第９８７堀：先を見る (Part2)
"Also, do not lose sight of the proper courtesies toward Sea-Saifo and Haire. Even if they are beyond the Great Mountain Range, they are partners with whom we are beginning trade. Furthermore, the Haire Church provided us with that treasure, the Magic Gear. See to it that there are no slights against them."
"Understood."
Even if there is a purpose, one must never lose their manners.
……Though I cannot say the same for the fellows of the Hain Empire.
"And to return to the beginning, even if it cannot be helped this time, I will absolutely be the one to go next!"
"……Why must you return to that subject?"
Truly, she is persistent.
As I was feeling exasperated, the Emperor’s voice suddenly shifted to a serious tone.
"……It is not a matter of having a guilty conscience. I have heard from Aslin and the others that Weed also possesses superior healing technology. That stands to reason. If they can so easily construct wireless communications and such aircraft carriers, it would be no surprise if their other technologies were equally advanced."
……I see.
So that was the matter at hand.
"There is a non-zero possibility that my immortality could be treated. However, it would be impossible to know for certain without showing them the subject itself. That is why I insist on going myself."
"Does Your Majesty dislike your immortality?"
I asked something that should have been obvious, even now.
But I could not help but ask.
Because my master is seeking the end that will eventually come.
"If you ask whether I like it or not, I dislike it. It is truly painful to be constantly left behind by everyone I know. Immortality. It is true that I do not age, and I can live for a long time. That may appear attractive, but at the same time, it is a burden I must carry."
It is a weight that only a Majesty who has carried the nation and its people for so long—no, it is a burden that anyone who stands at the top must bear.
I, too, carry that burden. However, that burden will eventually rest upon the shoulders of the one who succeeds the Emperor.
I do not know if I will grow old or die on the battlefield.
But that is something beyond the imagination of a commoner like me.
"Ordinarily, I should risk my life to stop such nonsensical talk……. We have relied on Your Majesty too much. Perhaps it is time we considered standing on our own?"
Indeed, for a king to speak of their own end would normally cause the nation's prestige to plummet.
It would be the root of national chaos.
But that is only under normal circumstances.
I felt that the Emperor, who has supported and brought prosperity to this nation since long ago, has the right to voice that wish.
"……Hmm. That is unexpected. I had fully expected to be scolded."
"It is not just about Your Majesty’s feelings. As a nation, our Zuraburu Great Empire is somewhat distorted. It is built on the premise that the immortal Emperor Yupia will rule forever. If, by some chance, something were to happen to Your Majesty……"
It is disrespectful to say so, but it is indeed strange that Emperor Yupia has ruled Zuraburu for so long.
Humans naturally possess a lifespan. Even if one does not lose their life to war or accidents, an end eventually arrives.
That is why one must raise the next generation and prepare for when they are no longer there.
It is not that we have neglected this, but if the Emperor, who was thought to be eternal, were to suddenly vanish……
"I see. I cannot say for certain that there would be no chaos. The child-emperors I have acting as my body doubles lack sufficient experience."
"Child-emperors," she says.
I couldn't help but smile bitterly at that phrasing.
They are the fake emperors, the body doubles who appear when there is no need for Emperor Yupia to deal with someone personally, or to avoid trouble.
"Those individuals were once rulers of nations with vast territories themselves…… yet, is that still not enough?"
"It is not nearly enough. I have known those children since they were small. Well, it is precisely because I have known them since they were so young that they submitted to me, but conversely, they have never been able to shed their dependence."
"I see. That is certainly true."
"That is a task for the future. The end of this war is in sight now that we have welcomed Weed. If I do not prepare immediately, it seems I won't even be able to abdicate."
"That would be troublesome. I, too, would hate to remain busy even after winning peace."
"Even so, being busy is unavoidable. Regardless of the reality of the Hain Empire, the people living in this land are exhausted. I must work hard to help them until they can stand on their own."
"It seems Your Majesty will never be able to rest."
"That is precisely why I must find a way to cure this immortality. I am being made to work for eternity."
At the Emperor’s words, we both laughed together.
"……It is about time we learned to leave the nest."
"Indeed. And I, too, must learn to let my children go. I do not wish to be the kind of parent who cannot trust their children."
Before we knew it, it seemed we had reached the point of thinking about what lies beyond the end.
"Show. You, too, should make sure to find a place to be wed."
"In that case, please first find a doctor who can heal the burns on this half of my body."
"Very well. That would likely have a much higher chance of success than curing my immortality."
Though, in all likelihood, we will probably remain as we are.
It seems both of us are already looking toward the post-war era.
However, we must properly face forward and resolve the events right in front of us.
Let us do our best.