Chapter 115 : Fire Spirit Sorcerer
Chapter 115: Fire Spirit Sorcerer
“I heard you met with your elder brothers and sister.”
The imperial relay that began with the 1st Prince, continued through the 2nd Prince and the 1st Princess, finally reached its destination late that night with a meeting with the 3rd Prince.
“Yes. They showed a great deal of interest in me.”
“What did you talk about?”
“Probably exactly what Your Highness is imagining.”
“And your answer?”
“I said that I already had a contract with Your Highness, so I couldn’t respond right away.”
“I said I would think about it, but they didn’t even give me that leeway. I’ll prepare a solid written contract.”
“The better the terms, the better.”
“Why me?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“What you wanted was support for the hero’s march toward Ergest. And frankly, that’s something my other brothers or my sister could do better than I can.”
A ducal house with a long lineage, a marquis house overflowing with wealth, and a marquis house in relative decline.
As long as the Emperor had not handed over public authority, the power of the imperial children directly reflected the power of their mothers’ families.
Of course, the Aincheil Marquis House, the family of the 3rd Empress, was not lacking. It was a prestigious house with both wealth and authority.
But everything was relative, and compared to the families of the other two Empresses, it was true that it fell short.
That was also why the 3rd Prince lagged behind the other imperial siblings.
So it was strange.
“If you wished to forge ties with the future Emperor, it would be right to go to my eldest brother, my second brother, or my sister.”
“Then isn’t the answer simple? It’s because that’s not what I want.”
“Then what exactly do you want?”
“I want the Demon King of Ergest to be defeated.”
“So you’re saying you don’t want to talk about it.”
“That’s all.”
Martin stared at him with a sullen look. The smiling glint in his eyes was deeply unsettling.
But instead of cursing, he weighed his options. Should he drive away Hillan, who clearly harbored some inscrutable scheme, or accept him and prepare for the future?
“The situation unfolding is peculiar.”
His decision was the latter. If he chose the former, Hillan would inevitably go to another Prince. That was something he could never allow.
“His Majesty intends to treat this matter as a kind of test.”
“A test of the imperial family’s abilities through the subjugation of a Black Mage?”
“Exactly.”
Hillan barely managed to maintain a calm expression.
Everything Berje had said was correct. Things were unfolding exactly as he had described.
‘How?’
A chill ran down his spine. At the same time, a sense of loyalty he hadn’t possessed before inexplicably welled up.
“And he plans to acknowledge the heroes’ assistance as well?”
“No matter which hero one recruits, that too will be judged as part of one’s ability.”
“So that’s why the imperial family members came to find me.”
“That’s right.”
Among the thousands of active heroes, the ones that could truly be called the best were undoubtedly the Stars.
And among those Stars, Hillan, who had hunted down two Demon Kings, was bound to stand out. With someone like him staying in the imperial capital of the Empire, it was only natural that they would come looking for him.
“Then I suppose I should formally commission you.”
“Please go ahead.”
“Can you help me with this subjugation? You, and your assault unit as well.”
“To be honest.”
Hillan paused for a moment.
He slowly bit into a cookie.
“Isn’t there such a thing as intuition? From the moment I first discovered traces of the Black Mage, I thought this might happen.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. If a hero doesn’t subjugate a Black Mage, then who will?”
“And your answer?”
“If you offer sufficient compensation, there’s nothing I can’t do.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then I’ll have to go to whoever treats me better.”
“I thought you were already on my side.”
“You shouldn’t think of me as a fish caught in a net. I’m swimming freely in the open sea.”
“What do you want?”
“May I tell you after the subjugation is over?”
“That’s frightening.”
“It will never be to a degree that burdens Your Highness.”
“Very well. You approached me first out of goodwill and even brought back Kaede’s necklace, yet I can’t even wait that long.”
The hero and the Prince clasped each other’s hands.
* * *
Money and fame were always right.
