Chapter 5: The Strongest Onmyoji Receives an Emperor’s Audience (After)

“Rebellion…?”

Amu repeated the words of the Emperor with a puzzled expression.

“It’s one of the things that has troubled nations in every era.”

The Emperor said with a small sigh. 

“The Empire is no exception. Since its foundation until now, there have been countless rebellions. It’s natural, considering we’ve annexed many countries. However, it’s been a long time since the last annexation, and for the past hundred years or so, there has been a peaceful time without conflict. I never expected something like this to happen in my reign.”

Contrary to the content being discussed, the Emperor’s voice lacked the weight one would expect when talking about it, almost as if he were casually complaining about everyday matters.

I furrowed my brows and couldn’t help but speak up.

“Regrettably, I was in the eastern frontier city, and I haven’t had the chance to learn about the rebellion in the west. May I ask for more details?”

“We’ll have an official explain the details later. I apologize, but for now, I’ll provide you with a brief overview.”

Saying this, the Emperor turned his gaze towards me.

Unreadable, tawny eyes.

Amidst a subtle hint of caution, the Emperor began to speak.

“The catalyst wasn’t that unusual. In a remote frontier city in the northwest, slaves working in mines and plantations revolted. After killing their slave masters, they seized control of the town. As they moved south, they attacked small settlements along the way.”

“…”

I remained silent, deep in thought.

It’s not uncommon for a group of slaves to rebel. In my previous life and since my reincarnation, I had heard of several small-scale incidents.

However, instances where it escalated to involve an entire nation were quite rare.

“In addition to that,”

As if adding an afterthought, the Emperor continued.

“In addition, in a city to the south, followers of a newly emerging religion called the Sozo Faith rose in rebellion. Although it had spread mainly among the impoverished, due to their suspicious activities as a group, they were heavily suppressed in the west. After forcibly taking control of a town, they began attacking small villages and towns as they moved north. And… they joined forces with the group of slaves, becoming one entity.”

“Huh?”

“Now, they’ve become a mob of tens of thousands. The local military forces are unable to suppress them, and even small fortified cities are falling. It’s a tough situation.”

Despite the Emperor’s casual tone and gestures, the narrative was quite shocking. I found myself speechless.

Instances of religious followers rebelling were not unheard of. 

However, the convergence of such a fundamentally different group, like the rebellious slaves, to form a single formidable force was something I had never heard of before.

Could such a thing really happen?

“…I can’t believe it. You mentioned a mob, but does that mean they are conducting military operations with a certain level of order if they have successfully taken cities? Where are their bases? Where do they get enough food for tens of thousands of people? Who exactly is their leader?”

“Details will be explained by officials later. I’ve already said that. You’ll probably get the answers you seek if you take the time to listen to them.”

Although his tone was calm, it was clear he was dismissing the conversation.

I lowered my gaze slightly and continued 

“I apologize. Then, just one question—why rely on Amu and not the Imperial Army?”

The Emperor remained silent, wearing a smile that seemed to encourage further discussion.

With a sharp gaze, I pressed on.

“If the rebellion is indeed real, it’s a situation that should be suppressed with the full force of the country. In that case, it’s only natural to mobilize the military. At the very least… it’s not a situation where we should rely on a single girl. Perhaps you’re counting on the power of a hero, but even if it were a hero in their prime, it would be impossible to quell a mob of tens of thousands.”

“…It’s truly a harsh reality.”

The Emperor chuckled.

In that gesture, there was a complete absence of any indication that he felt the weight of the situation.

“You’re right. I would also prefer to dispatch the military if possible. However, there are circumstances that prevent that from happening.”

The Emperor continued.

“Due to the prolonged peace of the past hundred years, successive emperors have gradually downsized the Imperial Army. It’s not ideal for military officers to wield too much power, and above all, soldiers are expensive to maintain. While this approach kept expenses in check, it resulted in a lack of military flexibility.”

At this point, the outcome of the story was already apparent.

The Emperor continued.

 “By flexibility, I mean the surplus force that can be mobilized in unforeseen circumstances. The Empire has hundreds of thousands in its military, but subtracting those needed for border defense and other essential placements leaves very little surplus. We can immediately mobilize around five thousand troops at best. Dealing with tens of thousands is quite daunting.”

