episode_0038

“Still, the date for the engagement ceremony hasn’t been decided…”

Elf Prince Apollutus knew well how important engagement was to humans, who could only live for a short time.

Moreover, Eos’s engagement partner was a woman presumed to be a saint.

Judging by Eos’s cautious reaction, it seemed that this fact was a secret, but perhaps the Emperor of Mersen already knew.

“About twenty years ago now…”

Velcreed Suphelator Caldevrion.

He was not a foolish emperor.

That was something I realized at first sight of his face.

Though he might have looked like a bear who relied only on strength, he was actually more like a cunning wolf, always insisting on winning fights.

As the closest brother to Wiblea, the only reason he allowed marriage within the family was precisely that.

If he had been a fool, he would never have allowed it.

Anyway.

If the emperor was doing such a thing, there must be a good reason for wanting to match the saint with him.

“A saint…”

After living for about 80 years, understanding that level of intention was not difficult at all.

Surely, he intended to use the fanatics across the continent who followed the Goddess of Light as a support for Eos.

“Could it be that he wants to reinstate the crown prince…”

“Ha!”

The thought that suddenly came to mind was truly astounding.

Indeed, it was a tremendous fatherly affection.

And it truly couldn’t be called anything other than great love.

“You still haven’t forgotten Wiblea.”

It was true that I despised the bastard who stole my younger sister.

But on the other hand, it was an undeniable truth that I felt grateful because he loved my sister more sincerely than anyone else.

However, reinstating someone who had already abdicated would definitely not be an easy task.

Eos Caldevrion.

He was shrouded in more infamy than ivy and was bound even more firmly than a vine.

Moreover, by nature, it was his fate to be hated by both humans and elves.

“…”

But why was it?

His infamous nephew had protected him when he collapsed from exhaustion last night, summoning the spirit of the earth to help him.

How bitter late remorse could be.

It was to the point that he felt a loathing for himself for being so cruel to his first meeting with his nephew in such a short time.

Even after living for 80 years, he was still reckless.

He had spent the night writhing in sharp remorse, and it was for that reason.

Perhaps the notoriety of the lad was created by someone with malice.

So naturally, his tone softened.

He found himself leaning on the bloodline of his beloved younger sister, albeit belatedly.

Naturally, the profound warmth, no different from the tender affection of other elves facing their beloved nephews, seeped out of him like the sap of a straight tree.

But still, there was no way to stop the sudden surge of worry.

If such notoriety was truly created, the future of Eos could never be seen as bright.

The biggest problem was undoubtedly Prince Servis, who appeared this morning leading a large army.

He was leaving behind his birth mother, the current empress, and his step-grandfather, Duke Shurain.

It seemed as if he had been waiting.

As if, after meteorites and all sorts of magic were scattered the day before as if to hinder the progress of Eos.

It was too suspicious to call it a coincidence.

‘No, it can’t be.’

Perhaps he didn’t know it might be natural.

For Eos to stand up is a challenge to the current crown prince.

It was impossible for the former prince Eos, who had stopped the war with the elves and saved the lives of the imperial people, to just sit back and watch.

So, it was quite likely that behind all this, the empress and the step-grandfather were involved.

But why.

Why on earth did thoughts of Wiblea come to mind the moment he laid eyes on that guy?

His younger sister’s death was clearly due to illness.

The emperor had long ago informed that she had started to suffer silently for reasons unknown.

But none of the brothers who loved Wiblea wholeheartedly had ever gone to see her in person.

Not even the queen mother could go.

It was because their father, who loved his youngest daughter more than anyone else, vehemently opposed it, even going so far as to put it in an official decree.

‘Maybe Father didn’t go to Wiblea alone….’

He had been suspicious for a long time.

If we assume the worst-case scenario, Weblia’s death was indeed a case of poisoning.

It was just a suspicion, but if it were true.

The moment it was revealed, the most powerful nation and Rivengard would have been unable to avoid an all-out war.

Of course, they were not afraid of defeat.

Elves who control spirits never yield.

But the power of the elves was limited.

They could use magic close to disaster through the spirits, but at that moment, they had to risk their lives.

It could be seen as a situation similar to a honeybee that miserably dies after stinging once.

Of course, if one receives the grace of the World Tree, one could survive in such a state.

But in doing so, the World Tree would have to expend considerable power, so in the worst case, the security of the forest could be jeopardized if one tried to save all dying elves.

In any case, war was also fatal to the elves.

So, in a situation where many kin were lost in successive wars.

It was inevitable to suspect whether Weblia and her father, who loved Rivengard more than anyone else, had secretly reached an agreement.

And if it really was poisoning.

The most likely culprits behind it would be the current empress and Duke Shleyn.

“Sigh….”

At the end of such an unreasonable inference, Aflatun’s gaze fell back on his nephew’s silver hair and bright green eyes.

From his prominent nose to his sharp jawline, his nephew’s appearance was so much like Weblia.

Even if Eos caused some mischief, the emperor did not punish him, which must have been because of that.

Because he loved Weblia so much, he wouldn’t have been able to abandon his son, who looked so much like her.

And right now, he must be burning with the desire to quickly betroth Eos to the saint.

To maximize the effect of the engagement ceremony, Eos must have gained fame.

So, even though he knew he had to take considerable risks here, he must have sent the prince here to take the risk.

