Chapter 25: The Strongest Onmyoji Learns The Truth

“Um…”

Walking through the corridors of the imperial palace.

It’s just after the exchange with the first prince Hiltzel, which can’t be called a quarrel, but now there’s an audience with the emperor awaiting.

However, I’m not alone at the moment.

Walking alongside the female knight in full armor, I speak to her.

“Nice to meet you again. I’m Seika Lamproge. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the Lamplough family from the rural nobility, but I’m the third son of the current head of the Lamproge Count family, Blaze Lamproge. It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Elysia…”

As a courtesy, since the other party is from a duke’s family, I make a somewhat formal greeting.

“Hmm, you seem distant or something!”

However, the female knight returned with an unexpected response for a duke’s daughter.

“I hate that stuff! We’re Fiona’s friends, right?”

“Uh, yes…”

“Then, no need for formalities!”

Saying that, Elysia wore a grin like a gang leader.

It’s a bit hard to believe that this is the same woman who had a stern expression next to Hiltzel during the party.

I say, somewhat dumbfounded.

“Um, sorry for being rude, but… are you really a duke’s daughter?”

“Yeah! Why do you ask?”

“Well, because…”

There are just no elements that make it seem plausible.

For now, trying to be not too impolite and focusing on the most intriguing aspect, I inquire,

“…Why are you so strong? As the second-ranked holy knight, you annihilated the elite undead army and took the head of that sorcerer… being born as a duke’s daughter, how did you acquire such strength?”

It’s implausible when you think about it normally.

Even if you were to learn swordsmanship or magic, it should be at a hobby level.

Time would be consumed in acquiring knowledge such as etiquette and manners, leaving no room to master skills. Moreover, someone living a comfortable life with a guaranteed future would have no motive to seek strength.

After tilting her head slightly, Elysia confidently answers,

“I don’t know!”

“Well…”

“Of course, I worked hard with both the sword and magic! But apparently, just working hard isn’t enough to become strong… I don’t know why I’m the only one special!”

“…”

While I’m still in shock, Fiona adds as if to clarify.

“Elysia was born as the eldest daughter of the Medias Duke family and was raised with an education befitting a duke’s daughter. Unusually for a noble’s daughter, she had a sword master, and she learned magic at a hobby level. However, that’s about it. There wasn’t any special education provided, and she didn’t seek strength herself. She’s what you would call a hero.”

A hero.

The term had been used in various contexts both in my previous life and in this world… In this case, it refers to someone with certain characteristics.

An abnormal level of strength.

Regardless of bloodline or environment, a person born into this world without any reason, yet possessing immense strength. Someone who transcends the limitations of human capabilities. That is a hero.

It existed in my previous life as well. A warrior who slayed numerous demons and dragons with just one swing of his sword. A sorcerer who, after eight reincarnations, obtained supernatural powers rivaling higher-level dragons and sealed a monstrous fox into nine pieces.

In this world, the necromancer from earlier would fit that description.

And, if I may confess… I am also one of those individuals.

“However, unfortunately,”

Fiona, with a wry smile, turns to Elysia and says

“It seems being a duke’s daughter wasn’t really your forte.”

“…Well, I did my best over there too.”

“…Certainly, you seemed quite uncomfortable at the party.”

As I speak, Elysia’s expression changes from her previous demeanor to a somewhat dejected look.

“I dislike socializing… When I speak, everyone gives me unpleasant looks. They say my language is bad or lacking in refinement… So, I just stay silent.”

“Well… that’s understandable, I guess…”

“Hehe, I find Elysia, who tries so hard to be elegant, charming and likable.”

“Stop it. I hated that time too, I didn’t even intend to go to the party!”

Elysia distorts her composed face and says,

“When I returned for a report, that guy found me and forcefully dragged me out! He’s really good with words! It was the worst!”

“…”

The duke’s daughter shouts.

Watching her reaction, I quietly remark,

“A report, huh… So, you’ve been acting on Fiona’s instructions all this time.”

“Yep! I occasionally came back! I’m faster than a fast horse, you know!”

Elysia proudly declares.

If she can manipulate teleportation magic with such ease, it would indeed be fast. While orchestrating activities in the western region, returning to the imperial palace for reports would be effortlessly achievable.

However, that’s not the issue.

“Come to think of it, you mentioned moving the holy knight from the beginning… Was the rumor of the Battle Princess also something you spread, Fiona?”

