My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 190

The impact of the announcement regarding the liberation and independence of other races quickly spread across the nation. Many were shocked by the Emperor’s declaration, and those of other races who had faced unreasonable treatment throughout the country embraced each other and wept, celebrating that their day had finally come.

The day after the proclamation, each territory conducted a survey to check the status of other races, including their debts and health conditions.

They also asked whether they wished to remain in the Empire or return to their homeland, promising to provide jobs and support for those choosing to stay, ensuring they could adapt safely.

This part was led by Rexton, who took charge of the support efforts.

Additionally, special privileges were granted to those who remained, one of which was officially recognizing them as citizens of the Empire.

Though their races were different, they were acknowledged as true citizens of the Empire, placing them on equal footing with humans and truly pursuing equality.

For reference, this was a benefit I obtained through persuasion. I directly convinced the Emperor that without recognizing them as citizens, it would be difficult to foster interaction.

Of course, this series of events wasn’t without issues.

There were numerous incidents where humans who had enslaved other races were caught and punished for trying to hide them.

They claimed they couldn’t let go of the slaves they had purchased. However, the nobility was resolute. They had no intention of sympathizing with the grievances of mere commoners.

Thus, the plans that the nobility had been preparing for months were progressing smoothly.

“…Are you satisfied?”

Since the proclamation, the Emperor looked down at the bustling square that was filled both day and night. A massive tent had been erected there, and countless people were gathered inside.

Because of this, not just the palace staff but the Royal Knight Order was also deployed to handle the operations of the slave liberation.

“I am satisfied.”

“I have kept my promise. Therefore, the safety of the Empire will now rest upon your shoulders.”

“Don’t worry. I have no desire to see the Empire fall.”

“Is that so? I do hope you will do your best for the Royal Family… no, for the citizens of the Empire.”

For the citizens of the Empire…

Up until now, I had acted solely for my own sake. I would continue to do so. I had no intention of looking after them now.

Yet, I nodded. A promise is a promise.

As I went through the process of the Demon War, if there were lives I could save, I should do so.

“By the way, Praus, how many do you think will leave the Empire because of this proclamation for the liberation of other races?”

“Well, I’m not sure how many will leave. However, those of other races who have adapted to human culture will likely choose to stay.”

“Even after living as slaves?”

“Exactly. They’ve come to realize how comfortable human culture can be. They probably wouldn’t want to pursue the way they lived in their homeland.”

Even if beastmen and elves have fundamentally different ways of thinking than humans, they understood what was comfortable and uncomfortable.

Those who had experienced comfort most likely wouldn’t want to return to nature, unless they had a purpose.

“I’ll take my leave now. I will entrust everything to you.”

Just as I was about to turn and leave, I noticed the heroes staring at me with intense eyes from behind.

Even though I had said I would go to see the Emperor, the heroes who didn’t trust me followed me to the end.

You guys aren’t suddenly going to turn yandere on me, are you? If you lock me up, I’ll cry!

“It’s you, isn’t it? You called me ‘you’ when we first met. No one has ever addressed me, the Emperor of this Empire, in such a way.”

Though it wasn’t intentional, saying I’m sorry for being disrespectful now would hold no meaning. I had already been recognized as that kind of person by the Royal Family and the nobility.

“It must have been refreshing.”

“I almost cut off your head. It was just too refreshing.”

That sounds a bit severe, doesn’t it?

“There’s no one in this world who can take my teacher’s head. Even if it means turning the world against me, I will not sit still.”

“Enough.”

I said to Iris, who had her fists clenched. If you swing that fist, the Imperial Palace is going to crumble, you know? Let’s keep it together, okay?

“…Yes.”

Currently, the heroes were training to improve their skill proficiency and the quality and quantity of their mana.

With the aura they could currently summon, Tina and Iris could certainly hold their own against Peremus. They might not be able to withstand skills head-on yet, but they wouldn’t get injured like last time.

Moreover, I was sending them to Demon World as much as possible to take down monsters and lesser demons, allowing them to continue their growth gradually.

“Your students aren’t returning home, huh?”

“Right. It seems they still have things they want to learn from me.”

After giving equal pats on the heads of the heroes, I grabbed the doorknob.

“I’ll be off.”

“Praus, I only ask one thing.”

“…?”

Just before I turned the knob, the Emperor spoke. When I looked back, he wore a bittersweet smile.

“When we first met, you diagnosed my body in an instant.”

“Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?”

“…How many years do I have left to live?”

I was momentarily stunned by the unexpected question. Not understanding his intent, I simply stared at him.

It seemed that Rupin realized I was trying to grasp his intentions as he smirked slightly.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be stepping down from being Emperor soon. What can I do? I just want to know how much time I have left.”

“I thought I told you I’m not a doctor?”

“You clearly told me I would grow old. In fact, didn’t you know exactly how much time I have left?”

