Time flowed by in the blink of an eye.
Just as I wrapped up a rare mission and took a short break, the quarterfinals were already right around the corner.
Probably because having too long of a rest period would make the tournament lose its edge, huh?
Of course, I made good use of my downtime. As part of recharging, I enjoyed the festival with my disciples and also checked out how much they’d grown.
“Hyyyyaaam~”
Stretching lazily as I got up, the sun was already high in the sky. I absentmindedly scratched my chest while sluggishly heading to the bathroom and turned on the water.
“Hmm…? Why does it feel like the wound is healing…?”
A large scar running across my torso, one that even a high-ranking priest had shaken his head at, was subtly but surely decreasing in size. To be more precise, the scar that once reached my hips had now shortened to just below my navel.
“What’s the reason?”
I tilted my head in thought for a moment before starting my shower. If it’s getting better, that’s all that matters.
“Phew~ This is nice.”
As warm water soaked my entire body, I quickly became relaxed. Just as I was savoring this feeling, a certain fact popped into my mind: the frequency of curse outbreaks had decreased.
“Maybe I should visit the Mage Tower once.”
The appearance of phenomena I wasn’t aware of was definitely not a good sign. Even if it benefited me, the fact that the Master hadn’t noticed it caused a slight sense of unease.
After roughly cleaning up and coming out, I found Black Wolf lounging around on my bed.
“Stop barging in without permission. Are you using assassination skills to pick hotel locks now?”
“Skills are meant to be used, after all.”
“That’s true, but…”
This guy probably came in just to see me naked…
We’ve already seen each other naked, so it doesn’t bother me much, but I’m still unsure if this is okay. Should I just let it slide?
“Who’s competing today?”
Even though we’re at the quarterfinals, the Royal Palace still hasn’t revealed the match-ups. Maybe they decide during meetings?
It’s a situation I can’t quite understand.
“Let’s go.”
“Yeah.”
And so, I headed to the arena with Black Wolf.
*
A new breeze swept through the peaceful Imperial Palace.
Because ‘Crown Prince’ had returned after a long expedition.
“His Highness Crown Prince approaches!”
As Chamberlain Falts Groin raised his voice, the ministers lined up on either side bowed their heads. Only the two dukes closest to where the Emperor sat gave a light nod.
Thump-thump-
The sound of boots echoed through the quiet Heaven Wolf Palace. The lone Crown Prince knelt on one knee before the Emperor upon entering the palace.
“This servant, Theron Stella Sirius, has returned after completing a long expedition.”
Bright golden hair. Striking blue eyes. A handsome face that Allen would have called Hollywood-worthy. This was Theron, the first prince who solidified his position as Crown Prince through this expedition’s success.
“You’ve worked hard.”
The Emperor looked at his eldest son with a pleased smile.
Theron, who graduated top of his class from the prestigious Minerva Academy and became the youngest master among royalty, was a talented individual proficient in both literary and martial arts, respected by both ministers and commoners alike. He truly was the perfect heir, impossible not to adore.
“It was merely my duty for the Empire.”
Theron humbly continued his report.
“The leader of the rebellion, Gilbert, has been summarily executed. Post-execution measures have been handed over to the 2nd Legion.”
“Good. Were there any special circumstances?”
“We discovered a heretic shrine inside Gilbert’s family estate. Evidence of human sacrifices was also found, and it’s currently under investigation by the Mage Tower.”
“How tiresome. It’s been how long since the war ended, and yet they keep creeping back?”
The Emperor frowned unhappily. While the Holy Country didn’t recognize heretics as a religion, the leaders of other nations referred to them as Demon King Cult or Devil God Cult due to their practice of deceiving uneducated commoners and spreading their beliefs. Worse still, they brainwashed people into not realizing they’d fallen into a cult, expanding their influence like cockroaches breeding.
With insufficient manpower, neither the Empire nor the Holy Country could completely block these heretical movements. Especially in remote regions far from the capital, such occurrences were particularly severe. Exerting authority over every small village was practically impossible.
“There’s never been a cult as persistent as this in history. It’s a headache.”
Though the Heretic Inquisitors of the Holy Country continue traveling nationwide…
Without eliminating all the High Priests, it will remain an endless cycle.
Theron opened his mouth with shining eyes.
“I will work harder. For the Empire, for the people.”
“Indeed. The Crown Prince’s efforts bring glory to the Royal Family.”
The Emperor nodded satisfactorily at the heart set on prioritizing the Empire.
“Blocking heretical movements is important, but as Crown Prince, you must also focus on external activities.”
“I understand.”
“Attend the upcoming Eastern Union conference. Recent reports indicate suspicious movements in the east. There’s a high possibility of heretics being involved, so you must carefully investigate.”