“No. That was a natural occurrence. Elysia did evacuate the residents of a city that seemed likely to be invaded, so that part is true.”

Fiona answers without any particular attempt to hide or embellish.

“Elysia is indeed very strong, but not to the extent of handling the entire army of undead soldiers. To suppress them, we had no choice but to strike down the enemy necromancer. Therefore, to avoid exhaustion, it was necessary for me to buy time until I could locate their whereabouts.”

Fiona calmly reveals the truth.

“Usually, the targets for looting would be food and water above all. However, in this case, it was corpses. The undead soldiers don’t require replenishment through food and drink, but they were exchanging depleted bodies while trying to expand their forces further. Surrendering the city in an empty state was a passive but certain resistance, futilely delaying the enemy’s advance.”

It was rational.

Even in the ancient campaigns in the West, there are records of repelling the enemy invasion by preemptively burning down towns and villages, making resupply impossible.

I don’t know if there is a similar history here, but it’s quite a clever strategy when dealing with an army of corpses.

However, that’s not the real issue.

“Of course, we also properly compensate the evacuated residents. Having earned profits from the chaos of war, I make sure our affiliated trading companies contribute their fair share of profits. It won’t be long before those people can return to the city.”

Without any hint of guilt, Fiona speaks. I say to her,

“Indeed… you knew, didn’t you? From long before we came to the imperial capital, that the rebels were using undead soldiers.”

“…? Yes, of course.”

Fiona nods with a slightly puzzled expression.

Despite her somewhat perplexed reaction, I press on, as if blaming her.

“Why did you keep it from us, then?”

“…”

Fiona’s expression now seems to be saying, “What on earth is this person talking about?”

Caught off guard by her unexpected response, I become even more bewildered.

“At that time, the number of individuals in the imperial capital who had that information was still limited. When I found out about the reality and started acting, I didn’t want to risk drawing attention from my elder brother. I couldn’t reveal it within the capital, especially to Seika-sama and the others who were not accustomed to clandestine discussions.”

Fiona, who had been speaking reluctantly, now wears a stern expression.

“In this matter, I also have something I would like to discuss with you. …Why didn’t you follow my instructions? I was surprised when I received reports that you all had started fighting the undead soldiers. Fortunately, a change in plans wasn’t necessary, but…”

“…Instructions?”

I blink my eyes in surprise.

“What are you talking about…? Did you say something before we left?”

“Huh?”

Fiona, too, now has a bewildered expression.

“No, not before we left… During the journey, didn’t you hear it from Ren? Along with all the relevant information.”

We exchange silent glances.

Then… we all simultaneously turn to look at the young forest-dwelling elf boy who had been walking behind us with a composed expression.

Ren flinches.

“N-No, um, well, you see…”

Stumbling over his words, Ren begins to make excuses.

“I-I mean, I’m pretty sure I told the foolish humans properly…?”

“I didn’t hear anything.”

“That’s strange~… Did I forget? Oh dear, that would be troublesome, wouldn’t it? Hahaha.”

“Fiona! Let’s fire him! He even attacked me!”

Elysia pulls Ren’s cheeks from both sides.

Fiona directs a cold gaze at the elven holy knight.

“Ren. Be honest.”

“Well, um… Th-that’s…”

Released from Elysia’s grasp, Ren averts his gaze and speaks.

“…I thought, you know, maybe I could defeat the enemy sorcerer alone. If I, as someone favored by the princess, could do it, maybe I could locate their base as well…”

“…In other words, you were eager for achievements.”

Fiona sighs deeply, giving a cold stare to the young forest-dwelling elf.

“I already thought there was an issue with your personality… but I never expected you couldn’t even properly deliver a message.”

“And this guy even picked a fight with Amiyu and got his own sword broken.”

When I report what happened, Ren visibly panics.

“F-Foolish human! Don’t stick your nose into unnecessary matters…”

“Yes?”

“Eep…”

Seeing the expression on Fiona’s face, Ren freezes.

“…Ugh. Ren, you’re on suspension until your precious sword is repaired. Even after that, you’ll be accompanying Vromdo or Kanu Ru for a while. Also, a pay cut.”

“Aww~”

“Not ‘aww’!”

Elysia gives Ren a slap on the head.

“Why did you attack me!”

“W-Well… I thought if Elysia and the foolish humans met face to face, it might be exposed…”

“Don’t aim the magic of a forest-dwelling elf’s precious sword at your allies for such a reason! I was worried, you know! I thought you guys might be going against Fiona’s plans, and I was afraid that Seika or someone might have betrayed us! I thought you were all getting killed! Return my worry!”

