Chapter 120
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Imperial Gift
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My head felt like it was going to explode from 'Wrath'.
It had been a long time since I'd been this furious.
Wendy was a character I shared life and death with.
In other words, Luna had touched my reverse scale.
I even had the thought of twisting her neck and killing her.
.....
...
But I had to hold back.
If only to keep all my efforts so far from going to waste.
.
Luna, who had taken my 'Wrath' head-on, stood frozen in place.
Unlike ordinary characters, she didn't faint or tremble in fear.
Instead, she stiffly lifted her head and glared up at me.
As expected of the emperor.
Even in the face of my 'Wrath' that made it impossible to breathe, she gritted her teeth and endured.
Standing against me with nothing but hatred.
But....
I could cut the neck of you, an emperor, as well.
I suppressed my boiling 'Wrath' with effort and opened my mouth.
I could purge everyone who opposes me. Hell, I could even bring down this empire.
Without ever avoiding the gaze of Luna, who glared at me as if she wanted to kill me. Her hatred was met with my 'Pride'.
Everything I own would make it easy. Luna Meikahel.
Just like the original Tristan, I too could eliminate her without dirtying my own hands.
There are easy ways like that, but the reason I don't bother is simply because time is too precious.
Less than a year left. Soon, players would turn this world upside down.
Fighting an all-out war with the imperial family before then would be a waste of time.
The reason I requested this audience was to secure the emperor's cooperation.
I'd come here trying to show friendliness to the utmost.
But if she was going to act like this, I had no choice but to give a clear warning.
With the Hero already here, we have no time to fight. If you're just going to kill the Hero to hinder me....
Crunch-.
I stomped on her mask that had fallen to the floor.
I declare that I will make you the most wretched being in this world.
.
Shards of the broken mask scattered around.
They glinted sharply in the moonlight streaming through the window.
I withdrew my 'Wrath'.
Then, I coldly snapped at Luna, who could finally breathe again.
I held your abilities in high regard.
What?
In the original story, Luna was the emperor who protected the empire without yielding to the immense pressure of the Ruelverta family.
She had restored some of the imperial family's fallen authority after being dragged down by Millium, sharpening the blade of revenge against Ruelverta.
Even if she hadn't been killed by Tristan, her role in the original would surely have grown much larger.
Since you became emperor, the empire has steadily grown. Not to the peak days, but compared to the previous emperor, Maxim-.
Shut your mouth.
Her face had been pale from my 'Wrath' moments ago, but now Luna's eyes burned with even more venom.
How dare you... don't speak his name. Father... cough.
What I mean is, you're an excellent emperor. The fact that we can still see glimpses of the empire's former glory is thanks to your abilities.
Luna sneered at my words.
Ha.... Ridiculous. Did you think I'd be pleased to hear such words from the likes of you?
Whether you like it or not is none of my concern. I'm not some sycophant kissing up to you.
Insolent.... Is a mere vassal speaking to me like this?
If you want to treat me as a vassal, you're ten years too early.
What? Then why did you join the Seven Stars? It's no place for the likes of you.
Watch your words. I graced the Seven Stars by joining them. Proof is that the other members accepted me as one of them.
Fine. I'll acknowledge that. Then what about your title? If you have no intention of becoming my vassal, why do you hold the rank of count?
It's simply because it sounds good.
What? What kind of lunatic....
Unable to refute my words further, Luna glared at me resentfully.
From now on, I decided to make use of her hatred.
Then let's get to the point. My business is simple. Prepare for war immediately. The current imperial army would be wiped out without a chance.
Are you telling me to increase the imperial army's numbers?
Numbers matter, but raise the quality. There are too many mediocre soldiers and ragtag mobs.
Aren't you underestimating my army too much?
Two weeks.
I stated quietly and firmly.
In two weeks, Aslan could annihilate the imperial army.
Boasting....
How many wars does the imperial army fight in a year?
What?
Aslan spends most of the year on the front lines exterminating monsters. It's the most battle-hardened force in this country. The imperial army, lacking real combat experience, isn't a match.
That's right. Two weeks wasn't an empty boast at all.
I warned Luna coldly.
You're the one who seems to be underestimating my private soldiers. Just the soldiers alone? Even one of the knights I brought could handle them. She's already recognized for her outstanding martial prowess even in Aslan. Numbers of grunts mean nothing to her.
If Helga were here, her mouth would be splitting into a grin at my praise.
A bit disappointing not to see her smug face, but oh well.
Hmph.
Still, Luna wore a dissatisfied expression.
