――His Imperial Majesty, Vincent Volakia.

　Called that by Flopp, who was looking at him seriously, Vincent squinted one eye.

　Suddenly, the beautiful blonde siblings, Flopp and Medium, who had confined Vincent in a room of the Dragon Carriage, didn’t seem to grasp the gravity of what they had done.

　What they did was nothing short of a heinous act that could warrant the death penalty if seen by anyone, and they did it just to convey a message on behalf of someone else.

　Then――,

“Before relaying the message, may I tell a little story from the past?”

　With that serious expression still on his face, Flopp said.

“――――”

　Unable to read Flopp’s true intentions, Vincent remained silent with one eye squinted. Perhaps seeing the silence as favorable, Flopp continued,

“Now, I know it might be a bit brazen, but… once you hear the message, could you please grant me a favor?”

“Hey.”

“Oh my, what a scary face, Your Imperial Majesty! But don’t forget, only I know the message you need to hear, so you can’t just silence me thoughtlessly.”

“I could always have Roswaal Dunkelken order you to spill the beans through some Shinobi torture.”

“Wouldn’t it be better for both of us to discuss this peacefully, Your Imperial Majesty?”

　When Vincent laced his voice with intimidation, Flopp immediately raised both hands in surrender.

　Not that he was just a bold man for negotiating with an emperor. However, considering the story from the past he had mentioned, it was likely a topic of great importance to him.

　Nonetheless――,

“But big bro, time is running out, isn’t it? At this rate, Goz and the others will be upset, thinking Abel-chan isn’t coming back! Regardless of the favor, can we skip to the old story?”

　Medium tilted her head, seemingly unaware of the information her brother had.

“You, stop blindly helping your brother in his misdeeds without knowing anything.”

“Ehh? But big bro is doing it, right? If that’s the case, I’m going to help with whatever it is! That’s my family’s oath. Abel-chan will back me up too, right?”

“You fool. Don’t you know how the Volakia Emperor comes to be?”

　Flopp, speaking nonsense so casually, had his eyes widen in shock at Vincent’s response.

　Seeing her honest reaction, Vincent cast a blameful glance at Flopp, realizing there is a line to what’s considered outrageous.

　It’s not a pleasant story, but it’s common knowledge that the Volakia royal family murders each other to decide the next emperor.

　Suspecting that Medium didn’t even know this, Vincent doubted Flopp’s way of educating her.

　However, for some reason, Flopp smiled at Vincent’s gaze and said,

“I understand the meaning behind your glance, Your Imperial Majesty. You’re surprised that your sister is so uninformed, aren’t you?”

“Is there any other way to see it? Also, stop calling me Your Imperial Majesty every time. If there’s no one else to refer to, simply ‘Your Majesty’ will do.”

“Got it, got it. Understood, Your Imperial Majesty-kun.”

“――――”

　Vincent squinted his eyes at Flopp’s ongoing smile and nod.

　Earlier, Vincent had sensed seriousness in Flopp’s expression, but today, he seemed to show a face not just of a good-hearted merchant but one that had something to say beyond the title.

　It was indeed a face of someone who had some thoughts toward Vincent.

“Sister, you asked me why we talk about the past. That’s because there’s a connection between our history and you, Your Imperial Majesty-kun.”

“Eh!? Really!? Between us and Abel-chan!? What, what!?”

“Hahaha, now, now, sister. Don’t be too forgetful! Your Imperial Majesty-kun is the emperor of the empire. In other words, he’s connected to the ‘Nine Divine Generals’ too――”

“――About Balroi-nii?”

　Medium’s eyes widened in surprise, but her vitality soon faded.

　The name she mentioned and the term ‘Nine Divine Generals’ linked together, causing one name to naturally surface in Vincent’s mind.

“You’re affiliated with Balroi Temegurif, aren’t you?”

“Ah, indeed! He’s like a sworn brother to us, after all. We shared our most sensitive years together; he is our precious and beloved family!”

