The Emperor's Staff
Perhaps it was because that previous voice had been too resolute. The shadow within the crystal orb seemed flustered, its agitation clear even in its subtle movements.
[What do you mean? That way, you can get what you want too...]
"Do you think you know why I've never been able to assassinate the Emperor?"
[Well...]
The shadow, ignorant of the true reason, could offer no reply. They had merely known that this 'Blue Fox' coveted the throne and sought to exploit it.
The fox mask hesitated, as if reluctant to speak, but soon opened its mouth with a resigned air.
"...It's the Emperor's 'staff'."
[The staff...?]
No lengthy explanation was needed. While all the Emperor's possessions were undoubtedly top-tier artifacts, rumors swirled that the crystal orb-embedded staff he always carried—the 'Hall'—was merely symbolic, its true powers unknown.
[That staff he always carries is your 'constraint'? Ahahaha... Ahem. My apologies. I see why you'd hesitate. So, if we handle that staff for you somehow...?]
"Exactly."
[Leave it to us! You can count on it. Haha.]
The fox mask had revealed a long-guarded secret to these demon worshippers, but it deemed it unavoidable.
The constraint only binds when both the staff and the Emperor's throne are present. Even if they take the staff, they can't touch me. If they're fool enough to believe that, all the better.
By exposing a feigned weakness, the true vulnerability remained concealed. Moreover...
A gathering of the entire Aslan imperial family!
Originally, the plan had been to strike at the Crown Prince's wedding, when the Emperor would pass the staff to his heir. But the changed schedule offered an equally unmissable opportunity.
"You can certainly eliminate the other imperial family members, right? At minimum, the direct line starting with the Crown Prince must all die."
[Hahahaha, of course. That's when you'll bring us into the light, as promised.]
"Yes. I'll trust you this once."
[Very good, my lord. For the new world!]
"...For the new world."
Who could have foreseen he'd one day chant the same words as these lowly scum?
But...
This humiliation won't last much longer.
He repeated it inwardly as he ended the communication. Within the Blue Fox mask, golden eyes blazed with burning ambition.
* * *
"...I'd rather be buried in boring bride lessons again."
Cloi's sigh drew a narrowed gaze from Vivian beside her.
"You were complaining about how endless the tasks were back then."
"Th-that was then! Now there's no Moon, no cute kids like Tiny... I'm just bored."
Cloi fidgeted with her fingers, head bowed sheepishly. Vivian couldn't help but chuckle. It had been ages since the ever-mature lady had shown such a cute, sisterly side.
"Anyway, our lady's about to marry off... Time flies. Feels nostalgic."
Vivian enveloped Cloi in a gentle hug, her smile warm and adult-like. But then—
"So Vivian should confess to Jenas oppa—no, Captain—before she gets any older!"
"Wh-what are you talking about, out of nowhere...!!"
The sudden whisper in her ear made Vivian jolt upright, scanning the surroundings warily for eavesdroppers.
"Pfft, everyone around us knows, and now you're denying it to me? Come on."
Cloi stuck out her tongue petulantly, looking devilish. Vivian waved her hands frantically.
"N-no, absolutely not! I just respect the captain! Yeah, respect!"
"Really?"
"Of course! A knight respecting her captain! He's a genius knight who reached Challenger rank at just thirty!"
Her fervent defense fell flat against Cloi's grinning face.
"Hmm, Vivian's twenty-five this year. Captain Jenas is thirty... three? Perfect age gap."
"Wh-what's perfect about it!? It's a full seven years, three months, and ten days!"
Her outburst hit too close; regret dawned too late.
"...That's awfully detailed for 'just respect,' huh?"
Cloi sidled up, prodding Vivian's side slyly, eyes squinted.
"I could put in a good word with Sir Jenas. Want me to?"
...The devil.
The devil's temptation.
Even as she thought it, Vivian's ears perked instinctively. Everyone close knew Jenas had grown up like a brother to the duke's children.
But yielding would mean endless teasing from Cloi, who had her number.
Vivian barely regained her senses and shook off the lure.
Or so she thought.
"Um, I just... respect him, that's all..."
"See!? You do like him!"
Damn!
She screamed inwardly at Cloi's sparkling eyes, but damage control was futile.
"Whoa! Awesome! I gotta tell Jenas oppa! 'Vivian loves you!' Kyahahaha!"
This tomboyish side, reserved for just them, was anything but welcome now.
"L-love's too much yet...!"
Another slip; the devil pounced.
"Not love? Just like? Right? Ehehe."
