Ray sighed deeply as he approached Ernst Prislan.
Ray knew full well that Ernst wouldn’t let him go easily.
In fact, if Ernst hadn’t come looking for him, Ray would have been even more anxious.
Ernst walked slowly around the fence with Ray by his side and broached the main topic.
“For now, stay at the Prizzran Clan’s territory along with Speira. It’s near the Albinina region.”
“Hmm…”
“The Empire is in turmoil. It’s not a good time to travel the long distance to Phillip’s County.”
“…”
Ernst’s words were reasonable.
Traveling long distances during such a sensitive period wasn’t wise.
If Ray had quietly visited and left the Imperial Capital, any bloody incidents resulting from power struggles wouldn’t have mattered much.
But Ray was currently under a lot of scrutiny, which ultimately posed a threat to his safety.
And the one who created this situation was none other than Ernst.
Ray sighed again.
During their last meeting, Ray had asked Ernst for time until the Empire’s power structure stabilized, and Ernst had agreed.
However, Ernst didn’t leave Ray alone.
He made it seem like Ray was working for Ernst and also tried to keep Ray close until the Empire stabilized.
It was pressure disguised as protection, leaving no real choice.
“…Lord Ernst, I have a request.”
“Speak.”
“I’d like to know how the current political situation in the Empire is unfolding.”
With the Emperor having made a decision, Ray wanted to understand how the noble families were responding and what the royal family was doing.
Naturally, Ernst intended to refuse.
Such information shouldn’t be shared with Ray, nor was there an immediate need for him to know.
Even if Ray was curious, the information could be disclosed after the political disputes settled.
But as Ernst looked into Ray’s eyes, he turned away and said,
“Follow me.”
*
Ernst led Ray to one of his personal offices.
Upon entering, Ray noticed a massive map hanging on the wall.
Although Ray had seen the Empire’s map in books before, the one in Ernst’s office was far more detailed and accurate.
Ernst pointed to four places on the map.
“Of the four royals who received His Majesty the Emperor’s order to return, two are preparing to depart after completing their arrangements, while the remaining two are hiding among their supporters, waiting cautiously.”
Ray silently stared at the map.
The royal family and major noble houses possessed artifacts or magical means for real-time communication.
Despite the Emperor’s recent announcement of the lockdown and recall orders, everyone seemed to have prior knowledge and was already acting according to their own judgments.
“…”
Ray pondered deeply.
It was hard to make a decision.
Was it better for the Empire to remain stable under centralized control, or should it fragment?
If Ray could secure Ernst’s cooperation, maintaining stability would be advantageous in the long term.
But if Ray became hostile to the Empire due to factors like ‘Lea,’ then perhaps its fragmentation would make survival easier.
However, if the Empire descended into civil war, neighboring kingdoms would also fall into chaos. And if evil spirits took advantage of the situation, humanity itself might perish.
“…”
Ray pinched the bridge of his nose.
Could Lea’s identity remain hidden? Or, if exposed, could they survive?
Could disasters be averted amidst an Empire torn apart and neighboring nations in chaos?
After standing still for a while, Ray finally spoke.
“As for how you plan to lure out the cautious royals… I trust you’ll handle that on your own. But regarding the two royals who immediately responded to His Majesty’s recall order—could it possibly be a deception?”
“Deception?”
“Perhaps someone has been swapped out. They might put a disguised person in the carriage while secretly plotting something else.”
“After the incident with the Crown Prince, surveillance and tracking of the royal family have been intensified. The royal army will personally meet the royals heading to the Imperial Capital to confirm their identities.”
Thus, switching people out with such a crude deception wouldn’t work.
However, Ernst knew that with the Emperor’s authority waning due to his failing health and the delay in naming a successor, cracks had appeared where vulnerabilities once unimaginable could arise.
“…If one of the royals is using a decoy, what do you think their aim is?”
Ray traced his finger southeast on the map, stopping near the border guarded by the Empire’s second Swordmaster.
“If a royal flows into this area, wouldn’t that cause trouble?”
The ambitious Marquis of the Borderlands would likely not let go of a captured royal easily.
Collaboration between the Marquis and a royal disobeying the Emperor’s command would make it difficult for the Emperor to mobilize troops.
This was the domain of the Empire’s elite soldiers and Swordmasters.
If the Emperor’s weakened influence couldn’t subdue them and the crown passed to Poibos, the Empire might split significantly.
While listening to Ray’s thoughts with interest, Ernst shook his head.
“It’s already accounted for. The key routes leading to the southeast are guarded by elite soldiers, and their numbers have recently been reinforced.”
The royal family was also wary of the Marquis, controlling the flow of supplies and people to the southeast.
That’s why the late Crown Prince headed towards the Sigini Mountain Range rather than the southeast.
Though Ray understood Ernst’s explanation, he couldn’t shake off a lingering unease.
The Crawford family’s estate, located near the Imperial Capital, was very close to the southeast.
Therefore, if forces near the southeast caused trouble, it was highly probable they were related to the Marquis.
Noticing Ray’s expression, Ernst nodded.
“I’ll send my people to reconfirm the identities of the royals who responded to the imperial order. I’ll also reinforce the southeastern borders.”
Ernst too felt an unsettling intuition.
The succession structure of the Empire had been unstable for too long. It wouldn’t be surprising if those harboring ill intentions had prepared bold and lethal strategies for such a moment.
Ernst reminded himself that while he believed other nobles wouldn’t be able to counter his and the Emperor’s aggressive moves, he must also consider the opposite scenario.
“Thank you for the advice.”
Ray wasn’t sure how seriously Ernst took his opinions but was satisfied enough to nod.
