My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 135

Imperial Palace.

It’s truly a place I’d rather not revisit, yet I have no choice but to be here.

The noble assembly allows me to hear various nobles’ concerns while providing a quick insight into how the Empire operates.

In other words, this means that based on the information I have, there’s a means for me to exploit the nobles. How could I possibly give that up?

As someone aiming for Princess Seri to ascend the throne, participating in such gatherings was, in many ways, essential.

However, I do hope that Seri overcomes all her traumas as soon as possible so that we won’t have to endure this every year.

“Today, even if you’re ignored like before, speak your mind freely. If they try to dismiss you, raise your voice. As the saying goes, the loudest wins, so create a situation where they can’t ignore you.”

For Seri, everyone who wasn’t part of her faction was already considered an enemy. Regardless of what she said or did, no one in the noble assembly would welcome her.

But if she could control the situation itself, then the attendees would have no choice but to follow her lead, even if they disliked it.

“Yes, I understand.”

“Let’s go in.”

As I opened the door to the meeting room, Tori, Seri, and Urka followed behind. Inside, those of lower rank than counts were gathered, engaged in conversation.

“Praus…!”

Those seeing me began to panic.

There were two reasons for the nobles’ sudden fright.

The first was the sparring match from last year where Urka had defeated Soro, which resulted in a great deal of speculation among the nobles.

Most of them were aware that the commander of the White Light Corps was Soro, causing feelings of unease as they realized that the Emperor’s power couldn’t easily manage Seri’s faction.

The second reason was that word spread among the nobility about me taking care of a demon deputy commander and my disciples holding their own against Peremus, solidifying my image as a hero.

Given my actions, I expected to be under surveillance, but I realized that they were watching me even more closely than I thought.

“Even Princess Seri…”

“After being broken like that last time, you still have the courage to show your face.”

I approached the nobles who were whispering among themselves. Noticing me approach, they stepped back in shock.

“Last time, it seemed like you were fond of our Seri. I wonder if you’ll still be so chatty today. I’m curious if you can still talk big in front of me.”

I lightly tapped the shoulder of the closest noble twice before checking the seating arrangement. Naturally, there was no sign of Seri’s name on the table.

I could have asked Tori to lend me a seat among his lower nobles, but that would only degrade her status further.

After scanning all the nameplates, I picked one that belonged to another noble. I began tapping it against my palm when one noble pointed an accusing finger at me.

“Hey! That’s my nameplate—”

“Your name isn’t on the list for today’s noble assembly.”

“What?!”

He was incensed. I could clearly see his grim expression as I spoke.

“Are you going to pay a fine for your unauthorized absence? Or are you going to relinquish your noble title?”

“What are you talking about?! Hey! Why hasn’t that guy been thrown out yet?!”

Since the meeting hadn’t started yet, the Royal Knight Order was guarding the entrance, while guard knights waited behind the nobles.

However, despite the urgent request from this noble, they stayed motionless, instead watching me closely. I laughed softly and took a slow step toward him.

“You know exactly what this means, don’t you?”

I leaned closer and whispered in his ear.

“If it comes out that the funds received for formal business expansion were used to pay off debts, it won’t end well for you. Even if it’s a trivial amount.”

“Yes, you, how do you know that…!”

“What matters now isn’t how I found out, but the fact that I could share this information with someone else, don’t you think?”

In a society accustomed to hierarchy, those who have been around long enough understand that their direct superiors are far more intimidating than someone with unfathomable power.

I casually glanced around and gave his shoulder another tap. Other nobles looked visibly flustered at his changing expression.

I handed him his nameplate and placed the one I had for Seri on the table.

“Sit down, Seri.”

“Yes, Praus.”

She confidently took the reclaimed noble seat, and during the process, not a single person dared to open their mouth.

I felt that this was enough to establish dominance.

“Praus, take it easy. The noble lords look utterly terrified.”

Urka, laughing like it was the best joke ever, further twisted the faces of the nobles. Yet no one dared to speak up.

“By the way, Praus.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you call her ‘our’ Seri?”

“It’s nothing significant.”

“Is that really true?”

The meaningful smile on her face suggested she was attributing unnecessary significance to it.

I really hope she doesn’t read too much into my words; delusions about people can lead to misunderstandings.

As this little incident unfolded, the door to the meeting room swung open, revealing the dukes.

Todiah from the north, Rexton from the west, and Kalus from the east.

While minor nobles may slip under the radar, there’s no one within the Empire who wouldn’t recognize their names.

“—I think the proposal is aimed at reinforcing the power of Princess Seri’s faction, don’t you agree?”

“Not at all. I simply believed that taking such an approach would make the Empire’s economy healthier.”

“Praus…”

As the dukes entered and spotted me, they halted in their tracks.