She was listening to me now out of necessity, but I couldn't guarantee she'd obey willingly.
If so, there was only one method left.
I opened my mouth.
I know the root of your hatred. I'm not telling you to hide it.
As Blanche said, Luna's hatred was justified.
After all, she was a personality born from hatred toward Ruelverta.
But how far that hatred is directed at me is another matter. If it turns toward anyone around me instead, our cooperation ends right there.
Cooperation? Count.... Are you the one saying that? You filthy Ruelverta...!
What I'm saying is, this is ultimately just between you and me.
Luna had a point.
Trusting your hated enemy was never easy.
That's why I decided to make a proposal.
One she could never refuse.
You want to kill me, right? Then don't you want to kill me 'directly' with your own hands?
What...?
Once a week.
I said calmly.
I'll give you a chance to kill me.
At those words, Luna's red eyes gleamed dangerously.
A chance to kill you...?
Yes. Once a week, play a game with me. You choose the game freely. If you beat me even once, I'll die by your hand.
Hmm.
Luna's eyebrows twitched.
No matter how she thought about it, it would seem strange.
I'd set up a situation entirely in her favor.
As if I was desperate to die by her hand.
Are you mocking me? Or are you spouting words you can't back up?
Believe it or not, your choice. But I am a man who keeps his promises.
.
The bait was cast.
Now, just wait for her to bite.
After a moment of thought, Luna asked.
Even if I demand a game disadvantageous to you?
There is no game disadvantageous to me. I never lose.
Just as I said, I was confident I could win any game.
Otherwise, there'd be no reason to make this proposal.
At my brazen attitude, Luna muttered in disbelief.
To think there's a madman like this....
What's wrong? No confidence in beating me?
You....
Or perhaps....
I approached Luna.
I grabbed her hand suddenly.
?!
These slender arms can't cut my throat, is that it?
Don't touch me with those filthy hands!
Luna forcefully shook off my hand.
Unlike Lucy, Luna had a germaphobic personality.
Even though it was through her glove, she snapped at me with extreme disgust, just like before.
Touch a single inch of my body, and you'll die with me.
Interesting. I won't kill you. Nor do I plan to dethrone you as emperor. However....
I laughed mockingly and said.
I will have you.
W-what...? Have me? Me, the emperor?
Yes.
'Pride' and 'Greed' writhed within me.
Claiming an excellent being like you would be a pleasure in itself. If you can't beat me even once in our games, prepare yourself then.
You insolent...!
Humiliation flushed Luna's face bright red.
So, will you take the game to claim my life?
Fine! Let's do it. I never back down from a challenge!
She took the bait.
Seeing Luna panting in anger, I nodded in satisfaction.
Love the confidence. I'll look forward to the day you kill me.
Ha..... I don't even want to see your face anymore. Get out of my sight right now.
I was going to anyway.
Luna gestured dismissively, looking exhausted.
As I turned to leave, I suddenly remembered something I'd forgotten.
By the way.... Where's that commendation you were going to bestow on me?
!
At my words, Luna's expression hardened.
From her reaction, it really didn't exist. She probably never intended to give it in the first place....
As expected, none?
There is.
Luna clicked her tongue and said.
After pondering, she stood and declared in a solemn voice.
I, Luna Meikahel, acknowledge Tristan Ruelverta's merits thus far and induct him into my Seven Stars.
So that's what she was doingjust empty words.
Dumbfounded, as I turned to leave, Luna's voice stopped me.
Hey. Take it.
A black cloth piece fell before me.
It was her glove.
This is my imperial gift. Discard it, and it's decapitation.
.
Probably due to her germaphobia in the setting, she wore new gloves every day and discarded the old ones.
Essentially, calling trash an imperial gift was no different.
I picked up her glove from the floor.
Seeing this, Luna sneered.
giggle.... Keep it as a souvenir.
It's damp.
What...?
I held up the glove and said.
Must sweat a lot, huh.
You bastard! Don't spout nonsense...!
Even the emperor of the empire isn't so different. To be this tense.
T-this.... This...!
It hit the mark; Luna pointed at me, trembling with rage.
It was the first time I'd seen such an expression on her.
A mix of embarrassment and humiliation. Somehow, it looked oddly age-appropriate and even cute.
As you said, I'll treasure it as a souvenir.
Throw it away! Dispose of that filthy thing right now!
Before opening the audience chamber door to leave, I said to the fuming emperor.
With the face of a perfect villain.
Wouldn't dream of refusing something as precious as your life.