My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 209

Three days passed, and then I received a message from Lupin.

He said that he would be passing the throne to Seri and instructed me to prepare a speech for his ascension.

Seri, though at a loss for words, spent two full nights working on her speech.

And today, she visited the Imperial Palace for the announcement of the new Emperor. The day before, the royal family and nobility had gathered for the imperial succession ceremony.

Having already held a grand coronation two months ago, it was decided that today would just be a speech.

Seri stood there dazed, dressed in the Emperor’s ceremonial robes. Surprisingly, the pants suited her quite well.

“Phew… I’m so nervous.”

Surrounded by attendants, she fidgeted anxiously.

“There’s nothing to worry about. This is where you were always meant to stand.”

Just like in the original story.

Honestly, I began to wonder what the original even meant at this point. So much had changed that predicting the future was no easy task.

“It feels a bit off, but it seems like Princess Seri really has become Emperor, just as Praus said.”

Tori stated calmly, arms crossed.

“It feels like our efforts weren’t in vain.”

“…I hope so.”

So many sacrifices had been made to get to this point.

But we were only halfway. There was still a long way to go — it wouldn’t be over until we defeated the Demon King.

“I can finally relax a little.”

“Uh, how do you feel, Praus? Duke Tori?”

Seri, with her long golden hair tied in a ponytail, looked at me. Her makeup was considerably heavier than before.

The gems adorning her white ceremonial robe accentuated her appearance beautifully.

“You look great, Emperor Seri.”

“E-Emperor…?”

“It’s true now, Your Majesty Emperor Seri.”

“I suppose that’s true…”

She said hesitantly, twisting her fingers.

“It will take time for the people to recognize you as Emperor. But I believe you will do well.”

“Yes.”

Her expression seemed to brighten at my words.

Knock knock.

A voice from outside the door interrupted.

“Princess Seri.”

“Yes?”

“It’s about time to head upstairs.”

“Oh, yes.”

Seri responded with a nervous expression.

“Seri, don’t use honorifics with the attendants. You are now at a higher position than anyone else.”

“That’s right. There’s no point in a person destined to be an Emperor speaking disrespectfully.”

With Tori’s and my remarks, she pressed her lips together. She looked like she was contemplating something before nodding.

Hoo!

Seri took a deep breath with her eyes closed. When she opened them slowly, she revealed a sharp, cold gaze.

“…I understand.”

A solemn tone.

Honestly, this tone didn’t quite fit Seri’s appearance and personality, but it was something she would have to adapt to.

“Thank you, Praus, Duke Aus. Truly.”

“It’s nothing, Your Majesty.”

“…Go on.”

She stepped forward confidently.

The crimson cloak fluttering behind her followed her brisk steps. Behind her trailed numerous attendants, knights, and our entourage.

*

“…Just in time.”

Once Lupin finished his speech and turned around, he spotted us. The attendants nearly stepped back simultaneously, bowing their heads.

As he approached, Chris boldly stood in front of us.

“Brother Chris.”

“Your Majesty.”

Seri bowed her head. Lupin reached for her shoulder but then withdrew his hand.

It was as if he felt no shame in encouraging a daughter he had neglected until now.

“Seri, you’ve finally succeeded in ascending to the throne. Or rather, should I say that Praus’s plan has succeeded?”

With so many ears around, Lupin’s blunt remark was delivered without restraint. Provocation should be met with provocation.

“…Was your two-month term as Emperor enjoyable?”

“This… this brat, how dare you…!”

“What can I say? All your efforts have been turned to nothing.”

“Hah… Don’t talk as if you’re worth something!”

Chris leaned toward me, pointing a finger in accusation as the heroes behind him prepared to intervene, but Lupin shouted.

“Enough!”

“…Tch.”

Chris clicked his tongue and turned his head away.

“Praus, watch your words. No matter how Chris stepped down due to health issues, the Imperial Family still reigns over the Empire.”

“Health issues, huh… I see.”

I shrugged, knowing the title wasn’t worth much anymore. I’d keep their pride intact until the end, at least.

“Praus, I will have my revenge someday…!”

“Revenge, huh….”

The absurdity of Chris’s words almost made me laugh. Sorry, but you’ll be gone before you can even think of revenge.

“Now that you’re Emperor, prove that you are worthy of the title.”

Lupin spoke just before walking up. She nodded resolutely.

“I won’t let you down, Your Majesty. Things may change from the Empire you once knew.”

“…”

Lupin looked at Seri in surprise at her calm response.

Whether he understood what she was thinking or not, it seemed like she had succeeded in shattering the image of his inept daughter from years past.

“Good. I’m counting on you.”

He smiled faintly. Then he glanced at me.

Lupin must understand, too. That placing Seri as Emperor made it significantly easier for me to intervene in the Empire’s affairs.

