Published: July 4, 2025
Debuhi Empire, Imperial Castle, Emperor's Office.
"Ha~~~~~~"
The one who let out a long, deep sigh was the former Emperor, Rupert the Sixth.
"There's no way they'll be happy about this..."
Saying this, he sighed deeply again.
With the death of his eldest son, Helmut the Eighth, at the hands of the king of horseback, Ahn, the highest power in the Debuhi Empire has once again returned to the hands of the former Emperor, Rupert.
Rupert was sighing because he disliked the idea of being scolded.
Over and over again.
And finally...
"Lady Duchess Rubine, Count Ruska has arrived."
"Let them in."
Lady Duchess Rubine, Fiona, and her husband, the blazing flame mage, Count Oscar Lusk, entered the office.
"Welcome, Fiona, Oscar. Please, have a seat."
"Excuse us."
Once again, Rupert let out a small sigh.
Fiona and Oscar had been summoned to the imperial capital from their territory, the Duchy of Rubine.
They were not yet informed of the reason for their summons.
They were only told by the former Emperor Rupert that he wanted to consult them about something.
When they received that message, both Fiona and Oscar had tilted their heads in confusion.
It was rare for Rupert to ask for consultation.
During his reign as Emperor and even after stepping down, Rupert has never consulted anyone.
While it may sound like something a dictator would do, the essence of Rupert is that he is someone who does not consult others.
In a way, this is because he is always prepared to take on all responsibility himself.
He doesn't shift responsibility onto others. He takes it on himself.
The only exception to this might be Count Hans Kirchhoff, who served as his regent.
However, Hans is not by his side at the moment.
He remains in the Western Nations as the acting head of the imperial delegation, separated from Rupert.
"The reason I called you here is... actually... to put it simply..."
Rupert tried to explain, but was astonishingly hesitant.
Both Fiona and Oscar were quite surprised internally.
This was a scene they had never witnessed before.
Fiona is the youngest daughter of Rupert, but she had fallen from royalty to nobility and is now a duke.
Due to their clearly different positions, they generally do not engage in close conversation.
But...
"Your Majesty, I mean, Father, it seems there's something difficult for you to say. I'm fine, so please go ahead."
Fiona prompted him to continue.
That seemed to trigger something, and Rupert began to weave his words.
"Well... Is that so? The truth is... I want Oscar to go to the Western Nations..."
Rupert couldn't finish his sentence.
Huh.
Rupert sensed an invisible magic passing right next to his cheek.
It might be something related to light attribute magic...
He involuntarily swallowed his saliva.
"Father... what did you just say?"
"Ah, no, calm down, Fiona."
"I am calm."
"No, you are definitely not calm..."
Since she was a princess, and even since Fiona was born, shortly after which her mother and principal consort, Frederica, passed away, Rupert has dote on Fiona excessively.
It's a well-known fact that fathers are weak toward their daughters; however, Rupert's level of affection surpasses that general notion.
That is why he fears Fiona's anger.
Of course, in his heart, he thinks, "Didn't I ask you just now to speak up?" but he cannot say it aloud.
"F-fi, Fiona, please listen."
"I am listening. Please go on."
Rupert, sweating profusely, spoke, while Fiona urged him to continue.
Of course, she was prompting him to speak, but honestly, Rupert thought he didn’t want to say it.
So, he looked at the person sitting next to Fiona.
Without saying anything aloud, he understood that Oscar was also aware of what Rupert was seeking.
He could guess the reason for sending Oscar to the Western Nations.
"Fiona, let's calmly listen to the Emperor's words."
"…Yes."
Oscar held Fiona's hand and soothed her in a calm voice.
Fiona, still frowning, nodded as she squeezed Oscar's hand.