“Wow, after all that effort to bring you here, you’re just gonna chat about trivial stuff?”
Our oh-so-great Archmage of the Tower decided to pick a fight.
Not once did the thought cross my mind whether this was appropriate to say in front of the Emperor.
Because this was Erias, after all.
The sole member of the Empire’s most asymmetric power, the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Road, and the idol of all mages worldwide. He might even be older than the Emperor, a living witness to history.
Whether by background, skill, or even experience, Erias was an existence superior to the Emperor.
In short, he was basically the ultimate embodiment of a know-it-all.
After all, isn’t it natural for anyone to develop an air of condescension as they gain power and age?
“…You seem to be thinking something disrespectful.”
“Not at all.”
With his incredibly sharp instincts, Erias sent me a suspicious glance but couldn’t pierce through my perfect poker face. Leaving behind his still skeptical gaze, I asked with an innocent expression:
“How could matters related to heresy possibly be trivial? While there’s no guarantee the High Priest’s information is true, even if half of it is real, it would create quite a predicament.”
“They’re insignificant pests. They may scratch the Empire’s dignity, but they can never destroy it. Do you really see me as someone who would fall to such heretics?”
“If you say so… then I have nothing more to add…”
It’s not like we’re in some absurd story where I could answer that way in your presence. Even though I haven’t seen you properly fight yet, judging from your battle with the Sage and the dangerous mana radiating from you, you’re definitely not someone to be easily defeated. You could probably handle three High Priests at once.
“So stop worrying about such trivial matters and share something interesting instead.”
“What interesting stories do you expect me to have…”
Like most working people, I’m someone who only knows work. There was no way any amusing stories could come out from someone like me.
“Why did you go there with the Imperial Princess?”
“There?”
“Don’t play dumb. I mean the place you went to recently. The Garden of Starlight.”
Ah, so it’s the Garden of Starlight.
Speaking of which, the Emperor’s expression changed significantly. Until just now, he had the feel of a friendly neighborhood uncle, but since Erias brought up this topic, his eyes took on a different light.
Could this be… the look of a father concerned about his daughter…!?
“You couldn’t possibly know its location, so it must have been the princess who took you there… Could she have used a wish charm to ask you to accompany her?”
“…How did you know about that?”
I asked with a look of disbelief. Surely the information about the wish charm should only be known to the kids and me, so how does Erias know?
“There are countless ways to obtain such trivial information. What a wonderful teacher you are, going so far as to engage in romance with your student.”
“I absolutely have no such intentions, and it’s not that kind of relationship!”
I quickly denied it. Otherwise, there was no telling how the Emperor would react. Of course, if Erias knows, then the Emperor probably does too, but admitting it myself is a completely different matter, right?
“Hmph, everyone says that at first. Remember Falkan? He said the same thing.”
“…Pardon?”
“Since you’ve met Falkan several times recently, you haven’t heard this story yet, huh? Lea is my disciple.”
So it connects to that too…
Is the world small, or is Erias’ influence just that strong…?
“Anyway, young ones tend to be dishonest about their feelings. What’s wrong with love? It’s no crime.”
“That’s enough. Aren’t you making Allen Colonel uncomfortable?”
Unable to bear it anymore, the Emperor intervened. I blinked in surprise as I looked at her. Though I thought she was remarkable, I never expected she’d receive respect from the Emperor.
“Tch.”
He even clicked his tongue in front of the Emperor. Watching this, the Emperor shook his head and spoke to me:
“The Infantry Palace among the Twelve Palaces is special. Not even I, as Emperor, can meddle freely. It’s a fact everyone knows, but it’s better to keep it secret.”
“Understood.”
“Have another cup of tea then. At least until the end of the year…”
“I’ll remember. Don’t worry.”
While muttering, Erias used telekinesis to pour tea into the Emperor’s and my cups. Though I didn’t know the situation, it was clear he had some sort of leverage.
Taking a leisurely sip of tea, the Emperor met my eyes. A different kind of strength was felt compared to Masters or Archmages. It was an unmistakable gaze that clearly showed why the Emperor ruled the Empire.
“So, how much did you hear? If you brought her to the Garden of Starlight, you should understand how significant that place is to my daughter.”
“…Yes.”
I nodded heavily. Even though Lux casually told me, this story is practically a family shame of the royal household. It’s uncertain how the Emperor will react. Sensing my thoughts, the Emperor smiled and said:
“Heh heh. Don’t worry. How can I punish Lux for telling you? I’m just curious, that’s all. I wonder how much exactly she told you.”
“Hmm…”
After a brief moment of consideration, I nodded. Thus, I recounted the story Lux told me to the Emperor, with a slight unease that something major might happen.
