My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 254

“I’m thinking of giving a speech again. The people of the Empire need to know that the Heroes have defeated the Demon King and returned safely. But it’s really a shame we couldn’t record the battle against the Demon King.”

“We couldn’t help it. We were too busy to film anything, and the magic was so thick that we couldn’t maintain our spells.”

“It’s okay. People already know that the Demon King is dead. The purification of the domain that was engulfed by magic has become easier. Once we finish dealing with the aftermath, I’ll be sending the Royal Knight Order to the Demon World to clean up the remaining Demon Tribe. So, I think it’ll be fine to show it then.”

“I see. That’s a relief.”

“But, your Majesty. Do we really have to flail our hands like clowns in front of the citizens again?”

Maria, who had been quietly listening while eating cookies, asked and pretended to wave her hands. Seri smiled slightly and nodded as if it were obvious.

“Ugh… I hate that…”

Tina, not wanting to be outdone, also started to flop around lazily on the sofa, looking half-slumped.

“I already heard enough, so I think that’s sufficient.”

Seri glanced down at the parchment where we had noted our conversation and shifted the topic. She placed the parchment on the coffee table and looked at me.

“Then… Praus, I’d like to hear your thoughts on that choice. It seems that only people who can be here are those whose opinions I can trust. By the way, I’m only accepting the heroes as concubines. Princess Ella Todiah and Urka are not included.”

“Concubine…?”

“Hold on. Emperor Seri, why do you sound like you’re stating that you have a main wife?”

At Seri’s words, the relaxed faces of the heroes stiffened into seriousness. The previously cheerful atmosphere in the office evaporated.

“Um, your Majesty. I’m starting to feel like I’m making a mistake by joking around every time.”

Tina glared at Seri, who was seated at the head table, with one foot propped on the coffee table. When she placed her hand on her sword, Knight Commander Benos, who had been watching from behind, tried to draw his sword in response.

Hearing the rustle, Seri raised her hand. She knew it would be pointless to fight. Benos, who had faced Tina before, understood he would lose but still drew it out of a sense of duty.

“I’m being serious here. Don’t think about getting close to my Master… no, my brother. This is a warning. Your Majesty, the Emperor, is someone very important to my brother, so I’ll let this slide this time. But don’t cross the line.”

“…Tina, that’s too much. Get down.”

Iris stepped in to block Tina with the Guardian of the Sanctuary that was stuck in its sheath.

“But…!”

“Can’t you see your brother’s expression?”

“…Tch!”

Tina glanced at my expression and climbed down.

Not accustomed to the rapid change in situation, I stayed expressionless, only for her to misunderstand.

She brushed off the dust that had stuck to her feet from the coffee table before letting it fall to the floor.

“Let’s part with smiles. Your Majesty the Emperor. I’m not exactly hoping for any rewards just because we killed the Demon King.”

Tina settled down on the sofa with her arms crossed, speaking in a haughty tone.

“To begin with, we…”

Tina realized she almost let slip a thoughtless remark. She coughed lightly as she read the atmosphere in the room.

“Anyway, my brother is ours, so don’t try to take him away.”

“Right. Your Majesty the Emperor, as I mentioned earlier, we didn’t aim to kill the Demon King for the Empire; we did it because our Master instructed us. Don’t get the wrong idea.”

“…”

Maria backed Tina’s statement. Although Iris remained silent, her mana was shaking. She seemed to be calming her anger.

“But ultimately, I believe that the choice comes down to Praus. No matter how strongly the heroes plead, what truly matters is where Praus’s heart lies, right?”

“Hah! You think my brother would choose the Emperor even if he had to?”

“Well, I think I’m worthy enough as a partner now.”

Lupe, who seemed increasingly flustered as Seri got more straightforward, was a sight to see.

With the medieval setting, free marriage isn’t an easy choice, especially for higher nobility. It’s typically customary to engage in political marriages with nobles of high rank to strengthen imperial authority. That’s why Chris was opposed to marrying Acker Todiah.

