My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 211

“Your Majesty… Why are you silent?”

Lupin turned away from Logia’s question.

Seeing this, Logia and Conver looked at him in confusion. An anxious Conver hurriedly spoke up.

“Do you… have evidence?”

“Evidence?”

“Evidence that former Emperor Chris had dealings with the Demon Tribe!”

“I know that Chris made a contract with the demons, and I’ve been continuously recording it with Surveillance Magic.”

He pulled out a cube-shaped magical tool that contained the recordings of the Surveillance Magic observation over the past two months.

Since maintaining the record of the Surveillance Magic would continuously drain Maria’s mana, it had been transferred into the magical tool.

He placed the cube on the table and played the footage, quickly selecting the crucial part of the video.

It was the scene where Chris showed his palm to Lupin, revealing a pattern of a tree burning drawn on the back of his hand.

“This is… a sign that he made a Spirit Contract, isn’t it?”

“Correct. Just as you said, the pattern appears only when a contract is made with a spirit. But you can tell that the pattern is different. I asked your Spirit King who the spirit was that contracted with Chris after seeing this.”

Of course, I called upon the Spirit Kings and asked them before seeing the pattern, but the order wasn’t important. What mattered was just confirming the facts.

Moreover, the position of Spirit Kings was a being that transcended humans, so just their existence could provide credibility.

Of course, this belief came from the general notion that Spirit Kings do not lie.

“And I received an answer from the Spirit Kings stating that they had not contracted with any spirits.”

“Then what does this pattern mean?”

This part was something the Spirit Kings would want to hide, but I had no intention of keeping their circumstances a secret.

Whatever it was, proving that my actions were justified took priority. I intended to use anything I could to my advantage.

“Hundreds of years ago, there was a spirit that escaped from the Spirit Realm. That spirit betrayed the World Tree and aligned with the Demon King, rising to the position of Deputy Commander.”

I kept my explanation concise but made sure not to miss the crucial points.

“That entity’s name is Raghur, and he was the Corrupted Spirit I killed in the Beastmen’s Forest.”

“A Corrupted Spirit…”

They murmured among themselves.

“Are you saying he contracted with that Corrupted Spirit?”

“Exactly. The pattern on the hand only appears as a result of a Spirit Contract. However, the Spirit Kings claimed that they had not contracted with any of the spirits under them. Thus, through the process of elimination, it became clear that he had contracted with Raghur.”

“Process of elimination? That’s simply speculation, isn’t it? Don’t you have proof that he contracted with a Corrupted Spirit?”

“Then provide a basis for your thoughts. I have already presented logical reasons. Or are you going to bring the Spirit Kings here to convince them?”

“That…that would…”

“But that wouldn’t be a good choice. The existence of Raghur is something the Spirit Kings consider disgraceful. Bringing that up would invite their wrath.”

He was left speechless.

In the end, even Conver kept his mouth shut, listening to my claims without argument. He likely couldn’t dispute what I said, even if he still didn’t believe it completely.

“Logia, I began to suspect after seeing Chris’s mana rapidly increase. Has the Archmage really felt nothing?”

“……”

He became completely mute.

Logia surely had his own worries. However, since the other party was the Emperor, especially the Crown Prince he had watched over since childhood, he probably wouldn’t press further unless he was certain.

That would be an act of betraying someone he believed in and followed.

“Earlier, when I asked if you had met with the Demon Tribe, did former Emperor Chris not say he hadn’t?”

“Of course, he’d say he hadn’t. Would you admit to having contracted with the Demon Tribe?”

“Ugh…!”

I alone knew that the True Word Skill forcibly draws out the other’s true feelings. This could be easily feigned.

“E-even if you’re right and say he did contract with the demons, it is wrong to unilaterally kill a member of the royal family! Even for that, he should face severe punishment—”

“Hey, cease your rambling. Hasn’t my justification for killing Chris already been established? You’re accepting that and still rambling about punishment?”

I glared as Logia suddenly stood up from his seat. He was about to cast a spell, unable to withstand my killing intent.

