episode_0061

“……”

Leaning on his throne, the Emperor scrutinized his two sons alternately.

Eos and Servis.

The vibes emanating from each of them were distinctly different.

Silver hair, emerald eyes.

From Eos, who bore no resemblance to himself, there was a sense of precious lineage that felt overwhelming.

On the other hand, Servis, with his golden hair so similar to his own, seemed almost foreign.

No.

More than that, he felt a repugnant sensation towards him.

“Servis.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Eos makes a valid point. Moreover, punishing Eos, who not only defeated Perem’s grand army but also secured alliances and gemstone trades, by exiling him is unreasonable. Honey, I cannot entertain your wish.”

“Yes, Your Majesty….”

However, it wasn’t as if Servis wasn’t his true son.

Throughout the continent, there would be none who doubted this more than the Emperor.

Hence, he had summoned renowned mages and high-ranking priests of the Goddess Church to confirm. All unanimously asserted that Servis was undoubtedly his biological son.

Furthermore.

Until entering the palace, Herpina had expertly concealed her son’s existence.

A woman so meticulous would never have taken such risks to deceive about his parentage.

So, it was even more puzzling.

Why would his son evoke such a loathsome feeling in him?

Of course, he hadn’t wished for this son. He was merely a result of Duke Shurain and Herpina’s scheme.

But in a way, he couldn’t help but feel pity for him.

Once, he too had sympathized with the boy sacrificed by adults’ greed.

“Servis, your efforts in saving the Empire are commendable. Is there anything else you desire from me?”

“In that case, please allow me to have a sparring match with my brother.”

After a brief pause, Servis spoke with a noticeably brightened expression.

“A sparring match… After all the effort put into requesting just that?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Not long ago, I suffered a humiliating defeat at my brother’s hands. I simply wish for another chance to compete.”

With a resolute answer, the Emperor inquired about Eos’s opinion.

“What say you, Eos? Will you engage in a sparring match?”

“I will not engage in any contest with that faithless wretch who abandoned Eisen.”

As Eos firmly declined, Servis offered a belated explanation.

“Perhaps you were unaware, but magic constantly interfered, causing delays beyond our control.”

“How am I to believe that?”

“……”

Servis sighed as if exasperated, and Eos snorted as if to silence the nonsense.

Despite various interjections and sighs escaping their lips, Eos paid no heed, appearing indifferent to it all.

Observing their nonchalant attitudes, the Emperor chuckled softly, reminiscent of the former Empress’s petulant demeanor.

“Eos. I have summoned you today to bestow upon you the title of Grand Duke. The territory lies west of Gwenter, and with the support of the Marquis, managing the domain should not pose significant challenges.”

In truth, the Emperor desired nothing more than to depose Servis immediately and reinstate Eos.

However, both Servis and Eos had achieved great feats, making such a move untenable.

After a moment of silence, Eos responded with a hesitant expression.

“I do not wish to accept the title.”

“Your Highness, dare you defy His Majesty’s words!”

Finally unable to contain himself, Duke Shurain shouted.

Yet Eos didn’t even glance his way.

“You seem to interrupt His Majesty whenever you can.”

“Oh, no, when did I…?”

“Do not interrupt His Majesty any further, Duke.”

“……”

“Eos, you are more than qualified to become the Grand Duke. The feats you achieved in Rivengard and Eisen by preventing war are not easily replicable by others. Therefore, now receive your title and leave the palace to establish your own domain.”

“I do not desire it.”

“Why is that…?”

The Emperor felt perplexed.

Upon receiving the title of Grand Duke, his past accomplishments would fade away, and much of the Crown Prince’s infamy would also diminish.

Moreover, following this path.

He would be able to amass the strength to protect himself by building an army.

The palace would become increasingly dangerous in the future.

Especially if Service were to become Emperor, Eos’ life would be far from guaranteed.

Service was truly remarkable, as if born with a talent for warfare.

The sword that divided battlefields.

Such a reputation did not arise without reason.

