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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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The carriage lurched to a sudden stop, jolting me awake. I recognized the familiar scent of the capital.
“We’ve arrived.”
“What? Where?”
“The capital, of course.”
I smiled at Erica’s dazed expression and stepped out of the carriage. We were at the main gate of the Imperial Palace, on the busiest street in the capital’s new district.
Despite the early hour, the street was already teeming with carriages and pedestrians. My companions emerged from the carriage, yawning and stretching.
“Our long journey is finally over. I will have your promised payment delivered to your residences.”
“Schlus, I don’t need any payment.”
Iris smiled and shook her head.
She hadn’t technically participated in the war as a soldier, but as a Saintess offering her services.
“Then I suppose I should send the payment to the Schultzenburg and Wiegenstien residences…”
“Why am I excluded?!”
“You already received your payment, didn’t you?”
“What?”
Erica’s face contorted in disbelief. Had she already forgotten?
“I agreed to cure your sister’s nightmares in exchange for your services.”
“Oh… right. I vaguely remember that. But wasn’t that just a bonus?”
“Why would I offer you a bonus? That was your payment.”
She had likely assumed I wouldn’t be able to offer much compensation.
Now, with the war won and the spoils of victory within reach, she was getting greedy.
Blame your own loose lips, Erica.
“I have something to say to all of you.”
I bowed my head.
“Thank you. Thank you for following me. Without each and every one of you, pacifying the South in a mere week would have been impossible. This victory is thanks to all of you.”
Ainz, who had turned the tide of the war with his devastating display of power.
Erica, who had created the spell that made our counteroffensive possible.
Iris, who had provided crucial intelligence and served as the moral compass of the suppression force. And Trie, who had fearlessly led the charge in every battle.
This victory was thanks to all four of them. I had initially hoped to simply hold onto the Fourth Castle. This outcome had exceeded all expectations.
“Hee hee! Schlus has finally learned how to express gratitude.”
Erica was definitely teasing me.
“Still, Schlus, next time, you should tell us more. I understand it’s easier to keep important matters to yourself, but we’re not tools. We trust you. We wish you would trust us more.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good! So, we’re disbanding? Ugh, I’m so stiff! I need to go home and sleep!”
“Won’t your mother scold you?”
“Oh… right. What am I going to do? Can I sleep at your place, Iris?”
“I’ll inform your mother that you’re staying with me.”
“Hey! Why?!”
We parted ways at the intersection. It was truly over.
I clutched the box containing Lorraine’s head and turned towards the Imperial Palace. I still had one more task to complete.
“Who— Schlus Hainkel!”
“I wish to see the Emperor. Inform him that I have brought Duke Lorraine’s head.”
“Yes, sir! One moment, please!”
The guards scrambled at my arrival.
It wasn’t just because I was a knight under the Emperor’s direct command.
“Extra! Extra! Duke Lorraine has surrendered!”
The newsvendor across the street was doing brisk business.
It seemed my exploits in the South were being reported in almost real time. The news of Lorraine’s execution hadn’t reached the capital yet.
“Schlus, His Majesty will see you now. Right this way.”
“It’s fine. I’ll find my own way.”
The guards offered to escort me, but I declined.
Why the sudden change in treatment? It was unsettling.
I felt their gazes on me as I walked, but no one stopped me. They averted their eyes and made way.
I reached the Emperor’s audience chamber without a single challenge.
‘I arrived too quickly.’
Even if the Emperor was prepared, I should have slowed my pace, given him time to compose himself.
The walk from the main gate usually took at least twenty minutes.
Today, without the usual security checks, it had taken less than five.
“Will you enter?”
“Yes.”
The attendants opened the doors, and I stepped inside.
Emperor Gustav sat on his throne, his expression stern, yet somehow more vigorous than when I had departed for the South.
“I have returned after subduing the rebels in the South. This box contains Duke Lorraine’s head.”
I knelt and presented the box.
An attendant took it and opened it for the Emperor’s inspection.
The Emperor, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke after viewing the gruesome contents.
“You’ve certainly made yourself at home.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I took some liberties to ensure a swift victory.”
The Emperor’s expression darkened.
I knew what he meant, but I feigned ignorance.
“You executed the Duke the day after his surrender. Why?”
“Your Majesty granted me full authority regarding his fate.”
Of course, he had said that before he believed I could actually win. Had I asked him directly, he would have likely ordered me to bring Lorraine back alive. Or at least, to consult with him before carrying out the execution.
He was questioning my decision to act independently.
“Indeed. And the negotiations with the Great Forest, the Emancipation Proclamation… none of these are small feats.”
