episode_0034

This incident caused the relationship between Sanburg and the Empire, which had been on the verge of improvement, to become extremely strained, and they broke the agreement.

Since the agreement was directly handled by Rudela Bismark, her already poor evaluation in the Council of Elders fell even further.

Even though the accident happened on the Sanburg side, the person responsible is Rudela Bismark, so they want to hold her responsible.

In fact, he had a greater intention to make Francia Perbace, a rare authority on healing magic and highly regarded in high society and the Council of Elders, the empress.

anyway.

So it wouldn’t have been surprising if the Empire and Sandburg had gone to war right away.

The reason war has not yet broken out is so that we can hear the details from the parties involved and investigate the traces to find out exactly what happened.

Crown Prince Fedelian Rosino insisted that war should be started immediately, citing the imperial pride as an attack, but Rosino’s emperor seemed to be very reluctant to go to war.

So today.

The emperor himself summoned John to the palace.

The Crown Prince and the head of the First Civil Service were also present.

The place they arrived was the Emperor’s audience room located in the center of the palace.

The huge golden doors opened on both sides, releasing a dazzling light.

White light poured down from the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting stars like stars and illuminating the floor.

The red carpet stretched in a straight line up to the throne, and the marble columns lining it each resembled the shape of a god.

It felt like a privilege only those allowed to set foot here could enjoy.

“Raise your head.”

As those summoned, including John, knelt and bowed their heads, the Emperor raised one hand.

“Let me start with the prince.”

“Yes.”

Fedelian, who was standing at the very front, opened his mouth.

“You touched my fiancee and the promising Johan Harsen of the Empire. This was a blow to the pride of the Empire and a challenge to Rosino’s authority. I don’t think it should be overlooked.”

Fedelian was still of the opinion that war should be started.

There were many aspects that he would benefit from if war broke out.

Because you can directly lead the war and increase the prestige of the empire, while also solidifying your position and increasing your influence.

“Is that so?”

The Emperor, who was sitting on the throne with his chin resting on his hand, slowly opened and closed his eyes and waved his hands. Fedelian stepped back in response to the gesture.

“Head of the First Civil Service. What do you think?”

The head of the First Civil Service, Grand Duke Lenokhonen. He is Cassis’ father.

John, curious, turned his gaze to look at him.

His bushy beard and sideburns give him a lion-like appearance.

Although his white hair had turned white from the ravages of time, his purple eyes seemed to burn brightly.

“I think it’s better to avoid war if possible. The southern front was still in operation until recently, and it’s just now being cleared up.”

Prince Lenokhonen was against the war. It was not yet fully formed, and the 1st Public Service Corps was the unit that would be sent to the most dangerous front.

“Is that so?”

The emperor nodded slowly and looked at John.

“Now it is time to hear the story of the parties involved. Johan Harsen, the special wizard. Do you know what happened?”

John raised his head slightly. But he did not look up at the emperor. That in itself was against the imperial etiquette.

“I think that Sanburg is also a victim of someone’s scheme.”

“Huh?”

The Emperor pursed his lips for a moment, then slowly looked at John.

There was more than mere curiosity in that gaze.

As if the look in his eyes suggested that he should continue speaking, Yohan continued speaking softly.

“There have been other unpleasant incidents. From the magic practitioners who controlled the special beasts during the last reconnaissance mission to the current incident. I think there is someone causing chaos in the empire. And he is a very high-ranking person.”

The emperor’s eyebrows rose.

“Does anyone dare to talk nonsense in my country?”

“Yes.”

John answered.

“Whoever planned this would have the most to gain from the war in Sandburg, while also dealing with Lady Bismark. That person is probably still hoping for war.”

The meaning behind John’s words was ambiguous, but if you look closely, you can see that they were referring to one person.

One who can deal with Rudela Bismark and at the same time start a war and gain huge profits.

There was only one person in that place who meant that.

The Emperor rubbed his chin with his fingers as if slowly chewing on John’s words.

“Is there really a mastermind behind this? Whoever it is, if they are just trying to disparage Rosino with a ruse… …it is something that cannot be taken lightly.”

The Emperor looked at Fedelian for a moment. Johan followed his gaze. The Crown Prince averted his eyes.

“Words are invisible, but they are by no means light. Harsen Special Wizard, can you take responsibility for what you say?”

He looked deeply at John as if trying to read his true feelings.

“I am not speaking based on guesses, Your Majesty. I am certain that there is a mastermind behind this incident.”

The Emperor nodded slowly. A brief silence thickened the air in the audience room.

“… … .”

John’s gaze slightly turned to the side and passed over Pedelian. For a moment, his expression hardened and his fingertips trembled slightly.

Fedelian lowered his head to avoid the Emperor’s gaze, but he could not hide the tension running down his cheeks.

“Hmm.”

The Emperor, sitting on the throne, rested his chin on his hand. He too must have heard the story and realized that the Crown Prince was behind this.

Because there are so many connections.

John’s operation was successful, as it aroused the Emperor’s suspicion that the Crown Prince was the main culprit causing the strife in the empire.

“I heard your opinion well. I also know what happened this time.”

Sruk. The emperor rose from his throne.

“War does not happen.”

“Your Majesty… !”

“Stay still, Prince.”

