Imperial Chapter IX-7

"You yourself wrote in the report that you must not use Neumann's technology, didn't you? That it's inhumane and devastates the nation."

Looking around dramatically, as if acting out a scene.

"I've heard the women here were suffering far worse injuries—so severe that healing stones couldn't treat them. Didn't you fix them yourself, Your Highness, the Demon King?"

"…Sharp indeed. However, there is a difference. I did not create this. It was originally made by Noiman. I merely had them assist me during my verification of his techniques. Or perhaps, I used them in a way that bordered on deception."

"...I see… Well, this is troublesome. While I wish to reward you for your achievements, I must also impose a penalty for forcibly using a technique you yourself had forbidden."

It looks like they're putting on a show, but the verdict has already been decided long ago.

What does the Empire want with me?

"I wish you'd be a bit more anxious... "

"I've had my share of experiences, you know."

"Fine, enough! Demon King Tarou. I shall grant you the massive island located east of here. Establish your territory there and found a nation. The Empire will recognize your kingdom and acknowledge you as its king."

"What?!"

Please become a king. You're already being rumored to be a demon lord, so it seems like the perfect timing.

"Wait a moment. I don't understand at all."

"You're right. Let me explain in more detail. Your existence is simply too vast to be managed by the Empire. Yet we don't want you to become a threat to other nations. Therefore, the best solution is for you to belong to no one. That is the Empire's conclusion."

So, the Empire's conclusion isn't unanimous, but decided by a majority vote within the government, is that it?

"So, you're saying I can become the king of a sovereign nation?"

"That's right. Naturally, since we don't want you aligning with any particular faction, we'll be providing various forms of support. For the time being, we'll send food supplies and personnel."

"...When you say the large island to the east, you mean the one bordering the Kingdom, right? That place was supposed to be untouched wilderness, wasn't it?"

I'm referring to the island I saw when I went to Entshi.

"In a way, this could be a punishment for using forbidden magic. You'll have to endure some hardship for a while."

"What if... what if I refuse?"

"There's nothing I can do. I'll force you to comply, by force if necessary. Exile, or something similar. Either way, I can't let you run loose."

"Do you really think I'll obey so easily?"

"...Hehe, no need to be so wary. You're only big in presence, not in strength. For instance, what would you do if the drink you're currently having had poison in it?"

Poison... Indeed, I drank something without a second thought, so if it had been poisoned, I'd be dead by now. After all, I've already taken a full dose...

Without thinking, I glance toward Lina.

She awkwardly looks away, staring out the window.

Seeing her reaction, the Empress smiles.

"I see, so it wasn't you who initiated this then."

"Just leave it alone. I've been through a lot."

"Still, you should accept this proposal."

"Why?"

"Once you become king, having two wives wouldn't be unusual. Heroes are known for their fondness of beauty."

I just had a drink in my mouth, so I choke on it.

Of course, everyone around me erupts in laughter.

The two at the center of it all wear expressions of sheer delight.

"What should we do? Will you become king? Everyone's been complaining because you haven't come to the castle in ages. Decide now."

Well, what to do about this? It's sudden, and I can't make up my mind.

Honestly, I'd be happy as long as I can keep doing my research and everyone is content. Either path is fine by me.

But... looking around at the others,

People drawn into war because of me pass through my line of sight.... Perhaps it's time to settle down in a stable place and put down roots.

After all, having my own land would make large-scale experiments much easier.

"I understand. I'll accept your proposal. But may I make one request?"

"Of course. What is it?"

"The first treaty we sign won't be a peace treaty. It'll be a trade agreement. Let's conduct business on equal terms."

I've seen this with my own eyes.

There are surely many important things in running a nation.

I'll make plenty of mistakes.

But that's fine. What matters most is that no one goes hungry. If we're prosperous, someone else will figure things out.

The clearest example is the woman sitting right in front of me. And she knows this well too. That's why her eyes crinkle with a smile.

"Yes, understood. Once calm, please send an envoy as well. Let us formally discuss the details. Time, you know. For today, I'll leave the specific moving date for further consultation. We'll depart from the Empire by ship."

As always, she appeared like a storm and vanished just as swiftly.

Only those who began their respective actions remained behind.

The merchants seemed to be heading back to their own lodgings for now. The kingdom side, having given up on the war, appeared to be preparing to cross the sea.

Even members of the Fujiwara Consortium were among those who had already heard about it.

The deputy leader simply said, "If you shed tears, I'll kill you," and left.

Then, the knight commander stepped back slightly,

and two women appeared before them.