Rewards (1)
Implausible rumors began to spread through the imperial capital, Asrian.
Monsters had invaded the imperial palace. Dozens of imperial family members had been killed or injured. Because of this, the crown prince's wedding had been postponed.
But no one dismissed it as nonsense or unfounded gossip. Thousands had witnessed the monsters flying toward the palace, and the roof of Kreim Palace—one of the tallest structures in the palace—being blown away was visible even to the outer city's residents.
And at the absurd, monumental peak of those shocking rumors:
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor had perished at the hands of a demon worshipper's beast.
The Emperor's death.
"Did the demon worshippers really have that kind of power?"
"What happens to the Empire now?"
"How should I know?"
"What's the world coming to…."
Murmurs filled the air.
It had been just four days since the palace disaster struck Asrian, yet its people buzzed with talk of the rumors whenever they gathered. The massive terrorist attack at the heart of the world's strongest empire filled even those who took pride in being capital dwellers with unease.
And inside a four-horse carriage flying a high eagle banner as it passed through the capital's main avenue, the very fact that citizens were sharing such stories had become the topic of conversation.
Clop-clop.
"It's as noisy as ever. But there's no talk of the Second Empress or the Blue Blood mages."
"It would tarnish the imperial image, so they've probably cracked down on those stories."
Tiny's words drew a curt reply from the Sword Emperor. His expression was quite stern—anyone could see he was lost in thought.
"…What are you thinking so deeply about? Don't tell me you're disappointed that you couldn't bring your daughter along?"
"Don't talk nonsense. I was just pondering how to use the facts you've uncovered."
Tiny's eyes lit up at those words, his earlier jest forgotten.
"And your conclusion?"
"None yet."
"Huh?"
"For now."
"…What do you mean?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince must be overwhelmed just stabilizing the situation and fully seizing control of state affairs. And if I'm not mistaken, he's the type to prioritize the greater good over personal desires, so for now, we'll simply watch."
"What if that 'greater good' stops at the Empire and doesn't extend to all humanity?"
Tiny recalled the continental conquest plan the late Emperor had mentioned, and the Sword Emperor's surprised look made him feel inexplicably proud.
"Ho? You can say things like that now?"
That admiration lasted only until the words veered off course.
"Well, trials do make a person grow. I really should keep putting you through the wringer…."
"That has nothing to do with it!!!"
"What was that, punk?"
"…Sir."
Ha, damn it. He had to live with dignity. Tiny grumbled inwardly, having instinctively groveled before a superior without realizing it, but the Sword Emperor chuckled and continued firmly.
"If His Highness prioritizes the Empire over all humanity, then we'll use the information you provided at that time."
"Pardon?"
"Even if he doesn't align with our goals, that intel alone would let us mobilize the Empire's full might at least once."
The Sword Emperor's tone as he mentioned the crown prince's weakness differed markedly from three days prior. A natural smile spread across Tiny's face.
"…That should be enough."
"Exactly."
When the Demon King's army descended, all living beings in this world would have no choice but to unite—unless they were mad like the demon worshippers. So their concern wasn't whether the alliance would form.
It was the infighting between the Empire, the alliance of kingdoms, and the other four great races' nations that would weaken humanity's total strength. And rightly so—among the catastrophes Tiny remembered from his past life, five or six were exactly such wars.
Empire civil war, war between the Empire and the kingdom alliance, the werebeast kingdom's southern invasion, infighting in the orc alliance, war between Elvenheim and Tertius, and so on.
But an intact Empire could serve as the most reliable mediator.
"The Empire civil war you mentioned is essentially gone, and the kingdom alliance war that stemmed from it is far less likely now. We'll have to address the other four races going forward, but even if war breaks out…."
"No race could ignore mediation from a fully intact Empire without a civil war."
"Right. That's why this achievement is so crucial. You did very well, Tiny. Truly."
The sudden praise made Tiny flinch involuntarily as he stared at the Sword Emperor.
What's with this guy all of a sudden? Up to no good again? Laying the groundwork with praise before chewing me out? Spill your real intentions. His distrustful expression, laden with such thoughts, drew a chuckle from the Sword Emperor.
"Just take the praise, you rascal! You'll be suffering plenty more ahead anyway."
"…Could you phrase that a bit nicer, sir?"
"Should I do it myself? Or tell Grid to handle it? How about sparking a continental war?"
If the Sword Emperor went around meddling in other nations, it could provide pretext for war. The Weapon Master Grid van Selden, another comrade who shared the secret of regression, wielded comparable power.
Tiny knew this full well, but the irritating expression before him made his mouth run anyway.
"Or maybe give me some kind of reward."
"Reward?"
"…Sir."
Damn, it was pathetic—he needed to grow up fast. The Sword Emperor smirked at Tiny's blatant grumbling, then dropped words that perked up his ears.
"I prepared a gift, actually."
"Really?!… Sir?"
"Of course. A special training course tailored for you, right after the grand council…."
"Should I head to Elvenheim first?"
As Tiny grimaced and reached for the carriage door, the Sword Emperor added,
"…Not that. I asked His Highness the Crown Prince separately. You can look forward to it."
He spoke with a serious expression, dropping the jest.
"…For real?"
"Yes. When have I ever lied?"
"Well… never, I suppose."
"What's with the hesitation?"
"Haha, I was racking my brain for even one instance and came up empty. Tch."
