第１０４６堀：ある皇帝の願い (Part1)
### Chapter 1046: An Emperor's Wish
**Side: Eupia**
"...I heard you were going to scout out the situation, but I’m stunned that you actually succeeded in arranging a discussion with the Emperor."
Yeah, I’m saying it myself, and I still can’t believe it. But as far as the situation goes, there’s no issue with that. On the contrary, this step is truly monumental. After all, no matter how many times we requested mediation or sent envoys in the past, we were always turned away at the gate.
"That’s to be expected, I suppose. They couldn't exactly let other nations know that the Emperor was bedridden due to illness."
"Well, that’s true. I understand better than anyone that such a thing couldn't be allowed to leak."
The reason we were never able to hold talks with the Hain Empire until now was simply because the Emperor had been confined to his bed. In such a state, they couldn't handle matters properly, nor could they reveal the truth. After all, we are a rebel army. If those who don't submit were to find out the Emperor was incapacitated, it would be a disaster. If they knew, they would have gleefully spread rumors that the Hain Empire had lost its strength, all to expand their own influence.
"Strategically, it was the optimal solution, I’d say."
"Indeed. If not for that, the Hain Empire would likely have fallen by now. Since they control a key hub of trade, some might be grateful, but if they could seize it, they would control that trade route. That is a dream for the nations that have been reluctantly following the Hain Empire until now. If they knew the Emperor was bedridden, they would have moved to take it. And not just one of them, either."
"That is certainly true. When you show weakness, everyone swarms. There is no reason in that. Looking at the current state of the nations, it’s only natural."
Indeed. The situation with the Nodal Kingdom was the most egregious example. The rulers there didn't even care for their own people. Honestly, burning their own citizens... the moral rot of such nobles and royals is absolute.
That is precisely why what I intend to discuss in this meeting is already decided. We will never turn back. We cannot. To do anything halfway would be the ultimate betrayal of everyone who recognized me as their Emperor.
Nevertheless, there is great significance in looking each other in the eye and exchanging words like this. As I was discussing these matters with Shou, Yuki-dono arrived, as nonchalant as ever.
"It seems you aren't particularly nervous."
"Indeed. It’s not as if I’m stepping into the heart of the enemy’s territory alone to speak, after all."
"Yes. I never dreamed I would be able to hold a summit with an enemy Emperor while remaining right here in our Imperial Capital."
That’s right. Because of this, we didn't have to travel to the Hain Empire’s Imperial Castle. We are simply speaking to the Hain Emperor using the video communication device that Kirue set up for us over there. There is no reason to be nervous. Well, perhaps the other side is intimidated by the unknown technology.
More importantly...
"Yuki-dono. Are you truly certain about Kirue? She is in the very heart of the enemy’s base, isn't she?"
"Don't worry. Well, this is something someone had to do. Besides, Kirue, whom we sent over there, is the best in Weed when it comes to intelligence activities."
To think that Yuki-dono could say that so clearly, without a shred of anxiety. Usually, no matter how excellent a subordinate is—or perhaps *because* they are excellent—sending them deep into enemy territory where they could face death without feeling a flicker of concern seems impossible... well, Yuki-dono is also someone who leads a nation; I suppose he wouldn't let his true feelings be read by such things.
Still, there isn't a trace of him suppressing fear. Perhaps the opponent isn't much of a threat, or perhaps he is simply convinced that Kirue will return safely. If not, a man like Yuki-dono would never send someone, especially a trusted aide, into such a position, nor would he allow the enemy to see his face.
"I understand that there is no issue there. However, why is this meeting being held in the dead of night?"
"Yes. Emperor Hans intends to continue the charade of being bedridden. More than that, this meeting cannot be overheard by others. It seems there are fools within the Hain Empire as well; if they were to see the Emperor doing something like this, they might claim he has lost his mind and try to oust him from the throne."
"...It’s sad that I can't say that’s impossible."
Even I, at first, couldn't simply accept what Yuki-dono and his people were showing me. I thought that if I did, people would think I had lost my mind, and that it could lead to the collapse of the Zurabl Empire. Hmm, I suppose we think alike. In any age or place, even for an Emperor who reigns supreme, one must be careful about such things.
"Now then, it seems they are ready on their end. Are you ready as well?"
"Indeed. Let us begin immediately. There is no reason to keep them waiting."
"Yes. I look forward to it."
Even if they are enemies, I will not keep them waiting unnecessarily. That is the bare minimum of courtesy. Without such a mindset, it would only devolve into a quagmire of war.
While I was thinking this, the prepared monitor lit up, and an old man I had never seen before—looking nothing like his portrait—appeared on the screen.
*"Hmm. So she is the one?"*
*"Yes. This is Eupia, Emperor of the Zurabl Empire."*
Seeing Kirue standing by the old man’s side and explaining, it was clear who the person on the monitor was.
"Apologies for the late introduction. I am Eupia Zurabl, Emperor of the Zurabl Empire, as introduced by Kirue there. A pleasure to meet you. Emperor Hansnold Beilguse Aser Hain."
I declared this with my chest held high. Clearly and without hesitation. With the intent that I would not back down, nor would I fawn over him. That you and I are equals.
*"I see. I appreciate the greeting. I shall introduce myself as well. I am the Emperor of the Hain Empire, Hansnold Beilguse Aser Hain."*
And he, not caring in the slightest that I had called myself Emperor, introduced himself in the same manner. I see. As expected of someone who has served as Emperor for so long; like Yuki-dono, he isn't bothered by such things at all. Or rather, perhaps he is bothered, but he doesn't show a single trace of it. He has complete control over himself.
*"..."*
As I was thinking, he was likely thinking something as well. We stared at each other, and a moment of silence passed. Shou, Kirue, and of course Yuki-dono did not interject into this situation at all. In other words, this situation would continue until either I or Emperor Hans made a move.
Now then, should I be the one to break the ice...?
*"Hmm. As expected of the one who managed to unite that impoverished West. To not even react to my gaze... impressive."*
"Ha. The gaze of an old man is but a cool breeze to me. I have seen far more intense things than that."
Eyes that only wish to kill, eyes that desperately plead not to die, eyes wrapped in despair after losing loved ones—I have seen and endured so many, many gazes and eyes in this life.