I'm the Villain, But the Heroines Keep Choosing Me-Chapter 175: The Emperor’s Request

"As uneventful as travel during crisis allows, Your Imperial Majesty." Lyristae’s voice had shifted into formal mode, precise and measured. "Valdara stands ready to assist imperial response efforts however we may be of service."

"Your loyalty is noted and appreciated." His attention shifted. "Lord Valcrest. Your reputation precedes you. They say you single-handedly broke a demon army at Valdara."

"The reports are exaggerated, Your Imperial Majesty. I contributed to a collective defensive effort."

"Modest. Interesting." The Emperor’s expression didn’t change but something in his posture suggested he was actually paying attention rather than going through motions. "And you, Captain Thornwood, High Priestess Lightbringer – both distinguished yourselves during the siege as well, I understand."

"We did our duty, Your Imperial Majesty," Seria said.

The Emperor stood, descending from the dais with surprising lack of ceremony. Up close he was more human – tired lines around his eyes, the kind of controlled tension that came from managing impossible situations.

"Let’s dispense with some of the formality," he said, his voice dropping to more normal conversation levels. "What I’m about to discuss requires candor, and excessive protocol inhibits that. You may speak freely."

It was permission but also a test. How freely would they actually speak?

"Your Imperial Majesty is generous," Lyristae said, which was diplomatically neutral.

"I’m pragmatic. The empire is facing coordinated demon attacks across seven kingdoms. Standard responses aren’t working. I need people who can think unconventionally and act decisively." He gestured to a side chamber. "This way. We’ll speak more comfortably."

The side chamber was smaller but still impressive – a strategy room with maps covering every wall and a large table in the center. Several advisors were already there, including one Damien recognized – Lady Cassandra, the historian who’d helped during their first visit.

"You remember Lady Cassandra," the Emperor said. "She’s been coordinating intelligence gathering on demon activity. Cassandra, show them what we’ve found."

Cassandra moved to the main map, which showed the entire empire with various markers. "Red markers indicate confirmed demon attacks in the last month. Blue markers are reported demon sightings without combat engagement. Yellow markers are locations where scouts have disappeared or reported unusual activity."

The pattern was immediately obvious. A rough circle of markers surrounding the Contested Territories, with concentration increasing toward the center.

"They’re establishing a perimeter," Seria said.

"Yes. We reached the same conclusion." The Emperor moved to stand beside the map. "The question is what they’re protecting. Or preparing."

"You’ve sent scouts?" Damien asked.

"Seventeen separate reconnaissance missions over the last three weeks." The Emperor’s jaw tightened. "Three returned. The ones who came back reported extreme demon presence, organized patrols, and something they described as ’wrong’ at the center but couldn’t specify further before dying from wounds sustained during extraction."

"They died?" Elara’s voice was quiet.

"Two of infection that our healers couldn’t treat, despite divine magic. One simply stopped living – no injury, no illness, just ceased functioning." The Emperor looked at her directly. "Your divine magic couldn’t save them either, High Priestess. Something about what they encountered made them... incompatible with continued existence."

The room was very quiet.

"You want us to investigate," Lyristae said. It wasn’t a question.

"I want you to infiltrate the Contested Territories, identify what the demons are doing, and if possible, disrupt it." The Emperor’s voice was level but his expression suggested he knew what he was asking. "You four have capabilities standard military doesn’t. Shadow wielders can move unseen. Divine magic might counter whatever killed our scouts. Military expertise and tactical assessment can identify strategic weaknesses."

"And if we can’t disrupt it?" Seria asked.

"Then intelligence about what we’re facing is almost as valuable. The demons are building toward something. I need to know what before it manifests."

"You’re sending us into a situation that killed fourteen scouts," Damien said bluntly. "With minimal intelligence and no support structure."

"I’m sending the four most capable individuals available into a critical situation because no one else has survived long enough to accomplish the mission." The Emperor met his eyes. "I won’t pretend this isn’t dangerous. But the alternative is waiting until whatever they’re preparing is complete and facing it blind."

"How long do we have?" Lyristae asked.

"Unknown. But demon activity has been increasing. Whatever they’re building toward, it’s approaching completion." He gestured to the map. "Best entry point is here, on the western edge. Demon patrols are lighter and the terrain provides cover. We’ll provide supplies, equipment, whatever you need. But you’ll be operating independently once inside."

