Ch.294294. The Emperor Is Right Here…?

“Selden Alphonse, the Star of the Western Continent, Emperor Callian—”

“Enough, sit down.”

It was a moment so shocking that my heart nearly leapt out of my chest.

Not only was it surprising that Emperor Callian had visited the Eastern Continent immediately after the war ended, but to think that the imperial treasure was his sister, Princess Joanna Lumière…

Come to think of it, there were quite a few strange things that didn’t add up.

A butler and servant escaping through the back door while His Imperial Majesty was at war?

At the time, I was too flustered and went along with it as if in a trance, but now the puzzle pieces seemed to fit together.

I hastily wiped the sweat flowing from various parts of my face with the back of my hand and placed my backside on the sofa across from him.

“Yes, congratulations on your victory, Your Imperial Majesty.”

Having nothing particular to say, I blurted out whatever came to mind, and Emperor Callian Lumière rested his chin on his hand and smiled gently.

“On my way here, I saw all the letters sent to Butler Darian. Thanks to you safely evacuating Joanna, I was able to wage war with peace of mind.”

“…Haha, I had no idea that the imperial treasure Butler Darian mentioned was the Princess.”

“I’m sure you didn’t. Everyone would have kept the secret.”

By the way.

Princess Joanna Lumière was sitting demurely next to Emperor Callian Lumière.

Suddenly, all our past conversations swirled chaotically in my head.

-I don’t know about the Eastern Continent, but in the Western Continent, researching magical beasts without imperial permission is punishable.

To which I had responded with an arrogant expression:

-Where are we right now?

-In the forest…?

-No, I mean, is this the Western Continent?

-…It’s the Eastern Continent.

-Then at least in the Eastern Continent, I can advocate for it, right?

I had been so impudent, and not just that:

-So the criminal is someone researching magical beasts?

-Nothing’s been confirmed yet, but it’s the most likely possibility.

-Then why do zombies only exist in the Western Continent? The Eastern Continent doesn’t even outlaw magical beast research.

-W-well, that’s…

-If what you’re saying is true, shouldn’t there be more zombies in the Eastern Continent?

-Something must be wrong with that logic.

I had expressed dissatisfaction with Emperor Callian’s actions, and:

-But if you’re so strong, Lord Selden Alphonse, why did you flee through the imperial back door?

-Are you suggesting an Eastern Continent person should get involved in Western Continent imperial succession disputes?

-N-no, but… I thought you could have helped. Then Emperor Callian would remember your efforts—

-Efforts, my ass.

-…Pardon?

-If I stuck my nose where it didn’t belong and died, wouldn’t that be a dog’s death?

-W-with your skills, Lord Selden Alphonse, you surely wouldn’t have died.

-No one can see what lies ahead in life, so how can you be so certain?

-I’m sorry. I overstepped.

-As long as you understand.

I had painted Princess Joanna Lumière as presumptuous.

This alone was enough for Emperor Callian Lumière to have my head on a platter.

I glanced briefly at Princess Joanna before turning my gaze to Emperor Callian.

“I may have misspoken, not knowing she was the Princess. I would appreciate your generosity in overlooking it.”

As I adopted a humble posture, Callian Lumière burst into laughter as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Puhuhuh! This is truly amusing!”

What’s this?

This ominous laughter?

Has Princess Joanna already told Emperor Callian about our conversations?

Hiding my flustered face, I maintained a calm demeanor and offered a faint smile.

“…What does Your Imperial Majesty find so amusing?”

“How can I not laugh when someone who remained dignified even when facing potential beheading suddenly adopts such a humble attitude?”

“T-that wasn’t dignity, I merely stated that it was Your Imperial Majesty’s decision to make.”

Emperor Callian Lumière leaned back leisurely on the sofa and smiled serenely.

“Now I understand why you were so confident even in the imperial palace.”

“…Pardon?”

“The knights, mercenaries, and what did you call them—guardians?—protecting this estate. With such formidable subordinates, you had nothing to fear. And moreover…”

His voice trailed off, and Emperor Callian’s eyes flashed.

“Butler Darian told me you instantly dealt with over a dozen traitors? It’s amusing to see someone with such skills acting humble before me.”

“…I was merely lucky in dealing with the traitors.”

“Frankly, if your subordinates fought against the imperial knights I brought, I couldn’t predict the outcome…”

“You flatter me.”

“Perhaps this is your opportunity. An opportunity to become the Emperor of the Western Continent.”

