Episode 34: Messing with the Mad Crown Prince
Due to the recent incident, the relationship between the Empire and Sanburk, which had been improving, deteriorated to the point of breaking the treaty.
Since the treaty was personally overseen by Rudella Bismarck, her already poor reputation within the Council of Elders suffered even more.
Although the incident occurred on Sanburk’s side, Rudella Bismarck, as the responsible party, was being held accountable.
In truth, there was a larger agenda at play: elevating Francia Fervache, a rare authority in healing magic and excellent reputation in both the social circles and the Council, to the position of Empress.
In any case.
The Empire and Sanburk were now on the brink of war.
The only reason war hadn’t broken out yet was that both sides were investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and determining exactly what had happened.
Crown Prince Fedelian Rozino insisted that war was necessary, claiming the Empire’s honor had been insulted. However, Emperor Rozino seemed reluctant to engage in war.
Thus, today.
The Emperor summoned Yohan to the imperial palace.
The Crown Prince and the Bureau’s First Division Commander were also present.
They gathered in the Emperor’s audience chamber located at the center of the palace.
The massive golden doors opened wide, flooding the room with a brilliant light.
The white glow from the chandelier hanging from the ceiling sparkled like stars, illuminating the floor.
A red carpet stretched straight to the throne, flanked by marble pillars, each carved to resemble divine figures.
Walking into this chamber felt like a privilege reserved for the chosen few.
“Raise your heads.”
As the summoned individuals knelt and bowed, the Emperor raised a hand.
“Let the Crown Prince speak first.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Fedelian, standing at the front, began to speak.
“My fiancée and one of the Empire’s most promising talents, Yohan Harsen, have been targeted. This is a direct affront to the Empire’s honor and a challenge to Rozino’s authority. I believe we cannot let this go unanswered.”
Fedelian maintained his stance that war was necessary. He had much to gain from war.
Leading the charge on the battlefield would allow him to elevate the Empire’s prestige while solidifying his influence and position.
“Is that so?”
The Emperor, sitting on the throne with his chin resting on his hand, slowly closed and reopened his eyes before waving a hand. At the gesture, Fedelian stepped back.
“Commander of the First Division, what is your opinion?”
Grand Duke Lenokhonen, the Commander of the First Division and Cassis’ father, stepped forward.
Curious, Yohan glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
The Grand Duke’s shaggy beard and sideburns gave him the appearance of a lion.
Though his hair had turned white with age, his violet eyes burned with an intensity akin to flames.
“I believe war should be avoided if possible. The southern front has only recently stabilized, and we’ve just finished reorganizing.”
The Grand Duke opposed war. The First Division was the unit most likely to be deployed to the most dangerous frontlines, and they weren’t ready yet.
“Is that so?”
The Emperor nodded slowly before turning his gaze to Yohan.
“It’s time we heard from those directly involved. Yohan Harsen, Special Class Mage. Do you know what happened in this incident?”
Yohan raised his head slightly, careful not to meet the Emperor’s eyes directly, as that would violate imperial etiquette.
“I believe Sanburk is also a victim of someone’s scheme.”
“Oh?”
The Emperor briefly tightened his lips and scrutinized Yohan from head to toe.
There was something in his gaze beyond mere curiosity.
Sensing permission to continue, Yohan spoke in a calm tone.
“There have been other troubling incidents besides this one. From the mages who controlled a special-grade beast during the recent Demon Lair scouting mission to this current situation, I believe there is someone within the Empire deliberately sowing chaos. Someone in a very high position.”
The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched.
“Are you suggesting someone dares to conspire within my Empire?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Yohan replied firmly.
“Whoever orchestrated this intended to take down Lady Bismarck and inciting war with Sanburk for their own gain. That person undoubtedly desires war.”
Yohan’s words were vague, but upon closer analysis, they clearly pointed to one individual.
Someone who would profit from eliminating Rudella Bismarck while also gaining immense advantages from a war.
In this place, there was only one person in this room who fit that description.
The emperor slowly stroked his chin with his fingers, as though chewing over Yohan’s words.
“So, you’re saying there’s definitely someone behind this. Whoever they are, if they dare belittle Rozino Empire with mere schemes… this cannot be taken lightly.”
The emperor momentarily glanced at Fedelian. Yohan’s gaze followed. The crown prince avoided eye contact, subtly averting his gaze.
“Unseen though it may be, it is by no means light. Special Class Mage Harsen, can you take responsibility for your words?”
He looked at Yohan intently, as if trying to discern the truth in his eyes.
“I do not speak out of mere conjecture, Your Majesty. I am certain there is someone orchestrating this incident.”
The emperor slowly nodded. A brief silence weighed heavily on the audience chamber.
“……”
Yohan’s gaze subtly shifted, brushing past Fedelian. For a moment, his expression hardened, and his fingertips trembled ever so slightly.
Fedelian lowered his head, attempting to evade the emperor’s gaze, but the tension in his face was unmistakable.
“Hmmm.”
The emperor, seated on his throne, rested his chin on his hand. He, too, must have realized that the crown prince was behind this incident.
Too many connections pointed in that direction.
Yohan’s plan had been successful. He had planted the seed of suspicion in the emperor’s mind that the crown prince was the root of the empire's turmoil.
“I’ve heard your opinions. I now understand what’s going on.”
Srrrk.
The emperor rose from his throne.
“There will be no war.”
“Your Majesty…!”
“Be silent, Crown Prince.”
“I only wish to preserve the dignity of the empire…!”
“I said, be silent.”
“……”
The emperor furrowed his brows deeply, and Fedelian clenched his teeth, swallowing his words.