Fame would naturally follow once this matter was resolved, so demanding money—asking for massive funding to be provided to the Golden Moon Merchant Company—would have been the best choice.
But he couldn’t do that. He thought it unwise to create a direct connection with the 3rd Prince.
‘No matter how I look at it, the chances of the 3rd Prince becoming Emperor are low.’
Hillan Cargill had decided to help the 3rd Prince in accordance with the Demon King’s orders, but honestly, he was skeptical about the 3rd Prince ascending the throne.
True to his reputation as a tyrant Emperor who had killed all his blood relatives to seize the throne, the current Emperor imposed the same on his children.
Perfect neglect. Survival of the fittest.
The imperial children had to grow strong to survive, and if they were weak, they had to cling to the strong.
Those filtered through that process were four: the 1st Prince, the 2nd Prince, the 1st Princess, and the 3rd Prince.
Though the Emperor spoke of survival of the fittest, he did not directly bestow power upon his children.
They had to persuade the nobles with their own strength and form factions themselves. In such a situation, the greatest role was played by their backing—namely, the Empress’s family.
The Osrian Ducal House of the 1st Empress.
The Bolderbof Marquis House of the 2nd Empress.
And the Aincheil Marquis House of the 3rd Empress.
The weakest among them was the Aincheil Marquis House, and that influence was manifesting in the support of other nobles.
‘If your backing is weak, then at least your personal ability and talent should be outstanding…’
It wasn’t that the 3rd Prince was bad. No, on the contrary, he was clearly a man born with the qualities of an Emperor.
The problem was that the other three competing imperial siblings were the same.
In particular, the talent of the 1st Prince was said to overwhelmingly surpass the other Princes, and since his power base and talent both led the way, it was only natural that he was far ahead.
“What did the 3rd Prince say?”
Greeting Hillan as he returned to his lodgings was Berje.
“Were you waiting all this time?”
“I was curious.”
“How did you know, anyway?”
“You left out the object.”
“I mean, how did you know the Emperor would tie this into the issue of succession to the throne?”
“An easy matter. The Emperor is someone who pushes his children to the edge of a cliff, hoping they will grow properly on their own. Because that’s how he himself ascended the throne. For someone like that, isn’t it only natural to see a crisis like this as a testing ground where his children’s talents can truly bloom?”
“That is by no means natural.”
“Well, that’s true enough.”
Berje wouldn’t have known either if he hadn’t regressed.
“So what’s your answer?”
“You haven’t even told me yet what kind of conversation you had.”
“If you knew it would be turned into a testing ground, doesn’t that mean things were already moving in that direction? In that case, the 3rd Prince would have tried to win you over. You’re too valuable to discard just because you’re a bit suspicious. And didn’t you even bring back the keepsake of his beloved younger sister?”
“Wasn’t Princess Kaede alive?”
“That’s just how the saying goes.”
“I decided to take the 3rd Prince’s side.”
“Good.”
“I truly hope Lord Pale’s words are right this time as well.”
“My words?”
“Didn’t you say that the 3rd Prince could become Emperor?”
“Did I say that?”
“Lord Pale.”
“You didn’t listen properly. What I said was that maybe he could.”
Hillan bit his lip.
“I rejected the 1st Prince’s offer and made an enemy of him. The same goes for the 2nd Prince and the 1st Princess. You saw it yourself, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
“If the 3rd Prince fails to become Emperor, then I’m completely finished in the Empire.”
“You have Hilderan.”
“Lord Pale.”
“And you also have Arkan. Don’t be mistaken.”
The one who kept you alive and dragged you this far is me.
“Because I am your master.”
Not your servant.
“Have you suddenly lost your sense because I’ve treated you too well?”
“···The Empire is the strongest power on the continent. Making an enemy of such a place is never a good choice.”
Berje strode forward a step. Their faces drew close. Hillan flinched, but Berje stopped right in front of his nose.
“So.”
He whispered softly.
“I’m going to smash it.”
The crimson pupils glinted.