Even if I did, was I obligated to tell him?

“Well, the best guess would be about ten years, give or take. Considering the age at which your ancestors died.”

“…Is that so? Even after everything I’ve done, I still haven’t gained your trust?”

He said with self-deprecation.

It annoyed me that he seemed to think he was a tragic protagonist.

So many countless lives suffered because of the massacre he caused. Did he truly think I would trust him?

It was indeed an ironic line of thought.

“Trust, huh? Trust is undoubtedly important in the process of transactions. But wasn’t there a condition in the deal asking for my trust regarding your lifespan? No, I don’t recall that being in there?”

His surprised expression lasted only a moment before he burst into laughter.

“Ha! Yes, you’re right. Your cleverness truly takes my breath away.”

“I hear that often.”

This world isn’t kind to good people.

It doesn’t have strict laws like modern society nor does it have high-quality education. Furthermore, it is severely lacking in morality.

Considering that murders happen frequently, and they are often settled with a few coins, what can one expect?

“If you’ve said everything you wanted to say, I’ll be leaving.”

“Praus.”

“What now?”

“I hope you won’t hate our son, who will become Emperor within this year.”

“That depends on him.”

As soon as I finished my response, I exited his office. As I strode down the corridor, thoughts began to swirl in my mind.

The Emperor’s death will happen three years from now.

On April 12, 997 of the Empire.

If the Emperor dies on a day other than April 12, 997, then that would be a variable and should be viewed as someone’s ‘assassination’.

If an assassination were to occur, it would differ from the story I knew, so I needed to prepare for it.

“Maria.”

“Yes?”

I called out to Maria, who was walking alongside me.

“Is it possible to separate off enough mana so that others can’t detect it, in order to cast surveillance magic near the Emperor for three years?”

“How much?”

“For three years.”

“Three years? That’s a bit long, don’t you think?”

Maria responded mischievously.

“Can you not do it?”

“No. Of course, it’s possible.”

“Good. Since you said he’ll become Emperor this year, the coronation ceremony will take place within the next few weeks. Make sure to cast the surveillance magic near the Emperor then.”

“Understood!”

*

“They declared the liberation of other races in the Empire.”

At Habito’s report, Blas’s eyebrows twitched.

“Is it that fellow’s doing again?”

“Indeed. It seems Praus has threatened the Emperor by dropping a meteor into the capital, Pretéum.”

Now, every time Praus’s name was mentioned, Blas felt an unpleasant sensation.

“A meteor, huh…”

This news was anything but welcome for him.

If there were conflicts between humans and other races, it would be much easier to dominate the human world.

If all races in the human world began to cooperate, the demon tribe would have no choice but to go all out.

“Yes. The power of that meteor is similar to rank 9 magic, akin to the Demon King…”

“The heroes are advancing in their growth much quicker than I anticipated. What on earth is happening? Does that fellow know something I don’t? Or does he have the power to defy causality?”

Blas fell deeply into his thoughts, so much so that he could barely hear Habito’s ongoing report.

“Praus has the same amount of mana as I do. How is that even possible? To make that happen, he would need to be a hero born from the World Tree’s causality, or a ‘contractor’ to the World Tree. But he isn’t a hero. So, could he be the World Tree’s contractor? No, that makes even less sense. The World Tree cannot intervene in this world. That’s why it uses spirit kings like Orient.”

As he continued his contemplation while sitting on the throne, the creases on Blas’s forehead deepened.

“What does it mean to be Praus? What is this unsettling feeling…”

Desperately searching for a possibility to define his existence, Blas’s thoughts became incomprehensible without a crucial element.

“…He really knows how to annoy me.”

Upon Blas’s muttering, Habito’s report came to a halt.

“Demon King?”

“Enough of the report, Habito.”

“Yes!”

At the Demon King’s words, Habito bowed his head. His gaze rolled sideways. He noticed a young girl with an innocent appearance kneeling beside him.

“Ecabel.”

“Yes!”

Ecabel, who had been eagerly waiting for someone to speak to her, replied energetically.

“Once the other races turn their backs on the Empire, plant the ‘seeds’ in their bodies.”

“The other races have been oppressed by humans until now. They won’t continue to rely on their hands. Naturally, the Empire wouldn’t go so far as to help them at a loss either.”

“Understood, Demon King.”

Ecabel quickly picked up on Blas’s intent.

“Using seeds means intending to kill the other races without harming the demon tribe! Truly, the Demon King! A genius!”

“And one more thing. I have an order to give to the Deputy Commander of the Third Legion.”

“Sure! Anything you say, Demon King.”

As Ecabel listened attentively to Blas’s words, she couldn’t help but admire his wisdom. Her eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands together.

“If we utilize this method, we should be able to stall the Empire’s movements for a while. During that time, wipe out the other races.”

“Understood. I will carry out your orders.”

“How will you respond this time, Praus?”