Chapter 141
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Cabin.
The thick fog by the deep lake scattered hazily through the window.
Euphemia, who had been gazing outside the window, turned her gaze back to the Hero.
Intently scanning from head to toe, her sharp gaze continued.
Why?
No, lets deal with the matter at hand first since you seem busy.
The Emperor looked weary as usual, but her gaze flickered alive like a freshly honed blade.
She seemed like someone determined, as if facing an important matter.
Hence, the Hero could discern what the Emperors matter was.
Is it about the East?
The Emperor nodded silently.
Yes, a specific plan was established yesterday. Soon, a primary vanguard composed of members of the Dawn Knights, a few elites, and heroes will set out.
The departure date?
It will be around the time Felson returns and joins.
The Hero, who had been listening quietly, furrowed his brow.
Its much earlier than scheduled.
As the Hero knew, the East plan roughly looked like this:
A vanguard would secretly depart, first piercing through the Great Mountain Range, clearing and occupying the outskirts of the enemy territory, while the following rear troops would establish a forward base and stabilize the area.
It was a simple military operation, but the preparation process was inevitably complex.
Various information gathering and control, as well as solving problems such as communication and supply, and preparing for the unstable situation in the western region due to the lack of troops.
Because of this, the Hero expected the vanguards departure to be no earlier than autumn, even if it was rushed.
After all, the Emperor had mentioned that timeframe.
But such a sudden change in schedule.
Why the rush?
The enemys movements are becoming increasingly unpredictable. I judged that if we hesitate any longer, we might miss the opportunity.
But the pacification of the west is not yet complete. If the troops suddenly leave, civilian casualties will be too high
The Emperor interrupted with a dry expression.
We have no room to spare for civilian casualties when a rare opportunity has come. As you know, those damn demons who we thought would submit after the Demon Kings defeat are now going crazy.
The Hero nodded slowly.
Indeed, that was the case.
They are not fools.
Although not as much as the Demon King, the Hero too must have suffered in the major battle to some extent.
Thats why the main demon army retreated, but guerrilla attacks by some high-ranking demons were becoming more frequent.
It was evident from the fact that the number of stakes being driven into the western continent had not decreased at all.
Most of the demonic energy production was being used for western containment and the Demon Kings recovery.
However, because of that, their army and the defense line of enemy territory have become unusually weak. They wouldnt even think wed attack in reverse. Its something that hasnt happened in centuries, so its natural.
Yes. I understand the necessity of the East. But why the sudden change in schedule?
Because of anxiety.
The Emperor slowly closed her eyelids.
Like the factory. I was anxious whether there were more unexpected demonic energy production methods we hadnt anticipated. I was afraid that the Demon King might return even faster than four years and sweep us away unprepared. I rushed the schedule out of fear of missing the opportunity we gained at the cost of Teds life.
Weve always been a step behind by just chasing after their tails. I judged that its better to advance the schedule and break through head-on, even if it requires some sacrifices.
The Emperor deliberately ended her words while looking directly at the Hero.
In fact, this was a matter that sharply divided opinions internally.
There were those who opposed, fearing that the expected damages would be greater than anticipated.
And there were those who believed that rushing out was advantageous when considering the big picture.
It was a tiresome but reasonable story of sacrificing the few for the sake of the many.
He will surely criticize.
The Emperor knew she wouldnt be welcomed with this story.
Its like the situation with the Lonkers.
At that time, she was aware of the damage but didnt send troops.
There were more important things than preventing disasters in a few secluded rural villages.
But this time, although the context was similar, the scale was different.
The damages caused by the unexpectedly early conquest of the east will likely be much greater.
She expected a few words of criticism and cold stares about her humanity.
If he wore Teds face and uttered harsh words, it would certainly be unpleasant.
But for him, who had exerted himself for the salvation of everyone without rest for the past few months, he had every right to despise such words.
But.
Understood.
?
The Emperors puzzled expression at that dry response.
The Hero also nodded casually.
Why are you doing that?
Is it over?
Hmm Ill pray for good luck.
The Emperor briefly opened her mouth, then closed it again.
Why? Whats going on?
She hadnt imagined such a response from the impostor after observing his behavior all this time.
Seeing the Emperors questioning gaze, the Hero let out a small sigh.
It was only then that he figured out what she was thinking.
Euphemia.
Why.
Theres something I didnt say last time.
Last time?
From Lonkers No, from before that.
Euphemias eyebrows narrowed at the sudden remark.
No, it wasnt just the content that was sudden.
Even the tone and choice of words were strangely out of place.
Rough and unrefined word selection and pronunciation.
She soon realized that the impostor wasnt impersonating the Hero.
You
But he continued without paying attention to her.
Over the past few months, Ive been truly happy and proud to play the role of the Hero. It was the first time I rescued so many people with my own strength.
So?
But soon, I had many thoughts.
The impostor looked at the Emperor with sunken eyes.
Did I really do my best?
What?
The sluggish voice picks up pace.
What if I had spent a few more months busier and more diligent in Rosenstark? So that I could replicate the real Hero faster and become stronger.
