Chapter 284
Chapter 284
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 284
Chapter Title: How to Survive as the Second Son of a Magical Noble Family (284)
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Leo was now naturally calling the Crown Prince Abraham. It was easy to sense just how much resentment that implied.
When we transferred to the coordinates the Crown Prince had provided, familiar lemon-yellow hair came into view from afar. Leo offered a suitable smile and greeted the Crown Prince.
“It's been two weeks since we last met, Your Highness.”
“You've come. Thank you for coming all this way just two hours after I sent the message.”
The Crown Prince approached first and greeted Leo with a smile. The weightiness he usually carried in official settings was absent, though it was obvious he had deliberately set it aside.
“I heard you recently returned from New Guinea. You must have been exhausted handling the Pentalon matter right away.”
“I can't say otherwise. Still, it's fine with people like Your Highness around who I can always call on for help.”
I listened to their ongoing conversation while taking in the landscape around us. We were on a plateau owned by the imperial family. With three horses in tow.
Since it was past mealtime, the Crown Prince suggested we ride while chatting.
*Hm.*
Impressive. To invite us all the way here. This was a space reserved for direct imperial family members. They might invite collateral relatives to relax, but it wasn't used as a social venue for foreigners. Of course, diplomatically speaking, it was a good thing.
At that moment, the Crown Prince turned to me and greeted me.
“It's good to see you again, Lord Ascanien.”
“The honor is mine.”
“You've been busy with many things since Pentalon.”
“We're only doing what we must as a ruling house.”
“It's reassuring to see you're doing well.”
The Crown Prince offered a gentle smile instead of his usual deranged one.
*Since when have you been worrying about me...*
I'm living perfectly fine, so there's no need for pointless concern. I gave a vague reply without committing his words to memory.
“So, what did you call us here for today?”
“No matter how I look at it, this scandal seems to have been your doing, Lord Ascanien.”
“......”
The way he jumped straight into this showed that no matter how much he pretended to be ordinary, his true nature hadn't changed.
This was a fact not known to the public. Leo's gaze turned to the Crown Prince. His expression was the same as before, but it was clear all his attention was focused on him.
“From the hospital to the Federal Council, the executive branch, the judiciary... You made quite the grand debut in politics just to take down one older brother. Of course, no one will realize it was you.”
This was the first time Leo had heard a direct conversation between me and 'Abraham' about this. The moment he heard 'to take down your brother,' the mana flowing around Leo's core flickered faintly. It must have felt strangely off-putting that someone besides Elias, Narke, and himself knew the situation.
“Councilor Marlene Staupenberg is hot-tempered and has many enemies. The policies she pushes are extremely one-sided too. Sending copies of letters between her and Friedman to her rival's office was brilliant. Reporting anonymously to the Imperial Newspaper would likely get buried, so you left it to someone who could pressure them. Using a third party to cleanly ignite the scandal—it's efficient and thorough. I like it.”
“Flattery here won't get you anywhere.”
I neither affirmed nor denied the origin of the scandal, keeping a smiling distance. I had no intention of confirming or denying it. It didn't matter if he knew, but there was no reason to give him a straight answer. The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow and spoke.
“The problem is it didn't stop at those two—it exploded. But those caught up in it had something in common. No big shots were swept away; mostly rising politicians or those without strong foundations fell. And they all followed one person.”
He crossed his arms and smiled.
“Your brother, that is.”
“......”
His tone had changed. From the formal 'Herr Ascanien' and 'Sie' to the informal 'du.' It was an expression used mainly among close friends.
Leo gave a faint smile. That was how he expressed his displeasure as a politician. Leo was wary of the Crown Prince approaching us too. But since Leo didn't reveal more and quickly returned to his usual expression, there was no issue.
“With so many Adrian Ascanien supporters swept away, how could I not know? I couldn't not know. Who else has the boldness to unleash a scandal this big without hesitation?”
I tilted my head and smiled without confirming.
“Well, I don't know about anything else, but your high expectations of my abilities leave me at a loss.”
“Besides, your methods always have a signature. Where do you get information no one else knows? How did you know there were documents left at Andrea Friedman's house? It was the same when you baptized me, and now...”
Abraham's golden eyes gleamed coldly from the shade under the trees.
