After the headquarters of Arcanum was discovered, the Mage Tower had been very busy. Investigating the headquarters, searching for descendants of Dragon Knights, conducting presentations… However, despite their hectic schedules, the mages screamed happily in joy. An increase in research topics was a blessing for the curious mages.
Similarly, Yuric was as busy as if he had two bodies. He gave lectures on dragon language theory, researched at Arcanum, searched for descendants, and handled numerous other tasks.
However, he felt no regret about opening the headquarters of Arcanum or starting to find the descendants of Dragon Knights. From his perspective, these were necessary actions.
Thanks to this, the dedication and sacrifices of the Dragon Knights spread across the entire continent, and their descendants also learned of their great deeds.
Although they first met at the headquarters, the relationship between the descendants quickly became close. When some faced hardships, not only did the Mage Tower provide support, but the descendants also helped each other frequently.
No one on the continent had ever found and treated the descendants like this before. However, with Yuric at the center, the Mage Tower accomplished this. Surprisingly, no one criticized this as foolish; instead, historians said it was something that should have been done long ago.
Yuric, the only person among the current humans who could use dragon language, was officially called a Dragon Knight again by the Mage Tower.
Of course, this was merely an honorary title and did not come with any additional power, but the influence of being called a Dragon Knight was undeniable.
After discovering the headquarters of Arcanum, Yuric was the first to send a letter to Adele Reigenstein, who was researching at the Mage Academy of Bemberg. Despite the distance between Ronadium and Bemberg, she received the letter and immediately rushed to Ronadium without rest.
The research on Dragon Knights, carried out from her father’s generation to her own, spanned decades. Seeing the fruit of the lifelong research by her and her father, she could not bear to wait.
Yuric warmly welcomed Adele Reigenstein, a Dragon Knight expert and descendant of Reigenstein.
She was able to see the headquarters of Arcanum with her own eyes under his guidance and shed tears of emotion.
Then, Yuric asked Adele if she would be willing to become the lead researcher in the newly established Dragon Knight Research Lab at the Mage Tower. She was the most authoritative mage in this field.
After some thought, she accepted immediately. Given the situation, she needed to rely on the Mage Tower for research since the headquarters were here, and the offer seemed like a good opportunity with generous funding.
“You made an excellent choice.”
While she didn’t expect too much from being the lead researcher, she was surprised by what she saw when she entered the lab for the first time.
The Dragon Knight Research Lab was ten times larger than the labs she had used before, and there were six researchers. They had to work tirelessly every day preparing lectures, researching Arcanum, and studying dragon language theory.
With Adele Reigenstein, recognized as the top authority in Dragon Knights, joining as the lead researcher, they felt they could finally breathe easier.
Of course, Adele was initially startled by having to give lectures, but after about a week, she adapted to the new life.
Especially the dragon language theory lectures were currently taught by Yuric, not Adele. She was completely captivated by the new theory books, which were significantly more advanced than the old ones.
With the opening of the headquarters of Arcanum, the stagnant research on Dragon Knights rapidly progressed. Within a month, half a dozen papers were published.
Three months passed, and autumn arrived.
As the visits from descendants decreased, Yuric began to have a bit of breathing room. He often went for walks or drew pictures with Tristan, enjoying his leisure time.
Just when Yuric was considering visiting the eastern region next year, an unexpected visitor came. In fact, it was not just unexpected but a truly surprising guest.
—
A noble from the imperial capital has arrived. They wish to meet you.
—
When someone from the imperial capital was mentioned, it meant only one thing: a member of the imperial family.
Rushing to receive the message, Yuric dressed properly and headed to the office of the senior mage, Tristan, who sent the message. A knight in civilian clothes stood guard outside the office. The door opened when Yuric announced himself.
Inside the specially prepared VIP room were three people: a man in his thirties, a large bodyguard standing behind him, and Senior Mage Tristan.
Yuric recognized the man as a member of the imperial family and bowed respectfully.