However, this wasn’t a matter of blaming me; it was the fault of his incapable children. I was merely exploiting their incompetence to find my opening.

“Now, go on.”

Lupin gestured toward the terrace. The spot where Chris had stood two months ago.

Seri stared at it blankly before snapping her head around to face me. Was she seeking some support?

“…Make a scene.”

“Sure!”

At my words, her face lit up with a dazzling smile as she replied energetically. Watching her stride forward, I felt relieved. She’d be fine like this.

Standing in front of the microphone, she took a deep breath.

“Greetings, people of the Empire. I am Seri Aiter Pretéum, the youngest daughter of His Majesty Emperor Lupin.”

Murmurs from beyond the terrace grew louder.

Since Chris stepped down for health reasons, everyone likely expected the second prince, Altero, to ascend next.

But when the notoriously incompetent youngest daughter who had been dismissed was named Emperor, it was only natural for everyone to be taken aback.

“From this day forward, I will lead the Empire we live in.”

However, Seri had to confront them head-on.

No matter how much she was insulted or belittled by others, she had to move forward.

This would be both her salvation and the world’s.

“I know many of you may be bewildered by this. It is not another brother, but I who has been named the next Emperor.”

Calmly continuing her speech, she said, “But I am no longer the incompetent princess you once knew. Anyone who knows will already be aware, but I have been working behind the scenes to aid the Empire until now. And I stand here now, recognized by His Majesty Emperor Lupin for those efforts.”

Had she stood here without doing anything, she would have faced countless criticisms.

But I had been diligent in assigning her tasks since I brought her to Duke Aus. Everything she had done was for this moment.

“The message I want to convey now that I am Emperor is simple. I intend to grant equal rights to every beastman and elf in the Empire, working towards true freedom for all.”

The mention of other races elicited a swell of murmurs. Some shouts of offense were heard, questioning why she would consider those races.

“Before I arrived at this position, I believed it was wrong for different races to bicker and fight amongst themselves in light of a common enemy such as the Demon Tribe. I have always thought such actions hasten humanity’s ruin. I will shatter that cycle.”

Despite the rising commotion, she boldly declared her intentions.

While she spoke at length, her words flowed without stutter. As I listened attentively, her speech neared its conclusion.

“I vow to lead the Empire toward a more advantageous future and ensure that you are not threatened by the Demon Tribe. So I hope you will trust and follow me.”

With those words, she bowed her head.

The weight of the Emperor’s crown is heavy.

It is only natural that one must bow when placed above all. However, she now bowed with respect.

How the citizens would accept this remains uncertain.

Yet in an Empire with a class system, this could never happen. This part wouldn’t be seen as a good act by the royalty or aristocrats. They could very well perceive it as diminishing their honor.

But that was precisely why it could resonate with the commoners.

This would symbolize respect for them, indirectly acknowledging their worth.

Not long after, applause began to ring out.

“Thank you.”

As Seri waved her hand, a chorus of cheers erupted.

This was not applause that emanated from genuine admiration.

It was a reluctant acceptance, as despite their thoughts, they had no choice but to yield due to Lupin’s choice of Seri.

However, they would certainly regard her in a new light after this unexpected style of speech. They would be curious about how she would guide the Empire moving forward.

For that alone, I considered this speech a resounding success.

If she continues to perform well, everything would smoothly unfold from here on out.

Having finished her speech, Seri turned around and walked toward me. I gave her a thumbs up. She responded with a beaming smile, displaying her teeth.

Having done well, it was now my turn to take care of the tasks ahead.

*

Days after Seri ascended to the throne, Maria and I entered the Imperial Palace.

I was already aware that Chris was sleeping in the bedroom attached to his office.

“Maria, if my hunch is correct, Logia may be guarding Chris. You need to stop him.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t let him interfere.”

“Good.”

I opened the door to the bedroom adjoining the office. Perhaps startled awake by the sound, Chris bolted upright in surprise.

“P-Praus…? What brings you here?!”

“What do you think I’m here for?”

“W-What do you mean?! I stepped down from the Emperor’s seat as you said! So why are you here?!”

I drew my sword of vengeance.

“I’m here to settle the score.”

“What do you mean…?!”

I pointed the blade at the back of his hand. He quickly clutched his wrist, curling up in fear.

“You likely have no memory of making a pact with Raghur, but you have made a pact with the Demon Tribe.”

“Me? Make a pact with the Demon Tribe?!”

“That I don’t know. But the fact that a pact was made is undeniable. Therefore, I cannot let you live.”

Just as I was about to strike, I paused, considering that it would be a waste to kill him without ever hearing his true intentions.

“Fine. Before I kill you, I should at least hear what you have to say.”

I crouched down on the bed and whispered quietly.

“‘True Word.’”

At the sound of my voice, his eyes turned hazy.

“If you can provide me with an answer I like, I might spare you.”