Lina, hurry and thank Her Majesty—it's a sign of Her Majesty's trust in you.
Kenji gave Lina a nudge. Although he understood the real reason behind this, there was no need to let it show on the surface.
Lina shot Kenji a puzzled look, then glanced at Pluvia. Suddenly, she straightened and bowed firmly to the emperor.
"Your Majesty, I am grateful for your favor. However, I come from humble origins, and I was once disgraced. If I were to have a place of my own in the palace, it might draw gossip, which would not be in Your Majesty's best interest… Moreover, if the Grey Scale Office were stationed within the palace, our comings and goings would always be seen by palace guards and ministers—this could hinder the execution of Your Majesty's orders. So I beg Your Majesty's understanding, the Grey Scale Office really cannot be set inside the palace."
Her words astonished even Kenji.
