Chapter 217
"Phew, we've finally arrived."
"Lord Adonis, you've endured much."
"You've had it tougher, Caron. Even during our journey, you worked through the night."
Adonis gently patted the wyvern he had ridden.
The decisive battle with Volkan. That was already five days ago.
They had switched among seven wyverns, flying relentlessly, yet it still took five days.
‘A vast land isn’t always a good thing.’
Especially when faced with foreign invasions or demons appearing, swift actions became impossible.
It was more problematic nowadays than ever before.
"Any news about further erosion?"
"Yes, I'm always vigilant, but... there’s no significant information yet."
Erosion suddenly emerged one day, beginning to devour the continent's lands.
Every nation had experienced erosion at least once, losing territories to it.
And the empire was no exception.
"I heard there has been progress in the research?"
"Yes, Rodelin has found what is presumed to be the prototype of the erosion, the ‘Demon's Shard’. Research is being accelerated, but..."
The prototype was significantly different from the current erosion affecting the empire.
Unlike the Demon's Shard, which could be purified with minimal divine power, the current erosion could not be completely cleansed even with vast amounts of divine power.
"It would be possible if we could deal with it before it takes root... but once it has established, it's impossible."
Failure to suppress it early meant there was no solution.
The land is a foundation for human life and a place where all forms of life breathe.
Indeed, the continent was losing its life.
"Perhaps the erosion is also a ploy by those beings."
"Are you referring to the Four Heavenly Kings?"
"Exactly. They're no ordinary foes. Though, you probably know that better than I do."
As they rode the wyvern, Caron and Adonis shared the information each had.
The conclusion they reached was that the Four Heavenly Kings indeed existed.
The 'Creator of Madness' Lucius Black.
'???' Lizbeth.
'The Maestro of the Battlefield' Volkan.
???
Only three were identified, but confirming Volkan's existence suggested the likelihood of the others being real.
‘No, it’s certain. To think there are two more beings of the stature of Lucius Black and Volkan... This is not good.’
‘As if erosion wasn’t troubling enough, now there are chimeras and undead to deal with...’
Such information was poisonous if hoarded.
Thus, Caron had already released information about the Four Heavenly Kings to the nations.
By responding quickly, the opportunities for dark mages to operate would be greatly reduced.
However, the situation was far from good.
"It's critical that we receive support from the Holy Kingdom, especially now that the saintess turned out to be a fraud... This is serious."
"That's not the only problem. There's also an issue with the holy water and the divine power potions."
"Could it be..."
Adonis nodded.
Holy Water and Holy Power Potions, special products that only the Holy Kingdom could produce.
Recently, the Holy Kingdom had been diluting these products with water before selling them.
They were profiting unfairly from the increased volume.
"The potions used in the recent battle were those I personally verified through a screening process..."
"Then, the potions the continent will receive going forward will be tampered goods."
If Volkan’s undead legion were to appear now?
Everyone would be doomed. Not just from lack of healing, but because they wouldn’t be able to kill the undead.
"We must mandate quality inspections and apply pressure."
"We need to cooperate with other nations. They might even cut off the empire's potion supply."
Holy Water and Holy Power Potions were also items that the Holy Kingdom exclusively produced, yet they represented over 90% of its exports.
If all countries demanded quality inspections, the Holy Kingdom would have no choice but to comply.
Caron quickly wrote a note and handed it to a rat.
Adonis chuckled lightly as he watched him.
"Ten years have passed, yet you haven't changed a bit. Always so diligent."
"...The same could be said for you, Lord Adonis. Aren’t you going to retire?"
Adonis was long past eighty—a age where retiring three times over wouldn’t be out of the question.
‘Moreover, his health isn't the best either.’
Adonis’s internal organs were in a state of decay.
Old age and disease. In some ways, these were more formidable than any legion commander.
Perhaps sensing Caron's thoughts, Adonis smiled.
