abcnovels
Chapter 289: The Emperors Eyes
Chapter 289: The Emperors Eyes
Chapter 289: The Emperor's Eyes
His gaze briefly shifting to the side, the Mad Emperor smiled.
[It's difficult to be overheard in a moving carriage. It's quite useful when you want to have a confidential conversation———— Although I also wanted to see how you would react with me in the carriage.]
It seems like it isn't just its outer appearance that looked high-quality, as the interior looked amazing as well.
I looked at the beautiful young man sitting in front of me.
……I guess it's natural huh.
It's the carriage in which the Emperor rides after all.
This is also obvious, but it's important to remember that the Emperor is here incognito.
The seats in the carriage were spacious, large enough for Seras and Munin to sit on both of my sides.
Meanwhile, as ordered by the Mad Emperor, Hawk is sitting neatly on the Emperor's left side.
Incidentally, after getting in, I could feel a tremendous amount of tension in the air.
Especially from Seras and Munin, who seemed like they were completely caught off guard.
They looked very shaken.
They probably never thought that the Emperor would be in the carriage that would pick us up.
However, I felt something strangely out of place before getting into the carriage.
First of all, Hawk seemed to be strangely impatient, although he had been restraining himself.
I had the feeling that he was really hurrying to get back to the carriage as soon as possible.
He also kept on checking the carriage with his eyes after we left the guardhouse.
It's as if the thought of "he mustn't keep the Emperor waiting in that carriage too long" was in his mind.
[Now then, Fly King…… How was the road trip?]
[The authority of that Special Certificate is amazing. Thanks to that, we were able to reach the Imperial Capital without delay. Not only at the checkpoints, as at the cities we stopped at, they were quite accommodating towards "people with this Special Certificate"……]
[I'm glad to hear that you upfrontly went through the checkpoints.]
……He's glad about that huh.
I passed through the checkpoints on the road leading to the Imperial Capital partly as a "dare".
It wasn't just out of the kindness of his heart that he gave me that certificate.
I'm able to read through his intentions.
This Special Class Certificate is apparently something that was rarely given to someone.
If that's the case, the number of people presented with that certificate would be quite limited.
And the information of those who had been presented it would be immediately sent to the Imperial Capital, probably with a magical war pigeon.
They wanted to know our movements within their territory.
Of course, we could have slipped through those checkpoints.
However, avoiding the checkpoints might cause some insincerity on both sides.
"Daring" to go through their checkpoints shows that "we trust Mira's side".
It may be a trivial tactic.
However, the accumulation of these straightforward actions can be useful.
Honestly praising the authority of the Special Class Certificate, I turned the topic to the next question.
[By the way———- How is the situation with the battle against Urza?]
Along the way, I had heard some stories about the battle in the east.
However, the person standing in front of me is the Emperor himself, the man who started the war.
He must have better information about the others compared to the others.
Now, compared to before, the situation in each country is no longer completely irrelevant……
[Have you heard of the fall of Fort Zord?]
[I have heard of that.]
Seras has also explained about the situation.
It seems that it's one of the most important forts for Urza.
[Even after the fall of Fort Zord, our army is slowly pushing forward the front line. The speed of our advance has slowed somewhat since the arrival of Alion's reinforcements, led by Duke Polarie.]
Duke Polarie.
That noble from Alion who was at the battle at the Anti-Demon White Castle huh.
[To be honest, I hadn't expected Duke Polarie to be such a commanding figure. Nevertheless, it's only a matter of time before our army defeats him. This is due in large part to the fact that you and the Faraway Country have driven Alion's Thirteen Cavalries to the brink of destruction. That being the case…… I guess what we should be wary of the most would be the Heroes from Another World being sent out for the war.]
There, seemingly looking at our side's reaction……
[By the way…… Temporarily it may be, Duke Polarie and you fought together in the previous battle. Even if you think that way about him, it's no wonder. However, as long as he is on the opposite side, as long as he's on Alion's side, there will be some feelings that he will have to swallow. It's conceivable that in the future, the Bakuos Empire, which you one shared the battlefield with———]
The Mad Emperor turned his leisurely, but sharp gaze towards Seras.
[——or even the Holy Kingdom of Neia, may emerge as an enemy.]
In short——— He wants to confirm our resolve.
Putting her hands on her lap, Seras lowered her gaze.
[I am prepared for that. However———-]
[Don't worry. I am not going to ask you Fly King Squadron to participate in the battle. I intend to suppress everything on the battlefield with my Mira's army and the army of the Faraway Country.]
[…………………..]
Seras remained silent and motionless.
Although she had said that she had no more lingering attachments……
I can see the complex emotions swirling in her hands.
Albeit indirectly, she might become enemies with Neia's princess.
Munin's gaze passed over me, directed towards Seras, one filled with concern.
Slightly leaning my body forward, I spoke to the Mad Emperor.
[I believe that Neia is a worthy partner for our country though.]
Looking as if she had been played, Seras looked up.
