Pretending to Be Human Is Exhausting Again Today - Chapter 113

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Pretending to Be Human: Episode 113

Sensing that the narrative would stagnate if I allowed this to continue, I moved to quell the animosity between the two.

“For now, I understand the situation. Let’s postpone our investigation into the Baobhan sith that infiltrated the Imperial Palace. If even Count Loreil doesn’t know, discussing it further among ourselves would be futile.”

I wished we could at least narrow down a likely suspect, but the insufficiency of our intelligence weighed heavily on me.

I mentally added the Baobhan sith to my list of potential enemies and shifted the conversation forward.

“And just now, during the confrontation between Asmo-rina and Gregory, a new variable emerged. That variable is the Emperor.”

The moment the word “Emperor” left my lips, the atmosphere visibly tensed.

The weight of that title was truly formidable.

“Before discussing the Emperor’s power, I should explain the deities I encountered in the Demon Realm. This will be shocking for you all, but I met countless deities in the Demon Realm. You see, the Demon Realm is currently engulfed in a prolonged war between deities and demons.”

The conflict between demons and deities, the war itself—it was the sort of tedious mythological narrative one might find scattered across dozens of human civilizations.

The problem was that the protagonist of this mythology was none other than myself and the Sun God.

“And among them was the Empire’s principal deity—the Sun God.”

“…!”

The faces of those who had revered the Sun God as their creator instantly hardened.

“The Sun God was one of the vanguard commanders of the Divine Army. I crossed blades with him on multiple occasions.”

I proceeded to outline the Sun God’s defining characteristics.

Arrogant and presumptuous, yet wielding power fundamentally opposed to demons—a war god of formidable might.

In terms of combat prowess alone, he ranked among the top five generals.

Naturally, my description contained nothing of the Sun God that humans believed they knew.

“The Sun God you all revere may be the absolute deity who created the world, but the truth is far different. He is merely a transcendent being with power comparable to mine.”

The true nature of the deities humanity worshipped proved surprisingly mundane.

Take, for instance, the Lake Deity, rumored to grant human wishes. In reality, he was merely an observer who enjoyed conflict and spectacle.

The other deities known across the Continent were largely similar in character.

“Wait, Princess. Then why did the Empire choose the Sun God as its chief deity? What about the others?”

Ivan’s question prompted me to voice the conclusion I’d reached over time.

“I can’t say for certain. My suspicion is that divine power he casually bestowed became fashionable among humans, and faith naturally followed.”

This time, Loreil’s reaction was one of shock.

“Wait, divine power originates that way?”

“Yes, divine power functions similarly to magical power.”

Sensing the conversation was drifting off course, I quickly defined divine power.

“It lacks the destructive potency of magical power, but the fundamental nature is similar. Like magical power, humans alone can never contain it within their bodies.”

“Then how did the Priests obtain divine power?”

“Through inheritance. The Priests who initially obtained divine power for whatever reason refined that strength through training, then bestowed it upon their successors.”

For what it’s worth, I suspected divine whimsy was one such reason. After all, deities came in as many varieties as Demons did.

“…I had heard that divine power requires faith.”

“The most crucial element for strengthening divine power and magical power alike is mental discipline. Prayer happens to be quite effective for that purpose.”

In essence, the condition for wielding divine power was not belief in a deity. It was the same principle as when I infused magical power into Ivan, yet he did not worship me.

Moreover, since divine power spread through inheritance, to ordinary eyes it appeared that only the faithful possessed such power.

Divine power in this world was a monopolized force, maintained by the privileged to preserve their authority.

“That can’t be…”

Loreil and several others fell silent. The revelation of divine power’s true nature struck them far harder than the Sun God’s identity itself.

Liribel, the first to recover from the shock, turned to me with a question.

“But Princess, if that’s the case, why do they call them gods? From what I hear, they don’t seem any different from demons…”

“They likely have representative attributes. Each of them possesses a natural element that symbolizes their essence.”

In the Demon Realm, beings who wielded such extraordinary power were collectively called gods. However, it wasn’t a title spoken with reverence or worship as humans would use it.

While everyone else reeled from shock, Chloe appeared unmoved. Curious about her composure, I asked her directly.

“You don’t seem surprised, Chloe. Did you already know?”

