We spent the rest of the day before my summons to the Empire preparing for the trip. Zara explained her absence to the wolf-kin and Alara. I let Ilina and Cara know that I may be gone for a day or two. Ilina, I told the truth, and Cara I just told that it was something important. She seemed curious, but she didn't press the issue.
There was also the matter of locating the royal capitol of the Empire – Rodsgard. It is in the northeast section of the country, hundreds of miles past Cedonia.
I decided that the best course of action would be to stealth teleport us to the outskirts of Cedonia, then use long-range magic sense to detect the largest cluster of magic signatures in that direction. After that, I can just fly us there.
It's the morning of my summons, and we're all standing in the reception hall with our full gear. We don't really need it; we just want to look the part if necessary. I also had Alto and Zara wear hooded cloaks, for extra safety.
"Alright, is everyone ready?" (Mizuki)
There's a round of confident assent from Nina, Alto, and Zara. After confirming with magic sense that Cara is not nearby, I teleport us to the area just outside Cedonia. I orient myself to where I think Rodsgard is, based on the sun, then I use a thin arc of magic sense to search for power clusters.
After a little searching, the largest signature seems to be in the direction I expected, over 700 km away. That must be it.
"Okay everyone, get in flight formation. I think I located Rodsgard." (Mizuki)
"Fufufu…I get the front spot!" (Nina)
As Nina declares this, she jumps over to wrap me in a hug, then gives me a charming smile. Alto and Zara just laugh, then walk over and prepare to fly. I nod my approval at everyone and take off at max speed.
With the four of us, it takes about an hour to get there. Most of the terrain between is sparse and relatively flat forestland, but it becomes more mountainous as we approach our destination. Eventually, a massive city emerges on the horizon.
Surprisingly, the city itself does not have a huge protective wall encircling it, like the others I've seen. However, that's probably because the city is a metaphorical island.
It's situated atop a rock formation in a surrounding canyon, and a narrow extension of that rock formation is the only access point into the city from the main road to its south. That said, there is an enormous castle within the city center that has its own defensive wall – Belmod doesn't like looking at the plebes, I guess.
Zara mutters at the sight in amazement.
"This is a natural fortress…it would be very hard for soldiers to overtake." (Zara)
Alto responds bitterly.
"I agree…I wish our own royal capitol were so well defended." (Alto)
Nina responds predictably.
"Fufufu…they've completely ignored the air! Dragons would destroy this feeble city." (Nina)
I sigh deeply.
"Everyone, I'm going to set us down in the forest off the main road. We'll need to walk that short distance to the city's entry point, then cross the rock formation for entry like everyone else. Since that's the only access road, I'm guessing the emperor has people waiting for us to show up. From this point forward, maximize your defenses. Alto, use your ring." (Mizuki)
Everyone voices their assent.
I set us down near the main road, behind the nearby tree line, and drop the concealment spell. Hmm…initially I thought this gear would make us look like travelers, but I also wonder now if they're going to confiscate any weapons or gear when we go to meet the emperor.
"Alright, load all your things into my item box. I consider it likely that they'll try to confiscate our weapons and gear early on, and I want to avoid that. Alto, you can put your things in your own item box if you'd like." (Mizuki)
I summon the item box, and place my weapons in it, then Nina and Zara follow suit. Zara looks longingly at her sword as she puts it in. Alto takes me up on my offer and stores her daggers and travel gear in her own item box. Truthfully, she's a mage at heart, so she doesn't need them.
Afterwards, I nod at everyone approvingly.
"Great, let's go then." (Mizuki)
I wait until there's a lag in the foot traffic, then we quickly walk out onto the road and approach the city's access point. There's a slight wait at the entry checkpoint, while several guards assess the incoming visitors.
As we get closer in the line, I can hear some of their exchanges. The guards always ask for the travelers to state their business, and the responses are varied.
"I'm an adventurer, I'm returning from a collection job."
"I'm a merchant, I have a meeting to discuss purchasing property and opening a new shop here."
"We're citizens, returning from visiting family in a nearby village."
In all cases, the guards ask for written verification or identification. So, we're not bluffing our way in here – the city will be alerted to my presence. It's even possible this security is specifically for our arrival. I make sure to position myself at the front of our group.
Eventually, I'm next in line.
"State your business in Rodsgard." (guard 1)
"Good morning, my name is Mizuki. I am here responding to a summons from Emperor Belmod." (Mizuki)
I see recognition on the guards' faces briefly. So, they were alerted to me.
"Do you have proof of this summons?" (guard 1)
I nod politely and grab the letter tucked behind my shirt. I hand it to the guard, and he looks it over casually, then nods.
"Seems official. It says you're an adventurer with a party, so I'll need to see everyone's guild cards to verify your identities." (guard 1)
I nod and produce my guild card, then collect Zara's and Alto's. I hand them to the guard while Nina does the same with her own guild card. I really hope the guards don't try and hold on to them, because Nina really loves that thing – she might kill them over it.
The guard scans over the cards briefly.
"Wow, they're gold, huh? I've been doing this for years and never seen these…real S-rankers." (guard 1)
The guard seems chill to me. However, when he flips through to Zara's and Alto's normal cards, and scans them, his eyes go wide in surprise, and he tries to peer under their cloak hoods – I'm guessing he noticed their races on the cards.
The guard returns our cards, and he seems thoughtful for a minute before responding.
"Okay, you two are clear, but they have to stay here with us." (guard 1)
I raise my eyebrows at him curiously.
"They are members of my party. May I ask why?" (Mizuki)
The guard hesitates before responding.