That smug, pretty face only fueled her rage. Fists trembled.
Should I just smack her? Pretend it didn't happen?
Fantasies swirled. Of course, family reprimand and imperial punishment loomed, but truth be told, fear of reprisal wasn't it.
She simply couldn't.
"Must be nice. Knights can date freely, after all."
The lady who teased then pouted and snuggled in was always utterly lovable.
"...Don't want to marry?"
Vivian whispered, hugging tight on impulse. Cloi shook her head firmly.
"No, it's a noble's duty. I've lived cushy off the family, so I owe them this."
Her sensible reply only tugged harder at the heartstrings.
"You've done plenty for the family in Valentino. If you really hate it, tell His Grace. He'd cancel the wedding, even at a loss."
Who dared cancel an imperial wedding? But with the duke's doting and Valentia's might, it was plausible.
Vivian believed it; Cloi shook her head resolutely.
"No. If I'm marrying anyway, this is the best. Crown Prince is kind, and... super handsome!"
She pulled away, fists clenched, snorting proudly. Too adorable; Vivian laughed weakly.
"So date enough for both of us, Vivian. I'll put in that word with Jenas oppa!"
The teasing persisted.
"No! Why back to that!!!"
"What? Isn't that what you want?"
"When did I say!!?"
"Then tell Jenas never to meet you 'cause you're a dud as a woman?"
"N-no need to go that far...!"
"So how should I say it? Like or not? Be clear."
"Arghhh!"
As Vivian suffered the devil in Cloi's form—
- His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.
The voice outside froze both tomboys. The door creaked open.
They snapped to lady and guard roles seamlessly.
The entering Crown Prince smiled at the haughty lady and stoic guard.
"Haha. Here again. Am I visiting too often? Embarrassing."
"Not at all, Your Highness. You saved me from boredom. I appreciate the warmth."
His expression flickered subtly.
...Bored? He'd heard noise, rushed in unannounced fearing trouble.
But he was wise; no prying into his un-wived fiancée's privacy.
Besides, he had vital business today.
"Grateful for the welcome despite the surprise, my lady. I came missing you, as always—but I have grave matters too. Will you hear them?"
"...Pardon? Ah, yes. Of course, Your Highness."
His serious face flustered Cloi. He'd usually shared jokes or outside news to ease her confinement.
As she answered, blue mana gathered on his hand, forming a transparent blue barrier around them.
"...Your Highness?"
"To prevent leaks; it's important. Don't worry."
The empire's number two—soon one—taking such measures meant no trifle.
Cloi's eyes grew heavy; his words shattered expectations.
"I've received intel of terrorists striking the palace during tomorrow's wedding rehearsal."
"What!?"
Cloi gaped, leaping up. He calmly took her hand.
"Good we caught it early; time to prepare. Take this."
A bluish bracelet.
"Your Highness, this is..."
"I know you're a powerful cleric. But for my peace, wear this artifact too."
"But it's yours..."
"Yes, the Crown Prince's exclusive Defensio. Not transcendent, but deploys 6th-circle barriers thrice daily in peril. You must wear it."
He omitted it was the strongest, most vital of his protective artifacts.
Her face already showed burden enough.
"If it's so dangerous, you should keep it."
So wise, so thoughtful—my partner.
All the more reason to shield her utterly.
"Your safety eases my mind. Please."
"Your Highness..."
"I've informed your father. If trouble stirs, go to him at once."
Her face hardened further.
"You seem convinced it'll happen... Right?"
"...Yes. So wear it, please."
As he turned to leave—
"...If you're that certain, you know the culprits. Can't you eliminate them preemptively?"
Her words halted him.
Too sharp for zero worry.
With a small sigh, he turned, forced to reveal a sliver of truth.
"I'm not. It could purge the empire's cancer."
"But...!"
"Trust me, my lady."
"Your Highness..."
Cloi gazed at her fiancé with conflicted eyes. She sensed his grand gamble, whatever 'empire's cancer' meant.
But...
What can I do?
Too sudden to aid; she lacked info.
Mind in turmoil—
"I've burdened you. But it'll be fine. See you tomorrow."
He kissed her hand, turning away without more detail.
Cloi could only prepare as best she could.
"Vivian, pack my gear for tomorrow too. Definitely."
"Miss, why suddenly...?"
Vivian, deaf to the barrier talk, looked puzzled. Cloi repeated firmly.
The next morning.
As servants bustled in Kreim Palace for the noon wedding rehearsal, imperial family gathered—save the Emperor.
A knight astride a massive wolf arrived at the capital's west gate.