“Even so, the method was surely incorrect! As a commoner… you have no right to kill former Emperor Chris!”

Is he emphasizing status now? What a bothersome fellow.

“If you want to complain about the method, then take it up with Lupin. I’ve done my part, and I’ve logically demonstrated the justification to clarify any misunderstanding. If you’re still unsatisfied, it means you’re viewing this situation emotionally rather than rationally. You’re just angry because it’s me. Isn’t that right?”

“C-Cough…!”

I threw a glance at Seri. She wore no expression, simply watching in silence.

“Your Majesty, please say something! Are you going to let this slide?”

“…Praus did what he needed to do.”

He reluctantly spoke.

“I can’t help but be furious over the death of Chris, but that’s on me. I raised a child who was easily swayed by the demons…”

He glared at me, shouting in frustration, but resigned himself.

To me, that was incredibly unexpected. I thought he would remain outraged over Chris’s death.

“Hmph.”

Could it be that even in this situation, he weighed the pros and cons and made a judgement on which side was the loss?

It wouldn’t be possible to give such an answer otherwise.

Should I call it his nature? Or the cost of the life he lived?

In a sense, Lupin possessed the qualities worthy of truly becoming an Emperor.

Yet, I couldn’t say he was a good Emperor.

After all, everything began because Lupin initiated the Massacre.

Had he not committed such atrocities, I’m certain he would have remained in my memories as a good Emperor.

What a regrettable matter.

“…It seems my innocence has been proven. Do you still plan to hold me accountable?”

Lupin shook his head left and right.

“This matter will end here, and we shall proceed with Chris’s funeral.”

“Your Majesty… will that be alright?”

“…Yeah. It can’t be helped.”

With Lupin’s decision, everyone fell into a hush.

In the end, the incident of me killing Chris was to be buried quietly in the shadows. Even the knights who witnessed the situation were ordered to keep silent.

They were warned that if the rumors got out, they would be held accountable, and the situation concluded without incident.

*

“Are you going back?”

Seri, who had walked alongside me to the staircase entrance, asked cautiously.

“I guess so.”

I said while glancing at the knights following behind, who were no longer there to watch over her but to protect her. It really felt reassuring.

“I don’t have any fond memories that would make me want to stay here for long.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

Every time I came here, there was always some conflict that made things troublesome. How many times did I nearly turn my back on the Empire?

It was truly a sigh-inducing matter.

But now it was all over.

Seri was someone I could trust fully. It had been that way in the game and in reality as well. Having watched her for years, I could now let go of Empire matters without worry.

Unless her life was in danger, I probably wouldn’t involve myself with anything in the Imperial Palace.

“Well, I’m off.”

“Wait a moment.”

“…Huh?”

“I will speak with Praus for a bit. Stay here.”

I smirked as I watched Seri speak to the knights.

Has it only been a few days for her to speak like this with such seriousness? I thought she would have learned to tone down her voice as well.

“W-wait! Your Majesty… Praus is dangerous…”

“The real danger is if Praus turns against the Empire. Don’t judge by appearances. This man has rescued our Empire several times from the crises of the Demon Tribe. He is a ‘Hero.’”

A Hero, huh…

“…Understood. I will comply with the Majesty’s command.”

Even as she answered, the knights did not let down their guard. Their gazes toward me were sharp. But I lightly ignored them and headed down the stairs.

Seri followed me. The knights remained standing their ground.

“I’m no Hero, though.”

I said as I descended the stairs.

“To me, Praus is a Hero.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because he saved me so I could live in this world.”

“…Hmph, is that so?”

It’s truly amusing, but could someone like me really become a Hero to someone?

“By the way, this means Praus’s plan to achieve harmony with Other Races won’t face issues. Chris’s death will be good news for the Beastmen Tribe.”

“However, there’s a mountain of tasks to tackle. From now on, it will depend on you. So do your best.”

“Can I ask for help anytime?”

“…Just don’t call too often.”

Since I forced her to become Emperor, I was willing to take on at least minimal responsibility.

