Chapter 8
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: Demonkin Liberation Decree
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In the Imperial Palace's training hall, I slowly opened my eyes after meditating.
Today was another failure.
'Why is this so hard?'
Magic training is like studying—unlike a game, you can't just level up in one go.
It demands steady, consistent effort.
Thankfully, it hadn't even been a day or two, so I wasn't frustrated yet, but the path ahead felt hopelessly blocked.
I even wondered if I could really master it.
"You still seem dissatisfied."
The old mage sitting nearby smiled kindly, his expression carrying the leisure and depth forged by years of wisdom.
"I guess so."
"Is the knack still not coming to you?"
"Yeah. I've tried cycling mana faster, clumping it and bursting it apart. I've experimented with all sorts of stimulations, but there's no signal at all."
"I'm truly sorry that I can't assist you more directly."
The old mage bowed his head politely.
It made me uncomfortable, like he was apologizing for my irritation.
"It's not your fault, Master, so don't apologize."
"Of course. It might sound like an excuse, but there's no single correct answer when it comes to unique magic. I've compiled my own path to enlightenment as efficiently as possible... but in the end, you have to discover it yourself."
"Sorry for being so impatient."
I offered a light apology of my own, then let out a sigh with my head lowered.
Unique magic is a personal inspiration, a personal revelation.
There are no systematic methods.
I knew this already as a game player, but accepting it wasn't easy.
Especially for hot-tempered types.
Besides, even mastering unique magic wasn't the end.
You had to invest steady time to develop its manifestation and applications.
That's why I wanted to learn it as quickly as possible...
But it was never that simple. I was always in a rush.
'Oh, right.'
Suddenly, Ekyon's request came to mind.
Since it wasn't every day anymore but every few days, I'd forgotten about it.
'I know it's rude, but I'd love to learn magic alongside Your Highness. Would that be possible?'
'Sure? I'll ask.'
Affinity toward me.
Her own skill development.
The calculated intent was obvious, but I didn't refuse.
It just seemed cute at that level.
"Master, I have one request. Is that okay?"
"A request? Tell me anything."
The old mage blinked in surprise as he replied.
He was pretending to be dignified, but his eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Would it be possible for you to teach someone else during my lesson times?"
Someone joining the lessons.
It might be inconvenient, but I figured it wasn't too much to ask.
I'd desperately needed his guidance before, but now it was just meditation.
Like self-study during class time.
In practice, it meant he could focus entirely on one newcomer.
"Someone else?"
"Yes. Just during the time you're teaching me—would that be difficult?"
"Not difficult at all."
The old mage nodded eagerly.
I wasn't seeing things, right?
While I was briefly taken aback, the old mage let out a lament about his situation.
"Truth be told, I've felt quite ashamed, like I'm just burning through money with nothing to show. As you know, all I've done is watch Your Highness's mana for backflow and offer a few words."
Now I got it.
He'd been feeling inadequate lately, so this must have felt like perfect timing.
"That's still important work, isn't it?"
"It is important. But I can't deny that there's hardly any real work involved."
"I understand. So, can I bring her starting tomorrow?"
"Do as it suits Your Highness. I'm in the palace anyway."
The old mage chuckled heartily as he rose from his seat.
I was simply grateful for his ready agreement.
"Thank you."
"No need. I'm the one who should be grateful. See you tomorrow."
"Take care."
I escorted the old mage out of the training hall before turning back.
Time to head to my room and review some more.
'Am I going to end up achieving enlightenment at this rate?'
A random thought crossed my mind, sending an odd chill down my spine.
What if it actually happened?
"I'm heading back to my room."
"My apologies, Your Highness. Her Majesty summons you. You must go to the Throne Room at once."
The waiting maid spoke as I turned to leave, changing my destination.
When the Emperor calls, you go.
"The Throne Room?"
"Yes. She even specifically asked you to come without delay. If I may overstep..."
"Guess I have no choice but to go."
I chuckled and patted the maid's shoulder.
A sign I wouldn't make trouble or put her in a tough spot.
"My apologies."
Whether my sincerity got through or not, the maid bowed and caught her breath.
Today, I'd saved one more person.
Thanks to that, I arrived at the Throne Room entrance with a calm mind.
I took a deep breath in front of the massive doors.
The Throne Room lived up to its name in scale, and the doors matched—exaggeration aside, they were fortress-like.
"Let me know when you're ready."
The man standing by the ironclad doors smiled at me.
He served as a sort of living alarm bell, his sturdy build impressive.
'Why did she summon me?'
In all my years, I'd entered the Throne Room only once.
During discussions on reorganizing the western noble factions—and I was just three years old then.
'This is nerve-wracking.'
Back then, I was mere decoration, but today? Who knows.
