Waraticas entered the room alone, having left the maids outside, unlike earlier that morning. Her steps were more composed now than they had been, where there had been a glimpse of anticipation on her face before.

"There's no need to be so tense. I’m just here to clear up some questions I have."

She sat across from me as if the seat had been hers all along.

"First, I owe you an apology for my rudeness this morning. I left without having a proper conversation."

"…"

It was an odd way to apologize, but the fact that she felt the need to offer one meant she was interested in me. I gave a slight nod.

"Thank you. I found your demeanor quite impressive, and I wanted to have a more composed discussion with you."

Up to the point when she said I was impressive, I wasn’t too concerned.

But her expression darkened as she spoke.

"I’ve read the generals' reports, heard the rumors around the Empire, and received Erika's report. Initially, I thought they were all exaggerated or false."

"…"

"So, when I saw that you lived up to the rumors, I was surprised."

Waraticas’s words felt more like observations than a conversation. There wasn’t joy or excitement in her voice as if she’d discovered a new talent—just a heavy sense of regret.

It was rather unsettling.

I hadn't expected her to act this awkwardly. I wasn’t looking for an offer of employment, but her strange attitude was unexpected.

After muttering to herself for a while, she finally said:

"If only you had been born a citizen of the Empire..."

And with that, she left the room. Something must have happened in the past few hours for Waraticas to behave this way.

A slight sense of danger crept in.

---

For the next few days, the same routine repeated itself.

Waraticas came to visit me daily, engaging in various conversations. She even updated me on the current state of the Ruth Kingdom, mentioning that there hadn’t been any major developments yet.

If any purges or demobilization had occurred, the Empire would have noticed, meaning my subordinates were holding out well.

But for how long would they be able to last without me?

Anyway, Waraticas seemed fond of me based on her demeanor. However, she continued to lament that I wasn’t a citizen of the Empire, but she never brought up any actual offers.

It was odd—considering how in the game she would aggressively recruit people like a collector of human talent.

While I pondered this, Theodore came by for another visit.

He abruptly entered my room and said, "Her Majesty asked me what I thought of you, and I answered truthfully. You’re certainly a capable man, but it would be difficult to persuade you to join the Empire."

He claimed that he had convinced Waraticas to give up on recruiting me.

"A great general like you wouldn’t abandon his men and simply join the Empire for his own survival, now would he?"

The logic he presented to Waraticas was simple. If I joined the Empire, the nobles of Ruth would have an excuse to take up arms against my remaining subordinates. Therefore, a man like Viktor, who cared deeply for his men, couldn’t be persuaded unless that issue was resolved.

"Her Majesty was quite disappointed, but what can you do, huh?"

Theodore likely sweet-talked Waraticas using that argument. And, well, he wasn’t wrong, so it probably didn’t take long for her to understand.

Perhaps Waraticas’s refusal to question my loyalty was her way of showing respect. If so, it wasn’t too bad.

"A hero whose legend ends in death—a truly admirable end."

He was still marked as an enemy on the minimap. Theodore probably argued to Waraticas every time he saw her why she should have me killed. He likely did the same thing during imperial council meetings.

"Farewell, Viktor."

He was utterly convinced that things would go his way. And to be fair, his attacks, using his influence and status, were quite threatening.

If I couldn’t resolve the two key issues—the foundation to counter him and the precarious situation of my subordinates—my dreams of defecting peacefully and world domination would be impossible.

For moments like this, I had prepared my "last resort." A method I had reserved for when I didn’t have enough justification to betray the Ruth Kingdom.

I had planned to save it for later, but now wasn’t the time to be cautious.

If I was going to betray, I would do it big and flashy—my plan was a form of betrayal by "willful ignorance."

With everything in place, I simply waited for the right moment.

---

A week passed since my arrival in the Empire.

-Click.

As expected, Waraticas visited again today, alone.

"…Good to see you."

