1000. The Emperor and His Attendants
Encred raised his head and gazed blankly at the Emperor. As he did so, a thought crossed his mind.
‘fairy?’
Is that right?
Thanks to the entire fairy city relocating next to Border Guard, I have seen the elves incessantly.
From Dryuers, known as the green elves, to Woodguard, called the brown elves, and even the golden elves represented by Sinar.
Dividing elves by color is ridiculous, but since it is a clearly visible feature, it was easy to distinguish them.
Then, is that Emperor sitting up there a fairy too?
Leaving the species called fairies.
The more I looked at him, the more he seemed like a different being. Was it because he was the Emperor? Had I formed a preconceived notion because of his status?
That wasn’t it. Encreed quietly observed the Emperor.
It doesn’t look like a person, but rather like some huge fortress.
It was like an old tree. That was the feeling. Krang and the Emperor, standing atop it, conversed as if nothing were wrong.
“The politics of a philosopher-king ultimately boils down to a single person. If that one person walks the wrong path, everyone must suffer.”
“That is why those destined to be philosopher-kings are educated and trained.”
“No, I would point out that a society rooted in one person is fundamentally flawed from the start.”
“Seliana has told you a lot. Then, do you know what happens to a ship with too many captains?”
“The captains just need to reach an agreement.”
“You realize that is the same as what I said earlier about being educated and trained, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Fine, I will not ask you twice what you already know. Your words are sophistry.”
“Still, a relationship of mutual vigilance and competition is better than one where one person decides everything alone. I will not explain the reason.”
“No need to explain the reason? You mean we should skip the parts we both already know? What an arrogant fellow.”
The Emperor smiled as he spoke. Though his words were said to be arrogant, his expression and attitude seemed genuinely pleased. Encred, having seen Sinar so often that he could read the emotions of a fairy, could see it.
“I, too, have come to the conclusion that being an ‘Iron Man’ does not mean walking alone, but rather forming an elite small group.”
“That is a relief.”
“You are pointing out my mistakes without even a single thin suit of armor. Do you realize that?”
“Yes, I do.”
“And that you could die from a single gesture from me?”
“Fortunately, the knight who followed me is down there. If things go wrong, he will save me.”
“My knight will stop that.”
“Are you trying to see who wins?”
“Bets are always right.”
“What shall I bet?”
“What are you talking about?” Encreed looked at the Imperial Knight Commander, who had the funny nickname “Barley Harvester,” blocking his path.
Bram, the Barley Harvester, merely shrugged his shoulders.
“I propose a non-aggression pact. You came
here for that, didn’t you?” “Very well. Is there anything else you would like from me?”
“I will not reveal what I desire.”
As he spoke, the Emperor gave a knowing smile. It was revenge for Krang’s earlier promise not to reveal the reason. Although
Encred had heard everything, he found it difficult to understand what was being said. He needed Crys.
Rem also seemed to be having trouble grasping the situation. Saxony, Sinar, Temares, and Esther likely wouldn’t have much interest in this kind of thing in the first place.
“I promise the future of the entire empire. As long as I live, I will not let the empire fall.”
The corners of the Emperor’s eyes curved further. Now, anyone could see it was a smiling face.
“Do you know what you’re talking about?”
“I just guessed. If I get it wrong, I’ll just be a little embarrassed.”
Krang straightened his back as he spoke. No, his back had been upright for a while. The two were Emperor and King, speaking person to person, and speaking from the positions of past and present, today and tomorrow.
The Emperor of the Empire was a man who had reached today from yesterday, while Krang was a man who had started today and was heading toward tomorrow.
The two faced each other, and setting aside personal circumstances, they instinctively sensed what the other desired. That was the reason Krang had said those words.
It’s fun, and even more fun. Come closer.
Krang climbed the stairs. The Emperor rose from his seat. Tree branches followed her from behind, clinging in a long line. It was as if she had become one with the chair. “
What is that now?”
The Emperor wrapped his arms around Krang’s neck and pulled her closer, kissing her on the cheek. It happened in an instant, without a moment to say a word.
“I shall bless you, King of the Continent.”
“Thanks.”
Their conversation ended there. Encred stared intently at everything, but the Emperor, having taken his eyes off Krang, turned his gaze toward her.
Two silver moons rose. Just as there are two moons in the sky, the Emperor has two eyes. She was the world. She was everything.
So you’re the devil slayer.
He heard her words directly in his mind. Encred felt the urge to take up his sword and fight for her, but at the same time, he refused.
The Will of Refusal activated, shaking off the Emperor’s pressure.
“Fairy Emperor, I claimed it first.”
