My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 186

“Father, I told you that you don’t have to send money!”

…Is he threatening me?

Even I found that tone uncomfortable. Tears nearly brimmed from my eyes at this unexpected filial impiety. I begged that I would remain a respectful person to my father, if not to the Emperor.

“I have a lot of money too.”

I pointed to the pouch of coins on the table. It was the money Paroco had earned while working as a butler. I would be using it for myself.

“I know. His Majesty the Emperor has graciously bestowed upon you 10,000 gold.”

Paroco, perhaps accustomed to my tone, calmly sipped tea as he replied. But it wasn’t a bestowal; it was money I was supposed to receive, right?

“So what’s the reason for your visit today?”

“Isn’t it enough to say I came simply because I wanted to see my son?”

“…That’s not a bad reason.”

“I’ve been hearing about you from Marquis Medis all this time. You’ve gotten into quite a bit of trouble.”

I flinched and looked away.

I couldn’t deny Paroco’s words. As I tallied all that I had done to come this far, I realized how many times I had brushed against death. Entering the tiger’s den to survive—what a contradiction.

“Hey, Teacher looked away. I guess Teacher’s scared of the Father!”

“Tina, the Teacher wouldn’t look away even if he were scolded by his father. He’s not the type to get scared.”

“That’s right. He talked back and cursed even in front of the Emperor.”

“Still, for Praus to look away first… That’s rare. Should I mark it with Surveillance Magic?”

How is it possible for you all to contribute absolutely nothing helpful? Can’t you just shut up…?

“…I had no choice.”

That was the only excuse I had.

“I will respect whatever my son chooses to do, and I will stand by your side. But I cannot allow you to die before me.”

Aren’t I doing all this to not die?

“…Who said anything about dying? Don’t worry.”

I thought I had softened my words, but why does it still sound so rude to my ears?

“Teacher seems to grumble only when talking to Father. Is this a rebellious phase?”

“…Shut up, Maria.”

“Yes, sir.”

It seems she’s becoming more and more like Tina.

Iris covered Maria’s mouth, placing a finger to her lips. It’s definitely Iris who can save the day.

“Well then, I’m truly glad to hear that.”

Paroco, who had chuckled at our banter, sipped his tea as if to create some breathing room in the conversation.

Maybe it’s because he’s been a butler, but his every action seemed to exude a sense of maturity that could easily captivate one’s attention.

“Praus, I want to hear what you’ve been through lately. Will you tell me?”

“It’s nothing much…”

“Then just say what you want to say. If you think my questions are too impertinent, you can firmly refuse to answer.”

He smiled kindly, patiently waiting for my response.

The relaxed atmosphere felt almost like family, tickling my mouth with a sense of ease. It felt like he was subtly encouraging me to speak.

*

I summarized my recent journey, making sure not to drag it out too long. Paroco maintained a smile throughout my story, nodding at appropriate moments.

At last, I concluded by stating that the Other Races would be liberated next week.

“I see. From next week on, they will truly be liberated from slavery. I heard from Marquis Medis, but did you persuade His Majesty the Emperor?”

“…By the way, what does Father think about the liberation of the Other Races?”

“Isn’t it obviously a good thing?”

His response came reflexively, with a smile on his face.

“You’ve really had a tough time coming all this way.”

“…!”

Was it because his words were sincere? Or maybe because it was Paroco saying it? I couldn’t help but feel a bit choked up.

[The Expression Management Skill has been temporarily deactivated.]

Ah… not again…

This was already the fifth time. What on earth could be causing my Expression Management Skill to deactivate?

Thinking back, it seemed that every time the skill deactivated, it was because I was feeling ‘emotions’ towards the people of this world.

Was it that when I empathize with the people of this world, the skill deactivates?

While I can’t be certain, it seems highly likely. But for now, my intention was to focus on Paroco.

Seizing this opportunity that the Expression Management had been deactivated, I decided to respond to Paroco’s words with a smile.

If he hadn’t continuously sent me money, I never would have been able to realize my plan of gathering Heroes from the very start.

In a way, the person who had helped me the most to come this far was Paroco… no, my father.

“Thank you, Father.”

“!”

I sincerely conveyed my gratitude, and I noticed tears welling in Paroco’s eyes.

Does he think he has been forgiven by his son?

Personally, I hope he thinks that way. If I were truly Praus, I would have already forgiven him, even if his wrong choices led to my mother’s death.

“I’m grateful.”

In this warm atmosphere, the Heroes watched us with satisfaction.

“A sincere teacher… How rare.”

“Be quiet.”

The moment Tina spoke up, the Expression Management hologram disappeared. I awkwardly cleared my throat out of embarrassment.

“That said… when the slaves are liberated, these kids will probably go to the Beastman villages or the Elf Forest.”

Paroco spoke to Iris and Maria, who were just finishing off some corn. The two froze, still with corn stuck to their mouths. Iris’s tail, which had been swaying back and forth, also came to a standstill.

“Ah…”

The two of them looked at me with alarming expressions.

“We… we will stay by Teacher’s side.”

Iris finally replied as if she had belatedly thought of a counterargument.

“Why wouldn’t you? Haven’t you been yearning for liberation from the Empire all this time?”

“Maybe I would’ve thought so before I knew about Teacher. But that’s not the case anymore.”

She set down her corn, grabbed my arm, and leaned in closer.

“My place is by Teacher’s side. My happiness is completed when I’m with him. And above all, Teacher promised he wouldn’t abandon me. I will definitely be with you for the rest of your life until the day I die.”

Until the day I die? Isn’t that a bit overboard?

It’s not like we’re getting married or anything…

“That means… you’re saying you want to marry Praus?”

“Ah!”

Paroco’s remark changed the atmosphere in an instant. Tina and Maria jumped up in shock.

