08
08
During the expedition to subjugate the Lich King.
— Roy. Truth be told, I have no interest in the imperial throne.
That was the first confession Sion made to me after opening her heart.
Then what was the reason she went to such unreasonable lengths to form an expedition, even risking danger?
— I simply wish to lighten His Majesty's burden.
She had spoken while wistfully blinking her blue eyes.
'For the sake of the Emperor, not the Empire or its people...'
At that time.
I thought to myself.
That Sion wanted to be loved by Empel.
If I recall correctly, her mother died of illness when she was just five years old.
Unfortunately, her mother had a frail body to begin with.
Even though the Pope of the Church himself stepped forward and did his best to treat her, she ultimately passed away.
Sion didn't share any deeper circumstances beyond that.
However, I dared to think.
Perhaps from that day on, she began obsessing over her father's love.
Seeing the Emperor today made me even more certain of it.
Empel von Starngart.
Even if he appeared nonchalant on the outside.
Unlike Sion's blue eyes looking at him softly.
There was not a shred of affection in Empel's blue eyes directed toward his daughter.
'The Silver Knights he plans to create aren't for Sion either, but to keep the Empress and the Imperial Prince in check.'
However, a problem arose here.
My combat power overwhelmingly exceeded expectations.
Even though he had heard beforehand from Sion that I was extraordinary, he probably couldn't have imagined I'd be at the Grand Swordmaster level.
That's why.
"......Hmm."
He is displaying an uncomfortable demeanor even though no one is voicing complaints anymore.
Even if he created a single knight order and gave it to Sion.
He must have calculated that it could never surpass the faction of Isabel and Leon.
However, because of an out-of-spec anomaly like me.
The scales of balance are now in a situation where they might tip heavily toward Sion's side, rather than staying in the middle.
While most of the nobles follow Isabel and the maternal relatives' faction.
The number of nobles who dislike them and remain neutral to monitor the situation is by no means small.
This means.
They could potentially side with Sion.
'From the Emperor's perspective, he'd hate that.'
I don't know about other emperors, but...
I was certain that Empel definitely would.
Having faced him in person today, I felt like I truly understood what kind of man he was.
'This old guy doesn't want to decide on a successor or anything.'
Even if he does.
He'd want to decide it far into the future.
Well, that's only natural.
Empel is only in his mid-forties.
Furthermore, unlike his predecessor, he doesn't drown himself in alcohol and drugs, nor does he particularly keep women close.
Even his wives consist of only two—the Empress and the Imperial Consort.
Was it said he only had those two?
On top of that, despite being the Emperor, he has reached the realm of Swordmaster, so beyond mere good health, his body is exceedingly robust.
In short.
Empel has zero reason to hurry a decision on a successor.
'From what I heard from Sion, he's dedicated to restoring the Empire ruined by the previous emperor...'
But right here and now.
Sion emerging as an imperial succession candidate who could rival Leon...
No, rising as an even more prominent candidate for the throne?
Then the Empire would probably turn into a total shitshow.
Leon and Isabel's faction would raise hell in order to keep Sion in check.
And if Sion starts striking back in response.
Practically speaking, normalizing the Empire during Empel's reign as Emperor would become completely impossible.
According to Sion, Empel hates the former Emperor to the point of pure hatred, so he would absolutely detest such a scenario coming to pass.
'And the biggest issue is probably that simply making Leon the Crown Prince wouldn't solve the problem either.'
I don't know about Leon.
Just looking at Isabel right now, excessively covered in countless extravagant accessories, makes it easy to tell.
The moment Leon becomes Crown Prince.
What direction the Empire's future will take.
It's blatantly obvious how recklessly those who hold firm control will run wild.
Even so, he can't just carelessly...
'Make Sion the Crown Princess either.'
Because they might stage a rebellion.
No, wouldn't they definitely revolt?
Even in the banquet hall today, weren't there quite a lot of people talking back to Empel's words?
If a rebellion really breaks out.
'The normalization of the Empire might be gone forever...'
In the first place, there's no certainty he could suppress it.
It's all because of that damn Sirius Grand Duchy.
'Even while pretending to be neutral on the outside, they're bastards who would do anything to place the Imperial Family under their boots.'
