Bang-
The sound of the door closing was loud.
I practically dragged Flank Lloyd, or rather Prophetes IV, into the room and glared at him fiercely as I asked.
“Why is His Majesty the King here...”
"Shhh."
Prophetes IV smiled smugly and put his index finger to his lips.
“There might be some rats eavesdropping on our conversation, so please don’t use that title and just call me Planky.”
At those words, I looked at the tightly closed door.
I didn't feel any particular presence, but I guess I'd better be careful like he said.
“So, what are you doing here?”
“What is it? I came to keep my promise with the Duke.”
“I don’t think there was a clause in the promise you made to me that would have allowed Planky to participate in the war himself.”
“There is no clause that says we won’t participate in the war.”
That's certainly true, but common sense tells you that it didn't make sense for the King to go to war himself.
If it were a situation where you had no choice but to leave because the enemy was invading the capital, then that would be understandable, but that's not the case either.
His actions were completely incomprehensible, as he had come here with only a small escort of knights disguised as upper-level staff, rather than with the Allied Forces.
“What on earth are you thinking?”
“Hmm.”
“Please stop making excuses like you’re trying to keep your promise to me and tell me the real reason.”
When I sharply retorted, Prophetes IV rolled his eyes as if he was embarrassed, then let out a deep sigh.
“Well, I can fool other people easily, but I can’t fool the Duke.”
“It’s even more surprising that there are people who fall for such a flimsy lie.”
“Haha. I’ll make sure to tell that to Sir Logos.”
That meant that Sir Logos had passed, but I couldn't believe it.
Because the Sir Logos I know is not the kind of person who would leave his lord in danger, no matter what the reason.
Like Sir Aldor.
When the name of Sir Aldor appeared at the end of my branching thoughts, my mouth felt like it had been chewing on some medicinal herb.
“Your complexion has worsened.”
Prophetes IV asked worriedly, his expression darkening accordingly.
“Are you sick or something? Should I call a doctor?”
“No, it’s okay.”
When he reached out as if to touch my forehead, I slapped his hand away and answered curtly.
“I’m feeling perfectly fine, except for a slight headache, since Planky showed up unexpectedly.”
Prophetes IV laughed awkwardly at the blatant accusation.
“If you’re worried that something might happen to me, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.”
“You never know what will happen to people.”
“Yes. I don’t know.”
Was it my imagination that he seemed extremely satisfied for a moment?
“So why did you decide to fight in this war?”
“Well, there are two reasons why I participated in the war myself.”
“What is that?”
“The first reason is because of the other kingdoms that belong to the Allied Powers. Instead of helping them invade the Empire, they asked me to participate in the war myself.”
"Yes?"
What kind of ridiculous conditions are these?
No, wait a minute.
“Why are you telling me such an important fact now?”
I exchanged numerous letters with him during that time to discuss strategy and understand the situation, but there was nothing like this.
He always told me not to worry because everything was going smoothly.
In fact, I believed him because the counterfeit gold coins and the invasion of the empire were all going according to plan.
But it was absurd to hear that there was such a hidden behind-the-scenes story.
“To tell the truth, I would have said that the conspiracy would definitely not work and that we should find another way.”
“Of course.”
“That’s why.”
Prophetes IV laughed bitterly.
“It would take time to find another way, and if the Empire finds out in the meantime, it would be a big problem, so I couldn’t tell the Duke.”
“....”
“If the Duke were in my position, you would have made the same choice.”
Yes.
Every word of what he said was so true that I couldn't refute it.
I sighed deeply, feeling my chest getting more stuffy, and asked him.
“So what’s the second reason?”
“That's a secret.”
You acted like you were going to tell me, but why are you suddenly telling me a secret?
I stared at him in disbelief, and he smiled with his eyes closed prettily.
“The second reason is very minor, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“Then can you tell me more?”
“It’s a small but personal reason.”
It's a small but personal reason for attending.
I was even more curious, but unfortunately, he seemed to have no intention of telling me.
“Yes. I understand why you joined the war, Planky.”
“Haha, thanks for understanding...”
“So, why did you come here?”
The smile on Prophetes IV's lips disappeared in an instant.
