38 – Opportunity
‘The date of the engagement ceremony hasn’t even been decided yet…’
Elf Prince Aphelatos knew very well how important an engagement was to humans, who couldn’t even live that long.
Moreover, Eos’ engagement partner was presumed to be a saint.
Somehow, judging by Eos’ cautious reaction, it seemed to be a secret, but Emperor Mersen probably already knew.
‘About twenty years ago from now…’
Belkreed Sufelator Caldebrion.
That damn Emperor of the Empire wasn’t a fool.
When I first saw his face, I immediately realized something.
Though he may appear to be a bear, relying solely on his strength, that stubborn guy who always insisted on winning fights was actually more like a clever wolf.
As Weblea’s closest brother and the only one in the family who allowed their marriage, that was the reason.
If he had been a fool, I would never have allowed it.
Anyway.
As the Emperor, there must be a reason for him to want to marry the Saint.
“A Saint….”
After living for about 80 years, it was not at all difficult to understand that intention.
Surely, he intended to use the fanatics throughout the continent who followed the Goddess of Light as a pawn for Eos.
“Could it be that he wants to reinstate the Crown Prince….”
“Ha!”
That sudden thought that came to mind was truly mind-blowing.
Indeed, it was a great affection.
And it could not be anything other than true love.
“You still haven’t forgotten Weblea.”
The fact that that bastard who stole my little sister was still detestable was true.
But on the other hand, I couldn’t deny the gratitude I felt for truly loving my sister more than anyone else.
However, it would not be an easy task to reinstate someone who had already been dethroned.
Eos Caldebrion.
He was wrapped up more tightly than ivy with all sorts of notorious rumors surrounding him like a shadow.
Moreover, it was a fate that both humans and elves were bound to be disliked due to their inherent nature.
“……”
But why was that?
The infamous nephew, who had caused trouble, had protected himself after exhausting the earth spirit last night.
The regret that came later was so bitter.
It was to the point where he felt disgust for himself, who had fiercely tormented his nephew in that short time they had met.
Even after living for 80 years, he was still reckless.
He had tossed and turned in remorse all night, unable to sleep.
Perhaps the nephew’s infamy was created by someone with evil intentions.
Naturally, his tone softened.
He found himself belatedly relying on the bloodline of his beloved younger sister.
Of course, on his face, the sincere affection, no different from the appearance of other elves facing their beloved nephews, naturally oozed out like the sap of a straight tree.
However, there was no way to stop the worries that suddenly surged up.
If such infamy was truly created, the future of Eos could never be considered bright.
The biggest problem was, of course, Prince Cervis, who appeared this morning leading a large army.
He had his birth mother, the current empress, and his stepfather, Duke Shurain, as his backers.
He appeared as if he had been waiting.
And it happened the day after meteors and all sorts of magic were scattered as if to hinder the progress of Eos.
It was too suspicious to be called a coincidence.
“No, that’s not it.”
Perhaps it was something that should have been obvious.
For Eos, raising the ball was a challenge to the current Crown Prince.
There was no way he could just watch as the fallen prince, Eos, became a hero by stopping the war with the elves and saving the lives of imperial citizens.
So, there was a good chance that behind all this, the Empress and the Prime Minister were involved.
But why?
Why, exactly, did the thought of Wiblia come to mind the moment I laid eyes on him?
The death of my younger sister was clearly due to illness.
The emperor had long ago informed me that she had started to suffer without any discernible cause.
However, none of the brothers who loved Wiblia with all their hearts had ever seen her in person.
Not even our mother, the queen, could go.
It was because our father, who loved our youngest daughter more than anyone else, vehemently opposed it, even to the point of issuing a royal decree.
“Perhaps Father had already seen Wiblia on his own….”
I had been suspicious for a long time.
If we considered the worst-case scenario, Wiblia’s death could have been a case of poisoning.
It was just a hunch, but if it turned out to be true…
The moment it was revealed, the most powerful nation and the Lyvengard would not be able to avoid an all-out war.
Of course, we were not afraid of defeat.
Elves who control the elements never waver.
But the power of the elves was limited.
They could use magic close to a disaster through the elements, but in doing so, they would inevitably have to risk their lives.
It could be seen as a situation similar to that of a honeybee, which would futilely die with just one sting.
Of course, if one were to receive the grace of the World Tree, they could survive in such a state.
However, in doing so, the World Tree would have to expend a significant amount of power, and if it were to try to save all the dying elves, the safety of the forest could be jeopardized in the worst case scenario.
In any case, war was deadly even for the elves.
So, in a situation where they had lost countless kin due to consecutive wars,
It was inevitable to suspect that Father and Viblea, who loved Rivengard more than anyone else, might have made a secret agreement without anyone knowing.
And if it truly was an assassination,
The most likely culprits behind it would be the current Empress and Duke Shlain.
“Sigh….”
At the end of such an absurd speculation, Aplatus’ gaze once again fell upon his nephew’s bright green eyes, scanning through his silver hair.
From his sharp nose to his sleek jawline, his nephew’s appearance was so similar to Viblea.
It must have been because, no matter what mischief Eos caused, the Emperor didn’t punish him severely.
Because he loved Viblea so much, he couldn’t possibly abandon his son who looked so much like her.
And now, he must be burning with the desire to quickly engage Eos to the Saintess.
In order to maximize the effect of the engagement ceremony, Eos must have gained a reputation.
So, even though he knew the risks involved, he must have sent the Crown Prince here to take on the danger.