Just looking at the sheer insolence of that guy called the eldest son talking today gives you the full picture.
Anyway, due to these headache-inducing circumstances.
Empel had appropriately utilized Sion to suppress them.
'The fact that he walked that tightrope so well is truly impressive...'
However, because of me, it became impossible.
Therefore.
Right now, I could reaffirm that the advice I had given Sion wasn't wrong.
— Your Highness, relinquish the imperial throne.
###
Sion decided to follow Roy's advice.
As her first step.
"I wish to present the Silver Knights to Your Majesty."
The knight order that Empel had bestowed upon her.
She was offering it directly back to him.
"......What?"
Empel doubted his own ears.
Although it was a knight order that hadn't even been properly established yet and didn't have a single member.
The young man to be appointed as Commander was an out-of-spec powerhouse, wasn't he?
Starting today, she could have become a prominent candidate for the throne.
To give that up.
He couldn't help but wonder if he had misheard.
At this, Sion conveyed her intentions once more.
"Your Majesty, it is exactly as I said. I shall give you the Silver Knights."
"Hmm...... What is the reason?"
Empel's brows narrowed slightly.
'Not that she declines, but that she will give it to me...'
He was intensely curious as to what his daughter's hidden intention was.
It was hard to see it as declining or ignoring his goodwill.
Then is she trying to back down out of fear that her growing power might draw checks from the Empress's faction?
'No, knowing Sion's personality, that doesn't seem to be it...'
Empel felt somewhat displeased.
Unlike Leon, Sion, who had always been obedient, engaged in unexpected behavior without prior discussion or warning.
However, soon an arc was drawn on the corners of his lips.
"In the case of my knight order, I can simply establish one anytime later, but right now, it appears a new knight order is urgent for Your Majesty."
This was because Sion's gaze was directed toward Michael, the Royal Knights Commander.
"Because it seems that the Royal Knights Commander, who should protect Your Majesty and follow your orders better than anyone else, harbors impious intentions."
"Kuku... Right. We almost forgot."
Empel realized once again.
That today, there were truly many who dared to talk back to the decisions of the Master of the Empire.
Among them, as the sword of the Imperial Family.
The fact that even the Royal Knights Commander, who should obey and execute orders better than anyone, had raised an objection.
"Your Imperial Highness! What do you mean by that?! I am solely for His Majesty and the Imperial Family...!"
"Michael Cromwell...... Do you truly think so?"
"Yes, indeed! I believe everyone present here knows well that I am loyal to His Majesty!"
Michael appealed with a face that looked genuinely wronged.
Having become the Royal Knights Commander at the young age of his mid-to-late twenties, he had quite a good image among the nobles.
Well, that was only natural.
The eldest son of the Cromwell Duchy and nephew of the Empress.
A level of Swordmaster fitting for a Knight Commander.
On top of that, handsome looks.
He was a perfect man with nothing to fault.
Therefore.
"That's right. Is there anyone more loyal to His Majesty than Commander Michael? Princess, I have no idea what on earth you're talking about!"
"The Empress is correct! To say Michael does not dedicate his loyalty to His Majesty. Sion, why on earth have you been acting like this since earlier?"
When Isabel and Leon stepped forward first and raised their voices.
"I agree. Sir Cromwell is the very exemplar of loyalty."
"Yes, if the Royal Knights Commander is not loyal to His Majesty, I have no idea what could possibly be called loyalty."
A considerable number of nobles nodded in agreement.
There might be those speaking out of genuine concern for Michael, but most were likely trying to curry favor with the Empress and the Imperial Prince.
Therefore.
"..."
Empel's brows couldn't help but furrow even deeper.
Is he truly the Master of the Empire?
It was a scene that inevitably raised such a question.
Right then.
"Excuse me, but... I don't really know about that?"
Roy raised one hand and voiced his doubt.
At this, Michael crumpled his face and asked back.
"Count? What do you mean by that?"
"What do I mean? Exactly what I said. I don't know about it. That the Commander is loyal to His Majesty."
"Look here, Count. Isn't today the first time we've met? Your words are a bit harsh."
"Huh? Harsh? I was merely stating my thoughts...?"
"......Is that so?"
"Yes, indeed."
".........Hmm."