Iris looked startled as well; her ears perked up. But she didn’t seem to know what to say immediately. She glanced at me, as if contemplating her words.

“…I think saying that right now would make Teacher feel burdened.”

She awkwardly laughed, trying to steer the situation away. Wow, such consideration?

“Indeed. You’re wise.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Upon hearing Iris’s response, Paroco looked at Maria. The moment their eyes met, Maria flinched.

“Um, I….”

She clenched her fists, her lips brimming with frustration.

“To be honest, I’m… resentful towards humans. I can never forgive those who killed my family, friends, and kindred.”

Her anger was completely understandable.

I should be grateful that she has endured up until now in accordance with my will. Maria has grown strong enough now that she could potentially bring down the Empire.

“But that doesn’t mean I resent all humans. I’ve realized that there are a lot of good people among them. I’m sure if I stay by Teacher’s side, I will meet more good humans in the future. Meeting humans like that might lead me to a day when I can forgive them.”

Maria said this while looking at me. A day when I forgive humans, huh?

“I want to witness that day with Teacher. So I won’t go back to the Elf Forest.”

“I see. Hearing you two say this makes me feel that my son has been treating you really well.”

“There are times when I get quite angry when he glances at other women.”

“Oh, I think so too.”

I thought the warm conversation would end there, but Maria abruptly disrupted the mood. Honestly, it would make anyone think we were dating.

“If you don’t like it, then you all better hurry up and become adults.”

“Eh, did you just say that?”

“Did you just say that?”

Huh?

Maria and Iris looked at me with gleaming eyes, leaning in like predatory beasts who just spotted their prey.

“No, that’s not what I meant—”

“In a few weeks, I’ll be one year older… So five more years? I guess it doesn’t matter since I’ll always be by Teacher’s side anyway.”

“Yeah, it’s all good. If you come close to Teacher without knowing better, I’ll just tell you what’s what.”

While the two of them teamed up, Tina, who had been quiet all this time, suddenly raised her hand.

“Teacher Father, why don’t you ask me?”

“…Huh? Tina, you’re human, right?”

“Still, I’m going to marry Teacher!”

Tina said nonchalantly. At that moment, Iris and Maria simultaneously yelled at her.

“Tina~! I deliberately kept quiet to consider Teacher’s feelings! Are you going to keep being cowardly and say things like that?!”

“Tina, you really have no sense! You might get hated by Teacher someday!”

“Ehh….”

Under the barrage from Iris and Maria, Tina looked like she was about to cry.

*

“Slave… liberation, is it…?”

I nodded at Leoness, whose yellow eyes had broadened more than ever.

“Yeah.”

“Um, when will it start?”

“There are five days left until the official announcement. Territories will be returned, so it’s quite possible for you to be independent again. Soon, you might even be able to return to your hometown.”

“So it wasn’t just a rumor?”

She asked, seemingly in disbelief, repeating the question several times. I nodded in affirmation.

“The nobility already knew months ago. Naturally, so did I.”

“What? Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I needed to nurture the Resistance.”

The real reason was I planned to exploit the Resistance, but the essence of the truth always needs to be hidden.

“Why nurture the Resistance? Once the slaves are liberated, they’ll have no reason to rebel.”

“There may be no reason, but there are reasons that need to be maintained.”

“What do you mean?”

“Right now, the Other Races are completely mixed into the Empire after being annexed. If all the Other Races were to return home now, there would be no one to lead them.”

“That may lead to temporary confusion, but they would gradually return to their kin…”

That’s a naive thought.

Beastmen and Elves possess intelligence that rivals humans. This means they can learn and adapt.

And those with intelligence inevitably engage in ‘learning.’

“Sorry, but the kin you once knew are not the same as the kin you have now. In the past, they may have followed the law of the jungle per the nature’s order, but now they have learned human culture. They will clearly form factions to assert their rights and oppress others.”

“What?”

“And that will ultimately lead to civil war.”

“!”

“In order to prevent that from happening, we have no choice but to utilize the Resistance. The Empire will end its responsibility by simply freeing you.”

“That… there’s no guarantee that will happen.”

“There are no guarantees. But as you said, it would take a considerable amount of time for your kin to live peacefully together. Thus, we need a group to control and guide the lost Other Races.”

“And that group is the Resistance?”

I nodded my head.

It’s a ridiculous notion, and there’s no certainty that it will happen, but waiting until after the event occurs to prepare is too late.

I needed the strength of the Other Races.

The Other Races would grow stronger in the future. They would strive to reinforce their strength to never lose their dignity to humans again.

“…Praus.”

“What is it?”

“So, did you mean to tell me to stay put until this all unfolded?”

“Not sure. I just told you to control it through the Resistance, but there are too many variables. From there, it’ll have to be left up to your discretion.”

In truth, the Other Races would survive somehow without the Resistance. It’s just a matter of whether they will stain their hands with a lot of blood or little.

“I see…”

“And one last thing.”

I raised a finger.

“In the coming years, the Demon Tribe will invade.”

“What? The Demon Tribe?!”

She unknowingly raised her voice and quickly covered her mouth. The Beastmen around us focused their gaze on Leoness.

“Ah, it’s nothing! Just do what you need to do.”

“Yes.”

Only after Leoness gestured did they go back to focusing on their tasks.

“Suddenly the Demon Tribe… what do you mean by that?”

“Whether it’s early or late, the Demon Tribe will invade. And they will sweep through everything in this world, be it humans, Elves, or Beastmen.”

“That’s impossible…”

“So prepare for the impending Demon War once you have achieved independence and found stability. Do you understand?”

“…”

Leoness remained silent. When I glanced sideways, she was looking at me with an odd expression.

“Hey, Praus.”

She put her hand on my shoulder and stared directly into my eyes.

“Can you… see the future?”