The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Wants to Break Off the Engagement

Side Story 10

Vanderas was serving tea to his close friend, who had visited the imperial palace. Since they lived in different regions, it was difficult for them to meet, and even exchanging letters was a challenge. Now, because his friend had visited the capital as the Northern Grand Duke's envoy to meet the Emperor, they were finally able to make time for each other.

"Are you leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes. I have been away for quite some time. I must return, even if it's late."

"You've defended the frontlines every day. It's not as though monsters will invade just because you're absent for a few days."

"Your words are entirely true, but I cannot neglect my duties."

Zair responded calmly and sipped his teacup. He had only come to the capital to deliver the Northern Grand Duke's letter. Above all, the signs discovered in the northern territory were so serious that he needed to dispatch reinforcements as soon as possible.

"It's a bit disappointing, but I suppose we'll see each other again soon. Next time, I'll be joining as the commander of the reinforcements."

"Will you truly be all right with that? I am concerned for the Crown Prince's safety."

"I've only heard rumors about the climate of the northern territory, but I've never experienced it firsthand. If one is to become Emperor and rule the empire, shouldn't he know about the border region as well?"

Vanderas showed a resolute will and met Zair's gaze. He couldn't avoid border battles simply because he was the Crown Prince. On the contrary, it was necessary to show even greater enthusiasm to earn the respect of the empire's subjects.

"I was born and raised in the northern territory, so I'm well-adapted to the cold and heavy snow. However, Your Highness will be experiencing it for the first time, so I predict considerable hardship awaits you."

"One cannot grow without overcoming trials. I must also accept this as a trial on the path to becoming Emperor."

"Even if Your Highness does not participate in the campaign, you can still ascend to the throne. So why do you wish to visit the northern territory?"

"As you've said, I could refuse the Emperor's orders. However... the throne itself carries immense responsibility and anguish, encompassing even the northern territory. If I were to complain about things like this, how trivial would that make me seem?"

"......"

Zair fell silent, but eventually acknowledged his words. As the next Emperor, Vanderas couldn't neglect matters relating to the Agnes Empire. Even the imperial decree dispatching him to the north as a reinforcement was a solemn duty for him.

"Of course, even I have complaints, believe it or not. What do you think I might be dissatisfied with?"

"...... I assume it's related to the imperial succession, but I can't pinpoint it exactly."

"You're not entirely wrong. Lately, I've been searching for a spouse, even refusing the matches the imperial household is recommending."

"You'll need to pass on the direct royal bloodline. Have you found a suitable match?"

"I've been trying, but nothing feels right. I suppose I dislike noble lords' daughters."

"If not a noble's daughter, who could possibly be joined with Your Highness?"

"I'll tell you the truth. I recently found a woman I like."

"Permit me to speak directly—could it be that the woman you mentioned is not of noble birth?"

Zair immediately saw through the woman's status. She probably wasn't a commoner, but he couldn't be sure she was a noble lord's daughter either. Perhaps she existed ambiguously between noble and commoner.

"She is a noble... but her family has fallen from grace."

"If she's a fallen noble, wouldn't the imperial household object?"

"I've considered that, too. Still, she holds a solid position."

"In that case, perhaps the imperial household could consider it."

"As a fallen noble, she wouldn't be able to abuse her power, so maybe they'll respond positively."

"However... as a fallen noble, she won't be able to avoid criticism and opposition. She might become the target of harsh political schemes."

"Hmm... That's true. That would probably be a method to pressure me, too."

"It might be called sage advice, but some may hide their true motives and covet power. They'll probably use even the smallest pretext to try to bring you down."

Vanderas had already reached a similar conclusion as Zair. Policy adjustments and final decisions were made within the imperial household, including how they operated the budget. Since all power was concentrated in the Emperor, officials, and nobles, even the slightest loophole would be ruthlessly exploited.

"What would you do in my place? Give up and search for another match?"

"If I may offer my humble opinion, if you wish to become Emperor, you should marry a woman the imperial household can accept. However... Your Highness has the heart of a human as well, does he not?"

"A human heart... Yes, I am a human before I am Crown Prince. Ignoring those feelings isn't easy, either."

With a gentle smile, Vanderas thought of her face. He was certain his emotions were in turmoil, but thinking rationally, he ought to suppress them. In truth, the balance between Emperor and human was beginning to sway increasingly.

"I haven't married yet myself, but I assume it will be difficult to meet the one I want. Who would willingly step foot into the northern territory?"

"Most would avoid it. Then, will you have no choice but to marry from among the residents?"