"The card said they were B-rank, and the summons was for an S-rank party. So, we can't verify that they're included." (guard 1)
Bullshit.
"You have verified my status, and I, the leader of the party, verify that they are included in my party. Is there an issue?" (Mizuki)
The guard looks conflicted, but eventually responds flatly.
"We have to detain anyone who looks out of place." (guard 1)
I narrow my eyes at him.
"In other words, this has nothing to do with their B-rank status, and everything to do with their race. Is that right? If it were about their lack of S-rank, you would have been surprised when you saw the normal guild cards mixed in, not when you read them. Are non-humans banned from Rodsgard?" (Mizuki)
The guard stiffens, and he is obviously flustered.
"No. Still, those are our orders." (guard 1)
The guard looks nervous, and I see his two companions watching me carefully – their hands are on their short swords. I sigh deeply and give the guard a smile.
"Well, that much I can understand. I guess there's nothing else to be done, then." (Mizuki)
The guards seem to relax.
"Alright everyone, let's head back to Elmesia. It seems our party isn't welcome. Guards, please give Emperor Belmod our sincerest apologies for not being able to enter his city." (Mizuki)
All the guards' eyes go wide in surprise.
"Wait! You're going to ignore a summons from the Emperor!?" (guard 1)
I turn back to him with my best confused expression.
"Ignore? Of course not, I traveled all the way here, didn't I? Emperor Belmod asked me to come as the leader of an S-rank party, not as an individual, which implies that I'm to bring said party. I came, and now that party is not being allowed inside. That would make you the ones ignoring the summons, not me. I'm sure Emperor Belmod is a very understanding man, though, so you can clear it up with him and we'll come back later." (Mizuki)
I see the main guard's face go pale, but one of the other two guards just narrows his eyes at me, annoyed. He's leaning against a post nearby, and he seems to be the oldest of the guards.
"Listen kid, we're not ignoring anything…we were told to detain any elves or wolf-kin that showed up here today. If you try to leave, that's ignoring the emperor's summons, and we can arrest you. None of you even have weapons, and you can't use magic. So, do as we tell you, leave your little pets here, and quit running your mouth." (guard 2)
Guard 1 grimaces at the other's response and turns to sternly address him.
"Kurt, you're still my subordinate. Don't get involved unless I tell you." (Guard 1)
Kurt snarls but returns to his leaning pose quietly. That's okay…he was very helpful. Belmod obviously told them detailed information about us and wants to preemptively detain Zara and Alto without explanation. That's not a good sign.
[Nina, Alto, Zara, be ready. I'm going to have to be a little stern with them.] (Mizuki)
I address the first guard when he turns back to me.
"Well, that's what Kurt thinks, but it sounds like you're in charge. Tell me, what do you think is the wisest decision? Turn hostile towards the friendly S-rank party or escort them with a couple of extra guests." (Mizuki)
I glare at the first guard to drive home my point. Kurt looks like he's seething, but the guard in charge is hesitating. Time to push him a little harder. He must know about Nina's magic abilities, so I bet he's not inclined to fight us while so outmatched.
"Might I suggest the latter? After all, you could still turn hostile against us later that way. The difference is…you'll have backup then." (Mizuki)
The guard gives me a shocked look, and he seems to be breaking out in a cold sweat, but I just maintain his gaze. Eventually, he makes a decision.
"Kurt, you stay here and continue gate duty. Rhett, run ahead and get word to the emperor that I'm escorting Mizuki and his entire party to the palace." (guard 1)
Rhett nods and takes off across the land bridge to Rodsgard. Kurt is absolutely glowering, but just walks over to continue checking IDs at the gate. The head guard waves us towards him and begins walking across the pass. When we're halfway across, I speak up.
"My, my…Rhett seems nice, but Kurt…tsk, tsk. I feel sorry for you, having a subordinate like that. I'm guessing he feels that he should be your superior, since he has more experience in the guard. Is that correct?" (Mizuki)
The head guard gives me a puzzled look, then shakes his head in exasperation.
"Yes, you seem like a sharp kid. That makes it even more confusing why you're so nonchalant right now. I saw your card myself, and you can't use magic. If you're not an idiot, why are you not more worried?" (guard 1)
I smirk at the guard, and he grows nervous.
"Worried? Do tell, what would I have to be worried about? Is there something I should know?" (Mizuki)
The guard stares at me suspiciously for a few moments, then turns around without a word and keeps walking in silence.
As we cross into the city limits, I'm taken aback. The smell, the grime…the number of people in rags sitting in the streets…they don't treat their commoners well here. As we continue further into the city, the conditions improve, but that only makes the earlier scenes more appalling.
It takes a while, but eventually we reach the castle wall gate. The guards there see our escorting guard, whose name I still don't know, and they nod at each other and open the gate. As we pass, they eye my party and me tensely.
Ahead, I see a stone walkway lined with armed guards leading up to the castle doors. Again, they are all watching us closely as we pass, but magic sense tells me they aren't making a move behind my back. Still, this is obviously getting dicey.
[Everyone, you stay nice and close to me so I can get you to safety if needed. I'm still hoping to talk my way into a non-hostile relationship with this emperor, but not at the risk of your lives.] (Mizuki)
[Fufufu…you are being far too generous, Mizuki. They obviously intend us harm.] (Nina)
I groan internally…yeah, I didn't need Nina's ESP to tell me that. Call me an optimist.
