Case 225: Peace deal.
''So? Why did you call over?''
I calmly question the emperor, whose appearance is now the embodint of the word 'weary.' His brows twitch in confusion, ''No one told you on the way here?''
''On the way? No. They were scared witless. The first one did, though. What's this 'peace deal' you're talking about?''
''You... hah... well, a peace deal is a peace deal. There's nothing more to it.''
''We aren't fighting. What's the aning of this?''
I an it literally. Zircon is not even an official entity recognized by any authority. We rely do what we want and claim independence. We haven't declared war on any other entity, either, especially not the empire. There's no reason to do that unprovoked.
At my words, Kaiser lets out a sigh. The old man looks as if he's going to fall into a deep slumber at any mont. Are things really that hectic these days?
''It's not my sole decision.'' He sighs. ''The nobles... the ministers... they don't know that we are in a collaborating relationship. I'm sure you're aware of the recent 'conflicts' between our forces. Actually, do you have any clue what happened...?''
''...''
After pondering a bit, I decide to tell him a concise story of Buezrith's situation. A look of realization dawns on the emperor's wrinkled face. Completed with another sigh, he replies, ''I understand.''
Silently, his silvery eyes peer out the window, stopping at the gaping hole of the cage.
''Is this world truly coming to an end, I wonder?'' He mutters.
''...''
I have no confidence in refuting his assumptions. Even if we gamble everything we have at the mont, victory is not guaranteed.
After a while, Kaiser turns to again, and an air of helplessness surrounds him, ''So... how about it? The peace deal. Once it is established, I can legitimately support your cause.''
''Don't you fear the people's persecution? At this sensitive ti, making such a move... they will call you a coward.''
''Hahahah...!'' The old man laughs bitterly. ''Imperial authority is indeed important. However, I already have a plan.''
''...What plan?''
Suddenly, Kaiser becos much livelier, as if revitalized by a mythical elixir. At this point, the only thing that can have such an effect on this man is...
''I will abdicate soon.''
As expected.
''It is sothing that has been on my mind for a long ti. Unfortunately, there were so problems with my successor, which have now been resolved. I plan to take this opportunity to resolve so matters in my na before handing the crown to my niece.''
''You'll absorb the bla and go down with it, huh...''
''Exactly.''
What an old fox. Although I feel bad for Nydia, it seems I can't stop this man anymore. Not because I literally can't, but... he sounds a bit pitiful, honestly.
Either way, whether to accept the peace deal...
''I refuse.''
''Hm?''
Perhaps he had expected to agree right away, but Kaiser appears sowhat flustered at my flat response, ''May I ask why?'' He inquires.
''Like I said, we aren't in an actual war. Furthermore... when you, an old but sturdy fossil, inevitably leave the throne, the political world will be plunged into a chaotic ss. The inexperienced empress will surely encounter trouble by then.''
''Indeed... what do you suggest?''
''Keep the tension—no, increase the tension. They will have no choice but to unite to go against the great devil.''
''So you'll play the villain?''
A hint of amusent flickers in Kaiser's eyes as he smirks, ''You sure cherish my niece. That's a good thing.''
''...''
''But on that note... can you return the girls already? Their families are almost going insane at this point.''
''We don't want to go back!''
''That's right!''
''Say no to school...!''
Upon informing the temporary residents of Zircon, I am t with an outpour of rejections. Among them, Nydia vehently declines the invitation to co back to Astra, clearly holding a deep grudge.
However, this isn't a request or an invitation.
''I'm kicking you guys out.'' I firmly state. ''Return to your positions and do your job properly.''
Any further objections are dealt with by my extre display of contempt.
'''' ... ''''
...Maybe I know how to restrain them now.
In any case, the girls dejectedly begin to pack their luggage. I call Nydia to the side, and she happily complies.
''What's going on?''
Since there is no reason to hide, I tell her the conversation I had with the emperor. The more I speak, the gloomier and droopier Nydia's wings get. By the end of it, her whole person looks like a depressed 'A.'
''I told him to hold on for a long as possible, but we can't expect that period to be substantial.''
''Mhm...''
''Don't worry too much. You have my backing, so no one in the empire can do anything to you. Act with so arrogance.''
The raven princess perks up, ''Really?''
''Yes.''
In the end, she and the other depart from Zircon, their eyes keep darting back on the way out.
''Is it okay? Letting them leave like this.'' Ariel hovers beside . ''You enjoyed living with them, too, right?''
''I never said I didn't. Still, enjoyable things can be enjoyed later. When everything is over, at least.''
''Is that so...''
''Besides, it's not like they won't be able to co here. We won't pause the expeditions, so even if they don't want to, I will drag them back.''
Ariel laughs awkwardly, then turns away.
''I still have a question.''
''Hm?''
Neveah, who's staring intently at the console, lets out a slight hum. We're currently at the heart of the system. Apparently, Neveah is performing a routine checkup on it.
''If Chloe were placed in Alia's body, and Alia were placed in the Miko's body, then where's the Miko?''
This is a question that has bogged my mind for a long ti. Aurora doesn't answer for so reason, and Neveah was unavailable until now.
As I gaze into the goddess's eyes, so sort of anticipation rises.
''Mhm... the original Miko, huh?'' She ponders. ''She's probably living sowhere in Yugen. As a normal person.''
''You swapped her entire identity just like that?''
''The girl wants to live peacefully, so I rely fulfilled her wish.''
''...''
Swallowing a sigh, I turn away. A peaceful life... that's sothing I miss, too. Adventures are thrilling, but being on edge constantly is draining.
''...By the way, why are you here?''
''I said I have sothing to tell you!''
The girl, with silky blond hair and azure eyes, pouts.
Alia Luminous—the cocky and ill-mannered noble girl whose body was taken by Chloe up until so ti ago. Maybe because of her experience as the prestigious Miko, but she is surprisingly tactful despite how she acts.
''Go ahead.'' I urge.
Alia takes a deep breath, points at confidently, then utters, ''You... be my girlfriend!''
...I sll trouble.
Reviews
All reviews (0)