“It’s been a while, Praus.”

The first to speak was Rexton.

“Has it?”

“It’s the first time since your visit to the Aus Territory last year, isn’t it?”

Last year, when he visited the Aus Territory, it was under the Emperor’s orders to deliver a warning to Tori. Be wary of interfering further in the succession struggle—the Emperor’s warning sounded clear.

This was tantamount to crippling Seri’s faction.

No matter how capable Seri became or how much her image transformed, the support of Tori Aus was indispensable to garnering absolute support from the Empire.

The moment Tori Aus aligns with Seri’s faction, the Crown Prince’s power will become unmanageable.

Even if all coincidences led to him becoming Emperor, no one would support Seri.

That’s how critical one’s standing is.

Naturally, it’s easier to trust someone you’ve observed for decades over a stranger with an unclear background.

Out of respect for being warned, Tori Aus supposedly replied with the following:

“I’m sorry, but I won’t be following that warning.”

When I heard that, I was taken aback. Thus, Tori Aus articulated his thoughts to me.

“The fact that His Majesty doesn’t summon Princess Seri to the Imperial family means he’s making a reason for you to fight the demon tribe, right? This means that as long as your value remains intact, His Majesty cannot take any action against us.”

His logic gained credibility when I managed to slay a demon deputy commander, and indeed the Emperor’s warning faded into obscurity.

“It’s astonishing how reckless thoughts become influential in capable hands. I hope you continue to demonstrate such prowess to maintain my trust.”

As Rexton approached me and spoke quietly, I simply replied, “…Yeah.”

“Oh, and let’s drop the informal speech.”

“Sure.”

My consistent response caused Rexton to smile wryly as he found his seat.

Kalus merely shot me a glance while Todiah walked over. He tossed a neatly folded note my way and returned to his seat.

Feeling perplexed, I looked at the note.

[Let’s talk after the noble assembly.]

A conversation, huh.

I hadn’t talked to Todiah for a long while. I occasionally chatted with Ella when she returned from the border, but those exchanges mostly revolved around trivial matters or how to become stronger through training.

It would be good to have a solid conversation and pull him onto our side.

As I entertained that thought, the assembly room suddenly became noisy.

It was due to the appearance of the Crown Prince, Chris.

As Chris entered and met my gaze, his brows furrowed immediately. The tension in the room silenced the nobles.

“Praus… Are you here again to support Seri?”

“There’s no need for that. Seri is much stronger than you think.”

Having observed how much Seri’s self-esteem grew in just a year, it was better to make room for her to thrive rather than hide her.

Besides, this time, she was determined to not back down. I was sure I wouldn’t need to intervene.

“What good is strength if no one is willing to follow her?”

“…”

“Praus, do you know why the nobles refuse to follow Seri?”

That caught me off guard.

I crossed my arms and silently listened, inviting him to continue.

“Seri has no value beyond you. Praus, I acknowledge your strength. It’s certainly a considerable asset in vanquishing the demon tribe. But what about Seri? Do you really think that the member of the Imperial family you’re backing is capable of being a competent ruler?”

He asked me that, but before I could respond, he shook his head.

“Absolutely not.”

Look at him boldly speaking. He has no concept of valuing other races.

Chris could build a competent image only because the Emperor supported him. I cannot deny that he worked hard since childhood; however, if Seri had received the same teachings and upbringing, would the narrative be different?

“So?”

“Why not stop clinging to me? All of your past rudeness I’ll overlook. You could even be flexible with the issues regarding other races that you’ve often brought up.”

His tone had certainly changed.

The animosity he once held was gone, replaced by a willingness to accept. It was evident that Rulfen had advised him. Surely, killing a demon deputy commander must have had its impact.

If I were to ally with Chris, Tori Aus would immediately discard Seri.

Of course, considering my position, keeping Seri alive shouldn’t present a problem. It should facilitate a smooth progression of events.

At least until the Demon War arrives.

Unfortunately, this game is not structured to allow for a smooth conclusion.

If Chris remains in the Emperor’s throne until the end, this world will fall into ruin.

In other words, I’ve never had a genuine ‘option’ to consider from the start.

However, now that I’m aware there are ‘variables’ in this world, it wouldn’t be strange to contemplate new possibilities.

What if Chris did become Emperor, and the slavery system of other races was abolished, preventing the Resistance from arising?

Then aligning with Chris might not be such a bad choice after all.

Bolstered by that potential, I asked him,

“I do not seek flexibility; I want a complete abolition of the slave system.”

“That’s impossible. Other races are a subject we must dominate. Complete emancipation will never be accepted.”

Yes, I suppose so.

I fully accepted his resolute response.

Indeed, Chris Aiter Pretéum must die.

“In that case, there’s no chance I’ll ever align with you.”