“The Lake Deity always told me not to trust humans who believe in gods. Said they’re all fraudsters… Though he never explained the truth about divine power itself.”

The way the Lake Deity casually spoke of matters that could diminish his own divinity suggested his affection for Chloe was genuine.

‘Now then…’

With the mystery of the gods’ identity resolved, the restless atmosphere in the room gradually settled.

I returned to the main point.

“And right now, the Emperor wields the Sun God’s power. Despite it being a force no human should be able to control. For what it’s worth, I don’t believe it’s reincarnation or possession. I sensed no trace of the Sun God within the Emperor.”

The number of times the Sun God and I clashed on the battlefield was beyond counting. I could say with certainty—the Emperor was not the Sun God.

Loreil’s brow furrowed at my words.

“I cannot comprehend this. Even if we don’t know how he obtained the Sun God’s power… why didn’t the Emperor make this fact public?”

It was a valid observation. The Sun God’s power would have been an excellent means of authenticating his legitimacy. Yet the Emperor concealed it.

“Perhaps because he obtained it through dishonorable means. Or perhaps there are restrictions on its use.”

Without concrete evidence, those were the only possibilities that came to mind.

‘Jeina likely knows more than she’s revealed… but she doesn’t seem inclined to answer just yet.’

“In any case, it’s now certain that the Emperor possesses a formidable power. As long as he covets the Demon’s strength, we’re destined to clash with him.”

Given the caliber of my opponent, concealing the Demon’s power for a lifetime was impossible. The Emperor would pursue Gregory and Asmo-rina relentlessly, and eventually, he would face me.

“That’s why we must prepare ourselves to confront the Emperor when that day comes.”

At last, it was time to reveal why I had gathered everyone and explained the situation. I drew a measured breath before speaking.

“I’ve considered two possible approaches. First, we discover the source of the Emperor’s power and eliminate it. …But that’s difficult. We lack the necessary information.”

So, the more practical alternative.

“Second, I kill the Emperor and become the Emperor myself.”

I truly despised the prospect, yet it remained the most effective solution to resolve this tangled web in one decisive stroke.

While a sigh escaped me unbidden, the room’s atmosphere ignited with fervent resolve.

“So the Princess becomes Emperor? That sounds rather exciting.”

“The Emperor as my business partner… I could even aim for the Empire’s greatest fortune.”

“My blade will always stand beside the Emperor.”

“I am the eternal Captain, so I shall follow wherever you lead.”

Some barely concealed their ambitions, while others had already begun addressing me as Emperor.

I fixed them with a sharp gaze and spoke coldly.

“Nothing is decided yet, so don’t harbor unfounded expectations. Someone else might become Emperor instead of me.”

“I don’t see anyone else fit to be Emperor besides you, Princess.”

I sent Ivan a pointed look—a warning that further thoughtless remarks would earn him a scolding. He flinched with a small yelp.

Meanwhile, Loreil, who appeared to be the most rational among them, finally spoke after careful deliberation.

“Regardless of who becomes Emperor, the current Emperor must be eliminated—that much doesn’t change.”

“To be honest, I’d prefer to resolve this without killing him. A peaceful resolution would be ideal.”

“Given the Emperor’s temperament, that seems impossible.”

“Exactly. That’s the problem.”

I couldn’t imagine the Emperor quietly surrendering. That’s why I’d chosen the option of eliminating him instead.

“In any case, our objectives narrow down to two things: overthrowing the Emperor, and investigating the enemies using Baban Si’s power. Does anyone have further questions?”

At that moment, Chloe raised her hand.

‘I never said to raise your hand when asking questions. Why does everyone do that?’

I nodded with a reluctant expression.

“Go ahead.”

“I just spoke with the Lake Deity about this, and I received a rather strange response.”

“You had a conversation already?”

She spoke with the Lake Deity as casually as one would with a close friend. Chloe continued, her expression growing complicated as she noticed my bewilderment.

“Yes, I was also curious about where the Sun God is right now.”

“What did he say?”

“That’s… a secret Asmodina must never know.”

“What?”

“And there was something else he said…”

Chloe answered with an expression suggesting she was uncertain whether to relay this information.

[You never tire, dragging those around you into hell.]

“And so….”

Faced with the Lake Deity’s sudden words, I closed my mouth without offering any response.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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