Chapter 221
On the highest floor of Orbis’ Tower…
Evergrant was left alone on the highest floor of Orbis’ Tower upon Kaizen’s departure.
“Going back to work is fun.” After a while, the magic curtain in the corner morphed and spat out a human. He shared the same unmistakable golden eyes and hair as the more vulgar Kaizen.
He was none other than Kaiser ben Britten, the fourth prince of Avalon and Joshua’s murderer.
“Are you certain your brother will act as you predicted?” asked Evergrant.
Kaiser nodded. “I can’t be a hundred percent certain, but as long as he believes that you mean well, he won’t think that there’s anything for him to lose. In that case, why wouldn’t he do it?”
A smile danced on Kaiser’s lips as he continued. “Among us brothers, Kaizen is the most attentive.”
“But Brutus was the one who spread slander, not Cairo.”
The predecessor of the Avalon Empire was known as the Allied Powers of Arcadia. Its first king was Brutus. He claimed the throne through a menagerie of tricks, but his children used the same tricks to seize the throne from him when he grew old. On the other hand, King Cairo was one of the best kings in history; his rule saw Arcadia in control of nearly half the continent.
“There is a certain phrase that often comes up in books when they discuss monarchy.”
“Oh?”
“‘The success or failure of a leader’s policies depends on how well he can control his own desires. Kaisen goes one step further—he wields the desires of others to his advantage.”
Evergrant found it rather surprising that Kaiser would evaluate his brother so highly.
“If Duke Tremblin is not an ally of Kiser, then this should be a pretty easy fight.”
Evergrant found himself surprised once again. Duke Tremblin was as powerful as Duke Agnus, but Duke Tremblin was clearly in His First Highness’ camp. Honestly, it shouldn’t have been a problem if it weren’t for the fact that Duke Tremblin had powerful backers as well.
“Of course, we were in a much better place.”
“Have you considered the future at all?”
“Focus on the big picture, not the details…” Kaiser didn’t hesitate to answer Evergrant’s question. “If you are facing multiple foes, the best plan is to work with the weaker enemy to take out the stronger one first. In this case, that means helping Kaizen gain the momentum he needs, but as you can tell, I’m too weak for that.”
“...”
Kaiser wasn’t really that weak, but Evergrant didn’t say anything about his backer because he already knew them. Moreover, everything that was happening right now could be considered a test of some sort for His Fourth Highness.
“It’s impossible to achieve with a head-on approach, but we may be able to sway them in a more roundabout method…”
”Let’s tempt him a bit, for example. The more competition there is, the more chances I will have. I will need your help for that, Sir Evergrant.”
“I will give it my all,” said Evergrant.
Kaiser smiled softly at Evergrant.
“It’s time to set the stage.” Kaiser smiled. “This is my only chance to knock down Kaizen and earn Kiser’s trust.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure the preparations go smoothly. However… the Imperial Palace has been pretty noisy these days. I’m afraid that if he comes back, our plans will be disrupted,” said Evergrant with a stiff look.
Kaiser stopped smiling upon hearing that. He knew what Evergrant was talking about, and he also knew that there was only one person who could attract so much attention in Arcadia.
“Joshua… Sanders.”
“His Majesty personally summoned him, and it doesn’t seem to be for punishment. You should be careful around him. I first met Joshua Sanders when he was still young, but…” Evergrant mused and advised. “The impression I got from him was unprecedented. If we can’t control him, we will have to destroy him,”
Kaiser agreed. “Indeed…”
Evergrant sighed in regret. Joshua Sanders was a one-of-a-kind talent—he was unimaginably talented, but he had grown too big. Trying to control him at this point would be tantamount to taming a furious wild horse.
“It’s a pity but we can only destroy him…” Kaiser seemed genuinely saddened. “I’m sure the nobles hated his guts, given how a young kid actually threatened their interests.”
“Yes, you are correct.”
“Can you tell Joshua Sanders about what Kaizen wants to do?”
“...!” Evergrant’s eyes widened at that. He thought for a moment before answering with bright eyes. “If he makes it here in time, then I will tell him.”
“I apologize for giving you more work,” said Kaiser.
“It’s nothing, but in the interim, I will be handling the matter concerning the Magic Tower.”