With his legs crossed, the Mad Emperor smiled at her like a shrewd vixen.
[That's right.]
I guess that was the answer he was expecting.
Seemingly having noticed the Emperor's thoughts, Hawk, who had slightly shifted the curtain and was looking outside the window……
[How many I be of service, your Majesty?]
[I'm going to enjoy talking with these people for a while. Go through the usual path at a leisurely pace.]
Upon his words, Hawk opened a small covering on the wall behind him and rang a bell three times.
Thereupon, I could feel the carriage had changed directions.
It must have changed its travel route.
There, the Mad Emperor opened his mouth again.
[I have high opinions of Neia's Princess General Cattleya Stramius. I mean no disrespect by saying this, Seras-dono, but that princess has a talent that is hard to believe she's a child of that King Ortora. If we can convince her that it's more beneficial to side with us than with the Goddess…… I believe that the wise princess will be swayed to join our camp.]
[However…… Thinking about their country's geography, it would be difficult for Neia to publicly express being against the Goddess at this point.]
[That is most likely the case. However———]
[If we keep the conversations with her behind the scenes, when the tide turns———- You can get them to immediately raise their banner against the Goddess?]
As I said this, the Mad Emperor's eyes relaxed in satisfaction.
[Even though you may say geography is an issue…… but on the contrary, Neia is located behind Urza. It has strategic value.]
"Most of all……", said the Mad Emperor, looking at Seras again.
[I'm sure Seras-dono wouldn't want to be in opposition with the princess she once served and the Holy Knights she once led. Thinking about the future, I also think it's not good for the right hand of the Fly King Squadron to have such concerns.]
[……………….]
That just now sounded like caring words.
However, the meaning of his words changes depending on how you look at it.
Those words could be interpreted as the Mad Emperor telling Seras that "he wants her to cooperate to bring the Neia Princess on his side".
……He's the type of guy who's willing to use anything he can get his hands on.
He must have been planning to have this conversation when he brought up Neia.
[Well, you just keep that in the corner of your mind as something hypothetical. We still haven't received news of Neia's participation in the war after all.]
"Well then", I changed the subject.
[What are your Majesty's thoughts on the country lying southeast of Neia, Bakuos?]
[Fumu…… I'm not sure what their Emperor is up to. However, it's clear that he wants to expand his territory. If we were to promise to give them some of the lands in Eastern Urza and Alion if they side with us and win this war———– He may be willing to accept it, depending on the war situation. However, without its main force, the Black Dragon Knights, it can't be said that Bakuos is a major threat at the moment. That is what I think.]
[What about Magnar?]
[That will be up to their White Wolf Knights.]
[Their Knight is currently missing, correct?]
[I heard that some people say that he's already dead. I personally believe that the White Wolf King isn't a man who will die so easily———– But if we were to assume that he is dead, the next in line for the throne will be his brother, "Black Wolf" Sigurd Sigmus, the leader of the White Wolf Knights.]
[Is Magnar a country leaning towards Alion's side?]
Seras asked.
[Sigurd seems to be on reasonably good terms with Vysis. Because of its geographical location, Magnar has always been at the forefront of the fight against the Root of All Evil. Perhaps, that's why Alion is generous with their support towards them. In that sense, you can indeed say that Magnar is a country with strong ties to Alion.]
[Then——–]
[Next would be Jonato, right?]
[Yes.]
[Jonato is probably leaning towards Alion too. Their country isn't that friendly to Alion, but Jonato's relationship with our country is even worse than Alion's. You could even say that their country is hostile towards us. However, it's well known how the recent battle against the Great Demon Emperor had greatly consumed their forces. It will take them quite some time to rebuild their main force, the Annihilation Monks.]
Curling his fingers through his bangs, the Mad Emperor continues.
[Moreover…… The Sacred Cavalry, their treasured battle ordnance, has been damaged, and the only rider, the Saint, was also seriously injured. Therefore, for the time being, they still don't pose much of a threat. In that sense, it was fortunate for our country that Jonato's Four Revered Saints and Urza's Dragonslayer were out of commission. It's just……]
A trace of regret could be seen on the Mad Emperor's face.
[To tell you the truth, I wanted to pull the Four Revered Saints and the Dragonslayer in my camp. I've been trying to get them to join my camp for a while now…… but those guys were perfect in both ability and personality. Especially Dragonslayer Banewolf, that guy's too great of a person for Urza's Magister King.]
Speaking of which, I heard Sogou was quite grateful to that man.
I too have heard of the Dragonslayer's exploits in the Anti-Demon White Castle.
Back when I heard about him though, all I thought was that "it was just like usual".
Decent people like him——— work themselves too hard and end up falling off along the way.
[Anyway, if we were to exclude the Heroes from Another World…… The named forces we need to keep watch of would be the White Wolf Knights and Vysis' apostles.]
Vysis' apostles.
Among them was Nyaki's "Nee-nya"———- Nyantan Kikeepat.
[————No, I guess there would be one more force huh.]
As if he remembered something, the Mad Emperor put his hand on his chin.
