Published: January 4, 2026
"...However—"
"Hmm?"
"Your Majesty mentioned sensing the presence. If that is the case, then my coming here... I must also surely be constantly monitored by the late emperor."
"If so, then it should be fine."
I said that, recalling the moment I came to Don’s place.
"When I entered, I focused my presence towards you. Even now, I have erased my own presence. As long as I’m not visually detected, it’s safe—surely from outside, I am 'invisible,' right?"
"Of course. With this position, I have some countermeasures in place."
Don nodded, impressed.
"So, right now, I am alone inside this study—that's what it means, yes?"
"Yes."
"That combination is impressive."
"I don't think I’ve completely slipped away, and besides, this is ultimately a race against time."
"Time?"
"I told you, I left behind my presence."
"……"
Don thought for a moment.
He realized my words were effectively a question—a kind of quiz.
"Ah, Your Majesty does not stay in one place."
"Correct."
I nodded slightly.
"Unless something extraordinary happens, I rarely remain in one spot for long. Especially where I left my presence."
"If you stay still too long, you’ll arouse suspicion... is that it?"
"Exactly. The test succeeded; I must return soon and move again."
"I see! So what will you do after that?"
"That, I cannot tell you."
"Huh?"
Don was momentarily caught off guard.
But he quickly came to his senses.
"For me?"
"Yes."
"For me as well—not—"
"Indeed."
"Understood."
Don accepted this and bowed.
"Well then, since Your Majesty has graciously come, I have one matter to address. Should I not inquire about it?"
"Precisely."
I nodded firmly.
Don is quick to grasp things; that’s why I keep him close as a trusted aide and promoted him to First Prime Minister.
"If I were to hear that and give instructions, my 'presence' would arise there."
"True."
"And even if I don’t give orders, knowing you, you’d likely guess by reading my expressions. That too mixes my presence."
"Ah... amazing, Your Majesty, to consider it so thoroughly."
"......"
I smiled faintly.
"Then proceed with that matter as planned before Your Majesty’s arrival."
"Very well."
I nodded and then glanced toward the door.
☆
After leaving Don’s place, I returned once to where I had left my presence and resumed normal mode.
Then I began moving.
Taking the main street, I advanced while avoiding people as much as possible, and eventually arrived at Oscar’s mansion.
At the front of Oscar’s mansion, the night guard was naturally on duty.
The gatekeeper immediately performed his duty upon seeing me.
"Stop! What business do you have at this hour?"
"Silence. Is Oscar here?"
I deliberately lowered my voice, keeping a solemn expression.
"What did you say—huh!"
"I said, be quiet."
"Y-Yes."
Oscar’s gatekeeper knew me.
That made things easier. I said to the gatekeeper,
"This is top secret. Take me directly to Oscar."
"Ha ha!"
The gatekeeper said that and started leading the way.
I followed behind.
Along the way, we met estate servants twice, but when the gatekeeper sent them some kind of secret signal, they quickly composed themselves and pretended not to see us.
Their training was thorough—I thought so as I was led into the study.
Like Don, Oscar seemed to have been holed up in his study until this late hour.
The gatekeeper knocked.
"Who is it?"
"......"
The gatekeeper silently opened the door.
Oscar was writing something at his desk.
He raised his head in surprise that a subordinate acted without any reply, but when he saw me, surprise shifted to a different kind.
He quickly regained composure and told the gatekeeper,
"Thank you for your efforts; you may withdraw."
"Yes, sir."
The gatekeeper obeyed and backed away.
As I entered the study, the gatekeeper slowly closed the door.
"Tiring to work this late, huh?"
"It's a royal family duty. Your Majesty knows that well, doesn't he?"
"Indeed."
I moved further into the study.
Oscar’s study had a desk and a chair set; aside from bookshelves, there was no other furniture.
In other words, only one place to sit.
Oscar immediately stood and offered me his chair.