Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 265

265.

The Swalt Empire’s Imperial Palace boasts three reception rooms. The largest and most ornate, commonly called the Red Room, was reserved for receiving distinguished foreign guests. The room, featuring meticulously crafted wooden floors and high-quality wooden sofas and tables, was entirely decorated with red carpets, living up to its name. Inside, a group dressed in simple clothes looked around, visibly uncomfortable.

The only man seated on the sofa had his hood pulled up, obscuring most of his face. From within the shadows, his distinct navy blue eyes shone brightly.

“I wasn’t aware the Swalt Empire was embroiled in a civil war,” the hooded man muttered. His tone was indifferent, yet the rebuke was clear. The man standing behind him replied, disgruntled, “I believe I’ve mentioned the severity of the situation several times, though you seem to have forgotten. The Swalt Empire is in extreme turmoil due to the recent rebellion, and the Emperor’s whereabouts are unknown. I didn’t anticipate a full-blown civil war erupting in the interim. Regardless, it was within the realm of possibility. Yet, you insisted on coming here.”

“Hmm.”

“This is no time for that. We should turn back. Meeting an opponent confronting the master in a palace without its master during these times… No matter how I look at it, this doesn’t seem right.”

“Why are you so worried? As far as I’m concerned, the Emperor or the Grand Duke are the same. What I need is here, and anyone who can utilize it will do.”

“But even so…!”

His dissuading voice grew louder as the tightly closed door opened and a man entered. He was sharp-featured and appeared to be in his mid-40s. With well-groomed blond hair, he wore a pure white ceremonial robe that reached his feet, along with a red sash. Recognizing the vestment of a high priest, the group immediately identified him.

Grand Duke Yukarte. A high priest of the Demon God and the Emperor’s uncle. Also, the man who ousted the Emperor and occupied the Imperial Palace. From his status as a prince with a strong claim to the throne to becoming the high priest of the Demon God, and later ascending to the position of regent, his life was so dramatically flamboyant that he was invariably mentioned in discussions of international affairs. Public opinion was sharply divided, but recently, negative rumors had become more prevalent.

Perhaps that was why. Despite his gentle smile, a dangerous aura emanated from him. The air seemed to carry the scent of blood. He was, after all, a high priest of the Demon God, but this was an extraordinary level of bloodlust.

Behind him, a tall knight with bright yellow hair quietly followed. The group couldn’t help but gasp, recognizing him as well. Pylon de Caribdis. The youngest Sword Master on the continent and known as the greatest swordsman. Whether one knew swordsmanship or not, even if they were not human but a different race, anyone living on this land would have heard his name at least once. Seeing such a famous man guarding the Grand Duke like a mere escort was bewildering.

“I apologize for the long wait. I never imagined we would have such distinguished guests from abroad during these times,” Yukarte said, smiling gently at the group, who stood awkwardly, wary of him. His gaze focused on the hooded man. “Welcome to the Swalt Empire. I hope you’re not disappointed that I’m not the one you were hoping to meet. Crown Prince Laon Hwizen of the Carters Empire.”

“……”

The man who had been sitting silently rose slowly. He pulled back his hood, and the hair that had been hidden flowed down. Its color was a distinctive deep pink. This hair color, reminiscent of bleeding hearts, was unique to the imperial family of the Carters Empire. The vibrant color instantly captured attention, and the navy blue eyes beneath it contrasted sharply, creating a striking impression. His features weren’t flamboyant, but he had a face that, once seen, would not be easily forgotten. Although he was still a few years away from his coming-of-age ceremony, his already well-developed physique made him appear a grown young man.

“Greetings,” a dry, brief greeting flowed from his lips. It was an attitude that could be considered rude, but Yukarte didn’t mind. On the contrary, he wore a pleased expression.

“I have heard much of Your Highness’s fame, but I didn’t realize you were such a handsome man. Emperor Narujen of Carters must be very pleased to have such a reliable successor.”

A snake-like man.

Laon Hwizen assessed Yukarte as such at a glance. This type of person was troublesome whether they were close or became an enemy. Of course, the man standing behind him like a shadow, bearing the title of the greatest swordsman, was equally bothersome. Yukarte offered him a seat, and Laon Hwizen silently sat back down.