“You live as if you can manipulate time itself.”
“......”
Time. Information he shouldn't know. Just a guess born from his insight.
I curled my lips at his words. I could feel Abraham's golden eyes dissecting my facial muscles and the irises beyond. Then his gaze slowly shifted to Leo. Mine stayed on the Crown Prince. He had been smiling leisurely all along, and even now as he observed Leo's expression, it was the same. He was trying to confirm his inference through Leo's reaction.
“You have quite the imagination, Your Highness. I'll have to work harder to live up to your expectations.”
“......”
Whether he got what he wanted or not, the Crown Prince dropped the analysis and spoke with a mild expression.
“I'm curious what happens if you work even harder here. Well, today I wanted to briefly discuss state affairs and ask Eschet to take on a task. Of course, I have something to say to Lord Ascanien separately, but that can wait.”
The Crown Prince grabbed the reins of the horse behind him and handed them to me.
“I heard you don't have your own horse, Lord Ascanien, so I brought one that should suit your style. Do you know how to ride?”
People without personal horses usually don't. When would Luca have learned? He knew and still called us here. Nobles are all the same.
I smiled, shook my head slightly, and said.
“I can ride.”
“Good. Did the Crown Prince teach you?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent. Let's go slowly.”
I infused some mana into the horse to calm it, then adjusted the stirrups. Leo had his own horse in Berlin, so he mounted without such preparations.
We rode across the plateau like that. They said slowly, but we were just galloping. Since it wasn't a horse I'd trained, I observed the Crown Prince's aids and the horse's responses, mimicking them. I could match the pace roughly. The Crown Prince glanced back at me and said.
“You have a talent for riding, Lord Ascanien.”
“Is that so.”
With nothing particular to say, I replied vaguely. The Crown Prince slowed down.
“I've had a lot on my mind lately and was tired, but coming out here for some wind has helped.”
“That makes sense.”
At Leo's simple reply, the Crown Prince turned to him.
“I was just reviewing punishments for the scandal targets, so before we get into the main discussion, I'd like Your Highness's light opinion first. The scandal is linking to the Pentalon terror, amplifying the fallout. What do you think of making an example with a death sentence for one?”
Death sentences were rare outside murder or regicide. Our world's history was the same, except here they also applied to crimes deemed 'violations of magical authority.' Legally and customarily, this wasn't a capital case, ethics aside.
Leo stiffened briefly, then shook his head.
“Support gained through blood doesn't last. It could backfire on Your Highness.”
“Hm. Blood calls for more blood. That's your view, then.”
“Yes. I respect Your Highness's decisions, but in situations where public sentiment can be quelled by other means, caution is advised.”
“Understood. Then, Lord Ascanien, what methods do you think we should use to defend approval ratings and prevent corruption recurrence in this situation?”
“......”
It felt like a test. Or laying groundwork.
He's not someone who asks because he doesn't know. Leo seemed to sense it too. Leo gave an inscrutable smile and looked at me. I gazed at the distant forest and said.
“We'll confiscate the corruption funds and invest in visible government projects. For prevention, asset seizure is best. If you want even safer, impose fines exceeding their assets for the same effect.”
“Visibility, fines... Good. Focus on what's seen, you mean.”
“I just think we must pay attention to the visible 'as well' to break the current situation quickly. Without tangible gains or improvements from executions, the people have no reason to support it long-term. The key is putting real benefits in the people's hands or giving them faith that it will happen soon, restoring prior trust.”
I paused, then looked at the Crown Prince.
“I assume Your Highness knows this already.”
“Haha.”
The Crown Prince chuckled briefly, looked ahead, and said.
“Even known truths require caution in politics. Gaining conviction from political allies' advice is important.”
Got it. It must be. Verifying his choices was secondary anyway. He listens to advice but won't change based on it. This conversation itself was diplomacy, signaling—as he just said—that he recognized us as political partners. Likely aiming to maintain friendly ties with Bavaria on the surface or expand influence over Eschet-related nations. Calling me along suggested the latter.
“In my father's era, our empire became more ethnically unified. In the era to follow, our imperial house hopes the empire's constituent states fully assimilate as one nation.”
