Getsuga Tenshล had never disappeared.
At this moment, not far from the Demon Kingโs Castle, Gerard stood there, his whole body reeking unbearably. Wearing thin clothes, he had been humiliated to the point of tears in the dead of night. Staggering and clutching his backside, he got up and limped toward the distant forest, wailing incessantly in the darkness.
โEmilia, I like you. I really like you. Why canโt you even spare me a glance? I know I was wrong, please forgive me.โ
W
His lament was abruptly interrupted by a mysterious figure clad in black appearing behind himโit was none other than Duke Ole.
Ole watched as Gerard endured his own process, then calmly stepped out from the shadows. His approach was courteous; gently patting Gerard on the back, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
His tone remained as polite and respectful as ever, offering no mockery despite Gerardโs pitiable state.
โEmperor Gerard, long time no see. How have you been lately?โ
M
โOle, how did you know I was here? Cough, cough, cough.โ
It was obvious that Gerard was startled, his entire body trembling, and he grew embarrassed beneath it all. Although he had suspected someone might spot him, he hadnโt expected it to be someone he knew. The shame stung more than he anticipated.
He adjusted his posture, forcing himself to remain calm. Folding his hands behind his back, he tried to look dignified, attempting to salvage his image while vaguely guessing Oleโs intentions.
โWhat brings you here? Is there something you need? Could it be that the Empire has business with me?โ
To avoid revealing his recent inappropriate behavior, he even hid his golden right hand for a moment, then hesitated slightly.
โSpeak plainly, Duke Ole. Donโt waste my time with nonsense. My time is precious.โ
Ole almost lost his composure at this, having a rough idea of what Gerard had just been up to. Yet, since he needed something from him, he chose not to expose it directly and instead moved past it.
Getting to the point, he flattered Gerard carefully.
โOf course, Your Majesty. The Empire does indeed need you. Everyone is waiting for your returnโto reclaim the power of the Hero, to save the Empire from the ravages of war.โ
โOh, no thanks. Iโm long disillusioned with the things you Empire people did to me once I outlived my usefulness. Sigh. Iโm staying here now, to keep Emilia safe from that manโs persecution. Butโฆโ
0
Gerardโs joy was evident, his happiness shining through his words. Yet he restrained himself, not wanting to appear too eager or desperate, and thus politely declined.
Tch.
After all, he had endured enough days without power. Only with strength could he have anything.
โIf you could bring Emilia back with you, I might consider it.โ
AM
โI canโt do that, Your Majesty. Then I shall take my leave.โ
Ole responded with a smile, his eyes betraying a hint of impatience, already planning to return another day. After all, he truly couldnโt manage it. He had covertly scouted the ruined Demon Kingโs Castle.
But years of experience warned him that if he got any closer, or approached Emilia with ill intent, he would be killed instantly. Moreover, he lacked the ability to bring Lady Emilia back himself.
Just as he prepared to leave and rethink his plans, he was called back by the anxious Gerard. Reaching out, Gerard stopped him, clearly fed up with this place. Even Emilia couldnโt stand it here.
โYou were just being polite before, but youโre taking it seriously now. Not even giving me a way out, so rude.โ
She said this while, for some unknown reason, beginning to move with surprising agility, her eyes serious with no hint of joking. Sig stretched lazily, intending to skip the heavy topic, which was somewhat too grim.
Still, after some thought, he answered. The idea of a loverโs suicide was just too absurd.
He explained patiently from both a physical and psychological perspective.
โDonโt, donโt, Emilia, calm down. Rest assured, even if you die, I wonโt. I can guarantee thatโphysically, I outlive you; mentally, even if I die unexpectedly, I might still be reincarnated. You probably wouldnโt be able to.โ
โYes, thatโs trueโฆโ
Upon reflection, she had no reason to argue and nodded lightly.
But no sooner had one problem settled than another arose. The hurried footsteps came rushing: tap, tap, tap. It was a breathless slave overseer, seemingly with urgent news.
โThat guy couldnโt find Gerard. Lady Emilia, have you seen him? If nothingโs wrong, heโs probably here trying to spy on you. Did you see him?โ
โNo, that guyโฆ I have no idea where he went.โ
It was clear she was just as clueless, completely baffled. She had been occupied all this time.
โI guessed as much, didnโt I? What else would it be?โ
M
Hearing this, Gerard broke out in a cold sweat. Still forcing calm, his body trembled slightly as he anxiously asked what to do next, revealing his inner fear and greed.
He was unwilling to give up the easily grasped power of the Hero, but he had no way out of this trap. Naturally, he hoped the one presenting the problem would offer a solution.
โSo, tell me, what should I do now, Duke Ole?โ
J
โOf course, Your Majesty. That is precisely why I have come. I have always been loyal to you. To prevent you from being controlled, I will intervene subtly to keep your mind clear. Then, Your Majesty, you should know what to do. Once you start a war against the nobility, there will be no turning back.โ
Though he spoke of loyalty, Ole half-kneeling now, his thoughts were all on Lady Emilia. After all, he hoped to use the Hero to clear away the nobles and the Church, paving the way for Emiliaโs return.
At the same time, this would solve the Empireโs current crisis.
Moreover, this way, neither his hands nor Lady Emiliaโs would be sullied. It was clear he had lost patience with the nobility.
He could no longer ignore the peopleโs cries and tightly clenched fists.
It was all the consequence of turning a blind eye to Lady Emiliaโs exile.
He must take responsibility, even if it meant sacrificing his own family for the greater good.
This was the so-called resolve.
A faint madness and ruthlessness flickered in his eyesโbarely perceptible.
Gerard, who was being reverently praised, failed to notice this subtle strangeness. He was even somewhat pleased, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. There was still a loyal, steadfast heart in the Empire.
Tears slipped down his cheeksโafter all this suffering, the ordeal was finally coming to an end.
3
Looking down from above, he patted Ole on the shoulder.
โI understand. Rest assured, Duke Ole, this is a great deed of yours. I will soon sweep the Empireโs nobles into history, leaving none behind.โ
M
Gazing at the Demon Kingโs Castle, which was gradually losing its ruinous form, he stretched out his hand as if to grasp something.
โOnce the Empireโs war crisis is resolved, I will come here again to bring Emilia back to the Empireโฆโ
โThen that will be your death day, Gerard.โ
At this moment, Duke Ole said nothing aloud, only watching the self-indulgent Gerard while silently reciting in his heart.
โฆโฆo o o o o o o o o o o o o o ooo