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Chapter 142: Assassinating the Emperor ②

~Princess Luna’s Perspective~

We were able to infiltrate the Imperial Castle’s dungeon through the escape route. I was wary of being found out while in the dungeon, but thanks to Nelfie-san’s skills, we got through the dungeon without any difficulties.

After that, we proceeded smoothly by passing through the grand staircase, the entrance, and the main hall, and completed our infiltration without being spotted by the guards until we reached the halfway point, my private room. From this point on, if any guards were to find me, I can make some sort of an excuse.

「Nelfie-san, from now on, I’m more concerned about encountering ordinary servants than guards. In that case, I would appreciate it if you could refrain from killing anyone other than those who are clearly hostile.」

「Yeah, that’s my intention as well. However, if I feel that they are suspicious even in the slightest, I will attack without mercy. I hope you understand that.」

「Of course. Thank you very much.」

In order to not raise suspicion, I changed into casual clothes in my room, told Lucia, my personal maid, to leave me alone for the day, and then walked down the hallway.

For the past five years, I have been habitually sneaking out of the castle. So even from the servants’ point of view, it was nothing more than “Ah, so you have returned.” Even if my actions are slightly erratic, as long as I carry myself like royalty, they won’t be particularly suspicious. I am a delinquent princess, after all.

After entering the castle, it was surprisingly easy to reach the Emperor’s room.

——Knock, Knock

As I knocked on the door, I heard a low and intimidating voice from the other side.

「Who is it?」

「It is Luna, Your Majesty. I have just returned from Wislo.」

「……Enter.」

I used my usual tone of voice to hide my nervousness. As I quietly opened the door, I saw the back of the Emperor who was standing by the window. For some reason, there was a nostalgic air surrounding him.

「Luna… I have done something unforgivable…」

「Fa…Father?」

「It was just a while ago… That the brainwashing came undone, and I remembered everything. I can imagine why you have come to this room.」

「!? I am sorry, but would you mind answering one question?」

「What?」

「Please tell me the name of my favorite flower.」

My father was unable to answer this question when he was brainwashed. I can never forget the deep sorrow I felt when I learned that my father no longer remembered me.

Honestly, a question like this won’t prove that the brainwashing has been undone, but there is no other way to confirm that the brainwashing has been undone. That being the case, I decided to leave it to my own intuition.

「White rose, which symbolizes “reverence”…」

「H-Has the brainwashing truly been undone!?」

「I am sorry for everything…」

「It’s okay! But this means that the demons…」

「Yes, someone must have defeated them.」

「In that case, the Empire is now safe! If it’s you father, you can restore things from here—」

「No, Luna…」

「!!」

「Whatever the excuse, I am the mastermind of this incident. In order to rebuild the crumbling Empire, it is necessary for the head to be defeated. And the only one who can perform the last rite for me and become the new Emperor is… you, Luna.」

「No…」

「I’m sorry. If only I had acted like I was brainwashed, it would have been easier for you to point your blade at me. Please forgive my naivety and selfishness in wanting to talk to my daughter one last time.」

「F-Father…」

「I’m really sorry about Garnet and Roy. And please forgive your father’s cowardliness for leaving you all alone in this world…」

…I should be resolved for this. No matter what, considering the future of the Empire, what I have to do does not change. However, seeing my father’s true face for the first time in a long time dulled my determination. Right then, I felt Nelfie-san’s presence next to me.

「Your Highness Luna, if it’s difficult, shall I do it instead?」

Her words were very kind and gave me a push on the back.

However, if I were to rely on her, I would definitely regret it. And above all, my father wants me to perform the last rites… The last request of my beloved father…  It is my duty as the daughter to grant it, and my duty as a person born into the imperial family to fulfill it.

「No, I have made up my mind.」

「You’ve finally put on a good face, Luna. Well now, we don’t have much time left. I am leaving the future of the Empire in your hands.」

I had already made up my mind when I defected from the Empire. To send him off peacefully so that he can rest…

「I am okay! I am Luna Ibrudia. The daughter of my respected father and mother, and the younger sister of my beloved brother Roy!」

With trembling hands, I pulled out the sword from my waist and bit my lips hard as I pointed the blade at my father, the Emperor.

And then, desperately suppressing my hesitant self, I only thought of ending his life in a single stroke so that he would not suffer. Aiming at my father’s heart… I thrust the blade.

I felt a raw sensation of flesh tearing from the tip of my sword that was inserted into the body. And even if my eyes were cast down, the pool of blood that spread at my feet inevitably forced that fact into my brain. .

However, I endured the urge to look away and forced myself to suppress the nausea. Holding back even a little of the endless tears, I desperately made a smile.

「May…the path…you walk… be blessed… Lu, na…」

「Thank you for all your unconditional love until now.」

I shall respond to the kind and gentle smile that my father showed me at the end…