Chapter 128
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 128
Chapter Title: The Hero Stops the Demon King. (5)
We ate hearty meals.
Slept soundly.
We occasionally ran into monsters along the way, but we pushed through those without much trouble.
"...We've finally made it."
It had taken quite a long time, but we'd arrived at the Empire at last.
Not that I'm complaining—plenty had happened along the way.
My legs nearly gave out the moment we arrived, leaving me a bit unsteady. That's our little secret.
"Alright, let's report to His Majesty right away. Then we can all get some good rest today!"
With that, we immediately requested an audience.
And just as we'd hoped, he granted it without delay.
"...So we executed the councilors, Speaker Stick, and even Principal Parus—right there on the spot."
Mersen delivered the report with a blank expression.
But when Parus's name came up, his fist trembled ever so slightly.
"I see... Well done, everyone. You've all worked hard."
His Majesty visibly relaxed his tense shoulders at the news of the councilors and speaker's downfall.
It was the most at-ease expression he'd worn in ages.
"Your Majesty, it's not over yet. We still need to wipe out the remnants of the Mera Coalition."
As much as I hated to interrupt his relief, there was more unfinished business, so I pressed on.
"What if we release this image stone and brand the Mera Coalition as enemies of the entire continent? Then we could form a subjugation force."
The stone held irrefutable proof.
Once it was made public...
The Mera Coalition wouldn't escape responsibility.
Plus, all their top leaders—who should have borne the blame—were conveniently absent.
And word would soon spread that they'd been executed.
At that point...
They might just disintegrate on their own—no subjugation force required.
Still, it would make for a fine show of the world's united front against demon worshippers.
"Making them public enemy number one across the continent would deter anyone else tempted to worship demons, don't you think?"
It might even dissuade those scheming similar plots in the future.
Especially after witnessing a public execution.
"And we should burn every last trace in the Mera Coalition—summoning rituals, anything like that. Make sure no one can ever see it."
Sealing it away or archiving it for history's sake might seem prudent...
But it was too risky in the long run.
Plenty of fools lusted after demonic power and immortality.
They were everywhere.
"You're right. I'll issue the order to eradicate every trace of the demon worshippers. We'll start by releasing the image stone."
Once the stone's contents leaked...
It would still take time to assemble a subjugation force.
"Send the Imperial Army first to box in the remnants and keep them from fleeing. Then form the subjugation force."
His Majesty had clearly thought it through and decided to deploy the Imperial Army ahead.
"You've all earned a break while it gets organized. Rest up."
Once the force was assembled...
We—the continent's strongest party—would have no choice but to join.
"I'd like you all to participate in the subjugation of the Mera Coalition... Would that be alright?"
The Emperor could have simply commanded us.
Yet he asked politely.
And we had no intention of refusing.
"Of course, Your Majesty. Don't worry—we want to see this through properly."
I smiled as I replied, and he let out a relieved breath, his face softening.
"Thank you. Truly. Once this is over, I'll reward you all handsomely."
With that, our private audience ended.
Leaving us with some free time until the subjugation force formed.
"What are your plans, everyone?"
I asked first.
"I'll head to my father's office and sort it out."
Fair enough—Parus had been the academy principal, after all.
Someone needed to clean up his office.
Once the image stone went public, all his crimes would be exposed anyway.
"See you later, Sir Mersen."
"Yes, Saint Kane. Rest well—I look forward to seeing you again. Ah, and you too, Goddess...!"
Mersen bowed to me and Jenny before heading off toward the academy.
"What about the rest of you?"
I turned to the three women remaining.
"Obviously, I'm sticking with Kane!"
"Me too—with Kane."
"I'll stay with you, Kane."
Their answers came without hesitation.
I'd half-expected as much...
"Oh, how about we all head to the marquisate together? It's been ages!"
"Ooh, yeah—sounds good!"
Jenny and Scarlett suggested the Harkur lands.
Er... but that place was a bit...
Even if I'd made a name for myself as an adventurer...
Marquis Sain still despised commoners.
"Uh... I've got some business to handle. You all go on without me. Haha."
"Whaaat? No way! Then I'm not going!"
"Kane, don't tell me you're still worried about Sain..."
I shook my head furiously as Scarlett started to speak.
"No! I just remembered something I need to do! Anyway, I'm off!"
"Kane...! Where are you going? At least let me come with you...!"
"Hey, why should she get to go alone...!"
"Absolutely not!"
Jenny and Scarlett held Lin back, so she couldn't follow.
"...Phew, that was close."
Marquis Sain's icy glare...
It might just crush my morale.
I knew he wasn't a bad guy.
I'd overheard he was leading House Harkur well in his father's stead.
But it still made me uncomfortable.
"Hmm, so where to now..."
With my sudden free time, I'd planned to grab a room and relax.
That's when the communication stone buzzed.
"Whoa, His Majesty?"
I raised an eyebrow—it was from the Emperor, right after our audience.
"Did something come up?"
"(No, nothing like that! I just realized I hadn't arranged lodging for you all. Have you found a place yet?)"
Ah, he'd called out of concern.
"Not yet, but..."
"(Then I'll prepare one for you. Head there and rest easy!)"
"No, really, that's fine...!"
"(It'll put my mind at ease.)"
If others were around, I'd have accepted gladly.
But everyone else had dispersed, leaving just me.
I hadn't done the most, so staying alone in imperial lodgings felt... off.
My conscience prickled.
"Everyone's gone their separate ways. I can crash anywhere."
"(Out of the question! Stay where I arrange it. Please.)"
Please? Really?
"(The others have gone to the marquisate or their own homes. If even you stay at the place I prepare, I'll feel better... Is that really no good?)"
For some reason, the Emperor was earnestly pleading with me.
...Well, when an elder offers, you graciously accept.
"Alright, then. Since it's just me, something modest will do."
"(Good! I'll let you know once it's ready. Shouldn't take long!)"
The call ended, leaving me with more idle time.
"...What now?"
I'd planned to book a room and unwind...
Now even that was off the table.
Hmm, seriously—what to do...
"Shopping...?"
I wasn't rolling in coin, but with lodging covered, I had some spending money.
We'd be apart briefly before reuniting...
Why not pick up gifts for the three of them?
Just yesterday, we were battling demon worshippers.
Now this—truly felt like returning to normal life.
"What would suit them?"
My steps were light as I headed to the nearby market district.
If I thoughtfully chose and presented one for each...
They'd love it, no doubt.
"How much for this?"
I browsed the stalls, window-shopping here and there.
Haggled over items that might fit the girls, killing time.
That's when—
"(Lodging's ready! I'll send the address—head there!)"
His Majesty confirmed it was set.
I decided to stroll to the inn, not far from my current spot.
Gifts for the three procured.
A leisurely walk brought me to the place he'd mentioned...
"...No, Your Majesty, this is anything but modest..."
A ridiculously luxurious inn stood there.
Rented out entirely, complete with a banner reading 'Welcome, Kane!'
Oh, come on...