chapter 166
166. Couldn’t you at least let me see the sunlight…?
Corridor at night. Raja Fedelian, dressed in a pure white uniform, headed to the ‘Palace Office’.
‘This is becoming a nuisance.’
A letter arrived from the Duchy of Descartes. The contents were none other than news of the saint and the transcendent magician, Ladrien.
‘I never thought the two of them would attack together.’
Raja didn’t understand. What on earth were the two men attacking Duke Descartes for? Why on earth? It’s hard to call it power.
‘I don’t think they’ll tell you even if you ask since there aren’t any details in the letter.’
After sighing in frustration and shaking his head, Raja arrived at the ‘Gungnaegam’.
“Open the door. I have come to see your brother.”
“yes!”
The imperial knight stepped aside and opened the ‘Palace Office’ with a key. Clang, clang. Just hearing the sound made me feel the weight of the door, as it was a place to confine prisoners.
Jerk. Jerk. Raja swept his bangs in front of the prison where Rezef was locked up and delivered the news.
“Brother. Saint Somire and the transcendent magician Ladrien were executed by Jean Barenberg who returned after attacking the Duchy of Descartes.”
At those words, a loud crash was heard, and Rezef ran out in a hurry and grabbed the iron bars of the door.
“That, that’s… Really?”
“There’s no way I would lie, right?”
Rezef’s face suddenly collapsed and distorted. Tsk tsk, Raja clicked his tongue and shook his head. He was like a pathetic older brother.
“I don’t know why they attacked the Duke of Descartes. I don’t think they would tell you even if you asked.”
Raja continued to speak about what was to come, but Rezef did not listen. Or rather, he did not hear.
“That’s ridiculous… … .”
I knew it. That I couldn’t avoid execution if things had come to this. But when reality came, I felt like I was drifting away from this world.
Somire was everything to Rezef. His mind, which was crumbling at the thought of never seeing that beautiful smile or that kind nature again, seemed to crumble and disappear into dust.
“…Brother. Are you listening to me?”
Raja, unable to stand watching, frowned and looked down at Rezef, who had collapsed.
“How was the Empire called the strongest on the continent until now? It was because of the Transcendent Wizard and the Saintess. And yet, both of them died at the same time!”
This is a national emergency. The asymmetrical power that has raised the status of the empire has disappeared. If other countries find out about this, there is no telling what will happen.
“Since the Transcendent Wizard is so unknown, you probably wouldn’t know, but the problem is the saint. From the perspective of other countries, it’s like half of the power of the empire that they’ve hated to see disappear.”
It is an empire that has been tyrannizing the continent with only force. If you try to get in, they will crush your head, if you resist, they will punish you, and if you rebel, they will destroy you.
However, the reason they did not suffer any losses was because of the Saint Somire and the Transcendent Magician, Ladrien.
With the best offense and the best defense, who would go against the will of the Empire?
But this too is now a thing of the past.
It would be fortunate if it ended here, if they joined forces and started a war, there would be no answer. Raja knew this, so his priority was to keep Rezef’s mind.
“Brother, please come to your senses if you are the monarch. The empire is in more chaos than ever.”
Despite Raja’s words, Rezef bowed his head and did not respond.
“… … .”
Raja was frustrated with Rezef like that and ended up yelling at him.
“In Descartes, the traitors Somire and Ladrien have ties to the current emperor, so I asked that they be investigated and punished! If you don’t come to your senses, everything will be over!!”
Raja’s voice rang out from the ‘Palace Hall’. The knights waiting outside probably heard it too. But Rezef did not respond.
“There is no answer.”
It was a shame that someone born into a noble royal family would become so obsessed with women that he would forget his responsibilities and duties as a monarch.
“I didn’t want to do this, but I guess there’s no other way. I will inherit the throne.”
The free-spirited Raja was intelligent and talented from childhood, but he hated the burdensome and troublesome position of the crown prince.
But there’s nothing we can do about it now.
Those born into noble imperial blood have duties to their bloodline that are commensurate with the rights they enjoy.
“Rezef Fedelian. By the authority of the next Emperor, Raja Fedelian, I hereby dismiss you from your position as Emperor.”
Even though he had said something so shocking, there was still no answer. Raja shook his head and walked away.
“Because you sound like an idiot.”
* * *
A few days later, the newspaper articles of journalists were full of chaos in the empire.
【Rezef Fedelian, who inherited the throne as the crown prince, was actually possessed by a saint and drove the empire into crisis?! Shocking… … 】
【The saint who attempted to take the life of the Duke of Descartes was murdered by her escort, Jean Barenberg.】
【The throne of the Great Emperor is inherited by the second prince, His Highness Raja Fedelian… …】
【An empire full of chaos, will another country attack? Military expert ‘Saramiren Akeun Junsi’ analyzes… …】
Frances chuckled at the recent newspaper articles. What a hoot.
‘What kind of confusion is this?’
The Empire can create an overwhelming army through a magical revolution. Even non-magicians can make magical attacks.
Its power is so strong that it doesn’t matter even if the asymmetrical power of the Transcendent Wizard and the Saintess disappears.
“Well, I guess it’ll quiet down on its own.”
Things are going smoothly. Raja Fedelian, who had a close relationship with Descartes, inherits the throne and Rezef is dismissed.
There is no one in this world who can touch France’s utopia anymore.
