Tilea's Worries

Oru continues to ignore Edim's repeated questions.

Oru must be strictly following my order to "not say a word!" It's a question from Edim, who he knows. He should just answer.

Geez, he's too dutiful, or rather, inflexible...

Edim seems quite angry that Oru is ignoring her. She's repeating curses. Then, as if tired of speaking, she turns to me with a pleading look.

"Haa, haa, haa, I-I won't forgive this... T-Tilea-sama, did you see that? This insolent attitude, Ortissio is neglecting his duties. Let's execute him immediately!"

"..."

"Ah, even Tilea-sama is ignoring me? Have I displeased Tilea-sama again? Oh, what should I do..."

Edim starts clutching her head in distress.

This is bad. My brain's processing speed has overheated from all these extraordinary events, and my response is delayed.

"Edim, I'm sorry. I was just a bit confused. I don't dislike you at all."

"Tilea-sama!"

"Also, the reason Oru was ignoring you is because I ordered him 'not to speak.' There's no other meaning to it."

"Is that so? But why would you give such an order?"

"Yeah, more importantly, I have so many things I want to ask Edim and points I want to make. But first, let me ask just one thing."

"Yes! Anything!"

"Who exactly is this Dark Emperor?"

"Um, I don't quite understand the meaning of your question..."

"I mean it literally. Who is it?"

"Yes. It's Ortissio-sama here."

"No way!!!"

My voice, along with the female boss's and Zama's, echoes throughout the room.

The female boss and Zama, who had been looking puzzled at my conversation with Edim, seem even more shocked by this fact.

Yeah, I'm surprised too.

"Oru, you can speak now. Answer the question."

"Yes."

"Are you the Dark Emperor?"

"Yes. I am called that, but I don't remember ever calling myself that. I have absolutely no other intentions. Tilea-sama, please believe me!"

Phew~ It's been confirmed by the person himself.

More than anything, it's Edim's testimony. It must be true.

Oru is the Dark Emperor...

The absolute monarch standing at the top of the Evil District, commanding all evil...

How did Oru, who is in the complete opposite position from the rumors, use magic to become the Dark Emperor?

Ah! So that's it. I pretty much understand now. It must have gone something like this:

"Phew, with the anti-gang laws progressing and the power of the ruffians weakening, it's about time for us, the great noble Oru family, to take control of the Evil District. We'll put all our family's resources into this effort."

"Papa, I have a request."

"My son, what is your wish? I'll grant you anything. Do you want a horse? Or perhaps a castle?"

"I don't need those things. I'm not a child anymore."

"I see, I see. Then what do you want?"

"I want to try managing a territory."

"Oh, what an ambitious son I have. Alright then, let's choose a candidate from our lands--"

"I've already decided on a candidate. I want the Evil District."

"Hmm, son. The Evil District is a bit... That place is controlled by yakuza and very dangerous. It's an extremely difficult place to govern directly. For your first time, let's start with something easier. How about the Zaire region? It's relatively stable and a rich land."

"Papa, I won't run away. Governing a difficult land is what's befitting of an heir, isn't it?"

"Oh, my... How my child has grown. I'm moved to tears. You troublesome son. Alright, alright. Show me how splendidly you can govern it."

"Yay, I'll govern it! I'll use administrative cheats. Free markets and sword hunts!"

"Now, now, don't forget land surveys."

That's how it must have gone.

And then...

"Hehe. My son. He ran off so happily. Now then... Sebas, Sebas, are you there!"

"Here, sir."

"Help my son. Assist him from the shadows, from all directions - north, south, east, and west!"

"Leave it to me. I won't trouble the young master. I'll crush any difficulties so that the young master need only sit in his chair."

"Hmm. As expected of Sebas, our family's perfect butler. I'm counting on you."

That's probably how the conversation went.

The leadership of the Evil District was likely decided on Oru's whim.

As expected of a medieval, absolute monarchy world. Such an important position like mayor or lord is given to someone incompetent just because of blood relations. It's scary.

Of course, I don't mean to say that nepotism is 100% bad. Even with nepotism, sometimes capable people are appointed. They say talent is hereditary, after all.

But in this case, it's a bad situation. Oru has no governing ability. The governance must all be done by Oru family's highly competent subordinates.

"Oru, you're able to govern the Evil District thanks to your capable subordinates. Don't get arrogant thinking it's your own power, okay?"

"Of course. Excellent subordinates are supporting me. That hasn't changed since ancient times. My subordinates are my pride."

"Good, good. If you understand that, you'll be fine."

"Yes!"

Well, well, today has been quite overwhelming with so many surprises.

Oru is the Dark Emperor!? I couldn't help but laugh.

Come to think of it, Edim was also giggling when I brought up the topic of the Dark Emperor. Maybe because she knew the Dark Emperor's true identity.

The mystery is solved.

