Chapter 143

Episode 143

A short while later, Sir Olaf returned after detaining Count Apellai within the Imperial Palace. Karma immediately asked,

“Did the Count cause any trouble?”

“He was very quiet. Strangely so. He only asked for a few books to read. Considering his past actions, he should be raising his voice, but he’s too calm.”

“I agree.”

The two fell silent for a moment. They were each organizing their thoughts, and surprisingly, their thoughts converged in the same direction.

“There’s definitely something going on. Arthur and Apellai must have been planning something for a long time.”

“Your Highness, what exactly is happening?”

Karma hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should share the shocking truth about the Third Prince learning magic.

But his hesitation didn’t last long.

The only reliable expert in the Imperial Palace right now was Sir Olaf. With Muon involved, he couldn’t trust the other court magicians.

“What I’m about to tell you must never be revealed.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“It seems Arthur has learned magic.”

Doubt turned into astonishment in an instant.

“Magic! You mean he awakened his mana?”

“It doesn’t seem like he learned it through ordinary means. According to a reliable source, it’s suspected to be the result of a magical experiment.”

“Such a thing… Could Court Magician Muon be involved in this?”

Karma slowly nodded. The blood drained from Sir Olaf’s face.

An ominous feeling, as if an unnoticed darkness was engulfing the Imperial Palace.

As the one responsible for security within the palace, Olaf had been closely observing the relationship between Prince Arthur, Count Apellai, and Court Magician Muon.

And the result of their connection was a magical experiment!

If this were true, it would be an unprecedented scandal.

The one who learned magic had been humiliated by the Kalisto Dukedom, especially by O’Brien.

“Something unbelievable is happening… I can’t believe it. Forgive my boldness, but is that source truly reliable?”

“You know him well. Beatrice. It seems she’s been tracking Arthur’s movements recently. We’ve been exchanging messages.”

“So she wasn’t on a martial arts training trip?”

“That’s right.”

Then there was no need to doubt the reliability of the information.

Olaf, the Empire’s Swordmaster, was also the princess’s teacher. He knew what kind of person she was.

“It’s a relief that His Majesty has regained his strength, Your Highness.”

Emperor Felipe of the Empire had recently experienced a stroke of luck. It was thanks to the elven delegation that had visited after a long time.

The elves, who maintained a good relationship with the human world, sent a gift to the Emperor, and the accompanying elven priest created a special medicine.

It was a stroke of luck among strokes of luck.

“But he won’t be able to return to his former self. For now, we should be grateful that he’s holding on.”

The elven priest had confided in Karma that the Emperor’s illness was incurable. He pointed out that humans aged the fastest among all races.

They had only bought time. In other words, they had only slowed down the progression of the disease.

Karma pleaded with the priest to stay longer, but he was refused, as artificially extending life went against the laws of nature.

“How about suggesting to His Majesty that you be appointed crown prince at this opportunity?”

“That’s not a good idea. There’s no other prince who can surpass me. It’s best to wait patiently for the succession and follow His Majesty’s decision.”

“But what if His Majesty’s condition suddenly worsens…?”

“He’ll be fine for now.”

Karma had a different concern.

It was about the north.

‘It seems Margrave Finwinter’s patience has reached its limit.’

House Whitefield, the protector of the north, was still pressuring the Imperial Family, demanding defense funds and supplies.

The supplies sent by the nobles this year were ridiculously low compared to previous years. The Margrave’s anger was at its peak. It was Karma’s responsibility to appease him.

‘In this situation, Arthur’s issue and the north are equally dangerous. I need to be cautious with both.’

Karma made a decision.

“I’ll see His Majesty. You come with me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The two walked across the red carpet. At the end of the vast hallway was a grand hall where the Emperor resided.

The door opened, revealing the throne. Emperor Felipe sat there, meditating with his eyes closed.

Seeing him regain his health evoked mixed feelings.

If the elven delegation hadn’t come, he would be the one sitting on that throne now.

Karma banished his greedy thoughts and knelt on one knee.

Felipe’s eyes opened.

“You mobilized the Imperial Guard without reporting to me. Well, it’s true that I gave you the authority, but it concerns me. I heard you searched Arthur’s quarters and detained Count Apellai… Did something happen?”

“I swear on my honor and life that everything I’m about to tell you is true.”

Karma was serious.

Felipe’s eyes twitched at his words. He straightened his back and leaned forward.

“Speak.”

“Arthur has learned magic. Court Magician Muon is suspected to be behind it.”

“Learned… magic?”

Felipe’s eyes gleamed. It wasn’t a welcome reaction, but Karma truthfully recounted everything he had prepared.

“How could such a thing…”

Felipe sighed.

He was an emperor who had made a name for himself on the battlefield and possessed exceptional political insight. So he immediately grasped the situation.

“Arthur is trying to ruin everything.”

