Chapter 308 – Fake, Therefore, Human

[If she were to be hostile, would we need to capture her?]

[I think clashing with her head-on would be a bad idea.

[You just said she was a straightforward person though.]

[In her case though———— It was because she was straightforward that she’s unreadable.]

It’s because she seems uncomplicated that, on the contrary, things weren’t that simple.

In other words, she has the potential to stand against whichever direction.

She’s a mass of dangerous possibilities.

That’s how she seems to me.

[The Heroes from Another World, beings unaffected by the influence of the Tyrant’s Miasma…… I suppose their influence isn’t just limited to the fight against the Root of All Evil huh.]

In a sense, you can say you’re also one of those who influence things in other ways.

[Speaking of which…… I heard you bringing up defeating a Hero from Another World in passing, but I haven’t heard any reports of his corpse.]

[We have disposed of his corpse———- Leaving no trace behind. Don’t worry. We disposed of him only after we had extracted the necessary information out of him.]

……Thinking about it again, that really sounds like a line a villain would say.

[I see.]

The Mad Emperor didn’t pursue this matter any further, and our conversation returned to our future course of actions.

As he initially mentioned, the Mad Emperor would march to the east.

That being the case, we moved on to the question of how to deal with those from the north.

[North of Mira is Jonato and Magnar…… Even though both countries are exhausted, can the war potential remaining in the Imperial Capital cope with them? Or perhaps, your Majesty will immediately————-]

[Yeah. I will ask for help from the Faraway Country at once.]

Mira is strong.

However, they’re rather isolated and couldn’t expect support from others.

In such a situation, the existence of the Faraway Country is significant.

It’s no wonder they readily accepted so many conditions during the negotiations.

Incidentally, I did ask him about the sea routes.

It seems like even though they have a navy, they can’t make any major moves with them.

This was apparently the same case for the other countries.

There is a reason for this.

“With the appearance of the Root of All Evil, vicious sea creatures become active.”

Ocean currents are also visibly disturbed.

The reefs change and rise, and warships become nearly useless.

Fishing will become riskier, and people will be hesitant to venture out to the distant seas.

So, the Root of All Evil’s Land———— alongside its surroundings is originally a non-navigable area.

Therefore, when the Root of All Evil appears, the sea route isn’t an option.

I had lightly heard this from Seras before, but hearing it from the Emperor of a country who manages a navy, it seemed that this really is the case.

[There are desperate ones who wish to escape from something, seeking transportation from the port of Jonato to the barren lands of the west.]

The Mad Emperor sarcastically said.

I heard about this before———- another continent to the west of Jonato, across the sea.

However, it was apparently a barren land.

There seemed to be some who have settled on a small island along the way towards that continent.

But even that place isn’t one you could describe as safe.

Monsters would sometimes appear from the sea and attack people.

[Unless the Great Demon Emperor is defeated, there will be no peace in the sea. And the only way to the Root of All Evil’s Land———– would really have to be by land.]

[However, even that overland route is limited.]

[Umu.]

The Root of All Evil’s Land is separated from the rest of the area by an impassable mountain range.

The only way to the far north is through the Knight Wall.

[Speaking of Magnar…… What about their White Wolf Knights?]

[Apart from the Heroes, they are now one of the few pawns of the Goddess that we should be wary of. As you have probably heard, their leader, “Black Wolf” Sigurd Sigmus, is an outstanding person. Even his brother, the White Wolf Knight usually says “If I were to be honest, I want to give the throne to Sigurd”. He apparently doesn’t have any choice but to stay on the throne because his brother wouldn’t budge…… It’s unfortunate that Magnar, including Sigurd, is so close to Vysis.]

The White Wolf King is missing, and rumors have it that he was killed in battle.

In that case, Magnar’s current King is effectively that “Black Wolf”.

[If I had to name another person to be wary of, that would be one of Vysis’ apostles———– Nyantan Kikeepat. I heard she’s one of the best among Vysis’ apostles. She would be a valuable person for the Goddess at a time when she seems to lack capable people on her side.]

Nyaki’s Nee-nya huh.

[So…… This Nyantan should be the sister of one of your people, right?]

[Yes.]

[If she stands as an enemy, we will eventually have to fight her. However, we will do our best to hand her over as safely as possible.]

[That would be much appreciated.]

[Even so, whether it’s the White Wolf Knights or Nyantan Kikeepat…… No, even Vysis or the Heroes, we don’t know what they will do in the future or even what the current situation on their side is.]