“Then, about that request earlier, to become my bodyguard…”

“I won’t.”

“I knew it~!”

Seri pouted, looking disappointed.

“Let’s leave it at that. You must be busy, so go on in.”

As we neared the entrance of the Imperial Palace, I halted my steps and spoke to her.

“I’ll come again. Do your best.”

I waved my hand casually and turned toward the entrance where the knights were standing.

It was then.

“Praus.”

Seri grabbed my wrist.

I turned, puzzled, and saw Seri looking at me with a serious expression.

“What is it?”

“…Praus. I have something to formally discuss with you.”

I tilted my head at her formal tone.

Seri took a deep breath and exhaled, solidifying her face as if she had steeled her resolve.

“I have a wish that I really want to fulfill when I become Emperor.”

“A wish…?”

I absentmindedly murmured before suddenly realizing what she was trying to say. Oh, no way…

“Praus, would you ‘engage’ to me?”

“…What?”

“I don’t mean right away. I’d like you to marry me officially after we exterminate the Demon Tribe in this world.”

“No, I…”

“Once everything is finished, you’re planning to find a partner, right? Isn’t that so?”

Seri pulled my wrist, subtly closing the distance between us. I felt the gazes of the people around us alternating between us. The ‘kya~’ sounds were just a bonus.

“Seri Empress… for now, back off—”

“Then you are thinking about marriage, right?”

She spoke as if she had already concluded her thoughts. Get a grip. Do you intend to make this a palace scandal?

“Not denying means I’ll take it as a positive!”

As I stood dumbfounded, Seri had already come to her own conclusion.

“I’m not forcing you to decide now, so please think it over slowly. By the time that arrives… I think I will be able to take responsibility for you, Praus.”

Responsibility, huh. How terrifying…

“I’ll be waiting for a positive answer. The one who should be by your side is only me.”

Placing extra emphasis on the word ‘only,’ she released my wrist and turned back to walk the way she came.

“Wait…!”

I reached out at the last moment, but she pretended not to hear me and swiftly ascended the stairs. As I watched Seri grow distant, I let out a sigh.

Oh, please… I’m not into yandere heroines.

“Teacher?”

Whoa! I was startled!

If it weren’t for my Expression Management Skill, my ridiculous expression would have shown.

I thought the Heroes would come, but I didn’t expect them to appear all of a sudden.

“What were you just talking about with Empress Seri?”

“Ah… um… Let’s talk about it later.”

“That seemed quite affectionate, Teacher!”

Tina’s inquiry combined with Maria’s sharp observation made me flinch involuntarily.

“Teacher is ours… I believe you know that.”

No, I actually didn’t know that until now.

Iris wagged her tail, playfully tugging at my sleeve. I guess even as they grow older, they still cling quite a bit, huh?

“…Let’s go home. Everything turned out well.”

“You’re our Teacher, so we already trusted you to handle things well. But what did you discuss with Empress Seri? Was it indeed the engagement topic?!”

…How do you know that?

Saying it’s a guess wouldn’t fit the conviction evident in her voice. Is this kid secretly listening in on me or something?

“Engagement?!”

“Teacher is going to marry me! I won’t give you up!”

Tina’s shout echoed through the palace corridor, causing the people around us to start whispering fervently. I hastily pushed the Heroes along.

“Alright, let’s go. Quickly.”

“Then when we get home, you’ll give us a clear answer?!”

Oh, what’s with all of you? It’s exhausting.

Just as I thought I had avoided one crisis, another kind of crisis was on the horizon.

As I pushed the Heroes out of the palace, the clear sky greeted me.

Staring blankly at the sky, for some reason, I felt lighthearted.

It seemed as if all the burdens in my heart had completely melted away, causing me to smile without even realizing.

But still, the story isn’t over yet.

There are still demons left in this world.

Until I eradicate them all, I, no… we must never stop.

“Teacher?”

“Just imagining the engagement made me smile…!”

“No, that’s not it.”

I stepped forward, quarreling with the Heroes.