And if that’s the case,
It wouldn’t be bad for him to help a little as an uncle.
And for the sake of his kin, and for Viblea, who had dreamed of peaceful coexistence between humans and elves.
Eos, with his mixed blood of elves, must definitely become the Emperor of Mersenne.
To achieve that, it seemed necessary to make Riven Guard a reliable support for a prince with no backing.
In order to do that, he would need to gain the trust of the elves first.
Aphlatus was determined to ensure that Eos, who had received the love of the elves from Wiblea, would inherit it completely.
“Hmm…”
Now, all the preparations were complete.
The identities and locations of those who dropped the meteorite were all revealed.
Starting from dawn, he ordered his subordinates to release the spirits of the wind.
Tracking the distorted flow of mana, it was not difficult to find them.
The culprits who attacked both humans and elves were none other than the Blazing Tower.
In fact, it was a bit humiliating to leave behind traces.
Of course, considering how powerful their magic was, they might have been too exhausted to erase the traces.
But still, to show such a vulnerability against Riven Guard, who had conquered several human kingdoms in a short period of time…
Could it be a trap?
Was it necessary?
Perhaps it was because there had been no war for a while.
Or maybe it was because the Blazing Tower was too confident, being within the empire’s territory.
Whatever the reason.
They were deserving of death for plotting the massacre of innocent people.
Only four meteorites had fallen.
Countless magicians must have been mobilized, and a tremendous amount of magic stones must have been used, without a doubt.
If I hadn’t stopped it, I could have turned into ashes without anyone noticing.
And now.
They’re probably resting comfortably with their feet up.
If that’s the case, there won’t be a better moment than now to seek revenge.
But the elves couldn’t move.
If they did, they would be unable to avoid a full-scale war with the Empire.
But if the prince, who almost died, were to move, the story would have been very different.
According to human law, the crime of executing a royal is usually handled with death, and Aphlatus knew this well.
That’s why he had already obtained permission from his father.
He would secretly send Eos to destroy the mausoleum and capture the responsible party, the Mausoleum Master.
Even if they were caught, there would be no problem because of the just cause and the Empire’s laws.
And if he succeeded.
He would be loved by countless elves for risking his life for them and standing against the Empire.
He didn’t inform the Emperor for that reason.
Eos had to handle this alone in order to gain the trust of the elves.
However, the only problem was that, despite being the son of Wibrea, his powers had become ridiculously weak.
He had only made a contract with three low-level spirits.
Of course, it couldn’t be helped since the spirits residing in human cities were generally just that, but it was still an unprecedented event in the history of the Liven Guard royal family.
But maybe, that’s why it could be a better situation.
A half-hearted elf striving for the sake of the elves, who had reduced a mausoleum to rubble with just three low-level spirits?
And all of this, for the sake of the people of Rivengard?
That alone was enough to elicit cheers from the elves.
Perhaps it would become a legend of the Rivengard royal family.
So, if they truly succeeded in such a feat, it wouldn’t be impossible for Weblea to inherit the lifespan and power that she had sealed in the World Tree.
Of course, the most important fact at this moment was that Eos was incredibly weak.
So, all this time, I had planned to secretly pass on my sister’s insignia, which had been carefully kept hidden from everyone, to Eos.
With those treasures among treasures, it would have been possible to bring down the blazing tower without much difficulty.
***
Two elves came forward, each holding a rapier and armor.
“Take these with you.”
I had never seen a rapier made of green metal before.
The guard part that protected the hand was shaped like a leaf, and the long, slender blade seemed to be specialized for thrusting.
However, even so, the well-forged thin blade seemed like it would have no trouble cutting through.
But the armor they handed me was too thin and light, making me wonder if it could even withstand a single arrow.
“What are these?”
Prince’s demeanor had changed so dramatically that I inadvertently used formal language.
“These are the insignias your mother used when she lived as an adventurer. Weblea entrusted them to me, her most trusted older brother, when she left this place. It’s what the king wanted so desperately, and what I secretly kept hidden until now.”
“I don’t think something like this is really necessary…”
“Just by appearance, they might seem like trash made by humans, but in reality, they are the national treasures of Rivengard, created by the great elven general Brothea hundreds of years ago.”
“Why are you giving these to me…?”
“There is something you must do today.”
“What is it?”
“The Fiery Tower in the Imperial Territory. Bring it down alone. They are the culprits of last night.”
“….”
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For a moment, I was speechless.
Even so, to bring down the tower alone.
It was a bewildering statement to hear before my meal had even been digested.
While I was still unable to find the words to say, Aphlatos spoke again.
“Do you want to become the emperor?”
“….”
The emperor.
It was something I had to become in order to survive.
Even if I endured the scorn and hatred of the elves and sought refuge in Rivengard, eventually, Rivengard would become a sea of fire because of me.
Seeing that I did not outright refuse, Aphlatos opened his mouth again.
“It seems you are not entirely unwilling. If you desire to become the emperor, put on that armor. If you personally punish those who dared to harm the elves and bring me the Tower’s Jewel, the entirety of Rivengard will support you.”
In a moment of surprise, an elf whispered to Aphlatos, accepting the offer.
“The time has come. If you have made up your mind, put on the armor and come out first.”
With Astia’s help, I put on the armor and stepped outside with Elaine, who had an anxious expression.
In the open space in front of the monument, numerous elves were gathered.
Glentino and the ten knights, who had been waiting for me to come out, were frozen in fear, their faces as stiff as statues.
And beyond them…
A gigantic white-headed eagle, larger than an elephant, was glaring at me.