The Mad Emperor seemed weary, but I couldn’t feel that much gloominess from his sigh.

[As expected, everything would have to be handled according to the situation at hand…… I too can anticipate their future movements, but I can’t foresee everything. Unexpected things could always happen.]

That is———— close to what me and the others have concluded.

[The most important thing…… is to be prepared for the eventualities, but also to be able to respond quickly to sudden changes in the situation. If you can’t be flexible, you aren’t good enough for one to lead others.]

The Emperor said, to which he stopped walking and moved his gaze towards me.

His eyes softened a little and a soft smile appeared on his lips.

Thereupon, he put the tip of his ring finger to his temple.

[There are many people who mistake this Mad Emperor for some kind of all-knowing God. How difficult it is to continue living up to their expectations…… You yourself should understand this, right?]

[Yes, I understand what you mean. Very.]

“However……”, I continued.

[I think it’s important to be honest with those who are close to you and tell them when things are difficult. Don’t keep matters to yourself too much.]

Perhaps, it’s not my place to say that.

……Moreover, that is something Seras had also told me.

[Don’t worry.]

Saying this, the Mad Emperor started walking again.

[At least, the two of us have those who understand us by our side.]

Turning right, we walked into the next row of shelves.

We were getting further and further away from Seras and the others.

After walking a few distance, the Mad Emperor stopped again.

He combed his hands through the two tufts of hair hanging down on either side of his chest.

His hair is tied with a string around his neck and bunched up on either side, making it look like two tails.

The Mad Emperor lifted each of those tufts of fine, silky blonde hair with both hands, and just like clear running water, he let them slide down his palms.

[These two tufts of hair…… These cords that tie them all together…… are ritually re-tied by Wright and Kaiser on a regular basis. This is a sign of our determination.]

The understanding people standing by the side of this beautiful, small-statured Emperor.

It seems like they’re his two older brothers.

[My family’s long-cherished desire…… the elimination of the Goddess Vysis———- to attain revenge. If Vysis isn’t eliminated, the imperial family of Mira will not be freed from this spiral. The humiliation that the second Emperor Dot suffered from Vysis…… The successive Emperors that were forced to kneel and suffer hardships…… In a roundabout way, having those Emperors and those around them be erased…… The dream of supremacy held by the First Emperor Falken has yet to be fulfilled. In a way, it was indeed as Zera said. Yes, one could say we are cursed…… The name of the Puppet Emperor “Falken Dot”…… With this name, it seems like I too am within this fountain of that curse……]

Seemingly talking to himself, the Mad Emperor muttered.

His eyes show emotion.

Melancholy.

Sorrow.

There was also a hint of mellowness in his voice.

Unusually for the Mad Emperor, his emotions seem to be clearly expressed.

If we believe his words now, that he’s connected with this curse.

The Mad Emperor wants to defeat Vysis in order to break this curse huh.

A curse that has been passed down from generation to generation———– A curse received by everyone in the imperial family.

……Well, it seems to be different for that Exiled Emperor though.

[In other words, your two older brothers are also accomplices…… people who understand the curse you’re afflicted with.]

[Yeah. Normally, there should have been at least one battle for the Imperial throne, but at some point, those two gave up. Their mother also gave up. And then——— They chose to serve me.]

There’s one thing that bothered me.

[I don’t mean to be rude, but I have a question.]

[Ask me anything. Whether I answer or not———— Whether your question would move my emotions or not, it’s for me to decide.]

[There’s a rumor…… that Wright-dono doesn’t find you agreeable. This rumor isn’t a secret, but a well-known one. What is the actual truth of this rumor?]

Since it’s the Mad Emperor we’re talking about, he must have heard this rumor already.

However……

The story of the two brothers he just told me and the rumor circulating to the public don’t seem to match.

[That’s a backup.]

Mad Emperor answered simply and concisely.

A back-up?

Seemingly trying to tell a riddle, he gives me a sidelong glance.

I let my thoughts run.

A backup huh.

In other words———- an insurance?

……………………Don’t tell me……

[Thinking about what happens when you fail…… You started that rumor?]

[Fufu. Just a few words and you arrived at my answer. I’m glad you understood me so quickly. ……Yeah, indeed. It’s not something I’m certain about…… but it’s not impossible that it could work, right?]

The Mad Emperor tilted his head slightly, a little mischievously.

In other words———

If Mira is defeated, Wright will betray and defeat the Mad Emperor.

“Wright Mira was originally dissatisfied with the Mad Emperor.”

Until now, he couldn’t go against the Mad Emperor because of power differences, fear or perhaps, because his weakness was being held against him.