Sinar stood right behind Enkrid, having arrived at some point.
“Do not act contrary to the duties of a Yongin. You, truly long-lived one.”
“I will cut down any enemy, whether a general or whatever. I am that kind of man, so watch out.”
Temares and Rem chimed in, and Saxon silently came and stood beside them. Finally, Esther growled, revealing her wariness.
All five of them stepped forward, judging that the Emperor had pulled some trick on Encred, though they did not know exactly what it was. That was the entire reason they had stepped forward.
“Hey, the king is over here.”
Krang said as he came down the stairs, “Those bastards who just watched when the King stepped forward.”
Of course, not a single person turned their head at those words.
“A mad fairy is leading a bandit group in the west of the Empire. Let’s make it a win for the side that takes her out.”
The Emperor spoke. She sat back down.
Did you hear that?
Krang spoke. Enkrid nodded. A bet is a bet. Once it starts, there is no intention of losing.
However, Seriana, Balmung, and the Knight Commander remained silent about it.
“Welcome back to the Empire once again. Get out. Go rest, and the bet begins tomorrow after dawn.”
Krang nodded, approached Encred, and spoke.
“let’s go.”
As the entire party went outside, Balmung and the Knight Commander remained in the main hall, and Seriana followed them out.
I will show you to a place to rest.
It is a task that needs to be done, but is it something the Empire’s Executor should step forward for personally?
“This is also where I live. So, it makes sense that I should be the one giving the tour.”
Of course, attendants and maids would accompany and guide the details.
“house?”
Krang asked. The tone of her voice sounded as if she lived here. The head of the Royal Guard was trudging along beside his king. Seeing him, the rest of the Royal Guards followed him.
“The Emperor of the Empire has adopted daughters and sons. I am one of the adopted daughters.”
“Is that the fairy we saw outside earlier?”
“Yes, she is my sister.”
“Judging by what you say, there isn’t just one or two.”
“Yes, Mother, the Emperor has taken in more than ten adopted daughters.”
A stinging pain flickered across Seriana’s face. It was as if she was speaking with a calm demeanor while concealing a wound.
The tips of her eyebrows trembled slightly, and the corners of her mouth drooped softly.
I did not ask specifically why she had so many children. Seriana showed me to the adjacent rooms and left.
“If you need anything, pull the inner rope. A servant will come.”
After letting all the Royal Guards in, Krang entered the room and looked at Encred.
He turned his back to the door and stood with his back against the wall. Leaning against it, Krang spoke.
“I wasn’t trembling, right?”
“Was I nervous?”
“That’s obvious.”
He looked so confident on the outside that I thought he was standing up to the Emperor.
“The Emperor looked really happy.”
“I’m wondering about that too.”
How many times did I say it was nice to see you? I think I said it three times. I can’t know everything that’s really going on inside. After all, this is someone I met for the first time today.
The leader of a group that might become an enemy.
It was not that I was forcing myself to display hostility by rejecting my peace. I was simply facing the facts.
Let’s go back alive.
Krang smiled as if making a promise and spoke. He had climbed the stairs confidently even when the Emperor abruptly claimed to have pushed away the power of the Sun Water.
Had he pulled any tricks back then, he would have been dead. Yet, he does not let his will waver. He steels his resolve and moves. Enkrid saw Krang’s back today. Their
relationship was not one where one unilaterally protected the other. He realized that.
I will watch tonight.
This is what Saxon said when he went outside. He was saying that he would guard the King’s side. Kreis had specifically called upon Saxon because he wanted this role. He recognized it and carried it out.
Go ahead.
Was the bet to catch the bandit fairy? Encreed washed up and ate, lost in thought.
The meal was ordinary, yet well-balanced in nutrition. The main dish was pork ribs marinated in sauce and thoroughly steamed.
There was no special invitation to dinner. Nor did he see any other nobles or knights passing by.
Was this a gesture of consideration? The Emperor had discussed the bet, and he shouldn’t exhaust himself before that.
Afterward, he slept soundly. When he opened his eyes at dawn, he sensed a presence outside the room.
“who?”
Encred asked. A voice returned from outside the room.
This is the rear table.
“He is a member of the Royal Guard. He is one of the party that followed to protect the King.”
As they went outside, Learvan asked with an extremely serious expression.
We came to protect the King even if it meant sacrificing our lives in danger, but it seems we have become a burden.
Would Leerban have sought him out even if they had no past connection?
That was impossible to know. However, Encreed was drawn to people who moved forward rather than giving up, even in situations like this.
Just like this friend standing before him.
“Aren’t you doing dawn training?”
