My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 194

“I need to meet Emperor Chris.”

“His Majesty the Emperor has decreed that for a week, no one is to enter his residence. Please come back later.”

Two knights guarding the entrance of the Imperial Palace firmly block our way.

“Step aside.”

“It seems you mistook us for automatic doors since we’ve moved aside for you every time. We are the gatekeepers. It’s our duty to exclude unruly elements and protect the Royal Family.”

“…I told you to move.”

[Activating Skill: “Killing Intent.”]

The two knights falter, unable to withstand my pressure and taking a step back. But that was all. Though trembling, they refuse to yield.

“N-No way! Even if it means dying for Lord Praus here, I will hold my ground!”

“If you’re considering using Teleport to get in, I advise you to stop! His Majesty has forbidden even that. If you force your way in, you will face the consequences!”

In short, they intend to barricade me so I can’t interrogate him. Damn that Emperor.

“Am I mistaken? I have never once moved while considering Emperor Chris’s opinions. And now, I’ve clearly stated I need to know something. If you still block my way…”

I brandished my Revenge Sword.

“I will exclude you.”

Honestly, I didn’t want to clash with the Royal Knight Order. They had to handle most of the lower demons when the Demon War broke out. It was beneficial to keep relations amicable, even if we weren’t close.

After all, we were destined to fight together.

“Do you really not regret this?”

If I had been able to pinpoint the reason behind Chris’s newfound strength, I wouldn’t have resorted to violence like this. But I lacked any certainty.

However, this was a variable. A variable could trigger unforeseen problems. If I didn’t react immediately upon discovery, I would be late.

The knights ready their weapons.

“Enough of this.”

From behind, a massive man clad in royal armor appears.

“…Knight Commander Conver?”

The former royal knight commander, who had been blown away by a gust of wind, revealed himself. Since then, we’ve crossed paths a few times in the palace, but we merely passed each other by without exchanging greetings.

“Plaus, it’s only been a day since Emperor Chris ascended the throne. You’re not really thinking of a sword fight right in front of the palace, are you?”

“I won’t hesitate depending on the situation.”

“Are you really going to go through with it?”

He looks up, glancing behind me.

When I sneak a peek back, I notice some citizens of the Empire curiously watching our commotion. With them watching, any moves from my side would be tricky.

“…Until now, the reason your stubbornness was tolerated by Emperor Lupin was that it was beneficial for the Empire. You’re sure to assist the Empire going forward too. But that doesn’t mean you have a free pass for everything.”

“Enough with the lengthy talk. I told you I need to meet Emperor Chris. If you try to stop me, I’ll force my way through.”

I take my stance. The knight commander’s expression crumples at the sight of my killing intent. Perhaps the trauma from our last sparring match still lingered, as I could see the fear on his face.

“Are you truly going to do this? What could you possibly want to ask His Majesty that you’d risk everything to breach the palace?”

“I can’t reveal that.”

There’s no benefit in saying it. I was interrogating Chris with only a vague connection to the demons. Engaging here would lead to significant risks.

Plus, my logic lacked a solid foundation. Even if I spoke up, it might raise their suspicion but wouldn’t provide the persuasion needed to smooth this situation over.

“Is that so? While I’m unsure what circumstances you have, the order from His Majesty is absolute. Return now. If you try to force your way in, you know you would become an enemy of the Royal Family, which would mean a full-scale war with the Empire.”

[Plaus, how about we step back for now? The citizens are watching. It wouldn’t be wise to force our way through in this situation.]

Pasma’s words were correct. Causing a scene here would only put me in a more disadvantageous position. I had no need to provide them a prime opportunity.

“…Fine. I’ll turn back for now.”

I sheathe my sword and release my killing intent. Pasma lets out a sigh of relief.

Looking back, there was no need for such a tussle from the start. I had a valid reason for teleporting into the palace.

“Teacher?”

“Are you really going back?”

As I turn my body, the heroes rush over, asking in concern.

“It’s fine. We still have a few tricks left.”

Now that it’s the next day, the situation was likely already handled. Even if I ended up entering the palace to question Chris, I wouldn’t achieve the results I desired.

So, what I could present from this side…

*

Early morning. Just in time for the workday to begin, Logia sought out Chris. Though Chris felt anxious about the sudden audience, Raghur told him not to worry, so he accepted without hesitation.

“Did you know Plaus visited last night? His Majesty?”

Logia calmly asked while sipping the green tea presented by the Emperor’s maid.

“Plaus came to see me?”

As Chris was about to bring the cup to his lips, he stopped at the statement that was hard to brush aside. But it was merely a brief pause. Though his heart raced in surprise, he maintained his composure.

He took a sip of the black tea in the cup and set it down carefully, ensuring a smile graced his lips.

Logia observed Chris’s behavior closely while brushing aside his white hair.

“Indeed.”

“What did he come for?”

“He asked me just one thing.”

