Children of the Holy Emperor

Chapter 8: Audience with the Holy Emperor (3)

Seongjin sat down and stared at the Holy Emperor in silence for a while. It was an expression of his will to gauge his intentions as much as possible.

It was the most disrespectful look on his sons face, but the Holy Emperor didnt seem to care as he lifted the teacup in front of him.

His face as he looked into the tea without drinking was so indifferent that Seongjin immediately doubted whether the person in front of him had emotions.

The silence between the two was broken when the Holy Emperor set the teacup down on the table.

Dont like it? Didnt you usually enjoy eating?

What? Were you suspicious of this?

Seongjin thought about it and called him cautiously.

That, father?

Yes, Morres.

In an instant, his pulse went blank. He was nervous about something, but the other person really seemed to have no idea.

Well, its a bit questionable, but youre going to treat me like a son, right?

For some reason, Seongjin felt like he was going to be what he was, so he picked up a cookie in front of him.

If he didnt eat it, he thought hed keep noticing, and its a pity since its already prepared.

Munch munch.

!

Its more delicious than he thought?

Does the body that lost fat after a few days of dieting want sugar, or is it similar to Morres original taste that Sungjin didnt even know about.

Decades of living mainly on preserved food on a planet that was devastated by the invasion of monsters. The desserts that the royal chef put the soul into were enough to satisfy his desolate taste buds.

Seongjin admired and tasted various kinds of desserts. In the meantime, the Holy Emperor would look at Seongjin without saying anything and would sip tea from time to time.

Only then could Seongjin take some time to observe the Holy Emperor.

At first glance, he looks young and docile.

Perhaps because of his strangely cool eyes, he doesnt look young at all. In reality, he may not be that young. Edith once told him that aging slows down when an Aura user reaches a certain state.

If so, how strong is he? Even for Seongjin, who had a history of fighting for decades, the decision was not easy.

In the case of Edith and the resident knights of the Pearl Palace, if they could regain some of their physical strength, they were confident enough to try rubbing it without an aura. Needless to say, it is possible to crush if it is in the state of absorbing the magic beasts spirit.

However, in the case of the Holy Emperor, it was ambiguous. He didnt feel any strong momentum, but when he tried to find a gap, it was strangely awkward.

Above all, Seongjins intuition, forged in a long battle, continues to sound an alarm toward the Holy Emperor.

This must mean that hes strong enough to be hard to measure, right?

If possible, lets not stretch out on this guy¹. Seongjin made that decision.

After that, an awkward father-son conversation ensued.

Thats right, how have you been?

What I have been doing physical training, and I am thinking of losing some weight.

Good idea. I hear you are going to the gymnasium these days?

Yes. First of all, I try to start with light exercise and gradually increase the training time.

Exercising too much can actually be harmful.

I know. Once I get used to it, I can reduce the time instead of increasing the intensity. Then, wouldnt it be possible to read some books in my spare time?

Books?

The Holy Emperors eyes widened.

It was a meaningful change in expression that Seongjin, who doubted whether he was human because he had no expression, can read it for the first time.

Oho. This topic works. After all, there are no parents who would hate their children studying anywhere.

Seongjin felt a little more at ease and started chattering incoherently.

Um Thats why Ive been so ignorant until now No, havent I lived away from books?

Its true that the demon king said so, right? Fortunately, the Holy Emperor did not show any reaction.

Then, when I came back to life, I think it made me think about life again. A philosophical topic pops into my head. Why do you live your life. What do you do with life. Things like that.

Philosophy.

Yes. And Im also curious about religion. Death and the afterlife, God and the soul, I want to know some of these things.

The Holy Emperor tilted his head.

Are you interested in that? I think the first person who got kicked out was the theology teacher.

No, didnt Morres just skip all classes, regardless of subject?

Thats why, Your Majesty the Holy Emperor, no, Father. I have a real question.

What are you curious about?

Yes. Do you believe your father has a soul? No, since you are the Holy Emperor, of course youll believe it Its not like that, in my fathers eyes Can you see the human soul?

It was an impulsive question. It was because of his personality that he couldnt hold back his curiosity at the moment when he was strangely convinced that the Holy Emperor would not harm him right away.

At the same time, it also penetrated the most fundamental suspicion.

What Seongjin had been worried about from the beginning, and what he still doubts about the Holy Emperor.

The Holy Emperor answered mildly.

I can clearly see the soul in my eyes. Even if it is not, the priest who believes in the Lord naturally does not doubt the existence of the soul. As the prince of the Holy Empire, you shouldnt have such doubts.

