Episode 36: Thus Spoke the Emperor ② ~Reunion with the Scum~

　After entering the imperial territory, we decided that it would be too conspicuous to enter the imperial capital in our current state, so we decided to tidy ourselves up in a commercial city near the capital, purchase a carriage, and then enter the city.
　When I asked if it was possible to hide the devil's horns, she said it was possible, so I asked her to hide them when we entered the commercial city. Falty remembered that she had learned a spell during her previous journey that could make ears look like human ears, so I asked her to use it to disguise her appearance.

　As for gold coins, I had most of the ones I received as rewards for defeating the demon king still untouched, so I decided to use them to buy new clothes for everyone at a reasonably priced store in the commercial district, thinking that it would improve their appearance and reduce the risk of them being suspected.
　While I was at it, I took out the archbishop, healed his wounds on both legs, bought him a new coachman's outfit, and used the remaining potion I had obtained on my previous journey to regenerate his missing limbs.

"Are you telling me, the archbishop, to drive the carriage……! ? "

　He looked quite haggard, as if he had been thinking about many things while he was imprisoned, but he was docile, perhaps because he understood that even if he escaped, he would be captured by the devil. However, he seemed dissatisfied with being made to drive the carriage.

"If you're dissatisfied, I'll cut off your arm again and break both your legs."

"I will do my best with all my heart! ! ! ! ! "

　The archbishop said with tears in his eyes. Good, good, being understanding is a virtue of adults, and that's a good thing. This archbishop is also quite handsome, so he should fit the role of a wealthy coachman without looking out of place. When it comes to horses, I bought beautiful ones with good coats, and chose a carriage with decorations that looked like it belonged to someone who was well-off.

"Fufufu, what do you think, Celestial Knight?"

"……So clothes do make the man, or well, the Devil in this case. It suits you."

　A luxurious dress with a low neckline, suitable for a noblewoman. A man passing by was captivated by her beauty, and combined with her original devilish beauty, it would not be strange to say that she was a princess from another country.

"Haaa……I don't like dresses, they feel too breezy."

　I smiled wryly at Falty, who reacted as if a girl who only ever wore pants was wearing a skirt, but with her light green dress, her hair tied up, and her jeweled hair accessories, she looked like a princess. ……Well, she's a princess, so that makes sense. Also, Falty was very caring, holding Setsu-chan's hand tightly so she doesn't get lost or go anywhere.
　Setsu-chan is also wearing a dress for young girls that matches her naturally fair complexion, giving her the ethereal beauty of a French doll I saw in my past life.

"You look like some prince when you do that."

"Thank you, that makes me feel better."

　While responding to Falty's words, I changed my clothes and combed my hair back with balm. It's not exactly a disguise, but at least it makes us look like a group of wealthy travelers rather than four random people.
　I think I've done everything I can to ensure a smooth meeting with Roger and the Emperor. ……Especially Roger, he's a money-grubbing piece of trash, so it's easier to get close to him when you dangle the prospect of money in front of him.

　Thanks to those preparations, we were able to pass through the gate to the imperial capital without any problems.
　When I told the soldiers that we had come to the imperial capital for sightseeing and shopping at my wife's request, they didn't suspect anything.
　I acted like a wealthy heir with plenty of money to spare, laughing and praising the soldiers while telling them that the children were my wife's stepchildren. I also gave them a few gold coins as a tip, and they smiled and let us pass. ……It's so surprising that money can solve everything so easily. It's really simple.

"……Well then, Archbishop, please take us to Roger.

　I gave instructions to the archbishop, who directed the carriage toward Roger's house. We didn't know where Roger's house was, so I was glad the archbishop was here. ……When we arrived at our destination, we found a luxurious, enormous mansion surrounded by a wall, which could easily have been the residence of royalty or nobility. There are soldiers at the entrance, and bronze statues of Roger holding his sword pointing toward the sky lined both sides of the gate. In front of the gate is a stained glass window depicting Roger's smiling face. ……What a terrible combination of bad taste and misguided self-promotion. This is awful.

