He Became The Most Insane Emperor Of All Time [EN]: Chapter 185

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Thwack!

“Kkeuaak!”

The members of the ‘Plague Unit,’ who were trying to spread the plague and escape, were easily captured by the rangers’ crossbow fire.

“Your Majesty, we have eliminated or captured all those who attempted to flee.”

“Excellent work. The evidence is secure, correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We have the operational orders and several plague samples.”

While I was purifying the plague-infected area, the cavalry successfully apprehended the entire Plague Unit.

Thanks to this swift action, we secured substantial evidence and witnesses.

“It will be difficult to deny this now, Southern Army General, wouldn’t you agree?”

“…Indeed. Though, I am curious as to why the Imperial Emperor is here in person.”

“Does that truly matter at this point? Regrettably, this situation directly impacts the Empire. This ‘weapon of mass destruction’ was intended for use against the Empire following your civil war.”

“…”

Perhaps overwhelmed by the irrefutable evidence, the Southern Army General remained silent. He seemed more focused on his own survival after narrowly escaping death.

“Northern Army Commander, will you accept the surrender of the Southern Army under my mediation?”

“Of course, Your Imperial Majesty. I owe my life to you, so how could I refuse such an offer?”

In contrast, the Northern Army Commander responded with composure, likely because he hadn’t been directly exposed to the plague.

“With this, the Northern Army’s victory is all but assured, though other fronts remain.”

“Northern Army Commander, that is precisely why I am intervening. There is a distinct possibility that similar tactics will be employed on those other fronts.”

The Southern Army’s leadership likely planned to use the plague in more than just this single battle.

“Therefore, we must move to secure those locations as well.”

“But… mobilizing the army at this moment is impossible. We have just concluded a battle, and despite Your Majesty’s miraculous healing, many remain exhausted. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the Southern Army on those fronts will trust us, is there?”

“At the very least, the surrendered Southern Army soldiers can attest to the truth of our claims.”

Of course, a full army mobilization is out of the question. Deploying the army would only alert the Southern Army, whose surrender we need to secure.

“I will proceed with the evidence and witnesses, escorted by the cavalry.”

“Isn’t that too dangerous for the Emperor’s safety?”

“If I were concerned about my safety, I wouldn’t be here in the first place.”

Dismissing the commander’s concerns, I proceeded with my plan to track down the ‘Plague Unit’ on the remaining fronts.

“…That’s quite a claim.”

“Then why not investigate? Whether you believe us or not is your prerogative. After all, the witnesses are your own Southern Army soldiers.”

“…”

Arriving at each front, I used persuasive rhetoric to convince them.

There was no need to plead for their belief. We possessed clear evidence and a legitimate cause. Frankly, their disbelief was inconsequential.

Why? Because even if they doubted us, the front-line Southern Army soldiers would inevitably suspect their leaders.

Conversely, the leaders would be anxious, knowing their deception was exposed. This alone would fracture the Southern Army.

“Wait a moment. I will investigate.”

“General! This is an enemy ploy! Do not be deceived!”

“If it’s a fabrication, then allow us to inspect those ‘catapults’ you brought. If there’s nothing amiss, there’s no cause for concern, correct?”

“Ugh, that’s…”

The commander of the unit responsible for deploying the plague appeared troubled, unable to prevent the unfolding situation.

“It’s true! Those men brought something suspicious!”

“Arrest them immediately!”

The Southern Army promptly apprehended them.

“Disappointing. I stood ready to defend the true values of the Greenskin people, but to the leaders, those avaricious chieftains, we were merely expendable.”

“What will you do now?”

“I will surrender to the Northern Army. Please, accept my surrender.”

“Of course. That is the correct decision.”

The Southern Army surrendered once more. While some stubbornly resisted initially, even the surrendered soldiers eventually joined in, making the situation hopeless for the remaining holdouts, both in terms of numbers and morale.

Even those Southern Army soldiers who initially refused to surrender avoided direct combat, suspecting their leaders of plotting such a heinous act.

And then…

“The Southern Army has surrendered, Emperor.”

“And the Southern Army leaders?”

“Not by their own hand, of course. The generals who verified the facts you uncovered were enraged. They beheaded the responsible leaders and presented their heads as an offering.”

In the end, they faced a devastating reckoning.

If the conspiracy hadn’t been exposed in advance, the civil war would have resulted in far greater bloodshed, which would have greatly benefited Golak.

“Thanks to you, our kingdom is progressing well. The slave system will be abolished as planned. There is no longer any significant opposition.”

“That is good news. A word of advice: do not be overly harsh with the surrendered slave owners. Even with the abolition of slavery, it is wise to find a way to integrate them into the new order.”

Oppressing the opposition only perpetuates a vicious cycle. While I’m not sure if this advice is necessary, Golak is a partner with whom I will continue to work for some time, so his continued development is important.

“Indeed. That is why… we require further investment from Imperial companies to facilitate this transition.”

The mere abolition of slavery does not guarantee a livelihood for former slave owners.

They can hire former slaves as farm laborers, or former slave-owning farms can transition into factories.