"I won't retire. Fighting on the front lines might be too much, but... I can still mentor the next generation."
"Is that why you took Kiel as your apprentice?"
"It's part of it, but I personally liked him. He's a talent that could be of great help to His Majesty. Don’t you think so too?"
Adonis was one of those who devoted blind loyalty to the Emperor.
Like Caron himself.
"That makes me wonder. It's understandable for me, but... Lord Adonis, why do you pledge such loyalty?"
Not only a household famous for its spear techniques, but also a family that has produced numerous talents in politics.
While pledging loyalty to the Emperor is crucial, balancing the Emperor’s power is also a duty of a prestigious family.
Yet, Adonis showed blind loyalty to the Emperor.
The moon hung in the night sky.
Turning his back to Caron, Adonis gazed at it and quietly began to speak.
"...Men tend to be loyal to those who recognize their worth."
Caron finally understood.
A third son from a prestigious family. One who was far down the pecking order.
It was natural for Adonis to have spent a significant time living recklessly.
His family functioned fine without him, and as long as he didn’t indulge excessively, there was enough money.
Then one day, the Emperor came to him personally and reached out.
From that day, Adonis swung his spear frantically.
To prove to the world that the Emperor’s choice was not mistaken.
The only being who recognized his worth when everyone else dismissed him.
It was natural for Adonis to be loyal to the Emperor.
‘...I know that all too well.’
Caron, similarly appointed, could fully empathize with Adonis’s feelings.
A touching moment.
But soon, Adonis’s expression soured.
They had caught sight of their destination.
"Annwood Academy..."
Yes, that was where they were headed.
Caron as a teacher, and Adonis...
"Ah... Time to return to being a student..."
Adonis was tasked with guarding the imperial princess in the Holy Kingdom.
No new orders had come yet.
Meaning, he had to continue his guard duties.
Given a curse from a demon had left him with the appearance of a young boy, posing as a student was the obvious cover.
"To think I have to pretend to be a student at my age... It’s unbelievable."
It was an ordeal like no other.
Recalling various events that happened in the Holy Kingdom, Adonis shuddered.
"I will help you."
"Ah... You say that because you don't know. Pretending to be a student is manageable. The real problem is..."
It lay elsewhere.
Just as Caron was about to ask, a rat appeared.
"Lord Caron. You’ve returned."
"What's the matter?"
"The principal is desperately looking for you."
"..."
Ah...
Simultaneous sighs escaped from both Caron and Adonis.
While their reasons differed, it was clear they were both facing tough times.
*
Guided by the rat, Adonis headed to the dormitory.
In front of him, a young girl appeared.
"So, you've finally arrived. Straight back to duties upon returning to the empire... Must be a serious matter?"
Clad in a pristine priestess robe, her golden hair rolled up tightly, her eyes full of intelligence.
Victoria was a peculiar mix of sanctity and dignity, a strange aura about her.
Of course, Adonis knew well who she was.
The thirteenth child of Emperor Leon, returning to the homeland after ten years.
"Victoria... What are you doing here?"
"Lord Adonis, I've been waiting here for the good news you were to bring. How did it go? Did you find the people who will be of help to me?"
"...That's not why I left. And as I've told you countless times before, your plan is unreasonable."
Victoria stepped forward until she was close enough for their faces to nearly touch.
"It's obviously not an easy task. Becoming an Emperor is hard, after all. But that's alright. You’ll help me, won’t you?"
"..."
"Oh~ Hohohohoho!"
Victoria threw her head back, laughing eerily towards the sky.
Adonis sighed deeply as he watched her.
Yes, Victoria was dreaming of becoming the empress.
‘It’s preposterous. Not only is her lineage far down the line, but a successor has long been appointed...’
The reason behind Victoria’s delusion.
Victoria was sent to the Holy Kingdom for treatment at the age of five.
Meaning, these events occurred before her mind was fully formed.