“Yes. I will do my best.”
The flawless attitude of Theron caused honey to drip from the eyes of the ministers. The better your superior, the better for those in supporting roles.
Confirming the ministers’ expressions, the Emperor chuckled and said,
“At this rate, you’ll soon start urging me to step down. The excellence of the Crown Prince is something to consider.”
The ministers sheepishly lowered their heads at the Emperor’s joke.
Falcan burst into hearty laughter.
“Hoho, what nonsense is this when Your Majesty is still in such good health? Stop joking and dismiss us already. Can’t you see you’re tired?”
“True. Duke Helios is right. You must be tired, so go rest.”
“Thank you for your consideration. I shall take my leave.”
Theron stood up, lightly bowed to the two dukes, then exited the palace.
*
“Phew… Still not used to the Heaven Wolf Palace.”
Walking down the corridor, Theron sighed in relief while unbuttoning his shirt. An action only possible because there were no prying eyes around.
“You’ve worked hard, Brother.”
Upon arriving at the Acacia Palace located south of the Imperial Palace, a blond young man approached with a smile. It was Felix Stella Sirius, the second prince. Seeing his shameless younger brother, Theron rolled his eyes and asked,
“Is it comfortable leaving all the burdens to me and taking a rest?”
“Aw~ Why are you saying such hurtful things? There was no need for me to go too, was there?”
“But the expedition was yours as well. You need to take your share.”
“Nah, it’s fine. Besides, I’m not the Emperor anyway. And I know you’ll handle everything properly.”
Theron shook his head at Felix’s smooth reply. His younger brother had always disliked the tedious duties of royalty, and ever since he was named Crown Prince, he’d been wearing such a carefree expression.
“Enjoy this brief freedom while it lasts. Once I become Emperor, I’ll put you to work.”
“Will you respect my labor rights?”
“Hmm, do royal families even have labor rights?”
“Ah, Brother~!”
“Hahaha.”
Felix’s pout made Theron laugh brightly. The tension from the Heaven Wolf Palace disappeared instantly.
The two headed to the reception room, the best place for conversation. Upon entering, Felix immediately slumped onto the sofa and asked,
“By the way, I heard there’s an interesting tournament going on in the capital. Did you hear about it?”
“I did. An inter-Academy Grand Competition.”
“Lux is participating too, it seems.”
“Really?”
Hearing his sister’s name after a long time, Theron’s eyes sparkled.
“They’re currently in the quarterfinals. How about we go watch?”
“Won’t she feel uncomfortable? It has been quite a while since we last met.”
“Oh come on, don’t be so silly. We’re talking about someone who wouldn’t feel awkward just because we’re watching, right? You know that perfectly well.”
Felix thumped his chest in exasperation at Theron’s cautious attitude. After some contemplation, Theron nodded decisively.
“…Alright. Since I have some free time for now, let’s go see her face after so long.”
“Speaking of which…”
Felix naturally lowered his voice.
“Lux’s curse. It’s apparently reverted to its previous state—weak enough to the level when she was cursed.”
“…Really?”
“Yes. Information from my subordinate in the Mage Tower. They say she displayed dazzling magical prowess during the competition. If the curse hadn’t been resolved, it would’ve been impossible, right?”
“That’s true. But who could have resolved Lux’s curse? The Infantry Palace mentioned that even they could only suppress it.”
The vivid memory of the Infantry Palace stating that the only remaining option was to appeal to the Pope came to mind. Who on earth could have resolved such a terrifying curse?
Felix grinned and placed a file on the desk.
“Knew you’d ask. Take a look.”
“Hmm…”
It was a personal dossier written in the unique format of the Information Department. Theron couldn’t help but exclaim upon reading it.
“‘Barbarian Massacre’…!”
The special forces unit known as the “Suicide Commando Team” during the war, handling all sorts of dangerous missions, was familiar even to Theron. The fame of the “Barbarian Massacre” was something no soldier who experienced the war could forget. Having served as a commander himself, Theron couldn’t tear his eyes away from the dossier of the Barbarian Massacre, whose reputation he’d only heard about.
“A commoner, huh? Makes sense, a noble would’ve been known to me.”
“Isn’t it interesting? That ‘Barbarian Massacre’ is now Lux’s teacher.”
“Special Professor… Guard duty aside, this is amusing. What a fascinating connection.”
“I heard Allen is also in the capital to watch the matches. With some luck, we might run into him.”
“Hmm…”
Putting down the file, Theron stood up abruptly and said,
“Let’s go.”
“I knew you’d say that, Brother. Let’s go!”
And so, the two headed to the arena. To meet the benefactor who saved their precious younger sister and the war hero who saved the Empire.
