Chapter 197
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 197
Chapter Title: Each One's Time (1)
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Only one person can sit upon the throne.
In the entire history of the empire, that rule had never once been broken.
So what became of those who failed to claim the emperorship?
Not all of them met tragic ends, at least.
Of course, given the empire's long history, there had been plenty of bloody upheavals.
But in many cases, things resolved peacefully.
Some spent the rest of their days quietly in seclusion.
Others ventured far from the capital to start new lives.
And there were those who came down here to Blackout to battle the empire's headaches firsthand.
Of course, the harsh environment of Blackout demanded they abandon their imperial names.
Yet plenty still chose that path.
And the most prominent among them was none other than...
"Lanes, Tower Master of Lanes Mage Tower."
"......"
At Jun's words, Javier stood there with his mouth agape, as if he'd forgotten how to speak.
"And that Lanes Tower Master's true name... haha. No need to spell it out."
One thing was certain: her former name surely included "Adrian."
And Adrian was the given name passed down through generations of imperial blood.
"Lady Lanes was eliminated from the generational throne war before last. Truth be told, she was so young back then that it was almost forced upon her."
Lanes had been thrust into the throne war at far too tender an age, but the wise girl promptly forfeited.
She cast her support to the frontrunner—the emperor two reigns back—then cleanly left the imperial family to immerse herself in magic studies.
She avoided all outside activity until she turned thirty.
Not content with that, she changed her name to Lanes and built an entire mage tower under it.
That was why Lanes Mage Tower was so favorably inclined toward the imperial family in the game.
"You were planning to meet her yourself, weren't you?"
"......Y-Yes. But how did you know that?"
"It's a secret to the public, sure, but not impossible to uncover."
In truth, anyone who mattered knew about Lanes's background.
They just kept quiet because there was no gain in airing it.
"Go meet her in person."
"I-I wanted to. But my mother would never forgive me."
"Haha..."
Jun flashed a mischievous grin at those words.
"There's a saying for this."
"What now...?"
"It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission."
"......"
"You think Lady Venes would disown you? She's the most devoted mother in the world."
"......"
"Meet Lady Lanes face-to-face and hammer out a concrete plan. Then convince Lady Venes. It's not too late."
"I see... You're right..."
"Yes, Lord Javier. No matter how much you ponder, nothing changes without action. Hit the wall. The human body is tougher than you think—it won't shatter from one bump. Besides, you're still young."
With that, Jun pressed a finger to his lips.
"Oh, but please keep it secret that I suggested this to Lady Venes. Haha."
Javier couldn't help but burst into laughter at the playful expression.
"I never dreamed Javier was wrestling with something like that."
Venes emerged from the room with a relieved expression.
Aiden's face grew somber as he watched.
"It's weirder when you can read people's hearts. Or downright scary."
"Haha... You have a point."
"Anyway, glad this mess wrapped up well."
"The outside doesn't look so rosy."
Jun turned to gaze at the checkpoint scenery.
The island had visibly shrunk in just one day.
The nobles fleeing in panic from afar almost looked comical.
'The bright sky pouring insane rain makes it funnier.'
Indeed, those with some leeway stood idly watching the bizarre sky.
"Let's take a real break once this job's done."
"Yeah... It's been a packed schedule lately."
This mission alone had burned through half the year's Blackout season.
Weeks had passed since they accepted the commission, leaving less than four months.
Heading to layer 5 now felt awkward.
He didn't want another nail-biter return like last season.
"What should we do with the remaining time?"
"Dunno. Need to think on it."
Truth be told, Jun had more than enough to keep busy.
Refining the mana fluid, expanding White Whale Mercenary Corps influence in the lower layers—he had plans.
Cloi could handle it alone, but his involvement would smooth things.
'With Heavenly Origin Church's bold moves lately, it's essential.'
Unlike their cautious game behavior, they were aggressive now.
Building a solid base from below was key.
And that wasn't all.
Having reached 6th circle, he needed time for reflection.
'But Aiden and the others' schedules are tricky.'
Couldn't sideline comrades who could handle layer 5.
Telling them to train solo didn't fit a captain.
'Prep for layer 6... not a bad idea.'
They'd barely scratched layer 5: Hedravan and Sandwind Hills.
Exploring fresh layer 5 spots would be valuable.
'What to do...'
As he mulled options...
"My, not a bad smell for a sickroom."
"Whoa!"
The window flew open amid the downpour, and a man strode in dry as bone.
Sword Soul Aden.
"Heh heh. Everyone looks chipper."
"Lord Aden? What brings you?"
"Just dodging the storm."
His deadpan delivery didn't fool Jun.
'Sure. The empire's sword doesn't drop by casually.'
His position demanded purpose.
Aden eyed Aiden's body, nodding repeatedly.
Then turned to Jun with shameless confidence.
"Mind if I borrow the kid?"
It sounded like a question, but the tone was notice.
Jun couldn't yield his mercenary so easily.
"Borrow how, exactly?"
"Your schedule's iffy for the season's end. No plans? Let me train him."
"Wh-What?!"
Aiden yelped in shock, naturally.
"What's that..."
"I've watched you. Your talent's solid."
"Th-Thank you."
"No need to thank me... Save it for yourself."
"......"
Aden already knew Aiden's secret, so no surprise from Jun or Aiden.
"Heard from Tearthin. In that fight with the Butcher Monk, you tapped some odd power at the end?"
"Ah."
Of course.
As Black Guard commander, Tearthin instantly recognized the imperial mana Aiden unleashed.
With level 8 looming, he'd consulted Aden.
"That's why. Tearthin's tagging along."
"C-Can someone like me really join?"
Aiden dimly knew his talent.
But Aden's stature was immense.
Idol to all swordsmen, swarmed by those craving a bout—even elite imperial knights.
Aiden hadn't dreamed of such a chance.
But his expression darkened as he glanced at Jun.
"Wh-What about senpai...?"
"Eh? No point dragging him."
Aden apparently had no plans for Jun.
'He's thriving solo.'
Not due to lack of talent—Aden saw Jun growing fine alone.
This battle had pushed him to 6th circle, by the looks.
And...
'No way they'd let this talent slip.'
Jun was already claimed.
Aden smirked slyly.
"A little separation can help. Sometimes you spot what closeness blinds you to."
"Ah."
Still hesitating?
Aiden seemed pained by the dilemma, but Jun answered.
"If you'll have him, we're grateful."
"Huh."
"Aiden. You know this chance is rare."
"True..."
"And you felt it in the Butcher Monk fight."
"......"
Recalling it, Aiden nodded unconsciously.
"Yeah. My skill still falls short."
Arrogant for a greenhorn under two years in Blackout.
But who cared.
Better bold and brash than weak and helpless.
"Smash through another wall this time."
"......What about the wind spirit?"
"Her? Can't be helped. She burned energy anyway—tell her to sleep it off."
Jun had been pondering ways to empower the wind spirit more.
Other priorities delayed it, but he remembered.
'She said she'd infuse wind affinity into my circle.'
With time now, he'd research related spells.
"Got it then. Lots to do with Tearthin too."
"Y-Yes! Th-Thank you, Lord Aden. For this opportunity."
"Heh. Save thanks for after training. The others always change from start to end."
With a chilling quip, Aden departed.