GalaxyTL
“Well, I just… helped him out a bit back then. The country was too big and he couldn’t manage it.”
“You’re omitting a lot of details, but the fact that we can mostly guess what you did just from that shows you’re the Don…”
Since we’re short on time and considering the location, I gave a brief explanation of how I got involved with the previous emperor, but got an unsatisfied response. Hey, hey, Ash and Gil, don’t nod like you’re convinced. I thought you’d complain that it’s not enough of an explanation.
“You probably helped until the country was back on its feet, right? Like setting up a communication network so information could reach even the remote villages.”
“Don’t say ‘probably’, hey.”
“The guild’s communication system uses magic tools. The Don must have been involved in the development. That’s the most convincing reason for why magic tools are used in various places even here.”
“I did spread them, but you should have more faith in human potential. The structure of the magic tools was designed by humans, you know?”
“…As expected of the Don.”
“…Are you guys even listening?”
These guys, they really say whatever they want… And it’s even more frustrating because they’re mostly right about what happened. Alright, I’ve decided to never give them the details again. You probably already know, right? You definitely do!
While this was going on, it seems we had entered the castle at some point. Are the soldiers here properly trained? They’re lined up in front of the castle gate and inside, but I don’t feel threatened at all. They might be somewhat of a threat by human standards… but I think they’re at a level where Adol alone could easily wipe them out without using magic. Sorry for using Adol as an example. Well, he’s not a combat role, so forgive me.
“Then, please wait here. I apologize for making you stand… First, I’ll go confirm with His Majesty the Emperor.”
The captain was about to leave after saying that, but Ash stopped him.
“I’ll state our business briefly. Could you convey that to him? …My precious daughter was suddenly forcibly teleported. Based on our analysis, we know she’s on the human continent. Depending on your response… we might not be able to hold back our power.”
At the slightest leak of Ash’s aura, the soldiers, including the captain, stiffened. Some were even breaking out in a cold sweat and turning pale. Just from this, they must have realized that even if they banded together, they’d be no match.
“We need to discuss this urgently. …In order to build a good relationship going forward.”
“…I understand. I will convey that.”
Ash and the emperor here have exchanged letters a few times. We do trade through the mines, after all. But they haven’t met face to face yet. In other words, this is the first time.
By the way, this is basically my first time meeting the current emperor too. I did meet him once, but… back then, the emperor was just a young child, so he probably doesn’t remember.
Well, basically, the emperor will definitely meet with us. He has to, in this situation. In the first place, it’s extremely rare for those belonging to the Demon Realm to cross the continent and visit. And the other party is the Demon King. Even if we can’t prove he’s the Demon King, just having demi-humans is a threat to this continent. One person could probably destroy a whole country.
I also introduced myself, so he’ll definitely come himself. So stop worrying and hurry up and come, okay? Look at the soldiers’ faces and how they’re trembling. I’m starting to feel sorry for them.
“W-We apologize for the wait. We will guide you to the guest room immediately.”
“The guest room? Not the audience chamber?”
“You are important guests. The audience chamber would be out of the question, so…”
I see. That’s probably true, but I’m sure he’s thinking to minimize the personnel so the others don’t get intimidated. The emperor probably understands how strong demi-humans are. He knows that no matter how many people there are, if it turns into a battle, they have no chance of winning. It doesn’t matter if there are many or few guards, so he probably thought it’s better to have a small number for the discussion. I’m relieved that the current emperor is properly educated.
When we agreed, the captain immediately started guiding us, saying “This way.” For someone of his rank to turn his back to us to guide us… We should take that as a sign of trust. It would be tactless for us to rampage here.
“Excuse me! I’ve brought them!”
The captain stopped in front of a particularly large door and knocked, calling out to those inside. Then the door was opened from the inside. We followed and entered the room.
At the back of the room, a young man stood up from a table with tea prepared and faced us. Behind him were several people who seemed to be guard knights. Hmm, so this young man is the current emperor. He’s probably not that young, but he looks quite young.
“…It’s our first time meeting. I am Lucas, the current emperor.”
Oh, he has good eyes. It’s a good attitude, not being subservient to us, but also not trying to be superior. We can’t say we’re on equal footing otherwise. The Demon King and the emperor should be equals.
“Hmm, so you are Lucas-dono. I apologize for the sudden visit this time. I am Zahariash, the Demon King.”
In response, Ash introduced himself first. Then, the two of them looked at me, so I should introduce myself too.
“Ah, and I’m Eugene. I had… various things with the previous emperor. Well, we got along well.”
Rather, I was the one who helped him, but saying that would be pushy, and it’s a pain to explain. Thinking that, I lightly scratched my head to avoid the topic.
“You’re too humble. I’ve heard of your exploits many times, Eugene-dono. You’re our savior. Of course, we will continue to pass down your story. …That said, your visit was indeed sudden. Please understand that we can’t provide much hospitality.”
“I don’t mind. This matter is urgent. I’d like to get straight to the point.”
The previous emperor, Ethan, had said he’d have my story passed down for generations, and it seems he actually did. I didn’t pay it much mind back then, thinking I’d never see him again, but actually witnessing it feels strange. I was having trouble responding, so I was grateful that Ash quickly changed the subject.
“That’s clear from the sudden visit. Then have a seat. …But I’m surprised that Zahariash-dono and Eugene-dono know each other. Does that have something to do with this?”
Ash and I sat in the seats in front of the emperor, while Gil and Adol stood behind us. But this emperor is quite composed. He’s dignified even in front of us. He definitely has what it takes to be emperor.
“That’s right. Then let’s get straight to the point from the beginning. …My daughter, Meg, was suddenly forcibly teleported. The place she was sent to was this human continent.”
When Ash said that, the emperor’s face tightened. As I thought, he knows something.
“Do you have any idea about this matter? No, you must, right? To forcibly teleport someone this far. And on this continent with so few magic particles. It must have been a large-scale magic. As the emperor of this country, there’s no way you wouldn’t know.”
A tense atmosphere enveloped the room. It’s not a release of magic power, nor is it pressure. Just a vibe, but it’s obvious he’s suppressing murderous intent. The guards behind the emperor and the captain standing in front of the door are sweating.
“Tell us everything you know. As the Demon King whose successor was taken, and as a father whose daughter was taken, I don’t think I can ever forgive this.”
Ash said that with a blank expression, but his overly perfect face conveyed more terror by not showing emotion.
And after a moment, the emperor finally opened his mouth.