My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 79

“When the Empire is in chaos, perhaps you can bring stability.”

I said it, but all these tasks were meant for the Heroes, not me.

I intended to have them handle it all in due time.

Defeating the Demon Tribe included.

Providing strength to Princess Seri during the Succession War as well.

All of it.

‘As long as the Empire remains stable, my life will be easier too. I am willing to help.’

“I will assist. However, if my life becomes unbearable, I will have to step down from the Emperor’s position.”

…?

What does it mean to say step down from the Emperor’s position?

I had no intention of challenging the absurd filtering going on right now.

But as time passed, the tone of the conversation felt increasingly inappropriate, giving me an unusual headache.

“What did you just say?”

The Emperor’s repeated question.

The murmurs of the knights.

I swiftly shifted my gaze to comprehend the situation. The messed-up filtering was not an illusion.

“Did I mishear? Asking me to step down from the Emperor’s position? Can that be interpreted as treason?”

I couldn’t let it slide as a mere slip of the tongue.

Because the moment treason is uttered, it brings forth unimaginable repercussions.

In any era, in any country, those who conspire for rebellion are never left to live.

Therefore, what I needed to say here wasn’t an excuse labeling it as a mistake, but to provide a ‘reason.’

There was still a chance to manage this.

I had no idea how the damned filtering would twist my words, but for now, it was still feasible.

“You dare reveal treason in this place—”

‘If the Empire is shaken, even if I do not instigate rebellion, others will surely emerge. So please lead the Empire well. I want to see an Empire where everyone can live well.’

“So do well. You aspiring candidates for the next Crown Prince.”

What on earth is wrong with my oral structure?

I couldn’t even count how many times I had provoked them since entering this place.

“You bastard! You openly declare your intent to commit treason, and then tell me to do well?! Your Majesty! If you just give the command, I will execute him right now!”

“Execute…? That’s quite laughable. Sorry, but you cannot execute me. Isn’t that right, Emperor Lupin?”

“Y-you bastard—”

“Ha—! Hahahahahaha!”

A roaring laughter that drowned out the Guard Knight’s words.

The Emperor slightly tilted his head, letting his laughter echo through the hall.

“Ah… What a remarkable fellow.”

“Your Majesty, this is not a laughing matter.”

“Yet it’s nothing to be angry about either.”

“Excuse me?”

Fortunately, it seemed the Emperor understood what I was saying.

…Did he really understand?

“According to Praus, I cannot execute.”

“W-why not?”

“Because the Demon Tribe still exists.”

As expected, he’s not on the throne for no reason. Wise indeed.

If you exclude the Massacre of Other Races, he had somewhat earned his place in the Empire.

“But shouldn’t the roots of treason be dealt with beforehand?”

“Didn’t I just say you need to do well? If you do well, it seems like a good deal to take care of most of the Empire’s problems, doesn’t it?”

“Your Majesty!”

“Besides, the roots of treason are already growing somewhere. We cannot stop that. Rather, isn’t it more comforting to reveal them like Praus? If rebellion occurs, we can just kill them.”

That’s definitely true, but… the way he says it feels off-putting? Who decides that I’ll die?

How presumptuous! How dare you!

“But the Demon Tribe is different. We, who have already struggled against the Black Dragon, do not think we can defeat the Demon King. We can’t discard a hidden card capable of countering the Demon Tribe just because of treason.”

While treason can be countered with an army, it means the Demon Tribe can only be faced by outstanding humans.

The knight ultimately fell silent in response to the Emperor’s logic. The other knights seemed to come to terms with it, but each of them regarded me suspiciously.

They knew I was strong but were unsure about whether I was a trustworthy individual.

“Ordinarily, a sword can stab not only enemies but also allies, depending on the user. The more he speaks like that, the more trustworthy he seems.”

That is a wicked smile. Truly a crafty individual.

“…So is that all you have to say?”

“Yes. I was curious about what you were thinking. Regardless of how rude you are, I’m glad you’re not as narrow-minded as I thought. I hope you will work toward the Empire’s prosperity.”

“It’s up to your children.”

“The phrase feels a bit strange, but since it makes me happy, I’ll let it slide.”

Leaning on the armrest of the left chair, the Emperor grinned wider.

Oh, if only Urka could see that expression, she’d want to slice off his head right there.

The reason he has lived so long is undoubtedly due to critiquing Other Races.

“I have no more words for you. You may leave.”

“Very well.”

I turned my body without hesitation.

“Oh right, as a reward for defeating the Black Dragon, I have prepared a thousand Gold Coins, so take it from that knight over there.”

The Emperor spoke to the knight at the far end. The knight picked up the pouch at his feet and quickly approached me.

He carefully extended the heavy pouch towards me.

I accepted the money pouch. Money is always right.

When defeating the Black Dragon, a total of 1,800 Gold as a reward isn’t bad at all.

Generally, an S-Class Adventurer would take at least several months to gather this amount.

“The money pouch is enchanted with weight magic, so it shouldn’t feel heavy.”

“I see. I’ll make good use of it.”

Just before leaving with the money, I glanced at Princess Seri. She was also casting sidelong glances at me.

In that state, I thought it wouldn’t be bad.

Since we might lead to being caught passing glances, I should take it to the room.

*

After Praus left, Lupin immediately dismissed all the knights.

He had stationed the knights just in case Praus acted up, but fortunately, the worst scenario he expected did not occur.

With the knights all gone, the door closed.

For a moment, silence filled the vast audience chamber.

Soon, the Emperor no longer displayed the flexible demeanor he had with Praus; instead, he presented the solemnity of a sovereign.

The Crown Princes, seeing his expression, exchanged glances nervously.