Of course, this requires investors, a role naturally suited for our Imperial companies.

“The concern is that untrustworthy individuals might become involved, as with this slave issue. I do not want such elements involved again.”

“Understood.”

With the external matters resolved, it was time to address internal affairs.

* * *

“Hendrik, have you uncovered any leads regarding those individuals?”

“Indeed. Using information gathered locally within the Greenskin Kingdom, I traced their origins.”

“And the result?”

“Successful. I have identified the Dawn Radiance Society. However, I have only managed to grasp at the periphery.”

“Meaning you have not located their central organization.”

“Correct. I apologize.”

“No, no. This is already a significant achievement.”

I waved my hand dismissively at Hendrik, praising his accomplishment.

“They are proving to be quite elusive. Even the Throne is unable to detect them.”

Sitting upon the Throne of Prosperity, I focused my senses, yet I remained unable to detect the ‘Dawn Radiance Society.’

I suspect they employ magical countermeasures during their meetings and maintain impeccable social standing to avoid detection under normal circumstances.

“But identifying the periphery implies you have discovered their underlings, correct?”

“Precisely. I have located those who subcontracted the slave trafficking. With your order, I can apprehend them immediately.”

“Arrest… no, postpone the arrests for the time being.”

“Yes? But…”

“We must unearth this network like sweet potato vines.”

When harvesting sweet potatoes, excessive haste can break the vines, making it difficult to extract the remaining potatoes.

“We need to set a trap to capture as many as possible simultaneously. I doubt these cautious individuals confined their conspiracy to the Greenskin territory.”

That would be far too convenient. I am uncertain of their ultimate objective, but I am certain it constitutes an act of rebellion against the Empire.

There is a strong possibility they are plotting other conspiracies elsewhere.

“I need you to uncover those, Hendrik.”

“Of course. However, they are incredibly elusive. To gather more information, we must interrogate those we have already identified…”

“There is a more effective method.”

“A more effective method?”

As Hendrik echoed my words, I smiled and replied.

“Planting a spy within their ranks. Of course, this is not generally an easy task. They are a secret society. But no matter how secretive a society is, it is difficult to completely prevent infiltration, correct?”

“…You intend to utilize the Doppelganger Mirror.”

“Indeed. That individual needs to earn his keep once more.”

In truth, this is not the first time I have employed this tactic.

I have undertaken similar operations using the Mirror in the past.

Aside from his constant complaining, there is no reason to forgo this method.

“Ugh, another assignment? Annoying…”

“Refusal will result in a salary reduction.”

“Wow, a terrible boss!”

“In exchange, I will grant generous bonuses for exceptional performance!”

“Long live the Emperor!”

A simple individual.

In any case, I dispatched the Mirror to manage the aftermath of this incident, allowing me to focus on my other responsibilities.

I had numerous tasks to attend to, including caring for the princes born just over a year ago, establishing Imperial policies, and overseeing ongoing research and development projects.

“Emperor.”

Then, one day, the Mirror returned with a grave expression.

“Why the serious face?”

“Um… I have something rather important to report.”

“What is it?”

“I believe they have made a move.”

“They?”

For a moment, I was unsure to whom he referred, but the Mirror quickly clarified.

“My fellow clansmen.”

“If it concerns your clansmen, could it be…?”

“Precisely. Doppelgangers. They have begun to mobilize.”

“…Toward the Empire?”

“No, not yet toward the Empire. Had they done so, your ‘Throne’ would have detected them.”

The Mirror possessed some understanding of the Throne’s capabilities, and he immediately dismissed that possibility.

“According to information extracted from the company… they appear to be investigating the elves.”

“Elves?”

“Yes. Doppelgangers are members of the Demon race.”

“…”

“What is wrong?”

“Ah, nothing. Continue.”

I suppressed the words, ‘You are also a demon.’ This individual is now an Imperial citizen.

“The demons of the Demon World appear to be orchestrating a grand scheme. Rather than launching a direct assault, they are attempting to cultivate allies around us.”

“The interference with the Greenskin was for that reason as well.”

“Indeed. Similarly, they appear to be attempting the same with the elves. That is why they dispatched the Doppelgangers. I am uncertain of their specific objectives, but something may have already transpired.”

“Hmm… I see.”

“Then I shall return to the field. My work is not yet complete. Summon me if you require anything.”

“…Very well. Good work.”

Despite my lack of specific instructions, he displayed a serious commitment to the task, which was commendable. It seems that even though he disliked working, he became dedicated once he began.

“Hendrik, I require you to investigate the elves. Determine whether Nakan, the Dark Elf King, is ruling effectively.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Previously, I had ousted the Spirit King and appointed the Dark Elf leader Nakan as the new ruler.

If the Doppelgangers were plotting something, they would undoubtedly target him. Perhaps they had already assassinated and replaced him.

However, after a short while, the news I received from Hendrik was entirely unexpected.

“What? The Spirit King has returned to life?”

It was an absurd claim that the Spirit King, whom I had personally slain, had been resurrected.

It seemed the Doppelgangers were employing a strategy that deviated from my expectations.