The Emperor’s Anguish

The world needs a man like Vim. If it’s him, he might just be able to purify this corrupt world.

“Your Imperial Majesty, I have a report.”

“What is it?”

The Prime Minister was attending an audience with the Emperor.

“The migration of our people to the Kingdom of Leoria will not stop! At this rate, we won’t even be able to collect taxes properly!”

Rumors of Vim were spreading even within the Empire. It had become famous throughout the land that Leoria was a meritocracy—a country that offered opportunities to anyone. Consequently, people were fleeing to the neighboring kingdom to escape the Cyrus Empire’s crushing taxes. Furthermore, the Kingdom of Leoria was known for its tolerance in welcoming those flowing in from other nations.

“Is this because of Vim Abel?”

“Most likely.”

Naturally, news of Vim’s exploits had reached the Emperor’s ears as well.

“What happened to the assassins I sent the other day?”

“Regarding that… they are currently undergoing medical treatment after being thrashed by an old butler.”

“How can a mere butler do such a thing?! My men are combat professionals!”

It turned out that the individuals James mentioned driving away were indeed agents of the Cyrus Empire.

“I can only conclude that the butler was also a combat professional,” the Prime Minister replied.

“Absurd… I don’t understand any of this.”

The Emperor clutched his head. Since Vim’s departure, enrollment at the Magic Academy had plummeted, and there was no prospect of it increasing in the future.

“There is no other choice; he must be eliminated. This is an act of rebellion against the Empire. I shall charge Vim Abel with high treason.”

“Are you certain, Sire? This could lead to an international incident with Leoria.”

“I don’t care. We have a significant hold over Leoria.”

“I see. You intend to use that, then.”

The Emperor and the Prime Minister both wore defiant, sinister smiles.

“My Lord Duke, may I have a word?”

“What is it?”

At the Duke’s estate, preparations to back Vim were being carried out under the surface.

“The Emperor has begun to move. He intends to frame Master Vim for high treason.”

“Another foolish move. If he does that, it will spark an international crisis.”

Since Vim was currently in the Kingdom of Leoria, Imperial law did not apply to him. If the Emperor tried to forcibly exercise his authority, the King of Leoria certainly wouldn’t stay silent. The King of Leoria was known to be a good man, deeply trusted by his people, and a wise ruler. It should be obvious what would happen if one turned such a person into an enemy.

“It seems we had better move sooner rather than later.”

“I agree.”

The Duke was trying his best to act before the Emperor. However, the Duke had his own position to consider. If he moved carelessly, that Emperor was exactly the type of man who would literally have his head. The Duke proceeded with extreme caution.

To rebuild the corrupt Empire, a man like Vim was essential. Vim could expose the stains within the interior that no one else dared to touch. To purify a nation as massive as the Empire, they couldn’t afford to lose someone like him. This was why the Duke had been protecting Vim’s position from the shadows.

“Knowing Vim, he’s probably raising quite a storm over there as well.”

“Most likely, yes.”

It was a well-known fact that he was a man who would always stand up for the sake of others.