So that I could suppress Desmond at the auction house faster. So that I could find Noubelmag and go to Lonkers faster. So that I could arrive at Jedo faster. So that I could kill Harlems bastards and track down the factory faster. What if? Would things have been different if I had been a bit more cunning and bold?
It was agonizing, and thats why I kept having these thoughts.
It was the first time in a few months that she had heard the Doppelgangers inner thoughts.
Euphemia stared at him intently.
Having had many similar thoughts long ago for similar reasons, she knew the answer to the question the impostor posed.
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To gain power.
Because of gaining power, right? Power widens the range of choices but also makes one keenly aware of the responsibility.
The impostor nodded.
Thats right.
Still weak, but now he had enough power to reach out to some of the unfortunate events around him.
Living parasitically in human society, the Doppelganger had come to wield influence over many peoples lives.
And that influence would undoubtedly grow immeasurably in the future.
It was a realization that was becoming increasingly apparent.
Pressure. It was an emotion I had never felt before in my life. Naturally, I had these thoughts.
Then what about the Emperor, the ruler of this empire? What weight is she carrying in her heart?
Euphemia replied casually, as if throwing it out.
Seems like youre thinking of something pretty grandiose. All thats dulled a long time ago.
Is this kind of emotion something that can be dulled?
Its simple. Weigh the options and make the choice that seems more rational. Thats all.
Right.
The impostor spoke in a flat tone.
Because you thought your scale was more accurate than anyone elses, the real you made the decision.
A choice she couldnt even be sure of and felt guilty about.
The Emperor bit her lips tightly at his words affirming that choice.
It was also the moment when the impostors tone softened.
There was a warmth that was hard to find in Ted, and it lingered around him.
So I wont second-guess your choice.
Ill just help make the other side of the scale feel lighter, just like the Original did.
By the time the fake had finished speaking, the emperor had turned her head halfway.
He continued his words, looking at the side of the emperors face.
Remember what I told you last time?
What.
I asked you to tell me if there was a stake of the right grade. I will have the children subdue it in order to gain practical experience and increase their progress.
I think its too early for them now.
No. My children and I grew much faster than expected. Now I can handle quite a few variables. So lets try to reduce civilian casualties caused by the troop gap as much as possible.
By removing some weight from the opposite side of the scale, Ill help make your choice a little less painful.
Thats what the Doppelganger was saying.
His boldness and kindness didnt even amuse her.
Quite presumptuous. They really are similar.
The Emperor chuckled softly and decided to quickly end this conversation.
Okay, enough grandeur. Lets get to the results.
Although her mouth had never stumbled before, it was causing trouble now.
But the impostor, full of consideration, didnt point it out and simply nodded calmly.
Indeed.
After that, the conversation proceeded quickly.
The Emperor conveyed several matters in a very businesslike tone.
Shee mentioned that the regular reports on the northern pacification process would be sent to Dorempa and Ivar, and Shadows would be tasked with finding suitable targets for pacification and passing them on to Number 3.
As soon as the brief conversation was over, the Hero left the cabin.
No, he tried to leave.
Until the Emperors calm words struck him in the back.
You. You almost died at the factory.
What?
It seems like the report of someone who claimed to have safely completed the subjugation was false.
The Hero felt sweat trickling down his back.
How did she know?
And at that moment, the image of Larze and the Emperor conversing in one corner of the banquet hall flashed through his mind.
As expected, shes acting on his own.
Perhaps the Emperor wondered how he viewed the role of the Hero, sparking this strange curiosity.
The Hero sighed and prepared a few excuses.
.
.
.
After all the commotion, or rather the conversation, had ended, the Hero headed back towards the lakeside.
Whether the conversation had ended or not, Nyhill was standing in front of Larzes magic circle with Barun.
Earlier, Barun had requested to have a brief conversation with Nyhill.
I feel somehow drawn to this child, so Id like to exchange a few more words.
Feeling it would be odd to refuse, I granted permission.
The Hero carefully observed Nyhills expression.
He couldnt quite tell what they had talked about, but there seemed to be a slight lifting of the shadows that had been cast heavily on her face.
At that moment, Larze suddenly butted in.
Are the chatterboxes done yet?
Thank you.
For what?
For personally delivering my exploits. I would have been disappointed if you hadnt mentioned them.
Oh, that? No problem.
Larze retorted sarcastically and waved his staff.
Shall we start heading back now?
Suddenly, a bright light emanated from the magic circle in front of the lakeside.
Intricate lines and symbols intertwined in front of him, enough to evoke admiration.
It had only been two weeks since leaving the academy.
Moreover, thanks to Larze, the return was much faster than planned.
However, the Hero felt as if he had been away longer than he actually had.
The quiet and calm correctional facility, the silent and warm research lab, the voices of the children chattering they all came and went like a hallucination.
Yeah, lets go back.
To Rosenstark.
Wooosh-!
Soon, a white light enveloped two horses and three humans.
Only the old woman and the Emperor remained by the lakeside.
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