“Ah…” Kaiser’s eyes widened, and he asked, “Isn’t it too early for that?”
Evergrant shook his head and explained, “Honestly, I feel like it’s a bit late rather than early. I have to make a move so that Your Highness will be able to move in the shadows more easily.”
“Are you going to openly support Kaizen?”
“Yes, I will have to do that if I want to fool those clever old men. And even if His Second Highness fails, I would probably be spared from punishment because I will be nothing but a mere supporter.”
“Hmm…” Kaiser seemed to be worried about something.
Evergrant saw that, and it seemed like he had an idea about what Kaiser was worried about as he reassured the latter.
“Please do not worry, Your Highness. On that fateful day, I, Evergrant con Aswald, will stand by your side as the Tower Master of the Magic Tower.”
“I’m not worried. I trust you more than anyone else, Evergrant,” replied Kaiser with a smile.
“...” Evergrant bowed his head slightly without saying anything else.
“Anyway, I think it’s about time for me to leave.” Kaiser stood up.
“I never thought about it before, but…” Evergrant interrupted, “Your Highness, which do you think was the better king? Brutus or Cairo?”
“I’m not sure if this answers your question, but…” Kaiser smiled while staring at Evergrant before saying, “If I had to choose one as a role model. I would choose Heimdal. I want to be like him.”
.
***
On a cliff being battered by the north winds, there was a white flower danging on the edge of the cliff. Ash pointed at the flower and said, “That’s it. That’s the Flower of Oblivion, Sanders.”
“...” Joshua didn’t say anything.
When Ash saw that, he thought that Joshua got scared of the heights. He stared at Joshua with a triumphant look and said, “You can still back out, you know? Why not you do that? I don’t think you’re as strong as me, right?”
“How about you just let me wear the obsidian earring, and I’ll get that flower for you?”
“...”
“Anti-Magic Field, Dragon’s Fear… It’s really a surprise that you know how to use those two. Anyway, am I supposed to just give you the elixir and trust that you won’t ruin it?” asked Ash.
Joshua decisively ignored Ash’s contradictory statements and held a finger up to his lips. “Shh! Do you want to be punished by the heavens, you noisy child?”
Flinch.
Ash visibly quivered as he thought, ‘Is he really a god?’
Ash had no idea what to say.
At the sight, Joshua chuckled. Then, he looked at the edge of the cliff.
‘Sanders…’
Sanders was the flower of oblivion and the final ingredient necessary to create the elixir that would heal Princess Serciarin. The flower was endemic to Tripia.
“Just in case, you do know what Sanders’ side effect is, right? Even if the cure works, the side effect will still be there.”
“I know…”
“Then—” Ash shut his mouth when he saw Joshua’s somber look. He lowered his head and muttered, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.
“...” Joshua stared at Ash and revealed a bitter smile. Ash didn’t really have to tell him because he was well aware of Sanders’ side effect.
Those who dared to touch the flower of oblivion would have their memories obliviated. Mages were afraid of the magical flower because of its side effect. In addition, no one could really tell how much memory would be lost.
There was even a superstition that catching even a whiff of the flower’s smell would cause any herbalist out there to forget the faces, names, and identities of their family members.
Princess Serciarin wasn’t an exception. Her memories would be obliviated along with the curse.
“A sacrifice has to be made before one could acquire something. It is what we call the Law of Equivalent Exchange.” Unfortunately, not everyone would understand or try to understand that law out of greed.
It was ironic, actually, because Princess Serciarin once told him in his past life that the Flower of Oblivion’s true name, which was Sanders, had a different meaning in the language of flowers.
If Joshua’s memory was serving him right, the word Sanders meant…
Grrr!
“...!” The guttural growl of a beast dragged Joshua out of his train of thought.
It was definitely the furious growl of a strong beast.
“C-C-Crevasse…!” Ash exclaimed. He hurriedly covered his mouth with his palm.
Joshua slowly turned around and was greeted by a mass of tan.
It was massive, and it was a bit weird how it appeared without Joshua noticing it. However, it didn’t Joshua long to figure out that it was the eye of a member of the strongest race in the world.
At the sight, Joshua circulated his mana without saying anything.
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