　Flopp stated loudly with a clenched fist, causing Vincent to sigh.

　Medium lowered her eyebrows, glancing alternately between her brother and Vincent, reflecting confusion and a hint of sorrow on her face.

“This Dragon Carriage is said to hold the High Noble Selena Dracloy, right? Actually, my sister and I were once in the care of House Dracloy.”

“Selena-neesan…”

“By the way, this name was forced upon my sister so that she wouldn’t be treated as another woman older than her real age by Baron Dracloy. Isn’t it amusing?”

“Get to the point.”

　This rambling was just a merchant’s method of wasting time and breaking concentration.

　The sibling’s relationship with Selena was predictable once they mentioned their relation to Balroi. Originally, Balroi Temegurif was a subordinate of Selena Dracloy, summoned to the ‘Nine Divine Generals’ for his assured abilities, an awaited general.

　However, knowing Balroi’s resulting fate would turn many soldiers’ gazes into disappointment.

　Rebelling against the emperor and dying a gruesome death after failing—this is Balroi’s widely known end, and the conclusion of the man the siblings referred to as family, destined to remain in history books.

“――No.”

　Or perhaps because he became an undead, the text documenting Balroi Temegurif might not carry the tale of a rebel but as one who brought destruction to the empire.

　Vincent chose not to voice this thought to Flopp and Medium.

　Mentioning Balroi’s undead status here would only distance further the discussion Vincent wished to have.

　In any case――,

“Right, let’s get to the main topic. The story isn’t very long. The key points were unexpectedly mentioned by Medium herself.”

　With slightly lowered eyebrows, Flopp shook his head slowly.

　Medium had a puzzled expression, as she had no idea what he was hinting at, and Vincent chose not to clarify, thinking it best to correct the sibling’s conversation whenever it derailed.

“My sister and I were orphans, raised in a dreadful institution. We were rescued and headed to the domain of Baron Dracloy… and there we met Balroi and became sworn brothers. Is everything all right so far?”

“――Continue.”

“It was quite a busy period for us. Both Medium and I were incredibly ignorant of the outside world, everything we saw felt fresh. Baron Dracloy had an extensive worldview, so he provided us with education.”

“For such a broad-minded person, little has shown in the case of your sister, though.”

“Well, I preferred moving around with Bal-nii and the others…”

　Pouting a bit, Medium seemed to recover the original mood somewhat.

　Vincent had heard of the administering style of House Dracloy from Flopp’s words, finding it to be praiseworthy in its own right.

　Baron Dracloy, often referred to as the “Flame Duke”, was recognized more for his ferocity, but his real strength lay in his flexible thinking that didn’t conform to established norms.

　Often, however, in the Volakia Empire, there’s no long-term perspective.

　Many children are neither expected to become laborers nor soldiers, so they are born, only the few fortunate ones survive, and an extremely tiny fraction grow into powerful individuals.

　While it might be a different story for one’s own kin, attempts to educate children and nurture talents broadly are rarely considered anything more than airy fantasies in this land.

　Flopp and Medium were among those rare siblings fortunate enough to have such opportunities. —No, Balroi, who was recognized for his abilities, was likely one of them too.

“Of course, not everything was joyous, and Baron Dracloy wasn’t just kind to us. At that time, Baron Dracloy was busy having recently usurped his territory from his father.”

“We faced some dangerous situations as well.”

“That time we were attacked by assassins aimed at Baron Dracloy. That was quite the event.”

　As the two reminisced their nostalgic memories, Vincent sought to discern the main point.

　However, it became evident early on. It should be noted that there are ways to speak and gazes that one is conditioned to.

　The same could be applied to these two.

　In other words――,

“Having overcome such days, a strong bond formed between Balroi and us siblings. That’s precisely why I want to ask you, Your Imperial Majesty-kun.”

“――――”

“Our sworn brother, Balroi Temegurif, is said to have fallen foolishly as a rebel, indulging in unjustified desires… is that true?”

