Chapter 126: The Beaming Crown Prince Maker (3)
In this world, where there were as many religions as there were cultures, it was rare for someone to be treated as a heretic for following a different religion or doctrine from that of Lucerne.
However
The nauseating smell and the creepy sensation of magic energy were unequivocally rejected and targeted for eradication without question.
The detailed reason remained unknown.
Shiron once asked theologians about it, but they too had slightly different answers when propagating and developing their doctrines. The most convincing answer was that it stemmed from a great war that happened 500 years ago.
According to Lucernes oldest historical scripture, God wished for His creations to instinctively understand right from wrong.
The messenger of God proclaimed,
The energy that invokes a desire for rejection is magic energy. Therefore, it is not shameful for you to fear it.
How, then, would they deal with the blood of demons, which was terrifying merely by its existence, when even a peculiar energy was treated in such a manner?
Ermenst Duchy.
People, whether openly or secretly supporting the first prince, sat around the table.
Anyone familiar with aristocratic society would recognize them as prominent nobles.
Last night, General Boss was dragged to the cathedral.
Ermenst, the leader of Austins supporters, clenched his fist.
At this rate, everyone here will be imprisoned.
Thats likely.
Simon Pasat, the vice principal of the Academy, nodded.
At first, Simon had not agreed with Ermensts views during the second and third temple appearances, but now, he could only vaguely agree.
All six temple appearances had occurred in the territories of those openly supporting the first prince. It was uncertain whether another temple would appear, but if it did, it was likely to be in the territories of those present here.
But how do we get through this situation?
Weve gathered here to find that out, havent we?
Yes, but
Simon buried his head in the table and muttered,
According to the Cardinals report, all the bloodstains on the wall contained a significant amount of magic energy. I overheard its from a high-ranking demon
Why do you stop talking?
Its just too depressing to keep hearing such things.
Simon lifted his head at the sudden reprimand.
Its hard to believe in the existence of demons, let alone high-ranking ones How are we supposed to deal with such monsters? It feels like weve hit a dead end.
Is it futile to even try?
Yes.
Simon sighed deeply after his response. His defeated demeanor was apparent, yet none present could blame him.
With General Boss, the only one who had experienced the demon realm, now imprisoned, most had no idea how powerful a high-ranking demon could be.
Despite gathering to find a solution, no one dared to suggest anything. Silence fell over the group until Duke Ermenst, unable to bear it any longer, looked at Austin sitting at the head of the table.
The only certain thing is that the enemys motive is clear.
He sighed heavily.
They dont want His Highness Austin to ascend the throne. Thats it.
Why would they do such a thing?
Count Shryer inquired.
There are not many reasons, Count. To plunge the empire into chaos, or simply because they dont want His Highness Austin on the throne.
Then identifying who did this should become easier, right?
Simon fidgeted with his fingers.
Mentioning names that popped into his head, even as just the vice principal of the academy, could be seen as grave disrespect.
But knowing his turn could come eventually, Simon finally spoke up.
The dethroned second prince Henry and the third prince Victor.
Its a bit of a leap in logic but not an unthinkable audacious conjecture.
Ermenst nodded in response.
But even with that assumption, there remains an unresolved question.
What question is that?
Exiled abroad, Henry sought asylum, and the politically unestablished third princehow could they obtain the blood of high-ranking demons?
Ermenst, while referring to Victor with the honorific title of prince, laced his voice with contempt when he mentioned Henry.
That was to be expected since Duke Ermenst openly supported the first prince but did not wish for the empire to be torn apart by a civil war.
Instead of supporting Victor, whom Emperor Franz openly adored, he threw his support behind Austin because he believed that Austin, despite being unwell and older, would be more beneficial for the nation as the next emperor.
With Austin having no children, it was natural for Victor to succeed the throne after Austins death. Ermensts support for Austin was not eternal.
This is maddening.
For this reason, it was difficult for Austin to rashly propose currently joining hands with Henry.
Even though Duke Ermenst was related to Austins mother, Empress Breed, Austin had to maintain a distance as long as he plotted against the emperor.
Where did it all go wrong?
Austin quietly surveyed his surroundings.
General Boss, who had close ties with Ermenst, and his brother-in-law, Viscount Pose, were unable to attend.
Six were imprisoned on suspicion of devil worship, leaving many empty seats at the table. All of this had unfolded in less than ten days.
Usually, Austin would have participated in the conversation, but he could not find the words due to the sudden changes around him.
Even as Austin remained silent, the discussion continued.
We dont know the invisible enemys motive, but its clear they intend to harm the empire.
An invisible enemy Arent we overthinking this?
Overthinking?
