Chapter 231 – We went out to meet them!?

---

“Hmm… I didn’t think that this palace would be useful so quickly.”

Said Solm, as he looked up at the palace that had been constructed on the mountain that was southwest of Fendel.

Upon hearing of the Emperor’s visit, we had left the Demon King’s castle and rushed back to Fendel.

After consulting Sophis, it was decided that talks with the Emperor would be held at the palace, which had been built in order to welcome the humans.

On the surface, the palace was supposed to have been made for Ylis, queen of the Toria kingdom.

And so it was also run by Solm and humans from Varthburg, who were subordinates of Ylis.

As it had been made very extravagant from the beginning, it was suited as a place to negotiate.

“However, the Emperor…”

Solm looked at me with a serious expression. I had already told him about the Demon King and the Emperor’s visit.

“If the Emperor really is being controlled… What kind of art is being used?”
“He should have powerful magicians as personal guards. I did not think that he could be so easily manipulated by Kyuby.”
“Or he could be cooperating while in complete control of his senses… No, surely that is impossible.”

Nordos III was supposed to be the wisest of human rulers. A thoughtful, brilliant tactician.

Such a person had suddenly called the human kingdoms to wage a holy war on the Demon King… That alone had made me suspicious of Kyuby’s involvement.

“Aye…I do not wish to believe that he is seriously thinking of such a thing. In any case, Kyuby is a threat.”

It was possible that some plan would be underway outside of the palace. And so we had the Noa tribe, which could use magic, watch over Fendel and Varthburg.

“That being said, it seems that he admires his master, Sophis.”
“So perhaps we don’t need to worry so much. Besides, the new plan does not necessarily go against Kyuby’s wish.”
“In that case, it might be best to leave the rest to Sophis. All we have to do is help.”
“Yes, that is true.”

We nodded at each other.

And then I headed towards Iria and Mette, who were standing around a table nearby.

Mette noticed me and called out.

“Oh, have you finished talking with your friend?”
“Aye. And have you finished installing all of them?”

I asked, and Mette nodded.

“I know what I’m doing. After all, we made the palace with you. Besides, Ymir and the dwarves had made some false mirrors. They look like mirrors from the front, but are windows from the other side. Apparently, she saw them in the royal capital.”
“Oh, so they have such things.”

If it was attached to the room where the talks took place, we just had to look from the other side of the mirror in the neighboring room, and we could see the meeting without being noticed.

Well, maybe not…

I didn’t know about the Emperor, but Kyuby would likely be able to detect the magic energy.

Iria must have thought so too, as she said,

“But we cannot put too much trust in such a thing. They will be able to detect the movement of magic energy. I think it would be best to have a small group of people who can use Hide.”
“Yes. The people who will watch over the meeting will be me, Iria, Mette, Melk. And Ausha will watch the sky while Ecleshia watches the gardens.”
“Understood. As for the meeting… I hope that they are able to persuade him.”

While Iria seemed worried, Mette did not look concerned.

“It will be fine, Princess Iria. This Kyuby owes his life to Sophis, after all.”

As Mette said, the Demon King was Kyuby’s savior. It was the same with Yomotsu as well.

Kyuby and Yomotsu had started to work their plan in the human countries without telling the Demon King.

But even after Yomotsu was captured by us, he did not do anything that would hurt Sophis. He had not said anything about her. As for his plan, perhaps he just wanted to encourage her, as she was having doubts.

As for Kyuby, he would not want Sophis to be harmed as well.

Of course, anything could still happen. And that was why we were on our guard now.

Iria nodded at Mette’s words.

And on the following morning, the Emperor finally reached the mountain with the palace.

I and the others from Fendel used Hide to conceal ourselves on the top of the mountain. While Sophis and Solm waited in front of the palace in order to greet the Emperor.

The cavalry unit clad in resplendent armor could be seen at the foot of the mountain now.

They then ascended the gently paved mountain path that we had built.

Beneath the massive, fluttering flag, an elderly man wore a small yet distinctly radiant golden laurel wreath on his head and rode his horse forward. It was Emperor Nordos III.

The emperor was surrounded by not only guards, but members of the royal family, and nobles as well. As ruler of Toria, Ylis was also with him.

However, I could not see Kyuby anywhere.

When they arrived at the front of the palace, the Emperor and his entourage dismounted. And then they faced Sophis and her attendants.

The Emperor then walked towards Sophis. His expression was calm, and he did not look like someone who was being controlled.

As for Sophis, she was wearing a robe. And a white mask covered her face. Because her true appearance would weaken her sense of authority.

And while some of the royals and nobles muttered rude words at Sophis’s appearance, the Emperor did not seem to be bothered as he addressed her.

“Lord Demon King. I am grateful that you answered my request to talk.”
“It is I who is grateful for this opportunity. And I thank the Toria king for providing this wonderful place.”

Sophis bowed, and Ylis lowered her head frantically.

“I-I thought it could be of use one day.”
“You have my gratitude as well, Your Majesty.”

Ylis nodded, and then she looked at Solm and said,

“No-now, I shall show you all the palace. A meal has been prepared as well.”
“Thank you. However, I do not need any. As for the talks, they will be held by just the Demon King and I.”

At this, those around the Emperor raised their voices in alarm. They objected and said that it was too dangerous.

However, the Emperor shook his head.

“They already held this overwhelmingly advantageous position on top of the mountain. And they did nothing. The Demon King has no such intentions.”

Upon hearing this, the others fell silent.

Ylis seemed a little troubled as she answered.

“We-well, it shall be as you say then. Uh…”

Ylis turned to Solm, who nodded back.

“There is no problem. The room next to the dining hall has been prepared for the meeting.”
“Then I will go there at once. Demon King?”

Said the Emperor, and Sohpis nodded.

“I do not mind. I too wished to speak of the matter as soon as possible.”

She answered, and then Solm led Sophis and the Emperor into the palace.

And then the royals, nobles and guards followed after them in order to eat.

However, Kyuby was not visible within the group.

Considering these were all important people, there were more than a few who had great magic energy…but not as much as Kyuby. Perhaps he was using some illusion art.

I was not sure, but it was hard to imagine that he would do nothing when the Demon King was here.

And so Iria and I nodded to each other and headed into the palace.

Next Chapter

Seisan Mahoushi no Rakuraku Henkyou Kaitaku - Saikyou no Ajintachi to Howaito Kokka wo Kizukimasu!