Kays Translations

Chapter 3: The Strongest Onmyoji Goes to the Imperial Castle

Inside the Imperial Capital, it was built with the luxurious design I had imagined.

Walking through the corridors with Fiona, I glanced around only with my eyes.

The walls and pillars were adorned with extravagant decorations, and even the candlesticks were splendidly crafted.

It was beyond imagination how much wealth had been spent. Amu and the others seemed to forget their tension, their eyes wide with amazement. They were pointing and quietly getting excited about the various decorations and furnishings scattered throughout.

My impression wasn't much different from theirs, to be honest.

More magnificent than any palace in the demon territory and any castle from my previous life, this Imperial Capital was truly splendid. When I invaded here a year and a half ago, I didn't stop anywhere other than the underground dungeon where Amu was confined. I had only seen the inside of the castle from a mouse's perspective, so I didn't expect it to be this grand.

It probably spoke to the considerable strength of this country.

However, I couldn't casually enjoy a tour of the Imperial Capital.

I spoke to Fiona, who was walking alongside me.

"Even so, isn't this a bit too sudden? Having an audience with the Emperor so soon after arriving."

"That is His Majesty's desire."

Facing forward, Fiona replied. 

Her tone was calm, but her expression was somewhat stern.

"Originally, such arrangements were already in place. If I, who inherited the reception of the Hero from His Majesty's envoy, were to disrupt the initial plans for the audience, it would give other factions an excuse to intervene."

"Just an excuse for something like that..."

"Even such matters hold significance in the realm of politics. It also concerns everyone's safety. It was a bit dangerous just now as well."

Fiona's expression turned slightly serious as she spoke.

"If you had continued to be treated according to his arrangements, you might have been served poison at tonight's dinner."

"Eh..."

Amu, who had been listening behind, exclaimed in bewilderment.

Fiona continued calmly,

"Since the invitation of the Hero this time is His Majesty's command, he probably won't take any action until the audience. However, once that's done, it wouldn't be surprising if the anti-Hero factions make their move immediately. It seems that envoy was also influenced."

"..."

"There's also a possibility of assassins being sent in the future. Especially during outdoor movements, some caution will be necessary."

After a brief silence, I spoke.

"...What do you mean? In the letter, it said there wouldn't be any problems returning to the capital."

This return was based on that premise.

If that premise were to crumble—naturally, a swift departure from the capital would become a viable option.

"Yes, no need to worry."

However, Fiona said with a suggestive smile,

"If it's just that level of scheming, I can handle it easily."

She continued with an unchanged expression.

"As I showed earlier, I can easily handle preemptive measures or defenses after the fact. I've dealt with directed hostility towards me in the same way until now."

"..."

"Additionally, there are other antagonistic forces separate from me within the anti-Hero factions. For them, it won't be easy to navigate through interference from other factions, especially given their weakened state. It might have surprisingly been peaceful without doing anything."

...It seems the content of the letter was not a lie at all.

Listening to her explanation, it really did seem like there was nothing to worry about.

"So, the safety of all of you in the capital is truly not an issue... as long as His Majesty doesn't turn against us, that is."

At the end of the conversation, Fiona added that statement almost like a joke. 

It sounded like a joke, but I couldn't find it amusing. 

I expressed my concern.

"Despite that, you don't seem to have much leeway... Could it be that you haven't fully grasped the Emperor's intention in summoning Amu?"

Fiona slightly widened her eyes and turned her face toward me.

I continued,

"As you say, we may not need to worry about assassinations. But the most crucial part is still that."

If the Emperor moves to eliminate the Hero, it won't just be a faction of nobles opposing us; it will be the entire state. 

They could summon us to the capital, mobilize the renowned elite Imperial Guard, capture us, and potentially execute us. If such a plan were secretly in motion, it would be a dire situation.

Of course, I could handle the Imperial Guard to some extent, but the overall situation would worsen considerably.

I had thought Fiona, with her precognitive abilities, might have at least some understanding of the Emperor's intentions and prompted our return. However, judging by her reaction, it seemed that wasn't the case.

"...Yes. My abilities are not omnipotent."

Turning her face back and slightly softening her tone, Fiona nodded.

"However, considering the domestic and international situations and the current state of the parliament, I can't imagine that His Majesty intends to eliminate the Hero. It would be more natural to think that, with the waning influence of the anti-Hero faction at this timing, the Empire wants to formally acknowledge the Hero."

That would be the normal expectation, Fiona added.

I don't understand the complex power dynamics swirling within the palace and parliament.

However, if Fiona is saying this, then at least the current situation doesn't seem to be unfavorable for Amu. 

If that's the case, it makes sense for the Emperor to personally invite the Hero, acknowledging Amu's presence to the parliament and noble society. The timing of this acceptance aligns with the weakening of the anti-Hero faction and waiting for a time when opposition voices wouldn't be as strong.

There is indeed a high possibility that our situation will improve with this audience.

"..."

But there's no certainty.

That's the only concern.

"Um, hey. I don't really get it, but... is this, like, depending on me?"

Amu, walking behind us, suddenly spoke in a tense voice.

When Fiona and I turned back to look at her, she continued with a stiff expression.

"If I say the wrong thing and end up making someone angry, that would be bad, right? I don't really know about noble etiquette and stuff... Is it okay? Maybe I should have dressed up better..."

Smiling reassuringly, Fiona responded to Amu, who looked down at her own clothes with uncertainty.

"It's okay. There's no need for citizens to be overly respectful to His Majesty. The Emperor is not like a noble. As long as Amu treats him with proper respect, that's enough. You don't need to worry."

"Is that so...? Well, still... I feel uneasy. Back in school, I was often treated as an enemy by noble kids... maybe because I was kinda standoffish when I first enrolled."

"That's because you were being all tsundere when you started school."

"It's annoying to hear that from someone who had a failed debut in a different direction at school." 

Amu turned her face towards Fiona as she asked.

"Hey, what kind of person is Emperor His Majesty? Is he short-tempered, or does he dislike adventurers?"

Fiona, in response to the question, hesitated for a moment before answering with a smile.

"Well, I wonder...? At least, I've never seen him raise his voice. I don't think he harbors prejudice or discrimination against specific individuals..."

Fiona paused for a moment, then added with a hesitant tone.

"...To be honest, I don't really know."

"Huh? Emperor His Majesty is Fiona's dad, right?"

Amyu looked puzzled.

"Even so, you don't know what kind of person he is?"

"...Even though I call him my father, I've lived away from him for a long time. I don't have memories of him doing what people would consider typical parental things."

"I see... Sorry for asking without knowing."

"Just..."

Amu looked awkward, but Fiona, as if such things didn't matter at all, spoke with a stern expression.

"Even if that weren't the case... I don't think I could ever understand His Majesty."

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