　Flopp’s inquiry restored a serene atmosphere.

　He was asking Vincent about the death of Balroi Temegurif, who was both their sworn brother and a rebel in the eyes of the empire, seeking the truth behind what happened.

　Indeed, it was a familiar sorrow, a pain repeating itself.

　It’s honorable for a warrior to die in battle, and it’s respected when one upholds their spirit even when pierced by a sword.

　In the Volakia Empire, amidst those who might not find solace in celebrating a close one’s death, the human heart tends to desire meaning or reasons behind death.

　Hence, to be asked such by Flopp and Medium felt like a familiar lament.

“Why the doubt? Is it because you think the rumors circulating among the populace are tainted and unreliable?”

“No, that’s not it. I just think it’s a rare opportunity to speak with someone directly involved. So it wouldn’t be strange to desire a story far more credible than merely hearsay, right?”

“That the chance to converse was forcibly created by you two, nonetheless.”

　Vincent interjected as Flopp twisted the conversation slightly to his advantage.

　After pondering for a moment, he began to approach the truth of Balroi Temegurif’s death.

　Vincent was well aware that his demise would be noted in history books.

　His death would most likely be recorded as a brutal end due to his failed rebellion.

　What Flopp and Medium heard was nothing more than that — nor less.

　Vincent also had no intentions of concerning himself with restoring Balroi’s honor posthumously.

　This story neither went beyond the truth nor fell short of it.

“Please answer me, Your Imperial Majesty-kun. Understanding that will allow me to convey the message――”

“――. I do not know what you both desire, but…”

　Vincent was about to provide an answer affirming the rumors when——

“――Abel-chan.”

　A weak, brief call interrupted Vincent’s words.

“――――”

　Standing at the guest room’s door, blocking the way outside, it was Medium—no, she likely had no intention of doing that anymore.

　Standing there with her arms tightly wrapped around herself, her tall, feminine frame was diminished, gazing at Vincent with teary blue eyes.

　He had long been accustomed to people begging for their lives or pleading while teary-eyed.

　Thus, that alone didn’t rattle Vincent’s heart. However, while his heart remained steady, he was given a moment to ponder.

　――Flopp and Medium wanted something, but he was uncertain about what.

　Yet, Vincent understood. He knew exactly what they sought. Their desires were clear, and Vincent possessed it.

　To have it, yet choose not to speak—it was simply Vincent’s way.

　Only, that approach came with the prefix of “as before.”

“――――”

　The way “as before” meant that Vincent alone would decide everything with his thoughts.

　However, in that very method, Vincent had been tripped by a loyal subject. The man, full of misplaced optimism, had belted him with a new insight he hadn’t expected.

　The method of doing things “as before” has its limits.

　What was demanded from Vincent was an approach that must be “more than before.”

　And, in order to acquire that method――,

“――The death of Balroi Temegurif holds a truth differing from the rumors spread among the populace.”

　Thus, Vincent chose to convey an answer different from the way things had been.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

“――――”

　At the moment Vincent spoke, both Flopp and Medium’s expressions shifted.

　Flopp’s eyes widened lightly, while Medium blinked in disbelief. Both exhibited surprise, but the quality of that surprise varied.

　Noticing this disparity in their reactions, Vincent understood.

“Flopp O’Connell, you knew the facts differ from the rumors, didn’t you?”

“Eh… big bro?”

“Knowing you did suggests that it’s somewhat true. I mean, the rumor seemed too unlike Balroi, even Medium thought it was too far off.”

“Y-yeah…”

　Prompted, Medium nodded, her troubled expression still persistent.

　Yet, Flopp didn’t completely deny Vincent’s inquiry despite having gotten Medium to agree.

　Tilting his head slightly, Flopp said,

“Surely, you don’t suspect that Your Imperial Majesty-kun was informed beforehand by my close friend Balroi himself and now you think I’ve set a trap?”