“H-Hahaha…”

Elysia is pulling on Ren’s cheeks again.

It seems that on the day when Elysia suddenly attacked me, there were apparently similar circumstances.

I can’t help but remark,

“You, despite lecturing us about responsibility and not causing trouble for Fiona, you end up causing the most trouble yourself and have no sense of responsibility at all.”

“A-Aren’t you exaggerating?”

“You were saying such things… You’re the last person who should utter those words.”

Fiona, muttering in apparent exasperation, adds another blow to the situation.

“With no precious sword, you won’t be able to defeat Gray, will you? Are you ready to be ranked ninth for a while?”

“N-No! Please have mercy~”

Ren starts crying.

It seems that being ranked below Gray was genuinely distressing.

Seeing Ren cry so earnestly, it’s somewhat pitiful.

Looking at my expression, Elysia says,

“Don’t worry! He’ll be carefree again by tomorrow. He’s always like this.”

“Oh, really…”

Suddenly, I became indifferent to the situation.

Taking advantage of the moment, I inquire about something that had been on my mind.

“You mentioned it briefly earlier, but can that sword with the magic stone be repaired? It seemed quite rare…”

“It can be repaired. If you gather the fragments, they automatically come together, although it seems to shrink a bit. It’s a precious sword passed down in the forest-dwelling elves’ village. Ren stole it when he left his village.”

“Wow…”

“So, I’m the best at patching it up~”

The thief himself is crying and saying something, but it’s all rather unsavory.

I say with a hint of disgust,

“How can you make someone like this a holy knight…”

Then, Fiona and Elysia exchange glances, wearing expressions that are hard to describe.

“Well, that’s true… Everyone has their quirks to some extent…”

“At least he’s better than the guy ranked third in the hierarchy.”

“Yes, he’s better than that guy.”

“No… What kind of group is this?”

I am amazed.

Having individuals like this as the norm is truly concerning. The title of holy knight seemed to be more of a formality. 

It appears that the group is composed of typical, eccentric and powerful individuals. It’s a wonder how Fiona manages to keep them under control.

“Well, at least Ren hasn’t made the situation fatally worse yet.”

Fiona remarks,

“Even in this situation, well… To be honest, while it’s frustrating to admit, thanks to all of you defeating the undead soldiers, the civilian casualties were reduced. The extra time you bought might have been crucial, and without your efforts, we might not have been able to defend Tenendo or defeat the necromancer.”

“…I see.”

I mutter quietly and say,

“So, the city in the canyon was defended.”

“Yes. However, we suffered significant losses…”

Fiona hesitates with a troubled expression.

“In order to counter the sudden attack of the undead soldiers, both bridges connecting to the city had to be destroyed using Elysia’s magic. It will cause disruptions in the flow of people for a while.”

I recall the magnificence of Tenendo, the city built on the plateau.

If both bridges over the canyon that separates the city were lost, traveling to and from the city would now require navigating through the rugged mountain forest behind it. While the onslaught of the undead soldiers was undoubtedly halted, the losses incurred were indeed substantial.

Fiona continues,

“However, fortunately, no lives were lost. The reconstruction costs for the bridges will likely be subsidized from the national treasury. Duke Dalamat also wields significant political influence, so I believe he will handle that aspect effectively.” 

Then Fiona adds,

“This was fortunate that it ended at this level.”

“…Yeah.”

If Amiyu hadn’t insisted strongly, we wouldn’t have headed to the western lands.

If that was what helped the people of Tenendo… maybe there was meaning in that child’s efforts.

At that moment, I suddenly realized.

“By the way, was it not possible to foresee the misunderstandings between us through future sight?”

If we had known about Ren’s arbitrary actions in advance, it seems like we could have taken precautions, such as entrusting a sealed letter to be opened during the journey.

Fiona, when asked, made a bitter expression.

“…Unfortunately, I didn’t know. It’s a flaw in this power.”

Fiona continued

“If Ren’s impatience had led to something bad, I might have noticed… But since the outcome was favorable, I perceived no issues in the future. To notice Ren’s scheme, I would have had to see the exact moment it was revealed, just like the recent incident. Since I can’t control which scenes I see, it’s not always as I wish.”

“Ah, I see…”

Somehow, I’m starting to understand the difficulty of dealing with future visions.