"How could I possibly understand my father's intentions? I suppose when the time comes, I'll simply have to accept it."

"Hm..."

Vanderas was inadvertently conscious of the conditions forced upon Zair. As the Northern Grand Duke's offspring, Zair had carried out his duties up until now with sincerity. Despite the harsh environment, he never showed any signs of reluctance—instead, he maintained his dignified demeanor at all times. Nevertheless, was he really willing to let family interests dictate even his choice of companion?

'Originally, I should act like Zair... but I can't help but feel regret.'

* * *

Uriel, while coming and going from the society, noticed that the internal atmosphere was changing. As interest in the vice head disciple increased, talk eventually included even the head disciple's ability. Moreover, the recent explosion incident was brought up and suspicion towards the head disciple grew ever deeper.

'Are there finally more people supporting the senior?'

Uriel was quietly satisfied with the result and just watched. She herself had harbored suspicions about the head disciple, so this felt inevitable. The title of great mage should be given only to one with proper qualifications, and those who act arrogantly with their power should not be tolerated.

'Is it all right to feel a little relieved now?'

Uriel was aware that she had interfered arbitrarily in Alraune's fate. Undoubtedly, the incident had been caused by someone's malevolence, and from her position, she had no choice but to try to stop it. The world's destruction aside, as a fellow disciple and acquaintance, she had simply helped Alraune.

'The Sword Saint business seems to have been resolved... As for the others...'

"Uriel. So you were here."

Alraune slowly approached and looked down at Uriel. Uriel glanced up at Alraune, then showed a slightly complicated expression.

"Are you here to nag again? I say this every time, but there's no way I can match you. Of course, I'm not saying I'll give up."

"You only see it as nagging because it helps you that much."

Alraune did not bother to argue and sat next to Uriel. He glanced around the training hall and resumed speaking.

"I've always believed that I could succeed if I tried. That's probably why I became the great mage's vice disciple. Of course, I think the little talent I had helped me, too."

"......"

"But after that incident, my thoughts changed. There's a limit to what effort alone can overcome, and there are realms even talent cannot reach."

"......"

"With money and power, people's desires can be swayed. Even crimes can be quietly covered up with tricks. I always knew that, but I kept trying to deny it until now."

"......"

"Now I can't even nag you like before. You've been proven right...."

Alraune muttered in a dull tone, though his eyes were as sharp as ever. Just because there were real-world constraints didn't mean it was right to despair; he would have to endure steadfastly, or his own future would crumble.

"But you're different. In the end, you awakened multiple attributes, didn't you? Doesn't that prove your mindset?"

"If you hadn't helped me, I wouldn't be here. I would have died then... or lived on, crippled, in misery."

Alraune was fully aware of the aftermath of that incident. The force must have been enough that even he couldn't withstand it. If not for offsetting it through his ice attribute, he might not have survived at all.

"Even if your actions were mere coincidence, the fact that you saved me does not change. So, naturally, I'm grateful to you."

"......"

"That's why I will become a great mage, no matter what. I'll prove that I was not wrong."

After glancing at Uriel, Alraune stood up. From Uriel's perspective, she couldn't help but be bound by the secular world. Only by breaking free could she properly inherit the title of great mage.

"Go your own way. That too is just one of the many fragments of life, isn't it?"

With those words, Alraune gave his answer and disappeared. Uriel chewed over his words for a long time before slowly tilting her head.

'I never thought I'd be recognized for something like this...'

* * *

Megarexor gave a brief explanation to the knight sent from army headquarters about the capture of their target. Of course, the knight struggled to understand, but all the forces involved at the time gave the same testimony, and so it had to be accepted as truth. Normally, someone would be held responsible for divulging information or outside interference, but it was quietly overlooked in this case.

'Jeez... what a mess, all because of that woman...'

Megarexor was still displeased with Uriel, but couldn't help but recognize the results she achieved. Without Uriel's intervention, they might have ended up fighting with the local residents. Instead, since they waited and resolved the matter peacefully, maybe he should be satisfied.

'She's way too fearless. She could be gone in the blink of an eye at that rate.'

Without realizing it, Megarexor found himself worrying about Uriel. Though she was a great mage's disciple, she was still quite young. She even had a striking appearance; why was she always so daring?

'I like her boldness... but that's not quite it, either.'

Most women tried to look modest and behaved passively. Megarexor often found those sorts infuriating, so he tended to distance himself from women. But Uriel, with enough nerve to face down a blade, piqued his curiosity instead.

'Her face keeps coming to mind. Don't tell me I've finally lost my mind?'