Then what does the soul look like?

It is the same as the person he was before he was born. Because the soul is affected by the body until the moment it dies.

Seongjin swallowed his saliva. Then.

Then, maybe What does my soul look like?

The Holy Emperor did not answer right away this time.

Why is that all of a sudden?

No, what. I have lived a dissolute life so far, I wonder if my soul has gained this much weight too

It was bullshit even thinking about it, but Seongjin decided to be confident.

The Holy Emperor looked at him blankly for a moment with unknown eyes, then said.

To confirm that, you will have to see your soul come out of your body first. Did you want to die?

No, this guy strikes people when theyre caught off guard.

He was wrong

The audience time passed faster than expected.

Seongjin was never a good social person even in his previous life, but strangely, in front of the Holy Emperor, words leaked out as if his tongue was greased.

Maybe he was such a talkative person, he was surprised at himself even during the conversation.

Its a quick adaptation compared to what he was nervous about considering the Holy Emperor as the final boss. Perhaps it was because of the relief that came from the disappearance of the threat to life he had been feeling all along.

So, while I was doing gymnastics on the floor, Edith suddenly came running in fright. She thought I flipped over and couldnt get up.

Is that so?

I think Ill throw everything I have in my hand, how do I know how to run if Im holding on something while working out my arms?

Thats right.

By the way, the tea is really good. Ive never drank it much, but it smells really good compared to the tea called Melbourne that Edith brew the other day. It really tasted like bile.

This tea is also Melbourne .

Yes?

The Holy Emperor was a better person to talk to than he thought, because he silently listened to Seongjin even when he talked about nonsensical things. Of course, he wasnt a guy with a very good reaction.

Maybe thats why, even though he was actually almost the age of Seongjins son, his fathers voice came out well and smoothly.

So I want to learn Aura. But Im not sure how to start.

At the end, he also asked for this.

He seems to be the most powerful person in the country and a fairly strong Aura user, so if he cant take advantage of this opportunity, hes an idiot.

Thats right, Aura

The Holy Emperor rested his chin on his head and was lost in thought.

They said that training in swordsmanship or spearmanship should precede it. I heard that there are unique Aura practice methods tailored to that skill, and the more you master them, the more you can handle Auras freely.

Ah, theres a separate method of seniority!

okay. The basics of learning Aura are seniority. Of course, it is said that the classification of seniority becomes meaningless after reaching a certain level. Because where the heart goes, the Aura naturally flows.

Then, first of all, while learning swordsmanship

What?

Seongjin nodded and suddenly became puzzled.

Isnt this man an Aura user? Why are you talking so bluntly as if you heard it from someone else?

I heard that Father is also a user. How did you learn it in the first place?

At Seongjins question, the Holy Emperor rubbed the tip of his chin with his hand.

Um? Why do you look a bit embarrassed right now?

I keep watching, so I think I know a little bit about this expressionless man.

Thats it, I dont really remember how I got it. I moved habitually when using the sword, and later heard from my master that it was an Aura.

Yes?

Seongjins mouth fell open.

Wow, he heard that he had a talent for using Aura as if he was breathing since he was young, was basically what this person was saying.

Come to think of it, even though you didnt know how to study when you were young, it seemed like you enjoyed swordsmanship lessons quite a bit. But no matter how much you practiced, you couldnt get a feel for the aura at all.

Oh, um

Even when you try, there was no result, so in the end you have lost interest in swordsmanship.

I see

Suddenly, a flood of sympathy for that Morres floods in.

There was at least one thing he did with his heart, but he didnt even have the talent for that, poor bastard.

Seongjins thoughts became complicated. It was because it was Morres body, so he thought that the way to go would be difficult if he was naturally insensitive to aura.

Will it be too hard? I thought that if it was something I could learn through training, I could somehow learn it

Seonghwang shook his head.

In the end, it is a matter of time and effort. Even those who take time to feel the aura at first, I have seen cases where the speed at which they are mastered it is extraordinary. Furthermore

He stopped talking, stared at Seongjins face for a moment, and then spat out unexpected words.

I dont think it would be that difficult for you now.

* * *

In the carriage returning to the Pearl Palace, Seongjin was spread out, leaning against a cushion in a proud mood.

Although he was a little tired, todays audience was quite a success.

Chief Chamberlain Louis was in tears.

Its been several years since the two of you spent such a happy time

To make a decent grandfather so happy, this is a true example of respect for the elderly.