I knew it wasn’t omnipotent, but it seems more inconvenient than I thought. Even if you can see the future, it might be like peering through a moth-eaten hole in a fabric to see the outside scenery.

“So… How do you manage to cope with something like that so well?”

If you can see the future, I thought you could outmaneuver any political adversary.

However, it seems it’s not that convenient.

Even though she is a princess, Fiona is nothing more than a sixteen-year-old girl. The imperial court of the empire is supposed to be as treacherous as a magical realm.

“Well, it’s all about effort.”

Saying that, Fiona gently clenched both hands in front of her face.

It was a gesture that seemed typical of a girl her age, but not too cunning; rather, it was a cute and charming movement.

With a smile, Fiona spoke

“I won’t lose. Not even to my brother, Hiltzel.”

“…”

In silence, I recalled thoughts of that first imperial prince.

He was a terrifying man.

His intellect, cruelty… and that insane conviction of becoming the emperor himself.

Even though he knew my power, he stood before it. The madness, devoid of any fear of death, where did it come from?

“He’s so hard on himself”

Elysia muttered at that moment.

“I’ve known since I was little because I was his fiancée, but it was amazing. Swinging the sword and collapsing, chanting spells and collapsing. He would say, ‘If I’m going to be the emperor, I have to be able to do at least this much,’ with that body of his. I don’t know how many times I’ve taken him to the doctor. Just a hobby, using swords and magic at the level of a pastime. It seemed like he was so dedicated to studying that even a strict private tutor would genuinely worry.” 

Elysia continues, her expression clouded.

“When he says he is suitable to be the next emperor… it’s because that’s the truth.”

“The truth…?”

“Really, it means he genuinely believes he is the most suitable. Even considering his physical weakness, there’s no one who can handle being an emperor better than Hiltzel. He truly thinks that way, and perhaps, it might be a fact. If someone more fitting for the emperor than himself were to appear, he would probably acknowledge it, even if reluctantly, and step back.”

“…”

I return with silence.

I felt like I could understand.

If there’s someone more suitable, the second faction wouldn’t turn into an emperor faction. With no current candidate for adoption, it’s unlikely to be found outside the court.

Even if it costs tens of thousands of lives, enriching the country more and balancing the books.

Not only cruel and insane, but he seems capable of pulling off such feats.

If the position of the emperor is not fit for an ordinary person, then that man might be truly worthy of that position.

However, whether I can affirm that is another matter.

“But being suitable alone is not enough.”

Elysia raises her gaze as if staring into the distance and says

“He lacks something. Because of that, the people will surely suffer. Someone has to stop him.”

“So, are you pledging loyalty to Fiona?”

I gaze at Elysia and inquire

“As Hiltzel’s fiancée and in the position of the future empress.”

Originally, she should be part of the opposing faction.

Choosing to align with Fiona means betraying Hiltzale and forsaking her own future as the empress.

It doesn’t seem like this female knight actively seeks the position of empress, but her decision will significantly influence the future of the ducal house. It should not be a light-hearted choice.

“That’s a bit different.”

Elysia said with a small smile.

“I truly want to stop him, but it’s not just that. I owe Fiona a debt.”

“A debt?”

“And now, we’re friends. Getting to know her made me realize. Fiona has something that he doesn’t. I’m sure Fiona can become a good emperor! That’s why I became a holy knight!”

Elysia smiled with a grin.

As for me, I felt a slight sense of discomfort in the content of the story she told.

For Elysia, more than Fiona… Fiona must have considered Elysia to be a highly desirable talent, to the point of being indispensable.

There are no heroes like this in the world.

If Fiona could gain favor with such a person, she must have been incredibly fortunate.

Suddenly, I glanced at Fiona.

The holy princess was smiling.

At that moment — I suddenly realized.

“Ah… I see.”

It’s not luck.

From the beginning, Fiona targeted Elysia, who desired what she could offer, and approached her.

With foresight, opportunities can be created, and even favors can be sold.

The rest is easy. Form connections, make them recognize your value.

A faction that can compete with Hiltzel and the value of having the right to inherit the throne.

All in a way that the other party would never suspect.

Fiona must have been seeking powerful individuals who meet these criteria as a holy knight.

The position of emperor is not suitable for ordinary individuals.

So, for her—what do you think?

“Yes! Seika, how about becoming a holy knight?”

“Huh?”

At the sudden proposal, I let out a startled voice.

Elysia continued, as if she had come up with a brilliant idea.

