Chapter 114 - The Empire's First Prince

"... So this is..."

"A dullahan's head."

Martin frowned. Nearly rotted away and reeking of decay, the dullahan's head was revolting however one tried to dress it up. He forced his expression back under control.

"There were hundreds of dullahans alone, as well as death knights and liches."

"Death knights and liches too?"

"The death knights command legions. They lead forces numbering in the hundreds or thousands. What I witnessed was only a tiny fraction. No one knows how many more undead have made their lairs within the gorge."

They were nowhere near powerful enough to bring down the Empire itself. But if they deliberately went on a rampage, they were strong enough to wipe out the entire area surrounding Habstrain Gorge.

"There may even be several dark mages. Wouldn't it be difficult to create such a vast army alone?"

"... I suppose so."

Martin swallowed a groan at this further exaggeration.

"Hillen Cargill. You were right."

"I always speak only the truth, Your Highness. I merely regret that the urgency of the situation prevented me from bringing more."

"I understand. And this is enough. The very existence of a dark mage capable of creating dullahans is something the Empire cannot stand idly by and tolerate."

Arain's dark mages had been all but eradicated. No, they had been eradicated. A dark mage who summoned dullahans was therefore quite a shock. Combined with the Demon Kings' recent activities, it was especially alarming.

'They must be eliminated before they can act.'

Before the band of dark mages grew any larger.

"I must report this to His Majesty and take action."

"I don't think that would be wise, Your Highness."

"What do you mean?"

"I know you care for your people, Your Highness. But this is not a matter to handle so simply. I would prefer you to make adequate preparations before submitting your report, so that you can claim the credit."

"That is rather presumptuous."

However remarkable Hillen Cargill might be, and however great his contribution to this affair, intervening in the imperial succession was another matter entirely.

"It is merely advice."

"Do you take me for a fool?"

"By now, the other members of the imperial family have probably noticed my presence. If not, they soon will. They will know that I have sought your hospitality and am helping you."

"So you intend to bet on me?"

"Yes. I thought I might try."

"I have no need of help from heroes or the Heroes' Guild."

"Naturally, neither His Majesty nor the other members of the imperial family would want me to intervene. But these dark mages are extremely dangerous. A Demon King might be involved. No, a Demon King is involved."

Dark mages could only be created through contracts with Demon Kings. At least, that was the common understanding throughout the continent.

"Surely there is nothing strange about a hero joining the effort to thwart a Demon King's plot?"

"..."

He was not wrong. Having a hero or the Heroes' Guild interfere in the imperial succession was a problem, but when dealing with a Demon King, heroes were all but essential. Someone who was not a hero could defeat a demon, perhaps even a Demon King. But why do so? Why suffer greater losses when there was an easier, faster way? No nation wished to bear those losses.

"... Wait for now. You will continue to be treated as my guest."

"Yes. Thank you."

Martin dismissed him, and Hillen Cargill left.

"What do you think?"

"He is not wrong."

The guard knight bowed his head.

"If this were merely a matter of the imperial succession, it would be a poor move. But dark mages—and beyond them, a Demon King—are involved. It is more likely to work in your favor."

"Do you think Hillen Cargill anticipated all of this when he approached me?"

"To be frank, yes. I think you should be careful. He is a sly schemer at heart."

"You see him just as I do."

Martin turned his gaze to the dullahan's head Hillen Cargill had left behind.

"What do you think Hillen Cargill is plotting?"

"At the very least, it will not be exactly what he claims."

"Indeed. If he simply wanted assistance, wouldn't approaching my elder brothers rather than me be more practical?"

"But however much he wants, he will not cross the line."

It was an arrogant statement, but an accurate one. Such was the weight carried by the names of the Empire and its imperial family. Even having slain two Demon Kings, Hillen could not withstand the Empire's wrath. Nor could anyone else.

"And at least in this matter, accepting will benefit you more than refusing, Your Highness."

"Certainly."

The offer was far too tempting. And so...

"I will accept."

Gladly.

* * *

An official document arrived at House Travian, which guarded Habstrain Gorge. The visitor who had come to the count's estate in secret was someone he knew well: Baron Torion, a noble of the imperial capital known as the emperor's mouthpiece.