That thought made me laugh bashfully.
“Your Majesty, His Majesty will arrive soon.”
“Okay? Okay. Let’s go right now.”
Frances got up from her seat and headed to the reception room.
The reason Raja Pedelian came to the Duchy of Descartes was none other than to settle the matter between now and then.
A younger sibling cleaning up his older brother’s shit is a big deal even for royalty.
“How are the preparations going?”
Helena raised her head bravely and began her briefing.
“The reception room where you can talk to His Majesty the Emperor has been prepared. The banquet will also be prepared with the utmost care by mobilizing all the chefs, and the servants who will serve the distinguished guests have been arranged!”
As expected, Helena is quick-witted and good at her job. She doesn’t have a long career, but it’s probably because she’s had a hard time since she was young. Frances smiled happily in satisfaction.
“You’ve worked hard. Now, let’s get ready to welcome His Majesty.”
Helena said yes and went straight to call the servants and knights. All that was left was… … .
‘I need to check what Jin is doing.’
When you look at him through the eyes, he’s just lying on the bed, doing nothing. Frances feels sorry and sad that she’s leaving him alone in a windowless prison cell, and not giving him any entertainment…
‘I have no choice but to write that plan.’
Frances headed towards the basement door of the ducal residence with a sinister smile. The stairs looked eerie even from the outside.
‘The magic tools are working properly.’
If you register information by putting in the blood, aura, and magic power of a specific person, that person’s power will be absorbed. I wondered if it would work on Jin, but…
‘I weakened Jin.’
Jin, who has become a part of France and continues to live, cannot refuse France’s orders. He is also able to control his power.
and…….
Saaak-
The trait of extinction manifested itself on France’s hand.
‘I can also use Jin’s abilities.’
With this, Jin became completely owned by France.
Jin, the first ally of Frances, who had nothing, and who completely changed her life, which was full of despair. Jin, who thought of her and her future more than anyone else. Jin, whom she loves.
I got my hands on that guy.
‘If I can safely finish my conversation with the Emperor here, annex Barenberg, and get married… … .’
A pleasant night will come. Frances thought of the early night and the corners of her mouth twitched.
Again. Again. Frances went down the dark stairs. The candlelight was slowly lifting the darkness, but it wasn’t enough.
‘This needs to be improved.’
Anyway, they arrived at the dungeon. Frances headed towards the room where Jean was staying and pressed her face against the iron bars.
“jin?”
A rustling sound was heard in France’s voice.
“Your Highness?”
Jin looked at me with wide eyes. His gaunt appearance was heartbreaking, but… … .
Frances felt rather excited by the sight. Jin, who was so strong and dependable, was so weak. She felt like she would gasp for breath at any moment.
But it is not yet time. He is making grand plans to completely control Jin, so he must wait until then. France controlled her pounding heart.
“Ahem, we decided to call you Frances.”
“France… … .”
Only then did Frances smile.
“There are no windows, and no light. I’m sorry you have to live in a place like this. But please bear with it for a little longer.”
Jin asked cautiously, his lips pursed.
“But why am I trapped here? I can’t escape anyway… … .”
Of course, it was for the grand plan. But Frances didn’t tell me that.
“You never know, you’re different from normal people. Just in case.”
Jin shut his eyes tightly.
“… How long do I have to stay here?”
“Well? When everything is done?”
Frances shrugged her shoulders slyly and raised the corners of her mouth.
“Anyway, I’ll tell you what happens next.”
Jin sat on the bed and looked up at the iron bars with a gaunt face. His eyes were filled with turbidity. Frances became even more excited at his frail appearance… … .
‘Not yet.’
He shook his head and got back to the main point.
“The Second Prince has inherited the throne. He will soon come to the Duke’s residence. At that time, we will discuss the incorporation of the Barenberg forces and discuss future events.”
Jin asked.
“…Can I be there without you?”
“It’s okay. You just have to stay still.”
“… … .”
Jin rubs his forehead as if his head is throbbing.
“… Your Highness. I’m sorry, but I don’t think it’s right to take away your freedom like this. I understand that you don’t trust me because I ran away without saying anything, but this is a bit… … .”
Oh, you misunderstood. It’s not for that simple reason. Frances smiled.
“I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything later, so please bear with me for a little longer.”
Jin said to him in a trembling voice while washing his dry face.
“… I miss the sunlight. I feel so lonely without anyone around. Could you please call Kale, Ladea, or Helena?”
Jin’s earnest eyes. For a moment, my heart weakened, but…
“I’m sorry. Please understand now. It’s all for your own good.”
I worked hard to get through that plan.
“…All right.”
Fortunately, Jin shook his head and lay down on the bed, seemingly giving up.
“I heard there will be a lot of delicious food today. If you feel too lonely, I’ll tell Kale. Kale will bring you some food, so you can talk then.”
Jin answered in a tired voice, “Okay, I understand.” He was lying on the bed in a state of despair.
“Hehehe.”
At that sight, an evil laugh escaped me without me realizing it.
“Jin. Please know that I am always here for you.”
“… Yes. I know.”
“Okay, see you next time.”
Again, again, again. Frances took a step forward.
“ah…….”
Was it because of the candles? Frances’ face was unusually red.
“I wish that day would come sooner, sooner.”
Frances came out of the basement, her breathing heavy from excitement calming down.
It’s time to face the new emperor for work.