Chapter 140
Chapter 140
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 140
Chapter Title: 12. Survival Competition (16)
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Morning. Before entering the meeting to decide our future schedule.
I ran into Mr. Dras and we briefly chatted about family matters.
"Sorry for showing you such an unsightly side."
"I'm hardly in a position to judge. To be honest, I was a little surprised."
"It's not easy playing the father role properly. Especially with social duties on top of it. The me you see as Shopkeeper and the me my daughter sees are worlds apart."
"I suppose so."
Father was a respected figure to the territory's people, and I remember my sibling never putting up much resistance to his ways. Naturally, the father I know and the one they know are different.
Even if I explained at length why I dislike him, they'd probably never get it.
"So, what've you decided?"
"Nothing set in stone yet, but I think we'll relocate to Astraea."
"That's great. When your family arrives, how about some coffee together?"
"Not a bad idea. Sigh. So, Shopkeeper, what's your plan for the father issue?"
"Guess I'll have to see his face at least."
Just thinking about it made my chest tighten.
Seeing my bitter expression, Mr. Dras let out a rare hearty laugh.
He discreetly wiped the corner of his eye—maybe a tear from laughing—and continued in an amused tone.
"The total opposite of my daughter. Though I did hear she wanted to see me one last time."
"My old man’s the same—too gruff to ever say something like that, even on his deathbed."
"You never know. Long separations often bring out unexpected sides."
"Hmm."
Honestly, I doubted it, but I nodded anyway.
Still finding my face hilarious, Mr. Dras kept grinning for a good while before checking his watch and changing the subject.
"Time's about up. Let's head to the meeting. Isn't the star of the show the Shopkeeper?"
"Yeah. Seems even His Majesty isn't rushing back."
"I see. But if the Shopkeeper heads home, won't that stir up more trouble?"
"Probably. We'll find out once we hear the details."
We were the last to arrive—everyone except His Majesty was already there. Emperors and kings always make an entrance last, so it was as good as everyone assembled.
As Mr. Dras and I took our seats, Yura—who'd been watching keenly—moved quietly and efficiently. Soon, the Emperor appeared.
"Everyone looks well. Fortunate it all resolved despite the headaches."
"Yes. I figured they'd drag it out, dismantling things slowly over more time."
"From their side, it was ages of prep. Best to see it as them pulling the trigger right on schedule."
"True, no clue on their timeline. Did you send the research logs we gathered ahead of time?"
"Of course. Copies went to the Imperial Magic Engineer labs and the Magic Tower."
"Hope they're put to good use."
The Emperor shrugged. Even he had no idea.
Swordsmen and swordmasters differ, just like mages and magic researchers. Only the researchers could parse the arcane stuff.
Likely logs on crafting a gem-encrusted dragon—pure speculation tying it to illegal bioweapon work.
"Well, all we can do is hope the experts crack the tough parts. We'll review results later. For now, let's discuss next steps."
"Mr. Dras, you'll stick around till the family talks wrap up, right?"
"Have to."
"Leimi Big Sis see everything she wanted?"
"Pretty much. She's studied enough that leaving won't leave regrets."
"And Mina Big Sis?"
"Wherever Shopkeeper goes."
Our group could head back without hitches then.
With the basics sorted, I glanced at the Emperor. He leaned forward without nodding and asked.
"And where are you headed?"
"Uh, thinking of going home."
"With the elf Mina too?"
"Huh? Oh, she just said she goes where I am? Ah."
I turned to Mina Big Sis, who shot up a thumbs-up.
No, that's...
"My hometown's dull—countryside, a small town, demon lands visible from the castle ramparts, my father, and his retainers. Nothing fun."
"Sounds kinda intriguing."
"Eh, perspective maybe."
"And I wanna meet your dad."
That made me, Leimi Big Sis, and even His Majesty startle—eyes straight to Mina Big Sis.
Undeterred, she declared boldly.
"Gonna greet Father and get his okay."
"Heard the engagement's not off yet..."
"Just end it. Long-term, marrying an elf of elves from the World Tree clan beats any local match."
"Fair point, but. Uh."
"If Mina's going, count me in."
"Big Sis."
"Ahem. With things like this, hashing out your status too—me tagging along isn't bad."
"Emperor crossing borders for personal stuff okay?"
"If you don't get caught."
This is nuts.
Questionable as hell, but none seemed kidding.
Really?
"Honestly, I'd rather you didn't. It's family business."
"Then join the family."
Speechless at the brilliant pivot and sheer momentum.
No words would stop them from coming along.
Persuading the unpersuadable is peak folly, so I racked my brain for how to stage a proper meet at arm's length.
"Fine, but schedule after my stuff's done."
"Deal."
"Ahem. I'll slot it as unofficial business."
"For real? You're serious?"
"But yeah. Time to nail things down for good."
I botched the poker face.
Could feel the distress flooding my features.
What now?
If the Emperor shows up declaring "Your son's mine," any heart-to-heart with Father vanishes into oblivion.
Anyway, unstoppable force of nature—might as well let it be.
"Do whatever."
"Face went serene all sudden."
"Chose not to sweat the inevitable."
"Wise."
So Mr. Dras stays, everyone else to my family home.
Truth be told, tough to look good this time—reluctant. Emperor entering kingdom demon turf? Burden enough.
Mina Big Sis and Emperor screamed diplomatic nightmare, but they wore brazen grins, unconcerned.
"World spins on outcomes. No need to fret—if it ends well, issues fade quietly."
"...You figure facing it head-on smooths everything."
"Naturally."
"Sigh. Guess I'll trust you then?"
"Ahem. By all means."
So confident—let 'em go.
Misstep restraining royalty risks the "Think I can't?" ego trap.
Averted eyes from the Emperor's uncontainable smirk, and there was Mina Big Sis, chuckling in the exact pose of that commander strapping his kid into an Evangelion.
Clearly off to vent years of grudge—a huge deal for me—but it lightened the mood.
Not complaining; beats the suffocating dread.
Yeah. Don't overthink.
"Oh, taking the pup?"
"Yeah. Never figured its deal here, but planning checks back home."
"Hm. Homebound then."
"Yep."
"Your father, Lord Lebedev—animal fan?"
"Never asked, but he's never shown dislike."
"Got it."
The Emperor nodded, pondered a beat, then spoke.
"So, departure how? Pick a date, done."
"...Sooner the better for me."
"Same."
No pushback from Mina or Leimi Big Sis—consensus.
"Right. Largest group sets the schedule and notifies. Earliest possible departure promised."
"I'm packed to leave today, personally."
"Same."
"Escorts aplenty—bear with it. Yura."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"See if we can stagger by circumstance. Depart first wave together."
"As commanded."
Once Yura exited, the Emperor grinned at me.
Emperor personally crashing my engagement? Worrying, yet grateful.