My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 188

“What are you doing here?”

Urka, landing lightly, approached me. I turned to look at her. Even in the dead of winter, she was dressed in her training attire.

Beastmen are known for having a higher body temperature, but since they don’t have fur like actual beasts covering their skin, they would inevitably feel cold without clothing.

Urka likely wasn’t feeling the chill thanks to the fire spirit, Ignis.

“And what about you? What were you doing?”

“I was just looking at the moon. It’s so beautiful.”

Urka casually walked over to my side and rested her arms on the railing. The wind fiercely tousled her pink hair. Smiling contentedly, she glanced at me.

“Hmm. You keep staring, huh? Why? Is it because it’s pretty?”

“I’ve never thought you weren’t pretty.”

“……Why are you being so straightforward about it… It’s not like you’re willing to initiate any physical contact…”

Urka mumbled and turned her head away. I could see her ears turning red through her messy hair. Is she shy? Dressed like that?

“Can’t sleep well?”

“Yeah. If someone could lend me their warm body, I’d drift off in no time.”

“Why not go to Tori?”

“Tori’s my friend. And I shouldn’t mess with a married man.”

“Did you actually care about that?”

“Of course! I won’t be like some people who juggle multiple relationships and pick and choose.”

“Who are you talking about…?”

Does dressing tackily make one’s mind tacky too?

“Oh my~ Are you feeling a bit pricked?”

Urka’s teasing annoyance made me sigh instead of snapping back. I didn’t want to get angry on a day meant for celebration like today.

I glanced up. A massive full moon hung serenely in the sky, illuminating the dark continent of Phisis in a way that brought an odd sense of elation.

“…Urka.”

“Yeah?”

“I kept my promise.”

The slave system of the Empire hadn’t vanished, but it was indeed possible to liberate the other races from slavery.

A few months ago, I had asked the Emperor if it was possible to abolish the entire system. The Emperor had expressed concern that if the slave system were to disappear, debtors might never repay their debts. Thus, making people sell their lives instead of money was how the debt was settled—he said that once all the debt was paid off, one could be freed from slavery.

Along with that, the Emperor explained that turning the entire other races into slaves had led to many misunderstandings due to the transformation of meaning. Ironically, it was a situation of his own making.

However, after hearing his explanation, I realized it was more reasonable than I had expected.

“Ah, we couldn’t abolish the slave system. No, I thought it was better to not abolish it.”

“Why’s that?”

“Depending on how you use the system, it could have positive effects.”

In this world, where there aren’t records like today, washing away one’s life wasn’t entirely impossible. Given how the system was used, I could understand it to a degree.

Of course, the biggest reason I could accept it was because this era and this Empire were fundamentally based on a class system.

“If Praus thinks that way, then I have no complaints. After all, the fact that the other races are being freed from slavery and gaining independence hasn’t changed. But honestly, I didn’t think we could liberate them without killing the Emperor.”

“Me too. I wondered if I should’ve pointed my sword right at the Emperor from the start.”

Though I said this, it would have been difficult without Seri, who had served as a powerful force and material for persuasion for the heroes.

The Emperor and I had gone through a lot of conflicts. Considering that, he probably thought accommodating me would benefit the Empire. After all, the one who cared the most for the Empire was Emperor Lupin.

“Wasn’t it only possible because of you, Praus?”

“…Maybe.”

I spoke calmly.

“Wow, I see you admit it. How annoying.”

“Hmph. Then why are you sticking with that annoying person?”

“Well… because he’s incredibly strong and knows how to lead those around him in the right direction, plus he’s responsible?”

“……”

That was a distorted assessment. I had never once led anyone in the right direction. Let alone being responsible; I was the most calculative and selfish person in this world.

“Ah, but I think it would be better if you just softened your tone a bit more.”

“…Maybe one day I can.”

I could feel the constraints of my Expression Management Skill gradually loosening. I was very curious about what would happen the moment this skill was fully released. I hope it doesn’t just disappear.

“Anyway… now that independence is possible, are you going to return to your hometown?”

I asked, resting my chin on my hand and glancing sideways. Urka pondered for a moment before chuckling softly.

“…I can’t go back.”

“Why not?”

“You told me to stay in Aus Territory and continue protecting this city. I can’t just ignore what my master says.”

“…Are you serious?”

“Do you think it was a lie when I said I lost in the duel?”

Of course, I thought it was a lie. I believed she was just teasing me.

Someone who longed for slave liberation wouldn’t willingly choose to become a slave; there wasn’t any reason for her to grant me that right.

“And now the place I need to be is here. I have to live my life grateful to Tori for the rest of my days.”

“Won’t you regret it?”

“Nope.”

It was a straightforward answer. She was smiling.

“I learned happiness from Tori here, and I gained hope from you. I’m living the best life I could wish for. There’s no way I could regret it.”

“Is that so?”

If she didn’t regret it, that was good enough for me.

If she had said she wanted to go back to the place where the other races lived, I would have felt a twinge of disappointment. I had spent so long developing her, and I wanted her to fight alongside me even through the Demon War.