“――. There’s a possibility, but it’s almost negligible. The man I know wouldn’t have revealed a thing to anyone until the moment of execution, lest it risk even a hint of failure.”

“…That’s correct. So, I believe what you’re saying, Your Imperial Majesty-kun. I’m relieved to find in you someone who knows Balroi well and can share his story. After all…”

“――――”

“Since that incident, whenever I heard Balroi’s name anywhere in the empire, it felt like I was hearing the story of someone unknown to both me and Medium.”

　With beautifully shaped eyebrows knotted, Flopp’s blue eyes trembled with desolation.

　Vincent found that a true assessment.

　Everything had been orchestrated by Chisha, ordered by Berstets, and commanded by Vincent himself.

　All of this was to obscure the reasons behind Balroi Temegurif’s rebellion.

“That rebellion wasn’t Balroi’s own intention.”

“Big bro!?”

　Flopp’s statement spun out, causing Medium to scream as if in fright.

　Her round eyes went wide, shaking her head vigorously.

“That doesn’t make sense, it’s absurd! Bal-nii is, after all… Abel-chan too! Say something! Tell my big brother he’s incorrect!”

“No need for me to correct that if it stands true. If it doesn’t, then I won’t. That’s the only thing I will say.”

“N-no reason to tell me that…”

　Stumbling over her words in disbelief, Medium struggled to grasp the situation.

　Meanwhile, Flopp deeply exhaled, accepting the doubt he had voiced—Vincent not denying the truth surrounding Balroi’s death.

　Per the rumors circulating, Balroi Temegurif was said to have been unsatisfied with the status of a “Nine Divine General” and sought a higher station, ultimately failing and dying a foolish death.

　That notion affirmed Vincent Volakia’s secure position on the throne and served to dampen the reckless flames of various ambitious men.

“Ironically, I pushed this rebellion forward with my own scheming, reinforcing the weakened flames again.”

“That’s right, peace was short-lived. But that likely merely used the results; it wasn’t the original intent.”

“――――”

“Balroi had another purpose. You, Your Imperial Majesty-kun, only exploited the outcome; the premise must have been separate. Do you also know that aim?”

　Vincent had plenty of time to think. That must have been the reason behind Flopp’s smooth storytelling.

　With Balroi’s death came the flow of rumors that were not true, with Flopp continuously pondering where the true means lay. Thus, he wouldn’t now let such a golden opportunity pass him by.

“The fabled marksmans, Balroi Temegurif.”

The reason he aligned himself with that rebellion was――,

“――To seek vengeance for Private Miles, who died while accepting special operations from the Lugnica Kingdom.”

“――!”

“What’s shocking about this, Flopp O’Connell? You must have already known that. You continually test the emperor. Such disrespect…”

　Seeing Flopp’s reaction tense up, Vincent snorted.

　Similar to how Flopp had probed him about Balroi’s rumors, this too was a trap set by him.

　To ascertain if this dialogue held any merit.

　However, at those words, Flopp shook his head.

　He donned an expression of surprise — a mix of two types.

“I’m not trying to feign ignorance or absolve myself. Sure, I tried to test you. But…”

“What is it?”

“…I was taken aback that your answer mentioned Miles’ name.”

“――――”

　With Flopp’s voice conveying surprise, Vincent narrowed his eyes.

　Putting aside the earlier inquiry to gauge the former’s response, the latter was unworthy of shock. Vincent knew well of Miles, closely tied to Balroi — indeed, not just Miles.

“Naturally, it’s essential for me to know the names, appearances, and standings of those serving me. What kind of soldiers imagine they’ll dedicate their very beings to something while ignorant of their superiors?”

　Even without this, the emperor’s position always carries a blade pointed at him.

He instructs others to risk their lives, so he ought to know who he’s sending. For those who come to take his life, he should recognize their faces.

And the names of those who followed his orders and lost their lives must never be forgotten.

