Three days have passed since Stasia asked for a talk with the emperor.
Rumors about the monster that struck ＜Skientia＞ and created a disaster began to spread rapidly.
I didn’t let go of it either, but it was impossible to stop the rumors that were randomly scattering that it wasn’t a monster running towards ＜Skientia＞.
As a result.
As feared, a disturbing air began to flow between the people of the Empire and ＜Skientia＞.
If you are determined and instigated, things can progress so quickly.
“It is a difficult scene to watch. Do you think so too? King of Oz.”
“How long are you going to use that awkward title?”
“Well, you’ll get used to this.”
Lucia wanted to shrug her shoulders, but then looked out the window and muttered in a somber voice.
“… … I don’t know if I can get used to that though.”
What I saw through the window was the staggering figure of Eleanor.
Her identity has already been revealed.
As rumors spread quickly, it was also quick to arrive at her identity. The sole survivor of the destroyed kingdom of Chrysos.
The culprit who is confusing both the Empire and ＜Skientia＞ now.
Whether it’s rumors that they’ve attracted monsters, or rumors that they’re enemies of monsters.
Either way. To them, Eleanor’s existence was nothing more than an existence that caused waves.
“Wrong. Lucia. I’m not sure if I can get used to it.”
Eleanor just silently endured the gaze and complaint.
Anything you say becomes an excuse. It’s like pouring oil on the fire.
Eleanor knew that, so she chose to remain silent.
decided to endure decided to overcome she decided to
“I don’t have time to get used to it.”
To do that, I bought time. The plan itself was delayed.
Eleanor decided to hold on. In this moment, I said I would shoulder the pain.
What I can do for Eleanor like that, what I can do for her, who can’t be by her side when she’s having the hardest time.
agitation and confusion. It is to narrow the course of full-scale war that follows from there as much as possible.
“Because there will be a storm before then.”
Monsters will come.
Rumors like this will be swarming with monsters who will devour them in an instant.
“I’m keeping an eye on Eleanor.”
What did she need in the midst of unknown malice?
What she wanted from me is still the same. Just a girl who will shine brighter than anyone else in the storm.
“You just have to do that. That should be enough.”
You just have to look
* * *
Thanks to Stasia’s cooperation, the conversation with the emperor was quickly completed.
Originally, there would have been many cumbersome procedures.
“I am here.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“As I said before, this is a debt. 1 Lucia level debt.”
“… … Keep that in mind.”
Stasia has completely freed me from my thirst for blood since the last time. No, it’s not just about my blood.
She has been absorbing blood to understand humans until now, but has decided to stop doing that.
it changed the way To learn emotions by interacting with people, not by blood.
There will be nothing to worry about in the future.
“Then, in front of His Majesty.”
graceful and beautiful.
Stasia left with a greeting befitting her appearance as a princess.
“… … .”
profit.
Standing in front of the door, hesitating, the door opens automatically after a while.
The guards guarding the door retreat to the sides as if they are accustomed to the bizarre phenomenon.
A reception room decorated with gold.
And in the midst of it, it seems decrepit, but dangerous… … . That’s right, there’s an old man like a scorpion who looks like he’ll attack you if you show him a chance.
“Oh oh… … .”
Antares Van Helios.
he was sitting on the throne
“Stasia invited a friend. That’s rare. dragging.”
It can be seen as a father who is delighted with his daughter’s growth, but you should not conform to that statement.
i am the king They define me as ‘daughter’s friend’, and if I accept that, the relationship will be solidified.
It’s like admitting that you’re under the emperor, not in an equal relationship.
So this one can’t stay still. We have to fight back.
If I remain still after being beaten, it will not save my face, but the face of ＜Spellage＞ as a whole.
Yes, if he wants to downgrade my position to being his daughter’s friend.
“Oops, are you going to step down from the throne already? Grandpa Antares.”
“Clap… … .”
I just need to bring him down and make Stasia the emperor.
When I conveyed that meaning, Antares responded with a creepy smile.
“Welcome to the Imperial Palace. The Sorcerer King, Oz Quo Vadis.”
“Thank you for inviting me here today. Emperor Antares.”
From now on, the monarch’s conversation.
It’s a difficult situation for me, who didn’t learn much about royal studies.
Every single word I say carries weight.
In this situation where I can’t even breathe lightly, I have to convince that monstrous emperor.
“Then why did you come to me… … . I hope this is an interesting story.”
“It will be fun. I’ll tell you straight forward that this is what happened.”
It has been over 60 years since I sat in the emperor’s seat.
Unconventional content that Antares, who has heard many stories, will be interested in.
“Everyone in the capital city. Can you evacuate?”
“… … .”
It’s nonsensical.
I even laugh when I say it. Then what about the Antares you’re listening to? What kind of reaction will that hedonist show?
“greenhorn.”
“… … .”
First of all, the name has changed.
Isn’t it lower than your daughter’s friend level? There is no such thing as politeness.
It’s just cool.
“How much loss do you think the empire will suffer if we do that?”
“It must be an astronomical amount.”
“It is not something that can be expressed in such simple words. This is not something that can be calculated simply by numbers.”
How much money flows from the empire in one day?
