episode_0126

In this world, there were as many different religions as there were different cultures, so following a religion or doctrine different from Lucerne was rarely treated as a heresy.

but,

Magi, which produces a nauseating smell and an eerie feeling, became a target of ostracism and eradication due to its lack of question-and-answer behavior.

I don’t know the detailed reason.

I once asked theologians about poetics, but each of them who preaches and develops doctrines gives slightly different answers. The answer that is most relevant is that it is because of the great war that took place 500 years ago.

According to the Bible of Lucerne, which is considered the oldest historical book, God wanted his creatures to instinctively understand right and wrong.

The messenger of God said,

‘The energy that causes one to want to reject something is demon energy. So it is not shameful for you to be afraid of him.’

This is how even the mere evil energy is treated, but what about the blood of demons, which are terrifying in their very existence?

Duke Ermenst.

People who supported the first prince, whether publicly or privately, are sitting at the table.

Looking at their faces, they are great nobles whose names anyone with knowledge of aristocratic society would have heard of.

“Last night. General Boss was also taken to the cathedral.”

Ermenst, the leader of the Austin supporters, clenched his fists.

“If this continues, it is obvious that everyone here will be detained.”

“…as expected.”

Vice Dean of the Academy. Simon Passat nodded.

When the second and third temples appeared, Simon had the talent not to agree with Ermenst’s opinion, but at this point, even he could only vaguely agree.

All six temple appearances occurred in the realm of those who openly supported the 1st Prince, so it may or may not appear that the next temple will appear, but if it does appear, there is a high probability that it will appear in the realm of those here.

“But, how on earth are we supposed to get through this situation?”

“Isn’t this the place where we gathered to find the way?”

“That’s right. But…”

Simon put his head down on the table and muttered.

“According to the Cardinal’s report, all of the blood stains painted on the wall contained a significant concentration of demonic energy. I overheard that it belonged to a high-ranking devil…”

“…Why do you stop talking?”

“It’s because I’m so uncomfortable with all the crying.”

Simon raised his head at the sudden rebuke.

“I had no idea whether the devil even existed, but a high-ranking devil… What can we do with such a monster? I think you could say that this is a situation where a dead end wall has appeared.”

“Are you saying that even trying is a useless struggle?”

“…Yes.”

Simon sighed after answering. It was a very debilitating sight to see from the side, but no one present could blame him.

Even General Boss, the only one who had been to the demon world, was detained, so most people had no idea how powerful the high-ranking devil was.

We gathered together to find a way to do something, but no one was quick to present an opinion. In the end, silence fell over the place, and Duke Ermenst, who was no better than he was, stared at Austin, who was sitting at the head table.

“The only thing that is certain is that the enemy’s purpose is clear.”

And then he let out a heavy sigh.

“His Majesty Austin does not want to ascend to the throne. That’s it.”

“…Why do you do that?”

Count Schreyer asked.

“There are not many reasons. count. Maybe it’s to throw the empire into chaos, or maybe they just want to make sure that His Majesty Austin doesn’t ascend to the throne.”

“Then… wouldn’t it be easier to figure out who did this?”

Simon wiggled his fingers.

This was because the fact that the vice-dean of the academy was mentioning the people that came to mind could be considered a huge act of disrespect.

However, since he didn’t know if his turn would come someday if he continued like this, Simon’s mouth eventually opened.

“Now there will be the dethroned 2nd Prince Henry and the 3rd Prince Victor.”

“It may be too much of a leap in logic, but… it is not an unimaginably absurd inference.”

Ermenst nodded in response to the remark.

“But even assuming that, there are still unresolved questions.”

“What question?”

“How could Henry, who was exiled and almost driven out of the country, and the 3rd prince, who had not even established a political foundation, be able to save the blood of high-ranking devils?”

Victor was given the honorific title of prince, but a feeling of contempt was felt in Ermenst’s voice when he mentioned Henry.

As expected, although Duke Ermenst openly supported the 1st Prince, he was a person who did not want the empire to be torn in two and lead to a civil war.

Also, the reason why the current emperor, Franz, supports Austin instead of supporting Victor, whom he openly likes.

This is because it was judged that it would be more helpful to the national interest for Austin, who, although not physically fit, was older and had a good temperament, to be appointed as the next emperor.

When Austin, who had no children, died, Victor would naturally take over the throne. Hermenst’s support for Austin was not eternal.

‘…I’m going crazy.’

For that reason, it was difficult for Austin to quickly say that he was currently holding hands with Henry.

Even if Duke Ermenst is related to Empress Breed, Austin’s mother,

Since Austin is plotting to kill the Emperor, we must keep our distance.

‘Where did it all start?’

Austin sat still and looked around.

Not only General Voss, who was close to Ermenst, but also his brother-in-law, Viscount Fosse, were unable to attend the event.

The number of people detained on suspicion of devil worship alone is six. There were many empty seats around the tables. All of this happened in less than ten days.

Normally, Austin would have participated in the conversation by expressing various opinions, but Austin was unable to say anything due to the sudden change in his surroundings.

Even while Austin remained silent, the chaos continued.

“It is unknown what purpose the invisible enemy has, but it is clear that it has a purpose that is harmful to the empire.”

“An invisible enemy… Aren’t you thinking too hard?”

“…You think it’s difficult?”

“Who will benefit the most if we destroy the power of those here? 3 Isn’t this Prince Victor?”