Not lies, but insane stunts? Those he did plenty. As Tiny clicked his tongue in deep regret, the Sword Emperor chuckled again.
"Anyway, you won't be disappointed. His Highness seems to hold you in very high regard."
"…Thanks, but…."
Tiny tilted his head, his lingering unease toward the crown prince—who had killed his own father, despite the good first impression—unfaded. Reading his mind, the Sword Emperor added calmly,
"You can trust His Highness. Honestly, the late Emperor wasn't even worth empty praise as a good ruler. Without imperial decorum holding him back, he'd have been called a tyrant without issue."
"You say that so bluntly, sir."
"…Once I shed the noble pretenses, the truth became clear. I was known as pro-emperor among nobles, yet now I wonder why. Ahem."
As Tiny's eyes sparkled at those words, the Sword Emperor cleared his throat and wrapped up.
"Anyway, His Highness will be different. Put your hopes there."
Just then, the carriage carrying the two finally arrived at the inner citadel of Asrian, before the imperial palace.
To address the palace rebellion and discuss the Empire's future, all nobles shall attend the grand council!
The grand council summoned by the crown prince drew many nobles. Since count-rank and higher high nobles, originally invited to the wedding, were still in the capital in droves, they gathered swiftly upon the summons.
Normally, only the invited high nobles could attend the wedding, but eager to flaunt their prestige, they never came alone. Thus, many arrived at the palace with their subordinates for this council, delaying entry as everyone passed through.
Of course, even amid this.
"Gasp, House Valentia!? P-please, proceed!"
Showing the eagle banner alone granted passage without thorough checks, befitting House Valentia's prestige. But carriages weren't allowed inside the palace, so from the entrance, they walked.
As the group dismounted, someone leapt from the lead carriage and hurried over.
"I'll escort you, Your Grace."
"Jenas, take a break. You still look pale."
Jenas's condition was visibly poor, his pallor almost matching his silver hair—evidence he hadn't recovered from the palace blow. Yet he merely gave a wry smile.
"No, sir. Even a transcendent like you needs hands for miscellaneous tasks."
"That's what this punk's for." He jerked his chin at Tiny.
Tiny bristled at being called "punk," but Jenas quipped,
"And I contributed decently this time. Better to receive rewards in person."
The duke simply nodded with a laugh. Bringing excessive guards to the palace violated custom. After sending back the carriage and escort knights, the group followed a palace knight toward the throne room.
Soon after starting, they spotted a flamboyantly dressed middle-aged noble with a dozen escort knights nearby. The Sword Emperor's face soured instantly, and the noble, recognizing him, approached slowly.
"Es… ahem, Duke Valentia. Long time no see."
Blue hair, rare red eyes, gaunt and wrinkled face—he exuded a prickly aura, but his greeting was polite. The Sword Emperor's response was prickly.
"Indeed, Duke Rohiter. Would've been better if we'd never crossed paths again. Bringing a dozen knights into the palace? Seems you don't know custom."
His words, polite in tone but pure provocation, made Alon von Rohiter's eyebrow twitch.
"In these turbulent times, should I neglect safety for unmandated customs? Unlike a superhuman duke."
"Hm, must be tough quelling your territory's unrest. I underestimated your resources, Duke Rohiter."
Alon's red eyes gleamed murderously at the jab.
"So it was you…."
"'You'? Mind your words, Duke Rohiter. Or I might challenge you for insult."
Alon's face crumpled at the duke's retort.
"…We'll see, Eschard."
"See all you want? Not like you're a welcome sight."
Alon ground his teeth and retreated. Once he was far enough, Tiny's admiration rose from behind the Sword Emperor.
"What a nasty temper…."
"Right? You spotted it quick. That's Alon von Rohiter, the 'old snake.' The trash who schemed at Cloi's coming-of-age."
"Ah…."
Tiny paused, then nodded emphatically. The Sword Emperor, agreeing yet uneasy, soon glared at him.
"Wait, were you talking about him… or me?"
"No! Of course not! I meant the guy who tried to ruin Lady Cloi's ceremony!"
Even his desperate denial only twisted the duke's lips.
"Sure."
"No, really!!"
"No matter how much I grill you, this nasty-tempered brat won't break."
Who's nasty-tempered! Tiny was going mad, but the duke's hand had already seized his ear roughly.
"Ow!"
"'Ow'? Ha, impressive. Behave before meeting His Highness."
"Th-this is the palace, you jerk!!"
"Jerk?"
"Your Grace, please restrain yourself. This is the palace."
"J-Jenas…!"
"Plenty of time back at the mansion."
"…Sir?!"
Betrayed by his ally, Tiny gaped in shock—but what truly stunned him that day was yet to come.
We commend the heroic deeds of the chief contributors to quelling the palace rebellion: Sword Emperor Duke Eschard von Valentia and Sir Tiny, the Knight of Radiance….
At Duke Valentia's request, all rewards for these merits shall go to the Knight of Radiance. Recognizing his feats in saving the imperial direct lineage and repelling the enemy, we grant him one Transcendent Weapon from those stored in the imperial repository!
Should the chosen Transcendent Weapon not suit, it shall be replaced with equivalent treasures or riches.
The acting Emperor, the crown prince's magnanimity shocked not just Tiny, but every noble who heard the proclamation.
Before the throne room's stunned silence could fade,
"…I am deeply honored, Your Majesty. If possible, might I request something other than a Transcendent Weapon?"
Tiny's even more shocking response emerged.