“Well then, may I ask what brings Your Highness, who is so busy with affairs of state, here without prior notice?”

Even with a gentle smile, the inability to feel at ease couldn’t be just a matter of perception. His entourage and attendants were already in defensive positions, preparing for any eventuality. Caution was evident on Laon Hwizen’s face as well.

“…My visit here is strictly personal. Regardless of how the internal affairs of the Swalt Empire are unfolding, I have no intention of interfering or becoming involved.”

“Haha, is that so? Please, do not worry. I, too, would not wish for the crown prince of another empire to become embroiled in our internal strife. If Your Highness desires, your visit here today will be kept strictly confidential.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“Then, may I hear your business? You mentioned that you came seeking something, did you not?”

His questioning face showed no motive other than curiosity. This time, Laon Hwizen nodded readily. “I am looking for someone.”

“Someone…?”

“A woman who is destined to be my partner. She is currently in this empire. I wish to use the Swalt Imperial Family’s intelligence network to find her.”

“Oh ho, a destined woman, you say? This is quite unexpected and a very sweet story. I never imagined it would be something like this.” Laon Hwizen’s attendants blushed at the quiet exclamation. It was only natural that they hadn’t anticipated this. Who would have thought that the crown prince of an empire would personally travel to this distant foreign land to find a woman? Even those who knew the circumstances were embarrassed, so it must have seemed like a dream to those who knew nothing.

Only Laon Hwizen maintained the same expression. Regardless of others’ reactions, Yukarte couldn’t help but smile at his attitude of simply waiting for an answer.

“Operating the imperial intelligence network is not difficult. However, as Your Highness knows, simply searching for a woman in this vast land is too broad. We need some distinguishing characteristics to narrow it down, such as her appearance, name, or age.”

“I do not know her name or appearance. However, I estimate her age to be in her early to mid-teens. She is from the Alponf Empire and arrived here a few months ago.”

“Hmm, a girl in her mid-teens who recently came from the Alponf Empire…”

“The most notable characteristic is that people would have said a blue moon rose when she was born [a very rare event, often associated with significant events or births]. And there is a very high probability that she is either a prophet or possesses the power to manipulate the earth. To be more precise, an Earth Spirit.”

At that moment, Caribdis, who was standing behind him, flinched. Yukarte’s eyes, which had been listening with interest, also gleamed.

“…Oh ho, is that so? A Spirit.”

“That is correct.”

“A girl from the Alponf Empire. And an Earth Spirit User, is it?”

“Exactly as you said.”

After that answer, Yukarte remained silent for a moment. Laon Hwizen, sensing the strange atmosphere, narrowed his eyes. “Is there a problem?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing like that. I was just a little taken aback because it seems an unexpected result has come up.”

“An unexpected result…?”

“I don’t know whether to be pleased about this. It seems that I have found a girl who matches the conditions Your Highness mentioned, without having to go far.”

“……!”

It was an unexpected answer that he had never even imagined. Laon Hwizen’s eyes widened. His attendants also wore dumbfounded expressions. It wasn’t as if time had passed, and he had only just mentioned things that could be considered characteristics. To have found someone based on those clues before even instructing someone to investigate was bewildering.

“I cannot understand what you are saying. Are you making fun of me?”

“Surely, I would not do such a thing. I am simply telling you the truth as it is. There is a girl with similar conditions to what Your Highness mentioned in a place I know. No, it seems almost identical. In her early to mid-teens. An Earth Spirit User. And from the Alponf Empire. Even though the continent is vast, I don’t think there would be another girl who meets all these conditions.”

“Such…! Where is she now?”

Laon Hwizen asked, involuntarily jumping up. It was Yukarte who calmed him down and made him sit back down. But even after sitting down, Laon Hwizen couldn’t calm down.

His attendants standing behind him were the same. Among them, there was one person who was particularly deeply moved. A boy with flamboyantly curled brown hair and green eyes looked up to the heavens with a tearful face. His name was Asel. He was Crown Prince Laon Hwizen’s academy classmate, aide, and a man with the unique background of being a diviner [someone who can foresee the future or find hidden knowledge through supernatural means].