“To protect the pride of the empire…!”

“He told me to stay still.”

“… … .”

As the Emperor’s brow furrowed deeply, Fedelian gritted his teeth and swallowed his words.

“I will express my regret to Sanburg and offer him a proper compensation. But nothing will satisfy the Empire, so I will have to accept a portion of the territory.”

The Crown Princess Rudela Bismark was nearly killed, but failed, so receiving territory in return for her would have been a significant gain.

“This decision should not be considered to weaken the power of the Empire. We will demand compensation from Sanburg, but we will definitely pursue the truth about the true threat to the Empire.”

The emperor spoke with his golden eyes shining as if warning.

“I don’t know who caused the strife in the Empire, but since they did something like this, they must never be caught. Whoever it is, I promise you the greatest punishment in the Empire.”

The people, including Yohan, who had been quietly listening to the story, bowed their heads.

John rolled his eyes and looked at Fedelian next to the Emperor.

“… … .”

There was a shadow on his face. He probably wouldn’t like it. The Emperor found out that he was behind this, and his plan failed.

“The First Officer and the Crown Prince. Thank you for coming all this way. Johan Harsen, you too have worked hard. I will leave now.”

John rose from his seat, gave a polite imperial greeting, and left the audience room.

As he left the tense space where he was even careful about breathing, Johan smiled breathlessly. A thrilling sense of accomplishment spread along the back of his neck and enveloped his entire body.

‘At last, shade has come upon that noble face.’

What happened this time was clearly a victory for John. The Crown Prince would not be able to escape the watchful eye from now on.

There’s no need for surveillance since the shadows move instead, but the fact that he’s being watched will be a drag on his ankles.

‘I gave you a good shit for once.’

John suppressed the urge to laugh out loud and left the palace.

* * *

Kkudangtang!

“Fuck!”

As soon as Fedelian arrived at his quarters, he was overcome with uncontrollable rage and swept the desk violently.

The inkwell on the desk fell, leaving a black stain on the floor, and documents scattered in the air.

His fingers were clenched so tightly that veins were visible, and his face, clenched with teeth, was filled with deep anger.

“Johann Harsen… … .”

Even after slamming the desk, Fedelian paced around the room, still angry. His fingertips trembled. Anger bursting from deep within his chest.

‘You dare.’

I never thought that he would single me out on the spot. How could I possibly make such a choice when I could easily be accused of insulting the royal family?

However, his father, the Emperor, immediately understood and understood what Johan Harsen said. That must have been why he did not punish him.

If this happens, not only will the eyes of surveillance deepen in the future, but the distrust in the Emperor will continue, and his position will be shaken.

That’s not all. If his tail is stepped on or evidence is discovered, he will be deposed from the position of crown prince and imprisoned in the prison tower, the prison for the imperial family.

“For the time being, there’s no choice but to buy it.”

I’m not worried about the evidence being found, but who knows? Rudela Bismark might have it.

“Hoo.”

Fedelian exhaled with difficulty, trying to calm his chest. He was still angry, but he had to remain as calm as possible right now.

‘We need to go in the direction of dealing with Rudella Bismark as much as possible, but it’s complicated.’

The eyes of surveillance are deepening, and it will not be easy to kill Rudel. If you harm her at this point, you will be the first one to be suspected.

Because the emperor is watching closely.

‘Johann Harsen… … .’

Fedelian bit his lip.

Not only had Princess Perbache been taken away, but now even the Crown Prince’s position was being shaken.

‘You will never rest in peace.’

* * *

It was at this point that John called a carriage to return to his official post.

“Harsen Special Wizard.”

“Ah, Lady Bismark.”

Rudel, who should have been at the Topaz Palace, came to the front of the palace herself and called Johan’s name.

“What brings you here?”

“… … just.”

“Just?”

John tilted his head at the uneasy Rudella’s reaction.

Rudel spoke carefully, as if she were a child, but with a slightly trembling voice.

“Just because I miss you… … .”

Her voice came out as a whisper.

As soon as she finished speaking, her face turned red and she was surprised herself. She looked away as if she was running away.

Rudel clenched her hands together without realizing it, hoping that the words she was saying would not reach his ears.

But at the same time, I also wanted to hear it. I was curious about how he would react.

“Lady Bismark seems to have a bit of an odd side sometimes.”

But he didn’t seem to hear her. He was just looking at her with a slight smile.

At that, Rudella felt a sense of relief, but at the same time, a little regret.

“Have you been using the trick?”

“… I’m thinking about that.”

“Is that so?”

John tilted his head slightly, still smiling. Rudelah held her breath as his deep blue eyes stared into hers.

“Call me anytime. I’m a top-notch wizard, but all I do is handle boring paperwork.”

Rudel nodded, looking away. She caressed her wrist with her fingertips to hide her excitement.

“I will do that.”

“Are you done talking?”

“It’s the end… … .”

“Then I will go now.”

“Ah… … .”

As John was about to get into the carriage, Rudella reached out her hand with a look of regret. Her fingertips lingered in the air for a moment. It was a gesture that she unconsciously made to grab him.

“… Do you have anything else to say?”

“No, that’s, ah, um.”

After stuttering for a while, Rudella spoke carefully.

“… Would you like to stop by the Topaz Palace?”