第９３７堀：皇帝は何人もいる？ (Part2)
That said, I’m not so careless as to be certain just yet.
"I’m sending you the data. Verify the details of those four and confirm the truth."
"Understood. Wait, this little brat is the real Emperor?"
That’s right. The one I’ve pegged as the likely candidate is the young girl Emperor. The reason is simple.
"Yeah. Among the three who could pass for an Emperor without anyone batting an eye, she’s the only one who stands out. Unless it’s an empire with a long, established history, people don't usually trust a child Emperor. They get looked down upon. Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't put a child in a position where you’d need a body double; it doesn't serve the national interest, and it makes them a target."
"Ah, I see. So that’s exactly why she’s the real deal."
"If it were me, I’d leave the public governance to one of the other three. It’s better to stay in the shadows. It’s better not to be known."
That’s exactly why I have Seraria, Eris, and the others acting as the representatives of Weed. It’s partly to distribute responsibility, but primarily to ensure that attacks aren't directed at me. To achieve that, remaining unknown is crucial. Well, that doesn't mean I’d ever let anyone harm my wives, of course. I’m taking risks, so I expect a commensurate return.
As I thought this, Steve opened his mouth with a weary expression.
"Well, that’s because you’re blessed with talent, Boss. Plus, you’ve got a solid handle on preventing betrayal."
"I know."
The difference between me and this little Emperor is whether there’s a reason why I *must* be the supreme authority. In my case, even if I’m not the supreme authority in name, I have the actual power, and above all, there is no one who can surpass me as a Dungeon Master. And more importantly, I have a skill that prevents betrayal—something I’ve almost forgotten the name of, but it’s called 'Designated Protection.' Thanks to this, I don't have to worry about being stabbed in the back, even if I’m not standing at the very top.
But this child Emperor is different. I’m sure that if she weren't the Emperor, the others wouldn't follow her, and she probably can't trust anyone enough to act as her proxy.
"Well, that’s just my speculation. There’s a possibility that the real Emperor is someone else entirely, or that my prediction is off and the real one is among the other three. Make sure you investigate thoroughly on your end, Steve."
"Got it. So, should I tell Seraria-neesan and the others about this info?"
"No, not yet. It’s not confirmed. Besides, if we tell them and the other side senses that we’ve figured out the Emperor’s identity, that could get messy."
"True enough."
It’s a case of 'ignorance is bliss.' It would be better for me to gather more information up close before making any judgments.
"Well, it’s about time. I’m counting on you if anything happens."
I said that and held out my fist to Steve, who bumped his own against mine.
"Leave it to me, Boss. Surakichi-san is out there, too. John and Mino-chan are nearby. In terms of combat power, there’s nothing to worry about. Even if something happens, I’ll make sure to get you and the others out safely."
I’ve done everything I can before departure. The rest depends on how much we can actually talk once we meet the Emperor. Well, the fact that they’re willing to grant us an audience suggests we can at least have a discussion. Or should I interpret it as them trying to finish us all off in one go?
...It’s a troubling thought.
Thinking about this, I left the room to find that Seraria and the others were already prepared and waiting for me.
"Oh, is your talk with Steve finished?"
"Yeah. It looks like the rear guard is ready, and we’ve gathered as much intel on the castle as possible. The rest is up to us."
"The Emperor of the Zuraburu Empire, which has swept across half of this vast continent. As a fellow ruler, I’m deeply intrigued. I wonder what a king who aims for the path of hegemony is thinking to have reached this point."
Seraria is as fearless as ever. Well, I suppose that’s better than her being timid and shrinking away, right?
"That said, if I don't get a satisfactory answer for their atrocities, I will cut them down."
"Stop. Seriously, stop that."
"I’m joking. Just joking."
...Damn it, my stomach suddenly started hurting. The other wives will be fine, right? Milly isn't going to have a trauma response, is she? Ratz won't go on a rampage, will she? I hope I didn't use Steve just to keep my wives in check...
Right before departure, I found myself breaking into a cold sweat.