My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 195

“…So Logia was here too.”

“Praus…”

From the way they looked at me, I sensed some wariness, but it felt oddly relaxed. Did I have some business with them?

Even if there was no business, having the two of them come in together meant they had exchanged some stories. Of course, they must have heard everything about my meeting with Logia.

Even if we were to feign harmony, one cannot avoid the power of the True Word; but if actions were taken, there might be a way to evade it.

But it doesn’t really matter.

The True Word can only be used once a day.

For now, I might be able to hide it somehow, but as they keep asking questions like a game of twenty questions, I’m sure they’ll figure something out.

But it was clear that once would be significant.

“Why are you here?”

“I have some business.”

I shrugged, responding to Logia’s comment. His expression shifted to one of displeasure. Chris, sitting next to him, looked back and forth between me and Altero a few times before suddenly shouting.

“Praus! I’ve fully restricted entry to the Imperial Palace. No one is to enter! So why are you here?!”

“I said I had business.”

“Are you plotting something with Altero to stab me in the back?”

As expected, Chris was wary of the Crown Prince. He must be afraid I might covet his position.

At least this part was no different from the original story. If he had somehow resurrected, I would have been caught off guard.

“Y-Your Highness! No, how could I do something like that!”

“Then why is Praus making contact with you?!”

“T-This is because of His Majesty…”

Oh? I was planning to hint at getting under Chris’s skin, but is Altero trying to take the lead on that? If so, I appreciate it.

But this isn’t the time for that kind of conversation. I need to dig deeper.

I covered Altero’s mouth.

“There’s no need to speak of that.”

“But, if we don’t, misunderstandings will pile up.”

Altero swatted my hand away and spoke. He was pretty terrified. He knew that being ignored by his brother who held power meant death.

So what? That’s not my concern.

Altero should just fulfill the role of Chris’s thorn in his side. I whispered in his ear.

“Who do you think is the one protecting you?”

“W-Well…”

“Don’t worry. The moment they try to kill you, the Emperor’s throne will be vacant.”

“What do you mean—”

Before Altero could grasp the meaning of my words, someone else spoke up.

“W-What did you just say?”

It was none other than Chris.

Hmm. So he had some backup, after all.

I really appreciate how he walked right into my trap.

Currently, there was quite a distance between me and the Crown Prince. Yet, he was able to hear our conversation.

This would be impossible without extending one’s senses.

And extending those senses isn’t something that can be achieved after just a few days of mana training. Logia’s expression while looking at Chris was also peculiar. I suspect Logia might not have heard my whisper.

If this speculation is correct, then the one backing him is someone beyond Logia.

Considering the possibilities of someone greater than Logia, it could only be the Hero, the Spirit King, or a high-ranking demon.

Since the Hero and Spirit King are with us, they can be eliminated from consideration, and there’s no way the Spirit King wouldn’t recognize a high-ranking Spirit.

As I eliminate possibilities, it seems the only one left standing behind him is a high-ranking demon.

But if he made a deal with a demon tribe, there should be a Magic Beast on the scene, right? So why isn’t there one around?

Is there a high-ranking demon who can control a Magic Beast?

Even if I think of the Corrupted Spirit, Raghur, he would definitely unleash Magic Beasts if a deal was made. That guy is under the Demon King’s protection, after all.

So none of the ones I know fit.

However, there is one thing that makes me wonder: can Raghur make a contract like the other spirits?

In the game, there was no instance of Raghur making a contract, so it’s a mystery for me.

From the start, what would a guy who had risen to the rank of Deputy Commander gain by using humans? If he exerted full power, he could easily sweep away a whole city by himself.

But still, what if that spirit could make contracts?

In the unique position of a spirit, would it be possible to erase the Magic Beasts while letting the mana show?

Am I just overthinking this?

I can’t be sure, but it’s definitely a possibility.

I don’t need to disregard what I haven’t seen directly.

“…Huh? Did you hear that?”

“What are you scheming with Altero?!”

“What do you mean ‘scheming’? I was just whispering to avoid you overhearing something that wouldn’t be good for you. It seems you heard it all?”

As I grinned and spoke, Chris finally realized that it was a trap. He bit his lower lip while glaring at me, then took a deep breath to calm himself.

“Did I say it would be good for me to overhear? That could be taken to mean you were insulting me in front of me, don’t you think?”

“Are you playing dumb after hearing everything?”

“If I truly heard everything, I would have had Logia burn your body.”

Ah, so he’s pretending not to hear?

His reaction is quite skillful. He’s not panicking too much, so he must have some guts.

But after all, this is only effective for instilling doubt among those around us. I can’t completely drag him down. I need to dig deeper into the core.