We walk through the palace doors, into a massive throne room. It looks like the only other doors or hallways are at the back of the room, behind the throne. The place is brimming with armed guards, all staring at us. Magic sense tells me that they are all 3 or higher power levels and alteration class, and there are probably sixty of them.
This is absurd. From what I've gauged of humans, that combo is so rare that it wouldn't surprise me if this was every such individual in the entire country. It can't be anything other than a cherry-picked elite squad.
We walk further into the huge room and stop halfway to the throne. I look up to see a muscular man about my height, around age 30 with brown hair and eyes, sitting on the throne. He's wearing armor, a…cape…, and a short sword, and he has magic attributes like the guards.
He has his face propped up on his hand, leaning against the side of his throne, and he's wearing a smug and amused expression. Yup…real douche vibes. Based on the tone of the letter, I'm guessing that's Emperor Belmod.
The unnamed guard kneels in front of us, then calls out to who I assume is Belmod.
"My Exalted Emperor, allow me to introduce the S-rank party you summoned, and their leader, Mizuki!" (unnamed guard)
The guard gestures at me, and I give a light bow. Belmod's expression becomes surprised, then almost hysterically amused.
"Yes, yes, that will be all, Lobe. Come guard the western hallway until I need you." (Belmod)
Belmod makes a dismissive gesture, and I get the impression he basically just told our man Lobe to count grass. Lobe voices his assent, then rises and walks to the right side of the emperor to stand in front of a hallway.
Belmod turns his gaze to me and looks down condescendingly.
"So, are you really the leader of an S-rank party? You look like a runt to me…one barely old enough to grow hair on his face." (Belmod)
I smile politely and give another bow. I sense irritation from Nina…she's starting early this time.
"That is correct, Emperor Belmod, my name is Mizuki. Allow me to offer my sincere thanks for extending us your invitation to Rodsgard for this audience." (Mizuki)
Belmod shakes his head in amusement.
"Fufufu…you're quite the polite runt, at least. It's hard to believe you gave my men so much trouble at the gate. Also, let me give you some advice…the proper way to address me is, My Exalted Emperor. Now…I hear that you were personally endorsed by the elf queen. Does that mean you've been to their kingdom?" (Belmod)
Jeez…this is really going to hurt my pride, but I need information, and I think he's just cocky enough to give it to me if I play nice. Unfortunately, I'm beginning to sense actual anger from Nina.
"You are correct, My Exalted Emperor, my party and I have been granted special permission to visit the Elven Kingdom at will." (Mizuki)
Belmod gives a surprised look and leans forward curiously.
"Really now? How did you manage something like that?" (Belmod)
His eyes narrow at me expectantly, and I have a sneaking suspicion that he already has a theory. Hmm…how to avoid telling him the truth, without angering him. I can't think of a lie he'd believe and not be upset about. Maybe I can make it into a joke? If I were a self-absorbed meathead douchebag who looked down on everyone else…what would I find funny? I'm guessing, 'she loved my poetry' won't do.
"The elves were plagued by an Elder Dragon, and I faced the beast in single combat. Using only my bare hands, I beat it into submission, and sent it away with its tail between its legs. Our visitation rights were a reward for my fearless taming of the beast, My Exalted Emperor." (Mizuki)
I sense a huge rush of amusement from Nina…good, she's not murderous. Glancing at Belmod, he's staring at me dumbfounded. Shit…I misjudged him.
After several moments, he begins laughing hysterically, and I feel a rush of relief.
"Hahahahaha…dear god, runt, you're really something else. Fufufu…even my jester hasn't made me laugh like that. Do you want his job?" (Belmod)
This D-bag has an actual court jester? Actually, that tracks.
Now that he's distracted, I need to redirect this conversation to learn something. I bow humbly.
"Naturally, I'm not fit for such an honor, My Exalted Emperor. May I inquire as to why you so graciously summoned my party and me here?" (Mizuki)
Belmod's hysterics slowly fade into a slightly amused smile, and he nods agreeably.
"Sure, there are two reasons. The first was, I'm curious about the Elven Kingdom. The prior emperors couldn't even get our spies into the place for basic surveillance. Once, my father sent in a man with an ultra-rare invisibility spell, and even he was never heard from again. I'm hoping to learn more about the elves and their country from someone who's been there. What can you tell me about it?" (Belmod)
Yeah…that screams 'I want to invade' to me. I make an expression like I'm thinking it over.
"Regrettably, my trip was not thorough enough to meaningfully comment on it. All I can tell you is that they were prosperous, peaceful, and very devoted to one another, and the one city I happened to see was impressively built." (Mizuki)
Belmod seems to be watching me carefully, and he continues his nodding.
"Hmm…not thorough enough, you say? That's a shame. Could you go back if you wanted to?" (Belmod)
I think I know where this is going, and that conversation would cause issues.
"Yes, that's what I was told. I'm sorry that I couldn't be more help with the first reason for your summons, My Exalted Emperor. Perhaps I could assist with the second reason, if I can inquire what that is?" (Mizuki)
Belmod looks surprised by the change in topic, then stares at me suspiciously as he responds.
"The second reason has to do with an incident in one of my southern cities. It happened quite some time ago…but it remains rather mysterious. You see, there was a heavily guarded warehouse containing valuable merchandise in a city called Cedonia, and one night everything in it disappeared without a trace. Guards, merchandise, everything, as if they all turned to smoke." (Belmod)
I put on my most confused expression.
"My…that's extremely mysterious. I confess that I'm confused why you'd honor me with the assumption that I could solve such a mystery, My Exalted Emperor." (Mizuki)
Belmod nods and smirks, but the amusement is gone from his face. After a moment, he continues.
