Beyond the Hero’s Death – 41 | Sousaku – 創作

Episode 41: Thus Spoke the Emperor ⑦ ~Seeing Things Through~

"……Now, Celestial Knight. Any other questions? "

"This is a personal question, but I understand why you want to reject Al in the name of justice. Then why didn't you kill me when I was with Al? "

In response to my question, the emperor smiled wryly and said, “Ah...”

"The king of the kingdom boasted that the Celestial Knight was an obedient slave. He said that if given the order, you would even laugh and eat his feces, and that is why he opposed your elimination. You belonged to the kingdom's guild and were an invaluable asset to the kingdom. They wouldn't let you go. You are here today thanks to the king of the kingdom."

What the hell was that stupid king talking about? Who would eat his shit? Is he an idiot? ……In any case, he's already dead.
It's annoying that I survived because that king was so arrogant, but because of that, I was able to witness his demise.
I don't feel the slightest gratitude toward the king, but it really makes you realize how unpredictable life is and how everything is connected in ways you can't even imagine.

"I see. ……So you told us all that, and now you're going to kill us? "

The emperor, understanding the meaning of my question, smiled and replied while stroking his beard.

"Well, I wouldn't necessarily say no to that. ……I agreed with the Holy Church on one point: that all beings that are not human must be burned to ashes.
―――The city of the Saint and the Elven Kingdom will both be reduced to ashes. It is a sacrifice for a new world, a foundation for a greater cause. It cannot be helped.
For I――― Will simply rebuild the world into a world for humans.
And Celestial Knight, I am interested in you, who has come this far on your journey. How about it? ――――Won't you become my subordinate? You can take charge of about half the world."

That would be a massacre worse than tyranny…… But I don't think he would understand that.
In the end, this emperor is deluded into believing that his actions are just. Using past events as an excuse, he believes without a doubt that his actions are justified, and therefore he is deluded into thinking that even mass murder is righteous. The most evil people are those who don't realize that their actions are wrong.
I still don't know the cause of the calmities in this world, but I have a rough idea of why Al lost his life. ……In the end, the hero was killed because of human stupidity. And there's no reason to become a subordinate of someone who would do such a thing.

"That's a stupid question. Emperor of the Empire, you and I are probably the most polar opposites in the world."

The emperor expressed his disappointment at my immediate decision with a dramatic gesture. This emperor lives completely in his own world.
Is this the ultimate in narcissistic thinking? ……I don't think there is a human heart in there.

"……I can't just keep listening to you. As if I'd ever let you burn down the elf forest! ! "

Falty, who had been listening to the conversation, also lashed out at the emperor, but the emperor did not seem to care at all and just laughed.

"Well, then, will you fight me? That's fine too."

"All right, let's do it, Devil. Give me the Sovereign Lun―――"

Falty's words were interrupted, and when I looked over, I saw that Setsu-chan had put Falty to sleep. While supporting Falty's limp body, I looked over at Setsu-chan, who was exchanging knowing glances with the Devil.

"The cold made her sleepy. Devil, flee with the Celestial Knight and the Divine Bow."

"……Oh dear, are you going to do it alone? That's reckless. "

Setsu-chan and the devil are talking, but from the conversation, it becomes clear that Setsu-chan intends to fight, so I stop her.

"Wait, that's dangerous. It's not something you can achieve. ――――If anyone's gonna do it, it's me."

"No. You shouldn't use the Celestial Knight's “that” here. In addition―――Listening to the conversation, I understood. That is what we must carry out, as it distorts the natural order of the world. It is we who must fight here. Above all, if we don't deal with it here, the Saint and everyone else will be in danger."

"……Oh, I thought you were some little girl, but you're a calamity, aren't you? Then I'll fight you to the death! "

Setsu-chan steadily approaches the emperor, but the emperor seems to realize from Setsu-chan's words that something calamitous is about to happen, so he stands up from his throne and snaps his fingers.
In response to the sound, the emperor's body was enveloped in a sphere of light and flew upward, as if being sucked into the ship above. It seems there was some kind of transfer magic involved.

"Woah, wait please Your Majesty! Please take me with you tooooooooooooooooo."

Leaving Roger, who was floundering around, alone for the time being, I tried to move to help Setsu-chan, who was fighting alone, but something like a black shadow clung to our bodies. ―――Is this the Devil's suspicious magic? !

"As we are bound as fellow calamities, I will listen to your wishes here. Good luck, and farewell, Queen of Ice and Snow."

"Thank you. Well then, goodbye, Devil."

Just as I was about to reach out to Setsu-chan, who was smiling sadly as she looked back, we found ourselves on a cliff a short distance away from the empire.

"……Setsu-chan? ! "

I called out to her, but Setsu-chan was nowhere to be seen.
As I laid Falty on the ground and stared intently, I could see the imperial capital at a distance that seemed close enough to be within reach with physical strengthening.
……The top floor of the castle where we were just a moment ago was blown away by cannon fire from the flying ship. That means Roger, who was there, is probably dead.
……However, something small rose up into the sky from the blazing flames.
A petite girl with wings like ice crystals growing from her back flew toward the airship hovering above.

―――That was Setsu-chan…… the Queen of Ice and Snow.

"It's a bit against the rules, but since it was a request from a fellow calamity, I prioritized her wish. ……Now, will you see it through, Celestial Knight? "

The Devil's words, to “see it through,” weighed much heavier than usual.