“Finally, tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow, my dream will come true. I will really get to see the scene of living equal to humans.”

It took four years to reach this point.

Considering it was initially supposed to take nearly ten years, it was undeniably an achievement. Yet, it also felt incredibly long—for some reason.

That was probably because my goal wasn’t just slave liberation. I had only reached ‘halfway’ there.

“Are you excited?”

“Well… I really didn’t think I would keep that promise. Do you know how ridiculous it felt when I first heard it?”

“Dreams are supposed to be ridiculous.”

“You’re the one saying that? How absurd! You told me to give up!”

Urka poked my cheek repeatedly as she spoke. Each poke stung. Is my cheek bleeding?

“Well, I probably wouldn’t have been able to achieve it all on my own.”

“That’s true.”

I replied nonchalantly. Still, Urka was looking at me with a smile on her face.

“Praus.”

“What is it?”

“Can I hug you just this once?”

“…What’s the reason?”

“Because I’m cold.”

“Isn’t that because you’re dressed like that? Why not at least take off some clothes?”

“No.”

Urka stepped forward and hugged me, shaking her head. Her arms wrapped around my back were filled with strength. At this point, there was no way I could push her away. Ah, I feel like Iris is going to tease me about smelling like her now?

Just as I was about to move my hands to push Urka away, she buried her face in the crook of my neck and murmured,

“Praus, thank you. For really keeping your promise.”

Hearing those words made it impossible for me to let her go. I let out a silent sigh and started to pat her back.

“Yeah.”

“Really… I’m really grateful.”

I could feel her clothing becoming slightly damp.

I shared warmth with her for a while, patting her back, until Urka calmed down.

*

“It’s about time to head back.”

It was getting late.

The heroes would be angry if they found out I had stepped out just to use the restroom and hadn’t returned yet.

They might even mistakenly think I was sucked down the toilet along with my business.

…Even though that wouldn’t really happen.

“Yeah. I guess I did hug you for too long?”

“It’s fine. What burst open was something I had been holding back until now. I understand.”

“Really?”

She continued to turn away from her feelings that had been gnawing at her. Though she made an effort to look fine and cheerful, the truth was that she’s faced countless disappointments due to distrust towards herself throughout the day.

Her feelings, which she couldn’t speak to anyone or rely on anyone, had festered over the years.

I had witnessed that emotion so many times in games. I could take pride in knowing her inner thoughts better than anyone else. Even if all I had were illustrations and text.

“Somehow, talking to Praus really makes me feel understood.”

I gave her back two last pats before withdrawing my hand.

“I’m going in.”

“Okay. Sleep well. See you tomorrow, Praus.”

“Yeah.”

I left the terrace and headed to my room. Using the lamp hanging on the wall as a guide, I walked to my room provided by Tori.

I turned the doorknob, trying to open it as quietly as possible. I only opened it just enough for my body to slip inside.

At that moment…

“Teacher, you don’t need to come in quietly.”

I flinched at Iris’s sharp tone. As I opened the door, the heroes were frowning at me with sleepy faces.

“Why are you just now coming back? Explain yourself immediately.”

“Give us an explanation.”

“Right. You should explain to clear up any misunderstandings… Actually, it might not even be necessary.”

Iris changed her words. Rising from her seat, she slowly walked toward me. I stood still, unable to move an inch.

She grabbed my arm and pulled me into the room, slamming the door shut behind us.

Sniff sniff.

She immediately shoved her nose into my neck, taking a whiff. It was slightly creepy.

“Teacher, you smell like Urka.”

“Uh…?”

“May I ask you to sit down? Since you’re my teacher, I won’t ask you to kneel.”

She led me to the front of the bed.

I didn’t know who eventually gets to marry one of the heroes, but I absolutely wouldn’t cheat on anyone.

With that thought in mind, I settled down under the bed, preparing for about an hour of lecture.

Is it right for a student to lecture their teacher?

*

The day had come.

The square in front of the Imperial Palace of Pretéum was already packed with countless crowds. People of all races, human and otherwise, bustling together made it feel like a festival.

In a way, what we were announcing today was likely a festive occasion for the other races, so perhaps there wasn’t much difference?

“Should we just watch from here?”

Iris said while looking over the crowd. I nodded.

“This seems like the best spot.”

The heroes, along with Urka and me, were sitting on the roof of a nearby house. Tori had gone to the palace to assist the Emperor.

“The palace is probably busy with the slave liberation announcement now.”

After about thirty minutes…

“His Majesty the Emperor is making his appearance!!”

When the knight shouted from the balcony, the murmurs of the crowd ceased, their heads turning upwards.

The Emperor stepped out onto the balcony. He walked slowly, standing in front of the people. He leisurely looked down at the square before placing his mouth on the megaphone.

“Dear citizens of the Empire, I greet you. I am Emperor Lupin Aiter Pretéum.”

With his introduction, the square fell silent.

The breaths heard through the megaphone created tension for us. Watching him, I raised the corners of my mouth.

Now, let’s hear how he makes the announcement.