"Well, runt, that's because the merchandise that went missing was elf and wolf-kin slaves. As it happens, only a few weeks after that, your new S-rank party was announced – approved by the Elven Kingdom. What's more, the guild records show that the two newest members of your party are an elf and a wolf-kin, and they joined shortly after our little incident. If you stole some elven slaves from us and returned them to their country, that might earn the elf queen's S-rank approval, don't you think?" (Belmod)
Sounds pretty damning…ironically, it's incorrect. Still…I suspect I don't have much more time to try and glean information from him. So far, this meeting hasn't been super informative.
"Well, My Exalted Emperor, that is certainly quite the coincidence, but I don't know anything about your city's incident. Furthermore, I'm sure that my party members here are not slaves." (Mizuki)
Belmod narrows his eyes, and he stands up from his throne. He begins leisurely walking towards me with a glare.
"Is that so? Hmm...trader!" (Belmod)
Trader? The hell?
A nervous looking man in his forties, unarmed but in fine clothes, steps out of the line of guards to our side. He looks towards Alto and Zara, trying to peer under their hoods. He seems to make eye contact with Alto, and then I see Alto's face contort in rage. Shit…is that who I think it is?
The trader steps back towards the line of guards meekly, then turns to Belmod and nods furiously.
"Yes, My Exalted Emperor. That elf is definitely my slave. I can't tell for sure with the wolf-kin, but she looks familiar. I…don't know why their slave contracts aren't in effect." (trader)
Belmod turns back to me with a smug expression and his eyebrows raised, and he stops about eight meters away with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Well then, still insist you didn't steal those slaves, runt?" (Belmod)
This is a problem…he definitely seems like he'd resort to violence. That would force me to respond, and these soldiers are just protecting their jackass emperor. Probably not all of them agree with his actions. I really don't want to have to kill all of them.
I try and direct another puzzled expression at Belmod.
"Well, My Exalted Emperor, perhaps this trader is mistaken? He says there is supposed to be a slave contract, which couldn't be broken without the master's consent. Also, it is my understanding that forced slavery is outlawed in the Empire, and elves would not sell elven slaves. Therefore, if this man had elven slaves, they would be illegal and not something that could be stolen. Given his confession, I assume your orders will be to punish him severely?" (Mizuki)
Belrod snorts at me derisively. Yeah…no dice.
"No, I won't be ordering that. I don't know about what the elves would or wouldn't do, but this human has told me they were his slaves, and there is no evidence otherwise. So, no law was broken by him. You, however, are in possession of his stolen property, and I would be within my rights to punish you, runt. Since you obviously don't have what it takes to have dealt with those warehouse guards, your dual class friend would be punished as well." (Belmod)
Belmod glares at me…letting his point sink in, presumably. He might as well just say that he doesn't give a shit about the laws, and that elves and demi-humans have no rights in his country. I sense Nina absolutely seething…I'm not sure how much longer she'll hold out.
Belmod continues his monologuing.
"However, I'm a gracious emperor. So, I'll let you make up for disobeying me, runt. Your emperor orders you to use your access within the Elven Kingdom to surveil them, and you'll report back to me. Comply, and I'll let you leave here. We can forget this whole mess." (Belmod)
Tch…what should I do? I might still be able to avoid slaughtering those guards. If I just agree to his 'orders', I can feed him false information on Elira's behalf, while I investigate his country covertly. After all, it sounds like he wants to invade, and I don't think that idea would die with him. I can come back and kill him anytime, and I could kill the trader tomorrow if I wanted. Hopefully, my party will understand if I explain it later.
[Zara, Alto, Nina, please just trust me and follow my lead. I know it's going to be hard.] (Mizuki)
I grit my teeth, and I bow my head deeply.
"You are too gracious indeed, My Exalted Emperor, I humbly accept your orders. We will take our leave at once to see your will done." (Mizuki)
I turn to walk towards the palace door, but before I can take a step, I hear Belmod's amused voice.
"Fufufu…you're still funny, runt. I said you can go, but your party isn't going anywhere. The dual classer will be executed, of course, for killing all those Empire citizens. The elf slave…she'll be tortured for information about her country, and we'll be checking it against yours. After, she'll be turned over to her rightful owner along with the wolf-kin girl…perhaps I'll pay to visit her if she's still in decent shape." (Belmod)
I freeze mid-step. I…what…did he just…
My head begins to throb with anger as I process his words. I feel rage bubbling up within me as his words about touching Alto echo in my head.
Yes…I see my error now…I grossly miscalculated just how much of a piece of shit this guy was. Why was I trying so hard to avoid conflict with someone like this? I can't even remember anymore, but it's irrelevant now. He doesn't appreciate the carrot...that only leaves the stick.
Soon, I'm overflowing with bloodlust.
I glance at Zara and Alto, and they're both staring at me expectantly. They don't look afraid, but I can tell they're suppressing their rage. Alto's face is one of sheer determination, and the meaning of her expression is clear…'please, just say the word'.
I sigh deeply, my back still turned to Belmod, and send a thought message to my party.
[There's been a change of plans…trying to leave peacefully was a mistake. Trash like Belmod shouldn't be left on the street.] (Mizuki)
I sense Nina's rage turn to anticipation. I spin on my heel to face Belmod again, and he's giving me a smug look.
I feel my rage deepen, and I almost snap right there, but composure is key. I cast a silencing spell over the entire throne room.
"Tch…Nina, I think you were right…I've been entirely too lenient with this idiot. Zara and Alto, I appreciate you enduring all that for me, but that's unnecessary now." (Mizuki)
Belmod's eyes go wide in shock, then his expression turns murderous.
