Kays Translations

Chapter 2: The Strongest Yin-Yang Sorcerer Returns to the Imperial Capital

Amu's whereabouts have been exposed.

The Emperor desires her presence in the Imperial Capital.

An imperial envoy will be heading there soon.

Fiona's letter largely conveyed this information.

"So... it was a good decision to comply?"

In the swaying carriage, Amyu, sitting in the front, asks this question hesitantly.

We are currently riding in the carriage provided by the envoy, progressing along the highway toward the Imperial Capital.

Except for the coachman, only the four of us are on this carriage.

There are other carriages carrying the envoy and the guards both in front and behind us, but there doesn't seem to be any surveillance on us.

It appears to be an invitation rather than a forcible escort. Formally, at least.

Amu continues

"Knowing you... I thought you might try to somehow escape from that envoy."

"Fiona wrote in the letter that it's okay to comply."

I reply in a natural tone.

Since the incident a year and a half ago when Amu was forcibly taken, the mastermind, Marquis Greville, has completely fallen from power, and the anti-hero faction has lost its momentum.

It seems the Emperor's will played a role in this, according to Fiona's speculation. Therefore, at least for this summons, there doesn't seem to be an intention to remove Amu.

"I won't do anything reckless like forcefully escaping."

Above all... even if I were to escape now, I have no destination ahead.

I might be able to live as an adventurer, but I would always live in fear of being pursued. In my escape haven, I might even hesitate to establish connections with anyone.

Compared to such a life, it seemed better to remain under Fiona's protection.

Moreover, even though we don't know the Emperor's exact intentions... no matter how things unfold, it seems that this escape life will come to an end for now. 

Depending on their intentions, if things go well, we might be able to return to a position where we don't have to hide and escape.

"But... I wonder what's going on. Summoning Amu to the Imperial City" 

Iifa says cautiously.

"His Majesty, the Emperor, seems to desire it, right...? I wonder what the matter could be..."

"Hmm... Fiona's letter didn't mention anything like that, did it?"

"No."

I answer briefly and nod to Amu.

Perhaps in a rush to get ahead of the envoy, Fiona's letter was much simpler compared to the last one. It gave the impression of only stating the essential facts.

I would have preferred a bit more detail, but considering the timing was quite tight, it would be unfair to wish for more.

I tried asking the envoy about the Emperor's intentions, but they didn't disclose anything. In fact, it seems they might not be informed themselves.

Amu wears a troubled expression as she speaks.

"I have no idea... but what if, unexpectedly, the Emperor just wanted to see the Hero once? You know, nobles often like rare things, right? The Emperor might be the same."

"Then he might be disappointed"

"Why?" 

Amu gets angry at Mabel's words.

Smiling a little, I let my thoughts wander to the concerns Iifa mentioned.

When it comes to what those in power might seek from the Hero, it's typically the defeat of the demons.

However, at the moment, there's a ceasefire with the demons. Not only are the rulers of various races, including the demon king here, not interested in hostilities with humans, but it's likely that there won't be any invasion of the Empire in the future. Therefore, there's no need for defense.

On the contrary, it's hard to imagine a situation where humans would launch an attack.

The demon territory is well-fortified. The forest terrain makes it difficult to invade, and the demons living there are formidable warriors. In the past, when the Empire was still developing, there might have been a reason to risk such dangers to expand territory. However, now that the Empire has matured, it seems unlikely they would take such risks.

Moreover, when it comes down to it, Heroes are not very practical for warfare.

As Fiona mentioned before, being strong alone doesn't cover the many tasks required. It's too burdensome for a single person to occupy a city, engage in siege warfare, construct bridges and bases, scout enemy positions, or even keep watch overnight. Since there's no room to take prisoners, the only option is to kill all enemies.

Because they can't be treated like a regular military force, Heroes have historically been used more like assassins, tasked with small groups to assassinate the demon king.

Despite considering various possibilities, I can't pinpoint what the Emperor might want from Amu.

Could it be, as Amu suggests, that he just wanted to see the Hero in person?

"Well... maybe that's a bit too optimistic."

Even so, at this point, there's no choice but to confront and find out.