"No extraction plan," Seria observed.

"No reliable extraction plan," the Emperor corrected. "If you can signal, we’ll attempt rescue. But realistically, you’ll need to extract yourselves."

Damien looked at Lyristae, who was staring at the map with an expression he couldn’t quite read. Then at Seria, who was doing rapid tactical calculations based on her expression. Then at Elara, who looked pale but determined.

"Can we discuss this privately?" he asked the Emperor.

"Of course. The ante-chamber is available. Take whatever time you need." The Emperor’s voice held something that might have been respect. "I’m asking much. You should consider carefully."

They moved to the smaller room, closing the door behind them. For a long moment nobody spoke.

"This is exactly what I predicted," Lyristae said finally. "Expendable specialists sent into impossible situation with minimal support."

"Can we refuse?" Elara asked.

"Technically yes. Practically no." Lyristae’s voice was tight. "Refusing the Emperor during crisis makes us look cowardly or treasonous. Either way, we lose political standing and probably face consequences."

"So we’re going regardless," Seria said.

"We’re going unless someone has a brilliant alternative."

Silence again. Damien was thinking through the strategic implications, the risks, the odds. The Second Core was calculating survival probabilities and coming up with numbers he didn’t like.

"There’s something the Emperor isn’t telling us," he said.

"Obviously," Seria agreed. "But what specifically?"

"Why us. Not why shadow wielders or why capable fighters – why specifically us four." He looked at Lyristae. "You have history here. Has the Emperor worked with you before?"

"I’ve attended imperial councils. Coordinated on border security. Standard kingdom leadership interactions." But her voice was slightly off. "Nothing that would make us specifically valuable for this mission over any other capable group."

"Unless he knows something about our capabilities he’s not stating openly," Elara suggested.

"Or unless someone recommended us specifically," Damien said, watching Lyristae’s reaction.

Her expression flickered – just for a moment – with something that might have been guilt or might have been concern.

"We’re speculating without evidence," she said. "The question is whether we accept despite the unknowns."

"I don’t like walking into situations blind," Seria said. "But I like the idea of whatever the demons are building being completed even less."

"Elara?" Damien asked.

She was quiet for a moment. "I think we have to go. Not because the Emperor ordered it but because if we don’t, whatever’s in the Contested Territories could destroy everything we’re trying to protect." She looked at each of them. "The scouts who died – they went in without divine protection or shadow capabilities. We have advantages they didn’t."

"Advantages that might not be enough," Seria pointed out.

"True. But doing nothing definitely isn’t enough."

Damien found himself agreeing despite his reservations. They were already committed the moment they’d answered the summons. Refusing now would just create different problems.

"We accept," he said. "But we negotiate terms."

"What terms?" Lyristae asked.

"Full intelligence access to everything they’ve gathered. No restrictions on our methods once inside. And the Emperor’s commitment to attempt extraction if we can signal, not just vague promises about trying."

"That’s reasonable. And the Emperor should agree if he’s genuine about wanting us to succeed." Lyristae straightened, composure settling back into place. "Let’s get this formalized."

They returned to the strategy room. The Emperor was studying the map, tracing routes with one finger.

"Your decision?" he asked without turning.

"We accept," Lyristae said. "With conditions."

"Name them."

She laid out Damien’s terms. The Emperor listened without interruption, then nodded.

"Agreed. Full intelligence access starts now – Cassandra will brief you on everything we have. Your methods are your own once deployed. And you have my word that if you signal for extraction, every available resource will be committed to getting you out." He turned to face them. "Anything else?"

"Timeline," Seria said. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning if you can be ready. Every day we delay is another day closer to whatever they’re completing."

"Tomorrow." Seria’s tactical mind was already working. "That’s tight but manageable."

"Then we’re agreed." The Emperor extended his hand to Lyristae first, then to each of them in turn. His grip was firm, his expression serious. "You’re doing the empire a service. That won’t be forgotten."

"Let’s hope we survive to collect on that," Damien said.

"Let’s hope." The Emperor gestured to Cassandra. "Provide them everything. Maps, scout reports, equipment manifests. Whatever they need."

Cassandra bowed and led them to an adjacent room that had clearly been prepared for extensive briefing. Maps, documents, supply lists – everything organized with military precision.