In that case, it wouldn’t hurt to help a little as his uncle.

And for the sake of our kin, and for the peaceful coexistence of humans and elves that Weblia had dreamed of.

It was imperative that Eos, who had elven blood running through him, become the Emperor of Mersen.

For that to happen, it seemed necessary to first make Rivengard a solid support for the prince without any backing.

To do so, it was necessary to gain the trust of the elves.

Aphlatos was determined to ensure that Eos inherited the love that Weblia had received from the elves.

“Hmm….”

Now, all preparations were complete.

The identities and locations of those who dropped the meteorite had already been revealed.

Since daybreak, he had ordered his subordinates to release the spirits of the wind.

Tracking the distorted flow of mana, it was not difficult to find them.

The culprits who had attacked both humans and elves were none other than the blazing towers of magic.

In fact, it was a bit bruising to their pride that they had left traces behind.

Of course, having cast such powerful magic several times, they might have been too exhausted to erase the traces.

But no matter what, it was unbelievable that they would show such a flaw against Rivengard, who had conquered several human kingdoms in a short period of time…

Could it be a trap?

Why?

Perhaps it was because there had been no war for a while.

Or perhaps it was because the blazing towers of magic were overly confident within the empire’s territory.

Whatever the reason.

They were deserving of death for plotting the massacre of innocent people.

There were only four fallen meteorites.

Countless sorcerers must have been mobilized, and an enormous amount of magic stones must have been used.

If they hadn’t been stopped, countless people could have perished without anyone even realizing.

And now.

They were probably resting comfortably with both feet up.

If so, there would be no better moment than now to seek revenge.

However, the elves were unable to act.

If they were caught doing so, it would inevitably lead to a full-scale confrontation with the empire.

But if the prince, who had nearly died, were to move, the situation would change significantly.

By human law, Apollatus knew well that the crime of regicide was typically punished by death.

That’s why he had already obtained permission from his father.

He would secretly send Eos to destroy the mausoleum and capture the mausoleum lord responsible.

Even if caught, there would be no problem as long as he had a just cause and the empire’s law to protect him.

And when successful,

Risking his life for the elves, he would become loved by many elves by standing up to the empire.

The reason he didn’t inform the emperor was for this very reason.

Eos had to handle this alone in order to gain the trust of the elves.

The only concern was that despite being a son of Wiblea, his abilities had become incredibly weak.

He had merely made a pact with three low-ranking spirits.

Of course, it couldn’t be helped that the spirits residing in the human city were generally mediocre, but it was still an unprecedented event in the history of the Riven Guard royal family.

But perhaps, that might make the situation even better.

A half-hearted elf striving for the elves among humans, using only three low-ranking spirits to reduce a mausoleum to ashes?

Just for the people of Riven Guard?

That alone would be more than enough to elicit cheers from the elves.

Perhaps it might even become a legend of the Riven Guard royal family.

So, if he truly succeeded in such a feat, it might not be impossible for Wiblea to inherit the lifespan and power sealed in the World Tree.

Of course, the most important fact at this moment was that Eos was terribly weak.

So, all along, he had intended to convey his younger sister’s sword to Eos, which no one had known about.

With those treasures alone, it would be possible to easily destroy the blazing mausoleum without much difficulty.

***

Two elves came in with a rapier and armor.

“Take these.”

The rapier, with its blade made of green metal, was something he had never seen before.

The guard part protecting the hand was shaped like a leaf, and the long, slender blade seemed specialized for thrusting.

However, the well-sharpened thin blade seemed to have no difficulty in cutting through. However, the received armor was too thin and light, making me wonder if it could really deflect even a single arrow.

“What are these?”

The prince’s attitude had changed so drastically that I involuntarily used honorifics.

“These are the weapons my mother used when she lived the life of an adventurer. When Wiblea left this place, she entrusted them to me, her most trusted brother. The king searched for them desperately, but I secretly kept and held onto them until now.”

“I don’t think these are really necessary…”

“At first glance, they may seem like human-made trash, but in reality, both of these are national treasures of Rivengard, created by the great elven master Brotea hundreds of years ago.”

“Why are you giving these to me?”

“There is something you must do today.”

“What is it?”

“The incendiary spire in the Imperial Territory. You must bring it down alone. They are the culprits from last night.”

“…”

For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

Even so, being asked to bring down the spire all by myself, it was a bewildering request, especially considering the food I had just eaten had yet to digest.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Aplatus spoke again.

“Do you want to become an emperor?”

“…”

Emperor.

It was something I had to become in order to survive.

Enduring the scorn and hatred of the elves and seeking asylum in Rivengard, I might live peacefully for a while, but ultimately, Rivengard would become a sea of flames because of me.

“It seems you’re not entirely unwilling. If you wish to become an emperor, then put on that armor. If you dare to personally punish those who sought to harm the elves and capture the spire, the entire Rivengard will support you.”

As I hesitantly accepted the weapons, an elf came in and whispered to Aplatus.

“The time has come. I’ll be waiting outside. If you’ve made your decision, come out wearing it.”

With Astia’s help, I put on the armor and went outside with the uneasy-faced Elaine.

In front of the clearing, numerous elves had gathered.

Glentino and ten knights, who had been waiting for me to come out, were frozen like statues with faces full of terror.

And beyond them,

A single giant white-headed eagle, larger than an elephant, was glaring at me.