Chapter 13: The Emperor 6
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 13: The Emperor 6
I’d been kidnapped again. Since I was expecting it this time, I didn't panic.
When I opened my eyes after the abduction, the Emperor was standing right in front of me. I was currently experiencing something no one else ever would—and for the second time, no less.
"Sigh..."
A heavy sigh escaped the Emperor's lips. Was something wrong?
"Your Majesty, that was quite the sigh. Did something happen?"
At my question, the Emperor looked at me and pressed his fingers against his temple as if nursing a massive headache.
"Last night, reports surfaced that Cardinal the Phantom Thief appeared at Baron Ashro’s estate. By morning, the news had spread across the entire Empire. Was this your doing?"
"Naturally! Didn't I tell you I had a brilliant plan?"
Who else but me could have come up with such a perfect scheme in one go? The Emperor let out a hollow, dry laugh.
"Yes, it was a 'brilliant' idea. Thanks to you, every single soul in the Empire has regained their interest in Cardinal the Phantom Thief."
It was exactly as the Emperor said. Because of this incident, everyone’s attention was fixed squarely on the thief. Those who were around during the Phantom Thief’s active years were busy spinning theories about why he had suddenly resurfaced after more than twenty years. As for those born after his disappearance, this incident served as a thrilling introduction to the legend of Cardinal the Phantom Thief.
While the public was now obsessed with the thief, it had become impossible for anyone to suspect the Emperor was the real Cardinal. Every servant in the Imperial Palace could testify that the Emperor was present in his chambers last night while I was out performing.
"Sigh... Until now, no one has been bold enough to impersonate Cardinal the Phantom Thief."
Well, obviously. Who would be crazy enough to impersonate the man who stole the Empire's national treasures? The moment you claim that identity, the entire Empire starts hunting you.
"That just made it easier for me to pull off the act."
I was the only one crazy enough to try.
"In any case, since this ensures my secret remains safe, I shall grant you the Elixir as promised."
"I only did it to ease your worries, Your Majesty. You work so hard to rule the Empire, after all. It wasn't specifically for the Elixir."
"Then we shall consider the Elixir deal cancelled—"
"I will accept it with the deepest gratitude!" I cut him off immediately.
I thought if I flattered him a bit, I might get a bonus one. Tsk.
"Here is the Elixir you wanted so badly. Take it."
I accepted the item the Emperor handed over. It glowed with a faint, golden light. This was a royal Elixir—a treasure that couldn't be bought regardless of how much gold one possessed. While I was busy rejoicing over my prize, the Emperor spoke casually.
"So, what did you steal from Baron Ashro?"
Despite his casual tone, I couldn't take the words lightly. It felt as if the question was being branded into my brain—a clear sign that the Emperor was using his Domination trait.
The first time I experienced it, I could barely breathe and my hands shook uncontrollably, but the second time was manageable. The Emperor watched me with an amused glint in his eyes as I withstood the pressure of his Domination.
"Ho? You are growing day by day."
"That is just one of my many charms."
"I am not in the mood for jokes right now."
The crushing weight of Domination intensified. It was a silent warning: he wouldn't tolerate a single lie.
"According to the newspapers, didn't Baron Ashro state that Cardinal the Phantom Thief stole nothing?"
When I checked the morning papers, Baron Ashro had confirmed the Phantom Thief’s appearance but claimed nothing was taken.
"That is likely a lie. I have already received reports that Baron Ashro has mobilized his private knights to search for the thief."
He already had the Baron under surveillance in that short amount of time?
"The Baron is keeping it a secret either because he's embarrassed he was robbed, or because he wants to hide exactly what was taken."
The Emperor’s intuition was spot on. I had stolen 'that' from Baron Ashro last night, and the Baron likely lied because he didn't want its disappearance to be discovered.
"So, I ask again. What did you steal?"
"It was—"
I was about to tell him, but the words were cut off. Someone had swung the door open and marched inside.
Clack!
I couldn't believe someone would enter without permission while the Emperor was present, but I understood the moment I saw her.
Beautiful features, flowing blonde hair, and piercing golden eyes. The Princess of the Empire, Yerika Leonhart.
