Chapter 224: Alice Subjugation — Interlude (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 224: Alice Subjugation — Interlude (3)
Isaac cast a chilling glare at Emperor Carlos.
The Royal Guard, Jacule Calix, and the Imperial Knights all shifted their hands to the hilts of their swords. Morcan, the Ice Knight, followed suit, prepared to draw his white-silver blade at a moment’s notice.
The rasp of steel against scabbards echoed through the room almost simultaneously.
“Huh, w-wait?! Ahhh…!”
Isaac let out a sharp, sarcastic scoff.
He didn't deny the Emperor's words; from a ruler's perspective, they were reasonable enough. But that was a mere formality compared to the reality of the situation.
Here, the logic of power prevailed, and it clearly favored Isaac. Whether by justification, cause, or sheer action, Isaac had every right to stand tall before Emperor Carlos.
“It would be troublesome if you continued to proceed in such a manner.”
Activating [Psychological Insight], Isaac peered into the Emperor’s mind. Seeing Isaac’s youth and boldness, the Emperor was trying to use his authority to seize control of the meeting’s pace.
At the same time, he was wary of Düpfendorf’s growing influence. He was already calculating how to extract information from Alice and manipulate her to benefit the Empire. His offer to compensate for any losses was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to buy her.
Isaac saw right through him.
Whether the man underestimated him or not, Isaac could overlook it as long as those thoughts stayed hidden. The Emperor was only human, after all; it was natural for him to harbor such ambitions.
Still, Isaac found the Emperor’s condescension—the subtle sneer suggesting he should simply fall in line—impossible to stomach.
Furthermore, Emperor Carlos was a man who prioritized the peace and stability of his Empire. Facing a being like Isaac, whom no one could oppose through force, the Emperor was not the type to wage a suicidal war just because his pride was wounded.
Isaac also kept in mind that he had been granted extraterritorial rights by an archwizard.
Therefore, Isaac decided he needed to assert himself forcefully to awaken the Emperor’s sense of urgency. That was why he had thrown the dagger.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“How dare you speak such outrageous words to the Emperor!”
As Jacule barked his questions, his voice thick with murderous intent, Isaac met his gaze with a fierce glare.
“Who are you to intervene?”
“Jacule.”
Emperor Carlos raised a hand slightly, silencing his guard.
Jacule, noting the Emperor’s visible tension, frowned and took a step back.
“I apologize.”
Emperor Carlos took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
“My words were a bit aggressive. I am sorry for provoking your anger.”
Opening his eyes again, the Emperor looked directly at Isaac.
Isaac paused, then softened his tone slightly.
“I understand your point. After all, we don’t know when the Evil God will be resurrected.”
While the Heart Kingdom existed in another world, Alice and the Paladins felt a sense of duty toward it. It was necessary to share information about the Evil God’s resurrection to recruit them as allies.
But the Zelver Empire was a different story.
You’re doomed anyway if you don’t cooperate.
In the end, the Empire would have no choice but to join the fight against the Evil God. Maintaining a basic cooperative relationship was sufficient for now.
Once information was given, it couldn't be taken back. There was always the risk it could be misused or cause unnecessary panic. Moreover, a deep level of trust had yet to be established. Isaac didn't want to take uncontrollable risks; caution was still the priority.
“However, I have my own unyielding intentions.”
“And what might those be?”
“To protect the people. As I mentioned, Alice will be used for that purpose.”
“…I truly appreciate your noble intentions.”
Emperor Carlos looked into Isaac’s eyes, acknowledging his own imprudence, and decided to yield.
He was facing a being capable of upending the world at any moment—one who commanded an army of great magic beasts. Yet, this being had protected the Empire’s greatest talents and was explicitly stating his intent to continue protecting the people.
Looking back, the Emperor realized how absurd his posturing had been.
It was a mercy that such an archwizard was even negotiating with them. A thrown dagger was a small price to pay.
However, Emperor Carlos still had no intention of abandoning what would benefit the Empire.
“…But, be that as it may. Our Empire is—”
“I have something I want to show you.”
Emperor Carlos stopped mid-sentence.
Isaac pulled out a pocket watch and handed it to Morcan, the Ice Knight.
“Pass this on.”
Morcan took the watch, handed it to the Royal Guard, Jacule, and then returned to his position. Jacule examined the device to ensure it wasn't a trap before presenting it to Emperor Carlos.
“…!”
The Emperor’s eyes wavered.
Although parts of the watch had turned pitch black, it was unmistakably Snow White’s cherished pocket watch.
The Emperor stood up abruptly, shock written across his face.
