It was a meeting with the local lords.

As we had obtained the reward of a sacred special warp gate that zombies couldn’t overlook, it was necessary to share this information, and we were in the midst of the conversation.

“…So, I’m planning to hurry and install warp gates in other regions from now on. Fortunately, the authority to install the gates lies with me, who led the expedition that day, so you just need to send the coordinates of the location where you want to install the gate.”

The local lords reflected on my words.

Oh, if it happens like this, we can safely guarantee the safety of the survivors led by the Second Prince!

We just need to get out of the dangerous capital.

‘Hmm, it seems they have similar thoughts.’

They promised supplies such as food and soldiers, but facing the majority of the capital’s population turning into zombies, they probably wanted to avoid a direct confrontation.

Hm, in that case, Your Highness the Second Prince, what are your plans for the future?

“Excuse me?”

I think His Highness would have similar thoughts, Lord Kitten. So, I’m asking where you would like to settle in the future.

‘Ah, until a new capital is decided, they want a place to stay in their own territory.’

I couldn’t help but notice the subtle materialistic desire.

“Well, Your Highness the Second Prince is a cautious person, so even though he knows that the most efficient decision is to evacuate the capital and launch a total attack, he warned that an opponent who has become disadvantaged may show unexpected behavior.”

Hoho.

You are a wise person.

Perhaps because you are the only one to succeed the next Grand Emperor.

I barely suppressed the corner of my mouth twitching in front of the humble lords’ screens.

‘Astean’s intentions are basically my intentions.’

Externally, Astean was considered chosen as the saint by Zero to command everything, but the real power here was me.

〈Let the Duke do as he wishes. If it weren’t for such an unfortunate event, there wouldn’t have been any chance for me to be in the position of the Emperor.〉

〈Is it still okay? Boss… No, am I not pretending to be the Emperor, holding all the real power?〉

〈If it weren’t for you, I would have died anyway. What’s the big deal about being a puppet? Do as you please. I’m satisfied playing the role of solid support for the Duke.〉

To deceive the enemy, you must deceive your allies first.

Except for my party members, everyone else only knew Astean as the real saint.

“Now, let’s move on to the next agenda. If anyone is willing to install the warp gate first, please raise your hand….”

While I was speaking, the lord of a quiet rural village that had separated from the capital raised his hand with urgency.

Ca-Can I speak? It’s urgent news.

‘What is it?’

“…Please speak.”
Actually… I recently witnessed those who appeared to be priests of the temple moving in large numbers. I can guarantee this because it wasn’t just one or two people; my territory residents, aides, and others have witnessed it too.

‘Could it be?’

Feeling a sinister premonition, I had to confirm it immediately.

“… What were the priests of the temple doing?”

The number of individuals greatly exceeded the priests originally dispatched to my territory. They were clearly high-ranking priests, as indicated by the pure white robes adorned with gold thread, blue capes, and jewel decorations.

Upon hearing this, other regional lords reacted with surprise.

What did you say, high-ranking priests?

Embroidery done with golden threads. That’s something only priests of the capital’s papal office could afford.

Could it be… those people you mentioned, Lord Kitten? The traitors who abandoned the capital as soon as zombies appeared.

Unbelievable… but it seems correct. There was an old man among them wearing a robe, and it’s presumed he is the ringleader who fled, judging by his appearance.

The reports from informants caused a stir like waves.

‘Hmm.’

Even though I heard it with my own ears, it was still unbelievable.

‘They come to show themselves now?’

Where have they been hiding until now?

The slick demeanor of the Pope, who shamelessly stood in front of me, was vivid in my mind.

What? Did they say it was fortunate that only they could save the fallen empire?

‘After saying that, they abandoned me and ran away when I escaped with the holy water.’

I thought they had fled far away to another continent because I hadn’t heard any news. Still, it seemed they were crawling out now that there were signs of a turnaround.

As the lords openly displayed discomfort, they glanced at me.

“…Let’s adjourn the meeting here. The gate construction will soon proceed in order. Please submit the installation support request through my butler, Patrick.”

Yes, yes!

I thought it was over like that.

Not long after the meeting ended, I received a report.

“…Lord Duke.”

With a pale expression, Mihael spoke to me.