Chapter 98: Chenarus's Assassin (5)
-I heard that all three princes are not really the emperors children. We need to investigate this.
It was a fact I came across when playing the game. For me, its an unforgettable memory since it happened right before one of the princes became emperor.
Prince 1, Prince 2, Prince 3. The situation kept changing but no matter who it was, they were suspected of being illegitimate children.
And conclusively, all three princes were not the emperors children.
Having an affair outside the imperial palace, evading the eyes of the intelligence agency? Does this make any sense?
I did think about that before. The empire was not such an easy place. But that was the truth in the game. It was one of the reasons why I specifically chose Erendil.
What did you say?
Phiri was shocked.
How does that make any sense? Its too absurd!
-I overheard a conversation between the Imperial Chief of Intelligence Duke Schweig on my rest day.
Who was he talking to? It wasnt false information he spread right?
-It wasnt that.
That doesnt make sense. Their hair color is also the golden blonde of the imperial family.
-Did you forget? The Duke Egni family has the same hair color.
The in-laws the founding emperor purged. They were a family of the emperors close friends from when he founded the country, and they frequently intermarried with the imperial family over many years, holding power together.
But Phiri still seemed to have a hard time believing it.
Its hard to believe. How could the empress have an affair in the imperial palace? The knights guarding her not to mention the intelligence agency would be wide awake.
-What if the partner was one of the deceased empresss knights?
Knights? Wait a minute. The empresss knights at the time were.
-Yes. They were both the empresss cousins.
The Sevilen Countys sons guarded the empress. And those two both had affairs with the empress.
While one guarded outside, the other spent time with the empress.
Theyre Count Sevilens younger brothers now right?
-Yes. I heard Count Sevilen was quite unhappy about how he was treated when he met the prince, and he angrily mentioned it was a fact.
I didnt hear it directly but it didnt matter either way. The count did meet the prince after all.
The result wasnt great either.
The princes were hesitant to associate with that side as the Egni family, their maternal relatives, had been purged.
And in the game as well, Count Sevilen moved similarly.
He wavered between the princes, and distorted information to spread for the prince that held his hand.
For example, if he took the first princes side, he revealed that the second prince and the third were illegitimate.
It was revealing the shame of his own family, so he wasnt suspected much.
Or he used that information to threaten the princes.
There were times when I was extremely anxious, when that suspicion came out after I took the princes side.
-I also heard they both had affairs with the empress.
Thats hard to believe. Its got to be a lie right?
-Theres a possibility but close relative affairs arent unheard of. I heard the empress and those knights were especially close friends since they were young. Theres no harm in confirming.
The devil worshippers are trying to attack Erendil. My assassination has delayed their attack and bought them time.
We need to make good use of that time.
Originally I wanted to move slowly to solidify my footing, worried about the butterfly effect.
But now I am still determining how things will play out. I need to also prepare to attack the princes.
Even if it means revealing the empresss betrayal, the damage to the princes must be bigger than to Erendil.
Even if controversial, it cant be bigger than not being of imperial blood.
-And whether its false or true, it doesnt matter. We just need to use that information.
Thats true. In fact, we could even manipulate Count Sevilan.
-Yes. Or we could lure them over to the Princesss side.
Phiri also agreed. Although it may be hard to believe, it was beneficial for us either way.
The truth is not important. What matters is how people perceive it.
By the way, Father asked about you.
-Did you make contact?
It was one-sided. I only received a letter, I couldnt write back.
I was slightly disappointed. It wouldve been nice if Phiri had a direct way to contact him.
Wellfrom Phiris position, she couldnt have thought the leader betrayed her. It would be strange if she had something of a way to write back.
I was also regretful about something else.
When Duke Brusek formed a direct intelligence team in the north, I wondered if he would uncover the leaders identity, but he didnt get that far.
Anyway, Father said to ask you for your impression after seeing the princess. He said he had forgotten to ask before.