“Why do you have this watch…?”
“I’m glad you recognized it immediately.”
“How could I not? It belongs to my daughter, Snow White…!”
Isaac pointed toward the ceiling.
“The demon that filled the sky? It emerged from this watch.”
A collective gasp filled the room at Isaac’s shocking revelation.
Emperor Carlos’s eyes widened, but he quickly regained his composure, his expression turning wary.
“What are you implying?”
“If you have any doubts, I’m sure there’s plenty of evidence to investigate. Go ahead—there’s nothing stopping you, is there?”
“…”
The Emperor gestured to an Imperial Wizard waiting by the entrance.
“Inspect it.”
The Imperial Wizard approached nervously, examining the watch with a specialized magic tool equipped with a magnifying glass. A complex magic circle manifested before his eyes as he peered through the lens.
It didn't take long to realize the watch was no ordinary trinket.
“It is definitely Princess Snow White’s watch. Moreover… its capacity to contain mana is immeasurable. There are also dense traces of dark mana. It has lost all functionality now and serves only as a regular timepiece, but… this is extraordinary…”
“Get to the point.”
“It appears this object contained the Starry Sky Demon we observed at the Imperial Tower. There is no doubt about it.”
While Isaac could have used perception inhibition magic to mislead them, the measurements of the Starry Sky Demon’s mana—already recorded by the Imperial Tower—were undeniable. They couldn't be falsified. This was definitive proof that Isaac hadn't tampered with the watch.
Emperor Carlos closed his eyes tightly.
It was the watch Snow White had received from the Empress.
He had never suspected it. In fact, when it came to light that the Empress had been plotting Snow White’s assassination, he had ordered a thorough investigation of all her belongings, including the watch.
That was why he had returned it to White, knowing how much she cherished it and the sentimental value it held.
But… it seemed the watch’s true purpose had been cleverly hidden from the start.
Perhaps it was perception inhibition magic beyond the capabilities of the Imperial Tower, or some similar ancient mechanism. It made sense—if a formidable entity like the Starry Sky Demon was contained within, no magical feat performed on the casing would be surprising.
Suddenly, he remembered the Empress’s body. She had never shown her neck, even in bed, claiming an unsightly scar. Only after her death was an unidentified mark revealed on her skin.
The Empress… what kind of dangerous demon gave her a watch like this?
“I see… You may go.”
The Imperial Wizard bowed and returned to his post.
Emperor Carlos organized his thoughts, blinking slowly. This watch was a disgrace to the Imperial Family.
More importantly, he realized that Isaac had neutralized a catastrophic threat to the Imperial Family and the citizenry—a threat the Emperor himself had failed to detect.
Isaac had consistently outpaced the Imperial Knights, intervening in demon incidents to prevent casualties. Ultimately, he had even thwarted the Empress’s final assassination attempt, saving a member of the royalty.
The Empire owed Isaac a tremendous debt.
Emperor Carlos lowered his gaze.
“I’ve heard that Snow White is safe… it was all thanks to you. Had you anticipated that the watch was out of the ordinary?”
Isaac nodded.
Emperor Carlos calmed his troubled heart, taking a moment of silence to steady himself.
“I apologize once more. I owe you too much. Thank you… for protecting Snow White.”
Isaac sat back down.
“I will keep quiet about the watch.”
“…Thank you.”
Now that the Abyss was gone, the watch was just an ordinary accessory. If someone present leaked the secret and brought shame to the Imperial Family, it wasn't Isaac’s concern. He only needed to show a cooperative demeanor.
Isaac firmly stated his position in a calm, steady voice.
“Your Majesty, as I mentioned before, we also wish for a friendly relationship with the Empire. My goal is to protect the students of this academy and the citizens of the Empire.”
“…”
“I will share whatever information the Empire needs from Düpfendorf to the best of my ability. I also promise that Alice Carroll will be used to protect the academy and its people. That is why I wish for her to remain here… so, please.”
Isaac bowed his head.
Emperor Carlos closed his eyes, let out a long, weary sigh, and slumped back into his seat.
*
Emperor Carlos rescinded his earlier demands and expressed his full intention to cooperate. As a result, Alice Carroll’s safety was now entirely in my hands.
Furthermore, the Emperor stated he would "cooperate in clearing Alice Carroll’s name as much as possible, though his position could change depending on future developments." I accepted those terms.
Emperor Carlos had chosen to bend his will after weighing what was best for the Empire. Since I was known as an Archwizard committed to protecting his realm, he had no desire to oppose me outright.