Laying more groundwork. I thought that as I lightly patted my horse's neck. My horse matched the pace of the two ahead. The Crown Prince got to the point.
“I'd like to ask Bavaria's magical physicians to fill the vacancies at the Imperial Central Hospital from this incident. What do you say, Your Highness?”
Leo, accustomed to verbal agreements, smiled without surprise.
“A welcome proposal. I'll discuss it with King Hildagard.”
“Good. I'll wait.”
The Crown Prince said that, then turned slightly to me.
“Even setting aside this scandal, I was impressed by the various Anhalt projects Lord Ascanien has prepared recently. The people-first approach reminds me of Vice Minister Adrian Ascanien.”
“I see.”
“I have no intention of directly intervening in Anhalt's succession struggle. Whatever happens, Adrian Ascanien is my dear friend and valued vassal.”
*A rival too.*
I held back that thought and just looked at the Crown Prince.
“But I do intend to level the starting line. I can't just stand by knowing why you had to spectacularly shake up the political world. To start equal with Adrian Ascanien, won't you need Hohenzollern's help?”
“......”
“How's the horse? I carefully selected it for you.”
“I'm honored. It's to my liking.”
I caught Leo glancing at my dry tone and expression. The Crown Prince, having gauged my style, didn't press it. He just stared at me plainly.
“I'll gift it as a present from the Hohenzollerns.”
“To me?”
Why bother? I hadn't said it out of courtesy, but the Crown Prince caught on quickly.
“Allow the Hohenzollerns this much for a mage they trust. Soon you'll receive the Black Eagle from Prussia anyway.”
“......”
Prussia's highest honor.
It was undeniable legitimacy-wise.
“Why do this?”
“For Lord Lucas Ascanien's achievements, of course. I have no intention of neglecting valuable partners like you two. Since Vice Minister Adrian Ascanien has one, I hope you like it.”
I replied with a smile.
The Crown Prince, not planning to build more rapport, changed the subject.
“I mentioned a task for Eschet. Better I tell you directly than through intermediaries, so I called you here.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“A gem owned by a Habsburg branch was stolen in the German Empire.”
“…Pardon?”
Leo sounded baffled. I felt the same. A gem? Entrusting a theft case to Eschet?
“It's a legacy from the Holy Roman Empire days. It could spark diplomatic issues with the Austrian Empire, so I'd like Eschet to handle it.”
“…Why would a Habsburg item come here? Anyway, recovery of stolen goods seems better left to investigative agencies. We've trained in military and intel ops, but not theft recovery.”
Leo politely voiced his true thoughts. The Crown Prince put on a friendly face and smiled softly.
“It's already with all investigative agencies, but no progress. I just hope Eschet can assist.”
“As I said, we're not optimized for that.”
“Surface-wise, maybe, but no one fits better than Eschet. Lord Ascanien will want it eventually too. For Heike Ainsidel's abilities on that team, among other things.”
“Why would I want that? Isn't it what Your Highness wants?”
“You'll see.”
The Crown Prince showed no intent to compromise further. We just rode around until time passed suitably—usually that's all there was—and prepared to leave.
On the way back, the Crown Prince halted. When Leo looked back, he said.
“Finally, something to say to Lord Ascanien. Can you wait?”
“......”
Leo's expression hardened briefly, then relaxed.
“Apologies, but I have urgent business with Lord Ascanien back home and can't spare much time.”
“It'll be quick.”
“Then proceed.”
Leo stayed composed this time, avoiding another scene. The Crown Prince smiled and turned his horse aside.
“I'll be back.”
I nodded at Leo's words and followed the Crown Prince. As we entered the woods, I said to his back.
“You've already said everything, haven't you?”
“You turn rudely ghost-like when it's just us, Lord Nikolaus.”
“You too, Your Highness.”
“Haha.”
Passing through the woods revealed a new vista. Another plain lay below the cliff.
“Quite refreshing, isn't it?”
“Yes.”
“Perfect height to drop a carriage off.”
“......”
I tilted my head. Staring at his face without blinking, he pulled the reins, signaling his horse closer.
Then he smiled as if confirming it wasn't his imagination.
“You've grown stronger. Has the rumor become fact?”
“......”
