The Emperor (2)
“The Emperor… You’re saying I could be the Emperor?”
Ambition flickered in the eyes of the King of Palma as he echoed the words.
But at the same time, fear was evident.
‘The Emperor… Is the weight of that title truly so great?’
At first, Sybil thought it was because of the devils.
Edrium, the land of devils.
That the King couldn’t claim the title of Emperor because a devil had established a nation here.
But that was strange.
‘Devils have always proclaimed themselves as they pleased. They've never sought recognition from humans. Besides, it hasn’t been that long since devils arrived in the human world.’
This land belonged to the history of mankind, not devils.
Was it possible that Palma was originally an empire, and only after the devils came did they become apprehensive and reduce themselves to a kingdom? It seemed odd.
‘Empire or royal palace, it’s just a title. This is the only nation on this continent, after all. Still, his reaction is strange.’
The King of Palma seemed terrified of being called ‘Your Majesty,’ of becoming Emperor, of this nation becoming an empire. As if some kind of retribution awaited him.
But the flame was now ignited.
Though it was but a small spark, the King of Palma had, of his own volition, entertained the thought of becoming Emperor.
It wouldn’t be difficult at all.
He could even gather the citizens tomorrow and declare this land an empire.
“If that’s the case, then I too…”
Just as the King of Palma mumbled these words,
Thump—
Something descended upon his head.
“Ah, ah! Aaaaagh!!”
The King screamed, startling the surrounding vassals who turned to look in shock.
‘What is that?’
Sybil, equally surprised, widened her eyes.
Perched atop the King’s head was something that resembled a snake. It was so translucent that she could see right through it, its body seemingly empty.
“N-No! Palma cannot become like this, aaaagh—!!!”
The moment the snake settled on the King’s head, it began to shriek.
Flare—
Sybil’s reaction was swift. She ignited a flame at her fingertips and launched it towards the snake. Ideally, this flame should have been channeled through her sword, but she was currently without her rapier.
Thud!
The flame struck the snake’s head with precision, but it seemed to cause no harm, the creature remaining firmly attached.
Sybil’s magic was ineffective against the snake, and she was unarmed.
In that moment, only one option remained.
‘I’m sorry, but I need your help!’
Sybil charged towards the snake, her bare hand outstretched.
Sybil, the woman of destiny.
When someone needed protecting, she would always be at the forefront.
Grab!
The instant Sybil grasped the snake,
[…Who are you?]
She was ensnared in an illusion visible only to her.
A voice echoed.
And then, the sound of waves crashing.
‘Where…?’
She found herself in a different place.
Blue light stretched in every direction.
As far as her eyes could see, there wasn’t a single speck of land, only the vast expanse of the open ocean.
[How did you enter my realm?]
And then, rising from the depths of the ocean,
A head that filled Sybil’s vision.
“….!”
Sybil had met Poseidon before. She had been awestruck by his immense presence, but…
The head that now emerged from the water’s surface, its single eye gazing down at her, dwarfed even Poseidon’s entire form.
A size incomprehensible to humans.
Opening its colossal eye, the monstrous being spoke.
[I was simply going to kill it.]
Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi. Tiers starting at 10$ per month and you can access upto 40 advance chapters! Choose your tier by clicking the 'Support me' button! Join our discord server for latest release updates and novel discussions. Rate and review this novel on NU to help people find this novel. Bonus chapters on reaching milestones. Happy reading!