“I’m not like those from the kingdom. I won’t mourn for every single soldier’s death; that’s not my business. I merely remember. Hence, I remember both Miles and Balroi Temegurif――”

“Abel-chan won’t forget…?”

“――That’s all. It doesn’t serve to console anyone.”

　Vincent replied to Medium’s weak yet faltering words.

That aside, Vincent added to both Flopp and Medium.

“If by any chance you two desire to restore Balroi’s honor, that will not be fulfilled.”

“――! W-why not?”

“If the truth behind the circulating rumors and reality diverges, eventually, there will be those who indulge in unfounded speculations. Such emerging notions would create unnecessary fissures in the foundation of the empire. That kind of thing…”

“Balroi wouldn’t wish for it. Isn’t that right?”

How much they understood, Flopp sought to confirm with Vincent.

Deciding that it was meaningless to hide anything more, Vincent lowered his chin. An even more intense agitation spread across Medium’s face.

Flopp, with a brotherly notion, calmly yet sternly addressed his sister, stating,

“Sister, you just said it yourself, didn’t you? That you’d help with anything I do. That’s the family’s oath. I, too, can confidently say that.”

“Y-yes? But what of that? What does that mean…”

“If Balroi genuinely intended to kill Your Imperial Majesty-kun and instigate a rebellion, he would have asked us to help. Even if that was only a minor chance to boost those odds, if he were serious, he would have done that.”

“――Ah.”

　At Flopp’s words, Medium’s eyes widened.

What she had previously uttered — “the family’s oath” — Vincent didn’t grasp its pressure, but if it bore that significance and implied she wouldn’t refuse even a lure of rebellion against the emperor, Flopp’s reasoning stood.

“Balroi never truly intended to successfully rebel. Meanwhile, he did harbor motives for revenge against Private Miles. The contradiction implies Balroi did not view Your Imperial Majesty-kun as Miles’ foe.”

“――――”

“One last query, may I ask?”

Even though they had already spent a long enough and rather bold time together, Flopp still retained the audacity to raise a finger.

　Without giving a response, Vincent merely regarded him, and Flopp caught this as a tailwind to continue.

“Did Balroi manage to achieve his ambition of avenging Miles?”

“――. No.”

“Is that so?”

　Vincent briefly conveyed that no additional information would be shared.

If Flopp sought it, he would not give it. No matter how much he desired to see Balroi and Miles avenge their brothers, that wouldn’t be feasible.

Most importantly, that was――,

“Because Balroi Temegurif would not wish for such a thing.”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

“I apologize for the lengthy discourse, Your Imperial Majesty-kun.”

Simplifying the lengthy inquiry regarding Balroi Temegurif, Flopp lowered his head.

An unnecessary gesture seeing that his head was already lowered there; indeed, they had held a long discussion.

“Do you not realize how precious my time is during this critical juncture?”

“I’m quite confident in my judgment. Thus, I believed this message might hold the highest value now, utilizing it to gain what my sister and I desired.”

“That’s nothing less than disrespect, and furthermore, do not deceive me.”

“Hmm?”

“The answer you and Medium sought was not just your desire. I merely engaged in that inquiry to accommodate your request, that so-called ‘family oath’ of yours.”

With a scoff, Vincent corrected Flopp’s words, which led Medium to widen her eyes, and Flopp, surprised, nodded after a second.

“Desiring answers was my doing. If you intend to behead someone, make it just me.”

“You dolt. How could I accompany your daft shenanigans any longer? Medium, don’t you look at me with those eyes either.”

　Declining to waste another moment on lighthearted banter, Vincent turned his nostrils at Medium’s imploring gaze for her brother’s life before asking,

“So, were you satisfied?”

“Ah, yes. I could feel that Your Imperial Majesty-kun genuinely attended to me in your precious time. You cleverly evaded all my traps and the questions I posed, after all.”

Forcing a laugh, Flopp, candidly admitting to testing the emperor, left Vincent speechless.

If Vincent’s replies hadn’t satisfied them, what might Flopp have done?