"Alright, runt, yo-" (Belmod)
"Shut up, Belmod. I tried to play nice with you for the sake of your guards, but you've exhausted my patience now. I'm about to teach just how much you erred by threatening my friends…especially what you said about Alto." (Mizuki)
Belmod's expression is briefly replaced with confusion. Before he recovers, I raise my voice to address everyone in the room.
"Guards of the palace! I have no wish to kill men just for upholding an oath to protect their ruler! Unfortunately, your buffoon of an emperor has made peace impossible! If you keep your swords sheathed, you will not be harmed! However, if you draw your weapons against us, then you'll die with Belmod! I'm sorry that it's all the mercy I have left for you, but you've been warned!" (Mizuki)
The atmosphere in the room completely changes, and for a moment, it's dead silent. Then, I hear innumerable swords being drawn.
Belmod's eyes are hollow, and his tone agitated, as he calls out to them.
"Kill them! Keep the elf alive if possible!" (Belmod)
I smirk at Belmod, then before the guards or him can make their move, I activate a gravity spell over the whole room. It's strong enough to pin a fully enhanced Zara, but I make sure to exclude the area where my party and I are standing. The effect is immediate…
"GAHHHH!" (Belmod)
Belmod's cries ring out along with his men's, as they're all slammed to the ground hard enough to break bones. I see a few of them struggling, some even managing to move slightly, but they're still defenseless.
"Nina, could you please go around and humanely execute all the soldiers that drew their swords? Make sure to leave those with sheathed swords alone, as well as Belmod and the slave trader. Zara and Alto, wait with me here." (Mizuki)
Alto and Zara nod their acknowledgement. I quickly summon my item box in front of Nina so she can retrieve her daggers, and she grins at me maliciously as she does.
"Fufufu…of course, Mizuki! I'm happy that you're letting me enforce consequences for those insults." (Nina)
I smile at her and nod, then she jumps off towards the guards and begins stabbing them through their exposed necks in quick succession. Belmod watches in horror as his men are slaughtered by Nina, and he calls out in confusion between his pained groans.
"GAHHH! What the hell is this!? What are you!? As your emperor…GAHHH…I order you to stop!" (Belmod)
I walk over to Belmod, unaffected by my spell due to constant body enhancement, and I squat down to give him a menacing stare. Seeing me casually resist the spell, his face contorts in confusion and fear between pained groans.
I grab him forcefully by the hair, lean over, and whisper in his ear coldly.
"If you'd just left my friends out of it…you and your men might have lived. Now, all their blood is on your hands, Belmod. Don't worry, though, you'll be atoning for it with your life very soon." (Mizuki)
I see the color drain from Belmod's face, then after a few moments he slumps over and stops moving – probably from the strain of the gravity spell. I alter the gravity spell to lighten the force on him, so he doesn't die prematurely.
I turn my attention back to Zara and Alto, and I give them an apologetic smile. The screams of some soldiers are still ringing out, so I cast a second silencing spell over the three of us.
"How are the two of you? I know that wasn't easy…I'm sorry if I could have handled it better." (Mizuki)
Zara smirks at me.
"Fufufu…I am a wolf-kin, Mizuki. Foolish threats do not scare me, and I take no issue with your decisions." (Zara)
Alto seems confused and apprehensive.
"Mizuki…I trust you, I do…but why did you tell him you'd spy on my country? Why were you going to just leave here and let them live, even knowing that he condoned our enslavement? Please…explain it to me…I don't understand." (Alto)
Alto is staring at me pleadingly, so I walk over and hug her briefly.
"It sounds like he was planning to invade your country, and they still might, even with Belmod dead. I planned to feed him false information at Elira's direction while investigating their plans and the slave trade. Then, I could help you squash both threats permanently. We could have killed the trader soon after we left here, and I wouldn't have let Belmod live indefinitely either." (Mizuki)
I see realization and relief flash across Alto's face, and she smiles at me gratefully and nods.
"Thank you, Mizuki. I'm sorry if it seems like I was doubting you…I just didn't understand. So, the reason you told Nina to spare them again just now…" (Alto)
I mean…I think she was kind of doubting me…but I forgive her. I make a placating gesture and smile at Alto.
"No worries…I'd never betray my dear friend. To answer your question, the trader is being saved for you and Zara to punish however you wish – I'll support your decision. Belmod…what he said…what he was willing to do…I'm going to kill him painfully for that. He won't have the same painless execution as his guards." (Mizuki)
Zara and Alto both nod their agreement, then we share a friendly but morbid silence. After a few moments, I drop the second silencing spell and look back out to the scene around me.
The room has fallen silent, and blood is spilling in from the borders of the room in every direction. I cancel the gravity spell entirely.
Nina is walking towards us, covered in blood and dragging the trader and one other person. When she arrives, she tosses them in front of me with a grin. The other person is Lobe, that kind of chill guard that escorted us here.
"Fufufu…this was the only guard smart enough to take your warning, Mizuki. I left the trader alive as you requested. What do you plan to do with them?" (Nina)
Hmm…looks like they lost consciousness, too. What order to do this in…let's see…
I cast a healing spell on Belmod and the slaver, then kick Belmod off away from us a few meters. He begins to stir, so I place a forcefield around him in the shape of a cube. I make sure to keep the forcefield latticed, so it's not soundproofed. I want him to have a front row seat…to hear and see what's coming for him.