[There's still the Drunken Sword Party.]
[………………….]
[They're also among the people whose abilities could be described as the best of the best.]
I later found out that they were a well-known group……
However, they're so famous that the Mad Emperor would bring them up huh.
The first time I met the Drunken Sword Party was during my exploration in the Mills Ruins.
They were that group who looked out for me back then.
They're a group with a proper common sense…… or rather, they seemed to be a fairly decent group.
However, I didn't feel that they were that great as warriors.
Compared to the powerful enemies I have met so far, that much is pretty clear.
Much less Civit, I don't think they're a threat that's even comparable to the Heroic Sword and John Doe.
Of course, there's a possibility that they're stronger than when I met them back then……
[The Drunken Sword Party is a group of mercenaries with their own base of operations and especially excel in group combat. They should be on good terms with Vysis. If they are going to participate in the war, they will be on the enemy side.]
The enemy side huh.
Most of the enemies I've had in the past were people I would crush without hesitation.
They were all scum.
……However, the time may come when the "enemies" I faced weren't people I could just simply crush.
[Anyhow, thanks to your Majesty, we now have a better understanding of the situation in each country and how inclined the well-known forces were to each side.]
We have frequently been looking out for the movements of each country.
However, it's not often that we have the opportunity to hear directly from the top leader of a country.
The perspectives and insights of such a person may be different.
It was worth updating our information here.
[So…… With all due respect, your Majesty————- but is Mira's forces strong enough to stand against the enemy side?]
Seemingly not particularly offended, the Mad Emperor answered.
[Our army isn't limited to just the Brilliant Squadron, as our soldiers are considerably superior to those of other countries in terms of skill…… That's something I can brag about. Though I say that, our enemies aren't just a group of fools. We must not let our guard down.]
"Well……", His gaze turning to Seras, he spoke.
[I would be somewhat relieved if Neia's Princess General would take command on our side.]
I immediately interjected.
[I will discuss this matter with Seras later. However, she is not "Neia's Princess Knight" anymore. Therefore…… it's not clear whether Seras still has the influence over Princess Cattleya that your Majesty expects. Also, I hope you understand that this topic…… is a somewhat difficult one from the emotional point of view for Seras.]
[Fufu…… Now I wonder who exactly is the "knight" here. Of course, I have no intention of forcing you to do anything about it. You two should discuss the matter at length and come to a conclusion in due course.]
[…………………., ————-Can you win the war against the Holy Alliance?]
Suddenly, this question came out of my mouth.
Hearing my question……
[The odds are in our favor.]
The Mad Emperor immediately answered.
[If I dare name a factor that would make this victory uncertain…… As I have said again and again, that would be the Heroes from Another World.]
[Is the Great Demon Emperor not a cause of concern?]
[The only people who can bring them down would be the Heroes from Another World.]
[So, everything related to them would depend on the Heroes from Another World huh. If you were to exclude them…… would you consider Mira superior in both leadership and war potential?]
[Even if Magnus' Black Wolf or Cattleya Stramius were to become our enemy, our superiority would not be swayed. After all, the elite force that both of them can lead is so small compared to our Mira.]
[You can replenish your elite forces successively…… while they only have a limited amount huh.]
[Numerically speaking, the White Wolf Knights and Neia's Holy Knights were far outnumbered by our Brilliant Squadron. No matter how capable a general they may have, if they can't replenish the elite forces that support them, they will eventually be defeated.]
"In other words……", I slightly lean my upper body forward.
[Other than the Heroes from Another World, it could be said that you're free of any uncertainties.]
Five Dragon Warriors.
Four Revered Saints.
Dragonslayer.
The Top 3 Confidants of the Great Demon Emperor's Army.
The Saint.
Jonato's Sacred Cavalry.
Heroic Sword.
Alion's Thirteen Cavalries.
The Sixth Cavalry, John Doe.
I see———- Quite a few of the main actors have already dropped out of the scene.
[………………….]
Surprisingly, Mira may be able to march all the way up to Alion.
If not, the battle may well intensify.
Even if she doesn't want to, Vysis' attention would be drawn by Mira's movements.
That would be especially after the recent incident with the Faraway Country.
If the Forbidden Curses are involved, there's no way Vysis will ignore Mira.
If even the Great Demon Emperor were to spring out at that moment, the situation would become even more chaotic.
The more intense the battle with Mira becomes, the more the forces on the Goddess' side are cornered.
They will be a great distraction for me to draw near the Goddess.
I can use them as cover.
That earlier incident with him trying to pull Princess Cattleya to our side makes it pretty clear.
The Mad Emperor is trying to take advantage of us.
If that's the case, I will not hesitate to take advantage of him as well.
For the Mad Emperor——– For Mira……
To cause a great ruckus……
To bring about a flashy disturbance……
I will let them run amok to their heart's content———–
Let's have them get that sh*tty Goddess' attention.
<Author's Notes>
The next chapter is scheduled to be updated on April 1st (Friday), around 9 pm.