This is quite a tough reason.
But when you think about the opponent being Lobelia, it actually fits her well.
“When it comes purely to destructive power, Lobelia has already surpassed me.”
“I’m not sure. I think that’s just due to the difference in our abilities.”
“Which is exactly why that gap will be impossible to close going forward.”
I do remember that Lobelia awakened an additional ability after consuming the World Tree’s fruit.
But since she immediately ran at Abraham afterward and got completely beaten down, I never really got a sense of how strong she had become.
Still, hearing Theseus himself acknowledge that her destructive power surpasses his only makes that past moment feel more frustrating.
He really should’ve handled politics with a broader perspective.
“But that’s also why it’s not a good idea for her to endure the full output of that power with her bare body.”
Unlike Theseus, who channels his ability through a sword, Lobelia pours all of her power directly into her body.
As a result, she can’t withstand her own ability and ends up destroying herself.
“And the nature of our powers is on a completely different level as well.”
Light and lightning.
If you ask which is more suited for destruction, there’s no real comparison.
Light, unless it reaches extremely high output, is far removed from destructive force.
But lightning is different.
Even a small amount of it has the power to destroy something and leave its mark.
When it comes to the symbolism of “destruction”, there’s hardly anything that compares.
“The Great Sage was strong.”
Theseus let out a dry laugh.
This might have been the first time he had ever lost in a head-on confrontation.
I also didn’t realize Faust was that strong. More precisely, I couldn’t gauge how powerful he could be when properly utilizing his abilities.
“For the sake of what comes next, it would be best to properly equip Lobelia. I’ve already reached my limit, but Lobelia still has room to grow stronger.”
That’s what the weapon is for.
Whether Cintia is capable of crafting something of that level, I’m not sure…
But it’s better than nothing.
Well, for that reason, we decided to properly gear up and get everything in order.
“Then I’ll go get ready to head out. Wait in front of the imperial palace.”
“Ah, right. Understood.”
Come to think of it, it wouldn’t make sense for the two of them to walk around in patient gowns.
The imperial palace is huge, so it’ll take time just to get from their rooms.
I didn’t expect we’d end up in the absurd situation of having to set a meeting spot within the same household…
“Then I’ll head there first.”
“Very well.”
So, leaving the two of them behind, I headed toward the main gate.
But…
“Johan Damus. His Majesty the Emperor is summoning you.”
“Ah…”
“Ah?”
“It’s an honor.”
I hadn’t even made it ten meters before I was stopped by the Black Knight Lanius.
Just being called by my superior at work is already making my head spin.
“That’s not the face of someone who feels honored. It’s just us here, so be honest.”
“Why are you so obsessed with getting on my case?”
“That’s a bit too honest.”
“Then please keep what I just said between us.”
“Should I?”
Lanius spoke casually, but I know full well that this old knight is the biggest lunatic in the imperial palace.
If something sets him off, he’s the kind of madman who would slaughter people in droves.
He’s only restrained by his status as a knight. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a butcher quite like him.
I’d better handle this carefully and avoid souring his mood.
“Your Majesty, I’ve brought Strategist Johan Damus.”
“Both of you, enter.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Y-Yes, I’m coming in.”
Unlike me, who was doing my best to remain respectful, Lanius strolled into the office with a laid-back attitude.
Something felt different today. Normally, I’d be received in a grand audience hall or at a banquet.
This was my first time entering the Emperor’s office, and it smelled like paper. Almost like a library.
I guess he really does work hard.
“I greet the sun of the Empire.”
“That’s enough. I’m busy, so I’ll get straight to the point.”
“Yes.”
Fine by me if this ends quickly.
“Take it.”
Without even looking at me, Abraham held out a single document.
It was an operation order bearing the Emperor’s seal. Right… now that I think about it, I am a government official.
So he really did call me here to work.
“Have it completed within a week.”
“Yes, Your Ma—”
I was about to bow and leave immediately, but then I happened to glance at the contents of the document.
“Is there a problem?”
“…No, no problem at all.”
“Good.”
Written there, along with a list of charges, was a single verdict.
[……Based on the above charges, the assets of the Python County are to be confiscated, and the ringleader, Veil Python, is to be executed.]
He had been discarded after being used.
Well, it wasn’t anything surprising.
That’s the kind of life he’d lived to begin with. I didn’t feel sorry for him.
“Then I’ll take my leave, Your Majesty.”
This time, Abraham simply nodded without even responding.
I had been given the order to kill Count Python, but I actually felt pretty good.
After all, Abraham hadn’t messed with me at all today.
As for Count Python… well, this could be considered leniency.
It looks like an order to deal with him immediately, but I was given a whole week just to capture a weak man who wouldn’t even run and would stay put.
In a way, that’s a one-week reprieve for Count Python. If I find the time to tell him later, he’ll be able to prepare himself.
Whether or not he makes use of that opportunity is up to him. It’s none of my concern.
“You’re late, Johan. How is it that you’re later than us when we even took time to get ready?”
“I was summoned by His Majesty.”
“Don’t lie. There’s no way that’s true when all your limbs are still intact.”
“Mr. Johan, if you’re going to lie, at least put some effort into it.”
“……”
This insane imperial family.
I wish they’d all just disappear.
Is it really that unbelievable that I walked out in one piece?
***
Second Princess Cintia.
She wasn’t even mentioned in the game.
At most, she was just someone who existed, with even less presence than Lapis.
