Chapter 228.2

“You were the first person Ahid contacted. You introduced him to King Lycius, even though you knew he was dangerous. King Lycius hated you, so you plotted to murder him.” (Arcana)

Before I knew it, Arcana was sitting on the desk.

“There’s no point in playing dumb. I know everything.” (Arcana)

“…I see.” (Zamira)

He probably realized upon seeing Arcana that all his excuses were futile, as he didn’t object.

“I see, I see, I see. Playing dumb would certainly be pointless here.” Zamira acquiesced with a nod, as if regaining his composure.

“Indeed. I was the one who schemed the deaths of the king and his damn royal family.” (Zamira)

“You and the royals released dragons on Azesion to attack its people. You conspired with the Kingdomn of the Divine Dragon Jiordal to kill the Hero Kanon. All so you could steal the Sword of Three Races from him and become the Hero yourself.” (Arcana)

“Well, that was actually King Lycius’ plan, but it’s also true that I turned a blind eye to it. If both sides had fallen, it would’ve brought me closer to the throne.” Zamira spoke out loud.

As if to brag about the success of his plan.

“And for the record, I was the one who conspired with the former headmaster, Diego. I knew you stupid students were being brainwashed by way of the <Demon Punishment Jerga> spell, but I did nothing about it. I was hoping the chaos of the war with Dilhade would reduce the number of royals. It didn’t work out back then, but my luck finally turned this time.” (Zamira)

“Hmm. Pretty cocky of you to claim that your luck has turned after that confession you just made.” (Anos)

Zamira grinned vulgarly in response.

“You fool. I left no evidence behind. No one will believe the words of demons or failed heroes. As for the Hero Kanon, I can just claim that he was also a fake.” Zamira boldly declared, perhaps feeling omnipotent from holding power.

“And what can you do, Demon King? Will you try to kill me? Remember that both of our nations are on friendly terms now. You could easily kill me, but that would start another war. And that’s not what you want, now is it?” (Zamira)

“You’re right, we’re not at war or anything. So I won’t lay a hand on you. No matter how corrupt this kingdom is, none of this is a danger to Dilhade. That’s the problem of this country alone.” (Anos)

“Hahaha! That’s right. That’s right. So what if you’re the Demon King of Tyranny? There is no place for violence in this era. Idiots who brag about their own strength are nothing at all!” (Zamira)

At that moment, a voice echoed.

『Indeed. I was the one who schemed the deaths of the king and his damn royal family.』(Zamira)

It belonged to Zamira.

“W… What the—?!” (Zamira)

He darted his eyes around the room.

『Well, that was actually King Lycius’ plan, but it’s also true that I turned a blind eye to it. If both sides had fallen, it would’ve brought me closer to the throne.』(Zamira)

Zamira’s voice echoed again.

Arcana was using the <Remote Clairvoyance Limnet> spell to broadcast a clear projection of our conversation here minutes ago.

“Wha—?! W… What the hell is this…?!” (Zamira)

“It’s a magic broadcast that’s being aired all over Azesion.” (Anos)

Zamira’s face turned pale.

However, he quickly spoke out loud as if to change his mind.

“Th… This must be a forgery! This room is equipped with powerful anti-magic that uses holy water! You shouldn’t be able to use <Remote Clairvoyance Limnet> or video recording magic…!” (Zamira)

“That feeble anti-magic is nothing special. Just earlier, there was a video of you negotiating with Ahid too. Looks like that guy was planning to blackmail you with it later.” (Anos)

Zamira looked shocked.

『And for the record, I was the one who conspired with the former headmaster, Diego. I knew you stupid students were being brainwashed by way of the <Demon Punishment Jerga> spell, but I did nothing about it. I was hoping the chaos of the war with Dilhade would reduce the number of royals. It didn’t work out back then, but my luck finally turned this time.』(Zamira)

His voice was coming out of the broadcast again.

“Now, corruption in this country is this country’s problem alone. I won’t intervene, but I wonder what the people of this country will think about it.” (Anos)

The next thing projected via <Remote Clairvoyance Limnet> was an image of the area in front of the royal palace.

Showing hundreds of humans swarming into the castle.