It’s no wonder he’d be bewildered considering it’s akin to his daughter declaring she wants to freely marry whom she likes.

But Lupe couldn’t say anything. It was tantamount to treating Seri like a child who had abandoned her.

He had no right to interfere with Seri’s choices.

“After all, it’s because of my brother that you, Your Majesty, can do your job as Emperor.”

“Correct. When my self-esteem hit rock bottom and I was lost in thoughts of my own incompetence, Praus took the time to guide me. I want to repay that. If you marry me, you won’t have to worry about anything.”

Tina bit her lower lip in frustration.

“And you asked if I’d choose Praus, right?”

“…”

“Yes. I have a fair degree of confidence. I’ve already shared a deep affectionate bond with Praus.”

At that remark, the three heroes looked ready to leap at Seri.

“Stop.”

I quickly jumped in front of the heroes, spreading my arms to block their advance.

“Brother!”

Tina pouted, alternating glances between me and Seri. Iris and Maria were silent, but their faces hinted at some fierce resolve, almost like they were ready to threaten.

[Activating Skill: “Expression Management.”]

“I told you to stop. Seri, what are you doing against them?”

As I returned to my usual expression and tone, Seri seemed to realize her mistake, biting her lips tightly in consideration.

“I’m sorry. I was too reckless. But please understand how desperate I am too.”

“That’s cowardly.”

“…Yes. I’m sorry.”

Hah, things are getting really troublesome.

I know I have to take responsibility for all this since it is my doing.

But I had never received this kind of attention from women before, so I didn’t know how to respond. It felt, in some sense, even more difficult than defeating the Demon King.

“Let’s end this conversation.”

“But I think it would be better to clarify things. If we keep lingering on, the wounds will only deepen.”

Seri’s words were right. I definitely need to cut through this mess.

I never intended to use them to enjoy a harem.

Yet, the point of pondering right now isn’t which woman to take as a partner.

I had to decide whether I would stay in this world or return to my own.

I would normally think about living in this world after defeating the Demon King, but the World Tree had given me a choice.

Even if I went to the other world, would there be anything for me to do?

“Anyway, let’s end this discussion here. Enough.”

“Got it. Then I’ll call you when it’s time for the next speech. For now, go and rest. The magicians have everything ready.”

“I won’t accept any help from you.”

The heroes huffed and turned away.

I let out a sigh. The hologram indicating the activation of my expression management skill faded. Looks like it changed to an active skill, as expected.

“…Seri, just what do you gain by provoking the heroes like that?”

The casual tone slipped out of my mouth.

“Well, it’s just because I have feelings for Praus. What can I say?”

“Hah. The prosperity of the Empire relies on the heroes’ assistance. What do you think will happen when I’m gone? Tina aside, Iris and Maria will obviously live much longer than I will.”

“Well, let the next generation Emperor deal with that.”

“What a careless thing to say.”

I almost gave Seri a playful punch on the head.

“Stop it. Isn’t that good?”

“Then, please let Praus decide clearly.”

“Huh?”

“If Praus lays it down properly, everyone can end with smiles, right? After all, the reason we’re fighting is because of Praus.”

“…I know. So I’m asking for time to think.”

“How long do you need?”

“Not sure.”

I really didn’t know.

I had wrapped up everything I had been contemplating, but now I had to think about which woman to take as my main partner. No, it was more like who to choose as my legitimate wife.

“Brother, let’s stop talking about this and go.”

Iris tugged on my arm, pulling me along. Overwhelmed by her strength, I was led away. I felt an abundance of annoyance in Iris’s vigorous strides.

I thought she’d just walk out, but she paused midway and turned back to look at Seri.

“Your Majesty, let’s end this on good terms. We owe it to each other a lot. I wouldn’t want to dislike someone important to my brother.”

“…Yes. I’ll try.”

After receiving Seri’s response, Iris hurried her pace. Of course, I was half-forced along with her.

Is this what they call a catfight in fiction?

Honestly, I can’t say I want to see it again.