Chapter 34: Tricking the Mad Prince

Due to this incident, the relationship between Sandburg and the Empire, which was starting to improve, has completely broken down, and the treaty was dissolved.

Since it was a treaty that Rudella Bismark was directly overseeing, her evaluation in the Senate, already poor, has further declined.

Although the accident occurred on the Sandburg side, the responsibility falls on Rudella Bismark, and so they are trying to hold her accountable.

In truth, there was also a larger scheme to elevate Francia Ferbache, a renowned authority on healing magic and well-regarded in both high society and the Senate, to empress.

Anyway, the Empire and Sandburg were on the brink of war.

The only reason war hadn’t started yet was to hear the parties involved and investigate the details to determine exactly what happened.

Crown Prince Fedelian Rogino argued that the Empire’s honor had been wounded and that war should be declared immediately, but the Emperor of Rogino seemed to want to avoid war at all costs.

Thus, today, the Emperor personally summoned Yohan to the Imperial Palace.

The Crown Prince and the head of the First Minister also attended.

They arrived at the Emperor’s audience room, located at the center of the palace.

The massive golden doors opened on both sides, spilling bright light into the room.

The white light pouring from the chandelier above shone like stars, illuminating the floor.

A red carpet stretched straight to the throne, with marble columns lining both sides, each resembling divine figures.

It felt like a privilege reserved only for those allowed to step foot in this room.

“Raise your head.”

As Yohan and the others summoned there knelt and lowered their heads, the Emperor raised one hand.

“Let the Crown Prince speak first.”

“Yes.”

Fedelian, who stood at the front, began to speak.

“My fiancée and the promising Yohan Harssen from the Empire were attacked. This was an affront to the Empire’s pride and a challenge to Rogino’s authority. I believe this should not be overlooked.”

Fedelian still strongly believed that war should be declared.

There were many benefits for him if war broke out.

By leading the war himself, he could raise the Empire’s prestige and solidify his position, gaining more influence.

“Is that so?”

The Emperor, who had been resting his chin on his hand while sitting on the throne, slowly opened his eyes, waving his hand.

Fedelian retreated in response to the gesture.

“Head of the First Minister. What do you think?”

The head of the First Minister, Duke Renokhonan, Cassis’ father.

Yohan, curious, shifted his gaze to observe him.

His scruffy beard and sideburns gave him the appearance of a lion.

Though his hair had turned white with age, his violet eyes still seemed to burn with intensity.

“I believe it is better to avoid war if possible. Until recently, the southern front was maintained, and it has only just been settled.”

Duke Renokhonan was opposed to war.

The First Minister’s troops, who would be sent to the most dangerous frontlines, had only just finished preparations, which made his stance understandable.

“Is that so?”

The Emperor slowly nodded before turning his gaze to Yohan.

“It seems it’s time to hear from the parties involved. Yohan Harssen, the great wizard. Do you know how this incident came about?”

Yohan slowly lifted his head but did not look directly at the Emperor, as doing so would violate the palace’s etiquette.

“I believe Sandburg is also a victim caught in someone’s scheme.”

“Hmm?”

The Emperor pursed his lips and studied Yohan with a slow, calculating gaze.

His eyes seemed to signal Yohan to continue, so Yohan spoke quietly.

“There have been other unfortunate events. From the practitioners controlling the great beasts during the Magul reconnaissance mission to this incident. I believe there are individuals stirring chaos within the Empire. They are likely in high positions.”

The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

“Someone is plotting against my nation?”

“Yes.”

Yohan answered confidently.

“The one who orchestrated this likely targeted Lady Bismark and aims to gain the most from Sandburg’s war. They are probably still hoping for war.”

Though Yohan’s statement was somewhat vague, with a careful inspection, it was clear he was referring to someone specific—someone who would benefit from both eliminating Rudella Bismark and starting a war.

There was only one person in this room who fit that description.

The Emperor slowly rubbed his chin, pondering Yohan’s words.

“Are you certain that there is a mastermind behind this? Whoever it is, if they have dared to defy Rogino’s authority, this is not something we can let slide.”

For a moment, the Emperor glanced at Fedelian.

Yohan’s gaze followed, and the Crown Prince subtly looked away.

“There may be no physical evidence, but it is certainly not a trivial matter. Harssen, can you stand by your words?”

The Emperor studied Yohan as if trying to read his sincerity.

“I am not speaking on mere speculation, Your Majesty. I am certain there is someone behind this.”

The Emperor nodded slowly, the brief silence making the air in the audience room feel heavy.

Yohan’s gaze shifted, briefly passing over Fedelian.

His expression hardened, and his fingers trembled slightly.

The Crown Prince tried to avert his gaze but couldn’t hide the tension in his face.

“Hmm.”

The Emperor, resting his chin on his hand, must have realized the Crown Prince’s involvement in this scheme.

There were too many connections to ignore.

Yohan’s plan had worked.

The Emperor now suspected that the Crown Prince was behind the turmoil in the Empire.

“I have heard your opinions. I now understand what has happened.”

The Emperor stood up from the throne with a swish of his robe.

“War will not happen.”

“Your Majesty…!”

“Be silent, Crown Prince.”

“I must defend the Empire’s honor…!”

“I said be silent.”