“I hurried here upon hearing that you wished to meet me.”
“Oh, Yuric, you’ve come. It’s good. I am Prince Leopold von Baltzaer Kurt. I heard about the discovery of the headquarters of Arcanum. His Majesty the Emperor is very interested and wishes to see it with his own eyes.”
Senior Mage Tristan sensed that Prince Leopold wanted to talk with Yuric alone and left the room discreetly.
Once the senior mage left, the prince offered Yuric a seat.
“I’ve heard many things about you. You improved the barrier magic on the southern front, publicly released the treatment for Mana Blockage Disease, found treasures with Niruin, and now you’re a Dragon Knight… Truly heroic deeds.”
“Heroic? No, I’m not that great.”
“Future generations will judge that. Anyway, how did you discover the headquarters of Arcanum? Tell me about it.”
Yuric and Prince Leopold discussed various topics, including Arcanum and more.
Yuric felt that Prince Leopold was intelligent and open-minded, with a strong ability to embrace people. However, there was clearly ambition simmering within him.
“You have a mysterious charm that draws people to you.”
Similarly, Prince Leopold immediately recognized Yuric’s qualities.
Not only did he possess innate talent, but he also had a natural ability to draw people. With correct thoughts and excellent character, he truly embodied the qualities of a hero.
Yuric, known as a young sage, proved to be exactly that.
Finally unable to hold back, the prince spoke.
“I’ve had a question for a long time, one I’ve never shared with anyone. But perhaps you can answer it.”
“If I know the answer, I’ll respond honestly.”
The prince nodded and began his story.
“I have a younger brother. He’s smart and kind. But he’s a bit rough around the edges. Of course, I think I’m pretty smart too. My character isn’t bad, and my relationships are good.”
The air grew heavy.
“His Majesty the Emperor hasn’t yet appointed a crown prince. Originally, my older brother was to be crowned, but due to an unseemly incident, he became a fallen prince. Thus, the position of crown prince remains vacant. It’s been four years… But we can’t leave the throne empty forever.”
Prince Leopold placed his hand on the table with dignity.
“What do you think is the right choice for the crown prince? I think you, being wise, must have a good opinion. Speak freely.”
Yuric looked down slightly, focusing intently on the prince.
He thought deeply for a long time.
“May I ask, does His Majesty have a preference for who should be the crown prince?”
At this, Prince Leopold’s face darkened slightly.
“I think he leans towards my younger brother. But there are laws in the imperial capital. Since the eldest son was deposed, the second son, me, should rightfully take over. Of course, this isn’t absolute. That’s why I asked for your opinion.”
Yuric pondered for a while before finally speaking.
“In that case, I believe following the law is right.”
“Do you agree?”
A look of relief appeared on Prince Leopold’s face. But Yuric’s words didn’t end there.
“But there’s something even more important than the law: Your Highness’s will.”
This puzzled the prince.
“Upon hearing Your Highness’s words, I believe both of you would govern the empire excellently. Therefore, I think it’s right to follow Your Highness’s will to inherit the position of crown prince according to the law.”
“So you’re saying I should make the decision myself?”
“Honestly, judging who would be better based solely on Your Highness’s words is difficult. But Your Highness has experienced both yourself and your younger brother for a long time.”
Regardless of who becomes the ruler, both could be great emperors.
Therefore, the final decision rested with the prince.
Yuric said to the prince,
“Your Highness is wise. You will surely make the right judgment. And whatever decision you make, I believe you will do your best sincerely.”
Prince Leopold thought deeply, lowering his gaze.
…Honestly, he wanted to be emperor. If he became emperor, he was confident he could rule the empire well as Yuric suggested.
But rationally, his younger brother was also a worthy candidate for emperor. This was his dilemma. The emperor seemed to prefer his younger brother.
Leopold wasn’t flawed in any particular way. He had unique strengths that his younger brother lacked. This was why the emperor hesitated for so long.
“…I hoped for a clear answer, but now my mind is even more confused.”