Her words now carried an unmistakable sense of regret. I could see it plainly on the minimap—she was marked in green.

Viktor was a well-built character, and it was no surprise that a competent ruler would hesitate to let him go. Waraticas subtly asked if I would join the Empire several times, but I declined for my own reasons.

"Viktor. Your…"

Carefully, she began to speak.

"…execution date has been set. It’s one month from today."

She had finally delivered the last piece of the puzzle I had been waiting for.

"I know this is rude, but I have to ask—are you sure you won’t reconsider?"

Perhaps it was because she was young for a dragon or because it was in her nature to be drawn to what she couldn’t have, but she asked me as if she were throwing a small tantrum.

"Even if it means imprisonment and eventual death?"

"…"

She took my silence as a rejection, letting her head droop in disappointment.

This was my chance.

"I have one request."

"Hmm?"

"A final one."

"…"

It was the perfect moment to steer things in my favor while minimizing damage to my image.

Because I had played the role of "Viktor" well thus far—someone who cherished his subordinates and was responsible as the commander of Ruth’s army—I could make this request.

"Tell me."

"I’d like to return to my homeland, Zavinsk, even if just for a few days."

A request that was impossible, but one that would make it seem like I couldn’t let go of my attachment until the very end.

Waraticas didn’t immediately reject my request as ridiculous. Instead, she pondered, tapping the table as if in deep thought. The moment she hesitated instead of outright refusing, I knew my objective was almost achieved.

"I understand your sentiment, but that would be difficult."

Her hesitation brought the answer I had been waiting for.

Of course, it was the natural response. She had no reason to send me back, and the possibility of me not returning couldn’t be ruled out.

Now for the final blow.

A move I could only pull because I had experienced this world through the game—a wedge to push her into action. It was a dangerous but effective threat that could only be used once, and only when Waraticas had no desire to kill me.

"…Waraticas."

I uttered her true name and watched her carefully on the minimap.

The reason only two or one dragons appeared in the Great War was because dragons were fundamentally forbidden from interfering in the world.

If a dragon wanted to blend in with humans, they had to meet numerous conditions, including severely limiting their powers.

And one absolute rule—they must never be discovered.

The moment I shouted from the execution stage, "Louise is the Red Dragon, Waraticas!"—even if no one believed me—her game would be over.

She could kill me right then and there, but I had spent all this time building a relationship for this exact moment.

"…!!!"

Her eyes widened in shock.

Instead of lashing out at me, she burst into laughter.

"Hahaha. Hahahaha. Hahahahahaha!"

Even on the minimap, she remained marked in green.

I forced myself to keep a tense expression, suppressing any sign of satisfaction.

Waraticas laughed for a long time before finally calming down.

"So, this is what you meant when you said you didn’t fear death?"

"…That’s right."

"Amusing. Very amusing."

She smiled as she surveyed the surroundings, and then her aura pressed down on me with force.

"A threat, I assume? On the condition that you don’t disrupt my game."

"Indeed. I will return, I promise."

The pressure was similar to what I had felt on the first day, but having experienced it once, it was easier to bear. It seemed like she was trying to find any signs of deceit, but I was being completely honest.

I had no intention of mentioning her name again, and I fully intended to return to the Empire.

"…Haha."

She laughed softly and released her pressure.

"If you break your promise, I will burn everything you hold dear. Without exception."

"…"

Louise glared at me through half-closed eyes, delivering the words with a calmness more menacing than any forceful outburst.

I nodded.

I would return—not just empty-handed, but with plenty of gifts in tow.

"There will be no second chance."

With that, Louise stood and left the room.

Now that she had accepted, everything depended on me.

Once the idea of "the emperor granting a hero’s final request" took root, the strange situation of temporarily releasing a prisoner would be more palatable.

Rumors of Louise’s fair treatment of talent were widespread, and it was well known that I had deep ties to the Ruth Kingdom.

Now, it was my turn to act.

The grand betrayal of General Viktor, the wronged hero,

 would soon unfold.

