The emperor was going to summon the Hero to the imperial palace and would soon be sending an envoy. That was more or less what Fiona’s letter had said.
“Was it smart to just go along with this?” Amyu asked hesitantly, seated across from me in the rocking carriage.
We were riding in a carriage prepared by the envoy, traveling along the highway that led to the imperial capital. Aside from the driver, only the four of us were inside the carriage. Though other carriages carrying the envoy and guards were in front of and behind us, none of them were directly monitoring us. It was an invitation, not an arrest—at least, on the surface.
“I kinda expected you to do something about the envoy and then have us run away again.”
“Fiona’s letter said there was no harm in obeying,” I answered casually.
Marquess Greville, the mastermind behind Amyu’s capture a year and a half ago, had lost his position in the aftermath, and as a result, the anti-Hero faction had lost much of its influence. Apparently, the emperor had had a hand in it, so Fiona concluded it was unlikely that his summons was intended to harm Amyu.
“Using force to escape would be reckless.”
And more importantly, even if we did run away, what would we do after? We could continue living as adventurers, but we’d be constantly afraid of pursuers. I would likely be hesitant to even interact with anyone while on the run. If we were going to live that sort of life, it seemed better to stay under Fiona’s protection for the time being.
In addition, while I didn’t know the emperor’s intentions, this would spell the end for our time on the run, regardless of how it turned out. If things went smoothly, we might not have to hide anymore. Of course, that all depended on the empire.
“Still, I wonder why they’re calling Amyu to the palace,” Yifa said timidly. “The emperor’s the one summoning her, right? What could he want?”
“Hmm. Fiona didn’t mention what it was about in her letter, did she?” Amyu asked.
“No,” I replied.
Fiona’s letter was much simpler than last time, likely because she had been in a hurry to beat the envoy. I got the impression she had only written the bare minimum. Although I would’ve appreciated more detail, I understood that the timing had been tight and that wasn’t reasonable. I tried asking the envoy about the emperor’s intentions, but he wouldn’t tell me. Rather, he didn’t seem to have been informed himself.
“I could be way off,” Amyu said, a gloomy look on her face, “but maybe he just wants to meet the Hero? I mean, nobles like unusual stuff, right? The emperor could be the same.”
“Then he might be disappointed,” said Mabel.
“Why’s that?!” Amyu shouted in response.
With a chuckle, I contemplated Yifa’s concern. The most likely reason for someone in power to seek out the Hero was to pit her against the demons. However, at present, the truce with the demons was still holding. Both the rulers of the various races and even the Demon Lord had no intention of starting trouble, so it was highly unlikely that there would be any invasion of the empire in the future. Therefore, there was no need for defense.
Conversely, it was also hard to imagine a situation where the humans would launch an invasion. Demon territory was difficult to crack. The forest terrain made attacking a nightmare, and the demons who lived there were all formidable warriors. Perhaps it would have been conceivable back when the empire was still developing, but now that it had matured, I saw little reason for it to brave such danger just to expand its territory.
Finally, the Hero was difficult to utilize in a war. As Fiona had said before, there were many things an individual simply couldn’t accomplish, no matter how strong they were. Occupying cities, sieging castles, constructing bridges and bases, and something as basic as keeping watch all night placed a heavy burden on a single person. They didn’t have the capacity to take large numbers of prisoners either, so their only option would be massacre.
Despite all my thinking, I couldn’t come up with any reason the emperor would want to meet with Amyu. Maybe she was right, and he really did just want to see the Hero.
“That’s probably wishful thinking...”
Nevertheless, our only option was to face him head-on. Fortunately, we had an ally within the imperial family.
✦ ✦ ✦
We reached the capital in approximately the same number of days it had taken us to reach Rakana. According to city regulations, the carriage we came in could not be taken directly inside. So, just like last time, we had to disembark before the gate and enter on foot. Immediately upon passing through the gate, a welcoming party was there to receive us.
“It’s good to see everyone again.”
Holy Princess Fiona stood by the gate, her light blue hair drawing the attention of the public. The two holy knights we had seen in maid attire at the Lamprogue manor were by her side, with several attendants around them. Perhaps due to the rather imposing atmosphere, a crowd of onlookers had formed at a distance, watching intently. Fiona’s face almost broke into a broad grin for an instant, but she quickly composed herself, instead greeting us with a poised, confident smile as she spoke.
“I’m glad you’re all safe. I appreciate you going through the trouble of coming all the way to the capital. I imagine the trip from Rakana wasn’t an easy one, but know that I am truly grateful to be able to meet with you all once again.” It was a flawless display, just as one would expect from a girl of noble blood. Fiona then turned her gaze toward the envoy who had brought us here. “You have done well in carrying out your duty as imperial envoy. I shall be the one to welcome the Hero and her companions now.”
“With all due respect, Your Highness.” The envoy took a step forward, his expression stern. “I’m afraid you may not.”
“My, and why is that?” Fiona giggled.
“My duty is to escort the Hero to the audience chamber. I could not possibly trouble a member of the imperial family with such a task. Their accommodations have already been made as well.”
“Please, don’t say such unkind things.” Fiona placed a hand to her chest, lowering her eyes sadly as she spoke. “These are my friends. Bound as I am by so many constraints, I have few chances like this to even extend hospitality to those dear to me. Couldn’t you look the other way just this once?”
The envoy’s expression was unchanging in the face of Fiona’s plea. “I sympathize with your situation; however—”
“Or perhaps,” Fiona interrupted the man, “you’ve received certain instructions from someone.”
“Such as?”
“Oh? You would have me lay them bare in public?” Fiona giggled again. Watching as the envoy’s face stiffened, she continued cheerily. “They say rats are quick to flee sinking ships. I suggest you be prudent about which ship you choose to board. Have no fear—if you claim that the princess, accompanied by her holy knights, forced your hand, that should serve as a sufficient excuse. After all, I imagine I’m far from the only obstacle you’ve faced. It won’t be viewed as too egregious a failure.” Seeing the envoy remain silent, Fiona added one more thing. “Treat me favorably and you shall be treated favorably in return. Think it over carefully. Eh heh heh heh heh.”
The envoy maintained his silence a while longer before finally speaking. “I leave them in your hands, Princess Fiona,” he said with a curt bow, his expression emotionless. Turning around, he briskly walked off somewhere, his attendants hurrying after him.
“Seika.”
“Whoa!” Not expecting to hear my name called out right next to me, I backed up hastily. Fiona had walked up beside me without me realizing it, an eager smile on her face.
“We reunited sooner than I expected. I’m overjoyed to be able to see you again.”
✦ ✦ ✦
I was unsure how to respond to her cheerful, radiant smile. The way we had parted made things a little awkward. Even if it was to save Amyu, I had destroyed the imperial palace and rejected her good-faith attempt at resolving the situation. She had even provided a carriage for our escape despite that, and I’d left her stuck with all the cleanup.
Though she was a politician, someone I should, for all intents and purposes, be wary of, the debt I owed her—or rather, the guilt I felt—made things complicated. We had exchanged one letter since then, but I still wasn’t sure how to face her. It was extremely uncomfortable.
“I, uh...” In my confusion, I ended up giving her my genuine impression. “You really are a politician, huh?”
“My, my. Do you dislike women who concern themselves with governing?” Fiona gave a teasing grin.
“I can’t say I’m great with them,” I responded honestly, a glum look on my face. “I’m no good at deception, so I end up constantly on guard.”
Fiona giggled, wearing a vacant smile for a while. “I suddenly feel like giving up on politics,” she mumbled.