Chapter 45: Don’t Look Away

Chapter 45: Don’t Look Away

On a certain day on the fifth month, the Emperors group arrived safely in the northern part of Count Bailer Noves fief i.e. we arrived near the border that was shared with the Theanabe Union.

The town in the north was bustling as if they were holding a festival.

Its surprisingly crowded.

It was just me and Rosalia inside the carriage like always. The rule was that only the Emperor and his wife were allowed to enter.

But now that I was here the carriage was always surrounded by aristocrats, because of this, I had to act as the Foolish Emperor. Im really sorry.

Yes, Your Majesty. Our fief is always this crowded. It must seem deserted compared to the capital.

Timona le Chauvire, Duke Bailer Nove I believe his official title is the Chief of Hunting. I remember him well because he had a strikingly croaky voice and the way he craved the limelight was unpleasant.

I dont know since I never leave the palace, but it was quiet when I left the capital.

What?! I was always on the frontline fighting against the rebels, so I do not know what it is like in the capital. Forgive me for my narrow view of the capital.

He probably meant, Isnt it great that my city is more crowded than the capital?

Do you enjoy asserting your dominance on the young emperor? Your words and actions are like a braggarts.

The city is only busy because of the emergency war demands Economy is only blooming right now. Im sure hes receiving financial support directly from Lord Raul. This city, which was on the frontier, wouldnt be so crowded without the war.

And this man comes to the capital on a regular basis. He makes fun of me in a roundabout way then leaves. I pretend not to notice his remarks, and he goes home satisfied every time, so its a lie that he doesnt know what goes on in the capital.

Besides, its also a lie that he was on the frontline. I heard from Timona that he has been taking a percentage of the goods looted by the soldiers in this city, claiming it to be tax, and living the life. I think his body has doubled in the last few months. Sideways, of course.

I hate it. If all the aristocrats in this nation are like this, then its going to be tough cleaning them up.

Hmm, good. Where is the frontline? Is it close?

Yes, it is. Please stop here for the night and we can head to the frontline tomorrow. I will show you around the city

Youre always in this city, so you think its the frontline, huh? I was being sarcastic; did you get it? Ah, he didnt get it.

But Rosalia laughed a little. Yay.

The next day at breakfast, Timona came to me when I was eating with the local aristocrats and Chancellor, which was rare. Timona was usually silent and reserved in the presence of the aristocrats in order to keep a low profile.

But Timona, of all people, came to me in the presence of the Chancellor.

Please eat your breakfast sparingly, Your Majesty.

Timona whispered a short sentence into my ears.

But that was enough.

Hmm, alright.

I replied not with gratitude, but with those words since I didnt want to be seen as suspicious in front of the Chancellor. Timona would get the message. It was really good advice.

That is an emperor.

So, they are the survivors of the enemy army?

Disgusting.

And those who collaborated with the enemy, but commoners cannot be trusted. We must kill them before they collaborate with the enemy again.

Hmm. I see. Then what are they doing?

Disgusting.

Ah. That is They are getting information about other enemy units. They wont talk unless you do something like that.

Oh! They are already preparing for the next battle? Excellent, excellent.

Disgusting, disgusting, disgusting!!

This sight! The smiles on those guys faces! And me, the powerless one who has to speak those words!

Disgusting Fark

What a sinful being the emperor is.

This spectacle is proof of that sin. They will get their share of suffering if there is an afterlife. If there is a hell, they will taste its torments forever.

I have already been reminded of that So I want to cover my ears and close my eyes.

How much easier would it have been if I had never come to this place; if I had never known. They just look at people as numbers and take hundreds and thousands of lives with a single document. Thats what the politicians of this world are. Cant I also act like that?

I want to turn my eyes away from this scene as soon as possible. But, even so.

Its even more sinful not to know.

I want to see them fight.

Dont look away.

Hmm, I want to see the danger even if it is from a distance.

Dont let them sense your disgust.

Ooh! Its on fire. This is a sight to behold.

And let this sight be etched into your soul!

But its quite smoky What? Theres a tent in front of the hill! Youre well prepared. As expected of the Chancellor.

Deceive. Laugh. And dont forget!

I am the emperor.

I burnt this scene into my mind until the sun set and the flames consumed everything in sight.