“Why are you so surprised? If it weren’t me, it would have been someone else. For example, the Demon King standing next to you. He would do what is necessary.”
“I...don’t disagree. My wife is a different story, but anyone else in the way, even family... I suppose I would eliminate them.”
Shen and the Demon King sounded nonchalant as hell. Then again, I knew well enough that leaders of all stripes possessed that trait. A ruler’s role was to help and guide the many. The flip side of that was that they sometimes needed to discard the few. Abandon the minority if necessary, even if they were in trouble or if it meant their death. The ability to make tough calls like that was basically essential for a leader. Because while they had to take action to achieve everything from A to Z, it was actually impossible to do so.
“As a result, the current imperial family has no power to command the military, nor does it have the power to influence the judiciary. Its members also lack the ability to make plans and put them into action. They may become a banner or a symbol, but nothing more. Although they evidently have enough brains left to attempt something now that my influence has waned.”
Holy crap, that’s mean. But this guy never pulled his punches, so if that was what he said his family was like, then they probably were. In hindsight, though, I’d never heard anyone mention the imperial family in Reauxgard until now. Maybe because of Shen’s purge?
“So you think the reason they dragged your boy Alveiro into this was to weaken your old faction?”
“That is likely part of it. I’m dead, but that doesn’t mean everyone who supported me is too. As such, our influence remains. And this man was a pillar for us. If such an individual were to plot and carry out an act of terror that shook the nation, the remnants of our faction would face their inevitable demise.”
Shen’s words sounded like a compliment, but to Alveiro, the man in question, they were anything but, judging by the grimace on his face. I bet he felt guilty about his role in all this.
“Hmm... I do believe I’m starting to see the picture. Alveiro, in all likelihood, you were set up as the scapegoat. Perhaps you could enlighten us on your conversation with them?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t. I’m not authorized to discuss internal matters. However, I can tell you that I was blindsided when I discovered that I was being suspected of terrorism.”
Meaning whatever they’d talked about hadn’t had anything to do with that. But given the circumstances, whoever’d called him there had obviously planned to frame him from the start.
“What you see is what you get with him. He has the will and the talent to achieve what he sets his mind to, but his stubbornness is his singular flaw. He hasn’t changed at all since I’ve known him, and I’ve known him a very long time, so I suggest you give up on getting him to talk. I am another matter entirely, though. I can think of a few possible suspects, as well as those abetting them, so I shall keep you informed.”
“We appreciate it. Apologies for dragging you into this despite you leaving the country behind.”
“Well, I suspect half of this plot is revenge against me. If someone were to say I’m responsible as the former emperor, I wouldn’t be able to deny it. And it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that those fools think the same.”
That was when I cut in.
“If they really are the way you describe them, then they’re not the kind of people who’ll just say ‘Good riddance’ when someone they hate dies. They’re the kind who’d take it a step further by going scorched earth even after they die. Watch the world burn just because. I mean, they don’t have anything holding them down anymore.”
“Ha. That is exactly what it feels like. If all they wanted was revenge, they could have exacted it while I was still ‘alive.’ But they didn’t make a move until after the war ended, and now that I’m ‘gone,’ this is what happens. I know I’ve done plenty to earn their hatred. I only wish they had kept their harassment to me and me alone. I wouldn’t have minded keeping them company.”
“I kinda get why they didn’t think so. I wouldn’t wanna deal with someone like you either. Isn’t that right, Demon King?”
“Ha ha! Agreed. I think one war with you as an opponent was more than enough for me. I suspect I would be bankrupt in no time if in a game of wagers.”
“What a shame. I’d be more than happy to let bygones be bygones with whatever you have on your person right now.”
“Yeah, that’s called extortion, man.”
Watching the three of us banter, Alveiro looked happy for some reason.
“I see... So you have found friends with whom you can relax your guard, my lord. Equals.”
“Why you... I would appreciate it if you’d stop acting like I’m lonesome.”
“Heh, forgive me. But I’m still happy for you. Though I was glad to be your subordinate, I could never be on equal footing with you. However, I have to admit, I find it a tad strange that you’ve found connections with those we fought against...”
“Bah... Well, I’m living a life worthy of what’s left of it, and I don’t mind that it’s a comfortable one.”
“You’re no longer the unyielding man you used to be.”
“As emperor, I couldn’t even tell jokes, which was unfortunate, since I actually love them.”
“Why, surely you jest, my lord.”
So we joked and chatted for a little while longer. Then, the Demon King’s tone grew more serious.
“All right, I believe we’ve found a way to solve this. While the imperial family’s involvement certainly complicates things, I propose we leave them alone and instead cut off those acting as their eyes and ears. If Shen’s information is correct, that might be our best option.”
“I concur. By doing that, we immobilize them, then we finish them off at a later time. Specifically, after the tournament is over.”
“You guys are scary. If you two actually join forces for real, taking over the world would be a piece of cake.”
“Even if we did, it would be pointless if we couldn’t maintain our hold. I could barely manage one country.”
“Exactly. I already had my hands full with the demon world, but now, I have to think about the Reauxgard Empire as well. I don’t need more added to my plate, thank you.”
“Don’t think I didn’t notice how you guys never said you can’t do it. Typical. Oh yeah, speaking of dealing with the imperial family, I might have an idea. I actually came up with it a while back, buuut we can circle back to it later.”
“Oh? Do tell, Yuki.”
And that was exactly what I did.