Who benefits most by destroying the forces here? Isnt it the third prince, Victor?
Are you suggesting the third prince is a devil worshipper?
What else could it be?
Count Shryer directed his question to Duke Ermenst.
He must have sold his soul to the devil in his quest to become emperor.
Watch your words, Count.
Watch them! Are you suggesting we just sit idly by and wait to be imprisoned one by one? We must act before its too late!
Crack!
Count Shryer slammed his fist down, leaving a dent in the table.
Suddenly,
Austin heard a strange noise in his ear.
Amid the chaos, focusing was difficult. Amidst the heated arguments and shows of force
Austin felt an extreme pressure bearing down on him.
Whoever orchestrated this clearly targeted a specific faction! Naturally, one might assume its the work of the third prince or his supporters!
The ringing in his ears persisted.
Not only the sound but also the faces of those speaking before him,
Count Shryer.
Duke Ermenst.
General Falshner.
Captain Tobl.
They all appeared to blur and multiply.
Ugh!
Austin clenched his eyes shut, overwhelmed by intense dizziness.
Then, the irritating sound circling in his ear ceased.
The commotion seemed to have quieted down.
Ugh!
However, when he opened his eyes, Austin was startled by the scene before him.
Every gaze in the room was fixed on him.
Your Highness, are you alright?
Simon, holding his shoulder and peering into his eyes, was blurry.
Im fine I just need to step out to the restroom for a moment.
Please do.
Austin quickly left his seat, his legs limping as he hastened toward the restroom.
A curse? A hallucination? Whatever it is, my condition is anything but normal.
Upon reaching the restroom unaccompanied, Austin swiftly locked the door behind him.
He felt the necessity to block anyone from entering.
Leaning against the wall, he saw a man with a familiar face appear before him.
You seem to be struggling.
The gaunt, pale man offered a seemingly kind smile.
Boland. How did you get in here?
Didnt I tell you last time? I am always near you, Your Highness.
Dont look at me like that. Unlike Duke Ermenst, I am always on your side,
The man continued, smiling broadly.
Isnt there something more important?
Boland approached Austin, who sat slumped.
We need to find a way out of this situation.
Is there a way?
Why wouldnt there be?
Austin looked at Boland with suspicion-filled eyes, but the skinny man brushed off the gaze with a wave of his hand.
The collapse of the forces supporting you The beneficiary is obvious, isnt it? Just kill him.
What?
Austin asked incredulously. Was this man suggesting he kill his own kin?
Thats absurd
Why is it absurd?
Do you think Ive spared Victor so far because Im incapable? Doing so would undermine my legitimacy.
Austin felt a surge of emotion.
If I kill Victor, Ill be the first suspect. Who would truly serve a ruler who, blinded by power, kills his younger brother? The empire is vast. It takes at least a week to communicate from the center to the outskirts, let alone the feudal states. Can you guarantee that the border nobles wont rebel against a ruler with diminished legitimacy?
Austin said all this in one breath, gasping for air at the end, but he had made his point.
What Austin sought was a stable throne, not one like a sandcastle that could collapse at the slightest wave.
However, Boland tilted his head in confusion.
Youre overthinking things.
What?
As Austins eyes widened, Boland knelt and met his gaze.
Your Highness, your life is not much longer.
What do you mean?
Exactly that. You might leave this world even before any uprising occurs.
Shouldnt you at least try something before you go?
Boland then reached into his coat.
Fortunately, I have the means to help you.
He pulled out a sinister mask. It had no decorations or distinct shape, but it radiated an eerie energy, like an artifact imbued with a powerful sorcery.
What is this?
Wear this mask and call my name. Then your wish will be fulfilled.
Whats the price? What is the price?
Austin asked skeptically. An artifact that granted wishes, especially one that might consume the users life force, demanded a hefty price, he surmised.
However, Bolands answer was unexpected.
There is no price to begin with.
With those words, the man vanished.
Shirons room in the annex.
Shiron found himself troubled by the situation at hand. He had finished his preparations to construct the seventh temple, but the present circumstances rendered proceeding impossible.
The maids appeared too pale, even for beings detached from humanity like demonkind. They, who were demons, had lost their healthy color that was evident just a few days ago.
I might die first at this rate.
Ophilia needs to rest today. She cant even walk.
Im sorry.
Ophilia, still unable to shake off her dizziness, couldnt even rise from her seat. In her eagerness to be useful to her master, she had nearly exhausted herself to death.
Master, what about me? Cant I rest too? If I lose even a drop of blood, I might die.
You rest too.
Shiron could only nod in agreement at the sight of the maids pallid faces and their assertive declaration of a strike.
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