I might not get to stay as just that; I could be pushed to speak up.
More precisely, forced into it...
Anxiety brought all sorts of stray thoughts.
Still, I couldn't linger forever in front of the doors.
I steadied my breath and steeled myself.
"I'm ready."
"Understood."
The man wiped the smile from his face and took a slow, deep breath.
His chest expanded massively, veins bulging at his neck.
It was like he was gathering qi.
And when that buildup peaked...
"His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince enters!"
He bellowed at full volume, swinging the doors open.
The sound reverberated down the hall—heavy bass with immense power.
"Thanks."
I nodded to him and stepped into the Throne Room.
Far ahead, the Emperor sat upon the jade throne atop three steps.
Gazes from those lined up on either side locked onto me.
It was overwhelming, suffocating.
Even without emotion in those stares, it was enough to make one faint.
"My son, come here."
"Yes, Mother."
I nodded and approached Orpheus.
This was an official occasion, so "Your Majesty" would be proper, but I was the exception.
The Emperor of this nation had decreed it so.
It was both a privilege and a duty—and utterly burdensome.
"Everyone's gathered, so let's get to the point."
Orpheus spoke with me seated on her thigh, her voice cold and dry unlike when she'd called me.
Even her eyes matched that chill.
Enough to freeze a man's heart solid.
"From today, Ion will liberate all demonkin slaves. No exceptions."
Gulp.
Amid the total focus, Orpheus dropped a massive bombshell.
'Whoa, this...'
I'd expected demonkin liberation since I'd requested it.
She was the type to do anything for my sake.
Still, I hadn't anticipated such swift, uncompromising action.
"Your Majesty! Liberating demonkin slaves?!"
One of the men in the room shouted, eyes wide.
The others murmured in shock.
"I won't hear objections—keep quiet. I'll continue."
Orpheus glared, and the man's shoulders shrank back hard.
The middle-aged man suddenly looked elderly.
"Liberating all slaves across the empire at once would cause chaos. Thus, all slaves will first be transferred to the imperial family. No exceptions."
A grace period of three months.
Long if long, short if short.
If it were anything else, they might have reacted more positively.
But involving property? Backlash was likely severe.
The assembled nobles knew this, falling silent.
Confused, terrified expressions.
"Your Majesty. You said no objections, but I humbly wish to speak."
In the suffocating silence, someone raised a hand.
An elderly man in a white suit.
"Speak."
"We must obey imperial decree, but please reconsider fully liberating all slaves. Some may be criminals."
"I know. But making criminal slaves an exception would invite fabricated crimes. Especially from vermin who excel at such tricks."
Exceptions breed loopholes to exploit.
Orpheus intended to block them entirely.
"I'll say it again. Release all demonkin slaves without exception—debts, crimes, miscellaneous. I won't accept any variables."
Demonkin slaves symbolized generational shackles.
Almost none had become slaves through crime.
Debt slavery required some repayment ability.
Impossible for slaves with no personal assets.
Even if they had, employers likely used unfair contracts.
Orpheus surveyed the chilled room, smirking aggressively—like a threat.
"Again: All slaves transfer first to the imperial family. Each territory must meticulously and clearly record their personal details, peculiarities, etc., and submit them."
Her icy voice pierced the men's lungs like a gambler's swift hand.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
In the end, the men bowed, resigned.
Loyalists.
Fearful ones.
Disgruntled sorts.
A motley crew of humanity.
Of course, they tried not to show it...
But their shaken emotions made it impossible.
"Oh, and the slave liberation policy was proposed by my son here."
No, not this now? Aggro pulled suddenly, my spine stiffening.
Is this why she called me?
Just to brag?
'This is insane.'
I shot Orpheus a pleading look, but it was useless.
She boasted even more enthusiastically.
"My son said the oppressed will eventually erupt and explode. History proves it, and I agree."
I'd said something similar, but she'd piled on way too much meat.
Like waking up to find an anchovy turned into a pig.
Orpheus rose from the throne as if done speaking, even cradling me in one arm.
"I command again: Inform all lords and slave owners to comply sincerely. Non-compliance will be deemed treason."
Treason meant execution.
Between slaves or life, most would choose life.
Unless they were powerful and greedy.
p>Stripped of property, they'd lose their minds.
Thus, minor political threats or pressure.
Major rebellions at worst.
The nation thrown into chaos, blood spilled...
'Wait, no way?'
Is the goal to spill blood this time?
That possibility sent icy chills down my spine.
My backbone froze solid.
The current Emperor ruled well, but by game lore, she was a tyrant.
She had the qualities—and the power to wield them.
In other words, this could showcase those qualities.
Very likely.
'Whoa, chills.'
Cradled in Orpheus's arms, I shuddered violently.
I couldn't even imagine how many would die.