I use a gravity spell on Lobe to gently float him away from us to safety, and I heal him as well. Then, I cast a cube forcefield around him like Belmod's, but I make it soundproof and light absorbing, so he can't see or hear us when he wakes up. No need to subject him to the scene that's about to unfold.
I return my attention to the slaver, who seems to be stirring finally. When he comes to his senses, he notices the scene around him, and he becomes fearful. Nina is standing next to me, covered in blood, and begins taunting him.
"Fufufu…that's right, worthless little worm. Look around…they're the lucky ones, compared to what's about to happen to you." (Nina)
Jeez…that's dark as hell Nina! She's right, though, this guy can die screaming for all I care.
The slaver hears Nina's words and begins screaming hysterically and crawling towards me…he looks up to address me pleadingly as he does.
"Please! Please, show me mercy! I have a wife and kids! Don't let these monsters kill me!" (slaver)
The slaver begins sobbing, and the faint smell of urine emerges. I just look at him coldly.
"You see…I don't care that you have a wife and kids. You've enslaved wives and children, while all I'd be doing to yours is ridding them of the worthless trash in their life. I'm sure you've made them plenty of money to live without you, by exploiting non-humans, so they'll probably be fine. If I had my way, you'd die right now." (Mizuki)
The slaver's sobbing intensifies, and I can hear the faint mumblings of the word 'please' through his sobs. I continue.
"Fortunately for you…I don't get to decide your fate. Instead, the people you should be begging are my friends, Alto and Zara…the women you tried to take as slaves. If they want to let you go right now, I'll support it. Conversely, if they decide that you should be flayed alive and healed on an endless loop until you go mad and lose the will to live…well, I'll support that, too. So, I suggest you get to groveling." (Mizuki)
[Alto, Zara, he's all yours.] (Mizuki)
Alto nods at me absentmindedly as she closes in on the slaver with Zara in tow. He looks up at them fearfully and begins screaming and pleading again. I'm curious what they'll do to him, but a sudden outburst distracts me.
"Guards! All guards! Your emperor commands you to enter the throne room and slaughter these people! Guards!" (Belmod)
Belmod has come to his senses inside the cube prison, and he is yelling frantically for support. He appears to have drawn his sword.
This idiot is in complete denial…did he think that, after all that screaming earlier during my gravity spell, the guards would have waited around outside if they could hear? I sigh deeply, then I turn and make my way towards Belmod.
Seeing me approach, Belmod's face contorts in anger, and he begins swinging his sword against the forcefield. Obviously, it's useless – I made it.
"You…runt! What the hell is this!? Have your dual class friend release this spell and face me yourself!" (Belmod)
I narrow my eyes at Belmod, and snort at him. Everyone who can hear and see me right now is my friend or is sentenced to death. So, I don't have to be coy anymore.
"That is a spell that keeps you prisoner in an invisible box, and there is another one that prevents sound from leaving this room. No guards are coming to help you. Also, Belmod, you should know that woman is named Nina. She's my lover, and she's not the one who cast the spell…" (Mizuki)
To make my point to Belmod, I summon my item box and pull my katana and dagger out. Seeing this, Belmod's face becomes shocked, but he seems to accept it and move on. I've got to give him credit for that, at least.
"Oh? You think you're not a runt just because you can use some magic. Let me out of here and I'll teach you your place." (Belmod)
Is he truly not understanding what's happening here? I just used an incantation-less spell that he can't even break out of. How does he think he has a chance? Also, why is he dying on this 'runt' hill…literally.
I shake my head at him in exasperation.
"Very well, Belmod. I was just going to strangle you to death slowly with that spell that's keeping your prisoner, but if you'd rather die in combat…I'll grant your wish." (Mizuki)
Behind me I can hear pained screams from the slaver…I guess Alto and Zara have started. I should do the same.
I drop the spells on Belmod and give him an inviting gesture, then I extend my max enhancement to my katana and prepare for his advance. Belmod smiles viciously.
"I didn't think you'd actually be dumb enough to do it! That mistake is going to cost you!" (Belmod)
Without another word, Belmod leaps through the air with surprising speed, and swings his sword towards my neck in a two-handed side slash. When it's only a few centimeters away…he freezes. Rather, that's what it looks like to me as I crank my time spell to the max.
I calmly duck under his barely moving sword, then will my magic to accelerate the molecules in the katana until the blade is incandescing a dull red. I take my superheated katana and slice it through Belmod's arm in a clean motion, right near the shoulder, then I walk behind him a few meters.
I drop the time spell, and watch as his right arm slides off, sizzling from both sides of the cut. Good, it cauterized, and he won't bleed out too soon.
Belmod's severed arm falls grotesquely to the side, with its hand still clinging to the handle of his sword. He looks at his severed arm in confusion for a moment, then realization dawns on his face.
"GAHHHHHH!!" (Belmod)
As Belmod screams out in pain, he looks for me frantically until we lock eyes. I give him a smirk.
"Need a hand, Belmod? It looks like you dropped something." (Mizuki)
Belmod's eyes are full of hatred, but there is also pain and despair on his face. To my surprise, he clenches his jaw and shakes his severed arm off the sword handle, then turns to face me one-handed. Seriously?
Before he can attack, I slow time again and repeat the arm-slicing maneuver, then stop right behind him. The result is the same.
"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" (Belmod)
Belmod's scream echoes out even more ferociously than the first time. His arm and sword fall away, clattering on the ground, and he turns towards me with his face twisted in pain. I place my hand flatly on his chest and push him back.
I'm shocked to see him stay on his feet, then…he tries to kick me!? What is this psycho's deal!?