It was worth noting that the Emperor’s will stood above the laws of the land. If he made a firm decision, legal technicalities became irrelevant.
After all, our goals align in protecting the Empire.
As the scenario progressed, Alice would help me, and together we would save many lives. Since the main stage was within Imperial territory, our actions naturally involved safeguarding the Empire.
I discussed several other matters with the Emperor. I confirmed that I would continue my studies at Märchen Academy alongside Alice, share useful information with the Imperial Family, and continue to protect the academy as I had been doing.
I had several reasons to stay. The most significant was that the key to clearing the scenario was concentrated here; the academy was the focal point of Magic Knight of Märchen. Enemies that couldn't be defeated by brute force alone would soon appear. Even if I wanted to leave, I couldn't.
Eventually, the meeting concluded, and we solidified our cooperative relationship.
“Your Majesty!”
“Snow White?”
At the academy gates, as Emperor Carlos was preparing to board his Imperial carriage, Snow White and her escort knight, Merlin Astrea, came rushing over.
I was there with the faculty and the Imperial Knights to see the Emperor off, so my eyes met White’s. She looked startled to see me, then confused. She seemed unsure of how to act around me now.
White and the Emperor faced each other.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t greet you sooner! I didn't know you were coming…!”
“That was by design. Don’t worry about it.”
The Emperor approached the flustered girl. He was a doting father at heart; he had worried that meeting her during an official event to greet the new Elemental King might compromise the solemnity of the occasion. That was why he hadn't informed her of his schedule.
“Your Majesty?”
Emperor Carlos pulled White into an embrace. She looked puzzled, clearly not understanding the sudden display of affection.
“Thank you for being alive, my dear daughter.”
“…?”
After a long, silent look at her, the Emperor stepped into his carriage. An escort closed the door.
The Imperial carriage departed the academy, flanked by its guards, as the faculty and knights bowed in respect.
“…?”
I considered speaking to White, but decided against it and turned to walk away. It seemed she hadn't decided how to treat me yet, and I wanted to give her some space. Besides, I had other things to attend to.
“Ah.”
It was White’s voice.
I could feel her and Merlin’s eyes on my back, but I ignored them and continued toward the academy detention center to see Alice and the Paladins.
Then it happened.
“Senior Isaac!!”
I stopped. I hadn't expected her to call out to me so publicly.
White ran toward me, Merlin trailing close behind. I turned around to find White kneeling on the ground, gasping for breath.
Ah, this situation. I should probably say something to put her at ease.
Given everything that had happened, I decided to start with something formal.
“White, I’m glad you’re safe—”
“Are you leaving…?”
“Hmm?”
What on earth is she talking about?
White’s voice was thick with tears. She caught her breath and looked up, her eyes brimming.
“Why are you walking away after seeing me…? Why are you avoiding me…?”
“No, that’s not it—”
“Hicc, don’t hide it… You’ve been talking to me less lately. Was it because of this…?”
“What are you talking about?”
Confused by what "this" meant, I read her thoughts.
The reason I’d been quieter lately was because I’d spent every waking moment learning 7-star magic. It wasn't because I was planning to leave after revealing my identity.
I thought I had reassured her, but White, caught in a new misunderstanding, began to sob. Her voice trembled violently.
“Senior Isaac, you really are an amazing person… Now that your identity is out, there’s no reason for you to stay at the academy, right…? I knew it… You were preparing to leave me…”
“That’s not it at all…”
“Don’t lieeee…! Waaaah…! I won’t let you go!”
“Hey, White?!”
Suddenly, White burst into a fresh wave of tears and lunged forward, hugging me tightly and burying her face in my chest.
What am I supposed to do with such an affectionate kid?
Apparently, I had let her become too dependent on me during our time at the academy. I really needed to maintain better boundaries.
Merlin, the Imperial Knights, and the faculty all stood there in shock. It was incredibly problematic to be seen touching the Princess like this in front of them, so I cautiously raised my hands, not daring to wrap them around her.
This was a mess. I needed to diffuse this, and fast.
“No, really, I’m not leaving. I’m not going anywhere… I still have things to teach you.”
“Whaaaa…! You’re lyingggg…!”
“I’m not lying…”
Why would I even lie about that?
Screeeeech!
Suddenly, the Imperial carriage drifted into a sharp, aggressive turn. It raced back toward the academy gate at an incredible speed.
Emperor Carlos flung the door open before the carriage had even fully stopped.
“W-what on earth is going on?!”
“Princess White, please step back! Maintain your dignity…!”
“Hicc, Senior Isaaaac…!”
…Just let it be.