SN CH. 73

If they guessed the reason why that person didn’t want to kill Rosaline, who returned alive, maybe it was because she went directly into the heart of Balta by herself. Still, they would have been wary of her and hovering around her, but no one noticed their suspicious acts… This person might be dangerous in many ways.

Once again, Rosaline came back alive. Ricardis thought that if he was the ‘It’ that killed her, and if he were in the present situation, he would surely want to end Rosaline’s story with her death.

Ricardis’s nerves prickled, and he got goosebumps. He thought the arrows aimed at Rosaline were running out, but apparently, something more dangerous loomed above her. It was a bad situation. The only variable they knew was that Rosaline and the other party were the same species.

But even if the person knew such a fact, Ricardis could not predict their reaction. Would it be favorable? Or hostile? Ricardis, a human with only 25 years of life experience, was at his limit.

If so, let’s leave that variable as it is. It was an element that was too uncertain for Ricardis’ to use to his advantage. They could not take this situation lightly and depend on luck and chance. One has to work it out slowly, carefully, and precisely so they won’t miss anything while rushing.

***

“What were you thinking?”

“You didn’t tell me to sit, but I will sit as it looks like this will be a long conversation.”

Calyx sat down in his seat. This place, equipped with only the furniture necessary for living and work without any fancy decorations, was the Radwiell mansion in the capital of Illavenia. Count Fertan Radwiell stood by the window and looked out, even though his son had come.

“I ordered you to guard the estate.”

“Sister was sick. Also, there was a letter from the 2nd Prince, so I visited Moonstone Castle.” 

Fertan paused for a moment, then turned his head.

“What did you call her just now?”

Ignoring the command to protect the territory and entering the Moonstone Castle as the Radwiell heir: of those two major issues, Fertan pointed out the problematic word.

“You knew. I thought you wouldn’t know because you weren’t very interested in Sister.”

Of course, Calyx didn’t think his father wouldn’t know. Wasn’t he the one who explained that Rosaline was a mage in the first place?

As far as Calyx knew, ‘Rosaline’ had been an ordinary human. The fact that she ‘turned into a mage’ meant that their father at least knew ‘Rosaline’ was dead, even if he didn’t know the exact circumstances. Also, the fact that the current Rosaline is a different person.

“Don’t be cheeky with me. I wondered if you were out from behind your sister’s skirt, but without seeing her, you’ve turned into a three-year-old.”

“I am stepping out of the Radwiell cradle. Aren’t you proud?”

Fertan completely turned his body and looked at Calyx.

“For generations, the Radwiell family has always produced intelligent and strong successors, so people say we have nothing to worry about with heirs. But…”

He walked from the window to the table, and a large shadow fell on Calyx.

“…You are foolish and weak.”

Calyx looked up at his father and smiled.

“Thank you.”

Fertan sat down, and he ate the cake with his bare hands. Calyx looked at him and frowned. He is aware Rosaline died, but he does not ask about the details. He just scolded Calyx for not obeying his orders and trying to protect his sister. Calyx’s stomach boiled.

“Isn’t there something more important than that, Father?”

“Nothing is more important than you forgetting a Radwiell’s duties.”

“Sister is more important!”

Bang!

The teacup spilled as Calyx hit the table. Fertan wiped the cream off his hands with a handkerchief.

“Even if it’s because of you, don’t let Radwiell fall into danger. That is your duty and destiny as a person who stands with the family name.”

“You’re saying funny things. Before even Balta, Elpidio is the most dangerous person to Illavenia. I’m sure you don’t know.”

“Do not recklessly mention the name of an Imperial family member.”

“The Emperor is incompetent, but he is satisfied with his own rice bowl. However, Elpidio is incompetent and covets other people’s rice bowls too. He is dangerous. And that’s who Father supports. People on the continent are dying, and Elpidio only wants to get his fancy boat, but you only think about letting Radwiell enjoy all the wealth and glory!”

Calyx’s eyes directed towards Fertan, and he smirked. Fertan’s left eyebrow furrowed. The scarred area was out of his control, revealing his true feelings.

“Elpidio is a controllable danger.”

‘Are you saying that you can control this danger?’ The respect that had hit the floor rose a little.