More than that, her face was never shown. I had no idea what kind of personality she had.
The only thing I did know was that she had left the imperial family early on.
Now, that mystery is finally revealed.
“Cintia.”
“Get the hell out, you piece of shit!”
Theseus casually caught the hammer that came flying the moment the door opened.
Wow, her personality is definitely that of an imperial member.
Her way with words, not so much…
“Didn’t I tell you not to call me like that?!”
“Haha, it’s been a while, Cintia. I’m glad to see you’re still doing well.”
A red-haired woman stepped out from the back of the small workshop, her face twisted in irritation.
Not just her hair and eye color, but even the way she clearly disliked Theseus. She resembled Lobelia.
At this rate, it felt like this was exactly what Lobelia would be like when she grew up.
“Hmm? And who are these?”
Cintia looked us over from head to toe with a laid-back, almost insolent attitude.
Even her demeanor was intimidating. If Lobelia acted like that, I might’ve willingly handed things over myself.
Cintia then held out her hand toward Theseus.
With a smile, Theseus returned the hammer to her.
And the next moment—
Smack!
Cintia swung the hammer and smashed it straight into Theseus’s head.
Wow… is that not going to kill him? Is it really okay to hit someone in the head like that?
Well, if it’s Theseus, he’ll probably be fine…
“I told you to keep it a secret that I’m here! Who told you to bring a whole crowd with you, you lunatic?!”
Yeah, that one’s definitely on Theseus.
He should’ve at least given her a heads-up. Anyone would be annoyed if someone suddenly showed up with a whole group like this.
“Tch. You lot, just get inside first. Standing out there draws more attention.”
We quietly nodded.
Even Lobelia, of all people, seemed overwhelmed and didn’t say a word.
Honestly, this was a bit shocking.
I’d never seen a member of the imperial family with such a foul mouth.
Now that I look at her, she’s wearing rough work clothes and doesn’t seem dressed up at all.
“So? Who are you people? You…yeah, you with the hood. What’s your deal walking around like that?”
“M-Me?”
“Who else here is wearing a hood besides you?”
“Uh, I-I’m Dietrich.”
“Did I ask for your name?”
“I’m a criminal.”
“……”
Even Cintia was left speechless by Dietrich’s model answer.
“Yeah, makes sense why you’re wearing a hood.”
At least she’s quick to accept it.
Should I say she judges things as they are, without prejudice?
“Your weapon?”
“I use a sword.”
“Show me.”
“Ah, here it is.”
“How good are you?”
“Uh, well…”
“If we’re talking pure swordsmanship, he’s even better than me.”
As Teseus answered on behalf of the flustered Dietrich, Cintia frowned as if telling him to shut up.
“Well, it’s not like that guy would lie, so I guess that makes sense.”
“Are you going to make me a sword?”
“Well, that’s usually why people come to see me. Isn’t it?”
“Y-Yes, that’s right.”
Dietrich scratched his head. At least things were moving quickly.
Still, a master is a master. She seems to treat people as customers equally, even if they’re uninvited guests.
“And you guys?”
“Me! Me! I’m Yuna Hermod. I use daggers or knives, and I work as an assassin.”
“…You startled me.”
As always, Yuna popped out of nowhere, making even Cintia widen her eyes in surprise.
“Wait, Hermod? As in Count Hermod’s family? Didn’t that old lady not have any family? Oh, I think I heard she adopted someone.”
Cintia crossed her arms, deep in thought. She’s impossible to get a read on.
“I’m Lobel—”
“You’re fine. I already know.”
“Yeees.”
With a disinterested attitude, Cintia skipped Lobelia’s introduction entirely.
“And you?”
Then, at last, her attention turned to me. This is intimidating. It feels like getting singled out by a thug in an alley.
“I didn’t really come here to have a weapon made. Um…”
“Then what, maintenance? Let me see that.”
She snatched the cursed sword from my waist.
Feels like I just got shaken down. I don’t know why she’s so intimidating.
“Hoh, not bad. Did you use alchemy? As a sword, it’s not that refined, but… yeah, it’s tricky to mess with.”
“Yes.”
“So? What’s your name?”
Wait, do I have to give my name?
She said she wasn’t interested earlier.
But everyone else introduced themselves, so I guess I should too.
“My name is Johan Damus.”
“Johan Damus?!”
Cintia who had been indifferent the whole time reacted with shock for the first time.
What’s going on? Why is she reacting so strongly only to me?
Was I really that famous?
“Ahem, so you’re Johan Damus?”
“Yes.”
“…You’re not as handsome as I expected.”
Why is she suddenly being so rude?
She’s really impossible to read.
“Well, I mean… I heard you were the guy who managed to win over both the Magic Tower Master’s daughter and my frustrating little sister, so I was curious what kind of person you were. But… haah, I guess rumors really can’t be trusted.”
“……”
“…Tsk.”
Cintia clicked her tongue as she looked at my face again. What’s wrong with my face? I’m pretty good-looking, you know?
“This put me in a bad mood. I’m not working.”
“Johan, apologize.”
“Mr. Johan, please apologize.”
“Why should I????”
I’m the one who got personally attacked, so why do I have to apologize?!
Damn these imperial brats! I wish they’d all just get lost.
But with the power dynamic this clear, I have no choice but to bow to authority.
“…I’m sorry.”
“Good. Do better from now on.”
…Yeah, I’ll try to be more handsome from now on.
***
TN: Lmao
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