Whenever his blade pointed at the enemy, the Empire never lost.

Victory was always certain.

And no surviving enemy soldiers remained.

Service, usually quiet, would mercilessly slaughter even those who surrendered on the battlefield, including civilians from enemy nations.

Truly.

Once he set his sights, not a single soul was spared.

That was why he earned the moniker “Child of War.”

He would exterminate like pests, killing them all without hesitation.

Cold to the point of freezing.

Service possessed such a ruthless nature.

Therefore, if he were to ascend the throne.

The Emperor could confidently say that bloodshed would not cease in this Empire.

In his desire to pass the throne to Eos, there was also a considerable consideration for such matters.

But in reality, it was an impossible task.

For Eos to reclaim his position as Crown Prince and eventually inherit the throne, a solid foundation was desperately needed.

Even if he were to marry Elaine, which might improve the situation to some extent.

Since Marquis Bart had firmly opposed it, using the temple as leverage was a distant prospect.

And even if they were to use the temple as leverage, it would not be sufficient.

Noble support would be necessary, and above all, he needed his powerful army.

Hence, he wanted to confer the title of Grand Duke.

Although it was merely a barren land obtained after long debates.

However, by steadily accumulating achievements in the north and building an army, opportunities would undoubtedly arise.

The Emperor gazed into the green eyes once again.

A steady gaze.

It was clear that there was a plan of his own.

“I am a sinner.”

The sudden confession brought a chilling silence.

“I am not worthy of becoming the Grand Duke.”

Despite saying so, his confident expression made it seem as though he had never committed any sins.

The Emperor suddenly realized.

‘Could it be that right now, he wants to stay in the palace for a special purpose…?’

But that was too risky.

Avoiding even a confrontation with Service in this dangerous palace, the Emperor could not fathom what he wanted to achieve.

So, on one hand, he wanted to confirm.

What his son, who had clearly changed from the past, intended to do in the future.

“Very well. The conferment of the title will be postponed.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

***

“Sigh-”

A sigh escaped involuntarily.

After causing such a commotion in front of the Emperor, he now seemed visibly drained.

Ever since hearing the word “Guntera,” there was a strange feeling of unease creeping inside him.

“You look very tired, Your Highness.”

Elaine, who had been using informal language until recently, had suddenly become extremely polite.

“Oh, it’s just that I feel a bit drained. Don’t worry too much; it’s nothing.”

“I see…”

Elaine blushed slightly, smiled softly, and bowed her head.

“…”

Yet, I sensed something, a tingling sensation of intuition.

What could this cautious and shyly formal attitude signify?

Unlike her usual natural demeanor, she seemed to be mimicking a noble lady against her will, like a maid imitating the manners of a noblewoman.

The unexpected change in the women’s attitudes always made one feel uneasy.

Especially Astia and Elaine.

Glancing over, Astia was once again leaning against the window, basking in the sunlight.

“Um, Elaine. Is there something uncomfortable?”

“Oh, no. Hoho.”

Elaine awkwardly laughed and covered her mouth with her hand.

It felt quite awkward.

What did I do wrong this time…?

***

It was when they were returning from Eisen on the flying ship.

Elaine mentioned something to Astia.

About Eos having a fiancée.

Wasn’t she the daughter of Count Hunter?

It made me feel uneasy for some reason.

Being a countess is a very high status.

Surely, that daughter would be as noble and dignified as a typical noble lady.

So, I was worried.

Even at this moment, in Eos’s mind.

I felt like I was being starkly compared as someone who had lived as a noble lady’s maid.

That’s why I resolved to be careful from now on.

No informal language.

No appearing too easy.

And as elegant as possible.

Astia, undoubtedly skilled in love affairs, had advised me so.

She said that if I followed that, there would be no way Eos could be stolen away.

And I heard that there is nothing more important than push and pull in relationships.

Elaine thought it was a fitting advice and nodded continuously.

“….”

Fortunately, the changed attitude seemed to have quite an effect as Eos straightened his posture, looking slightly tense.