Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: -69
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Delusion (4)
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"Hah..."
After dismissing everyone, Emperor Deus slumped onto his throne, clutching his forehead wearily.
This was the first time the empire had been attacked since he ascended to the throne.
Even the palace had taken a hit.
If he did nothing, his very qualifications as emperor would come into question.
It's even worse if it was just a simple monster invasion.
Monsters attacking the capital? It would mean the empire had just stood by and watched until then. It would expose the empire's incompetence and weakness to the entire continent.
So there had to be a mastermind behind the monsters. Even if there wasn't, they'd have to create one.
If the empire, guardian of peace, faltered, war would spread unchecked.
But at this moment, an invisible civil war with Carlos Grand Duke had created a power vacuum.
The empire's military strength relied on Carlos Grand Duke for half its might.
It wasn't openly acknowledged, but the moment the imperial family admitted its weakness, hyenas would swarm from all sides to tear it apart.
Thus, selecting the investigation leader had to be done with utmost caution.
Raunel has grown up well.
Among his children, the one he trusted most was undoubtedly Raunel.
Raunel had rarely disappointed Deus. He was a son to be proud of, one who would hurl himself off a thousand-foot cliff to complete any task Deus assigned.
His reputation was stellar, and his character had no rough edges.
Handing him the role of investigation leader would ensure a thorough probe.
...But Raunel's flaw is that he's too upright.
This wasn't just a simple investigation.
If necessary, they'd have to fabricate evidence to pin the blame.
The outcome of this incident would determine the imperial family's authority. It was a chance to show the world that the imperial family was far from weak.
It might involve unfair, unreasonable actions.
He had to become the imperial family's blade, plain and simple.
Could upright Raunel handle such a mission?
Kazan could do it.
The 2nd Prince, Kazan.
Unlike Raunel, Kazan always sought the 'optimal move.' Lazy, yes, but he delivered his share flawlessly.
If given the role, he'd wrap things up faster and more decisively than anyone. He'd get his hands bloody if needed.
But Kazan didn't bother with unnecessary tasks. He moved only for himself, not the greater good. Results were unpredictable.
3rd Prince Carmen and 4th Prince Leon are too young.
That left one option.
Reinhardt...
The most unpredictable son was Reinhardt, without a doubt. He'd changed dramatically after his northern expedition, but his true nature remained opaque.
So, he'd included him on the list.
If Reinhardt could sway the empresses, yielding the position wouldn't be so bad.
Of course, Deus hadn't expected it possible.
He didn't think Reinhardt had that kind of political savvy.
A man like Reinhardt, stubborn as they come, didn't know how to bend when needed.
Reinhardt swayed 3rd Empress Josephine and 4th Empress Ria.
Yet the result was unexpected.
Both empresses chose Reinhardt.
4th Empress Ria might have been somewhat moved by Reinhardt saving Leon, but the real surprise was 3rd Empress Josephine.
Deus had assumed she wouldn't pick anyone.
That made it 2:1 in Raunel's favor.
Josephine's choice of Reinhardt tied the score.
A result far beyond Deus's predictions.
Is handing him the blade the right move?
A misplaced blade could unleash a bloodstorm.
Once given, he couldn't rashly take it back.
So caution was essential.
If Reinhardt truly has the skill to hunt dragon horses.
This was the final hurdle.
In the past, it would've been unthinkable.
A duel between Reinhardt and Raunel? Deus would've only foreseen Raunel's overwhelming victory.
But Reinhardt had become the master of a spirit.
With that power, he'd slain a dragon horse.
Raunel was a lord slayer, but if the creature that attacked the Eternal Palace was truly a dragon, Reinhardt would be a dragon slayer. Those were titles of different caliber.
This duel will prove it.
Everything would change based on this duel's outcome.
"Hoo..."
Deus let out a deep breath.
As the years piled on, so did his worries.
He'd thought age brought wisdom to resolve all issues, but reality proved the opposite.
Especially with his children—he could never fully grasp them.
Reinhardt, in particular, was an enigma.
What would hatch from that egg and emerge?
Reinhardt was proving it with every step that shattered Deus's expectations.
His own position.
And beyond.
This outcome could give Reinhardt wings or plunge him into deeper hell.
Yet no matter how he pictured it, Reinhardt beating Raunel didn't compute.
He'd given him a chance, but would it turn to poison?
Knowing that, Deus's heart wasn't at ease.
*
Never underestimate the unexpected.
Emperor Deus's words—Prove it with strength—weren't a joke.
He meant a real brawl to see who was the true 'stronger' one.
He even planned to schedule it and announce the result publicly.
He's laying out the stage for me?
Seven days from now.
A public duel with Raunel.
My fate would hinge on the result.
Lose, and I'd be branded the 'incompetent crown prince.'
Win, and I'd become the 'crown prince who hid his true power.'
Of course, Raunel had no intention of throwing the fight.
"Are you alright, Your Highness?"
Germin approached me as I gazed impassively out the window.
"What's there to not be alright about?"
"You seem deeply troubled."
"Just pondering how much to hold back."
"Your Highness. You mustn't underestimate Prince Raunel."
"I'm kidding. I've never once underestimated him in my life."
True story.
Then and now.
I'd never underestimated Raunel.
Envy, maybe.
I'd felt jealous of Raunel's life, so different from mine.
