episode_0004

The place I headed to after stepping outside for a moment was none other than the Imperial Palace.

If you ask why I went to the palace, it was because of Arienne.

“I didn’t intend to go this far.”

Originally, I had only planned to support Arienne from behind until she could prove herself as a hero by growing stronger and challenging me again.

Actively helping would hinder the protagonist’s growth.

However, the current situation itself should not have happened in the original work, and experiencing crises that the protagonist should not face made me quite uncomfortable.

“But that doesn’t mean the guilt will be completely erased.”

No matter how much I say I’m fine.

The guilt of impersonating a hero cannot be erased.

It’s not the kind of guilt that can be absolved just because I’m okay.

A hero is a being destined to save the world.

Once you commit the crime of impersonating such a being,

It was certain that a bounty would be placed on me nationwide.

“But things will be different if I take action myself.”

A true hero who judges fake heroes.

There is no scenario more perfect than this.

If I were to go to the Emperor and directly capture the protagonist, asking to lift the nationwide bounty, and actually pretending to catch her until she grows stronger, the protagonist would have a comfortable time growing stronger.

“Even though it seems this easy.”

Since many already doubt me and there are plenty of skeptical eyes, a convincing performance was necessary. Moreover, the longer I fail to capture her, the Emperor would start to doubt me as well, and I might be wanted nationwide again.

“By then, she’ll have grown stronger to a considerable extent.”

There was nothing to worry about.

“So let’s not get nervous.”

I am a fake hero.

I move only to capture the protagonist.

As I repeated this mantra in my mind like brainwashing, I found myself standing in front of the Imperial Palace.

The guards at the entrance looked at me and greeted me with a formal bow.

“We greet the esteemed hero.”

Although their words did not resonate with me, I accepted their greetings with a straight face.

“Yes. I am also glad to be here.”

“What business do you have at the palace?”

“I have come to meet His Majesty.”

“Please wait a moment.”

One of the knights entered the palace.

It seemed like he went to announce my arrival.

Shortly after, the knight who had entered the palace returned and cleared the way for me.

“His Majesty requests your presence.”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

As I passed by them, patting their shoulders, the knights responded energetically, seemingly touched.

“Yes!”

Passing through them, I entered the grand palace made of splendid gold.

And there stood a figure waiting for me.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

He was a man named Beat, positioned at the Emperor’s right-hand side.

Beat was not only the Emperor’s right-hand man but also someone who had shown favor to me, lending his strength when needed.

“Your Majesty?”

“He is waiting inside. Please follow me.”

Beat guided me and asked various questions along the way.

“I heard that you recently defeated a woman who appeared claiming to be a hero. Impersonating a hero and driving them out is a serious offense. His Majesty is likely to issue a nationwide warrant. What are your thoughts on this?”

Until the protagonist and I fought, it hadn’t spread widely yet.

But it seemed like news had already reached the palace.

At least I thought it would take more time to spread.

“The only relief is that they haven’t issued the warrant yet.”

So, the citizens of the empire were still unaware of what had happened.

The only ones who witnessed the protagonist’s and my fight were high-ranking nobles.

“I’ve come to speak to His Majesty about that.”

“His Majesty is also expecting the hero to come. Please, go in.”

Before I knew it, I had arrived at a massive door.

I pushed the door open and entered.

Inside, I saw courtiers lined up next to an elaborately decorated throne where the emperor was seated. I confidently approached the emperor.

“Hero. Have you come?”

“Your Majesty, I have something to discuss privately.”

“It seems both of us have similar things to say. You all may leave.”

At the emperor’s command, the courtiers standing beside me left without any resistance.

Now, only the emperor and I remained.

Amidst the silence, the emperor spoke first.

“It seems that what you have to tell me and what I have to tell you are quite similar.”

“I also think so.”

“I am considering putting a bounty on the imposter who has been impersonating a hero across the nation. However, it seems you might disagree with my opinion.”

Although I showed no signs, how did he manage to perceive this?

Meeting the emperor, whether in the past or now, always made me feel exposed.

Nevertheless, I replied to his words without revealing anything.

“I would appreciate it if Your Majesty reconsidered your thoughts, as you mentioned.”

“Why is that?”

“I believe there is no need to escalate the situation unnecessarily.”

“Hero, there seems to be a flaw in your argument. While you say there is no need to escalate the situation, by doing so, we can instill vigilance nationwide and prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Can you guarantee that if we overlook this incident, similar events will not occur?”

Indeed, the emperor was right; it would be more appropriate to escalate rather than cover up this incident.

Challenging authority by impersonating a hero required punishment as an example to deter future impostors.

But here lies the crucial point.

‘That I am the fake.’

And the protagonist is the real hero.

Therefore, I needed to carefully navigate this conversation to prevent the emperor from issuing a warrant for the protagonist.

“Raising the issue could serve as a deterrent for future incidents, but my perspective differs slightly.”

“How specifically does it differ?”

“The fact that a false hero has been exposed pertains to high-ranking nobles and individuals associated with the palace. However, if the revelation of someone impersonating a hero spreads beyond our empire to other kingdoms, it could pose some complications. Just the emergence of an imposter could lead to doubts about my qualifications as a hero among our people and potentially spark further instances of impersonation.”

“I understand the hero’s concerns, but I find it rather fallacious. Who would dare question the hero’s qualifications and resort to impersonation? Surely no one would undermine their own position.”

No.

In fact, I knew all too well.

My current position was so high that it could rival that of the empire’s emperor.

‘But I cannot step back.’

Not even for the protagonist.

I had no intention of backing down from this situation.

“I absolutely disagree. I can boast that I understand my current position better than anyone else. However, there will inevitably be those who doubt whether I am truly worthy of the title of a hero, even though I do not outwardly express it. This is because not everyone in the world shares the same thoughts.”

“Furthermore, if I were to challenge the position of a hero, I would like to resolve things within my own boundaries.”

“Does that mean you will take matters into your own hands?”

“Yes.”

The Emperor paused as if contemplating for a moment. His expression made me nervous, as if he was deciding whether to let it go or address it.

After his contemplation, the Emperor stopped stroking his chin and spoke up.

“Very well. It suits you. I trust that you will handle it well on your own, so I will keep the nobles in check.”

Fortunately, the Emperor chose to let it go, and I bowed my head.

“Thank you.”

“There’s no need to thank me for something of this level. Rather, since you have decided to take matters into your own hands, I feel more relieved. I hope to hear good news soon. You may leave now.”

“Understood.”

I turned towards the door and began to walk away.

***

The Emperor gazed at the place where Kariel had been with a smile.

“How amusing.”

I tried my best not to show any signs, but the Emperor, having seen all sorts of people, couldn’t help but notice Kariel’s intentions immediately, even if he pretended otherwise.

It was hard to believe that such a being was a hero, yet at the same time, there was a purity in their demeanor that seemed heroic.

“It’s a completely different story from what the rumors say.”

Rumors often paint a grim picture.

Yet the hero he faced, whether past or present, still retained a pure aspect.

Moreover, while he couldn’t understand why a hero would protect someone who challenged his authority, the Emperor decided to let it go, thinking there must be some intention behind it.

“I may not know what you are thinking, but…”

At least he knew that whatever it was, it wouldn’t harm the empire, so the Emperor quietly let it pass.