As if sensing Vincent’s silent inquiry, Flopp chuckled.

“If that had been the case, I would have brought this message not to Your Imperial Majesty-kun but to that young lord, asking him to save the empire and then making him the emperor.”

“You…”

“Phew, I’m glad that didn’t come to pass! …You’re one of the creators of the world I should be avenging and yet, you’re not.”

“Avenging, the world?”

Flopp’s words intermingled with a sigh of relief made Vincent raise an eyebrow.

Then, as the emperor and brother conversed, Medium, sniffling, spoke up,

“Big bro always says, when something unpleasant happens, it’s not just that one bad person; the terrible world that spoils him is scarier.”

“That’s sure a rough abstraction! Well, that’s how I feel about the absurdity of this world, so doing my best to improve even just a little is my way of revenging against the world!”

“――. How foolish.”

　Thinking Flopp’s words echoed similar to Cecilus Segmunt, Vincent murmured. Hearing that, Flopp smiled wryly, and Medium glared at him with her red eyes, “What’s that supposed to mean!”

Seeing the siblings’ responses, Vincent internally found them even more ludicrous.

Without a doubt, Vincent was among those who shaped the unjust world Flopp felt. Even if he understood a need for change, until he brought about such changes, he remained a target of revenge.

However, why they excluded him from such narratives remained incomprehensible.

Did they really think he ceased the “as before” method because he sought the “more than before” approach?

Yet, even more――,

“You said that. Should I fail to align with your desires, you’d pass the content of the message to another, and by doing so, eliminate the empire’s distress.”

“Hmm? Oh, yes, I intended that for Lord Undersn.”

“Who you choose to trust does not matter. On the contrary, if you can entrust that task to him, claiming to alleviate the ‘Great Calamity’, that presents a significant issue indeed.”

That should be something devised by Chisha, the schemes they laid.

Whatever it was, that remained to be seen.

“Relay every single word meticulously. A line overlooked might alter the future of the empire.”

“I had planned that from the start, but that sounds pretty scary! I have three messages in total… ahem! I intend to do this well, so cheer for me, little sister!”

“Sure! Leave it to me, big bro! You can do it～!”

With Vincent’s warning in mind, Flopp assumed an air of enthusiasm, prompting Medium to cheer him on.

Seeing this farce unfold before him, Vincent, with the sound of a small cough, Flopp resumed his message.

“First message: about Cecilus Segmunt. He copied the abilities of Roswaal Dunkelken and was sent to Gladiator Island. He’s probably managing to escape that place, but if he’s late, you should hear this.”

“――――”

“Actually, when he spoke to me, he looked exactly like Your Imperial Majesty-kun. His mannerisms, tone, everything matched. But it was put forth like this.”

As Vincent narrowed his black eyes, Flopp swiftly added a clarification.

Yet, no explanation was necessary. Since Chisha disguised himself as the emperor after shoving Vincent off the throne, that couldn’t be disputed.

Being careful, Chisha likely never revealed his true form throughout and must have maintained Vincent’s mannerisms even until they met their end.

When Vincent observed Cecilus shrunken down in the imperial capital, it was blatantly evident that Chisha was behind it.

The purpose must have been to oust Vincent from the throne, knowing Cecilus would be an obstacle.

“In essence, it’s reasonable to say he was shrunk and banished because he impeded the plan.”

“If it were Chisha, the carelessness to let him be shrunk would make sense.”

“No dissent? Continue.”

“Next, the second: The ‘Divine Realm’ has been held at Fortress City. Depending on whether it exists or not, the nature of the ‘Great Calamity’ threatening the empire will come to light.”

“――――”

“Honestly, this seems quite significant, but I’m unsure of the specifics. It didn’t feel like an atmosphere to ask back…”

With that uncertain demeanor, Flopp began to speak, holding his breath.

The reason being, it pivoted upon the transformation in Vincent’s expression upon hearing the message.