“However, His Highness Ricardis is dangerous.”

Fertan’s eyes, quietly looking at the spilled tea, were more subdued than ever. Calyx was skeptical of his words. His Highness Ricardis is more dangerous than Elpidio? It was impossible to believe.

“He can never be Emperor.”

Fertan seemed to talk to himself, not to his rebellious son.

“He should never be Emperor.”

***

Emperor Laino was furious, but a greater fear ruled him. Even if the individual was from his bloodline, as long as they were separate from his body, to him, they were a perfect stranger.

Since he was two years old, the 1st Prince Elpidio had a power that surpassed Laino’s. He didn’t know whether Elpidio had inherited his mother’s holy power or if a mutation due to inbreeding between close relatives led to Elpidio’s strange birth. Either way, everyone looked forward to his future.

However, the important thing for the Emperor was not how much power a fully grown Elpidio would have in the future. No, it was that Elpidio’s power had overtaken Laino’s, and many people were expecting something from the child.

No one will be able to call the Blessed Night anyway, so what is the importance of holy power in these times?

But all those who did not know that truth spoke together. 

[We need the stronger power of Idelavhim. We probably didn’t have a Blessed Night because there was no one worthy of it.]

At that time, Elpidio was born as Elpidio Barsol Illavenia: a child from a noble lineage, his first son with strong holy power— evidence of being chosen by Idelavhim. He inherited beautiful looks and bright blonde hair. Even though he is still young, when Elpidio becomes an adult, he will be an Imperial pillar no one can challenge.

One may think giving it up and losing it are the same when you have something taken from your hand, but they are entirely different. Ten years down the line, Laino was doomed to lose power to his son. It was miserable; he couldn’t describe the burning black feeling inside him.

However, this is a thing of the future. You can’t know what will happen before then. So Laino waited. The Emperor held his breath throughout the years.

Elpidio turned seven years old. He was intelligent, absorbed knowledge quickly, and was dignified and confident. There are several brothers after him, but Elpidio never doubted that he would become Emperor.

The danger gripping Laino’s ankles grew massive, and he choked on his fear. If only the child had weak holy power, if only he had a lowly mother, if only he had a flaw! He needed something to overcome this situation.

The child is still here. Elpidio is too much of a risk, so he must die!

It was the most sensible solution he could find. It was better to be called the heartless Emperor who killed his son than to be the incompetent Emperor defeated by his son and who ran away with his tail between his legs.

Laino gave orders to his faithful dog, Radwiell, who had walked along with Illavenia.

[Kill Elpidio.]

It was the only time Count Radwiell, who was used to doing all kinds of dirty work, hesitated. His family guards Illavenia. To protect the Emperor is to protect Illavenia. It has been their long-standing mission for several generations.

But now, the order to trample the sprout growing for the prosperity of the Empire went against his mission. Count Radwiell read Laino’s desire. He didn’t want to kill Elpidio. Laino just wanted to rule until he was satisfied. 

Therefore, Count Radwiell thought he must save Elpidio.

The previous Emperor fell ill and sat on the throne until the moment he died. He wasn’t that powerful, nor was he that capable. It was all thanks to having numerous sons. They all wanted to be the Emperor, but there was only one seat. A fight was inevitable. Since the previous Emperor did not choose a successor, their battle was long and fierce until he died.

However, the other sons of the Emperor now lacked ability and ambition since they all thought Elpidio would be the next emperor. If Elpidio had such a rival… if he wasn’t the only talented candidate in the Imperial family…

[I will find a child.]

[A child?]

[Even if they are not of the noble Laurel lineage, some children are born with strong holy power.]

The Emperor understood the Count’s meaning with those words alone. He shut his mouth for a moment and pondered. Immediately, the Emperor smiled.

[Find the child.]

[I accept your order.]

[It should be a boy whose age isn’t too far from Elpidio’s.]

So, Count Radiwell began to draw a picture of a child he had not yet found in his mind.

Around the age of seven…

[And whose holy power is equal to or exceeding Elpidio’s.]

With strong holy power…

[He will be of royal blood, so it’s natural he should have a beautiful hair color.] 

A child with light blonde or silver hair…