Ah. It was something I said when I wanted to go to the Empire in the past. I joked about it last time too.
I didnt think he still remembered it so suddenly hearing about it was a bit bewildering.
Phiri giggled mischievously.
You said you applied to the Empire because you wanted to see the princess, one of the continents three great beauties, but you actually wanted to grow more by going to the Empire. Were those all lies?
-Phiri, the former out of mild childlike curiosity, the latter for a more serious reason.
So whats your impression? You cant mention the leaders identity in a coded message in the letter youre sending, but Father did ask so you should give an answer.
-Ill just say, like I heard, that she was as beautiful as rumored.
Phiri playfully asked.
Really? More than me?
I was slightly pressured but Phiri gave me the chance to attack on my own.
Did she think Id give an answer thats pleasing to hear since Im her younger brother? As if that would happen.
-The princess is one of the continents three great beauties, isnt she?
Ill see you later.
Phiri gritted his teeth, seemingly a bit miffed.
-If things go as planned, wouldnt I still maintain my position as her knight even after the princess becomes empress?
Well, we wouldnt have to meet like this then. Besides, Im good at waiting, you know?
I chuckled quietly, keeping some distance because Emmet was present.
-By then, I might even be in a higher position than you, Phiri.
Hey, whats with you? Just because youre by the princesss side, youve become all high and mighty?
Phiri couldnt help but burst into laughter at the absurdity. There was a playful tone in the banter.
-What else did Father say? Hes not the type to write a letter over something like that.
It wasnt a mission given to you. We were told by the Imperial Intelligence Agency to rescue one person.
The Imperial Intelligence Agency? That was unexpected.
Since it was a rescue rather than a kidnapping, it meant defection. Well, it might be okay.
Right now the Imperial Intelligence Agency will be in chaos due to the fight with the devil worshippers.
Maybe the devil worshipper net is tightening within the intelligence agency.
Or the opposite.
Since there are devil worshippers within the Imperial Intelligence Agency, the one in danger may have requested aid from the Duke.
Anyway, the fact that hes in contact with Duke Brusek means hes no low-ranked person.
He must be quite high-ranked. I didnt expect Duke Brusek to have a connection like that.
It turns out he has a wider network than I thought.
-A rescue? Whats the reason?
The Empire raised the devil worshippers. And they said the devil worshippers will come for their lives.
As I guessed, the Empire created the devil worshippers. And now theres a problem with that.
And for me, it was another crisis.
It meant the fight ahead wouldnt be easy, since even those highly ranked in the Imperial Intelligence Agency are being threatened by them.
It was not going to be an easy fight.
-Thats right. Theyre not fools either, so they probably said theyll provide detailed information after the rescue, right?
Yeah.
-I see why youre telling me this.
Its related to the devil worshippers.
Phiris voice contained worry. Because it was happening under Duke Haisens Imperial Intelligence Team.
Since the leader is a devil worshipper, our sides movements and the targets movements may be read as well.
The one who requested aid entered the lions mouth with their own two feet. There will surely be an ambush of some sort.
Anyway, Phiri wanted me to participate as a third party.
-When is it?
The night in 2 days.
-Its not a rest day.
Can you make it?
I think I can get permission from the princess. I built up trust with Erendil. This much she will allow. The problem was Emmet.
Since we serve together as guards. Of course, there are methods but I felt I would get unnecessary attention. Well, Id have to put up with that much.
I heard Chenaruss assassin is quite famous recently? If you make a fuss, wont they assume its them? Ill get you the outfit.
-Have you lost your mind?
Of course, she was joking.
Carelessly, it could raise suspicions that Chenaruss assassin is affiliated with Haisen.
The operation is bound to fail. Father advised against taking risks.
-All because of me.
Yeah. The princess has almost gained the upper hand, so theres no need to push it. If things go awry, well all flee. If it looks like well be caught, well choose death.
It seemed like Phiri was worried about something specific. However, I was concerned about something else.
-Phiri, if the leader uses force, you might be the most at risk.