“I am humbled by your praise, Your Majesty.”
The negotiations, the proclamation… both were decisions I had made without consulting the Emperor.
Both, however, had ultimately benefited the Empire.
He couldn’t criticize the results, so he was resorting to veiled criticisms and subtle pressure.
I understood his unease.
He was wary of Schlus Hainkel, a commoner wielding considerable power and influence, gaining even more prestige and becoming untouchable.
It was natural for an Emperor to be wary of such a powerful subject. It was my duty to reassure him.
“Your Majesty, I am loyal only to you and the future of the Empire and the continent. I swear this on Aegis.”
“I trust you, Schlus Hainkel. I don’t know why you’re saying this.”
“Your Majesty…”
“I commend you for your service. You deserve a fitting reward. I offer you the Duchy of the Southern Colonies. You have the support of the people there. I’m sure you will rule them well.”
Absolutely not.
I couldn’t accept.
I had made a mess of things in the South.
The Emancipation Proclamation had drastically increased the number of free citizens, likely paralyzing the administrative system.
The former slave traders, now landless, would be demanding compensation. Land redistribution would require negotiations, but I had depleted the treasury by implementing a 0% tax rate.
Raising taxes now would be disastrous.
The Duchy of the Southern Colonies was a poisoned chalice.
“I am deeply honored, Your Majesty, but I must decline.”
“Decline? Why?”
“The reward is too great for one such as myself.”
The Emperor’s eye twitched.
He was clearly displeased. He had intended to burden me with the consequences of my actions.
I couldn’t let that happen.
“Very well. You deserve the Order of the Black Eagle, but you already possess it. I hear you expended an Elixir during your negotiations with the Great Forest. I will compensate you for that. How does that sound?”
“I am honored, Your Majesty.”
“I will also increase your salary to one million Tirions per month. Your pension will be adjusted accordingly.”
Salary? What was he talking about?
Then it hit me.
I was still technically a knight under the Emperor’s direct command. I needed to resign.
“Then I will resign from my position as—”
“That will be all. I have matters to attend to. You are dismissed.”
I was cut off and forced to leave before I could finish. As the doors closed behind me, I knew.
‘I’m screwed.’
I had completely miscalculated.
The Emperor didn’t trust me.
He was forcing me to remain in his service, binding me to the Imperial Palace.
A subject who repeatedly attempted to resign, who possessed the power to single-handedly defeat two thousand soldiers… I was a prime candidate for a purge.
“Well, well. When did you arrive at the palace? What a coincidence.”
I turned to find Aria, hiding her smile behind a fan.
Coincidence?
She had clearly been informed of my arrival.
I hadn’t planned on meeting her, but it wasn’t a bad thing. It was always wise to cultivate a good relationship with the future Emperor.
“You’ve certainly made a name for yourself in the South. It must have been frustrating, being unable to display your true abilities until now.”
“You flatter me.”
“Do you take that as a compliment? Something must be wrong with your ears, hee hee.”
It seemed Aria had also come to mock me.
This wasn’t going to be a productive conversation.
Aria hesitated, as if about to say something important, but I decided to cut my losses.
“Then I’ll—”
“Schlus Hainkel. You are currently a knight under His Majesty’s direct command, am I correct?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“His Majesty has too many swords at his disposal. He has no need for another large, cumbersome blade like yourself. How would you like to become my sword instead? Live for me. Die for me.”
She seemed serious.
It was a tempting offer. But I couldn’t risk further antagonizing the Emperor.
“I am His Majesty’s sword. Which makes me yours as well, Your Highness, the future Emperor. When you ascend the throne, you may wield me as you please.”
“That sounds like you’re suggesting I kill His Majesty and seize the throne.”
This woman was crazy.
How did she even arrive at that conclusion?
A chill ran down my spine.
“If you wish to accuse me of treason, Your Highness, then you may interpret my words as such.”
“I was joking. Don’t take it so seriously.”
“I see.”
“Very well. I’m satisfied. Now, get out of my sight. Don’t get yourself injured before I ascend the throne.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I bowed as Aria departed.
Today’s events had confirmed my suspicions. If the Emperor intended to eliminate me, I had to strike first.
The Emperor, who should have been bedridden according to the original story, was in perfect health.
Hoping for his natural demise would be foolish.
My best option was to support Aria, overthrow the Emperor, and install her on the throne.
I had to act quickly and decisively.
If I didn’t, I would die.
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Weren’t the king and Aria actually in good terms? How is he supposed to make her kill him?
Emperor known Aria’s father’s ( first prince) assassination before hand . But he chose to not prevent it. That will do