3 bar menu

Chapter 294 part 1

Amria was being positioned as Asteria for the role of Emperor of the Romal Empire.

Informed of Asteria’s current objective, Amria released a long sigh as if expelling all the air in her lungs, while Yachiyo and Fuuko’s eyes widened in astonishment. Gundeus, in contrast, gazed at Asteria’s joyful expression with a chilly look, unable to fully conceal his happiness.

If Amria were to become the next emperor, it would indeed be a convenient means to realize the peace she envisioned during her travels in the Romal Empire. This position serves as both a 『method』 and a 『tool』to move along the shortest path towards her goals. The issue lies in genuinely accepting Asteria’s words, which announce this opportunity with such delight. It’s natural to suspect some hidden malice behind such a tantalizing offer.

「However, Amria-sama believes her sister’s words to be true. Although she is kind-hearted, she is well aware of the malice and unfair treatment from others. As Gwandan stated, she is also intelligent. If Amria-sama is convinced, then it must be true.」

Thus, Gundeus, who holds a fondness for Amria, sharpens his alertness and focus even more, ready for any emergency. He telepathically communicates the ongoing conversation to his sister and master, despite not being a guard anymore.

Gwandan, engaged in a spar with Kyles, receives the urgent telepathic message from Gundeus without any visible disturbance and nods in understanding, finding coherence with Kyles’ statements.

Meanwhile, Lynette and Kyrlinne continue their training under the strict supervision of the imperial maids, maintaining their composure without a twitch.

As these three react in their own ways, Yachiyo, unable to withstand the atmosphere created by Asteria’s golden smile and Amria’s pained expression, loudly exclaims without restraint.

「Are you serious, so serious that I can’t even accuse you of being insane? This is bad, very bad!」

Asteria’s serious demeanor leaves no doubt in Yachiyo’s mind, prompting her to repeat her concern. For Yachiyo, a former samurai from Akitsukuni, Asteria’s casual proposition is beyond comprehension.

If Yachiyo panics, so does Fuuko. Her steadfast ninja spirit is forgotten as she nearly screams in alarm.

「This person is truly intending to make Lady Amria the emperor? I’ve just heard something unthinkable!」

「Yes, exactly, dog and fox. It’s understandable that you find it hard to grasp. To me, it’s a simple matter if Amria finds value in my proposal and understands its utility. Isn’t it premature to be so cautious about me, Mr. Gundeus?」

「I’m embarrassed to say I can’t fathom what Asteria-sama desires to gain by relinquishing her imperial seat, leading to my distrustful attitude. I beg your pardon for this, and hope for your generous understanding.」

「How boldly stated. I hope you, along with Gwandan, Kyrlinne, Torne, and others, will become a strength for Amria once she ascends as emperor.」

Gundeus’s wariness intensifies under Asteria’s scrutinizing gaze, akin to watching prey in a cage. Although he knows much of it is teasing, the remainder of Asteria’s emotions still irk him.

「I cannot answer that alone. Moreover, as you say, Lady Amria has yet to respond.」

「Indeed, I may have been too hasty in my excitement. Have I spoken prematurely, Amria?」

「Since you had us secretly observe that meeting, I’ve been suspecting, despite my denials, that such an outcome was possible. You wanted to introduce me to those who form the basis of your political, military, and financial power, to prepare me to interact with them once I take your place as your sister.」

「Even among those who esteem me for my tolerant policies towards non-Romar human and demi-human races, there are variations in attitude. Today’s meeting made that very clear. At least they don’t engage in actions that ‘significantly’ harm the greater good for personal gain and influence.」

“I mean, I’m mimicking the ‘small’ undermining actions,” he said.

「You have an unforgiving reputation, don’t you? You are the ones who have supported my sister up to this day.」

「Both my uncle and I are of legitimate imperial lineage, so our loyalty to the imperial family is the same on either side. Most of those who side with me, not my uncle, do so for their own and their families’ benefit. Please do not misunderstand me, but I don’t see this as wrong.」

「I am not seeking selfless loyalty from them. We benefit each other and build cooperative relationships. It’s logical, isn’t it?」

「But there are some, like Grand Duke Baroldi, who, out of state loyalty, would serve the Romal Empire if I became emperor, even just a little.」

Asteria, it seems, had a limited, if not nonexistent, understanding or empathy for others’ feelings, focusing more on connections based on profit. Perhaps her lack of emotional nuance led her to value the clarity of profit and efficiency.

Asteria is betraying those few who have been loyal to her, but Amria did not voice this. She, too, couldn’t fully dismiss the option of deceiving her own loyal subjects, as her sister’s proposal held value for her.

「Sister, is there anyone other than Lord Kyles you plan to inform about this?」

「I won’t say none at all. You can perfectly mimic my thoughts and actions, but there are things you might not be able to execute, and there are subtle differences in our mannerisms.」

「Some who attended the recent meeting will notice the discrepancy between us. Yes, I plan to disclose it to a few in an irreversible situation.」

In other words, she planned to reveal it after creating a situation like Amria’s current one.

「You really are cunning, sister. You eliminate all other options before presenting yours.」

「Calling it politics is trite, but when people of differing ideologies and personalities come together, negotiation is inevitable. And naturally, there are winners and losers.」

Asteria looked at Amria, who seemed to understand yet not accept the answer, with a gaze that was neither pitying nor mocking. The fact they were identical in appearance but so different in character wasn’t unpleasant.

「If you’re to be the emperor, this won’t be enough. You’re set on ascending the throne. Use even this conversation as sustenance. You need to be able to smile while holding a knife ready to strike at the heart of your opponents.」

「I understand it’s difficult for you, but I won’t let you go unprepared. I will set the stage to some extent, since I’m imposing the responsibility of emperor on you.」

Even Asteria’s delicate smile, worthy of being called a golden smile, couldn’t mask the apprehension in Fuuko and Yachiyo, who feared the underlying implications.

Gundeus thought the same, but given Amria’s reaction, Asteria seemed less dangerous once Amria became emperor. The worry was the mental toll on Amria and others during the process.

「Ufufufu, truly amusing. Amria, you don’t need to articulate it now, but think about what will happen before and after you become emperor.」

「You might seek Arkrest Kingdom’s help or join the southern rebels. I won’t approach you after you become emperor. I can’t make a vow, but I promise.」

「I understand your commitment to making me emperor. Yet, I suspect there’s more to your motive for making me emperor as ‘Asteria,’ not ‘Amria’. Discovering that might be like dancing on a cliff, blindfolded.」

「Yes, yes, you understand others’ emotions better than I do. You excel in this regard. As for my true intent, well, it’s a secret, especially since it’s family.」

Convinced that Asteria wouldn’t reveal her intentions, Amria, exhausted, asked for a break to share and organize the information.

「May I end our discussion here? I grasp the seriousness of your words and actions, but digesting them is draining. Can I discuss this with Gwandan-sama?」

「Yes, you may. You can even tell your guardian, the Arkrest Kingdom. That’s up to you. You already knew who and how much to tell when you spoke with your maids, dog, and fox, right?」

「I thought confirmation was necessary.」

「Sigh」, Amria sighed heavily, and her sister chuckled. The situation might seem like a sister teasing her twin, but the reality was more complex.

「Fufu, I’ve given you a great surprise. It’s like a first gift from an unworthy sister. Well, maybe at our final parting, I’ll tell you why I wanted you as ‘Asteria’ to be the emperor.」