Vincent bore his teeth, pressing his hand to his mouth and fell silent. His left and right eyes did not close simultaneously—the right eye squinted tightly.

He had thought that if it were Chisha, he would leave some countermeasure behind at Fortress City. —But no, that was wrong.

Chisha Gold hadn’t left any countermeasures at Fortress City. He left them an “answer”.

“I must enter Fortress City as soon as possible.”

“Wait, wait! Abel-chan! The messages are three, right? There’s still one more!”

As Vincent was on the verge of rushing out the door, Medium stopped him. Pausing at her words, he exhaled deeply.

If the first was Cecilus, and the second was the “answer,” what had been left for the third?

“Let’s hear it. If there’s still a card you haven’t revealed—”

　Using everything at your disposal, he would protect the Volakia Empire from the “Great Calamity.”

As Vincent looked back into Flopp’s black eyes, he cleared his throat once more, preparing to convey the entrusted message.

“――Your Majesty.”

“――――”

“There are contributions you might have to make to assist our wheels here.”

――.

――――.

――――――――。

“――You absolute dolt.”

　He could only express that before heading towards the guest room’s door.

As Vincent’s back was to him, Flopp, no longer playing his part, yelled, “Wait up!”

“Even if I fly out of this room in a hurry, my speed in reaching Fortress City won’t change! Unless Your Imperial Majesty-kun can run faster than an Earth Dragon!”

“I must hurry to Fortress City. If needed, I can employ a Dragon Ship or anything else available.”

“The sky is not always safe! Dead Flying Dragons may be hovering! Moreover, we still have one more story left… Medium!”

“Uh-huh! Understood, big bro!”

Their minds hovered with the concern to reach Fortress City.

Flopp pointed out the dangers posed by Dragon Ships from an entirely sound angle. He ordered Medium again and once more stood in Vincent’s path.

“Whether to hasten the Dragon Carriage or share the information with Berstets, there’s no time to waste. If you obstruct me, I’ll execute you.”

“Big bro, Abel-chan’s serious eyes are not to be taken lightly!?”

“But, in terms of being serious about surviving, we certainly can’t be beaten! Your Imperial Majesty-kun! I previously mentioned, didn’t I? That after hearing the message, I would like for you to grant my favor.”

“――――”

Filled with impatience, Vincent turned to Flopp, positioned before him, entangled with Medium.

Indeed, it was Flopp who brazenly presented him with two conditions of a tale and a favor.

While he hadn’t formally agreed, he hadn’t wholly dismissed them in his eagerness to extract the message.

“Speak then.”

　Having already conveyed the impossibility of restoring Balroi’s honor, Vincent couldn’t mentally conjure a way to satisfy Flopp and Medium’s desires that they were seeking.

If this was outrageously far-fetched enough to be unacceptable, what else could he say――?

“Your Imperial Majesty-kun, after this crisis subsides, you’ll return to your throne as the Volakia Emperor and strive to restore the empire… or rather, make it better, right?”

“Your phrasing can be questioned, but largely, that’s true.”

Partially, Vincent had his plans regarding this matter, but having been tripped by Chisha’s schemes, he felt they needed to discuss whether they would succeed.

Thus, there was no room for denial, and Vincent nodded.

Hearing this answer, Flopp nodded in satisfaction, with agreement now obvious in his smile.

“Then, how about this? Once everything wraps up, it seems you’ll take many wives… could you not make Medium one of them?”

“Eh?”

“What? So, that’s your proposal. I have no objections.”

“Eh?”

Vincent had not taken a wife until today merely to avoid unnecessary bother in realizing the plans detailed earlier.

There was no need to cling to such a thing if that plan had collapsed.

His thoughts concerning the ‘Ceremony of Selection’ needed revising too.

Thus, Vincent would merely face his obligations as the Volakia Emperor.

Having replied like this, Flopp breathed a sigh of relief.

And――,

“Eh?”

Only Medium, left behind to ponder, continued to tilt her head in confusion.