Changing the subject, I said to Germin,
"By the way, Germin. How's the magic studies going?"
"Yes. I've reached 4th circle, though I'm still lacking. Thanks to Master Edis."
A smile crept onto my lips.
Germin's dream had been to become a mage. But from a long line of butlers, despite his talent, he'd stopped at 3rd circle to become my exclusive butler.
Even with age, his hunger for magic remained.
Edis wanted to teach me magic, but I already wielded psionic energy. No need for magic on top.
So I set a condition.
Teach Germin magic, and I'd learn from him.
Finally fulfilling a promise from my regression.
"Congratulations from the heart. You're a proper mage now."
"The road ahead is still long."
"Long or not, a mage is a mage. Now, let's get ready."
"Ready for what, Your Highness?"
"Andrew."
Kiiiek!
My exclusive designer, Andrew, appeared with the maids.
Andrew bowed.
"You called, Your Highness?"
"Bring what I prepared."
"Yes!"
Andrew went back behind the door and returned with a pre-tailored suit.
A custom job he'd made himself.
He held it up to Germin, nodded, and said,
"Perfect fit."
"Your Highness. What's all this...?"
To wide-eyed Germin, I smiled and replied,
"Today's star isn't me—it's you, Germin. After years of hard work, you're an official mage now. Time for a fitting party."
"Pardon...?"
Germin still looked baffled.
But I'd known about his 4th circle for a while.
I'd prepared plenty for today.
"Hurry and change him. We head to the capital once ready."
*
Bang! Boom!
Fireworks burst, the band played, clowns danced.
In the capital's heart, Laurel Tailor Shop was reborn.
Expanded to five stories, dwarfing most mansions.
At the first-floor entrance, the suit I'd worn to Princess Carnel's coming-of-age was displayed, followed by Andrew's masterpieces.
"Unbelievable..."
Andrew teared up again, gazing at the finished shop.
No tailor shop in the capital matched this size.
Prime location too—value beyond imagination.
"It's yours now."
"I'll guard it with my life."
"You'd better. This shop's reputation is tied to mine."
Laurel Tailor Shop would redefine fashion standards across the capital, empire, and continent. Andrew had the skill for it.
Upstairs, the floor buzzed with early arrivals.
Nobles, mages mingled with drinks and food at the ongoing party.
Investors were expected, but mages? Surprising.
Especially these heavy-hitters—they stood out.
Andrew's eyes widened.
"Gasp! Isn't that Master Androsen of the Tower of Light?"
"Even from the Tower of Gales..."
"The Thousand-Robe Mage! To think such famous mages would come!"
He chattered excitedly alone.
Seemed to know every famous mage.
"Big magic fan, huh."
"It was my childhood dream, Your Highness. No talent, so I gave up, but I traveled the continent just to glimpse them from afar."
Impressive passion.
Germin still looked lost.
I headed to the party's center.
Silence fell as all eyes turned to me.
"...Thank you all for coming. It couldn't have been easy, but I won't forget any of you for being here."
"It's only natural, Your Highness."
"We're the grateful ones for such a splendid invitation."
We'd gathered for the party.
But it was more than that.
These were my 'supporters.' Including Izar, fewer than ten nobles, but enough for now.
The mages especially had been waiting for a chance to connect since I became the spirit's master.
"Andrew will gift each of you a custom suit."
"Ooh!"
"And another cause for celebration: my butler Germin has reached 4th circle."
"...?"
"In a way, the most important news."
My sudden announcement stunned them.
Why bring up the butler's breakthrough here?
But a sharp mage caught on and shouted,
"4th circle qualifies for official tower registry. Your Highness, if he hasn't chosen a tower, how about our 'Tower of Gales'?"
The mages' eyes lit up.
Yes.
I valued my butler enough to call it 'most important'!
Whichever tower registered Germin would get my full backing.
Maybe even secrets about the 'spirit'!
The tower masters' gazes shifted to Germin.
"The tower you register with matters greatly. Our 'Sky Tower' is second to none in prestige."
"What about the 'Tower of Light'?"
Germin could only panic.
He'd never imagined this.
Tower masters—pinnacles of magic.
Idols every mage aspired to, giants touching the heavens.
Now they vied to register a mere 4th-circle Germin.
Germin looked to me.
I just smiled.
Lip-syncing, You choose.
Wh-what is this...
Over fifty, relearning magic late in life.
Now receiving love calls from magic's titans.
Germin's long-stilled heart raced.
*
The Reinhardt-Raunel duel became the capital's top obsession.
Newspapers covered it within a day.
But public opinion on Reinhardt wasn't favorable.
—Crown Prince throws party before crucial duel.
—People suffer from monster attacks.
—Does the Crown Prince not see the people's pain?
—Lavish Crown Prince vs. Diligent Prince.
Anonymous flyers littered the streets.
Tabloids condemning Reinhardt's public party dominated.
"Raunel's landslide victory."
"Outcome's obvious."
"That's why he's given up for parties, right?"
Capital citizens all predicted Raunel's win.
It was no contest from the start.
Reinhardt had thrown in the towel.
Partying amid crisis? Clearly given up on winning.
Citizens raged.
"Where was Reinhardt during the capital attack?"
"Raunel and Kazan led soldiers to fight."
"Tch. All those rumors of the Crown Prince changing were lies."
"Fool me once? Hope this reshuffles the succession entirely."
[Delusion (4)] End
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