He scratched the ball and muttered to himself.
“None of the Dukes just let it go. Well...I hear.”
At the end, he spoke so slurred that I couldn't understand what he was saying at all.
“I came here to accompany the Duke to the capital of the empire. To be exact, the imperial palace.”
“Do you desire the crown?”
So, are you planning to go to the palace yourself?
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested, but that’s not why I want to go to the palace.”
“Then why is that?”
“To make Leopold’s territory completely independent from the Empire and the Allied Powers.”
He continued speaking seriously.
“As you may already know, when the Empire falls, all of its territories are to be divided up according to contribution. And the territory that everyone wants the most right now is Leopold’s territory.”
I guess so.
Because Pura is produced in large quantities on Leopold's estate.
“Even if the Duke is the one who makes the greatest contribution in this war, there is a high possibility that the other kingdoms will insist that Leopold’s territory is imperial territory and should be taken as spoils of war.”
This part was something I was worried about as well.
Prophetes IV had signed a contract, so I wasn't worried, but the other kingdoms weren't.
So, when attacking the palace, we decided not to receive help from other kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Artina.
Although we would receive some assistance from the Artina army led by Lord Logos, only the Knights of Leopold would enter the capital.
That way, my achievements in this war will be most prominent.
“So, I think it would be better to make Leopold’s territory independent before that.”
With this, he tried to win complete independence for Leopold's domains, but Prophetes IV proposed another method.
“I would be happy to do so, but I wonder if the other kingdoms would recognize it.”
“It doesn’t matter. If Leopold’s territory becomes independent before the Empire falls, it will never become a spoil.”
Is it really as easy as it sounds?
I was worried, but it was well worth a try.
Even if something goes wrong, I don't really have anything to lose.
Besides, I couldn't send him back since he had come all this way, so I accepted his offer.
“Let’s do that.”
Even though he landed as carefully as possible, he couldn't help but make a slight noise.
Perdes hurriedly hid behind a large tree nearby and looked around.
Fortunately, no one heard the sound, and no one came near.
Still, just in case, Perdes looked around a bit more and then cautiously entered the Crown Prince's palace.
The only reason Perdes secretly visited the palace when the owner was away was to find clues about Aldor's whereabouts.
Investigating the Emperor's side would have been more certain and given them more information, but the Emperor's side was so tightly secured that it was difficult to dig into.
On the other hand, the Crown Prince's side was more vulnerable than expected.
It means that he doesn't have much information, but he infiltrated his palace to try anything.
As the Crown Prince was away from the palace, security was relaxed, and it was easy to infiltrate.
After successfully sneaking into the Crown Prince's study, Perdes locked the door tightly and searched through the desk.
But there was nothing on the desk, and two of the three drawers were locked.
The only open drawer contained only odds and ends: stationery, envelopes, and ink.
“I guess I’ll have to open the rest of the drawers.”
Since he wouldn't have taken the drawer key to the battlefield, he must have hidden it nearby.
“Here it is.”
After discovering the key hidden under the vase, Perdes immediately opened the second drawer.
There was a book in the drawer.
What kind of book is that you kept in the drawer?
Perdes immediately took out the book and checked it.
[The devil, that profound being.]
The title itself gave off an ominous feeling.
Perdes recalled the conversation he had had with Byblos a few days ago.
“Could it be... that the Emperor made a pact with the devil?”
“No. That can’t be true. There is a sacred barrier set up by the temple in the palace, so if the Emperor had made a contract with the devil, the temple would have noticed it immediately.”
“Then, does that mean that someone other than the devil made a contract with the Emperor?”
Byblos nodded at Adele's words.
“I don’t know who that guy is, but he’s definitely strong enough to use Diabolos.”
The atmosphere became serious for a moment as he explained.
“Of course, he may not be stronger than me.”
The conversation between them was quickly resolved by Byblos' playful addition, but it was engraved in Perdes' mind.
But a book related to the devil came out of the Crown Prince's drawer.
It can't be a mere coincidence.
'Maybe Byblos' guess was wrong.'
Having decided so, Perdes picked up the book in question and immediately left the Crown Prince's study.
