, a terrible strategic position diplomatically, in contrast to her previous arrogance in front of Artorius.

Moreover, it was a defensive battle, with the supposedly sturdy city of Rome being attacked by the 'remnants' of the opposing force, and struggling to hold its ground.

This also indicated Nero's military weakness.

In summary, it was an embarrassing situation.

Nero wouldn't feel this way in front of ordinary people. As a Roman emperor so self-assured to the point of arrogance, nothing would shake her pride.

However...

'Damn it... of all times, it had to be in front of Artorius...'

Unusually, Nero felt a sense of shame.

This shame made her disgruntled and a bit perplexed.

Because until now, she didn't know that the reason for this was her rare acknowledgment of someone. Caring about someone meant caring about their opinion of them.

'This man is going to mock me...'

Nero thought with resignation, however, in the next moment...

"Enemy, huh." Artorius smiled calmly. "Let's take a look, Your Majesty. Perhaps I can lend a hand; it's my duty as an ally."

"I don't need that. I haven't agreed to cooperate with you." Nero said with determination. "Lord Artorius, you just watch as I lead the glorious Roman legion to victory!"

Beyond the terms 'alliance' and 'coalition', Nero chose the word 'cooperation' to describe her relationship with Artorius.

It seemed a bit uncommon, but this was Nero's biggest compromise, implying that although she talked tough, she had already tacitly accepted what Artorius had said.

Artorius, completely understanding her underlying message, felt even better, and his gaze on her became more pleasing.