I would destroy the Ruth Kingdom with my own hands.

---

As soon as Louise finished her conversation with Viktor, she called for an emergency meeting.

Seated on her throne, she waited for the nobles to arrive.

It was unusual for the emperor, who rarely expressed her opinion in council meetings, to call for an emergency assembly. Naturally, the nobles hurried to the audience chamber, sensing the gravity of the situation.

The Emperor’s faction, led by Theodore Offenstadt, quickly filled the seats, followed by the nobles who had been lingering in the capital. Despite the late hour, the room was soon packed.

Normally, Theodore would preside over the meetings, but since the emperor herself had convened this one, he took his seat and waited for her to speak.

"…It seems we have enough attendees. Let’s begin."

As Louise opened the session, all eyes in the room turned toward her.

"The topic of today’s meeting, as presented by me, Louise Zainburg, is the treatment of Viktor, general of the Ruth Kingdom."

"…Your Majesty."

The moment she mentioned Viktor's name, a noble from the Emperor’s faction stood up immediately from his seat on the right side of the room.

"Sir Ralph, you may speak."

"Hadn’t you already decided to execute Viktor? I’m curious as to why you’ve convened an emergency meeting on this matter."

Many nobles nodded in agreement with Ralph’s question. Given that the decision had already been made, there seemed no reason to call an emergency session.

"What could Her Majesty possibly—"

"Enough."

Before a noble sitting nearby could finish speaking, Louise raised her hand to silence him.

"I am not reversing my decision to execute him."

"Then…"

"But."

Louise glanced around the room, her gaze silencing the murmuring nobles. Ralph sat down, and those who had been whispering among themselves quickly followed suit, waiting for her to continue.

Once the room fell silent, she resumed.

"If we simply execute him like any other enemy commander, we might quell resistance in Ruth Kingdom, but it could strengthen their resolve. His fame and reputation won’t die with him. Isn’t that right, Sir Theodore?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. You are correct."

Having heard this reasoning several times in previous meetings, Theodore nodded in agreement.

"When Viktor heard of his execution date, he requested a final visit to his homeland, Zavinsk."

"…!"

"And so, as a sign of respect, I propose temporarily releasing him to Ruth before carrying out his execution."

The moment she finished speaking, the room erupted into murmurs. A noble from the faction opposed to the Emperor quickly rose from his seat, clad in full armor.

"Your Majesty!"

"Sir Reinhardt."

"The Dragonia Empire is not weak! There’s no reason to entertain such a request, and more importantly, Viktor—"

Seeing the nod from Louise, Reinhardt, who had long been dissatisfied with Viktor’s mere imprisonment, poured out his anger. Her words had only inflamed his desire to object, fueling his strong opposition.

Several nobles shared his gaze, eyeing Louise with dissatisfaction. Theodore had repeatedly pushed the idea of Ruth Kingdom’s weakness, so they felt there was no need to indulge Viktor.

"I disagree."

"…Theodore?"

To everyone’s surprise, it was Theodore—who had been the most vocal about executing Viktor—who silenced Reinhardt’s objection.

"Treating a prisoner with respect brings long-term benefits. It also aligns with Her Majesty’s reputation for handling talent fairly. I see no reason to object."

Theodore saw no reason to oppose the plan. His initial push to kill Viktor had stemmed from a desire to remove someone who had stolen the emperor’s attention.

But now, with Viktor willingly distancing himself from the Emperor, Theodore felt nothing but relief. After all, Louise had shown interest in Viktor to the point of visiting him in prison.

At least she wouldn’t go chasing after him in the Ruth Kingdom.

"Even so…"

"Sir Reinhardt seems worried that Viktor might not return, but that would actually work in the Empire’s favor."

"…What do you mean?"

"If Viktor doesn’t return, the Empire gains three advantages."

With the Emperor’s support, Theodore effortlessly continued his argument.