"Please accept this, my lord Count."

"Hmm."

The fine confidential letter bore the seal of the golden dragon, the emperor's symbol. Count Travian accepted it carefully.

"These are His Majesty's secret orders."

"... Ascertain the presence of a band of dark mages operating secretly within Habstrain Gorge?"

"You must confirm it as quickly as possible and report to His Majesty."

"No, wait. Dark mages? What do you mean?"

"Precisely what it says."

"It has been over nine years since I inherited the title of count and began guarding the gorge. I know it better than anyone."

"Then are you saying His Majesty has invented something that does not exist?"

"No, that is not what I meant..."

"There was reliable intelligence."

"Intelligence? Who could possibly have gathered intelligence without my knowledge, when I am responsible for the gorge?"

"I cannot tell you that."

"Information I knew nothing of has leaked out of my own domain."

"It did not leak out. You were simply unaware. Unaware of events in your own domain, despite being the man responsible for it."

"..."

"..."

Their gazes clashed. The count ground his teeth.

"His Majesty..."

"Wishes to give you another chance. Why else would I have come here bearing these secret orders?"

"There really are dark mages?"

"I understand you reported that monster activity has been declining for several years."

"That is correct."

"You said you could not identify the cause. But wouldn't it make sense if a dark mage—a necromancer—were using the gorge's demonic energy to turn them into undead?"

"Even the heroes found nothing."

"They are said to be hiding underground, deep within the gorge, where a Demon King's tower once stood. Did you search that far?"

"Underground..."

He had not even known there was an underground space.

"Please tell His Majesty that I am grateful for his great mercy, and that I will find them without fail."

"Yes. I shall."

"I will make those bastards answer for their crimes."

"No. You will not."

"What do you mean?"

"You must stop at identifying them, my lord. That is His Majesty's will."

"Is he planning something?"

"You will know soon enough."

"... Understood."

"Then I leave this in your hands."

"Convey my gratitude for His Majesty's great mercy, and tell him I will not disappoint him this time."

"Yes. I shall."

The baron nodded.

* * *

Berge opened an imperial newspaper.

【Shocking Discovery: Traces of Undead Found in Habstrain Gorge...】

【Habstrain Gorge a Hideout for Dark Mages?】

【What Was the Man Responsible for the Gorge Doing?】

【Skeletons, Zombies, and Even Dullahans: How Did the Gorge Become an Undead Den?】

【Hundreds of Thousands of Undead Lurking in the Gorge? Why the Empire Is in Real Trouble!】

【Margrave Chernian: An Assault on the Tower of Bitter Cold Is Premature...】

【Why Are the Snowfields in Turmoil? A Plot by the Northern Barbarians?】

The newspaper reflected the hottest issues in the Empire: the recently uncovered undead crisis in Habstrain Gorge, and the unrest in the snowfields. But several months had already passed since the events in the snowfields, so attention naturally focused on Habstrain. The stories about the undead, in particular, grew increasingly exaggerated and spawned an endless stream of rumors.

"Is this the Third Prince's doing?"

"I expect so. He is exaggerating the dark mages' abilities to create a situation in which a hero's involvement is essential."

"The Third Prince would never do this on his own, so it may be the emperor's will."

It was speculation, yet he was certain. Although the timing differed, the same thing had happened before his regression.

Just then...

"Your High... this..."

"You can't—!"

A clatter rang out. They sensed several people approaching and heard the metallic scrape of swords being drawn.

CLICK

The door opened. Knights scanned the room and took up positions. A man walked in between them.

"So it is you."

He looked down arrogantly at Berge and Hillen.

"The famous Hillen Cargill and Pale."

The man exuded refinement. His natural air of intimidation was that of a conquering sovereign. A born ruler, a noble bloodline—all manner of grand descriptions suited him.

Hillen rose and bowed his head.

"I greet Your Highness, Prince Rufus Jespine."

"You know me?"

"I imagine fewer people do not."

"Is that so?"

The man nodded. His brilliant golden hair, like Kaede's and Martin's, fluttered, and his eyes, an even more brilliant gold, curved into a smile. He casually pulled out a chair and sat down. Only at a glance from him did Hillen and Berge sit back down.