Logia set the cup down and extended his index finger.

“He wanted to know if I taught magic to Your Majesty the Emperor.”

Chris’s lips stiffened into a smile.

‘So he really…! He figured it out already!?’

His insides felt as though they were burning with anxiety, but with the Magic Guild Leader standing before him, he couldn’t let it show.

Moreover, he was in front of a certified Archmage recognized by the Empire. He had to be extra cautious.

“I see. And what did you say?”

“I replied that I had. When you were a child, did you not ask me to teach you? Of course, you gave up soon after, though.”

“I see. Do you know why he asked that?”

‘Then I can rest easy. If the magic beast doesn’t reveal itself, those damned ones won’t suspect my mana has increased.’

Chris inquired, maintaining a neutral expression. Inside, he was fervently contemplating how to shake off Plaus’s concerns.

“I don’t know why Plaus asked that. He left the research room by the time I regained my senses.”

“I see…”

“However, it does seem that your mana has indeed increased rapidly. Is there a reason you’ve begun training all of a sudden?”

“…I need to protect my own body.”

“That’s indeed a wise thought. The future of the Empire is bright. If it’s not too presumptuous, would it be alright if this old man personally taught you, Your Majesty?”

Though he spoke those words, the Magic Guild Leader was feeling an odd sense of discomfort. Having personally taught him as a child, he could sense this peculiar air.

‘I don’t know why Plaus asked that, but there’s no doubt that Emperor Chris’s mana has increased. To grow this quickly in just a few days… Could it be that Emperor Chris actually has a talent for magic? But I didn’t see any such talent back when I was teaching him…’

“Are you saying you’ll teach me magic? What a stroke of luck! Hahaha! Unlike when I was a child, I’ll take this seriously, so please do teach me well.”

“Do not worry. I’ll provide only the best education for Your Majesty.”

“Thank you, Magic Guild Leader.”

Even amidst the friendly atmosphere, Logia was racking his brain to decipher the source of his discomfort, while Chris was busy thinking about how to turn the tables on Plaus.

Just then, Logia realized the conversation had grown stale and opened his mouth again.

“Now, when shall we begin…?”

Logia’s discourse froze mid-sentence. He suddenly sensed someone had entered the barrier spread throughout the palace.

“What is it, Logia?”

“It seems there is an intruder in the palace.”

“Only someone capable of breaking through the seventh-level barrier could be you or…”

“Yes. Only Plaus and his disciples.”

“We need to hold them accountable for this.”

“I’ll come with you. I know where they are.”

The two stood up from their seats almost in unison.

*

“You want me to teleport to where the Second Prince is?”

“Right.”

“I made a promise to the late Emperor. One of the conditions in the agreement regarding Slave Liberation and Independence was to protect the princes.”

“Yeah, I know… But why all of a sudden?”

“Because that serves as a justification.”

This was a clever use of justification. If I claimed I entered the palace to review the deal, there would be little they could say.

Moreover, it would prick at his nerves. Knowing Chris, he would take exception to anyone messing with the princes.

If he desperately tried to hide it, my job would be to coax it out of him. I needed to look for gaps to create even the tiniest bit of evidence.

“By the way, aren’t those knights really inflexible? Are all knights like that, seriously?”

Tina suddenly erupted with frustration.

“Tina, it’s not inflexibility; it’s stubbornness.”

“Ugh…! Don’t correct me!”

Tina pouted and jeered at Iris with a thumbs down.

“You wouldn’t know since you’re always napping whenever the Teacher tells you to read…”

“Iris is right. Tina, you need to read more. Being more knowledgeable will earn you praise from the Teacher!”

“I know all the names of the protagonists in the fairy tales!”

That’s nothing but useless knowledge; you should clear your mind of that right now.

“…Those knights were merely following orders, so don’t blame them.”

Ultimately, we were in the wrong for trying to force our way through. I could understand that much. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m in a position to speak given I was genuinely ready to fight if they wouldn’t let us through.

“Then let’s cut the chitchat and get going.”

“Okay! “Teleport.””

*

“Ah! Lord Praus?”

“Have you been well?”

I spoke to the Second Prince Altero Aiter Pretéum, who blinked at my sudden appearance.

The place we teleported to was the Second Prince’s private chamber.

“What brings you here? You mentioned that the only time you come here is when our lives are in danger. Is something wrong?”

“Trouble… I feel it’s about to arise soon.”

Scarcely had I finished speaking when a knock drew everyone’s attention. Altero glanced at me apprehensively.

“It’s fine.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s your brother, Altero.”

“Chris brother…? P-Please, come in!”

Flustered by the sudden appearance of his brother, Altero stumbled over his words. The moment he granted permission, the door swung open.

“Plaus… You….”

“Good to see you, Emperor Chris. It seems it’s been a while since I last saw your face.”

Now that I had the chance to see his expression, it was time to find out what he was hiding.