“If you become a holy knight, those who try to take advantage of Seika won’t come near anymore! If anything happens, Fiona will come to your rescue!”

“…”

“Besides, it would be reassuring to have you as a comrade!”

Elysia said with a cheerful smile.

Certainly, it was a proposal that could benefit me.

Currently, the hero party is under Fiona’s protection, but it’s only temporary. There is always the possibility that someone who has set their sights on Amiyu or me could approach.

Politically, it might offer protection.

However, it wouldn’t be any different from aligning with Hiltzel.

“…Elysia, it’s not a good idea. If Seika-sama faces trouble…”

Before I could respond, Fiona interjected.

“Seika-sama has his own companions.”

“Eh? But still!”

“We have enough holy knights as it is. It’s not wise to insist and force someone in.”

“Well, if that’s the case… I guess there’s no helping it.”

Elysia looked disappointed.

Feeling a bit awkward, I apologized to Fiona.

“…Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Fiona had a smile of understanding on her face.

“I have no intention of involving Seika-sama in political strife.”

“…I appreciate that.”

It seemed like she understood my feelings.

I suddenly wondered.

Why has Fiona been taking care of us so much? Is it to prevent the empire’s chaos revolving around the hero’s and my power? 

I thought she might be acting to avoid some undesirable future she foresaw, but she seems surprisingly friendly.

“However,”

Before I could say anything, Fiona spoke with a slightly mischievous smile.

“It’s about time for some nice words, isn’t it?”

“Huh…? What do you mean?”

“Come on, Seika-sama. Is there something you’ve forgotten to tell me?”

Fiona said with a smile, looking cheerful.

At that moment, I realized.

I involuntarily made a subtle expression.

However, it’s the second time. I can’t escape or avoid this behavior anymore.

Suppressing the urge to sigh, I opened my mouth.

“Um… I think you look beautiful today as well.”

“Huh?”

“The dress you wore at the party suited you well. I feel like I’ve never seen a woman as beautiful as you in all my life… really.”

“W-What!?”

“Is it okay to express it like this?”

I asked, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Fiona blushed from her neck to her cheeks, her eyes widening.

Her mouth seemed to want to say something, but she was left speechless, fumbling for words.

“N-No… th-that’s… ugh…”

“…What’s wrong?”

“N-No, it’s not that! It’s not like that!”

“Eh?”

“Look! It was dangerous! With my brother, that, just a while ago! I intervened and helped, didn’t I?”

“Ah… yeah.”

Fiona, unusually flustered, couldn’t seem to articulate her thoughts clearly, but even I realized the misunderstanding.

With a wry smile, I spoke.

“That’s right. Sorry, I really appreciate your help. It was the worst; I was almost taken in by Hiltzel’s faction… It’s the second time you’ve had to look after me. I’m grateful.”

In reality, Fiona is a shrewd politician.

Ideally, I should avoid getting too close thoughtlessly.

However, even so, I wanted to believe in her actions for us, for Amiyu and me.

“Yes, yes… that’s right, it’s fine. *sigh*”

For some reason, Fiona turned her face away from me and nodded while giggling.

Fanning her face with her hands, she muttered something.

“T-That was a complete surprise… I never expected Seika-sama to say something like that… hehe, hehehe.”

After that, for some reason, she started grinning.

The two holy knights walking behind us were whispering to each other.

“I’ve never seen Fiona like this…!”

“Even the princess makes that kind of face, huh…?”

I, belatedly, started feeling embarrassed.

There’s a limit to misunderstandings. Why did I remember to compliment her appearance at that moment?

I instinctively tried to cover it up.

“Somehow, I had a big misunderstanding… Forget what I said earlier. You’re probably used to hearing more clever compliments.”

“No, I won’t forget.”

Fiona replied with a serious expression.

****

The corridor continues.

Between us, the words had somehow run out.

Eventually— we reached the door.

“I’m sorry, but this is as far as we go.”

Fiona, who had stopped, spoke with a serious expression.

“I don’t know what the king has in mind by calling only Seika-sama, but…”

“I understand.”

I answered with a light laugh.

It’s definitely not just a simple expression of gratitude.

But still.

“It’s okay, it’s the second time facing that. Besides, no matter what happens.”

I turned back to the door of the audience chamber and touched it.

Whispering with a faded smile.

“It’s not like I’m going to die.”

For me—no matter what kind of trap might be waiting, it was possible.

I forcefully pushed open the door.

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