Belmod stares at me defiantly, and he keeps trying to land kicks. Without any apparent experience fighting like that, and no arms to balance him, he just looks pathetic.
"Tch…you're as stubborn as you are stupid." (Mizuki)
As Belmod tries to kick me again, I slow time and slice off his kicking leg above the knee, and it's sent flying as it sizzles.
The sudden loss of mass throws him off balance, but he catches himself and starts hopping towards me again. This guy…I think he's completely lost it.
I speed forward and take his last leg, then his torso falls to the ground with a thump. He, being nothing more than a torso on the ground now, writhes around in vain while screaming rabidly.
"AHHHHHHH!! I'll kill you, runt!! AHHHHHHHHH!! Die at the hands of your emperor!!" (Belmod)
Belmod is practically foaming at the mouth as he screams his absurd threats at me. His eyes are bloodshot and crazed, and any sign of reason has disappeared from his face. He's totally lost it.
I walk forward and grab him by the neck, then drag him over to his throne and prop him up in it. He continues with his mad tirade.
"GAHHHH!! Serve me or perish, runt!! AHHHHH!! Kneel to your emperor!! HAHAHAHA!!" (Belmod)
Belmod begins laughing maniacally, and tears can be seen streaming down his face as he wriggles in his throne.
"I think I've seen enough of this…farewell, Belmod." (Mizuki)
I push my katana forward through the side of his neck to pierce his carotid artery, and he begins gurgling on his own blood as he tries to scream further threats. Then, I leave him to bleed out, and turn back towards Nina and the others.
As I approach Alto and Zara, I can see they've been sprayed with blood…mostly Alto. Looking down, I see the dead slaver surrounded in a pool of it as well…it seems like he was stabbed repeatedly while I was busy with Belmod.
Alto looks like she's in shock, so I walk over and put my hands on her shoulders.
"Alto…are you okay?" (Mizuki)
Alto nods solemnly.
"I am…I just…I'm not sure how I should feel. I think he deserved it…but…I didn't seem like myself. Zara had to…" (Alto)
Alto seems to lose the desire to speak as she gazes at the slaver's body absentmindedly. Zara notices and fills in the gaps…she seems eerily calm.
"Alto, stabbed him several times while questioning him about the slave trade. He wasn't giving us any useful information, and his mind had already snapped, but she kept pushing him. I was concerned for her state of mind, so I killed him." (Zara)
So…that's how it was, huh? I nod my acknowledgement to Zara with a solemn expression.
"Thank you, Zara. How are you?" (Mizuki)
Zara nods appreciatively.
"I'm fine, Mizuki, thank you. You don't need to worry about me, I feel…balanced." (Zara)
[Zara is telling the truth, Mizuki, you do not need to worry about her. She seems at peace with her actions.] (Nina)
I glance at Nina, who remained with them patiently while I dealt with Belmod, and I nod to her appreciatively. Good…so, Zara is fine.
By contrast, I think Alto is having a normal reaction to murdering someone in cold blood for the first time. This is how I should have reacted my first time…how I should be reacting now…but I don't feel that. I don't enjoy killing anyone, but I also don't feel much resistance to it when the time comes.
All I've ever felt was a sense of…correctness…like an equation being balanced. It seems like Zara feels the same way. I'm not sure what that makes us, but I know that Alto's reaction just signifies that she's a kind and gentle person at heart.
"Good, Zara, I'm glad to hear it. Please watch out for Alto while Nina and I deal with this last matter. Then, we can all get cleaned up and forget about this mess." (Mizuki)
Zara nods her agreement with a polite smile. I turn to Nina and gesture at her to follow me, then we walk over to where Lobe is being stored.
"Nina, we're going to leave Lobe alive as a witness, and I'm going to give him some demands to pass along to whoever oversees the Empire after this. Can you just tell me, out loud, whether his statements are lies or not?" (Mizuki)
Nina raises her eyebrows at me curiously, and she gives an amused smile.
"Fufufu…of course, Mizuki. What are you scheming now?" (Nina)
I shake my head.
"You'll be disappointed…there's no scheme. I showed my hand and murdered their emperor, so there's no point in being subtle anymore. I'm just going to tell Lobe that I want every kind of slavery in the Empire to end, and for all the non-humans to be returned to their countries within half a month…or else." (Mizuki)
Nina smiles viciously.
"That's not your normal method, but I like it all the same! Very well, I'm ready." (Nina)
I nod to Nina, then drop all the spells around Lobe. Lobe suddenly falls over onto his hands, as though he was probing around the inside of the cube by feel. He blinks his eyes repeatedly, trying to adjust to the sudden presence of light.
After a moment, his eyes scan the surrounding scene, and his face contorts in terror. He looks to Nina, then me, terrified, but I just give him a polite smile.
"Hello, Lobe, it seems you chose to keep your sword sheathed. So, we're not going to harm you if you behave. As you can see, you're the only survivor…so, we'd like you to pass along some messages from us before we depart." (Mizuki)
Lobe just remains seated with a stunned and fearful expression, but after several minutes he seems to regain enough composure to speak.
"T-The Emperor…is he…" (Lobe)
I nod patiently, then I gesture to the throne, where Belmod's limbless body sits lifeless. Lobe shifts his gaze to where I'm pointing, and his face goes pale. I see him start to tremble. I wait for a few minutes, but he doesn't speak up.
"Lobe? You still with us?" (Mizuki)
Lobe is shaken from his stupor and looks back to me, then nods his head frantically.