However, when the Mad Emperor was defeated……

Wright, seeing an opportunity, revolted.

“Deep down, Wright doesn’t find the Mad Emperor agreeable.”

If such a rumor circulated for a long time———- the foreshadowing for such an event happening has been laid out.

[When that happens, all I have to do is act like the “mad” emperor that I am.]

The Emperor that holds the faith of his people so stated:

[The more I behave in such a way that my people loathe me…… The more Wright will become the Hero for defeating the untouchable “evil emperor”. Then, even if this war turns out to be a disaster, the country of Mira may barely survive.]

[………………….]

The plan is to give Vysis the head of the leader of the rebellion.

……Hoping that Vysis will forgive the country for that.

[Both Wright and Kaiser are well aware about this. If my brothers were to cooperate with each other, it should go reasonably well…… Yes, if it’s them……]

The Mad Emperor is smiling.

As if he had accepted everything.

However, it looked somewhat fleeting.

[Even if this battle ends in victory, Mira may still be resented by the rest of the world for what happened in the process. If that grows to a degree that can’t be ignored, I’m prepared to give up my head. It will be great if the execution is grand. If all it takes is just this one head, don’t you think it’s a small price to pay?]

……In any case.

The Mad Emperor is prepared for this battle.

The long-cherished wish of the imperial family.

To fulfill their revenge.

To break——– their curse.

However……

[It would be all good if we just win.]

[ ? ]

[It may be important to think about what happens when you lose. But if you win, there will be no problem. Also……]

Looking down at the Mad Emperor through my Fly King mask……

[About your concerns after the victory. You don’t really have to give up your head, you can just manipulate your way out of it. Yes…… Just like how you are doing now. Even now, you’ve got a lot of people “thinking you’re an all-knowing God”, right? What I mean is, if it’s you, you should be able to do something like that———– or at least, that’s what I think.]

For a moment, the Mad Emperor’s expression stiffened.

His gaze dropped down.

Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

[Good grief…… You make it sound so easy.]

[I hope you’ll accept this as just me trying to encourage you.]

[For me to be “encouraged” by someone…… Hmph.]

That may have sounded disrespectful for some people.

However, the Mad Emperor didn’t seem offended.

Rather, it seemed to be the opposite.

[Yeah, also…… Wright finding me unagreeable———– Spreading such a rumor also had one more effect.]

[……To flush out the anti-Emperor faction?]

Although he’s full of charisma, that doesn’t mean you can hold the adoration of all people.

The edge of the Mad Emperor’s mouth lifted a bit and looking at me with a sideways glance, he raised his index finger.

[That’s right. This will expose those hiding behind the scenes and would try to deceive Wright. It would be a good time to find out who it is, wouldn’t it?]

I see.

So that’s what they’re trying to do.

……Even so.

Peeking through a crack in a shelf, I took one look at Seras in the distance……

[Your Majesty said Seras should rest a little longer…… but don’t you think you should also have some rest too, your Majesty?]

[Even someone who’s supposed to be an all-knowing God?]

[I’m well aware I’m being rude here———- but after all, you’re still a fake. A person who requires rest.]

A smile leaks out of the Mad Emperor’s lips.

This time…… How should I say this…… It was the kind of like the smile that hides an unexpected sneeze.

[Indeed, I am a fake, right?]

His eyes relaxing, the Mad Emperor spoke.

[Alright. I’ll try doing it as long as I can.]

[…………………..]

When people are tired, they are more likely to express their true feelings.

They are also prone to weaknesses.

Even the Mad Emperor is human.

No……

Unexpectedly, he may have wanted to talk to someone.

It was a story like the one I had before.

……I had a feeling that was the case, so I let him speak about it too.

Well, because of his position, it’s probably difficult for him to speak out his grumbles and complaints.

Even if it’s towards his two older brothers who he mentioned understood him.

No……

I guess I’m also the same case huh.

It’s because they are the people I love……

It’s because they’re my Uncle and my Aunt————- that there are things I can’t talk about.

[There are things you can talk about only because the other party isn’t one of your people.]

[……That might be so.]

<Afterword>

Because we haven’t finished polishing this part and this one chapter would become long, we have decided to split this into two parts.

We will update the rest of the story after we have had some time to work on it.

The next chapter is scheduled to be updated on August 27th (Saturday), around 9:00 pm.

Incidentally, the rumor about Wright that appeared in the current chapter, it was mentioned only briefly in a Heroic Sword POV chapter back then.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep