Chapter 45 : Cause And Effect (4)

<Hero Victor Evans, I propose a truce to you.>

“A truce…?”

A truce?

Is he saying we should stop fighting?

Could such words really come from the Demon King’s mouth?

It was hard to believe.

“The Demon King, who loves slaughter and war more than anyone, is proposing a truce? You expect me to believe that?”

<Don’t misunderstand me, Hero. I enjoy slaughter, but not being slaughtered. I enjoy winning wars, but not wars accompanied by defeat.>

“So, what are you saying?”

<I know your strength. You are stronger than the first hero. If we fight, I will likely lose, and then I’ll be sealed away for another 100 years. That is not what I desire.>

“Hah… so you’re scared of my power, is that it?”

<You can interpret it that way if you wish. But thanks to you, I’ve regained my true power. The strength of a hero and the power of a Demon King are proportional. You, stronger than the first hero, have granted me power surpassing that of the first Demon King. With this power, I can unite the demon realm. You, with your strength, can rule the human continent. Isn’t that sufficient?>

“…Are you serious? You truly want to stop the fighting?”

<I am. If I wasn’t, I would’ve brought all of the Four Heavenly Kings to ravage this land. The fact that I am meeting you alone is proof of my sincerity. Why engage in a fight that I’m certain to lose? As I said, I’ve confronted you many times in different forms, and I’ve come to understand. Even if I give it my all, I can’t defeat you. And back then, you hadn’t even fully realized your power. Now that you have, you’re undoubtedly much stronger. If we fight, I will surely lose. Knowing that, why should I fight?>

<Is there any flaw or contradiction in my words, Hero? If I were to break this truce, you could simply kill me with your power. All I ask is your assurance that you won’t strike first.>

“Well… if you don’t invade the human continent, I see no reason to approach the demon continent myself.”

<Exactly, Hero.>

“However, neither you nor any demon may harm humans. Can you promise that?”

“Then… fine. In the name of the Hero, I accept your proposal for a truce.”

A loud cheer echoed around.

“What is this? A truce, just like that?”

“Does this mean peace has come?”

“Then we won’t have to pay the Hero’s expedition taxes anymore?”

“Does this mean… no more taxes?”

<However, there is a condition. I, too, have one condition, Hero.>

“I don’t think you’re in any position to demand conditions, but fine. What is it?”

<I am also a ruler of the demon continent. A ruler must have dignity. If I return like this, it would seem like I bowed my head to you. That would make it hard to command the demons, and that wouldn’t be good for you, either. Some demons might defy my order to ‘not harm humans.’>

“…So? What’s your condition? Speak up.”

“A trophy?”

<Something to assert my authority. Bringing someone’s head, for instance, would enhance my stature, don’t you think?>

“Are you insane? How is that any different from killing someone? Are you planning to break your promise, Demon King?”

<No, no. I won’t kill anyone. I’ll just take them away for eternal torment.>

“You…! Do you want to void the truce? Fine, let’s fight right here!”

<Wait, hear me out first. It depends on who I take, doesn’t it?>

“What do you mean?”

<I’ll take the emperor and the guardian knight.>

My hair, bristling as if ready for battle, settled down.

<And I will take Cynthia, Jeanne, and Tiffany, your original party members. The emperor, the guardian knight, and your party members should suffice to assert my authority. It shouldn’t be too bad for you, either.>

“What?”

If it’s just that… fine.

In fact… that’s better.

“Wait a minute! Victor! This isn’t right!”

“Exactly! Victor, are you really going to sell us out? No, right?”

“Please, Victor! Save us!”

The wails of my former comrades echoed. Yet, why did their cries sound so sweet, almost like a melody to my ears?

“Fine, Demon King. Take them.”

<…Heh, the deal is sealed. Then, I shall take my leave! Hahahaha!>

The Demon King disappeared into the mist, taking the Emperor, the Guardian Knight, Cynthia, Jeanne, and Tiffany with him.

“Victooooor! Save us!!!”

Cynthia’s desperate cries,

“This isn’t right! This isn’t riiiight!!”

Jeanne’s wails,

“Please, save meeeeee!!”

And Tiffany’s screams all blended together, but no one rose to help them.

―The Demon King had vanished.

Along with the thorns in my side.

