Chapter 23- Battle Between a Fox and a Tanuki

There was something of a silent pause following Caelus’ actions as everyone watched with bated breath in anticipation of the Emperor’s response. Would he go back on his word and simply kill Cael putting an end to the farce taking place or would he keep his promise and follow the red head in his punishment.

It truly seemed that from whatever angle one looked the end of his stick was really a little too short. Cael was seriously devious to an extent that the old emperor honestly believed that if he claimed he was the second best schemer in the world no one would claim first.

In the end though old ginger is spicier and the teens little show wasn’t enough to rattle Selene’s father as could be seen from his next action. Extending his own arm to meet Cael’s the Emperor accepted the half fruit offered to him without hesitation like it was the most natural thing in the world.

『I really must say boy for one who does not claim to be a you really are an exceptional one.』

Hearing the unexpected words Cael narrowed his eyes and was unable to hold himself back from questioning them.

『What the hell is that supposed to mean?』

With a mysterious smile Damian continued his little observation.

『My words are without duplicity I truly believe from the bottom of my heart that you are a talented . I understand your confusion however as the class of is often seen as a lowly vocation in which one kills weak and dumb beasts to scrape by a meagre living. Not exactly the most glamorous of professions by any means but absolutely the last one that should be looked down upon in this world.』

Holding up his half fruit the old Emperor stared at it in what could only be considered wonder. Such an expression would normally be the last thing one would expect to see on the face of one forced into such an unfavourable position by another yet despite this it was still so.

『In the old teachings from before the time of the Divine Epoch were seen as great champions of our race. The great wall that stood between humans and the jaws of ancient beasts using only their wits, their rudimentary understanding of essence and the few tools at their disposal to fell beings many times themselves in power.』

The Emperor then gazed deep into Cael’s eyes as if peering into his very soul in search of something unidentifiable to the teen himself. Continuing his piercing stare the silver haired man did not stop in his speech.

『Going by these old tales then, the definition of a is something like “A master at cornering other beings into their death.” Judging by your action of offering me this fruit you have no doubt learned of it’s true nature. So I ask you again in trying to force me to eat this fruit, are you not already a splendid ?』

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Finishing the last he had to say the Emperor calmly took a huge bite out of the fruit in his hand.

『Not bad, I have never actually eaten one before but they are truly as delicious as I’ve heard. Why don’t you try it as well just because it’s a punishment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.』

Grinding his teeth at realising he’d been one upped by the old man Cael had no choice but to sullenly bite into his own fruit while contemplating where he went wrong.

(That damn Damian the Ruler I can’t believe he’d actually risk eating the fruit first just to make me look like a coward. I refuse to buy into the idea that he didn’t have a way of knowing it was safe or not.)

Pulling Cael from his thoughts was the sound of a certain silver haired geezer gloating.

『Well well, looks like we both get to live for another day I guess luck was on our side. Seeing as you completed the first punishment as promised I shall now tell you of your second. In accordance with what can be considered fair compensation for avoiding the death penalty you shall be fined let’s say … 100 gold coins exact. If by some chance you are unable to provide this amount you will face a lifetime incarceration. Of course you could also make use of one of your requests to void this punishment but the ever so prideful Caelus the Hunter wouldn’t go back on his word, would he?』

(There it is just like I thought, giving me my summoning compensation ahead of time was to trick me into frivolously spending some of it so I would be a few coins short of freedom. Nice try old man but I saw this one coming a mile away.)

『Damn you gave me exactly 100 gold but how else was I supposed to get by without spending some on an inn to stay at. That’s dirty old man! … Is what you thought I’d say but I totally knew exactly what you were getting at so I mooched off Lily for the night instead. You want 100 gold I’ll give you 100 gold.』

Tossing the bag at his waist to the ground in front of the throne Cael smiled his mischievous smile.

『Oh sorry, did you want to count?』

Disappointed his plan didn’t work out as intended the Emperor could only let out an indignant snort.

『I’ll take your word for it. Before we get to your original third punishment I feel we have to address the issue of you taking a member of the imperial family hostage the scope is significantly more severe than a mere case of lese majeste. Quite frankly unless you use of one of your requests right now I will have Vain make your head roll on the ground faster than you can blink you have three seconds to pick … 1 … 2 … 』

『Fine.』

(Damian the Stingy probably wasn’t going to bring it up but the fact I’ve barely touched my requests has forced his hand, can’t have too many blank checks floating around afterall.)

『Excellent. Now then with one punishment and one request remaining this has worked out rather conveniently wouldn’t you say. Before I announce your last punishment would you like to use your request to void it?』

Looking at the Emperor like he was an idiot Cael was about to scathingly respond with how there was no way anyone would do that without knowing the contents but was interrupted instead by the rustling of someone sitting up. Raising her head off the floor Selene was exceedingly perplexed by her situation as from what she could piece together she had been sleeping on the ground in the middle of a gathering of the royal court, truly odd to say the least.

『Sorry, could someone please explain what’s going on? I seem to have missed a few things.』

Seeing Selene was now up and about Cael had only one thought in his mind.

(Ah, Awkward.)