"I have heard much of your reputation. They say you are the finest of all the heroes these days."

"You flatter me."

"Heroes who slay a Demon King are always rare. All the more so those who slay two."

Rufus's lips curved into a natural smile.

"Now that I see you in person, I understand why. Your presence, your dignity, your manner of speech—I like everything about you."

"Thank you for your praise."

"Ah, would you bring some tea here?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maids soon brought tea.

"Please, have some."

"Thank you."

Rufus stirred his tea with a teaspoon.

"I hear you came to the imperial capital at Martin's request?"

As casually as if sipping his tea, he suddenly went on the attack.

"Yes, that is correct."

"Because of the dark mages in Habstrain who have everyone in an uproar?"

"Yes."

"Did Martin really summon you first?"

"I do not understand what you mean."

"Martin says he learned about the dark mages first. But that boy learned something even Count Travian knew nothing about? Surely that cannot be possible."

"I really do not know."

"No, I believe you do."

He took a sip of tea.

"The order of events is wrong from the start. He did not learn of an anomaly and ask a hero for help. He heard about the anomaly from a hero and then commissioned an investigation."

And the source of that information...

"Was you, wasn't it?"

"You are mistaken. I merely accepted a commission from His Highness the Third Prince."

"Think about whom you are speaking to before you answer. Lies will never lead you to a happy ending."

Hillen fell silent. Rufus shrugged.

"I am joking. It doesn't actually matter."

CLINK

"If you simply accepted a commission, then we may safely say it was completed when you brought back the dullahan's head as evidence, correct?"

Rufus set down his teacup.

"In which case, you no longer have any reason to remain with Martin."

His eyes turned cold.

"That remains to be seen."

"Does it?"

"Because if His Highness the Third Prince offers another commission, I may accept it."

"Whatever compensation Martin promises, I will promise more. Come to me."

"My apologies."

"Why?"

"Although perhaps not to the same extent as mercenaries, heroes also place great value on trustworthiness. And I, in particular, am a Star and an Argan of the Guild."

"So you and Martin have already agreed to another exchange."

Rufus clicked his tongue.

"Then if that contract is broken, there will be no reason for you to remain bound to him. Am I wrong?"

"Of course, if the contract ceases to exist, there is no reason I cannot accept someone else's commission."

"I will remember that answer very clearly."

Rufus rose.

"Ah, just in case..."

He turned his head.

"If you are choosing Martin, I consider that a truly foolish choice."

His eyes curved into a smile.

"Heroes do not intervene in the Empire's succession."

"I sincerely hope that is true. I enjoyed today."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Come to think of it, there was someone else here. Pale, was it? It was a pleasure to meet you as well."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Then we shall meet again."

CLICK

Rufus left. The knights followed him, and the door closed.

"... Well done."

"What brought that on?"

"I mean just now. To be honest, I expected you to be only half-polite to him."

"Do you take me for an idiot who lashes out without thinking?"

"Isn't that what you did with Prince Cain Akan?"

"Cain and that bastard are different."

"You seem to know him well?"

"I do. Better than anyone."

Berge's lips twisted. How could he not? Rufus was the cause of the downfall that had ended Berge's unbroken rise. Berge had been the one to abduct him, so he could hardly blame anyone else. Still, it was a bitter memory, and it did make him grind his teeth.

In the past, he had killed every other member of the imperial family who coveted the throne and risen to become Crown Prince. But now he was still only one of many imperial royals: the First Prince, Rufus Jespine.

"How do you know His Highness the First Prince, Master Pale?"

"Must I explain that to you too?"

"Wouldn't that be nice?"

"Too much trouble. Anyway, I didn't expect him to come in person."

"Yes. I thought he would send someone. I never imagined..."

Just then...

KNOCK KNOCK

An attendant knocked on the door.

"You have a visitor."

"A visitor?"

"Yes. His Highness Floyan Jespine."

"...!"

"...!"

Berge and Hillen met each other's eyes.

"... Don't tell me another one will come once we're done with him?"

"We cannot entirely rule out that possibility."

"You deal with him yourself."

Floyan Jespine was the Empire's Second Prince, considered alongside Rufus Jespine the likeliest candidate to become Crown Prince. It looked as though it would be a long night.