“Now then… I’d like to hear your thoughts on ‘how to manage Other Races steadily’ that I previously mentioned.”

“May I speak first, Your Majesty?” Chris raised his hand. Lupin glanced at Chris’s hand before turning his attention toward the distant Seri.

“Very well. Ah, before that. Seri, you may leave. After all, women cannot become Emperors. Even if they could, one cannot sit in this position being so timid and incapable.”

Perhaps even Praus would think so.

At the Emperor’s additional words, she felt a surge of indignation and raised her hand to seek the chance to speak.

She could do it. She wouldn’t disappoint Praus.

That was what she meant to say.

However, the moment she locked eyes with Chris, she found herself unable to speak.

Suddenly filled with fear.

She knew that stepping forward would deny everything she had followed so far.

Moreover, seeking the right to speak meant competing with her brothers for the Emperor’s position.

“…Right.”

Thus, Seri merely wore her usual naive and innocent smile.

‘I thought I had resolved to become an Emperor as Praus advised. How foolish…’

Sealing her fist tightly enough that tremors were barely visible, Seri turned and left the audience chamber.

She strode quickly to her room. Naturally, knights followed her—Chris’s knights.

“I don’t need you, Guard.”

“It’s a command from His Highness Chris.”

“…Just leave me be.”

“That is not allowed.”

‘Why is nothing going my way? What do you mean I’m not incapable? And to top it off, telling me to become Empress… How foolish.’

Seri halted and gazed out the window.

Outside, freedom flowed abundantly, yet she felt like a slave, trapped under the watch of the Crown Prince without being able to do anything.

‘It’s so frustrating…’

All she wanted was to live.

She never wished for the Emperor’s power; she simply wanted to live quietly alongside the person she loved and enjoy her life.

Yet, her position seemed incapable of permitting even that, and she felt tears welling up.

Having received the knights’ inappropriate surveillance rather than protection, Seri reached her room’s entrance and turned around.

“You won’t think of coming into my room, would you?”

“…”

The two knights exchanged brief glances and nodded.

“Do not worry. We are merely gatekeepers outside Princess Seri’s room.”

Internally relieved by the knight’s words, Seri kicked the door open and entered.

She didn’t forget to close the door and lock it.

“Haah…”

Returning to her room, she felt much more at ease and wanted to dive onto her bed. If only she didn’t hear a voice.

“I’ve been waiting, Princess Seri.”

“P-Praus?!”

Seeing Praus sitting in a chair, Seri pointed at him, raising her voice unintentionally. She quickly covered her mouth afterward.

“It’s alright. The soundproof magic is in effect.”

Praus, with his trademark neutral expression, reached out to stroke the lustrous golden hair of the Elf named Maria.

Although it seemed a casual stroke, there was gentleness in that touch.

Maria smiled shyly at Praus, who was praising her.

Observing that scene, Seri felt a sense of ‘jealousy’ because she could sense Maria was loved by Praus.

Seri, too, had memories of being loved by many when she was younger, so she inadvertently projected herself onto Maria.

It was the longing for an affection that had all but dried up.

In her heart, Seri wished she could act like a spoiled child toward Praus, who knew all her circumstances.

She wanted to speak of her past struggles and seek comfort.

Yet, she could only endure.

She felt it was not yet her time, and that her relationship with Praus was not one where such affections could be expressed without barriers.

“You just left, didn’t you?”

“I used Teleport to briefly visit another place, but I returned because there was something I wanted to discuss.”

“I see.”

From his emotionless tone, it was clear he hadn’t come out of concern for her but rather for a purpose.

But she forced a smile to conceal her gloomy feelings. Usually, a smile could help one bypass many things.

“What is it that you wish to discuss?”

After a pause in which he stared at her, Praus quietly murmured.

“Let’s go out.”

“Huh?”

“Isn’t it stifling to be cooped up all day? Hold Maria’s hand.”

“There are some decent sights in Secul.”

“But there are knights outside…”

“It’s fine. I’ll have Maria cast a spell on the door, and if a signal comes, we’ll return immediately.”

“But…”

“You’re just talking too much.”

Praus grabbed Seri’s wrist.

In that instant, her face turned bright red.

Seiri had only ever physically interacted with males, excluding family, while dancing at social gatherings.

Even then, it felt obligatory, and she had never harbored private feelings, so she couldn’t help but feel flustered by the sudden touch.

Moreover, in the medieval era, a maiden’s virginity was regarded as a significant aspect in marriage. Thus, touching skin without a promised future relationship was considered impure.

Given that, her embarrassment was, in a sense, only natural.

“Uh, um, um…!”

“…Do I really need to take you?”

Maria, observing Seri’s reaction, bluntly asked.

Her feelings, displeased at the increasing presence of other women around Praus, were blooming openly.

“I hope you go through some trouble, Maria. In return, I’ll let you lay out the dinner menu of your choice.”

“…Hmm~ What? Since it’s Teacher’s request, I’ll make it special?”

“Exactly.”

Praus extended Seri’s hand toward Maria. Maria took it, proffering her other hand towards the door.

“Sensor.”

Maria cast a spell on the door, declaring triumphantly.

“All done. Now, if anyone touches the door, a signal will be triggered.”

“Good. Then let’s go right away.”

As they suddenly set out, Seri’s heart began to race.

This was the first time she was stepping out of the Imperial Palace since the competition for the next Crown Prince had officially begun, adding to her anxiety.

“There’s no need to be so tense. This is merely a courtesy for the future ‘Empress’ who will lead the Empire.”

“Teleport.”

As Maria spoke the skill, the three of them vanished, leaving the room in tranquil silence.