“Express our regrets to Sanburk and offer them suitable compensation. However, nothing will satisfy the empire unless we receive a portion of their territory.”
The emperor’s decision made perfect sense. The attempted assassination of Rudella Bismarck, the crown princess-to-be, had failed, but using this as leverage to claim territory would bring significant benefits.
“Do not think of this decision as weakening the empire. While we demand compensation from Sanburk, we will uncover the true culprit behind this incident and hold them accountable.”
The emperor’s golden eyes gleamed with a sharp warning.
“Whoever caused unrest within the empire, they have made their move. If they are not exposed, they must ensure they are never caught. But if they are, I promise the harshest punishment this empire can deliver.”
Everyone present, including Yohan, silently bowed their heads in acknowledgment.
Yohan’s eyes darted toward Fedelian, who stood next to the emperor.
“……”
A shadow fell across Fedelian’s face. He would not be pleased. The emperor had seen through him as the mastermind, and his schemes had failed entirely.
“The Commander of Bureau’s First Division and the Crown Prince, thank you for coming this long way. Yohan Harsen, you as well. You may all leave now.”
Yohan rose from his seat, offering a polite royal bow, and left the audience chamber.
As he stepped out of the tense space where even breathing felt restrained, a suppressed smile crept onto Yohan’s face. A thrilling sense of accomplishment spread through his body.
“Finally, a shadow has fallen across that noble face.”
This incident was a clear victory for Yohan. The crown prince would no longer be able to evade the eyes of scrutiny.
Though his lackeys might act in his stead, the constant vigilance would serve as shackles around his ankles.
“I really gave him a taste of defeat.”
Suppressing the urge to chuckle outright, Yohan exited the imperial palace.
***
Bang!
“Damn it!”
The moment Fedelian arrived at his quarters, he was consumed by uncontrollable rage, sweeping everything off his desk.
An inkwell crashed to the floor, leaving a dark stain, and documents scattered into the air.
His clenched fists were tight enough to make veins bulge, and his gritted teeth reflected the fiery anger raging within him.
“Yohan Harsen…”
Even after striking the desk, his fury remained unquenched, driving him to pace back and forth. Trembling fingertips and the seething rage from deep within his chest betrayed his overwhelming frustration.
“That bastard”
Never did he imagine that he would be directly targeted in that chamber. Such accusations could have easily escalated into a charge of insulting the royal family, yet Yohan Harsen had chosen to take that risk.
And yet, his father—the Emperor—had immediately understood Yohan’s words and their implications. That was likely why he had not condemned Yohan for them.
Now, the scrutiny upon him would intensify, and the seeds of distrust sown within the Emperor would persist, shaking his position.
It wasn’t just that. If any trail were uncovered or evidence found, he could be dethroned as the Crown Prince and confined to the imperial prison tower, the prison for members of the imperial family.
“For now, I have no choice but to lay low.”
Though he was confident no evidence would surface, there was always a chance. Could Rudella Bismarck possibly have proof?
“Phew.”
Fedelian exhaled deeply, trying to calm his turbulent emotions. His rage still simmered, but he needed to maintain composure.
‘Rudella Bismarck must also be dealt with, but it’s complicated.’
With increased surveillance, eliminating Rudella wasn’t an easy option. Doing so now would only point suspicion directly at him. The Emperor’s watchful eyes wouldn’t miss such a move.
‘Yohan Harsen…’
Fedelian clenched his teeth.
It wasn’t enough that he had lost the Lady of Fervache, but now even his position as Crown Prince was being undermined.
‘You will never have peace.’
***
At the same time, Yohan was calling for a carriage to return to his office.
“Special-Class Mage Harsen”
“Ah, Lady Bismarck.”
To his surprise, Rudella, who should have been in the Topaz Palace, had come all the way to the front of the imperial palace to call his name.
“What brings you here?”
“…Nothing, really.”
“Nothing?”
Yohan tilted his head, puzzled by her vague response.
Then, with a voice as hesitant and trembling as a child’s, Rudella softly confessed:
“I just… wanted to see you.”
Her words spilled out like a whisper.
As soon as she spoke, her face flushed with heat, surprising even herself. She quickly averted her gaze, as if fleeing from her own words.
Unconsciously, Rudella clasped her hands tightly, silently wishing her words hadn’t reached his ears.
Yet, at the same time, she secretly hoped he had heard them. What would his reaction be? A part of her was curious.
“You seem to have an unusual side to you, Lady Bismarck.”
However, Yohan didn’t seem to notice. He smiled lightly as he looked at her.
Relieved, Rudella let out a quiet breath, though a faint trace of disappointment lingered within her.
“Were you slacking off?”
“…I was considering it.”
“I see.”
Yohan maintained his smile, tilting his head slightly. His deep blue eyes focused on her, causing Rudella to hold her breath.
“Feel free to call on me whenever. Though they call me a special-class Mage, my duties mostly involve trivial paperwork.”
Rudella averted her eyes and nodded slightly, her fingers brushing against her wrist as if to mask her nervousness.
“I shall do so.”
“Is there anything else you wish to say?”
“No, that’s all… but…”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Ah…”
As Yohan stepped into his carriage, Rudella, with a tinge of regret, instinctively reached out her hand. It lingered in the air for a moment—a gesture to stop him, though even she wasn’t sure why.
“…Do you have more to say?”
“No, it’s just, um, ah, well…”
After fumbling over her words for a while, Rudella finally spoke cautiously:
“…Would you visit the Topaz Palace?”
Oh man he's gonna get in trouble w his fiance and not even understand why.
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