「I was planning to leave after eating and drinking a little…」
「Ahaha… It's a direct invitation from His Majesty the Emperor, after all.」
Just as I decided it was time to gather the crew and leave the party, I was intercepted by Isolde, the female Imperial Guard with whom I had practiced swordsmanship before, and a group of Imperial Guards. They politely ordered me to come with them to the Inner Palace. The Inner Palace of the Imperial Castle, that's is the Imperial Family's private space where the Emperor and his family live!
「And it's just me and Mimi…」
「I think they were trying to be considerate!」
「I wish they would have shown the same consideration for Mimi and me.」
As I grumbled while walking, Isolde glared at me. Sure, I might have been disrespectful, but at least let a poor commoner vent about being at the mercy of the Emperor.
「Today, not only His Majesty the Emperor, but also Crown Prince Walter, Crown Princess Louise, and Princess Luciada will be present.」
「Did they lose their minds? What kind of joke is this?」
「That's disrespectful. The thoughts of His Majesty… are beyond the comprehension of us ordinary folk. And, if you think we Imperial Guards would make such a joke, you couldn't be more mistaken.」
「Well, yeah, I guess…」
「E-Even the Crown Prince and Crown Princess…?」
Isolde's shocking statement made me blurt out something that could easily get me charged with disrespecting the Imperial Family, but I wish they put themselves in my position. I mean, she just said that His Majesty the Emperor himself, along with Crown Prince Walter, his wife, Crown Princess Louise, and their daughter, Princess Luciada, are all gathering just to meet with Mimi and me. These are the literal central figures of the Grakkan Empire. Well, to be precise, I heard Princess Luciada has an older brother, so even if all four of them were to perish here, the succession would still be secure.
But look, just the mention of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess waiting for us has Mimi visibly shaken.
「I guess we have no choice but to prepare ourselves… Do we have to go through a thorough body check, or something?」
「Considering you're someone who can kill an Earl's heir even while being fully restrained and held at gunpoint, the only way to make you 'safe' would be to sever your head from your shoulders.」
「You're a terrifying woman, you know that…?」
Oh, so that's why. Isolde was the only one leading the way, while the other Imperial Guards surrounded me from the sides and behind, ready to strike at any moment.
「You don't need to be so cautious; I don't plan on causing any trouble.」
「Our duty is to protect the members of the Imperial Family by any means necessary.」
「Right… I see.」
There's no getting out of this. I guess I'll just have to go along quietly.
☆★☆
「It's been a while, Captain Hiro. Your exploits have reached my ears countless times.」
「It truly has been a while, Your Majesty. I hope no foul rumors have reached you that could sully your ears.」
I replied respectfully to His Majesty the Fucking Emperor, who was emanating an overwhelming aura of charisma, while forcing a smile.
「Hmm? It's fine, you know? You can refer to me as 'Fucking Emperor' as you usually do.」
「Hahaha… I-I have no idea what you're talking about.」
What is this, are you some sort of persistent stalker? I've only said that out loud a handful of times.
「You truly are identical…」
「Yes, indeed… You must be Mimi-san?」
「Y-Yes…」
「Mimi-san, there's no need to be so nervous.」
Mimi was practically frozen, surrounded by Crown Prince Walter, Crown Princess Louise, and Princess Luciada. She might be somewhat used to Princess Luciada, but this is her first time meeting the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, so it's no wonder she's overwhelmed.
「So, Your Majesty, what business do you have with a lowly mercenary like me?」
Aside from the Imperial Family, the only others present here are the Imperial Guards. Even so, I know very well that if I speak too disrespectfully, I might get cut down by the guards, so I have to choose my words.
「Well, I just wanted to catch up a little. Besides, I figured it wouldn't hurt to let Walter and Louise get acquittanced with Mimi.」
「I see. Ah, that reminds me, I met your rambunctious younger sister.」
「…What?」
「After departing from Edge World, I stopped by the Alein Star System. She mistook me for someone who had deceived Mimi and forcibly brought her aboard my ship, then assumed I was having my way with her. We almost ended up killing each other.」
「…Haa. Knowing her, she's probably already gone into hiding by now.」
His Majesty the Emperor sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. That old bat is something else. Making the Emperor himself sigh like that isn't something just anyone can do.
「Speaking of which, you did well in Reemay. You have my praise.」
「I'm honored to receive your praise. Though, to be honest, it was your sister's advice that led me to the Reemay Star System in the first place. She suggested it would be a good place to sell the advanced technological products and medical supplies I had acquired in the Alein Star System.」
「She's always had a sharp eye… Well, in any case, I should thank you. The many sacrifices that happened there were due to my own incompetence.」
「Wasn't it the fault of the incompetent noble who was governing that colony?」
「Tracing it back, it's my responsibility that such an incompetent was in charge of a colony. Magnelli tends to be a bit lax. As for the future, I can only place my hopes on his son, who has seen things firsthand.」
「You mean Hartmut? He's a good man.」
Despite being an imperial noble, he didn't seem to harbor much prejudice against commoners, at least that's my opinion after seeing him interact with Airia. He also seemed to genuinely care for his people, so he'll likely make a good lord. My only worry is that, like his father, he might be too soft-hearted.
「Coming from someone who dislikes nobles as much as you, that's high praise indeed.」
「I don't really dislike nobles.」
「Don't lie. If that were the case, you would have already made a move on Lady Holz or Lady Dareinwald by now. Considering that two of your women are Dwarves, I wouldn't be surprised if you had a taste for women with a more youthful appearance.」
「Let's not get too graphic, Your Majesty. After all, your grandchild who is at a sensitive age is here with us.」
I glanced over at the Crown Prince's family and Mimi, who seemed to have warmed up to each other and were now chatting cheerfully. It sure looks fun over there, meanwhile, I have to engage in a bit of verbal sparring with this old fox.
「Isn't it a bit too late to say that after you've already laid your hands on Mimi? Just thinking about that bright smile of hers being tainted by your lust fills me with righteous indignation.」
「Please stop joking, Your Majesty. I'd rather not be sliced to pieces by the Imperial Guards.」
「As if you'd ever just quietly allow yourself to be cut down.」
The Emperor gave me a look that seemed to carry a deeper meaning. This old man knows something about my psionic abilities, doesn't he? Well, I suppose it's only natural. I haven't exactly been hiding it since I finished the job in Edge World.
「There is nothing certain in this life. By the way, Your Majesty, I'm thinking of visiting the Holy Vuelzarus Empire soon.」
「What's this? Are you planning to flee before tying the knot with Lady Holz and Lady Dareinwald?」
「That's not it. One of my crew members is a priestess, remember? I'd like to let her visit her homeland, and I'm also hoping to find some information related to my psionic abilities and origins in her country. I plan to be back shortly.」
「Hmm… I have no intention of standing in your way. People like you tend to bring nothing but trouble when turned into enemies.」
I think His Majesty's judgment is spot on. There's a possibility I could wipe out a star system—or even multiple systems—if things go wrong. And who knows how my fate-manipulating abilities might influence things?
「Thank you. When I return, I'll continue clearing out those space pirates who've been causing trouble on the outskirts of the Empire, as usual.」
「I will eagerly wait for your return then.」
The Emperor flashed a sly grin while saying this. Great, it looks like he's plotting something again.