"Y-Y-Yes, I'm listening! What are your messages?" (Lobe)
I smile at him approvingly and nod.
"Great! First, I want you to tell whoever is left in charge that your country has half a month to end slavery. They will officially outlaw it, remove any slave contracts, and safely return any slaves within your borders to their home countries. I will hold them responsible for the illegal slave trade as well, so they better work hard to make sure everyone complies. If they don't meet my demands…we will return and systematically execute every person who was left in charge of that decision." (Mizuki)
Lobe is shocked silent, and he seems to become a little unsteady. After a minute, he recovers.
"I-I understand! The nobles and generals, or one among them, will probably assume leadership. I will make sure to convey your message to them." (Lobe)
I glance at Nina.
"He is telling the truth." (Nina)
I nod and give Lobe an approving smile, and he glances at Nina in confusion.
"Perfect! That's great news Lobe. Now, how do you think that whoever rises to power will respond to our demand? Will they comply?" (Mizuki)
Lobe becomes apprehensive, and he hesitates before responding. I assume that he'll lie, so I just want to convey to him early that he can't get away with it – that's the only reason for this question.
"I-I'm sure they'll see reason and do as you ask!" (Lobe)
"He is deceiving you, Mizuki." (Nina)
Lobe looks between us frantically, confused, and begins waving his hands dismissively.
"N-No, I swear, we'll do as you ask!" (Lobe)
I shake my head at Lobe and sigh.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk…Lobe…there's no point in denying it. Nina can tell when people are lying. It's not a guess…she knows for a fact that you are deceiving me – it's a special ability of hers. So, I suggest you don't misbehave like that again, understood? Now, answer my question honestly." (Mizuki)
Lobe looks at Nina in bewilderment, and she just smirks and nods. He hangs his head dejectedly, and eventually responds softly.
"I'm not sure exactly how they'll respond, but I doubt they'll do as you asked. They may send assassins after you, they may just ignore you and lay a trap, or they may even start slaughtering non-humans to make a point. Some of them are volatile and unreasonable, and they won't believe how much of a threat one party is…even after seeing this massacre." (Lobe)
"He believes that is true." (Nina)
Hearing Nina's words, Lobe shakes his head in exasperation.
"Okay, Lobe. I expected as much. So, I want you to spread another message directly to the people of this country. Tell them they have two weeks to free any slaves they own and send them back to the countries they're from. Spread that message far and wide. In two weeks, we're going to round up every slave still in this country, and any humans found imprisoning them will be killed. Will you tell them that?" (Mizuki)
Lobe hesitates for several moments, glancing at Nina periodically.
"Yes, I will do my best to spread that message. The nobles will likely not appreciate it, though, so I'll have to do it discreetly or they'll kill me." (Lobe)
"He's being truthful." (Nina)
"Wonderful, that's fine. Oh, and Lobe?" (Mizuki)
Lobe looks up at me questioningly.
"Make sure to tell them that hiding the slaves won't save them. Nina here can track the location of every non-human in your country…there is no way to hide from her. It's how we found those elves that Belmod mentioned, even though they were hidden in the underground room of a warehouse." (Mizuki)
Lobe's eyes go wide in surprise, and his mouth hangs open. Eventually, he recovers and nods his acknowledgement.
"O-Okay…anything else?" (Lobe)
At this point, Lobe is becoming progressively more dejected.
"Yes, just one more topic. Am I correct in assuming that Belmod was planning to invade the Elven Kingdom if possible, and retake Elmesia?" (Mizuki)
Lobe hesitates for a moment, then nods solemnly.
"I can't know for sure if he would have taken action, or how soon, but I'm confident that if he'd been given an infallible plan to conquer the whole continent tomorrow, he wouldn't pass it up." (Lobe)
"That's true." (Nina)
"Now that he's dead, how do you think those plans may change?" (Mizuki)
Lobe looks thoughtful for a moment.
"The Elven Kingdom invasion won't happen anytime soon after this, but I think the overall risk will increase since you're endorsed by their queen. As for Elmesia…with you being based there, and it's small size…I'd say the risk of them invading it soon is high." (Lobe)
"There is no deceit in his words, Mizuki." (Nina)
I sigh deeply. Great…now I've got to worry about Elmesia, too?
"Alright then, Lobe, here's my final message. Tell them that, if they invade any non-human country, not only will we wipe out their army, but we'll also reduce Rodsgard to rubble as punishment. Tell this to the commoners as well, so that they know to start evacuating Rodsgard if your leadership tries anything. Got it?" (Mizuki)
Lobe nods dejectedly.
"He intends to do as you say." (Nina)
I smile at Lobe…I'm glad this is finally over.
"Good. Well then, we'll be leaving now. Nina will take away your sight and hearing like before while we leave, but it will come back to you in a few minutes. So, don't freak out. Take care, Lobe, and try to enjoy the rest of your life." (Mizuki)
Lobe glares at me miserably. Yeah…that's fair.
I put Lobe back in his time-out box, and Nina and I walk back to Zara and Alto.
When we approach, Alto seems to be in a much better state of mind. I raise my eyebrows at her questioningly, and she nods with a light smile.
"I'm okay now, Mizuki, I promise." (Alto)
I smile back at her and nod approvingly.
"Okay…is everyone ready to go home and wash this terrible day away?" (Mizuki)
Everyone assents verbally.
I cancel all my other spells around the area and teleport us...straight into the bath at our mansion.
Nina, Alto, and Zara all squeal in surprise as they're plunged into the water, then they turn to glare at me. I just grin stupidly.
I have no regrets.