Chapter 184

Empress Mina Rozbeta Dragona

Her figure seated upon the throne was simply that—nothing more, nothing less.

It was like a slightly longer-haired version of Senel from before, but with an added touch of dignity and coldness on her face.

Given how strikingly similar the two were, there was even a slight buzz among first-time players of the original work, wondering if she was just a simple model rehash…

However, upon opening the lid, it became clear that it was anything but that.

If Senel exuded a feeling of a ‘strong opponent’ as a mid-boss,

the consensus on Empress Mina, known throughout the continent as the most powerful witch, was as follows:

A wall.

An unshakeable presence that wouldn’t waver no matter the tumult,

a solid iron wall that indicated our limits were right there.

Many players came face to face with this wall, falling into despair,

and I, who had played the original game, also endured considerable hardship before I could finally force her to retreat.

Given that even that retreat was essentially Mina’s scheme, it implied I had no chance from the start.

She was, in essence, the very person who had thwarted Emperor Napoleona when he was on the verge of unifying the continent.

In this situation, where that colossal wall was gazing at me,

after finishing my greeting, I maintained a brief silence, staring at her face.

She, for her part, also regarded me quietly for a moment.

What might she be thinking…

It felt as though she was evaluating what kind of person I was.

The gaze wasn’t adversarial, but neither was it friendly.

After a period of contemplation (or observation?),

she finally began to speak with a cold expression.

The first words from the final boss of the original work were:

“…You seem to look older than I expected.”

“…”

For her to throw a comment like ‘You look old’ upon seeing someone, left me momentarily at a loss for words.

Well… it wasn’t entirely untrue.

After all, I was indeed in my mid-forties and had always been told I had a weathered appearance.

Especially since I sported a bushy beard,

it was inevitable that I would be perceived as looking older.

But still, was it really appropriate for someone as significant as Empress Mina to say such a thing?

While she had the appearance of a woman in her late twenties to early thirties,

based on the original, her actual age was tremendously beyond that of an ordinary human.

Approximately around three to four hundred years.

She was in no position to comment on aging.

“…Ah… excuse me. I spoke without thinking…”

It seemed she had a similar thought as mine, sporting a slightly awkward expression.

She quickly composed herself and resumed looking at me.

“Right, you’re the Pirate King… Ezra Drake, yes? I have heard of your reputation. They say you dominate the Five Seas?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. That is how I’m known in the world.”

I responded as politely as I could to the Empress’s words.

To be honest, since I rose to the position of Pirate King, I had never adopted such a humble stance before any powerful figures.

Be it a great noble, king, or emperor, I, too, was a king ruling the seas of this world.

In terms of standing, I saw myself as equal to none, hence I generally held my head high when facing high nobles.

However…

That was not the case with this Empress before me…

No, it was impossible to treat the mother of Lemain that way.

The reason was simple.

She was Lemain’s mother…

In other words, a friend’s mom.

While I dismissively disregarded worldly power,

when it came to matters like these, it seemed I could not easily defy it, perhaps due to the influences of my previous life.

Just as I was being respectful due to the fact that she was the mother of a friend, the Empress spoke up.

“I heard from Senel. You came here to meet my daughter?”

“Yes. That is correct, Your Majesty. I have come all this way to see Your Highness, Princess Lemain.”

To be honest, it felt rather odd thinking about suddenly calling my friend ‘Princess’ as if I were teasing her…

On the other hand, the grandeur of this vast empire felt imposing.

“Is that so? I see…”

The Empress furrowed her brow upon my answer.

She then subtly diverted her gaze to her side.

Standing there was a striking woman in terms of appearance.

With long silver hair and red eyes.

In stark contrast to Lemain’s short black hair and green eyes,

though she appeared to be of a rather noble status due to her posture and attire, I couldn’t quite recall anyone like her from the original work.

‘It seems she wields dual swords at her waist, so she might be quite skilled…’

Still pondering why this woman was here, I earnestly addressed the ‘Mother’ wielding the sword handle.

“I beg of you, Your Majesty. Please allow her… to reunite with Lemain.”

After all said and done, my primary purpose for coming here was to meet Lemain.

Even if the person before me was a danger akin to a nuclear button, I couldn’t give up on what I needed to do.

At that moment, the Empress replied calmly, assessing my thoughts.

“…If you meet her, what do you plan to do next?”

“I wish to have a conversation. To see whether she will return to us or if she will choose to stay here.”

“If so… how do you suppose I would react to that?”

“…”

“Are you suggesting I would abandon my precious child and allow her to turn back into a dangerously wanted criminal? Do you really think I would accept that?”

Although the Empress didn’t get angry at my words, an uncomfortable expression began to settle on her face.

Her words weren’t untrue.

After all, we were pirates.

However, despite this, I voiced my thoughts without a trace of hesitation.

“I have nothing much to say regarding that. But if I may boldly say one thing; the decision lies not with you, but with her… Lemain. What I wish to do is simply to ensure she is granted that opportunity.”

“…”

The Empress fell silent for a moment upon my words.

It could be a rather rude statement, but I knew.

The Lemain I knew wasn’t the type to be constrained or apprehensive.

She was a woman who chose and acted as she pleased.

Would a mother of such a spirited daughter really stand in her way?

At least, I didn’t think so.

“You’re quite audacious. I’ve heard some of the story… but even in this situation, you remain so unyielding.”

“I may look like this, but I am a king, after all. I’ve long since surpassed the stage where I’d hesitate in my actions.”

“You do realize that I could simply take your heads off right here if I wished, correct?”

“I also know, Your Majesty, that you would not do so. I am standing here as Lemain’s friend. You wouldn’t be harsh to one of her few acquaintances, would you?”

“…Did you know?”

“How could I not? That stubborn girl is unlikely to have many friends. She’s arrogant, willful, and excessively money-driven, which has certainly made my life quite challenging as well.”

“Indeed… You seem to know her well. Though she is my daughter, she can be quite extreme. She treats her subordinates well, but her standards are so high… That’s why her younger sister has already married and been blessed with children, while she has yet to bring home anyone worthwhile.”

“Haha. I figured as much. Truly, handling that personality is no easy feat.”

-Creak…

The Empress began to express a touch of surprise at the smile that had slightly graced her lips.

Turning my expression back to seriousness, I spoke again.

“Even if ten years may seem short to you, Your Majesty, I take pride in saying that I have come to understand the person that is Lemain very well during that time. Though she is not an easy woman, she is also immensely attractive and strong, and what’s more, she is my precious companion whom I wouldn’t trade for anything. Without her, we… no, I cannot continue to live.”

The purpose for my arrival here.

It was to convey these very words.

Right after finishing that statement,

I turned toward the woman standing beneath the Empress, who was looking at me in surprise.

“So… can you come back to us? Lemain.”

“!!”