Silence filled the banquet hall.

No one knew who should speak first.

No one knew what to say.

Not even me.

“Ahem. Ahem.”

Then, a woman mustered her courage and cleared her throat.

Everyone’s attention turned to her. I recognized her.

Irene.

Princess Irene.

“I understand that everyone is shocked, but as the princess, I would like to make a suggestion.”

A suggestion?

What kind of suggestion?

“With the revelation of my father Carlos’s true identity, my legitimacy as his heir is effectively nullified. In other words, the throne is vacant. A new emperor must be chosen. And I believe that Victor Evans is the only person suitable for that position. What does everyone think?”

“I agree.”

The Grand Sage was the first to voice his support.

“Victor Evans is the only one capable of opposing the Demon King. After meeting him face-to-face, I am even more convinced of this. Without his presence, the Demon King would have no reason to propose a truce, nor would there be a reason to maintain it. We must support him.”

“The Grand Sage has given his endorsement. What do the rest of you think?”

“I agree.”

“I agree.”

“There is no reason to oppose.”

“I agree!”

“For Victor Evans as Emperor!”

“For Evans—no, His Majesty Emperor Evans!”“For His Majesty Emperor Evans!”

“For Victor Evans as Emperor!”

Under that slogan, everyone began to kneel.

The Great General Jack Grave, the Grand Sage Minerva, and even Princess Irene—all knelt before me.

These were influential figures in their respective nations, yet they all bowed to me, pledging their loyalty.

“Me… as Emperor?”

“There is no one else.”

Irene’s voice was firm with conviction.

I hesitantly stepped toward the throne, gazing at it cautiously.

The throne, the pinnacle of all worldly power.

I sat upon it, and it felt as if I could see the entire world beneath me.

“Whaaaaaa!!!”

“Victor has ascended the throne!”

“All hail Emperor Evans!!”

“Hail!”

“Haaaiiiil!!”

“Silence, all of you!”

I spoke with authority.

The saying “the position shapes the person” seemed true—my voice naturally carried the dignity of an emperor.

I addressed them all.

“I am the new Emperor and the 100th Hero, Victor Evans. I have something to say to you.”

“Please, speak!” they replied in unison.

“Though I am now Emperor, I was also a retainer of Countess Scarlett Bolanchefort of the Grimoire Kingdom. I cannot hold both positions at once. Thus, I shall resign from one.”

“Does that mean…”

Irene spoke, her voice tinged with curiosity.

“You’re saying you’re giving up your position as a retainer to the Bolanchefort family, correct? After all, an emperor can’t be a vassal of another nation.”

“The opposite, Princess Irene.”

“Pardon?”

“I will give up the emperor’s position.”

“…What?”

“And I will entrust the throne to you, Princess Irene.”

“What?”

“Do you need me to repeat that? Then let me officially declare it: I, Emperor Victor Evans, hereby abdicate the throne to Irene de Renal!”

“Your Majesty!”

“And the reason is—!”

I hurriedly cut off Irene, who seemed ready to argue, with a bold proclamation.

“From what I’ve observed, Irene is a conscientious and capable individual! The sins of Carlos are unrelated to Irene! Stripping her of her position is excessive! Irene is innocent! She is the most suitable successor! I will abdicate the throne to Irene and return to Rudin Village!”

“Your Majesty!”

“I am no longer to be addressed as ‘Your Majesty.’ It is you who are now the emperor, Irene—Emperor Irene.”

“This… this grace, how could I ever repay it…”

“Grace, you say.”

Certainly, if it could be called grace, then so be it.

Had it not been for me, Irene might have faced punishment as the child of a criminal, let alone ascend the throne.

And grace should be repaid.

“Hmm… Very well. Repay it, Emperor Irene.”

“Of course! To repay such grace, I’d pay an astronomical sum if necessary. How much would you like?”

“Let’s see… Establish a friendship treaty between Rudin Village and the Empire, waive taxes, and…”

“A-ah, no, I meant something more personal for you, Victor.”

“A personal reward, huh…”

I smirked.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ve already gotten everything I wanted.”

That’s right.

Everything I desired, I’ve already obtained.

The only thing left is to return to Scarlett and live a peaceful, warm life.

That’s the ending I envision for my journey.