“So just follow me. You won’t lose anything by following me.”
Hillan’s body trembled at the madness hidden deep within those eyes.
* * *
Time passed.
Some imperial family members other than the 1st Prince, 2nd Prince, and 1st Princess also came to seek out Hillan.
Some showed interest in Berje as well, but most of the attention was focused on Hillan.
Compared to Berje, who was somewhat unusual and possessed pure mana, a hero who had killed two Demon Kings seemed far more valuable.
To begin with, Berje had been introduced as Hillan’s subordinate.
Without exception, they tried to entice and recruit Hillan.
“The 7th Princess, was it? A Princess trying to seduce someone while wearing rags that are worse than not wearing anything at all. The Empire really is at its end.”
“Isn’t that precisely why it’s the Empire? It means they’ll do anything for the sake of succession to the throne.”
“It’s nothing more than the desperate flailing of a worm that doesn’t know its place.”
“Indeed, she seemed far too lacking to be called a member of the imperial family.”
So they were even discarding the pride of the imperial family and doing things like that.
“Anyway, things are moving along.”
Berje unfolded the newspaper delivered that morning.
【His Majesty the Emperor declares the subjugation of the Black Mage of Hapstrain Gorge···.】
【Gratitude for the benevolence of His Great Majesty the Emperor, who cherishes his people···.】
【For the sake of setting an example, the subjugation of the Black Mage will be directly overseen by members of the imperial family. The true practice of noblesse oblige···!】
【Prince Rufus Zespine, Prince Floyan Zespine, Princess Marlene Zespine, and Prince Martin Zespine, having received His Majesty’s command···.】
【Other members of the imperial family will also assist these four imperial members in practicing noblesse oblige···.】
Perhaps because the Emperor was directly involved, the articles were filled entirely with praise. Still, it wasn’t difficult to understand the meaning hidden within.
“The Emperor issued a subjugation order?”
“Yes. The 3rd Prince told me. He said he would support imperial family members who wished to participate in the subjugation.”
“And there are four imperial members who declared their participation.”
“They are just the core four. Other imperial family members who follow them will join as well.”
“And the imperial family members following the 3rd Prince?”
“The 8th Prince.”
“He’s dead.”
“The 9th Princess.”
“She’s in my tower.”
“Lastly, the 6th Prince, Trista Zespine.”
“What kind of person is he?”
Berje didn’t know him well. When he kidnapped the Crown Prince, that man no longer existed in this world.
“Did you know that unless they are completely devoid of talent, imperial family members of the Empire are required to learn either swordsmanship or magic?”
“Roughly. And that Princess Kaede is said to be the best in swordsmanship among the imperial family.”
“Yes. The 6th Prince learned magic instead.”
“His talent?”
“At the age of twenty-eight, he has carved five imprints.”
“A genius.”
“He was born of the 3rd concubine, the same as the 8th Prince. It’s said that the 3rd Empress had a connection with the 3rd concubine, and because of that, Their Highnesses also became close.”
“So aside from a childhood connection, he failed to build any other ties. He didn’t seem particularly incompetent.”
“It’s a royal family where lives hang by a thread. I believe that maintaining a childhood bond even in such an unfavorable situation should be evaluated highly.”
“A different perspective.”
That concluded the discussion about the imperial family. Berje asked about something else.
“How much support is the Emperor providing?”
“Nothing concrete has been announced yet, but the 3rd Prince is expecting one knight order, one mage corps, and two hundred troops.”
“That little?”
“It’s expected that the rest will have to be gathered individually.”
“Typical of that Emperor.”
Berje let out a snort of laughter.
In the end, the other imperial members with stronger backing would inevitably surge ahead.
“And the heroes?”
“It’s said that the Empire will not officially request cooperation from the Hero Guild. However, it won’t stop the imperial family members from making requests of their own accord.”
“Interesting. Very interesting.”
In truth, it was damn uninteresting.
From the start, the 3rd Prince was at an overwhelming disadvantage.