The sound of the door closing was loud.
I practically dragged Flank Lloyd, or rather Prophetes IV, into the room and glared at him fiercely as I asked.
“Why is His Majesty the King here...”
"Shhh."
Prophetes IV smiled smugly and put his index finger to his lips.
“There might be some rats eavesdropping on our conversation, so please don’t use that title and just call me Planky.”
At those words, I looked at the tightly closed door.
I didn't feel any particular presence, but I guess I'd better be careful like he said.
“So, what are you doing here?”
“What is it? I came to keep my promise with the Duke.”
“I don’t think there was a clause in the promise you made to me that would have allowed Planky to participate in the war himself.”
“There is no clause that says we won’t participate in the war.”
That's certainly true, but common sense tells you that it didn't make sense for the King to go to war himself.
If it were a situation where you had no choice but to leave because the enemy was invading the capital, then that would be understandable, but that's not the case either.
His actions were completely incomprehensible, as he had come here with only a small escort of knights disguised as upper-level staff, rather than with the Allied Forces.
“What on earth are you thinking?”
“Hmm.”
“Please stop making excuses like you’re trying to keep your promise to me and tell me the real reason.”
When I sharply retorted, Prophetes IV rolled his eyes as if he was embarrassed, then let out a deep sigh.
“Well, I can fool other people easily, but I can’t fool the Duke.”
“It’s even more surprising that there are people who fall for such a flimsy lie.”
“Haha. I’ll make sure to tell that to Sir Logos.”
That meant that Sir Logos had passed, but I couldn't believe it.
Because the Sir Logos I know is not the kind of person who would leave his lord in danger, no matter what the reason.
Like Sir Aldor.
When the name of Sir Aldor appeared at the end of my branching thoughts, my mouth felt like it had been chewing on some medicinal herb.
“Your complexion has worsened.”
Prophetes IV asked worriedly, his expression darkening accordingly.
“Are you sick or something? Should I call a doctor?”
“No, it’s okay.”
When he reached out as if to touch my forehead, I slapped his hand away and answered curtly.
“I’m feeling perfectly fine, except for a slight headache, since Planky showed up unexpectedly.”
Prophetes IV laughed awkwardly at the blatant accusation.
“If you’re worried that something might happen to me, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.”
“You never know what will happen to people.”
“Yes. I don’t know.”
Was it my imagination that he seemed extremely satisfied for a moment?
“So why did you decide to fight in this war?”
“Well, there are two reasons why I participated in the war myself.”
“What is that?”
“The first reason is because of the other kingdoms that belong to the Allied Powers. Instead of helping them invade the Empire, they asked me to participate in the war myself.”
"Yes?"
What kind of ridiculous conditions are these?
No, wait a minute.
“Why are you telling me such an important fact now?”
I exchanged numerous letters with him during that time to discuss strategy and understand the situation, but there was nothing like this.
He always told me not to worry because everything was going smoothly.
In fact, I believed him because the counterfeit gold coins and the invasion of the empire were all going according to plan.
But it was absurd to hear that there was such a hidden behind-the-scenes story.
“To tell the truth, I would have said that the conspiracy would definitely not work and that we should find another way.”
“Of course.”
“That’s why.”
Prophetes IV laughed bitterly.
“It would take time to find another way, and if the Empire finds out in the meantime, it would be a big problem, so I couldn’t tell the Duke.”
“....”
“If the Duke were in my position, you would have made the same choice.”
Yes.
Every word of what he said was so true that I couldn't refute it.
I sighed deeply, feeling my chest getting more stuffy, and asked him.
“So what’s the second reason?”
“That's a secret.”
You acted like you were going to tell me, but why are you suddenly telling me a secret?
I stared at him in disbelief, and he smiled with his eyes closed prettily.
“The second reason is very minor, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“Then can you tell me more?”
“It’s a small but personal reason.”
It's a small but personal reason for attending.
I was even more curious, but unfortunately, he seemed to have no intention of telling me.
“Yes. I understand why you joined the war, Planky.”
“Haha, thanks for understanding...”
“So, why did you come here?”
The smile on Prophetes IV's lips disappeared in an instant.