Past events flashed through his tear-stained vision like a revolving lantern. It was purely by chance that he had found the location of the partner star in a horoscope he had looked at out of boredom. The fact that the whereabouts, which had been invisible no matter what method he used, had begun to be captured was itself an amazing thing. But he never expected that the Crown Prince would pack his bags and leave the empire based solely on that clumsy probability. He could not have guessed that the journey that started that way would last for several months.

Looking back on it, it was a really reckless act. Even if he could vaguely guess the direction, it was impossible to pinpoint the exact location with divination in the first place. Naturally, it didn’t always match. As they wasted time on the road, their wandering life reached its limit.

It was around the time when everyone was exhausted from the endless journey that they confirmed that the partner star had crossed over to the Swalt Empire. As soon as Laon Hwizen confirmed that divination, he decided to request support from the Swalt Imperial Family. He judged that it would be easier to find her if he used the Imperial Family’s intelligence network. It was the Crown Prince’s opinion, so they followed it for the time being, but until then, everyone was almost in a state of resignation. But who would have thought that they would get the information so easily? It felt like dreaming with their eyes open. Even Grand Duke Yukarte, whom they had judged to be sinister in their first impression, looked like an angel.

The atmosphere in the reception room became very bright due to the people’s faces filled with joy. However, the cloud-like atmosphere did not last long. It was due to Yukarte, who wore a troubled and bitter expression as if he was in trouble.

“But I don’t know how to tell you this. It probably won’t be good news for Your Highness.”

“What, what do you mean?”

“You are aware that this place is in the middle of a civil war, aren’t you? Even at this moment, tens of thousands of troops are moving. Both myself and my nephew, Emperor Isana. We are quite determined to win this battle.”

“……?”

Laon Hwizen frowned at the sudden story. His coldly sunken gaze contained the question of why he was suddenly telling such a story. Yukarte smiled again as if he was in trouble.

“People are bound to use any means necessary when they become desperate. Emperor Isana is especially more so because he is at an age where his blood is vigorous. It was always a part I was worried about, but as expected. Since his own power doesn’t work, he seems to have been gathering capable people from various countries to participate in the war. Even that has recently crossed the line more and more, and a while ago, he kidnapped a girl from a foreign country. He said she was an Earth Spirit User.”

“…Are you saying…”

“I don’t know what method he used, but it seems he coaxed and threatened the young girl and pushed her into this war that has nothing to do with her.”

“Is that, is that true?”

Laon Hwizen’s face, which had not changed its expression all along, finally contorted. His trembling voice revealed clear anger.

“Why would I lie about something that will be revealed soon? If you don’t believe me, go and check it out yourself. You don’t have to go far. She is currently in the vanguard of the Emperor’s army.”

“Vanguard? You put that young woman in the vanguard of the war?”

“To Emperor Isana, a foreign girl is just a shield. She is just a consumable item to be used to lead the battle to victory. He praises her as the daughter of Speer to the soldiers, making her out to be like a goddess of battle.”

“Such a cruel!”

An angry voice erupted from among Laon Hwizen’s attendants. It was an era where the world had become harsh due to a long drought, and even children had to take care of themselves to survive, but the existence of child soldiers was always controversial. It was impossible to see pushing children who were not yet adults into the brutal battlefield as the right thing to do. But even more so a girl! To put a girl who doesn’t know anything in the most dangerous vanguard! They were so shocked that their whole bodies stiffened. Yukarte wore an even sadder expression.

“It was a very difficult situation for me as well. The girl’s situation seems unfortunate, but this side is not in a situation to spare either. In this situation, it is rather fortunate that the woman Your Highness is looking for is said to be the same as her. It’s shameless, but would Your Highness rescue that girl? If left as it is, she will surely die soon.”

“…Where do I need to go?”

It didn’t take long for the answer to come out. At that moment, Laon Hwizen and his attendants did not recognize the smile of satisfaction that appeared on Yukarte’s lips. Their minds were already filled with only the pitiful girl who had been kidnapped and was having her abilities exploited.

“I will assign someone to guide you there.”