“Are you saying that the 3rd prince is a devil worshiper?”

“It has to be that way, right?”

Count Schreyer spoke to Duke Ermenst.

“He wanted to become emperor, so he sold his soul to the devil.”

“Be careful what you say. Count.”

“Be careful! So are you saying that we should just keep our eyes open and wait for our turn in detention? Shouldn’t you do something before your goal!”

Kwasik!

Count Schreyer slammed his fist and the table caved in.

Bleep—–

suddenly,

Austin felt a strange sound coming from his ears.

Confusing situation. A space where it is difficult to come to your senses. Amidst the ensuing argument, there was even a military demonstration…

Austin is currently under extreme pressure.

“I don’t know who carried out the operation, but it is clear that he or a group was targeting a certain force! In this situation, it is natural to think that it was the 3rd prince’s actions, or those who support him…!”

Bleep—–

Even as time passed, the tinnitus did not stop.

That wasn’t all. Those who are speaking right now,

Count Schreyer.

Duke Ermenst.

General Falschner.

Director Toble.

Their faces looked like many.

“Wow…!”

Austin squeezed his eyes shut, feeling extreme dizziness.

“…”

Then, the annoying sound lingering in my ears disappeared.

It looks like the confusion has stopped.

“Huh!”

However. Austin opened his eyes and gasped at the sight he saw.

All eyes of those present were focused on Austin.

“Deterioration. Are you okay?”

Simon’s face was blurred as he grabbed his shoulder and made eye contact.

“It’s okay… I’m going to go to the bathroom for a moment.”

“Sure.”

Austin hurriedly left the place. I quickly moved my limping leg to find the bathroom.

‘curse? Or hallucination? Whatever it is, my current condition is far from normal.’

Austin reached the bathroom without anyone to assist him and quickly locked the door.

I felt like I had to make sure no one came in here.

As soon as his legs became weak and he slid against the wall, a man with a familiar appearance appeared in front of him.

“You look like you’re having a hard time.”

The thin, pale man said with a kind-looking smile.

“…Boland. How on earth did you find out about this place?”

“Didn’t I tell you this last time? I am always by your side.”

“…”

“Please don’t glare at me like that. Unlike Duke Ermenst. I am always on the side of inferiority.”

The man who continued speaking smiled broadly.

“Isn’t there something more important than that?”

Bolland approached Austin, who was sitting down.

“We have to overcome this situation.”

“…Is there a way?”

“Why not?”

Austin looked at Boland with suspicion, but the lanky man covered his gaze with his hand, as if to ignore the look.

“The collapse of the forces that support the decline… isn’t it obvious who will benefit? Just kill him.”

“…What?”

Austin asked a stupid question back. Is this person really saying that he should kill his own family member with his own hands?

“Such nonsense…”

“Why does it make no sense?”

“Do you think I kept Viktor alive all this time because I had no power? If you do that, you will lose your legitimacy.”

Austin felt overwhelmed.

“If you kill Viktor, of course I will be the first to be suspected. Who would be truly loyal to a monarch who was so blinded by imperial authority that he killed his younger brother, who was much older than him?”

“Um.”

“The empire is wide. It takes at least a week to get in touch from the center to the end. There is no need to go to the princely country. How can we be sure that the border nobility will not rebel against an emperor whose legitimacy has been undermined!”

Austin spoke as if spewing out long words. Because of that, I was panting as if I was going to lose my breath at any moment, but this was it.

What Austin wanted was a complete throne, not a throne on a sand tower that could topple over with a single wave…

However, the man in front of me tilted his head and gave an expression of confusion.

“You’re wondering too much about this and that.”

“…What?”

Austin’s eyes widen.

Boland knelt down and made eye contact.

“Your life is not long.”

“What is that…”

“It is literally. I will probably pass away before the uprising even occurs.”

“…”

“So, if you go, shouldn’t you try something before going?”

After saying that, Boland placed one hand in his bosom.

“Fortunately, I seem to have the ability to help you.”

An eerie mask emerged from his arms. Although it had no special decoration or shape, it seemed to be filled with a different level of magic than before, as it was overflowing with a suspicious energy.

“…What is this?”

“Put on this mask and shout my name. Then your wish will come true.”

“What is the price? What is the price?”

Austin asked irritably. Since it was a wish-granting tool, he had to sacrifice his own life force even to ‘something’ that was eating away the other person’s life force, and he had no idea how much more he would have to sacrifice to make his wish come true.

However, an unexpected answer came out of Boland’s mouth.

“The price did not exist from the beginning.”

With those last words, the man’s new form disappeared.

*

Siron’s room in the annex.

Siron was troubled by the situation he was facing now. He completed his own preparations to build the seventh temple, but was unable to start due to the current situation.

Even though the maids’ complexions are pale, they are too pale. No matter how far away they are from humans, they are demons at that, but the appearance that showed off their beautiful complexion just a few days ago has disappeared.

‘If this continues, this person will die first.’

“Ophelia needs to rest today. I can’t even walk.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Ophelia, who apologized, could not even get up from her seat due to the dizziness she still couldn’t shake off.

For the first time in a long time, I poured out so much blood in my eagerness to help Master that I literally felt like I was going to die.

“Master, what about me? Can’t I take a break too? If you spill even a single drop of blood, you might die.”

“…You too, take a break.”

Siron had no choice but to nod his head at the declaration of active sabotage with a pale complexion.