In addition, to Seongjins request to resume the swordsmanship class, the Holy Emperor replied as follows.

Sooner or later, I will send a suitable person to the Pearl Palace.

And one of the biggest achievements of all, is that he didnt have to worry about being exorcised in the future! Hurray!

The carriage writhing violently as the body of a large body writhed here and there in joy.

Prince! Whats going on! Are you okay?

Hearing the coachmans shout outside, Seongjin quickly straightened up and cleared his throat.

Ahem, no problem! I slipped off the seat for a moment. Dont mind it!

[Good job. Are you a kid? Im really ashamed to see others.]

And the demon king, who had been silent until now, finally opened his mouth. Seongjin responded happily.

Thats what I do when Im alone. anyway are you okay? Why are you so quiet?

[The impact on the soul is too great. I also needed time to recover.]

The feeling of trembling is vividly conveyed. It seemed like a really big deal.

[The main palace, it was truly a terrifying place filled with divine power. I thought I would die from being completely crushed. If the divine power hadnt been cut off at that time, if it had been a little late, I would]

Divine power blocked?

Seongjin also had some guesses. Just when the Holy Emperor put his hand on his head, he did something then.

[I dont know what kind of trick he did, but now theres a barrier around our souls.]

Barrier?

[It seems to have a property that completely blocks spiritual energy as well as divine power. Now, even if someone with divine power is nearby, it doesnt sting like before. Only]

The demon king hesitated a little, then continued with a downcast voice.

[Its just that its impossible for my soul to interfere with other souls.]

Wait, that means

[Yes, thats right.]

A trembling wave like a sigh is transmitted.

[Soul detection is no longer possible. I just tried it against the coachman and escort knight, but it didnt work at all.]

Does this guys only usefulness disappear like this? Now, he really has become the embers of the Demon Realm.

The demon king exclaimed in a fit of anger.

[But now it is possible to move away from this body to some extent? Can you stop treating me like trash?]

So youve gone from lie detector to short-range navigation?

Too bad

Seongjin corrected his posture and sat down, looking out the window. As the twilight slowly sets, the ivory walls of the Pearl Palace begin to appear in the distance.

It had only been a few days, but it was strange that the Pearl Palace felt as cozy as home.

For now, lets take comfort in surviving. He was a better person than I thought, and both of us are safe.

However, the Demon King thought differently.

[What? Good guy? Youre safe? Wow, you naive human being. If people are ignorant, their hair can become a field of flowers like this]

Seongjin was at a loss for words as a black and thick feeling of fear suddenly surged from his trembling soul.

[Maybe you dont know. You wont know unless you touch it soul-to-soul.]

?

[That Thats a monster. How could such a thing exist in this world?]

Hey, monster is a bit

[If not a monster? Do you really think someone that I, the great Demon King of Gehenna, cannot measure the limits of, is an ordinary human?]

To that extent?

Still, wasnt that person relatively kind to them? He gives good advice and saves the demon king

The demon king snorted.

[Hmph! Do you really think that monster doesnt know who you are? But why would he let you live? What about the evil spirit that stole his sons body?]

Its a bit harsh to say its an evil spirit. Cursing others, huh? Just doing harrassment, or just do whatever you want! Isnt that enough?

Huh? Im an evil spirit.

Ignoring Seongjin, who suddenly gained enlightenment, the demon king began pouring out all the words he wanted to say.

[Lets see if were gone. Isnt Morress body going to die? So even if it annoys him, hell leave us alone for now! And hey, how would his find his real sons soul? Perhaps the evil spirit that stole the body knows best? Because the clues are none other than us! Doesnt that mean hes going to stay by our side and keep an eye on us? Huh? Dont you know that?]

Hey, calm down

Seongjin was not as comfortable with the Holy Emperors favor. But he thought, for a moment, that there was a real father-son bond.

Of course, he didnt convey that thought to the demon king. He was in a rage, and now hes crying.

[Scary. That guy, hes so scary]

While soothing the sobbing Demon King, Seongjins carriage entered the Pearl Palace.

Before he knew it, a twilight was settling around him.

And that evening, an administrative official who visited Seongjin with Edith announced that the visitor restrictions placed on the Pearl Palace had been partially lifted as of today.

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T/N:

¹ literally means nobleman, but with the way Seongjin talks (and how later someone scolded him for referring to the emperor like that) I think he meant it more as the slang for that guy/that man. So Ill stick to that moving forward.

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