If it freezes, how much will it lose? No, it’s not such a simple story.
Stopping is not just movement.
Plants and animals that will be left unattended while out of the empire, factory machinery that needs to run 24/7, and various things that require careful management all stop.
That could lead to years of damage rather than days.
And getting out is also a thing.
If that number of people were to leave the capital, chaos would inevitably arise.
“but… … . Yeah, that’s a funny story. Clap!”
This crazy old man can’t stand the corners of his mouth going up.
“But that’s all. It was just fun. I have nothing to gain from your talk.”
“Soon there will be a war.”
“I know that much.”
I do that even though I know
“The enemy will march out with a visceral fear.”
“It’s a great ability.”
“The surrounding territories and countries will fall into chaos. How many people do you think will die from an enemy attack under such conditions?”
“What… … . I will die a lot.”
Still, such a reaction.
At least the Antares I know, no matter how monstrous they are, must have moved for the sake of the Empire.
“… … It will be an attack that even Tiamat-sama will not be able to stop.”
“therefore?”
Could it be that you are not finding any credibility in my words?
No, it can’t be.
“It is certain that there will be a great loss that cannot be compared to the loss caused by the paralysis of the empire.”
“I guess so.”
The emperor can see the future.
No, to be precise, something extremely close to the future. He can see the results that will arise from a person’s words.
Of course, that’s just a prediction. We cannot be certain of the outcome of looking at and responding to that future.
But that’s enough.
It’s an absurd enough ability.
So, with the words I said now, you could have seen the future landscape.
And how to prepare for that future is also clear.
bite a person If so, the damage can be minimized.
“King of Darkness, according to your words, the empire will surely fall into chaos. But let me tell you. Doesn’t it change that this place will be a battlefield?”
“what… … .”
“Even if the war ends, they will lose their home.”
“Rather than people dying. No, wait. you can’t… … .”
“The aftermath of a war is a cumbersome law. I have waged many wars thus far. Then you know what bothers me the most in the process?”
The Emperor’s intention was simple.
“It’s a fixed amount of material.”
Reduce the number of mouths to eat in order to rectify the ruined capital of the empire.
“It is better to keep alive the few who can do the job efficiently than those who will waste food needlessly.”
“So you’re going to let them die now?”
You’re going to do something crazy like that? Is that really a good choice for a country’s monarch?
“But when did I ever say I would?”
“… … Yes?”
“If you persuade me, maybe it will change?”
“this… … crazy… … .”
Looking at the Emperor’s expression again, he was looking at me and grinning like a simple old man with a bad temper.
but i know That’s no joke. That monster is a being that plays with human earnestness.
This is what I heard from Discree.
Depending on the situation, that joke may not end as a joke.
“Let me give you one piece of advice. No matter what the situation is, the monarch doesn’t reveal his inner self easily. Look at your expression now.”
“… … .”
“This is a place to discuss the loss of the empire. It must be such a position, but why do you look more troubled than me?”
There was no emotion in Antares’ expression. It’s creepy.
“It’s not easy to see what you need when it comes to trading. It can be like paying more for something that is no different than a stone to someone.”
“… … In other words, pay the price on this side to save the empire?”
What kind of monstrous transaction is this? And it’s amazing that I have no choice but to agree to such a ridiculous deal.
Is the value of an empire a stone?
No, it’s not like that.
“Think of it as the price of a lesson. And I hope you don’t look at me like a monster too much. Could it be that I really wanted to abandon the empire?”
He could have valued an empire in stones. that’s the correct answer
I have no qualms about that judgment.
I am trying to share this heavy deal with one person’s mindset.
It means that the emperor’s decision will also change according to my decision.
I’m not insane.
“… … Could it be that?”
“Clap. I know the weight of life too. I know that their lives support me now.”
this made it clear
I thought that Antares was not someone who took life lightly.
But no.
Depending on the circumstances, he may regard life as light or heavy.
It is purely dependent on the decisions of others. It was like looking into a mirror reflecting humans.
“Imperial people pay taxes, lives, and honor for me. So I will pay them.”
“What price is that?”
“Pride that the fence they live in is the strongest.”
What he showed in return for his reign was the formless pride of an empire.
That’s why, even though he considers the lives of the people of the empire to be important, he simply cuts off their lives.
Because the important thing is the empire.
If you die for the empire, it’s honorable for them too.
The twisted human anthem that thought so was his principle of action.
“That’s another animal metaphor.”
“Crap, maybe not.”
Antares is a monster. A monster that does not understand the human mind.
Same with Stasia.
No, rather, it should be called a mirror that resembles Stasia but is the opposite.
Stasia tried to understand humans and become like them.
But the Emperor is against it. He wanted to shed his humanity and become a monster.
“Be it beast or human, it’s the same.”
The ruthless decision he makes is a reflection of human ugliness.
The righteous decision he makes embodies human compassion.
every aspect of humanity. It puts many people into one person.
imitate such a person.
“And maybe the monsters are the same. Come on, Demon King. You are a monster and a human. Which one would you like to trade with?”
He is willing to become emperor.
“… … Either way, the target of the transaction remains the same.”
“Clap… … . That sounds unmistakable.”
A being that became a monster while remaining human.