Yeah. From their perspective, Ill be the biggest nuisance. And being perceptive, they might suspect that I know something. Ugh. Even the kids expressions seem suspicious these days.
Well, Phiri would have a tougher time than me. It must feel like walking on thin ice every day under the enemys nose.
I offered some reassurance.
-Phiri, your acting wont be that obvious.
I know. The leader isnt ordinary either. But it should be fine. Some of Fathers people are joining us too.
Well, we have to bring the rescued people along. But still, being too relaxed is out of the question.
-No, Ill go, but you have to be careful. I cant say it outright, but you know. Haisen agents should also be suspicious.
Phiri nodded heavily after a brief silence.
Yeah.
On the day of the mission, Carlyn requested a private audience with the princess. Since it was not a common occurrence, the princess was puzzled.
Your Highness, may I be away for a while tonight?
Seeing you ask like this, it must not be a normal matter.
Just because one was a knight guard didnt mean one had no personal affairs. They could be sick, getting married, or having a family member pass away
In cases like these, the guard knight from their rest day would take over their duties.
Is it a problem you can tell me about?
Its related to the Haisen Intelligence Agency. However, that side doesnt know Im getting involved.
Thats hard to understand.
Its a problem between the Imperial Intelligence Agency and the devil worshippers.
The princess furrowed her brows.
Could it be.
Yes. There are turncoats in both Haisen and the Empire.
Is it okay?
I dont know yet, but I feel I should go take a look.
Then go ahead.
The princess readily nodded her head. She trusted Carlyn. He was a guard who had put his life on the line for her.
And following Carlyns words had never led her astray.
In the princesss experience, things worked themselves out well when she just let Carlyn do as he wanted.
But what will you do about Emmet? Were you thinking of telling him this time?
Can you call me in alone, Your Highness?
Alone?
The princess was surprised. Spending time alone at night was never a normal occurrence at all.
Emmet wasnt the type to gossip about things like this, but still, her heart thumped a little.
As I said last time, its best if few people know about me. If the reason is to discuss Duke Lyurik, it should be fine.
Carlyn continued speaking, gauging the princesss reaction.
If it discomforts you, I will tell the truth to Sir Emmet.
No, lets do as you say.
Thank you.
But to use Duke Lyurik as the reason, shouldnt there be a need?
Ah, wouldnt the marriage issue we talked about last time be sufficient?
The princess nodded with a flustered face. And so, late at night, past midnight, the princess called Carlyn.
Schurtafen, I have something to discuss.
At this time, Your Highness?
Carlyn pretended to be surprised. Emmet also had a puzzled look. The princess would normally be sleeping now.
I received a letter from Duchess Lyurik yesterday and forgot about it for a bit.
What is it about?
The duchess brought up an engagement between her and you, Schurtafen.
What? Between the duchess and Schurtafen?
In fact, there was no need to discuss this at this time. But Emmet could not think that far.
He was too shocked by the startling news. But soon Emmet could also understand.
Currently, in the Empire, no one aside from the emperor could compare to Carlyns status.
Thats what a war hero was to the imperial citizens. And with talent at such a young age, future success was a given.
I was about to talk about it in the morning but I couldnt sleep and it seemed like it would be a long discussion so I came out.
Carlyn played along.
Yes. The duchess is an important figure so we should send a reply as soon as possible.
Right. Its not something you can decide on easily either. Come in.
Carlyn entered the room with the princess and bowed his head.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Are you leaving right away?
I dont know how long it will take.
Youre going immediately?
Yes.
Carlyn nodded and headed towards the window. He had to leave the imperial palace now.
Erendil added,
Dont stay out too late.
I understand.
After a brief silence, the princess continued speaking. It was just as Carlyn opened the window.
Dont get hurt.
Ill try my best.
Come back.
Ill be right back.
Carlyn bowed his head deeply and leaped out the window. It was 19m above ground. The winds assisted his body.
Author's Thoughts
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