At Roy's reply, Michael rested his chin on his hand for a moment, pretending to ponder, before...
"Right, it is only natural that you wouldn't know."
Nodded his head slowly with a face of complete understanding.
"Huh...?"
"Yes, I understand completely."
"No, wait a second...?"
Roy asked back several times with an exasperated expression, but Michael continued speaking in a tone that indicated he understood all of that as well.
"It's alright. It's only natural that the Count, who just became a noble today, wouldn't know. After all, today must be your first time coming to the Imperial Palace as well. But you will soon find out. That I am a knight more loyal to His Majesty than anyone else."
"Mmm......"
This time, Roy fell into thought for a moment.
'This bastard is no easy opponent either...?'
Starting from insidiously dissing me that it's natural for me not to understand since I'm a lowly commoner, to boasting that he's the magnificent Royal Knights Commander.
'As expected of that female lead and male lead...'
I don't know why they make a person's mind so dizzy.
However, Roy wasn't one to meekly keep his mouth shut here.
"Mmm... Sorry once again, but even without seeing you multiple times, I can tell that the Commander is not loyal to His Majesty."
"......Look here, Count. Didn't I just tell you? I am a knight more loyal to His Majesty than anyone. Stop being unreasonable."
"Being unreasonable is what you're doing right now, Commander."
"You are impossible to talk to. On what grounds are you saying such things? You have no grounds whatsoever."
"I agree that we can't communicate. But to say there are no grounds... Are you saying that seriously?"
"Count, I do not like wordplay. As if insulting Lady Bathory weren't enough, now you're trying to insult my loyalty as well... Stop this at once."
"Pfft... Pfft-hah...!"
Roy covered his mouth to hold back his laughter.
Then he immediately turned around and bowed deeply toward Empel.
"Your Majesty. I earnestly request right here and now. Please relieve Michael Cromwell, who continuously speaks falsehoods, from his position as Commander."
"Look here, Count, what on earth are you saying!!!"
"What do you think I mean? Commander, don't you have someone else to whom you offer even greater loyalty than His Majesty? Why do you keep shamelessly lying?"
"What reckless nonsense is that?! Do you think you can just say whatever comes out of your mouth?!"
"This is serious... Do you really not know?"
"I just told you to stop with the wordplay! Insulting Lady Bathory alone was hard enough to tolerate, but doing even more here..."
"Puhahaha!!!!"
In the end, Roy burst into roaring laughter.
He was grateful to Michael in many ways.
'Honestly, I was pondering what excuse I could use to enter under the Emperor's command...'
Michael had created the opportunity for him.
If not for him, Sion wouldn't have been able to easily say she would give the knight order to Empel either.
Because there would have been no clear justification to say she would return what the Emperor had granted.
'Well, being grateful is one thing... but if I keep talking to this crazy bastard, I feel like I'll lose my mind...'
He decided not to converse with Michael any further.
Therefore.
"Your Majesty, if you would only grant permission, I wish to become your faithful sword."
Roy made his request to Empel once more.
"Count! What on earth are you doing?! I am talking to you!"
"I swear to you. Unlike someone next to me, I will never sway no matter what lady of whatever house makes a request."
"Look here, Count! Are you seriously bringing up what happened during the trial by combat?! That was merely because your methods were too brutal...!"
"I won't make ridiculous excuses like that either."
As Roy continued to ignore and mock him.
"Count!!!!!!"
Michael ultimately couldn't hold it in and shouted loudly.
Right at that moment.
"Kuku... Kuhahaha!!!"
Empel clutched his stomach and began laughing uproariously.
###
"Kuhahaha!!!"
Empel's laughter echoed loudly throughout the banquet hall.
I was wondering why His Majesty wasn't speaking and kept biting his lips.
It seems he was doing so because he was holding back his laughter.
"Ah, this is magnificent! Truly magnificent! Kuhahahahaha!!!"
Empel laughed out loud for quite a while longer, then called out to me without even properly wiping the tears gathered at the corners of his eyes.
"I say, Count."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Are you sincere in those words?"
Empel asked while glancing sideways toward Sion.
Just as Michael prioritizes Bathory.
Aren't you also trying to prioritize Sion?
He was undoubtedly asking with that meaning.
Therefore, I immediately answered without hesitation.