Butler Darian and Princess Joanna, who were in the reception room besides me and Emperor Callian, lowered their heads with uncomfortable expressions.

He seemed to make quite savage jokes.

Maintaining composure in such situations was my specialty, so I managed my expression and continued.

“Why would I eagerly seize the Emperor’s position when there’s nothing particularly appealing about it?”

I countered his joke with one of my own.

Once again, Butler Darian and Princess Joanna in the reception room gaped with shocked expressions.

Of course, Emperor Callian was the exception.

“Hahaha!! I knew you’d say that. I really do like you!”

“…If Your Imperial Majesty likes me, could you grant me one wish?”

“You’re obviously going to talk about Kabla, right?”

“Yes. Isn’t the prohibition on magical beast research in the Western Continent due to zombies?”

“That’s right.”

“The Eastern Continent doesn’t prohibit magical beast research, yet zombies don’t exist here. Additionally, according to Kabla, if you examine old magical research materials, there were several attempts by magicians to inject new life forms into human bodies.”

Emperor Callian, who had been smiling leisurely throughout our conversation, finally adopted a serious expression.

“So you and Kabla believe the zombies in the Western Continent are the work of magicians?”

“It’s difficult to be certain, but if Your Imperial Majesty gives me time, I’ll try to resolve it.”

“You’ll try to resolve it?”

“Yes, if given time, I will catch the culprit.”

“…You’re quite confident, aren’t you?”

I couldn’t help but be confident since I already knew the identity of the black magician creating zombies from the original work.

Besides, if I passed the information to Serion Lykus, I could solve this without lifting a finger.

As Emperor Callian wore a contemplative expression, Butler Darian, who had been silent until now, joined the conversation.

“Your Imperial Majesty, may I offer a word?”

“Speak.”

“I’ve heard that Lord Selden Alphonse stopped a magical beast wave. While he holds the title of being the first in the Eastern Continent, there hasn’t been a territory in the Western Continent that stopped a magical beast wave in one go, has there?”

At Darian’s words, Emperor Callian’s eyes widened in surprise.

“I-I’ve heard there’s a hero in the Eastern Continent who stopped a magical beast wave.”

“That’s Lord Selden Alphonse. I was also quite surprised when I heard.”

Emperor Callian continued to stare at me with large eyes.

“Are you really the one who stopped the magical beast wave?”

“…Yes, I am.”

“No wonder your subordinates have such an extraordinary aura…”

Emperor Callian exclaimed in admiration.

Then, Butler Darian spoke up again.

“While staying here, I’ve heard nothing but praise for Lord Selden Alphonse until my ears hurt. He cleared areas that had been inaccessible for hundreds of years due to magical beasts, developed them into tourist attractions, and even established an academy for the future of the Eastern Continent.”

This guy…

He’s really making the most of being spared!

Although his outright praise was somewhat burdensome, it would certainly improve my image with Emperor Callian.

And my prediction was correct.

“Selden Alphonse.”

“I await your command.”

“I still have much to worry about with Prince Leonis.”

“I’ll handle the zombie incident on my own, so Your Imperial Majesty need not worry.”

“Can I trust you?”

“Of course.”

“If this matter is resolved, I’ll grant you whatever you desire.”

“All I want is for Kabla’s crimes to be pardoned; I don’t particularly desire anything else.”

As I curled up the corners of my mouth leisurely, Emperor Callian tilted his head.

“Do you truly lack ambition?”

“I simply know my place. Besides, I’ve already achieved everything I wanted.”

“…Let’s discuss this again after you resolve the zombie incident.”

“Then what about Kabla…?”

“I already owe you a debt, so I’ll grant your wish.”

“Thank you!”

Finally, a chance to end this uncomfortable conversation.

As I was contemplating how to conclude it, an urgent knocking sound came from outside the reception room door.

Knock knock-! Thump thump thump-!

Emperor Callian slightly furrowed his brow at the loud knocking.

“Enter.”

Butler Federicks burst through the door.

He had run so quickly that beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.

How strange.

No matter how thoughtless Federicks might be, would he really barge in during a conversation with the Emperor of the Western Continent?

I calmly looked at Federicks.

“What’s the matter?”

“H-His Imperial Majesty has arrived!!”

“The Emperor is already here…?”

I reflexively glanced at Emperor Callian once, then tilted my head in confusion as I asked, and Federicks continued without taking a breath.

“E-Emperor Malius has arrived at Lake Territory!”