“In the bet, the defeated god Roowrick gave his power to the imperial nobles. A robust power resembling a wolf. However, no matter how hard Roowrick tried, the initial evil deep in his heart was an inevitable emotion. So, that power strongly reacts to negative emotions.”

“Ah…”

“Also, Salmon god taught how to handle the god’s power over the centuries, but it seems Roowrick did not understand humans who couldn’t handle their power. All of this is just an assumption… Nevertheless, the ‘evil’ was more vulnerable to emotions, making it easier to rampage. It was even more burdensome. Moreover, Roowrick disappeared before fully mastering that power.”

“Is madness… originated like that?”

“Yeah. Salmon god’s power is similar to the temple, and Roowrick god’s power is similar to magic. Even though it’s the power of the same god, it’s both good and evil.”

While Silian’s words were just assumptions, those assumptions fit quite well.

“I see.”

“The strange thing is that there aren’t many among the imperial nobles who suffer from madness. As time goes by, that power has weakened. But suddenly, like a comet, that guy appeared. A being with the power of the strong noble, the power called madness.”

“Would that be helpful?”

“In the end, those who coveted the god’s power were in both the empire and the kingdom. So, it might be helpful if handled well.”

Listening quietly to his story, Sesenia nodded her head.

“Yeah, it might be helpful.”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe even surpass the emperor.”

“Well, that’s not certain. To become the emperor, you have to handle that power well. And do you want that guy to become the emperor?”

“I hope Teddy becomes the emperor. I wish for it.”

“Why him? There are other crown princes in the empire who have a good background, and there’s a crown prince who is close to you, isn’t there?”

Just as Matapju had said before, Silian, as if he had already completed all the investigations on Sesenia, spoke.

“But it has to be Teddy.”

“I don’t understand.”

“To be honest, Silian.”

“Yeah?”

“You said to me. You said I resembled your god. That my sacrifice was similar. But that’s wrong. I’ll tell you everything that happened. Even if you know the truth, you can’t escape from me.”

It was Silian who was taken aback by Sesenia’s firm words.

With a determined expression, Sesenia seemed somewhat resolute.

“So, it’s scary. Am I already a caught fish?”

“Yeah. You can’t escape at all. So, let me tell you. It wasn’t a Salmon god-like heart that saved you, saved you and Pepe. It wasn’t about sacrifice. I saved you because you’re ‘Salmon royalty.'”

His expression solidified slowly.
“For your perfect plan, it’s just a prearranged scheme to utilize me, to make that perfect plan even more perfect and solidify the position of the nobles. And I am just a perfect background for that plan. A background that can be torn apart and ruined, even if my plan becomes a mess and chaotic, just so that my plan can become the emperor.”

“……”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why?”

“You were deceived.”

Upon hearing that, Silian stood up, tousling Sesenia’s hair vigorously.

Thinking it might upset her, he was surprised to see her smiling.

“You didn’t deceive me.”

“Huh…?”

“You never said you wouldn’t use me as the Salmon royalty from the beginning. What you promised was protection for my brother. And you perfectly kept the agreement between us. So, it doesn’t matter. Even if you exploit me, even if your background gets torn apart and ruined along with me. It’s okay. You are already my benefactor.”