The Hero Who Returned From Death Quits

99 – EP6. The Great Upheaval

“So, what exactly happened for you to become the Empress?”

Sain asked with a troubled expression as he sipped his tea at the table in the palace gardens.

Peria sighed softly before responding.

“After you left, there was some political pressure on me, and because of that, the former Emperor, well, I was backed into a corner. He deliberately surrendered his own citizens, using it as an excuse to gain some public support. Then he got assassinated.”

“…What? He may not have been a likable person, but he couldn’t have been that foolish.”

“Well, it seems he was consumed by his lust for power, losing all reason. In that state, I ascended to the throne. The people wanted a leader who could safeguard the empire in the midst of turmoil.”

Sain frowned after hearing Peria’s words and remarked, “So, that means the Black Mages were taken care of by you?”

“Yes, I dealt with the Black Mages. I had to show the people the image they wanted to see from their new Empress. People’s expectations of me as the Empress were based on that image.”

“So, in other words, until you became Empress, you didn’t take any action, regardless of whether people were dying or not? Is that the story?”

“Yes. I deliberately didn’t antagonize the Black Mages, or even consider attacking them. The more they wreaked havoc, the more it undermined the Emperor’s position.”

“You sacrificed so many people over a mere power struggle? Does that even make sense?”

“To you, it might seem like just a power struggle, but for me, it was about vengeance.”

“Was your vengeance so important that you deliberately allowed known enemies to remain untouched, causing people to die and others to live in fear?”

“For me, it was.”

“This is absurd. No matter how urgent your need for revenge was, intentionally leaving enemies that could be easily eliminated to let people die, is that a reasonable choice?”

“…”

“Do you know why I went to apologize to Ainzel? He saw me and begged me to return to the empire, to protect the people. Despite the monsters still ravaging his homeland, he’s still concerned about the people of the empire. But… is what you’re saying right?”

Peria couldn’t simply let Sain’s words pass.

“I can’t say it’s right, but I don’t regret it.”

Sain looked at her for a moment and then sighed.

“I don’t think I can say anything more. I’m not going to fight you with my sword, and it’s getting hard to say anything else.”

As Sain got up from his seat, Peria looked at him and asked, “So, what did Ainzel say to you exactly? Why were you there?”

Saein replied to Feria.

“…It doesn’t matter.”

“What?”

“The things that happened in the past, they’re so long ago that I hardly remember them. If I’m burdened by guilt, it’s best to just forgive myself.”

Feria felt perplexed. “What do you mean?”

Saein looked at Feria and said, “Being exiled from the Empire, our involvement in making it what it is, the way people see us as traitors – none of it matters. Is that… even reasonable? I’m not sure.”

Feria tried to grab Saein’s arm. “What in the world…”

Without even turning to face Feria, Saein stood up and said, “I should go back to the mansion. I need to see my little brother.”

Saein swiftly left the palace.

…

“Seems like the hero was stronger than we thought.”

The dark mages began discussing why they couldn’t capture the hero. The dark mage who had faced Ainz frowned and said, “It’s not just a matter of strength. He completely dispelled all the dark magic I used. It’s as if he knew exactly what kind of dark magic I was going to use. In a one-on-one fight, it’s almost impossible to win. No, there’s no way to win.”

“How is that even possible…?”

The other dark mages expressed their doubts about the words of the dark mage who fought Ainz. But the underlying emotion was a pure sense of curiosity.

“How on earth did he gain that level of ability? It’s said that he knows more about dark magic than even us.”

“Yeah, he even summoned the Mountain of Death. He might know dark magic that we don’t. He may have even resurrected the catastrophic siege of the past that not even the commanders of the Demon Lord’s army were sure of.”

“Really? He has knowledge of dark magic that surpasses our expectations, perhaps even surpasses all of us combined.”

“…If he had cooperated with us, we might have achieved our goals much faster.”

“Well, should we have tried to recruit him?”

“No, the hero won’t be swayed. Have you forgotten the tales of his heroic deeds from the time of the Demon Lord’s war?”

“Yeah, he was infamous for going berserk and attacking even commanders and mages.”

“That’s right. The most terrifying thing about the hero was not his strength, but his uncanny ability to see through our strategies and his unwavering violence without compromise. There was never any room for negotiation from the start. The direction we chose in the end was the right one.”

“But the hero turned out to be a much tougher adversary than we anticipated. So, what should we do now?”

“The empire changed beyond recognition from the moment Matapju ascended to the throne. The entire realm became the domain of sorcerers. It’s almost as if it were the empire of the ancient Phoenix.”

“…In that case, we should focus on attacking the smaller provinces and gather offerings.”

“Tirentus is off-limits. Not only do its soldiers possess significant combat power, but they have no value as offerings.”

“Then where should we consider attacking?”

The dark sorcerers immediately began to determine their next target. As long as they achieved their vision, they believed they could accomplish anything.

…

There were numerous disputes and deaths. Darkness consumed everything. Like the times he had loved and the countless lives, darkness swallowed them all without a trace, burying them in the sands.

Ainz sighed.

“Hmm, I don’t quite understand why I’ve come this far to take a break. Oh, and what I find most baffling is why you’re here in the first place. After all, it was a hero who sent me here, wasn’t it?”

“Well…”

“Well, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. Or did you come here to take my life?”

Ainz gazed at the elderly golden lion.

Red hair and eyes as crimson as blood. He appeared ready to pounce on a weakness at any moment. He looked elderly but was the type who could seize your throat at any opportunity… That’s the impression he gave.

Jacob Ruderan.

Sein’s father and the current head of the Ruderan family. A living legend. He was known by all kinds of titles, the Golden Lion.

He looked at Ainz.

“Hmm… Well, that’s not it. Oh, and I’ve already arrived here, and I’ve even sent a letter saying that if I die, my weaknesses will be exposed, so don’t bother trying anything futile.”

“I wouldn’t have the nerve anyway. It was the first time in my life I suffered such a perfect defeat. Even the Emperor couldn’t do that to me… I lack the courage to challenge the one who caused my first perfect defeat.”

“You’re quite the liar.”

“hehehe… So, why did you come here? Tell me honestly.”

“Just… to entrust something to you.”

“To entrust something? What are you talking about? We weren’t that close.”

“Well, what I entrust would depend on why I came. For example… Are you interested in the Emperor’s weakness?”

“What?”

Jacob Ruderan bared his fangs and smiled.

“Of course, I’m interested. Naturally, I am. So, are you saying you’ll entrust that to me?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Hmm… How can I trust you? I might use it as I please once you’re gone, depending on what that weakness is. It could render your hold on my weaknesses useless.”

“I’m not that open-minded, of course. This is a document. It reveals the Emperor’s weakness. After I die, the paper will reveal it.”

“Oh…”

“Of course, even if you die now, nothing will come of it. So don’t even think about attacking me.”

“I see. Then I guess I’ll just wait for you to die.”

“You’ve been saying that from the beginning, so don’t pretend now.”

Angel handed a paper to the old lion. It was a means to secure safety. Even if he goes back in time after he dies, it can still be useful as a threat.

Now, getting killed by a knife from behind was not an option. He smiled outwardly.