Learban asked again. He guarded the front of the king’s quarters all night and immediately found Encred.
I have to.
The two then went to find the attendant and asked for a place to rest. The attendant was a fairy, and according to Sinar, who had appeared and stood beside them, he was a very young fairy.
“We have set up a training ground inside the castle over here. It is not a place used often.”
“Why?”
Encred asked out of pure curiosity.
“Out of respect for Your Majesty, everyone has built separate training grounds or drill arenas outside.”
“That sounds like you are encouraging a private army system for the nobility.”
“Doesn’t that mean no one would say a word even if you formed an army outside?”
At the return remark, the attendant blinked a few times and replied.
“Yes, that is correct. You are a sharp person.”
“It’s nothing.”
“The Emperor’s aura flows through the royal court. Is it called Will? It was completely filled with that; how did you manage to overcome it?”
The attendant was very curious. Encred answered simply.
“just.”
In fact, I hadn’t even properly felt that the Will was full. The attendant glanced at the head of the Royal Guard and spoke.
Usually, they can’t endure it and just groan in pain.
Of course, that man eventually stood up and guarded his king. That alone is enough to inspire admiration.
There was a saying that anyone who doesn’t lose their balance is fine.
Perhaps it was because she was a young fairy.
She had no emotional control and unhesitatingly displayed her curiosity.
That’s a funny thing to say.
Rem, who joined after Sinar, responded. Encred also nodded.
Do not lose your balance.
Will, one who has disciplined himself with willpower rejects the will of others. The principle is the same as rejecting intimidation.
And since the Emperor’s welcoming heart was embedded in this, there was no reason to feel particularly uncomfortable.
“If you think about it that way, does that mean the entire interior of the castle is being filled with my Will?”
The Emperor, too, possessed Usuke, an inexhaustible well. That thought crossed my mind.
Here it is.
The attendant finished the guiding. Before anyone realized it, Temares had quietly crept in and joined in. The young fairy arrived at the training grounds and settled down on a tree stump in the shade. Temares sat beside the young fairy, who had volunteered to be both attendant and guide. The shade and the tree stump were placed in the perfect spot for viewing. It
was just as dawn was breaking. It was the moment when the light of dawn was fading and a yellow glow was knocking. Enkrid stretched and spoke to Learban.
“Audin said, ‘When you feel lost.'”
I paused and looked at Rearban, and a question came back.
“What if a thought crosses your mind?”
“They told me to move my body so that such thoughts don’t come.”
I had heard that distracting thoughts like anxiety and whatnot usually fly away with sweat.
“Roll, Reervan.”
“I came here on my own two feet, but I regret it immediately.”
Rearban began to roll around, and Enkrid taught him a few striking techniques of the Balaf style of martial arts. He
continued to hit and beat him as if the sole reason for teaching was to beat him up.
“evil!”
Learban let out a scream. Rem warmed up beside him, swinging his axe, while Sinar fiddled with the blades of grass blocking one side of the training ground before standing beside the attendant. It
was on the opposite side of Temares. The attendant, watching, asked.
“To think we’re training even here… this is the Empire, and the Emperor’s castle, after all.”
Sinar answered.
“Do you know the name of those knights?”
“The Madmen?”
“Yes, that’s the name given to them because they are so obsessed with training, rain or shine, no matter what happens.”
It was after watching those who were immersed in training until dawn had completely broken. Temares asked nonchalantly.
Do you know about Yongin?
The target of the question was the young fairy. Sinar carefully observed the fairy’s reaction. The young fairy, who served as a servant, smiled and answered.
“A little.”
“This is close to a Yongin talent. Where did you learn it?”
Temares asked again. The fairy sitting before him had changed his appearance with a spell.
It was a spell called Epimover, the same as the Dragon People’s unique spell. That is why he recognized the other person’s true identity at a glance.
The young fairy before him was the Emperor. It was the same Emperor he had seen yesterday who had cast a disguise spell and volunteered to be his attendant here.
Oh, you noticed.
“What kind of hobby is it?” the Emperor said, having perfectly transformed into a young fairy.
“I learned this a long time ago while passing by. Ah, the reason I came today is because of a bet. Since we are at a disadvantage, it is for the sake of the Bewitching Demon Slayer.”
Wink, the young fairy gave a smile with her eyes. Temares and Sinar said nothing. It was not a lie even to a dragon, and it was the truth even to a fairy. Encred paused his training and nodded at the attendant, who was also the Emperor.
Whatever it was, since it was a bet, he had no intention of losing. No matter what was at stake.
“Don’t worry. The best hunter in the West is here.”
Rem was going to help with that.