And I also understand why Oru always said "The Evil District is my garden, my garden."

Phew~ All's well that ends well, I guess.

Oru may be a figurehead, but he's still the top of this Evil District. There's no need to be afraid of anything anymore. I'm best buddies with the Dark Emperor.

Hehe, Zama and the female boss who looked so scary now seem small.

Now then, let's quickly go home and get into bed.

This time, or rather, they probably won't stop me anymore.

I headed towards the exit.

"Ah, wait!"

"Hm? Do you need something~?"

I reply to the female boss with complete composure.

"Wh-what's going on? This man is the Dark Emperor? And Tilea-sama? A-anyway, Boss Zama, this is our chance. To think the Dark Emperor is such a greenhorn, it's like seeing a ghost's true form as a withered flower. Let's do it! The Evil District will be yours, Boss Zama!"

The female boss is trying to incite Zama.

But too bad. You were close. The rebellion won't succeed.

It might have succeeded if it was just me and Oru, but here we have the strongest spear.

"Y-you idiot! Such a terrifying thing..."

"It's a chance, I tell you! There are no bodyguards of the Dark Emperor here. Just two young girls!"

"But, but... You don't know how scary Milio-sama is. I've seen Milio-sama's raging violence. If we try to rebel, who knows what will happen to us."

"For you, the fighter Boss Zama, to say this much. Milio-sama must be an incredible mass of violence. But that Milio-sama isn't here right now."

"B-but, above that Milio-sama is Edim-sama. If we lay a hand on Edim-sama, that terrifying unit led by Milio-sama will..."

"If we kill them, no one will know. Boss Zama, are you going to endure these days of exploitation? Edim foolishly didn't bring Milio's troops as bodyguards. And we've found out that the Dark Emperor is just a figurehead. We'll never get a chance like this again."

"Y-you're right. I didn't intend to end my life just being used. Hehe, today really is my lucky day."

"That's more like it. All of you, surround them!"

"Yes, sir!"

The female boss's underlings surround us.

"Fufu, little miss, sorry to involve you. We can't leave any witnesses alive. It's a shame, but you'll have to die."

"Fufu."

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, I was just wondering why you decided that Milio is strong and Edim is weak."

"What did you say!"

"Edim, teach them a little lesson."

"Yes, these insolent fools. I'll tear them to shreds before your eyes."

"No, don't kill them. Half-kill them, no, two-tenths kill them!"

"Understood."

As soon as Edim replied, she started blowing away the thugs including the female boss at wind-like speed.

Midway through, Oru seemed to get fired up and was about to jump in saying "I shall participate as well," so I restrained him in a full nelson.

I have a plan. For that, we can't let them know how weak you are.

And then...

"Is this enough...?" Edim mutters while her fists are covered in a large amount of blood.

Of course, it's not Edim's blood.

Yeah, as expected. It's chilling.

She overwhelmed the 20 or 30 thugs.

"Eek, p-please forgive us..."

"Guhaa. Ugh, h-help me..."

There lay the pitiful, battered figures of the thugs.

A sea of blood spreading in my view...

Some of them are twitching and convulsing.

They're not dead, right?

Maybe two-tenths killing was too much, one-tenth might have been enough.

"Edim, you're too soft. These are traitors. Can't you be rougher with them!"

Oru immediately starts scolding Edim arrogantly.

Normally I would caution him, but this is convenient for his role as the Dark Emperor. Oru's father has always been taking care of me with the underground empire and whatnot.

I'll cooperate with Oru's Dark Emperor charisma plan here.

"You all, you're in the presence of the Dark Emperor. Aren't you being a bit too presumptuous?"

"Eek! Y-yes, sir!!"

Everyone is terrified after being beaten up by Edim. The thugs prostrate themselves like rice-planting frogs.

"Yes, that's right. Bow down like that. Do you know who this person is? The former Vice General-- no, the Dark Emperor Oru-sama!"

"We deeply apologize for our rudeness!"

"Good, good, I'll forgive you. You're lucky. If Oru-sama had gotten angry, you would have been minced meat in an instant."

"M-minced meat...?"

The thugs are turning pale.

This is going well. They're feeling awe towards Oru.

"Tilea-sama, Tilea-sama."

"What is it~?"

"I am angry. May I mince these guys?"

"Eek!"

The thugs are terrified, their faces contorting at Oru's threat.

No, no, you can't mince them with your power, you know.

Or are you planning to ask Edim?

I won't allow that. I won't let Edim kill people.

Ignoring Oru's words, I continue the act.

"Is that so, as expected of Oru-sama. Will you forgive these guys? The Dark Emperor has a big heart."

"No, I cannot forgive them. These traitors deserve the ultimate punishment. These rebels-- Gyaaah!"

I step on Oru's foot.

I grind it thoroughly, making sure the thugs can't see.

