Became The Son Of The Final Boss [EN]: Chapter 125

125.

Not only is the Mithril sword sharper than other swords, but it also accepts mana much better.

Even with the same Aura Blade [a technique where mana is channeled into a weapon to enhance its cutting power], using it with a Mithril sword is far more powerful than using it with other swords.

Mithril itself accepts 100% of the mana, allowing the Aura to exert its full power.

If a regular longsword allows only 60% of the Aura’s power to be exerted, Mithril allows 100%, so even knights of equal skill would naturally be superior with a Mithril sword.

‘It’s no wonder the Mithril sword is called the Sword Master’s sword. The Sword Master can handle Aura the best and implement Aura Blade effectively.’

However, I could confidently say that there was only one 100% pure Mithril sword: the Sword of Destruction.

Mithril is much more difficult to refine than other minerals, and even the best artisan on the continent couldn’t easily attempt to make a sword solely from Mithril.

‘Only the most skilled dwarf artisan could have made it.’

Many thoughts came to mind, but the conclusion was the same.

This is a sword for Gail.

Karen obtained it and gave it to Gail, lost it for a while, but found it again.

The Sword of Destruction didn’t lead me to my destiny, but drew Gail in.

“Gail.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“It’s your sword.”

Gail declined.

“Your Highness, I don’t necessarily need such a fine sword. If Your Highness were to wield the sword, it would further enhance Your Highness’s prestige.”

Such formalities were completely out of character for Gail, but his firm attitude persisted.

“The sword itself has the effect of representing the owner’s power.”

“Gail, I’m not a knight. I don’t need a sword.”

“Your Highness, consider the significance of the sword.”

Gail didn’t back down easily. I was slightly embarrassed.

“I’ll keep it for now. We’ll discuss the Mithril sword again later. What’s clear is… I won’t be the one to wield it. It’s more important for someone who can maximize its efficiency in combat to use the Mithril sword than for me to simply possess it for its symbolic value.”

I gestured for Gail to stop.

“Now, let’s go. Isn’t that the exit?”

Moonlight streamed in from not far away.

Gail nodded with a light sigh.

“Riorden, take good care of the sword.”

Riorden answered cheerfully.

“Thank you, Your Highness! To think I’d get to hold a Mithril sword in my life.”

Opening his magic pouch, Riorden couldn’t help but admire the Sword of Destruction.

“Shall we try wielding it once?”

At Riorden’s sly whisper, David shook his head after a moment.

David’s emotions were conveyed clearly in his brief hesitation.

“Try wielding it once each. It’s best if Gail has it, but if he ultimately refuses, I’m thinking of bestowing it upon another knight.”

I clearly drew a line regarding the sword, and Gail seemed to have given up, saying nothing more.

It seemed he was more comfortable with someone else having it than having it himself.

‘To risk his life for strangers, to give away treasures without a second thought, to uphold chivalry and inspire others to follow him… such a person truly exists.’

The Sword of Destruction taught me many things.

Kwaaaaaa-!

As we emerged outside, the sound of the waterfall, which couldn’t be heard inside the cave, boomed loudly.

“Not ideal for escape.”

I smiled wryly.

The cave was connected near Death Falls as expected. Passing through the cave to escape was like returning to the Wyvern’s nest.

“You can think of it the other way around. If we had escaped, wouldn’t the Wyvern be looking for us elsewhere in the Dark Forest rather than at its nest?”

I nodded at Riorden’s words.

“That’s also true. Well, let’s rest in that cave we used last time. We’ll head back tomorrow.”

I examined all the potential ambush sites.

I even considered the escape route from the most likely ambush point.

“The last place we considered for an ambush would be a good spot.”

Everyone agreed.

I was now quite familiar with the geography near Death Falls, so my steps quickened as I searched for the cave we had chosen as our campsite.

The moon was already high in the sky.

That meant quite some time had passed.

“The air is refreshing.”

“Pardon?”

I shook my head at the sight of my party not understanding my words for a moment.

“It’s nothing. We’re almost there.”

We arrived at the cave and began setting up camp. I didn’t stand still and helped.

I felt relieved that the matter of the Sword of Destruction had been settled.

Above all, I was satisfied with the fact that I had clearly sensed the presence of the protagonist, Karen.

He is a person who walks the righteous path.

There is a clear difference in our positions, but that was a matter for later.

Perhaps I could make him understand my position and prevent him from turning the Empire into an enemy?

I held some hope.