"……This is Roger-dono's mansion."

　The archbishop said…… Come to think of it, I still haven't heard his name, but it's not important enough to ask, so I decided to move on. As expected, two soldiers stopped me at the gate, but he smiled and spoke to them.

"I came to the Imperial Capital on my honeymoon, as I have just taken over the family business, the Kruze Trading Company. My wife and daughters really want to meet the hero, just once…… Oh yes, this is for the soldiers."

　Saying that, I grabbed a handful of gold coins from the bag and placed them in the hands of the soldiers. One of the soldiers' eyes widened, and then his expression changed to one of flattery.

"Eh, eh heh! Is it really okay for us to receive so much? The Kruze Trading Company, you say? I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with it……"

"Hahaha, that's our fault for not trying hard enough. Going forward, we must take this opportunity to form a bond with the hero and further increase sales. Yes, that's right. Since I am making an unreasonable request with this sudden visit, I would like to offer you something in return…… Would you please convey my gratitude to the hero as well? First, please give this to the hero."

　Saying that, he handed the soldier a leather bag filled with gold coins, and one of them hurriedly ran toward the mansion. I just said it off the top of my head, so of course you wouldn't know about a company called Kruze trading company……

"W-We will inform him immediately, so please wait, Kruze-sama."

　The remaining soldiers, unable to hide their joy at this unexpected windfall, humbly bowed their heads. Easy peasy……No, I hear that the empire has repelled calamities, so perhaps this lack of crisis awareness is due to complacency about being in a safe place.
　Then, following the soldier who had returned with a servile smile, we crossed the vast courtyard and arrived in front of the mansion.
　When everyone got off the carriage, the soldiers' eyes were fixed on the devil's bursting chest, but since Roger was their master, the soldiers couldn't help but smile wryly. Not yet……I can't laught yet.

　Then the gate of the mansion opened, and we were welcomed inside and led to Roger's reception room by beautiful women dressed as maids. This is totally Roger's fantasy, with all these young, beautiful women.

"The master will be right with you. Please wait here."

　The study we were led to by the maids contained a (rather embellished) portrait of Roger and a stone statue of him naked with his hands on his hips. ……It's a very questionable choice. Soon after, Roger entered the room after knocking.

"Thank you for waiting, Kruze-dono. I can't just turn down so much money. Hahaha. ……Well, I was surprised by your sudden visit, but if you had let me know in advance, I would have prepared something to offer you…… Oh my ♡ !"

　The last words Roger said as he entered the room were followed by a lecherous sigh.
　The devil was sitting closest to the entrance of the room, and he was probably looking at the devil's chest and making vulgar noises. ……His reaction is so Roger-esque that it almost makes me feel sorry for him.

"It is an honor to meet you, Archmage-sama."

"My oh my, how beautiful……I'm sure Kruze-dono is happy to have a partner like you……Muhoho♡."

　Your desire is leaking out, Roger. Roger smiled at Setsu-chan, licked his lips, and then tilted his head when he saw Falty. Then, after making eye contact with me as I smiled cheerfully, he stood there dumbfounded for a moment before collapsing to the ground. I guess you finally noticed my face…… or rather, you're too careless.

"……Hey, Roger. I came to see you."

"Ra, ra, ra, ra, ra, ra, ra, ra, Raoul? ! "

　With snot dripping from his nose, he trembled and backed away on his buttocks. You really need to stop acting like that. You're really stupid.
　During that time, Falty quickly moved to the entrance of the room, cutting off Roger's escape route. As expected of Falty, quick decision-making.

"Fa, Fa, Fa, Falty? ! What? Why? Why are you here, Falty? "

"You know the reason better than anyone else, don't you? "

　Roger screamed in horror upon hearing Falty's words. I walked up to Roger, crouched down, looked him in the eyes, and slowly explained the situation.

"―――It's been a long time since we last met, but let's consider this a reunion of the hero's party."

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 ToC  

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