“We need to act quickly. I’m planning to send someone to the Kalisto Dukedom immediately. We must prevent Duke Kalisto from misunderstanding.”

“But isn’t there another pressing matter?”

“Are you referring to the north?”

From the Emperor’s perspective, the discord coming from the north was more concerning.

It was understandable.

Historically, House Whitefield in the north had always taken an ambiguous stance whenever the emperor changed.

So, every newly crowned emperor sent a vast amount of wealth and letters of consolation to the north, and it became a custom.

Although his condition had improved, it was uncertain when he might be bedridden again.

In this situation, the Emperor had to resolve all the issues at hand.

Fortunately, Emperor Felipe wasn’t a greedy person.

“Chertan is weak-willed, and Arthur can no longer wield a sword. In the end, you’ll inherit the Empire.”

“What are you saying? You are the sun of the Empire. You must continue to lead the Empire.”

“I won’t speak for long… To prove your qualifications as emperor, you must resolve all these issues. If you succeed, I’ll gladly appoint you as crown prince.”

The words he had been waiting for.

His heart warmed.

But his mind remained cool. Arthur’s issue was one thing, but suppressing the potential threat of the northern Margrave was no easy task.

“If you entrust this matter to me, I’ll bring you satisfactory results.”

“Very well. I’ll leave it to you. I’ll inform the Minister of Internal Affairs, so ask him for help if needed.”

“Please rest well.”

Returning to his quarters, Karma immediately summoned his second brother, Prince Chertan.

Chertan sensed that something was happening without his knowledge. His expression was filled with anxiety.

“You called for me, brother.”

“You must have heard about the commotion in the palace today.”

“…Brother!”

Chertan knelt and pleaded.

“I have no interest in the crown prince position! Please spare my life! Brother… please!”

His weak-willed brother had made a grave mistake. He thought the bustling activity of the Imperial Guard was a revolution.

Karma smiled bitterly and looked down at his brother.

He wanted to reprimand him for his weakness. But right now, he needed all the help he could get.

Karma personally helped his brother up.

“What are you misunderstanding? I have no intention of harming you. How could I shed the blood of my own kin?”

“Brother…”

“I called you because I want to entrust you with an important task. A crucial mission that concerns my position as successor. Can you handle it?”

Chertan wiped his tears and answered resolutely.

“Yes! I’ll do anything you ask! Just tell me what to do.”

“Then go to the north.”

“The north? You mean visit the Margrave?”

“Go and comfort him. If you have time, assess the situation there. Tell the Minister of Internal Affairs, and he’ll provide you with funds. Use them to comfort and appease the Margrave. Do you understand?”

“Yes, brother! I’ll complete the mission!”

Chertan saluted, something princes didn’t usually do.

A thought crossed Karma’s mind.

‘Is this a high-level deception, or is he truly stupid?’

He had always wondered. Even though his second brother lacked swordsmanship talent, was he truly lacking in intelligence?

‘He must be tired of his constant weakness.’

For now, he had to put out the fire at his feet. Karma’s gaze shifted to Olaf.

“Prepare to leave for the Kalisto Dukedom immediately. Assemble ten elite knights from the Imperial Guard. And before that, send a messenger to Duke Kalisto. Tell him I’m coming.”

“As you command, Your Highness.”

“And one more thing. Keep a close eye on Count Apellai. If he’s working with Muon, we don’t know what tricks they might pull. Understood?”

That night, the elite knights dispatched by Prince Karma swiftly left the Imperial Palace.

They didn’t stop in the city and chose the fastest route.

The precious young man who would become the crown prince didn’t even mind sleeping outdoors. He knew his future depended on how he handled this situation.

After riding for a few more days, they spotted a knight galloping towards them and assumed a defensive stance.

“Who goes there! Stop immediately!”

Sir Olaf, leading the group, shouted with aura-infused voice. The young knight pulled on the reins and stopped his horse.

Fortunately, the young knight recognized Prince Karma.

He knelt on one knee and said, “I am Maverick of the Walker Knight Order. My lord instructed me to deliver this letter to Your Highness.”

“A letter from O’Brien?”

“This is it.”

Olaf received the letter and handed it to the prince. The prince broke the seal and opened the letter.

His expression contorted.

“Beatrice… is critically injured? By Arthur?”

Olaf, who was beside him, was also shocked.

But the even more shocking fact was in the next paragraph.

“He received a mana circuit transplant from a court magician?”

One of his questions was answered.

But at the same time, he felt fear. If it was a circuit from a court magician, not just any magician, it would possess immense magical power.

“Listen up! The situation has become urgent. We’re riding to Walker Barony without rest. Activate your aura!”

The elite knights of the Imperial Guard infused their horses with blue aura. Their figures, galloping through the darkness, resembled meteors streaking across the night sky.