“…”

“Of course, that doesn’t mean we have no intention of sending the military. We’re currently requesting troops from each garrison. However, the military officers are naturally reluctant. Even if we manage to gather soldiers, decisions need to be made on how to organize the forces, who will command them, and all such matters. We also need parliamentary approval. It’s going to take time, no matter what.”

In a manner that seemed to say, “Well, well,” the Emperor spoke.

“Nevertheless, I cannot sit idly by and watch the rebellion unfold. Innocent people are suffering. As the Emperor, I have a duty to save them. That’s why – I’m counting on you, Amu. Can you be of help to the Empire as a hero?”

Saying this, the Emperor smiled at Amu.

Glancing at Amu, he seemed to have a hesitant expression.

“But, someone like me…”

“I’m not asking you to completely suppress the rebellion. I want you to hold them off until the military arrives. Of course, not just you alone, but with your companions. I invited the four of you to cooperate in dealing with this national crisis. I’ve heard rumors of a capable adventurer party, and that’s why I sought your assistance.”

The Emperor directed his smile at us

It seemed he had invited the Hero party for such a purpose.

“Of course, if you’re fine doing it alone, that’s acceptable too. If you need anything, just let me know. Whether it’s people or supplies, I’ll provide whatever you wish.”

Facing tens of thousands of troops, a slight increase in numbers or better equipment wouldn’t make a significant difference. With a serious expression, I inquired,

“So, what you’re asking from Amu is to buy time until the Imperial forces arrive, is that correct?”

The Emperor, accompanied by an indescribable smile, responded,

“If you can do more than that, I’d certainly want you to. There’s nothing better than dispersing the rebel forces. Currently, they aren’t making significant movements, but there’s a possibility they might invade the imperial capital. In reality, it’s not the time to be talking about buying time.”

If, hypothetically, the imperial capital were to fall, the entire Urdwight Empire itself could be on the verge of collapse.

Even if we call them mere rebel forces, the sheer number, tens of thousands, raises concerns about the potential impact.

As we all remain silent, the Emperor casually speaks.

“Nevertheless, there’s no need to worry. The defense of the imperial capital is robust, and, in reality, it’s quite a distance from the rebellious region to here. It would be difficult for them to reach us.”

Glancing sideways, I see a relieved expression on Iifa and Mabel’s faces.

“However, there are other important major cities. Particularly, the city of Tenendo in the nearby canyon is problematic. If, by any chance, it were to be captured, it would be an immense loss for the empire. We must defend it at all costs.”

The Emperor adds as if making a joke

“In case of emergency, you can even destroy the bridge leading to the city. It was already so old that it’s nearly impossible to repair, and we can use state funds to fix it later.”

“Hmm…”

Amu responds with a bewildered tone.

However, judging by her expression, it seems she isn’t entirely oblivious to the content of the conversation. 

Rather… it appears she’s hesitating in response to the main topic.

Should she accept the Emperor’s request and head towards suppressing the rebellion, or not?

Just as the situation begins to feel precarious, the Emperor opens his mouth once again.

“Watching my grandfather being scolded by the citizens, as a child, I firmly believed that it was the Emperor’s job. However, the reality was different. There are many challenges that must be addressed in the nation. Threats from demons in neighboring countries, monster dangers, industrial and economic issues, welfare problems, factional struggles among the nobility, dissatisfaction among the people, and even maintenance of old roads and waterways, deciding the next emperor… The emperor has to make decisions about all of these and take responsibility. It’s much more challenging than being scolded by the citizens.”

Addressing the troubled hero, the Emperor continues 

“I’m an amateur in most of these tasks. I’ve never done carpentry work, I don’t know about the people’s lives, and I’m not familiar with business. I can’t even fight if enemies come. I, alone, can’t do anything. Despite that, the emperor has to solve everything.”

“…”

“So, what do you do? You rely on others. You ask people skilled in what you’re not good at. Numerous individuals support an incompetent person like me in their areas of expertise, and that’s how the country functions.”　

The Emperor smiles at the hero

It was as if he were urging her to depart.

“Amu, would you support this vast nation with your expertise?”

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