Chapter 597: The Rose Emperor's Hamlet
As everyone knew, due to insufficient magical energy, Nero and Draco's efficiency in grinding dungeons in the arena was far lower than other Masters and Servants.
Yet both versions of Nero had grown accustomed to extravagance. Even when consciously trying to save money, their funds would mysteriously vanish from their wallets, leaving them staring blankly at each other during every account check—more confused than a bewildered cat.
Where did the money go?
No idea!
For an emperor to be penniless was truly a tragic tale. If not for the stable three meals provided every morning, these two might not even have been able to afford food.
Because of this, when Sakatsuki heard Nero say, "My treat," and saw the massive amount of QP she proudly displayed, he couldn't help but widen his eyes, looking at her as if she were an alien.
Are you a fake Nero?
"Umu, what is that expression!?" The young emperor feigned displeasure as she patted Sakatsuki's shoulder, though she couldn't hide the pride in her voice as she planted her hands on her hips. "Praise me! This is the reward only someone as bold and wise as I could achieve!"
Her ahoge stood up, wagging like a puppy's tail, as if eagerly awaiting praise. Seeing this, Sakatsuki couldn't help but laugh, reaching out naturally to gently pinch Nero's cheek.
"Of course. After all, you are the cutest, most beautiful emperor."
His smile was warmer than sunlight, his emotions laid bare without restraint—just like his sword and spear, straightforward and sharp, piercing straight into Nero's heart.
"U-Umu?!" Nero's breath hitched, a lovely blush spreading across her cheeks. Her laurel-green eyes shimmered like pools of water, the heat of her skin transferring to the young man's fingertips.
Finally, the rose-like maiden snapped back to reality, turning her reddened face away and murmuring softly:
"W-Well… you deserve some credit too, I suppose…"
Dishes arrived one after another, and during this time, Nero rested her flushed cheeks in her hands as she recounted the events in the screening room to Sakatsuki.
"I see. So most of the Masters' QP ended up in your and Rin's pockets." After hearing the story, Sakatsuki finally understood the whole situation—and why the line on the rooftop was longer than during a holiday weekend. He couldn't help but let out a gleeful chuckle. "Those guys really underestimated me. They'll pay for that."
"In any case, this is my great victory!" The young emperor puffed up proudly. "But speaking of which, though I shouldn't criticize other heroes… your opponent was so boring! Look!"
Nero pointed, and following her finger, Sakatsuki saw a huntress with forest-green hair and flawless features passing by, her beast ears twitching with natural wildness.
"That's the beautiful Atlanta! Truly, the heroes of the Greek Age (Achaia) are the best. Especially her appearance—that green-clad man isn't even fit to be compared!"
The candlelight flickered as Nero, seated at the dining table, puffed out her cheeks in complaint. It seemed that, more than the battle style, she was far more dissatisfied with the appearance of Sakatsuki's second-round opponent.
"Moreover, that man bears the mark of rebellion. Those who oppose the rulers are fundamentally incompatible with Us, the Emperor. Remember this. The things We detest most are frugality, decline, and rebellion! And Our ahoge's reaction tells Us that man meets all these criteria—hey, are you even listening to Us, Sakatsuki?!"
Sakatsuki was quietly chuckling at Nero's peculiar description of him when he noticed the girl puffing up her cheeks, clearly on the verge of anger. He quickly wiped the smile off his face, cleared his throat, and deftly changed the subject:
"If that's the case, Your Majesty, what kind of ruler are you exactly?"
"Hmm, you ask what kind of ruler We are?" Nero was about to answer when her eyes suddenly sparkled with mischief, revealing a sly smile. "Though it's simple to say, We'd rather hear what kind of person you think We are."
She had long since realized that her own descriptions would inevitably be embellished. Thus, she preferred to let Sakatsuki—someone she had only interacted with a few times yet already felt incredibly close to—be the judge.
She, the Emperor known as Nero Claudius, a lively and innocent girl, a tyrant and debauched ruler—what image did she truly present in this young man's eyes?
Nero stared intently at Sakatsuki, eagerly awaiting his response.
But even if you ask me that, I already know who you are... Sakatsuki pondered for a moment before a teasing grin curled at the corners of his lips.
"Let me guess... a tyrant who oppresses the people?"
"Guh!" Nero stiffened as if struck by a bullet, only to hear Sakatsuki add with a laugh: "You strike me as incredibly haughty, impatient, quicker to act than to speak, and frankly, recklessly impulsive. I imagine life under your rule must have been quite difficult for the people."
H-he got everything right!
Nero's beautiful eyes widened in shock, her expression a mix of indignation and sorrow.
You dare insult Us, Archer!
How did he insult Us?
By simply recounting what We did!
Nero conveniently ignored this fact. Clutching her chest as if suffering heartache, she forced out a laugh through gritted teeth: "Heh, a tyrant who oppresses the people—you really have the gall to say that. Does this mean you wish to be treated as such as well?"
Tilting her head up, Sakatsuki clearly saw murderous intent flashing in Nero's eyes as she gripped Aestus Estus, which had somehow materialized in her hands: "Now that We think about it, there were indeed two or three times when We reflected, 'Perhaps We went too far.' Our true name has indeed been passed down as that of a demon..."
