The Emperor didn't need to wait long for the Elf to arrive, as he barely had time to get everything ready and get into the small swimming pool that the Jacuzzi was turned into, thanks to the ladies who preferred to make it more spacious, especially since it looked like they would get more sisters in the future.
Tanera entered the module wearing a bathrobe, which she quickly removed, making Andrew speechless.
Her swimsuit was so minimal that it barely concealed her important bits, leaving the rest of her body on full display.
-How do I look?
She asked with a slight smile, seeing that his jaw hit the floor.
-If you aimed to entice me, then you hit the jackpot.
The emperor answered and got out of the water, approaching her.
At the moment, there was no way for him to misunderstand her intentions.
-You know, if you wanted me to be your partner, then all you needed to do was ask.
He smiled when she blushed at his words, and he didn't even give her a chance to answer as he just pulled her into his embrace and kissed her.
Tanera quickly reciprocated, and they stood there for a while embracing each other and kissing, but not going any further.
-In my world, it's the males who take the initiative to pursue their love interest, not the other way around.
She said once they stopped kissing.
-We also need to discuss this matter, since there are some things that we need to take into consideration in this situation.
She added, happy that Andrew accepted her.
However, she was unsure if he would accept their relationship in the form she had in mind.
-Then let's get to it.
He grinned, scooping her into his arms and returning to the water.
-First of all, I can't become your empress or at least not for now.
The merchant stated, starting from the point she was worried about the most.
-Why not?
The man asked, a bit surprised.
-There are many reasons, but the most important would be losing my merchant status, since I can't be an empress and a merchant in the same star nation, as this would lead to a conflict of interest.
However, there is nothing wrong with me becoming your mistress, and the guild might even give us some benefits if that's the case.
Andrew nodded while thinking about it and began to see her point of view.
If she lost her station as a merchant, the guild would send a replacement, which was not the preferred outcome.
-Another matter is the Moon Elf Star Empire.
She continued.
-Once your empire is stabilized, we could use the marriage proposal for political gain and cement the alliance with the empire.
That way, the other elven empires should not try to attack or pressure us, and with any luck, they might also consider allying themselves with us.
Andrew was once again surprised, as he didn't even consider this possibility.
For the next half an hour, Tanera explained every reason why she could not become his empress at the moment, despite desiring to have a romantic relationship with him.
What's more, all her arguments were on point.
-Alright, since you don't want to become my empress for now, then how about a title of Imperial consort?
The emperor suggested.
Her own idea of becoming his mistress for now was quite good, but the title of a mistress was not sitting right with him, as it sounded degrading, and didn't fit her role.
An Imperial consort, however, was something else entirely, as it would not indicate that she was his side piece, but just waiting to become an empress.
-I think that would be alright, and it also sounds nicer.
The elf agreed after thinking about it for a moment.
-Great, now let's just hope that your family won't be opposed to this.
Andrew said a bit worried about that.
-What family?
Tanera asked.
-My brother already knows, and he is more than happy to have you as his brother-in-law.
As for the rest of my clan, they don't have a say in whoever I marry ever since I got my noble title.
Besides, I seriously doubt that they would want to go against the emperor, who I'm more than certain would agree to the marriage alliance, especially if you are the one who will initiate it.
-Alright, so there is no problem there, but what about the guild?
Andrew asked.
-I know that you like your job, but I don't want to keep you as a consort forever.
He explained his doubts.
-It won't be forever, and the main problem with the guild is that my merchant level is too low.
If I can get promoted two or three more times and reach my brother's level, then there won't be anything stopping me from becoming an empress and still working as a merchant in the empire.
-Then how can I help you get promoted?
The man asked, eager to expedite the process.
-There is nothing much that you can do for now, except for stabilizing the empire and continuing to trade as we are right now.
The elf smiled, seeing his eagerness to help her.
-It might help a bit if you start trading with independent merchants and start building your own merchant fleet, since it should increase your value as a trader in the eyes of the guild's higher-ups, but that will need to wait since the empire is considered unstable right now, thanks to the traitors.
-Alright, the traitors won't be a problem for much longer.
As for creating a merchant fleet and trading with independent merchants, I'll take care of it as soon as possible.
Andrew smiled.
-Are there any other matters we need to discuss?
He asked, since he wanted to deal with all of it as soon as possible.
-No, that should be all, or at least all that I could think of.
Tanera answered.
-Good.
Since that's the case, we can move on to the more pleasurable part of our date.
Andrew said with a teasing smile and heated gaze, as he once again pulled her into his embrace.
Only then did Tanera understand what he had in mind and blush, but she didn't resist his advances and even took the initiative to kiss him first.
In the end, she was his first imperial consort, and she didn't want to lose to the empresses.