Chapter 31: The Flame That Burns the World (3)

Tehis recounted the events in a detached manner, as if reporting from a third-party perspective.

He described how Chloe had been kidnapped by the dark mages, how she returned to the Grand Duchy through the Mage Tower, and how they defeated the terrorists before learning about the plot to attack the capital.

What had felt like an incredibly long day was summarized in just a few sentences. However, he deliberately omitted any mention of Lucas, one of the key figures.

“Wait, didn’t you previously say that the rebels and the dark mages had joined forces? And yet they kidnapped Chloe, who is the lover of the Grand Duke?”

“The relationship between the rebels and the dark mages didn’t seem particularly solid. I suspect their dealings ended with each providing what the other needed.”

“So, the plan to burn the capital… I see. Was it simply the dark mages acting directly in this matter?”

“Yes, Your Highness. In fact, I previously witnessed a figure who appeared to be a leader among the dark mages drawing a magic circle in the capital and chased them off.”

“Ha. It would’ve been nice if you had informed me.”

“I did leave a word with the guards, but since the opponent was a high-ranking mage, it seems it wasn’t much use.”

They continued sharing and supplementing information. Most of the time, Tehis reported first, and Kaishan provided feedback.

Tehis revealed details about the battlefield and the Third Prince’s movements, which couldn’t be fully conveyed through letters. The conversation eventually circled back to why the dark mages had attacked the Grand Duchy, as neither the rebel leaders nor the dark mages had shown any overt signs of distrust toward Tehis.

“Tribal shamanism, huh… What a mess.”

“They must hold deep resentment toward me. While it’s a sensitive matter, it’s suspected that the Emperor’s current condition is also due to their actions.”

Kaishan paused, staring silently at Tehis. The tribes were a group absorbed into the northern region governed by Escalante. Tehis mentioning something that could potentially incriminate him as a traitor was unexpected.

“Are you sure it’s okay to tell me that? How do you know how I’ll react?”

“I’ve already explained that the dark mages attacked the Grand Duchy under the influence of shamanism. I, too, am one of their targets. I trust that you, as the Crown Prince, being wise, will discern everyone’s positions properly.”

“Ha ha… I didn’t know you had such wit, Grand Duke Escalante.”

Kaishan let out a hearty laugh, leaning back comfortably against his chair. He glanced at Tehis and Chloe, crossed his legs, and spoke leisurely.

“It’s good to hear it directly from you. By coincidence, I came across information suggesting that you are in collusion with the rebels, used the tribes to cast a curse on the Emperor, Grand Duke. Perhaps this is one of Chernin’s schemes to stab you in the back.”

“…!”

Tehis didn’t need to defend himself. Before he could respond, Kaishan waved his hand dismissively and continued.

“To be honest, I did suspect the Grand Duke at one point. The k*lling intent that leaked out whenever you were near His Majesty wasn’t exactly subtle. I also wondered if your assistance in quelling the fires in the capital was just a way to gain my trust. But since Chloe is still affiliated with the Mage Tower, I doubt she would go along with such a plan. The losses outweigh the gains.”

Kaishan found it amusing how Tehis remained expressionless while Chloe’s face constantly revealed her emotions. He couldn’t help but chuckle at how different this “couple of the century” was.

‘Perhaps their opposite natures are what make them compatible.’

His mind briefly wandered before returning to the matter at hand. Ignoring the mage who seemed eager to speak, he shrugged his shoulders.

“Besides, with you providing such direct information, what’s the point of doubting you, Grand Duke? I’m just glad to have a reliable ally.”

Chloe was dumbfounded by Kaishan’s declaration that he now considered them allies. She felt an urge to punch his handsome face.

‘So, he’s been doubting us all this time without showing any signs?’

Not only had he hidden his suspicions, but he had also acted incredibly friendly toward them.

The realization sent shivers down her spine. It felt like she had glimpsed the true nature of the Crown Prince, whom she hadn’t noticed before.

The man, still wearing a friendly smile, would soon ascend to the throne. That fact struck her anew.

“I’m just grateful for your trust, Your Highness.”

“I should be the one thanking you. After all, you chose me, didn’t you? Now, let’s move past this topic…”

Kaishan uncrossed his legs and straightened his posture. He clasped his hands together on the table, speaking seriously.