He noticed the mana flowing through me. I knew what rumor he meant. Insightful guys are tricky.
“I was examined at the Imperial Central Hospital recently. If you doubt, I can send the results to the palace.”
“The results must have been clean.”
“Results are results. You won't believe whatever I say?”
“Did I ever tell you? Pleroma is all show. They advertise saving lives through blood, but they can't wield blood magic. They're just desperate for blood dominion—none actually can.”
“They drink blood to grow stronger and sustain life. We know that.”
“Ah...”
The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes pityingly.
“You're misunderstanding. How could mere humans wield blood dominion? They're not masters of blood—they're enslaved to it.”
“The more I hear, the more absurd every word sounds. Do you fancy yourself not 'mere human,' Your Highness?”
I'd known since he took the name Abraham. He'd always thought that way. He believes his blood-manipulating ability means he won't rot in Pleroma. 'Unlike them, I can take blood and draw near others' lives.' 'The true power Pleroma lacks.' Words he'd said to me in a timeline long gone.
“Aren't you too sharp? You're complete now. Be happy—why react like this?”
“Delusions are a sickness too.”
“Worried I'll stab you in the back again? Need reconfirmation to trust me?”
“......”
The Crown Prince rolled up his sleeve, nodding at the bracelet I'd seen before. His truth-verification tool.
“I intend to harm you.”
His sleeve stained red. Blood scent pierced my nose. Abraham smiled.
“See? A lie. I sincerely want you to succeed. I just want to help.”
“Then know this situation helps not at all. I have no reason to drink blood.”
“Keep saying that. I understand. We each say our piece. Anyway, always owing a friend feels off, doesn't it?”
“......”
Talking about blood now.
Acting like he has insight when he doesn't.
To answer myself: no, it doesn't.
Who keeps asking a friend for blood with any sanity? Yesterday, I needed it to disrupt info to my brother and nullify Andrea Friedman's machine to advertise my health—but now I don't want to. It's wrong to Leo.
No reason to tell him that. I turned my horse back.
“If you're just going to talk nonsense, I'll head out.”
“I'll give you my blood.”
I reinterpreted the absurdity two or three times, then turned.
“…What did you say?”
“I'll give you my blood. Drink mine, not your friend's.”
“You drink blood. There's a limit to Pleroma treatment.”
Abraham stayed calm, pulling a syringe and vial from his clutch. I get why he carries it—for dominating bodies. I opened the modifiability window and stared.
He drew blood and tossed me the vial.
“Take it. Say anytime if needed. No repayment required.”
“Your Highness must let everything slide. Worth experimenting on at least.”
“Haha.”
He chuckled shortly, lowering his sleeve.
And I stared ahead, smiling.
*What.*
A chill ran through me briefly.
Modifiability rose 1%p. Just from receiving Abraham's blood. How?
*Split and test it.*
Or actually worth drinking? Giving it without price isn't free. He'll watch my changes post-drink or expect some reaction I don't know. Yet modifiability rose?
As I thought that, the Crown Prince glanced around, then turned back to me.
“No more time, so let's meet again soon.”
“......”
“Tell Lord Leonard I left first.”
His space warped and shattered, then restored. Clearly space magic exit.
I turned my horse back to Leo, warped to the palace, passed inspection, and returned home quickly.
*Blood.*
I need to do something with the blood. It filled my mind.
To recap with Leo in my room, Narke was there.
“Oh, you're back.”
“You're here too.”
My room's become free access now... I'd thought this before; still true.
“Um, something to tell you. Got time?”
“Of course.”
The Vatican task? He came right away. Pre-rewind, I hadn't heard—probably due to my health then.
I washed up, changed, and sat before Narke.
“What is it?”
“Done? Actually, the Vatican assigned me something... Ah, Leo told you.”
“Stop insighting.”
“Haha~”
Narke pulled a chair close and continued.
“Anyway, that's what I came for. First, this time...”
Narke opened his mouth, then sighed deeply.
“Haa...”
“What? Hard to say?”
“Not exactly... But as my affiliation, it's embarrassing to bring up. Wanted to share only good news.”
Narke gave a hollow laugh, pressed his face with his hand, then spoke with a complicated expression.
“A holy relic stored in the Vatican was stolen.”