***
When Allen’s story ended, the Emperor, who had been lost in thought for a while, opened his mouth.
“Then I’ll summon you again next time.”
“Yes, I’ll take my leave.”
Even after Allen and Erias left, the Emperor remained seated for a while.
This place is called the Star Constellation Pond. It’s the only spot in this vast Imperial Palace that could be called the Emperor’s personal sanctuary.
“Is someone there?”
The Emperor spoke looking at the empty air.
“Did you call for me?”
A shadow wavered behind the pavilion. From it emerged a boy clad in golden armor – the Captain of the Royal Knights.
Despite wearing such flashy armor, his ability to completely hide his presence earned a sigh of admiration from the Emperor.
“Your stealth skills improve every day. Perhaps you’re better suited to be an assassin than a knight?”
At this, the boy replied expressionlessly:
“That doesn’t sound like something you should say, considering you’re the one who ordered me to stay hidden.”
“That’s because having you around would make Knight Allen tense up.”
“Hmm, doesn’t seem like his type to me.”
With a shrug, the boy quietly sat down and poured himself a cup of tea. Though technically impolite, the Emperor didn’t reprimand him.
“What do you think?”
“I’m not sure what you’re asking, but I understand that Her Imperial Princess is infatuated with that young man.”
“Indeed.”
The Emperor sighed wistfully. The boy sipped his tea and spoke.
“Does it displease Your Majesty? I think he’s a decent candidate for a son-in-law.”
“It’s not about arranging her marriage to a good house because she’s a princess.”
Shaking his head, the Emperor tapped the table with his fingers.
“Do you think Knight Allen also has feelings for Lux? Or is this unrequited affection on her part? That’s what concerns me.”
“Hmm, indeed…”
Realizing the nature of the concern, the boy pondered silently. Even to him, Allen seemed strange. It was hard to put into words, but it was as if his emotions were dulled somehow…
“No, it’s not that he can’t feel emotions, but rather that a certain aspect of him seems numbed.”
“In other words, it’s as if the feeling of love has worn out.”
One of the Emperor’s special abilities was his insight into people. Regardless of what someone was thinking or what kind of person they were, the Emperor could perceive their essence – almost like seeing into their soul.
“Poor Lux, choosing such a difficult love.”
The Emperor let out a deep sigh. If only he were dealing with greedy people obsessed with power and wealth, it would have been much easier to handle. He could have quietly ended Lux’s life or granted her wishes and sent her away.
However, Allen was the epitome of an ideal servant in the Emperor’s eyes. Selfless, devoted to his duties, highly capable, and even perceptive – almost perfectly human.
“Isn’t there anything we can do?”
“Asking me this… but I’m not a magician.”
“You seem like the type who might have a solution.”
The Emperor gazed intently at the boy. Under the burdensome stare, the boy sighed and responded:
“That’s mental damage. Having fought in wars since childhood, it’s not surprising he’s not normal. It’s probably some kind of trauma. In my opinion, it’s likely a self-defense mechanism where, after losing comrades, he decided not to create any more precious connections…”
“For someone who claims ignorance, you’ve analyzed quite thoroughly in such a short time.”
“Is there a way to fix it?”
“Only he can resolve it himself. Mental issues can’t be cured by any medicine. Counseling might help. From what I’ve heard, he hasn’t received any treatment in that regard even after the war ended.”
“Hmm… we should pay attention to this from now on. One can’t predict a person’s future, after all. Do you have any recommended doctors?”
“…Am I supposed to know everything like an encyclopedia?”
“Since you’ve understood, tell me.”
Muttering under his breath, the boy finally gave in to the Emperor’s persistence.
“With Master involved, a royal physician won’t suffice. In my opinion… perhaps someone at the level of ‘the Pope’ would be necessary.”
“The Pope, huh…”
“Yes. Since they failed to notice despite being so close, the Holy Maiden seems inexperienced… leaving only the Pope.”
“Troublesome. The Pope isn’t someone easily accessible, even for an Emperor.”
Ironically, the Pope of the Holy Country was harder to meet than the Emperor himself. The Pope rarely left the Papal States unless for very special occasions.
Tap-tap
As the Emperor tapped his fingers on the table, a piece of information came to mind.
“Now that I think about it… isn’t the Holy Country participating in the Eastern Union Conference?”
Unlike Sirius Empire with its Crown Prince, the Holy Country hadn’t designated a clear successor yet. This meant the Pope would likely attend such a major event. The opportunity was closer than expected.
“You’ll need to come along too. Establish a connection with the Pope.”
“Haa… as you command.”
The boy, who had already anticipated the order, could only bow his head silently.