Geez, how much trouble are you going to cause?

Read the room. You understand, right?

"Oru-sama, you'll forgive these guys, right?"

"Y-yes. I understand."

And so, I forced words of agreement out of Oru.

"You all should be grateful for the Dark Emperor's mercy."

"Y-yes! We are grateful for your forgiveness."

"Good, good. From now on, run your businesses at regular prices without making the common people cry. Extortion is out of the question. Understood?"

"Yes! We will never defy the Dark Emperor again!"

"Don't forget those words. If you forget, you'll be minced meat by the Dark Emperor's punishment."

"D-does he have that much power?"

"That's right. Oru-sama's power is ten times that of Edim."

"Ten times!"

The thugs are opening and closing their mouths.

They're shocked.

I'm not good at lying, but if this adds to the Dark Emperor's prestige, it's worth it.

"Tilea-sama, Tilea-sama."

"What is it~?"

"I'm flattered by your praise, but it's certainly not ten times. Maybe about three times?"

Yeah, you really can't read the atmosphere.

This is a bluff. Don't question the bluff.

In reality, you're less than one-hundredth of Edim's strength. What's with that slightly overconfident attitude?

"Ahem. Oru-sama is modest, you know. He understates his own abilities. In reality, if Oru-sama throws a punch at full power, he can launch it faster than sound."

"Faster than sound?!"

"That's right. Don't be fooled by appearances. Oru-sama may look like a greenhorn, but he's a battle-hardened warrior. Even someone as strong as Edim became his subordinate out of admiration for his strength."

The female boss and Zama are wide-eyed with surprise.

They've personally experienced Edim's strength, so they must be even more shocked.

Edim mumbled "...I'm not really admiring him, rather I hate him," and Oru said something like "Sound is a bit difficult. My top speed is thirteen hits per second," which I'm not sure if it's weak or strong...

I was thinking "Please, you two, cooperate with me," when...

"By the way, why is Tilea-sama in a place like this?"

Edim threw a wrench into the Dark Emperor charisma plan.

Oh, that's right.

I need to explain why I'm here, or it won't make sense.

Ugh, if I tell the truth, Edim will look down on me. Moreover, it will affect Oru's charisma. That would be a bad move.

What should I do... Ah! I've got a good idea.

I turn back to the female boss and the others.

"I'm glad you've reformed. My undercover investigation was worth it."

"Undercover investigation?!"

Everyone chimes in unison.

They're surprised.

Yes, the reason I went to the red-light district was for an undercover investigation for Oru's governance of the Evil District. It wasn't for personal pleasure at all. I came to investigate the actual state of business management.

Hmm, hmm, that's actually what it was.

"So that's why Tilea-sama was in a place like this."

"Tilea-sama, I understand the meaning of your secret mission. You wanted me to cooperate with your undercover investigation of the Evil District!"

"Edim, Oru."

"Yes!"

"As expected of you. That's right. There's no helping that it's been exposed. I experienced firsthand how the profits in the Evil District are handled."

"As expected of Tilea-sama. We couldn't have imagined that you would conduct the investigation yourself."

Yes! I've overcome the crisis.

Edim and Oru are believing my words. If I can convince the female boss and the others, this matter will be settled.

"U-undercover investigation... All that crying was an act...?"

This is bad. The female boss is suspicious.

Well, it's natural to be suspicious. That wasn't an act. It was genuinely serious behavior. Before the female boss and others say anything unnecessary and become more suspicious, I need to take control of the situation.

"Ah, hahahaha. That's right. Impressive, isn't it? My acting is good enough to sweep the Academy Awards."

"Haha... You got me. There really are amazing people in this world."

"You! How dare you speak so casually to Tilea-sama. Know your place!"

"Huh? The Dark Emperor is using polite language... Come to think of it, you were even strangling the Dark Emperor earlier... Who on earth are you?"

Damn it...

These guys know how I treat Oru. I was treating Oru as if he was my inferior. If they find out I'm just a town girl here, the Dark Emperor's charisma will decrease.

In that case...

"I-it seems I've been found out. That's right. I-I'm actually the shadow power controlling the Evil District from behind the scenes. I'm an even greater existence than the Dark Emperor."

"I-is that true?!"

"Th-that's right. By the way, my combat power is ten times that of Oru."

"Ten times?!"

They're surprised.

Good, good, it seems they've come to think of me as a formidable behind-the-scenes power.

"Tilea-sama, Tilea-sama."

"What is it~?"

"You're being too modest. Tilea-sama's power isn't just ten times mine, it's a thousand times greater."

Why can't you read the atmosphere?

A thousand times... What are you, an elementary school student?! There's a limit to bluffing. Look, the thugs are gaping in astonishment.

Geez, you KY-ssio. Can you really manage the Evil District at this rate?

I'll praise you for bringing Edim into the governance, but I can't help but worry.