Without information or power, there wasn’t much Ray could do in these political struggles.
After some thought, Ernst pulled out a twenty-sided gem-like object from his robes.
“Take it.”
“What is this?”
“Ask Speira.”
“Should I pass it on to her?”
“No, keep it until we meet again.”
Ernst handed the gem directly to Ray and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“You don’t need to fear me. Though what you possess might upset someone, I’ll help ensure you’re not torn apart by others before you’ve fully matured. Trust me and cooperate with me.”
“…”
“Then, I look forward to it.”
Without waiting for Ray’s reply, Ernst turned and left.
As Ray exited Ernst’s office, he took deep breaths.
His tension was obvious, though hiding it from Ernst would have been futile anyway.
‘Whatever happens, I’m not sure…’
One thing was certain:
Ray needed to accompany Speira.
*
“…So, it seems I need to follow Speira.”
Upon hearing Ray’s words, Luna stepped forward and firmly gripped Ray’s fingers.
It was a gesture indicating she would definitely accompany him.
Mohamed hesitated.
Should they send only Ray to the Albinina region while the rest head to Phillip’s County, or should everyone move together to the Albinina region?
“…Phillip’s County is far away, and temporarily taking refuge with the Prizzran Clan isn’t a bad choice.”
However, if the Emperor or Ernst decided to eliminate Ray, there would be no solution.
Even if they fled to Phillip’s County without Ray, the county could be wiped out instantly if Ray fell out of favor with the Emperor or Ernst.
Before the Phillip’s Count family could react, an army might arrive.
“…”
Ultimately, it seemed like all options led to the same outcome, so Mohamed asked one final question.
“Ray, can you ensure Lady Alesya’s safe escape if the situation worsens?”
“Yes.”
Whether Ray’s answer was bravado or not was unclear.
Still, satisfied with Ray’s resolve, Mohamed nodded.
“Then, let’s go together.”
After contacting Phillip’s County separately, Ray’s group joined Speira’s entourage.
Speira was delighted to have Ray’s group join them.
Jenkins rode alongside Ray, grumbling.
“Why did we end up like this after coming to the Imperial Capital?”
“Yeah, exactly.”
Neither Jenkins nor Ray expected to be so thoroughly stripped of resources and swept along like this.
They had boasted in Phillip’s County but ultimately proved to be naive country bumpkins with limited perspectives.
Jenkins wasn’t blaming Ray but was deeply troubled by the current situation.
“Ray, do you have confidence in safely returning to Phillip’s County?”
“Well… honestly, I can’t say for sure.”
“Do you realize how many lives depend on you now and still say you’re unsure?”
“Ah, yes! I’m confident. Very confident, Master.”
“Are you serious?”
Ray chuckled and replied,
“Shall I stake my mother’s honor on it?”
“…”
Jenkins glanced back at Ray, who was playing with his hands.
Since Bella retired, Ray had started making such jokes more often.
Apparently, he found it quite pleasing that Bella no longer worked in that field, but Jenkins refrained from replying, deciding against provoking Ray in front of others.
He didn’t want to get slapped by his master in public.
After chatting a bit more with Jenkins, Ray requested a private conversation with Speira.
Alessia and Shay glared simultaneously, but Speira cheerfully agreed.
Inside the carriage, Ray activated a soundproof barrier and showed Speira the item Ernst had given him.
“Lord Ernst lent this to me. Do you know what it is?”
“…!”
Speira gasped and replied,
“This is an item related to activating a Warp Gate.”
*
Currently, Duke Matthias’ manor housed the royal Mardonis.
Additionally, several nobles who had supported Mardonis as the next Emperor were gathered there for ongoing discussions.
With the Emperor suddenly becoming aggressive after repeatedly delaying the designation of a successor, everyone was at a loss.
Of course, only a few dared to openly defy the Emperor.
Most were contemplating how to push back slightly while observing the Emperor’s reactions, aiming to conclude the situation with minimal losses.
Meanwhile, Mardonis was strategizing to ensure his own safety.
He realized he might become collateral damage in this situation.
The one consensus among everyone present was that there was still ample time.
Although the Emperor had taken a tough stance, the aging monarch was clearly losing strength.
Time seemed to be on their side, and most held onto this complacent belief.
“…Excuse me.”
Duke Matthias stepped outside to clear his mind.
However, commotion began atop the castle walls.
Frowning, Duke Matthias ascended the walls with his knights.
“What’s going on?”
“A, uh, over there…”
The soldier who caught Duke Matthias’ gaze pointed down below.
A diminutive man in a black robe was approaching the walls, his face obscured.
The soldier sent out to verify the man’s identity lay unconscious on the ground.
“What kind of fool is this?”
There was no reason for someone to come here alone and cause trouble unless they were suicidal.
Thinking it might be a lunatic, Duke Matthias was about to order an arrow to drive the intruder away when…
The man removed his robe.
Duke Matthias’ face paled.
“Ernst Prislan!!”
Hadn’t he been reported in the Imperial Capital just a few days ago?
It was impossible to travel such a distance in mere days.
While it was true that a Swordmaster renowned as superhuman could traverse great distances with minimal assistance, the real issue was why Ernst had come here.
Attempting to suppress his shock, Duke Matthias raised his voice to ask Ernst his purpose.
But before he could, the atmosphere shifted.
“…!!!”
As Duke Matthias instinctively stepped back,
Without exchanging a single word, Ernst drew his sword from its scabbard.
Realizing the implication of this action, Duke Matthias shouted to his knights,
“Gather all the troops inside the manor immediately…!!”