From Berje’s perspective, who wanted the 3rd Prince’s standing to rise through this incident and lead to a more evenly matched struggle for succession, this was far from welcome.
“First, summon Granada and the Red Hawk Mercenary Company.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re an Argann from the guild—do you know any heroes by chance?”
“No.”
“The guy who’s always walking around with a smile can’t even manage to build a single connection?”
What a useless fellow.
“No, hasn’t it only been a short time since I became Argann? I’ve been going back and forth between the Dwarven Kingdom and the snowfields, haven’t I? When would I have had the leisure to build connections?”
“Even in the midst of war, new life is born.”
“…Pardon?”
“I’m telling you not to make excuses for your lack of ability.”
“······.”
“This is troublesome.”
Since this involved the Empire’s affairs and the issue of imperial succession, participation was limited to heroes.
In the end, it meant they had to bring in a usable hero…
“I’ve got a good idea.”
Hillan’s eyes sparkled.
“What is it?”
“I don’t have one, but Lord Pale does, don’t you? If you put in just a little effort, there’s a hero who would come running with both hands raised.”
“Effort?”
“If you’d just extract a bit of mana and give it to them…”
“You want me to make up for your lack of ability with my own power? Do you want to die?”
Berje conjured a flame of crimson fire.
“Isn’t it better when things work out nicely for everyone?”
Despite the searing heat, Hillan remained calm. The sheer brazenness left Berje speechless. Still, it wasn’t wrong. Right now, they needed to gather as much strength as possible to put the 3rd Prince at an advantage.
Berje extinguished the flames.
“I’ll handle calling them myself, so make sure you explain things properly to the 3rd Prince.”
Since it involved a hero from Arkan, with whom relations weren’t exactly good, there was plenty of room for trouble.
“Yes.”
Hillan bowed his head.
* * *
Daphne was formally invited and entered the imperial palace of the Empire.
Passing through splendid walls and gardens, he entered a massive annex palace.
“His Highness is waiting.”
“Thank you.”
He opened the door.
“Welcome. Sir Daphne.”
“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”
“Thank you for coming at once.”
“I may be a hero, but I’m also a mercenary. With so much promised to me, how could I refuse?”
“I like that mercenary mindset of yours. Once you’re given money, you never betray.”
Keh heh heh—2nd Prince Floyan Zespine let out a somewhat frivolous laugh.
“I heard everything from the person Your Highness sent. Are there other heroes besides myself?”
“I’m gathering as many as possible. Aina and Diaphrin will be joining as well.”
“Her as well? That’s reassuring.”
“This is an opportunity. The one who takes the Black Mage’s head will earn Father’s trust.”
“I won’t disappoint Your Highness. I’ll guide you to the depths where the bastard is faster than anyone.”
“Yes, that’s it. That’s why I called you. You’re the finest hunter, after all.”
The conversation continued for quite some time.
“Then I’ll take my leave. I’ll visit the Hero Guild in the imperial capital and try recruiting some mercenaries and heroes.”
“I’ll be counting on you.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll escort you.”
“I appreciate it.”
Daphne left the 2nd Prince’s annex palace and followed the knight. As he retraced his steps, something brushed against his senses.
“Hm?”
It was a faint presence.
Yet it was exceedingly hot and pure.
Almost like a spirit.
“Who resides over there?”
“That is the palace of the 3rd Prince.”
“The 3rd Prince…”
‘…Is there a fire spirit sorcerer among the 3rd Prince’s subordinates?’
But it felt like déjà vu—too familiar to be explained as merely a fire spirit.
‘What is it?’
Something tapped insistently at his nerves. It felt familiar, as though he had sensed it somewhere before. Curiosity stirred, but he soon shook his head.
This was the imperial capital of the Empire, and it was the 3rd Prince. No matter how much of a Star he was, acting rashly here would not end well.
‘It’s probably just a fire spirit sorcerer.’
And with that, he brushed it off without much thought.