“Let’s discuss how to deal with the rebels moving forward.”

***

A short while earlier.

While Persha was engulfed in flames, a secret meeting was taking place in the capital of the Kingdom of Jeren.

The meeting was led by Chernin Harpeon, the mastermind of the rebellion, and Britan Fernand. A few leaders from allied nations who had fought alongside them sat around a round table.

“Isn’t this enough proof? It shows that the empire is far weaker and more vulnerable than we thought.”

An expensive artifact transmitting live footage displayed the burning city. The continent’s most powerful Superia Imperial Army could do nothing but flail around, focusing solely on rescuing people.

The sight of the entire capital burning because they couldn’t extinguish a single large fire was pitiful. A few people shook their heads. Unaware of the underlying complexities, they found it easy to underestimate the empire.

Perhaps it really was worth trying. Helping the prince’s rebellion, placing him on the throne, and continuously interfering with the empire afterward seemed like a plausible strategy.

Those who had been skeptical of the cooperation request began calculating furiously, each with their own motives. They could already foresee what the future of the Empire would look like if an idiot who burned the capital to persuade foreign nations ascended the throne.

While they calculated and schemed, the Third Prince, Chernin, observed them with his crimson eyes.

‘Fools.’

The time and resources he had poured into this endeavor were immeasurable.

He had spent years painstakingly preparing, forming an alliance with the dark mages—who were difficult to even meet, let alone persuade. The success of this plan, which involved a high-ranking mage, was enough to tempt these people, but to him, they seemed even more pathetic than the Imperial Army.

‘Go ahead, let your guard down and let me use you.’

Even if this appeared to harm him personally, he didn’t care. In fact, he welcomed their underestimation of him.

There was no easier prey than those who looked down on him.

‘This way, burning the capital becomes an asset.’

He had prepared for this, knowing it would ruin his reputation to fulfill his promises to the tribes. His lips curved into a satisfied smile as he made the most of what could have been a significant loss.

‘It was all a stroke of luck.’

The series of relationships and events that led to this moment could only be described as fortunate.

The high-ranking mage and the tribes happened to hold grudges against the Emperor and the Grand Duke. The Emperor and the Grand Duke were enemies. Duke Fernand harbored resentment toward the Crown Prince. Surrounding kingdoms were eager to claim the position of the second Empire.

Was there ever a more exploitable situation?

It felt as though the heavens were pushing him toward the throne. Otherwise, such coincidences could never align.

‘So, Father, you should have given me a chance.’

Chernin suppressed the urge to laugh out loud. He answered a few questions directed at him, pretending to be a foolish prince.

To become Emperor, he was willing to act as everyone’s puppet. Once he ascended the throne, he had already prepared to quietly consolidate his power and eventually become a tyrant.

‘Later, I’ll just have to reclaim the army from Duke Fernand.’

For now, he had entrusted full control of the army to the Duke to use it as the backbone of the rebellion. Figuring out how to leash a man revered and feared by the soldiers was a problem for another day.

‘Even if it’s difficult to confront the Sword Master directly, manipulating the surrounding circumstances is easy.’

To facilitate the soldiers’ indoctrination, he had brought every tribal shaman to Jeren. The rebellion’s base was already in Jeren’s volcanic region, so it wasn’t an unusual move.

Jeren was a fledgling kingdom, born from criminals who had gathered in a dangerous volcanic area. It was a sinister place, avoided by all, with no strict inspections, few visitors, and proximity to the Empire. It was the perfect place for plotting.

‘Trash.’

Chernin smirked inwardly. Even Jeren’s history of war was trash.

The Duke had personally delivered the heads of the king and royal family.

His gaze briefly shifted to the corner. There stood a man with his arms crossed, silent. He was Jeren’s sole high-ranking Sword Expert and the Duke who had committed treason.

‘I don’t know when he’ll turn against me, but for now, I’ll use him well.’

Chernin smiled faintly and deactivated the artifact to conserve mana stones.

Just before the screen went dark, he failed to notice the crimson flames vanishing in an instant.

“Now then… hmm?”

Even if he had noticed, there was little he could have done.

Because a disaster beyond human comprehension was about to strike without warning.