He scratched the ball and muttered to himself.
“None of the Dukes just let it go. Well...I hear.”
At the end, he spoke so slurred that I couldn't understand what he was saying at all.
“I came here to accompany the Duke to the capital of the empire. To be exact, the imperial palace.”
“Do you desire the crown?”
So, are you planning to go to the palace yourself?
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested, but that’s not why I want to go to the palace.”
“Then why is that?”
“To make Leopold’s territory completely independent from the Empire and the Allied Powers.”
He continued speaking seriously.
“As you may already know, when the Empire falls, all of its territories are to be divided up according to contribution. And the territory that everyone wants the most right now is Leopold’s territory.”
I guess so.
Because Pura is produced in large quantities on Leopold's estate.
“Even if the Duke is the one who makes the greatest contribution in this war, there is a high possibility that the other kingdoms will insist that Leopold’s territory is imperial territory and should be taken as spoils of war.”
This part was something I was worried about as well.
Prophetes IV had signed a contract, so I wasn't worried, but the other kingdoms weren't.
So, when attacking the palace, we decided not to receive help from other kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Artina.
Although we would receive some assistance from the Artina army led by Lord Logos, only the Knights of Leopold would enter the capital.
That way, my achievements in this war will be most prominent.
“So, I think it would be better to make Leopold’s territory independent before that.”
With this, he tried to win complete independence for Leopold's domains, but Prophetes IV proposed another method.
“I would be happy to do so, but I wonder if the other kingdoms would recognize it.”
“It doesn’t matter. If Leopold’s territory becomes independent before the Empire falls, it will never become a spoil.”
Is it really as easy as it sounds?
I was worried, but it was well worth a try.
Even if something goes wrong, I don't really have anything to lose.
Besides, I couldn't send him back since he had come all this way, so I accepted his offer.
“Let’s do that.”
***
Even though he landed as carefully as possible, he couldn't help but make a slight noise.
Perdes hurriedly hid behind a large tree nearby and looked around.
Fortunately, no one heard the sound, and no one came near.
Still, just in case, Perdes looked around a bit more and then cautiously entered the Crown Prince's palace.
The only reason Perdes secretly visited the palace when the owner was away was to find clues about Aldor's whereabouts.
Investigating the Emperor's side would have been more certain and given them more information, but the Emperor's side was so tightly secured that it was difficult to dig into.
On the other hand, the Crown Prince's side was more vulnerable than expected.
It means that he doesn't have much information, but he infiltrated his palace to try anything.
As the Crown Prince was away from the palace, security was relaxed, and it was easy to infiltrate.
After successfully sneaking into the Crown Prince's study, Perdes locked the door tightly and searched through the desk.
But there was nothing on the desk, and two of the three drawers were locked.
The only open drawer contained only odds and ends: stationery, envelopes, and ink.
“I guess I’ll have to open the rest of the drawers.”
Since he wouldn't have taken the drawer key to the battlefield, he must have hidden it nearby.
“Here it is.”
After discovering the key hidden under the vase, Perdes immediately opened the second drawer.
There was a book in the drawer.
What kind of book is that you kept in the drawer?
Perdes immediately took out the book and checked it.
[The devil, that profound being.]
The title itself gave off an ominous feeling.
Perdes recalled the conversation he had had with Byblos a few days ago.
“Could it be... that the Emperor made a pact with the devil?”
“No. That can’t be true. There is a sacred barrier set up by the temple in the palace, so if the Emperor had made a contract with the devil, the temple would have noticed it immediately.”
“Then, does that mean that someone other than the devil made a contract with the Emperor?”
Byblos nodded at Adele's words.
“I don’t know who that guy is, but he’s definitely strong enough to use Diabolos.”
The atmosphere became serious for a moment as he explained.
“Of course, he may not be stronger than me.”
The conversation between them was quickly resolved by Byblos' playful addition, but it was engraved in Perdes' mind.
But a book related to the devil came out of the Crown Prince's drawer.
It can't be a mere coincidence.
'Maybe Byblos' guess was wrong.'
Having decided so, Perdes picked up the book in question and immediately left the Crown Prince's study.
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