The Emperor’s frown deepened, and Fedelian clenched his teeth, swallowing his words.

“We will express regret to Sandburg and offer appropriate compensation. However, nothing will satisfy the Empire, so we must claim some of their territory.”

Though the assassination attempt on Rudella Bismark had failed, receiving territory as compensation would still be a considerable gain.

“This decision should not be seen as weakening the Empire. We will demand compensation from Sandburg, but we will also investigate the true threat to the Empire and pursue it to the end.”

The Emperor spoke with a stern warning, his eyes gleaming with determination.

“I do not know who caused this turmoil in my Empire, but whoever it is, once they have made their move, they must ensure that their actions remain hidden. Whoever they are, the harshest punishment awaits.”

Everyone, including Yohan, who had been quietly listening, lowered their heads.

Yohan’s eyes flicked briefly toward Fedelian beside the Emperor.

His face was shadowed.

It must not have sat well with him to have the Emperor discover his involvement.

His plan had failed.

“To the head of the First Minister and the Crown Prince, thank you for coming such a long way. Yohan Harssen, you too have worked hard. You may leave now.”

Yohan stood up from his seat, offering a respectful royal greeting before leaving the audience chamber.

As he stepped out of the tense space where even breathing seemed careful, Yohan couldn’t help but smile subtly.

A thrilling sense of accomplishment spread down his neck, wrapping around his entire body.

‘Finally, a shadow has appeared on that noble face.’

What had happened was clearly Yohan’s victory.

The crown prince would now be under constant surveillance.

Although, since it would be the shadows acting in place of him, there wouldn’t be a need for direct oversight, but the fact that he was being watched would surely become a shackle on his ankles.

‘Serves him right.’

Yohan fought the urge to laugh out loud and left the imperial palace.

Bang!

“Damn it!”

As soon as he arrived at his quarters, Fedelian was overcome with uncontrollable rage and swept everything off his desk.

The ink bottle fell, leaving a black stain on the floor, and papers scattered through the air.

His fingers were trembling with so much force that they looked as though they might break, and his clenched face revealed deep fury.

“Yohan Harssen…”

Fedelian, after slamming the desk, paced around his room, unable to calm his anger.

His trembling hands and the fury rising from deep within him seemed unstoppable.

‘How dare he.’

He never expected to be directly targeted like that in front of the emperor.

One wrong move, and it could have been seen as an insult to the royal family, a crime that could have been devastating, yet Yohan had made that choice.

But the emperor understood Yohan’s words instantly, which was why he hadn’t been punished.

Now, the crown prince would be under greater surveillance, and the seeds of mistrust planted in the emperor’s heart would shake his position.

Was that all? If evidence was found or something slipped, he could be deposed from the throne and imprisoned in the dungeon reserved for the royal family.

“For now, I have no choice but to lie low.”

Although he wasn’t worried about evidence being found, there was still the possibility that Rudella Bismark had kept some.

“Huh.”

Fedelian took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart.

Though his anger still boiled, he had to remain as composed as possible.

‘Rudella Bismark… I need to deal with her as well, but it’s complicated.’

With the surveillance tightening and Rudella not being easy to dispose of, anyone who tried to harm her would first be suspected, and that meant him, since the emperor was keeping a close eye.

‘Yohan Harssen…’

Fedelian gritted his teeth.

Not only had he lost the Princess Francia, but now his very position as crown prince was being threatened.

‘You won’t get away with this.’

It was at the moment when Yohan was about to call for his carriage that she appeared.

“Harssen, the Great Magician.”

“Oh, Lady Bismark.”

Rudella, who should have been at Topaz Palace, came directly to the front of the imperial palace and called out Yohan’s name.

“Did you come here for something?” Yohan asked.

“…Just.”

“Just?”

Yohan tilted his head slightly at Rudella’s vague response.

She hesitated, speaking in a voice that trembled a bit, as if she were a child.

“I just… wanted to see you…”

Her voice came out like a whisper.

The moment the words left her lips, her face turned red, and she was startled by it herself.

She quickly turned her gaze away.

Rudella clenched her hands tightly without realizing it, wishing that her words would not reach his ears, though at the same time hoping he would hear them.

What would his reaction be? That was her curiosity.

“Lady Bismark, sometimes you seem to have some unusual sides to you.”

However, he seemed to not have heard her, as he just smiled lightly and looked at her.

Relieved, Rudella exhaled, though she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

“Have you been avoiding the issue?”

“…I’m still considering it,” Yohan replied.

“I see.”

Yohan tilted his head with a smile.

His deep blue eyes met hers, and Rudella swallowed nervously.

“Whenever you need me, just call. Though I am a great magician, I don’t have much to do other than handle trivial documents.”

Rudella turned her gaze slightly and nodded.

She nervously rubbed her wrist with her fingers to hide the excitement she felt.

“I will.”

“Is that all…?”

“Are you finished speaking?”

“Then I shall take my leave.”

“Ah…”

As Yohan began to climb into his carriage, Rudella reached out with a look of regret.

Her hand lingered in the air for a moment.

Without realizing it, she was trying to grab him.

“…Did you have more to say?”

“Well… Ah, um.”

Rudella stammered for a while, then spoke cautiously.

“…Would you like to stop by Topaz Palace?”