From the moment I came to the Calpheon Empire and realized I was Arrun Carl Leord, Karen was my greatest potential threat.

He was far more dangerous than Ted or Chen, or his maternal grandfathers, Duke Attran and Duke Austin.

It couldn’t be helped.

Karen is the protagonist who defeats my father, destroys the Empire, and ushers in a new era.

But I could talk to him.

He is also human.

And as I perceive him, he is righteous, fair, and has a warm heart.

If I govern well and ensure the justifications he uses to rally support don’t resonate within the Empire?

He may harbor thoughts of personally avenging my father, but he may not be determined to destroy the Empire.

‘If we meet as enemies, I will do my best to defeat him. But if I can win him over, could there be a subordinate as capable as Karen?’

It was a night filled with many thoughts.

* * *

Upon returning from the Dark Forest, Ken’s letter was waiting.

-Upon receiving Your Highness’s order, I went straight to the Riverhill family after arriving in the capital.

The content of the letter was very long, but to summarize, it was simple.

Ken obtained a great deal from the Riverhill family.

Duke Austin had not yet returned, so the Riverhill family was in a state of panic.

Treason!

It was an undeniable act of treason, so even if the Imperial Knights and the Capital Defense Forces remaining in the Imperial Palace were to storm the family’s main gate, they would have no grounds for complaint.

Ken ruthlessly stripped the Riverhill family of its assets and influence.

Perhaps he wouldn’t have been able to gain so much if Duke Austin had been present.

“He capitalized on the opportunity effectively.”

I put down Ken’s letter and let out a sigh of relief.

More letters were expected to arrive soon. Ken had only prioritized organizing and sending the details of the negotiations with the Riverhill family first.

The Attran family still remained.

-Regarding the Seed of Evil, I have notified the Grand Council to present His Majesty with the corpse directly after Your Highness returns. Your Highness’s standing will be significantly elevated upon your return from the West.

I nodded at Ken’s last words.

“The letter arrived yesterday?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I turned my gaze to the person who brought the letter, and he looked familiar.

“Are you working in the palace?”

“Yes. I came from the guild following Soris.”

“I see. You’ve been through a lot.”

“I simply did what was expected of me.”

“Okay. Go and rest.”

Seeing the Shadow Walk Guild member, I made up my mind.

‘Let’s send Hamilton to the capital first.’

I had intended to take Hamilton with me when I returned to the capital, but I changed my mind.

There was a lot of work to be done in the palace from now on.

I couldn’t return immediately while the situation in the West remained unresolved, and I needed someone to handle various tasks in the palace beforehand.

“All the knights are here, so my personal security is assured, and the military organization… it would be best to leave it to Ken.”

Administrative personnel to assist Soris would likely include many talented individuals from the capital. All the academies are concentrated in the capital.

‘We need to gradually scout talent from the academies.’

It was probably too much for Soris to handle all the information alone.

“Is he outside?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Hamilton’s butler appeared.

“Please summon Baron Hamilton.”

“Yes.”

After returning from the Dark Forest, I was still staying at Hamilton Castle, awaiting the arrival of Silver Sand [a rare and valuable resource].

Gail had already begun training the knights.

David and Riorden were naturally included.

It was the first time the Crown Prince’s personal knights were being formed, and Gail felt a great sense of responsibility as their commander, so he was training them very rigorously.

Hamilton was also one of the western lords who had sworn allegiance to me, but he was a lord, so there was no need for him to undergo knight training.

I remembered that as soon as I returned, I heard the news of the Water of Purification [holy water with healing properties] and went to investigate.

He probably would have returned by now.

He left in the morning, and the Water of Purification was flowing in the village attached to the lord’s castle.

Knock knock-!

I heard a knock.

“Come in.”

It was Hamilton.

“I heard you summoned me, Your Highness.”

I offered Hamilton a seat.

It was his office, but I was using it while staying there.

Hamilton and the butler who came in skillfully prepared two cups of tea.

I said, watching the butler’s back as he bowed briefly and left.

“Hamilton’s butler is quite capable. He anticipates my preferences and prepares things without needing to be told.”

“Thank you.”

I got straight to the point.

“There is an organization I am planning to establish. I want Hamilton to be the head of that organization.”

Hamilton did not answer immediately.

“There was a Shadow Walk Guild in the capital. I accepted the guild members as my subordinates, and thanks to them, I overcame the assassination attempt.”

I chuckled, watching Hamilton’s eyes widen.