第１０４４堀：もう一人の皇帝 (Part2)
That said, there was no guarantee that a soldier wouldn't notice me, so I proceeded inward while keeping a wary eye on my surroundings. Incidentally, since this room was built into the castle's courtyard, it wasn't particularly large, despite being the Emperor's bedchamber.
Furthermore, the places where one could hide were limited.
All things considered, this was likely a countermeasure against intruders.
Thinking this, I made my way toward the spot where I had sensed the presence of the Emperor, who was surrounded by guards.
At my destination lay a bed as luxurious as one would expect for an Emperor, but unfortunately, the canopy was drawn, making it impossible to see inside.
『Yeah. That’s a blatantly "important person" bed. I’ve never been a fan of those, though.』
Indeed. Master has always disliked such overly ornate things.
Though, considering the size of this room, the canopy was likely installed for temperature control.
With people constantly coming and going, the outside air would otherwise prevent the room's temperature from stabilizing.
Well, the reason for the canopy aside, it was time to check inside.
Two attendant maids were sitting in chairs nearby, waiting, but a single drop of my odorless, fast-acting sedative on their shoulders caused their heads to slump instantly, sending them off to dreamland.
Now, to see the Emperor... I thought, when—
"Who goes there?"
A voice, sounding like that of an old man, echoed through the room.
Naturally, I did not reply; silence was my only answer.
"Heh. The fact that my subordinates didn't respond when called is proof enough that someone has intruded."
Ah, I see.
It seems I’ve been outplayed.
Still, there was no reason to answer...
"I can tell you have no killing intent. Did you come to hear something? Or is this merely a sightseeing trip? Or perhaps, if I’m mistaken, have you come to take this old man’s head?"
The opponent was fully aware of my presence.
If I were to leave silently now, he might report this, which could cause complications.
"Hmm. Then, let me offer a condition. If you speak with me here, I shall keep silent about tonight's events. How about it?"
Ho, he’s already playing his next card.
This gentleman’s mind is sharp.
As I hesitated on what to do...
『Fine. Then we shall talk.』
Master answered on my behalf.
"Oh? From your presence, I thought you were a woman. To think, you are a man."
『Actually, the one I sent is a beautiful woman.』
"Hmm. I see. An emissary, then. I recall there is magic for transmitting one's voice."
It seems he is quite knowledgeable as well.
There was no reason to hide anymore.
I pulled back the canopy, revealing an elderly man lying in bed.
Having confirmed this, I immediately deactivated my optical camouflage magic.
"Ho. A true beauty, indeed. *Cough.* Pleased to meet you. I am the Emperor of this Haine Empire. My name is Hans."
『That’s unexpected. I thought you’d have a longer name.』
"Ah, there is a name that has changed so much that it’s hard for an old man to remember. Let me see... Hansnold Beilguse A... A... what was it?"
"Sigh. It is Hansnold Beilguse Azel Haine."
"Ah, that’s the one."
Why can the man himself not remember his own name?
Ah, come to think of it, he did say it had changed so much from the original that he couldn't keep track of it.
Certainly, it would be difficult to remember if one wasn't accustomed to it, but surely there is a matter of authority at stake...
『I get it, I get it. The people around you just change it to something "authoritative" and report it after the fact, so it doesn't feel real at all, right?』
"Exactly. They keep adding names of territories, mixing them in, changing them... I can't keep up anymore."
『"Hahahaha!"』
Why are these two having such a friendly chat?
Well, as long as they are communicating, I suppose it’s fine?
"Now, I have introduced myself, but would you mind telling me yours?"
『The name is Yuki. Well, that’s what I go by around here.』
"Around here, you say... Well, that’s a bit troublesome, but the name 'Yuki' is easy enough to remember."
『Glad to hear it. Now that the introductions are out of the way, would you mind keeping me company for a long night's talk?』
"Very well, *cough*, *wheeze*..."
Before he could finish, Emperor Hans coughed up blood.
And that cough was not a good sign.
『Kirika. Treat him first.』
"Understood."
I immediately began to act upon Master's orders.
Now, what medicine would be most appropriate for this situation?