She burst through the door. Even for a Princess, entering the Emperor's presence without permission was a massive breach of etiquette; the servants trailing behind her looked frantic, unsure of what to do.
The Emperor pressed his brow again as if his headache had returned with a vengeance.
"All of you, leave us."
At his command, the servants retreated outside.
"Yerika, show some manners. We have a guest."
Only then did Yerika notice me. She looked surprised for a moment but quickly greeted me with a smile. The way she bowed slightly while daintily lifting the hem of her skirt was the epitome of royal elegance.
"We meet again, Mr. Ordinary Clown. Were you kidnapped and dragged here this time as well?"
'I was kidnapped and dragged to the Imperial Palace.'
Yerika spoke with a playful smile, clearly remembering what I had said during our last encounter.
"Yes! This time, I was snatched away right in the middle of breakfast!"
Surprisingly, this was the literal truth. I had suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed while eating at the inn.
"You are as entertaining as ever. Yesterday, while I was speaking with my brother via a communication device, I mentioned meeting you at the palace. He was quite envious."
Speaking via a communication device? Is Lucas not in the palace right now?
"Where is Mr. Lucas currently?"
Yerika smiled at my question. Her smile had a strange, innate power to put people at ease.
"Hehe. It seems he was quite shocked after seeing you during the entrance exam; he left to go on a training journey. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him look so happy while heading off to train, so it was a joy to watch."
The Emperor, who had been quietly observing our conversation, spoke up.
"Do you two know each other?"
The look in the Emperor's eyes had shifted. If he had been looking at me with an 'I have a headache' expression just a moment ago... now, he was looking at me like a hyena eyeing someone getting too close to his precious daughter.
I spoke up quickly before he could get the wrong idea.
"I happened to run into Her Highness while leaving the palace yesterday, and we spoke for a brief moment."
I put a lot of emphasis on the word 'brief.'
In the game Croaka, there were many descriptions of how much the Emperor doted on Yerika. If I, a man with nothing to his name but a handsome face, were to flirt with the Princess, there was no telling what he might do to me.
Whether he was satisfied with my answer or not, he turned his attention back to Yerika.
"Yerika, what business brings you here so urgently that you burst in without permission?"
His words were a rebuke for her lack of manners, but unlike his tone, a warm smile played on his lips. At his question, Yerika seemed to remember her purpose. Her voice carried an excitement she couldn't hide.
"Father! Cardinal the Phantom Thief has finally appeared!"
"Sigh..."
The Emperor let out a long, weary sigh and glanced at me.
Suddenly, I remembered the Emperor saying yesterday that someone had recently been investigating Cardinal the Phantom Thief. I had asked him why he didn't just use his power to make them stop.
'They are not the type of person who would stop just because I told them to.'
That was how the Emperor had responded.
Wait, no way. 'The Princess isn't that person, is she?'
At my questioning gaze, the Emperor silently closed his eyes. It was a clear affirmation. Unaware of her father's internal distress, Yerika continued.
"Father, if you could just lend me a few people to help capture the thief, I will make sure to bring him to justice!"
The thief you're looking for is your father, though.
"Sigh... I will think about it. You may leave for now. I still have things to discuss with Loki."
As Yerika was leaving, she addressed me.
"Mr. Clown, if you happen to know anything about Cardinal the Phantom Thief, please let me know!"
"Ahaha."
I could only respond with a hollow laugh. How could I possibly say, "The two versions of the thief you're looking for are standing right here"?
"Sigh..."
Once Yerika left, the Emperor let out another deep sigh. This time, I could actually sympathize with him. From his perspective, his own daughter was asking for troops so she could hunt him down.
By the way, why is Yerika trying to find Cardinal the Phantom Thief?
No matter how much I racked my brain, I couldn't remember a reason. Both Yerika and Cardinal the Phantom Thief were characters who were mostly just mentioned in passing in Croaka.
The Emperor, seemingly wanting to put thoughts of his daughter aside, changed the subject.
"So, what is the item you stole from Baron Ashro?"
I felt a bit bad showing 'it' to the already distressed Emperor, but since he needed to know, I handed it over.
"This is what I took."
As the Emperor took the item from me, his expression soured completely.