A pure-hearted villain

"Belroza-sister... The Black Rose Fleet is approaching? Immediately intercept them!"

William issues the command to the secretary officer on the other side of the screen, but the secretary looks confused.

"That is, the Black Rose Fleet is transmitting friendly signals and is not showing any hostile intent."

"Don't be absurd! The Black Rose Fleet betrayed our empire alongside Elran-sama—no, the traitor Elran and his sister Elzaria. And the fleet is being commanded by none other than that sister, Bellosa. Don't be deceived!"

Even after hearing William's words, the secretary remained expressionless.

"Please take a look at this."

The secretary sent over footage from the scene along with nearby navigation data.

"…This is…!"

The fleet displayed on the monitor was indeed the Black Rose Fleet, but most of it—around two hundred ships—remained stationary in the space near the boundary, their engines shut down, while only the flagship, Black Rose, had detached from the fleet and was leisurely advancing toward the capital colony.

"Only the Black Rose? What is my sister thinking?"

William muttered, though he could never possibly understand Belrosa's thoughts.

Once the heir to the throne and commander of the Black Rose Fleet, Belrosa abandoned both her right to succession and her command years ago, vanishing without a trace.

Afterward, a space pirate known as Velvet rose to power in neighboring regions and international space zones, committing every imaginable atrocity.

The Imperial Intelligence Agency had uncovered information suggesting that the space pirate known as Velvet might be the same person as Belroza, but at that moment, the investigation was abruptly terminated on orders from the court, and the information itself was classified as a top-secret imperial matter.

This was done out of a decision to avoid definitively identifying Velvet as Belroza.

Later, during the Damura Cluster Commonwealth invasion operation, Belroza returned with Elzaria's guidance, once again assuming command of the Black Rose Fleet. Yet he easily betrayed the Empire, defecting with Elzaria and leading the entire Black Rose Fleet to the Holy Rimelia Empire.

Belroza is heading this way.

It's unreasonable to expect you to understand that.

"Currently, the Imperial Knight Corps' Heavy Land Assault Unit has boarded the Black Rose fleet, but neither the crew nor Fleet Commander Belroza has shown any resistance. Commander Belroza requests to speak with Your Majesty alone."

William grits his teeth.

Even if they were to refuse, that might precisely be Belroza's intention.

I don't know what Belroza is planning, but there's no choice but to accept.

"Understood. Lead the way. Be sure to show proper respect."

『I understand.』

Though Belroza may be plotting to take William's life, as Emperor of the Rimria Galactic Empire, he cannot hide or flee.

It will take several days until the Black Rose arrives at the imperial capital colony.

William decided to finish up the remaining duties he had before then.

Honestly, I’m anxious—but no matter the outcome, I must not let my duties fall behind or cause political turmoil.

That is how we protect the empire’s subjects.

“Long time no see, William. Or should I say, Your Imperial Majesty?”

Five days after the sudden news arrived, Black Rose truly came alone to William’s office.

Even without guards and surrounded by elite soldiers, he showed no sign of concern, not even the slightest inclination to kneel before William, Emperor of the Rimurian Galaxy.

What do you want, Sister Bellrose?

What's the occasion? Is it really necessary to have a reason for an older sister to visit her cute younger brother?

Bellorosa speaks with effortless ease.

Even lacking the saber, a symbol of the imperial nobility.

Looks completely defenseless.

"We need a reason right now. After all, your current sister is a traitor who betrayed the Empire."

Bellorosa bursts into laughter at William's words.

"Betrayal? Hahaha, right, that's true. I suppose it makes sense if that's how I'm seen. I didn't even notice, I wasn't paying attention at all."

Though he felt uneasy about Belroza's lack of remorse, William decided he had no choice but to hear him out.

William steeled himself.

"Guards, step back. I wish to speak with my sister alone."

The guards gasped in surprise at William's words.

"We cannot leave the King alone. If anything were to happen to His Majesty..."

"It doesn't matter. This is my imperial command—no matter what happens, you will not be held responsible. Besides, you're skilled enough; even from outside this room, you should be able to protect me adequately. Now, I order you—leave the chamber!"

As it was the emperor's command, the guards had no choice but to exit the office.

"Quite the nerve you've got, aren't you?"

"We can't involve them in a sibling feud. Besides, if your sister is planning something, they won't be able to stop her. I just don't want any more unnecessary sacrifices."

"An admirable emperor, aren't you?"

"I've only just come to realize my position, that's all."

Hearing those words, Belroza opened her third eye on her forehead and fixed her gaze on William.

"...I see. You're beginning to break free from the curse, aren't you?"

"What do you mean by that?"

Belrosa shrugged in response to William's question.

"It's not a big deal. Anyway, let's get to the main point. I've come here for one reason. I've returned to protect you. Didn't I say it? As your fleet commander, I'll do as I please—but in return, I'll protect you."

"Isn't it hard to believe those words? You aided a rebel who betrayed the empire, didn't you?"

It's not a big deal. Besides, I never intended to betray the empire. I simply repaid my debt to Lady Ezelia, who saved my life. I have no interest in the Holy Rimria Empire, and honestly, something like that couldn't last anyway. Look at how close we were to defeat in the war against Akneria. I've already fulfilled my obligation to my sister, and I have no intention of staying involved until the end.

Betraying even your sister Ezelia, anticipating a disadvantageous situation?

"Maybe that's a bit blunt, but I suppose it could be true. Still, I'm just doing things my own way. And do you really think you have any choices right now? It's fine, really— if you can't trust me, then don't. Just use me until you're ready to betray me, prepared for that moment at any time. You've got the capacity to do that much, and it's not even a bad deal, is it?"

Berlosa could be described as a pure, elusive villain.

Still, William had no choice but to accept Berlosa's offer.