"First, the negotiations were based on receiving Viktor. If he doesn’t return, we can break off the talks at any time, using it as a pretext."

"…"

"Second, Viktor’s relationship with the nobles in Ruth isn’t great. If he refuses to return, the kingdom will fall into chaos. While they’re busy fighting amongst themselves, the Empire can strike. That’s the second benefit."

Clearing his throat, Theodore pressed on.

"The third reason Viktor is feared isn’t just his capabilities, but his reputation in the Empire and the overwhelming support he has in Ruth Kingdom. If he stays behind, he will not only lose his reputation but be seen as someone who broke his word."

Reinhardt was left gaping, unable to interject as Theodore’s logic rolled over him.

"If we spread rumors that Viktor’s refusal to return sparked a war, his reputation will crumble. Even a small dent in his perfect image would be enough to tarnish his standing. That’s the third advantage."

Despite saying all this, Theodore didn’t actually expect Viktor to even make it back to Ruth Kingdom.

The nobles of Ruth were incompetent, but not so oblivious that they wouldn’t realize how much of a threat Viktor posed if he returned.

Viktor wasn’t overwhelmingly strong, and the nobles of Ruth had no qualms about using underhanded methods.

In that sense, Theodore had some faith in their ability.

"And if Viktor tries to flee, Her Majesty won’t stand idly by."

"Exactly."

It wasn’t the Empire that had lost the war, but the nobles of Ruth Kingdom.

Everyone knew that the Imperial Guard, under the command of the Emperor, was a formidable force. With Theodore leading the Emperor’s faction, their influence was stronger than ever.

The moment Louise declared that she would take action herself, any lingering fear of Viktor disappeared from the nobles’ minds.

"It might even be better to send him without any guards or surveillance, ensuring that if he flees, the responsibility won’t fall on the Empire."

Theodore was ready to ensure Viktor would die in exile.

Even without his personal interest in removing Viktor, the idea of a general earning the Emperor’s favor was a direct threat to Theodore.

For him, getting rid of Viktor was a top priority.

"…Good."

Louise stood from her throne.

"Tomorrow, I will send a formal message to the Ruth Kingdom and return Viktor temporarily. If anyone has objections, speak now."

"…"

With both the Emperor and Theodore supporting the decision, no noble dared to raise an objection.

"I’ll take that as agreement from everyone."

Satisfied with the nobles’ silence, Louise left the throne room, and the other nobles followed her lead.

"…This should be interesting."

Louise was curious to see what would happen next.

While her acceptance of Viktor’s request had partly been due to his subtle threat and the fondness she held for him, there was also an element of spite toward Ruth Kingdom.

She knew exactly what it would mean for the kingdom to welcome back a hero they had betrayed.

And she also knew that if she had asked Ruth Kingdom for permission, they would have rejected the idea outright.

But of course, as a dragon, Louise only cared about what amused her.

"Summon the mages."

With excitement for what was to come, Louise prepared a small gift for Viktor.

---

The next day.

I had expected the process to drag out for days, but I was allowed to depart the very next morning. Even better, I was given permission to travel alone—an ideal arrangement.

I knew exactly what Theodore was thinking, but for someone with a minimap like me, traveling alone wasn’t particularly dangerous.

"Viktor."

As I donned my freshly cleaned uniform and made my preparations, Louise approached with her maids in tow. She handed me a gold-engraved badge adorned with a dragon crest.

"Show this badge at any relay station, and they will provide you with a horse. Additionally, a Phlegethon has been prepared for you to ensure a swift journey."

"…Thank you."

For the first time, I addressed her with formal courtesy, showing my gratitude.

She hesitated for a moment but left without replying.

"Until we meet again!"

I called out a farewell to her retreating figure and headed toward the Phlegethon.

But really, the Phlegethon again?

...The Empire may be wasting all its development funds on this system.

Though, taking over Ruth Kingdom would probably serve as a decent compensation.

 

 

______________________

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!

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