“So what’s the reason you rushed here? I have something to discuss with the Second Prince.”

“Even though I issued a ban on entering the Imperial Palace, you used Teleportation to come in. I came to interrogate you about that.”

“Sorry, but I’m the type to address things right away if I have something to say. I hope you can understand.”

“Are you trying to engage in wordplay with me?”

“Wordplay? Is that how it sounded?”

“You…! I’ve had a bad feeling about you since you met His Majesty. Do you truly want to be expelled from the Empire?”

“…Do you think you could handle what would happen if I were expelled?”

He couldn’t refute me.

He knows well that if we became enemies of the Empire, a lot of unmanageable events would arise.

“You’re getting reckless. Let’s see how long you can keep it up. Once I’m done talking to Altero, get out of the Imperial Palace. If you remain after we’ve finished talking, I’ll make you pay for it.”

“Wait.”

I called out to Chris as he turned to leave. His pace halted, and his expression darkened as he turned back to me.

“I came to meet Altero, but I have something I want to ask you too.”

“What is it…?”

“Since we’ve met anyway, I’ll ask a few questions.”

I glanced at Maria. She nodded. Once I attempt to use the True Word, Logia would likely try to interfere, but Maria will prevent that.

Normally, I intended to discuss this in a calmer scenario, but if I miss this opportunity, I might not get another chance.

Having succeeded in drawing in the Crown Prince, I need to capitalize on this momentum. I can’t just walk away.

“No matter how I think about it, I feel like there’s something suspicious.”

“What do you mean?”

I stepped forward toward him. Logia blocked my way.

“Don’t come any closer, Praus.”

Logia cast magic, and fitting of his title as Archmage, he unleashed multiple spells.

But all the magic that tried to escape from his grasp lost power and dissipated.

“Old man, just stay calm, alright? You might die otherwise.”

In an instant, Maria read Logia’s magic and nullified it.

“Kugh! What the…!”

I reached behind me and gave Maria a thumbs up. As expected of the Hero, her performance is reliable!

I moved past Logia and stood before Emperor Chris. He looked down at me, displeased.

“How have you grown so strong in such a short time?”

“Well…”

For just a moment, Chris’s gaze shifted toward Logia.

Is he watching Logia’s reaction?

Is he not in sync with Logia? Or does he not trust Logia?

Then I should take this opportunity to poke at it.

“What do you think, Logia?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you find it odd that Chris has suddenly grown stronger?”

“…Why are you asking me that?”

“I thought you might know. Since you’ve been with him since childhood.”

“…Isn’t it common for someone to grow strong suddenly in the royal family?”

There’s a peculiar silence after each of his responses. It’s clear he has something on his mind.

But if I press Logia about it, he likely won’t reveal anything since the Magic Guild Leader is on the royal family’s side.

In that case, I will use this question to get my answer and undermine the trust between the Emperor and the Magic Guild Leader.

“If you’re done talking, then I’ll be on my way—”

“Sorry, but it’s not over yet.”

I grabbed Chris’s wrist. He roughly slapped my hand away. My wrist throbbed painfully. I bit back a groan from the sting.

“I am the Emperor of the Empire. You think you’re someone worth nitpicking about?!!!”

“That’s none of my concern. I need to know who’s behind you.”

“Who’s behind me is—”

“<True Word>.”

I activated the skill. The light in Chris’s eyes faded. The bravado he had shown up until now, he suddenly slumped.

This time, I need to phrase my question as broadly as possible. Because knowing too many details limits the clues I can grasp.

“Chris Aiter Pretéum, whom have you met from the demon tribe within the last month?”

“Demon tribe?!”

At my statement, not just Logia, but everyone around me swallowed their breaths.

“Nobody.”

“…What?”

You’re telling me there hasn’t been any interaction with the demon tribe?

“Praus!! Do you know what you’re saying right now?!”

While I was dazed, Logia shouted. At that instant, the Royal Knight Order surrounded me, swords pointed at my neck.

“Are you implying that His Majesty has fallen for the demon tribe’s sweet words?!”

“I cannot forgive any further insult against His Majesty! Even if it’s Lord Praus!”

“Enough!”

I shouted immediately, knowing that the heroes would charge at me. I raised both hands.

Sadly, it’s impossible to dig deeper now.

But if I get one more opportunity, I’m sure I can obtain a definite answer.

“…Alright. I’ll stop here.”

At the very least, this opportunity allowed me to sow doubt toward Chris among those present. It wasn’t completely fruitless.

If Logia harbors any suspicions regarding the Emperor, that doubt could serve as its spark.

Yet, it truly was a shame that I didn’t arrive at a conclusion.