Growing up while receiving treatment in the Holy Kingdom, she often felt something off about her past memories.
When she was ten, Adonis ended up revealing the truth to her.
That she was the thirteenth child of the Emperor.
And Victoria's reaction to this revelation was...
-Ah, I see. I felt something was off about my childhood memories... But to think such a secret was hidden...
Up to this point, there was no issue. The problem started the next day.
-Born to be an empress... It'll be hard, but I'll do my best!
-...?
A grand delusion began with Victoria.
Adonis could see it through the half-open door.
Strewn across Victoria's bed were...
Romance and fantasy romance novels.
Extraordinary birth, emperors and evil stepmothers, dim-witted princes and capable princesses!
‘...The books these kids read today are too far removed from reality.’
Yes, the culprit (?) that led Victoria into delusion was indeed ‘books’.
Crackle!
Adonis sentenced the culprit to a figurative burning at the stake.
That was all he did then; he didn’t shatter her illusion with the harsh reality.
He thought as she grew older, she would realize reality on her own and recognize her delusion.
But...
-He sent the greatest hero, Lord Adonis, to protect me. Oh, Father. That’s truly touching.
No. He happened to be cursed by a demon and was sent to the Holy Kingdom to find a solution.
-He named me Victoria. Surely, it’s Father’s deep wish for me to become the empress?
No. She was a frail child from birth. The name ‘Victoria’ was given to encourage her to overcome her illness and triumph.
-I need capable people. Do you know anyone? If I become empress, I’ll grant you a great reward, Lord Adonis. Oh~hohoho!
...A series of words not even worth responding to!
And so, Victoria's delusion continued endlessly.
Up until now, when she had turned fifteen.
‘She’s smart and not a bad kid, but...’
She was a girl with big dreams. Or perhaps, it was a princess complex?
That Victoria was out of favor with the Emperor was easily deduced by the fact that he sent her to the academy instead of calling her to the palace.
And yet...
"To gather experience and trustworthy people on my side, I suppose. The palace is a dangerous place."
The kind of palace intrigues common in romance fantasy novels!
Envy and jealousy among princes, even assassination attempts!
Victoria took a peculiar stance and began to look around suspiciously.
It was natural for Adonis to sigh deeply.
"Don't worry. I intend to keep my identity as the princess well hidden. After all, if they flock to me solely for power, they're not worth my time, are they?"
"..."
"Oh~ Hohoho! To seek out talent... Ahem! Cough!"
Suddenly, Victoria spat blood from her mouth.
In fact, Victoria had been suffering from a chronic illness since birth.
An odd disease that caused her to spit blood-laced saliva whenever her emotions intensified.
It was an incurable disease, the cause of which even the Holy Kingdom did not know.
It looked dangerous, but it was something that had been happening since she was born.
‘Things have improved lately. Well, they say it's not life-threatening...’ Looking at the blood in her palm, Victoria muttered.
"Poisoned!? Is this the palace intrigue...! I must not let my guard down for even a moment."
Victoria touched her shining hand sequentially to her mouth, throat, and chest.
She was healing herself with divine power.
"It’s a good thing I was here, or it might have been serious."
In fact, Victoria was a being naturally endowed with divine power.
And she possessed such immense divine power that even high priests coveted it.
That was why Adonis couldn’t leave the Holy Kingdom.
‘And it’s also why her delusions have intensified.’
The extraordinary power of divine energy.
In the Holy Kingdom, there had been attempts to kidnap her once or twice a month.
Adonis's rescues and desperate protection.
Victoria's delusions inevitably continued.
"Oh~ Hohoho! Tomorrow will indeed be the moment when this Victoria reveals herself. Keep your eyes peeled, Lord Adonis! Look for those who can aid me on my path to becoming empress!"
"Do as you wish."
Adonis decided to give up on reasoning with her.
Right now, he was simply.
Too tired.
--TL Notes--
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