“What the hell is the meaning of this?! Bring Zamira out right now!” (Human A)

“My hometown was ravaged by dragons! Was that because of you royals too?!” (Human B)

“Don’t fuck with us! You want a war?! We’ll give you one!” (Human C)

“Come on! I’ll show you what for! Bring Zamira out!” (Human D)

“Where the hell is Zamira?! I’m done putting up with your royal bullshit!” (Human E)

“Like you said! They’ll never get away with it this time! Come on! Come outta there!” (Human F)

“I’ll fucking murder you! Get the hell outta there!” (Human G)

There was a lot of shouting.

The soldiers holding back the people were about to reach their limits and let them break through the main gate.

“…C… Curse you, Demon King…! You and your despicable tricks… You’ll pay for this…!” (Zamira)

Just as Zamira tried to run away from the reception room after throwing that parting threat, he came across a group of soldiers in armor.

“Ohh! You’ve come to pick me up! My goodness, what a disaster. I guess I’ll have to lay low for a while. Oh well, this’ll make for a good vacation. All right, boys, go find me a suitable location!” (Zamira)

As soon as Zamira spoke, the soldiers pointed their spears at him.

“WHA—?!” (Zamira)

His arms were immediately restrained.

“W-What the hell are you doing…?! What’s the big idea?! Is this any way to treat your king?!” (Zamira)

“I am afraid you’re no longer the king.” (Minister A)

Those who came were the ministers of the royal palace and the nobles of Azesion.

“Zamira Engelo, the man who sold out his country, killed the royal family, and tried to take the lives of his people. You’re under arrest for treason!” (Minister A)

“W-Wait…! Don’t fall for their tricks! This is all a plot by the Demon King! If you arrest me, you’ll be doing exactly what Dilhade wants you to— GARGH…!!” (Zamira)

One of the ministers hit Zamira as hard as he could.

“We too were fed up with the corrupt royal family. And as you wished, we will find you a suitable location.” (Minister A)

The minister glared at Zamira.

“In prison.” (Minister)

“Wha—?! Th-This is an outrage…! Who do you think has been protecting the kingdom until now…?! Without the royal family, this kingdom would be finished…!” (Zamira)

“All you need to worry about is the day you go to the gallows. Take him away!” (Minister A)

The soldiers took Zamira away.

“S-Stop! Unhand me! I AM THE KING!! UNHAND MEEEEE…!!” (Zamira)

The ministers and nobles turned back.

One of them turned and bowed to me.

It was Igareth. He was a human before his reincarnation, and had been searching for decent-minded people in the royal palace and among the nobles, and arranged for Zamira to be arrested.

“Well done.” (Anos)

“I shall report back to you later.” (Igareth)

Igareth left after saying that.

“Now…” (Anos)

When I turned around, Emilia and the others looked half stunned.

I guess their minds couldn’t keep up with this rapidly changing situation.

“As I was saying earlier, Emilia, I have prepared for you a position equal to that of the Seven Demon Emperors, as I promised.” (Anos)

“…But… That’s…” (Emiila)

She cut her own words, looking troubled.

Even though she begged me to stay at the Hero Academy, once I had made my decision, there was no way she could stubbornly refuse.

It was Emilia’s idea to begin with.

It would be unreasonable of her to go back on it just because it didn’t go along with her wishes.

If she truly was a teacher, then she had to set an example in front of her students.

“As you can see, the position of Headmaster of the Hero Academy of Arclanisca is now vacant. Unfortunately, there is no one to fill it yet. And the royal palace has to deal with the loss of the royal family first and foremost. The ministers seem unhappy that there’s no one in charge of the Hero Academy, which is the only institution capable of subjugating dragons, as they don’t know when they’ll reappear. So I told them that I had just the person for the job, someone who is highly sought after by the students.” (Anos)

Emilia was taken aback by my words.

Then she straightened her posture and tightened her expression.

“Your willingness to atone for your sins has taught me a lesson, too. Use this time of service in Azesion to return the knowledge you’ve cultivated during your days of hardships to it.” (Anos)

She knelt down to me.

The Hero Academy students followed suit by kneeling and bowing their heads.

“Emelia Ludwell. I appoint you as the headmaster of the Hero Academy of Arclanisca. Now that it has lost its royal family, Azesion will face long-lasting ordeals. Be sure to cultivate national treasures who can overcome them.” (Anos)

She bowed her head deeply and spoke as if swearing an oath.

“I humbly accept your appointment.” (Emilia)