Fortunately, we do have allies among the imperial family.

****

Over almost the same number of days it took to reach Rakana, we arrived in the Imperial City.

According to the city's rules, we couldn't enter the city with the carriage we arrived in. 

So, just like last time, we disembarked from the carriage in front of the castle gate and proceeded to enter the city. And right after passing through the gate, there was a welcoming party.

"Oh... it's been a while. Everyone."

Beside the castle gate, drawing attention from the crowd, stood Fiona, the saint princess with azure hair. 

On either side, there were two holy knights dressed in maid attire, the same ones we saw in Lamprog territory. She was also attended by several attendants.

Perhaps due to their imposing presence, a crowd had gathered, observing them from a distance.

Fiona briefly showed a surprised expression but quickly reverted to her composed demeanor. With a poised smile, she spoke

"I'm truly grateful to see you all safe. I appreciate the considerable journey you've made to the Imperial City. I understand that the journey from Rakana must have been challenging, but I am delighted to be able to see you all again."

Her behavior was flawless, befitting a girl from a truly noble lineage.

Then, Fiona turned to the envoy who had brought us here and said

"Thank you for your duties as an envoy. From here on, I will personally extend my hospitality to the Hero and the accompanying party."

"You honor us with your words, Princess Fiona."

The envoy takes a step forward

His expression stern.

"I cannot allow that."

"Well, hehe. Why?"

"It is my duty to escort the invited Hero all the way to the audience. Troubling Your Highness, a member of the imperial family, with such a task is out of the question. I have also taken care of the arrangements for their stay without oversight."

"Please, don't say such unkind things."

With a sad look, Fiona lowers her eyes and places a hand on her chest as she speaks.

"They are my friends. Given the constraints of this uncomfortable body, there are few opportunities to entertain close acquaintances. Could you please turn a blind eye to this one moment?"

Even in the face of Fiona's plea, the messenger did not change his expression.

"I understand your feelings. However..."

"Or perhaps,"

Fiona interrupted the man's response.

"Is there someone giving you orders?"

"...Orders? What do you mean?"

"Oh, is it inappropriate to mention it here? Hehe."

Fiona Chuckles.

Watching the messenger's face contort, she continues with amusement.

"Rats are said to abandon a sinking ship. It would be wise for you to choose your vessel as well."

"..."

"Don't worry. If you claim to have been pursued by a princess accompanied by holy knights, there are plenty of excuses. Besides, I'm sure there may be many hindrances aside from me, so it's not a significant failure."

To the silent messenger, Fiona adds,

"If you treat me kindly, I won't do anything bad. Think it over carefully. Hehehe."

The messenger remained silent for a while even after the conversation had ceased.

However,

"...Well then, I'll leave it to you, Princess Fiona."

Saying so with an expressionless face, he lightly bowed and turned on his heel, briskly walking away somewhere.

His attendants hurriedly followed behind him.

"Seika-sama."

"Ah!"

Called by my name up close, I was surprised and took a step back.

Fiona, who had somehow approached, said with an eager, radiant smile that made me feel a little nervous.

"It turned out to be a much earlier reunion than I had expected. I'm delighted to see you again."

"..."

Fiona appeared cheerful with a smile, but I was unsure how to respond.

After all, our parting had been a significant one. Despite my intention to rescue Amu, I had destroyed the Imperial Capital and rejected her well-intentioned proposal to resolve the situation. Furthermore, I had even received a carriage for escape and left all the aftermath to others.

Despite being someone from the ruling side who should be approached with caution, she was more of a person I owed... or rather, someone I felt indebted to. We had exchanged letters once, but I was uncertain about how to approach her and the situation was subtly awkward.

"Well, um..."

After some hesitation, what came out was my honest impression from earlier.

"...You really are a politician, huh?"

"Oh my, hehe. Do you dislike women involved in political affairs?"

To Fiona's mischievous and smiling face, I answered honestly with a stern expression.

"Well, I'm not particularly good at it... I tend to be on guard because I'm not skilled at deception and the like."

"Hehehehe."

Fiona, who had been wearing a vacant smile for a while, suddenly muttered.

"For some reason, I've suddenly lost interest in being a politician."

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