“I apologize. Please punish me.”
“Punishment? No. Actually, that’s the most realistic and wise idea. I just wanted to rely on others’ opinions for my judgment. …Yes, as you say, everything depends on me. Very cruelly so.”
Prince Leopold didn’t dislike his younger brother. He greatly appreciated his kind and gentle younger brother, and their relationship was very close.
“I still have plenty of time. I’ll think deeply about it.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Call me whenever you need me. I’ll come immediately.”
Prince Leopold spent about a month in the Mage Tower. He visited the headquarters of Arcanum, met the descendants of Dragon Knights, and surveyed public sentiment.
Many descendants lived poorly despite their ancestors’ great achievements. Some didn’t even know their ancestors’ contributions. Prince Leopold found this deeply troubling and felt his heart grow hot.
He sincerely praised the Mage Tower and Yuric for doing what the empire had failed to do. He promised to report this to the emperor.
“I think many descendants are still struggling in harsh places. The empire will use its strength to find as many as possible. As you said, Yuric, if even they cannot be saved, who else would willingly sacrifice themselves for the nation? This is also the role of the empire.”
Yuric deeply bowed his head in gratitude.
“No, the gratitude should go to our ancestors… I feel ashamed for not knowing history. Although I only learned briefly from you, it was truly beneficial. If I return, I’ll continue studying history.”
Prince Leopold held Yuric’s hand tightly as he said this.
Having spent almost a month together, the prince was deeply impressed by Yuric’s humanity. Beyond being kind and humble, Yuric’s intentions had much to teach even a prince.
Yuric’s actions, though sometimes idealistic, were grounded in reality. Occasionally, they produced incredible results.
The famous Golden Hand Niruin, known for being frugal, generously spent his own money for the descendants of Dragon Knights.
Mages who were thought to be selfish eagerly set out on long journeys to find the descendants.
Even for an unpaid task, the Senate of the Mage Tower mobilized.
The lineage of Dragon Knights, which had been interrupted for two hundred years, was reconnected.
Upon hearing this news, Baron Ollinger from the western region and Marquis Shriner from the south actively took action.
Those who would only act under imperial orders moved as if it were their own duty.
And at the heart of all this was Yuric.
Despite this, he never acted arrogantly or boastfully. He thanked even small gifts from the poor children and deeply considered common remarks.
Yuric’s presence was a blessing and treasure for the empire. Prince Leopold clearly recognized this. If he became emperor, he wanted to keep Yuric by his side and seek his counsel during critical moments for the empire.
Originally planning to leave after fifteen days, Prince Leopold stayed for another month. He even developed a taste for the herbal bread Yuric made. At first, he found it bitter, but eventually, he enjoyed eating it with pickled herring.
However, the prince couldn’t stay indefinitely.
Leopold eventually decided on a date to depart.
“Yuric, when you visit the east, please stop by the capital.”
“Understood, Your Highness. I will definitely stop by.”
Before leaving, Prince Leopold visited the Mage Tower one last time to bid farewell to the mages and descendants he had worked with.
Knowing how hard he had worked, they sincerely thanked him. He even used a significant portion of the money he brought to help the poor and support orphanages.
Of course, there was a political calculation behind this. However, he realized that to win people’s hearts, one must give.
Power and prestige might make people bow temporarily, but sincere respect was different. The gratitude and praise from people toward Yuric were undoubtedly sincere respect.
The prince recalled the power-hungry officials who clung to his power. While there was no perfect world in politics and power, one had to embrace even those who were sick.
If one only embraced the sick, they too would eventually fall ill and die. Therefore, embracing those who could heal was crucial. This balance was the most realistic politics.
Prince Leopold considered his arrival at this crucial juncture in life as a cosmic intervention.
“Yuric, take care.”
“Your Highness, please travel safely. I will always pray for your future.”
“Thank you. Until we meet again.”
Prince Leopold looked forward to meeting Yuric again.
In late autumn, he returned to the capital.
