With a short cough, I began speaking once again. “G-Getting back on topic, why would the emperor order Amyu to deal with the revolt? I understand that mobilizing the imperial military isn’t easily done, but surely he could hire mercenaries or something. Does he think the Hero is strong enough to take on large armies by herself?”
“I don’t know,” Fiona said, casting her eyes at the ground with a sullen expression. “I don’t believe His Majesty would make such a mistake, so he must be planning something, but I can’t fathom what that might be.”
“Even with your future sight?”
“Yes.” Fiona gave a slight but firm nod. “I suspect His Majesty is employing precautions against my future sight.”
“Precautions?” I asked with a frown. “Is that even possible?”
“My ability is not all-powerful. Unless I personally learn of something in the days to come, I can’t foresee it. Information obtained secondhand, rather than through my own experiences, is also difficult to grasp in detail. There are other weaknesses as well, and it seems His Majesty has combined countermeasures in such a way as to prevent the exposure of his schemes.”
“That’s a little hard to believe. How do you know that?”
“Because I have very rarely ever seen any visions concerning him. To an unnatural degree. This incident is no exception,” Fiona said, pursing her lips.
Fiona likely hadn’t even been able to foresee the conversation we were having. I didn’t know what means were being used to stop her, but as had just been demonstrated with me being able to enter demon territory unbeknownst to her, her future sight didn’t grant omniscience. It wouldn’t be odd for some sort of countermeasure to exist. If nothing else, it was clear the emperor wasn’t somebody for whom we could count on her future sight.
“His Majesty seemed like a kind person,” Yifa said hesitantly. “Is he not who he appears to be?”
Fiona laughed feebly. “I don’t believe anybody truly understands what kind of person His Majesty is,” she said as though trying to convince herself. “He ascended to the throne at a young age following the death of the previous emperor. The former emperor had originally designated an adopted heir, but that heir also died suddenly, and the throne passed to His Majesty. He took the throne without any backing, yet avoided becoming anyone’s puppet. He’s reigned for over twenty years without succumbing to the burdens of the crown or an assassin’s blade.”
“Is that impressive?” Mabel asked, tilting her head as though she didn’t get it.
“Yes,” Fiona replied with a bitter smile. “Being emperor is unforgiving. If you look through history, there are countless cases of emperors falling ill from the stress of the crown or being assassinated after conflicts with nobles or the assembly. To take the throne in his twenties and continue until now without any major failures is extraordinary, as far as I’m concerned.”
“Hmm...”
“In addition, I’m told he’s never had anyone who could be called a confidant by his side. He’s maintained that distant attitude ever since he became emperor.”
Rulers were still human. They showed weakness, needed advice, and desired capable subordinates—usually, at least. If he had truly governed a great empire on his own, without anyone he could trust or anyone behind him pulling the strings, then it was certainly hard to call him ordinary.
“In addition, he keeps his distance from his family as well. He treats everyone the same way, myself and the three princes included.”
“The empress passed away eighteen years ago, right?”
“Yes,” Fiona answered my question with a nod. “Since then, he hasn’t remarried, nor have I ever heard of him having any mistresses, aside from my mother. If there were ever someone who could truly understand him, perhaps it was the empress or my mother. But there’s no way to know for sure now.”
The emperor hadn’t felt like a ruler when I had first seen him. He had seemed completely plain. But thinking about it, no ordinary person could rule such a large empire for over two decades. The ordinary impression he gave was itself abnormal.
I let out another long sigh. I guess he’s even more trouble than I thought he’d be. Getting involved with politicians is such a pain.
“Well, the question now is, how do we respond to his request?” I said, pulling myself together.
“It’s fine if you decline. In fact, I think you should,” Fiona immediately replied.
“Is it fine?” I asked, taken aback.
“Yes. If he hadn’t intended to allow you to refuse, he would have made Amyu agree on the spot. To begin with, a citizen has no obligation to obey a request from the emperor that hasn’t passed through the assembly.”
“Is that how it works?” I was relieved to hear that. Could it be that the emperor never truly intended for Amyu to resolve the rebellion?
“This request strikes me as unusual as well,” Fiona continued, her expression serious. “While it’s true that the empire is struggling with this revolt, it isn’t a burden a citizen uninvolved with the government should bear, Hero or not. We should formally decline His Majesty’s request tomorrow. I’ll make arrangements going forward to—”
“Hold on.” The one to cut Fiona off was Amyu, who had been silent this entire time. “I don’t mind going,” she said as everyone’s attention was on her.
“Huh?”
“They need my strength, right? If there are people in trouble, I don’t mind going to help them.”
“Do you realize what you’re saying?” Dumbfounded, I couldn’t stop myself from blurting out. “It’s an army of tens of thousands. There isn’t anything you can do.”
“They’re targeting a city, aren’t they?” Amyu retorted. “We can’t go out in the plains and beat the entire army, but if we hole up in the city, we can defend it, like we did in Rakana. If my power can be of even a little help...”
“No, no, no. What’s—”
What’s gotten into you? I was about to ask, before I realized. Nothing had gotten into her. Back during the stampede in Rakana, and when Lulum was about to be captured, she had always tried to stand with those in need and face overwhelming enemies. It was as though the Hero’s blood compelled her to do so.
It made me want to bury my head in my hands. We’d managed to get by even when taking risks up until now, but this time was going to be different.
“Umm, Amyu,” Fiona said, clearly perplexed. “You need not worry. I have my own reservations about this revolt, and I’ve been moving my holy knights behind the scenes. I’m certain it will be resolved soon.”
“But the city that’s about to be attacked must need help right now, doesn’t it? And those tens of thousands of rebels are split into several groups at the moment. If it’s just one of those groups we’re up against, then I’m sure I can be of some help,” Amyu protested.