306 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

The voice echoing through the empty hall caused the ruler, seated on the throne, to furrow his brow. He might have been displeased with the report about the Maclayne Kingdom's growth. However, his words differed slightly from what the voice anticipated. “Do you intend to report every step of the process to me? The absence of the Shadow Sword is indeed profound.” “I apologize for the insufficiency. The commander has informed us that he will be mobile in a month.” Tsk. “No, it's settled. Maclayne, you say. Initially, I only saw the potential for a great general, but did that child possess the qualities of a king as well? Hmm...” Knowing it wasn't a question that required an answer, the voice in the void remained silent. Lost in thought for a moment, the Emperor quietly spoke again. “Summon Clyde and the Eastern Wing King to the palace. If the path is rugged, it should be leveled in advance.” Gasp. Hearing the First Prince’s name and the designation of one of the Four Cardinal Kings, a symbol of the dragon's wing, the hidden voice quietly gulped. As the Emperor's expression hardened once more, the voice hurriedly added, “I will obey your orders.” The voice did not need to mention that both individuals were currently occupied with affairs far from Aserian. The Emperor’s orders always take precedence over any other duty. “What of the movements of the Black Serpents?” “After the departure of the Sorcerer of the North Wind, all news has ceased. It will take time to track their trail again.” “Hm...” The Emperor's expression, which rarely changed, was more volatile than usual today. And unfortunately, the news that arrived from outside his office hardened his expression further. “Your Majesty, the Second Prince who had gone missing has returned!” * * * It took nearly a week for the court’s sorcerers to conduct a thorough examination of both Baros' mind and body. Yet, under countless scrutinizing eyes, Baros, bowing before the Emperor once more, displayed a face filled with confidence rather than tension or fear. “I apologize for causing you concern.” Even his apologetic voice sounded assertive. The Emperor's eyes gleamed with intrigue at the unexpected demeanor. “How interesting. What transpired?” A succinct question devoid of both subject and object struck Baros heavily. “I fell prey to the enemy’s schemes due to my shortcomings. Please, punish me.” “I am asking for the reason.” Swallowing hard, Baros knew that his fate hung on the words he would speak next. As he considered this, the nervousness he tried so hard to mask began to resurface on his face. Merely surviving to return was a 'useless' narrative, unworthy of the Emperor's interest. To the Emperor, he was not a favored child but just one among many bloodlines. A significant distinction. Thus, Baros promptly proceeded to the main point, realizing the Emperor's query wasn't about his survival. “Lord Kassel has expressed his intention to submit to the royal family.” At the pinnacle of the empire's sorcerers, the Grand Magician who had decisively defeated the Sorcerer of the North Wind and his disciples now sought to come under the empire’s authority. Given the Emperor’s disposition of valuing talent irrespective of friend or foe, accepting them would likely be more beneficial than annihilating them. Baros's expectant gaze landed on the Emperor. Hoping to see his imagined expressions cross the Emperor's face. And to his anticipation, he observed the Emperor's lips curl upward ever so slightly. But only on one side. A clear sign of disdain. A reaction vastly different from what he anticipated. “Is that all?” The words brought a chill to his heart. The Emperor’s expression, drenched in sarcasm and latent hostility, made it clear he had no intention of accepting the Magister Lord’s compliance. “They wish to reclaim their former positions after being ousted for their intrigues. Is that the whole reason for your presence here?” Baros, unsettled by the unexpected response, hastily replied, “It's an incident from over a hundred years ago, Your Majesty. The matters of a bygone reign...” Bang! “They are the traitors who manipulated and mocked the empire!” The Emperor's seldom-seen blatant anger hit him like a splash of icy water, awakening his senses. The Black Serpents, the Kassel Tower. Descendants of the ancient transcendent Jebric Kassel and one of the founding contributors of the Ares Empire. And over a century ago, those who committed the heinous act of attempting to control the royal family and empire by brainwashing the previous emperor. The very reason that imperial princes undergo strict defenses against mind magic from an early age. That was the extent of Baros's knowledge of their past. Yet if that were truly all, then the current Emperor would have embraced them warmly with open arms. “The blood of the royal lineage, the imperial prince you claim to be—a mere herald to those rogues? Speak, Baros!” Rather than welcoming them, his vehement response indicated a deeper meaning. ‘There’s something more that I don’t know!’ As soon as this thought struck him, Baros was compelled to reveal what he had desperately hoped to keep hidden. “Lord Kassel has promised to offer the Holy Kingdom to the royal family!” Though spoken in haste, the substance of the claim was enough to seize the Emperor's interest. “What did you say?” In the Emperor's icy eyes, as cold as ice itself, there shone once again a peculiar light. At the same time, the deadly aura that enveloped the office vanished entirely. “Continue.” Even with the dramatic shift in atmosphere, Baros was certain his assumptions were correct. The Emperor's wrath, when it comes to ruling the empire, differs from typical human anger. He only exhibits rage when he perceives a threat to the empire’s and the royal family's authority. Yet, if greater benefits to the empire and royal family exist, he will contain any fury. Such was the rage of a ruler who had been trained and lived a lifetime in this manner. Therefore— ‘There must be an unreconciled past regarding the Kassel Tower that goes beyond simply bringing them back under his rule. A secret history known only to the Emperor, not the royal family.’ And whatever that past was, it seemed to be considered less valuable than the Holy Kingdom. Of course, for the current empire, nothing could be more valuable. The Holy Kingdom, represented by priests and temples, wasn't merely the strongest nation on the continent. It acted on behalf of the earthly authority of the Nine Gods, spiritual pillars for the continent's people. Thus, even the empire, at the peak of its power, couldn't rashly meddle with them. Another empire, untouchable and formidable in its own right. “The Holy Kingdom? Given by them? How on earth?” It seemed his thoughts had lingered too long, as the Emperor's voice insistently demanded explanation. His expression already slightly contorted, Baros knew that if he spouted nonsense, it would escalate the Emperor’s fury, bringing it crashing down upon him. This was the true pivotal moment of his fate. “Well...” Baros licked his dry lips, recalling the conversation with the Kassel Tower Master. Could that man have foreseen this situation? “If pledging our submission isn’t enough to quell the Emperor’s rage, offer the Holy Kingdom,” he had said. “You? How do you intend to do that?” Baros had questioned. “Since the long-sought relic of our ancestors has appeared, if we can wield it, it would be simple. Deceiving those blind to sight,” reassured the Grand Mage. Magicians often spoke this way. They claimed that priests who solely follow divine will are no different from blind men compared to those who twist and use such forces. “It just takes time,” he had added. For some reason, the words of that legendary archmage carried weight with Baros. Honestly, it was less about trust, but— “I will make you the true emperor ruling over all lands and all people of the continent. And then, you will grant us…” Such a seductive offer, how could he refuse? “They claimed using their ancient ancestor’s relic would make it possible. Though it might take some time.” No matter how long it took, if the reward was the Holy Kingdom— How could anyone dismiss it so easily? Fortunately, this time, the Emperor's reaction didn’t stray far from what Baros anticipated. “Ah, a relic of the Mage Saint. That bracelet of the Pope’s… I see, it might be feasible.” Although the Emperor's muttering to himself was unusual, Baros wasn’t foolish enough to cut in. And— “It doesn’t seem entirely impossible.” Once the Emperor returned to his inscrutable expression and fixed him with a peculiar gaze, Baros could be certain he had passed the critical juncture of his fate. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Thud. Baros slammed his head to the ground, letting out a sigh of relief for having barely salvaged his destiny. Yet the Emperor's next words froze him once more. “But consequences for breaking the taboo must be dealt with.” Baros forced his stiff neck upwards in disbelief. “For the crime of breaking taboo and aligning with traitors, the appropriate punishment would be the revocation of royal status and execution.” “Your, your Majesty!” Without realizing it, a cry escaped him as dread washed over him. “…However, since your intentions appear aligned with the Empire’s interests and seem plausible enough, the sentence will be suspended until the potential is verified.” As the Emperor’s cold, penetrating gaze skimmed his face, Baros managed to blow warmth back into his almost frozen heart. Naturally, at that moment, his legs gave way, and he collapsed. “Heh, heh… Ha…” “I have my eyes and ears in the Holy Kingdom. If your assurances prove false, you will share the same fate as those scoundrels.” The Emperor’s frigid gaze felt like it was chastising his disgraceful appearance, leading Baros to quickly straighten his posture and bow his head again. “I will heed your words, Your Majesty.” “Leave.” “May your grace be supreme!” Thud. With another bow, Baros pressed his head to the floor and slowly backed out, finally exhaling a deep breath of relief. Though his initial resolve to act with dignity had crumbled, showing only disgrace, fortunately, his life was spared. ‘Now, it begins anew.’ He grit his teeth, knowing he had much to do. On the day he set off to negotiate with Kassel Tower, all but Leos, who barely managed to escape, were slaughtered. He had to rebuild his network and prepare for the competition ahead. Just then, an unmistakable voice echoed from outside the door. “His Highness, Prince Clyde, and Lord Gerard, the Eastern Wing King, request an audience.” ‘My brother? And the Eastern Wing King?’ The strongest rival and the ruler of the East among the empire's Cardinal Kings, both appearing at once in such an unusual combination made Baros's mind swirl. “Let them in.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” The doors of the vast office creaked open, revealing two figures striding in with purpose. The first to catch his attention was a young man, nearly two meters tall with black hair and eyes similar to his own, possessing a commanding presence and a face resembling the ruler on the throne. His half-brother and greatest rival, the First Prince, Clyde van Ares. The First Prince glanced at him, meeting his gaze for a fleeting moment before turning away. Despite the unwavering steadiness of his walk, Baros felt an unmistakable sting, as though Clyde was mocking him, causing him to bite his lip. Beside him, a handsome middle-aged man with black hair indicating royal lineage, but with pale skin and blue eyes, nodded and smiled politely at him. Though the smile appeared amiable, Baros dismissed it. “Smile, Your Highness. Those without strength must smile to survive.” “Who belittles you? I am suggesting you smile. Appearing harmless is the best way to deceive your enemies.” Every prince was required to be mentored by one of the Cardinal Kings during their childhood, receiving several years of education. This wretched man, who served as his godfather and shaped his destiny with his advice, was none other than him. 'Eastern Wing King.' Why was one of the Cardinal Kings entering alongside his rival? The Cardinal Kings were not supposed to interfere in the succession to the throne, so it couldn't be about that. Yet, what was this nagging sense of unease? Clyde, the Eastern Wing King—the royal family and the Eastern Kingdom—moving together suggested something significant at play. ‘Could it possibly be... Maclayne?’ Even if it seemed nothing more than an unfounded assumption, or worse, mere fantasy, Baros felt an inexplicable certainty. Right then, Baros halted his backward steps and lifted his head once more. “Your Majesty. I have a humble request to make.” As Clyde and the Eastern Wing King turned their attention to him, moments before kneeling before the Emperor— “I wish to personally conclude the matters from my past in the Eastern territories. Please, grant me just one more chance.” Baros knelt down, his voice pleading. "Ha…?" Noticing the Emperor’s gaze harden, he quickly continued. “I will leverage their power. The strength of the empire will not be squandered.” In truth, he had already set things in motion. It had been an indiscretion driven by the fear of his endeavors becoming the triumph of a rival. “Hm.” Fortunately, the Emperor’s response wasn’t unfavorable. “Furthermore, this will serve as evidence of their submission to the empire.” Noting the Emperor’s renewed interest, Baros recalled the 'other' pact he had made with that formidable elder.