At the imperial palace in Reauxgard, Reyd was in the middle of a meeting with the imperial family, meant to prevent them from taking any unnecessary action, when he suddenly saw a soldier hurrying their way. He jerked slightly out of reflex. Everything must be going according to plan, then.
“Forgive me for the interruption, but due to an emergency, we request that you suspend your talks for the interim and evacuate!”
“An emergency? What’s happening?”
A member of the imperial family chatting with Reyd asked that question. The soldier wore a tense expression as he replied.
“A third terrorist attack has taken place at the senate! We’ve received a report that the imperial guard is currently dealing with the situation.”
“What? A third? That... That isn’t what we discussed.”
“Is aught the matter?”
“No, nothing. Don’t worry about it. Well, Lord Reyd, considering the circumstances, care to take refuge with us?”
“I must decline, for I find myself a tad concerned. Surely the command center has already been established? Be so kind as to fetch someone to guide me there.”
“B-But, Your Majesty...”
“Well, aren’t you a diligent one, Lord Reyd? And unfailingly kind as well. Have someone escort him.”
“As you wish, my lord!”
“Thank you. I am certain we shall be seeing each other again soon enough.”
Now that his job was complete, Reyd didn’t wish to spend another second with the imperial family, so he left the room under the guise of collecting information. As soon as they were out of sight, one of the palace maids—a member of the spy organization Avend—joined him to act as a guide. Established by former Emperor Shendra, Avend continued to protect this country in secret even now, in his absence. Reyd knew the maid’s true identity, as he had met her beforehand, when she had acted as his liaison.
“Thank you for your efforts, Your Majesty.”
“Not at all, for in the end, I do all this for the sake of my own country. When I think about it like that, ’tis but a trifle. Although...you lot have it tough too, eh?”
“We’re used to it,” she replied with a bright smile.
“Ever the professional,” Reyd said with a chuckle, then continued. “Pray enlighten me on the current status of this latest, oh so dreadful act of terror. Has it already been carried out?”
“Well, we were correct in our prediction about the target summoning a monster, which Demon Emperor Yuki dealt with. However, the enemy also had more monsters ready than we expected.”
“Hmm. If he can’t defeat them, then no one in this country can. No, not just here, but throughout all of humanity, I suppose. So we shall assume he has the situation well in hand.”
Reyd smiled with amusement, showing no signs of concern whatsoever. The maid hesitated for a moment before asking him a question.
“Begging your pardon, my lord, but...you seem to get along well with His Majesty Yuki. Perhaps you might share your secret in that regard?”
“Secret, eh? I do believe I have one piece of advice for you: think of him as a normal young man.”
“Would you mind elaborating?”
“He’s just an ordinary person who possesses greater power than most.”
Demon Emperor Yuki was powerful. Compared to when Reyd first met him, he’d acquired such overwhelming strength that the king of Alisia doubted any other human could match him. But that was only one aspect of his character. He had saved Reyd’s daughter, and their bond had grown ever since. Thus, having known him for a fair amount of time, Reyd could confidently say that he was simply a good-natured young man. Though he would soon be a father himself and still struggled with many things, he had firmed his resolve and was moving forward step by step.
The people of the empire were unaware of that, however, and so they subconsciously feared Demon Emperor Yuki. In this world, with its myriad creatures that people could never hope to resist because their destructive power rivaled that of natural disasters, it was common to know how to handle those in power. But Yuki... Despite becoming emperor, he was far too close to being one such creature. He was so strong that he had managed to defeat their previous leader, Shendra.
No wonder, then, that people feared him, not knowing what sort of person he really was. Even so, as an acquaintance of his, Reyd couldn’t help but chuckle when he heard about others flinching in terror of his words and deeds.
“He is not a threat, ergo, there is no need to be afraid of him. Interact with him as you would any neighbor, and he will respond in kind. For he is an ordinary young man. Given his position, though, I imagine ’tis easier said than done.”
“No wonder you too are the leader of a great nation, Lord Reyd.”
“Bah ha ha! How very amusing. Alas, you won’t find another king as mediocre as I.”
Reyd, however, had no idea how valuable someone like him was. Someone who could speak to Demon Emperor Yuki on equal terms. And unbeknownst to him, those around him had already started thinking of him as a representative of the human race.