"Yes, I am sincere."
"Hmm...... Is that so......"
"......?"
Eh, did I answer incorrectly?
For a moment, Empel's brows seemed to narrow slightly.
No way.
This is precisely the answer the Emperor wants.
Rather than someone trying to look good in front of a single woman.
Unlike Michael, who talks back to the Emperor's decisions or makes excuses.
He must surely want to hear that I will become an obedient sword.
As proof of that.
"Very well. We shall accept the Silver Knights."
Empel readily nodded his head, then turned toward Sion.
"Sion, is this truly fine with you?"
"..."
Hey, what are you doing?
You need to answer right away here.
'Princess, didn't I advise you? Quickly answer.'
Did my feelings reach her?
"Yes. Although there is only Ro—the Count, I shall give the Silver Knights to Your Majesty."
Sion handed over ownership of me to Empel.
Mmm. Did she get a cavity or something?
It looks like she's biting her molars slightly.
'Surely it can't be because she's in a bad mood.'
Isn't this the very moment she takes her first baby step toward receiving the father's love she so desperately wanted?
And.
The effect was definitive.
"Indeed..."
Though it was merely for a split second.
Empel's gaze toward Sion was gentle, if only for a brief moment.
She must have noticed this as well.
"......!"
Sion trembled slightly at her shoulders, then stepped back from her spot.
'Your Highness, well done.'
Because Sion handed over the card known as "me" without hesitation, Empel will likely change his view of her in the future.
Even though it was an opportunity to greatly expand her own power, she lent strength to him, the Emperor.
Of course.
One could view it as simply offering me up to score points.
Instead of doing that, using me as her personal bodyguard.
Or using me to threaten or assassinate political enemies like the Empress's faction.
There's no way the Emperor wouldn't know the obvious fact that doing so would be far more efficient.
'If he doesn't know that, or despite receiving this level of sincerity...'
If he only planned to continue using Sion as a chess piece to check Isabel and Leon's followers.
'I was thinking I might clean him up all at once when finishing my revenge...'
It seems there won't be any need for that.
Fortunately.
It seems Empel wasn't such a selfish cold-blooded person after all.
'If time is given slowly... once the situation improves and breathing room opens up...'
The two of them will be able to become a true family, not just Emperor and Princess.
Therefore.
'Hang in there. If it's Your Highness, you can definitely pull it off!'
I looked at Sion with a heart wishing for things to go well in the future.
Just at that moment, of all times.
"......!"
By chance, my eyes met with Sion's.
However.
"......"
Swish!
She immediately turned her head away cold-heartedly in another direction.
'Mmm... Does that mean she's done with me now...?'
I felt a bit hurt.
Well, what can be done?
Since I won't have any reason to get involved with her anymore.
Now, I'll go my own way.
I just need to enter under Empel and proceed with my revenge step by step.
Because the Emperor must also be feeling the same way about wanting to wipe out the Sirius Grand Duchy.
Right then.
"Your Majesty!!!"
Michael called out to Empel in a voice filled with genuine grievance.
"Are you truly planning to replace my position with the Count?!"
Look at how brazen he is.
Since it was a situation where a rolling stone suddenly knocked out an embedded stone, it might be somewhat unfair from the perspective of the grand Knight Commander.
But didn't he get the order wrong?
As proof of that.
"Hmm... The Commander is disappointing me quite a lot today."
Empel's face was filled with displeasure.
If he had even a shred of sense, rather than questioning and arguing.
It would be normal for him to apologize and beg for forgiveness right here.
For Michael, of all people, the Royal Knights Commander who must dedicate everything to no one other than the Emperor.
Like the other male bastards.
He shouldn't have raised his voice to Empel at Bathory's words.
Not just any young lady either.
Is she not the young lady of the Sirius Grand Duchy, the family the Emperor finds most uncomfortable?
There's no way the Royal Knights Commander wouldn't know that obvious fact.
Despite knowing all that, Michael chose Bathory's love...
No, he ended up making a foolish choice just to look even slightly good to her.
Therefore.
"Michael Cromwell."
What Empel, who called out the bastard's full name, would say was obvious without even listening to the end.
"As of this moment, you are relieved of your post as Royal Knights Commander."