"Would you like to experience it firsthand?"
"Whoa, scary." Sakatsuki promptly played along, feigning terror as he picked up a plate, obsequiously feeding Nero cake, offering her cola, and massaging her shoulders—until the girl's ahoge, which had been standing stiff as a sword, finally relaxed. She elegantly picked up her teacup once more.
"Good, you understand. Being called a tyrant by someone We trust does anger Us, you know. So, We hope you'll consider Our feelings more. At least call Us a foolish ruler... no, wait, compromise and say We're an honest emperor who separates public and private matters!"
Her pouting expression was unmistakably that of a spoiled child.
"Very well, We'll give you another chance. Tell Us, what kind of person am I really?"
"The people's beloved star," Sakatsuki answered without hesitation, as if surprised the young man would say such a thing. Nero raised her eyes slightly in astonishment, while Sakatsuki suppressed a laugh, his fox-like eyes narrowing as he gave his reasoning:
"Petite, beautiful, and adorable, dressed in such a splendid gown—she seems like she'd be a great singer too. A girl like that would surely make a perfect star, wouldn't she?"
"Mmm, yes! A star—that means an idol, right? Exactly, my Praetor... ah, no, Archer!"
The young emperor, suspecting nothing, laughed cheerfully: "Not only am I an emperor, but I am also a pioneer of the arts! Proficient in poetry and prose, devoted to sculpture, and a master of forging!"
"Oh? With so many talents, just how popular were you?" Sakatsuki pressed, quite pleased to see Nero flustered, stammering in response.
"Hmm? Popularity... of course I had it! Absolutely, there were admirers! Maidens wove flower crowns for my triumphal processions! See? Proof of my popularity!"
"That was the popularity of a ruler, wasn't it? It has nothing to do with the reception of your works, does it?"
"W-what's with that look! I'm not lying!" Nero smacked the table in protest, but her vigor quickly deflated, her ahoge drooping. "...Well, admittedly, there were some pieces beyond defense... but most of them were quite good, I think! It's just... my creative vision might have been a bit too avant-garde. For some reason, my friends didn't appreciate them much."
"Is that so? I think they're wonderful." Sakatsuki smiled, his gaze sweeping over Nero's so-called 'avant-garde' dance outfit—lingering particularly on the fullness of her chest and the curve of her back—before pausing to sigh sincerely:
"Truly, you're a girl who understands the hearts of people. And for an artist, the worth of their work isn't determined by others. Those who need public approval are merchants, not artists."
"R-right! That's exactly what I think!" Nero flushed slightly under Sakatsuki's suddenly intense gaze. She shifted in her seat, about to say something, only to notice his attention had shifted to the doorway.
There, a Master with chestnut hair and eyes peeked through the crack, half her face visible, her stare full of resentment.
Hakuno: Stare—
"Oh, my Master has arrived." Sakatsuki stood smoothly, politely bidding farewell to Nero. "Then I shall take my leave, lovely Emperor."
"Umu, permission granted!" Nero waved magnanimously, watching as Sakatsuki reached the door and was promptly dragged away by a slender figure. She frowned, lost in thought, before nodding to herself:
"Sakatsuki said he plans to end the battle tomorrow... In that case, I'll go see for myself."
After Sakatsuki left, Nero lost her appetite. She hastily finished her meal and returned to her quarters, where a figure in a deep red dress crouched in the corner, hugging her knees. At the sound of Nero's footsteps, she lifted crimson eyes to glance at her.
"You seem rather pleased."
"Umu, of course!" Nero sat down beside Draco. "I met that man again in the cafeteria today!"
Upon hearing this, Draco finally looked up at Nero, "...What did he say to you?"
"You're really strange, aren't you? Is that young man someone important to you?" Nero casually teased before enthusiastically sharing her conversation with Sakatsuki. Then she posed the same question to Draco.
"Hey hey, what kind of person do you think I am?"
"You should ask yourself that," Draco replied ungraciously. "What kind of person do you think you are?"
"Umu!" Nero puffed out her chest, raised her head, and placed her hands on her hips. "Why, of course—the wise emperor who guides her people!"
One could certainly interpret it that way. This girl seemed to be made of pride from head to toe—not mere arrogance, but as if something truly noble resided in her heart, serving as the foundation for her belief in "the inherent goodness of humanity."
"In my view, I've already guided my people to an extraordinary degree! The nation has been in a state of paradise! The citizens living under my reign take pride in lives more joyful than three lifetimes combined! Among the common folk, I enjoy immense popularity!"
Yet after Nero's proud declaration, Draco's expression darkened abruptly. "What foolish nonsense are you spouting?"
"Huh?"
"Stop deceiving yourself, you fool. That's nothing to be proud of. You're merely forcing your version of justice upon them. It was their strength that accepted Rome and nurtured it to prosperity. I merely indulged in the resulting luxuries."
!!!
Nero was stunned. "How do you know I'm from Rome... No, who exactly are you?!"
Draco didn't answer. She gloomily retreated into the corner, more preoccupied with the young man mentioned in Nero's account.
—So it's you, my contractor.
Do you know I'm here? If you do... why haven't you come for me?