Surviving As The 5Th Prince Of Hellman Kingdom [EN]: Chapter 99

099

I practically kidnapped Julian, dragging him out of his house.

It was dawn when I arrived, already quite bright. To avoid being seen, I used a perception-blocking magic.

[Veil of Concealment]

Shhh-

“…Did you use a magic tool?”

Julian asked cautiously, likely feeling a cool breeze. I didn’t need to reveal I was a magic swordsman. I just nodded and hurried him along.

My personal airship, the Black Wyvern, was docked in a secluded mountain area behind the city, far from prying eyes.

I was prepared to carry Julian if he struggled, but he walked surprisingly well. He must have been quite the traveler in the southern region.

“You’re later than expected,” Alphonso, on guard duty, greeted us.

“The story was longer than anticipated. This is Julian. Take him to the cabin and tell the captain to depart immediately.”

“Understood. Julian, you said? Follow me.”

He led Julian into the ship and disappeared inside.

Soon after, the airship ascended, heading towards the royal capital, Verona.

I stood on the deck, letting the cold wind clear my head. After about ten minutes, I sensed someone approaching.

“Cough, cough.”

It was Julian.

Whirr- The wind seemed to be getting to him; he kept coughing.

“It’s warmer in the cabin. Why did you come out here?”

“Cough, cough… I never thought I’d get to ride an airship. This is a once-in-a-lifetime sight, isn’t it? I have to burn it into my memory.”

Indeed, the first flight is special. I chuckled, seeing Julian’s pale face as he took in the scenery below.

I reached into my space expansion pouch and pulled out a cloak with a temperature-regulating magic spell.

“Here. You’ll get tired of looking soon, but wear this while you’re out here.”

“Isn’t that yours, Your Highness?”

“I have plenty. Take it.”

“Thank you.”

His complexion improved as he put on the cloak. We stood side by side in silence for a while, admiring the view, when curiosity struck me.

“You said you can read lifespans? Can you read mine too?”

Julian smiled at my question.

“It’s not that powerful. Sometimes I just get a feeling that someone is going to die soon. Nine times out of ten, they pass away not long after. The most recent person I saw was… myself in the mirror.”

“So, it’s just a faint sense.”

“Isn’t that why I’m still alive? If I could read it properly, I would have died young a long time ago. So, I’m curious. What did you lose in exchange for reading the heavens, Your Highness?”

“A price…”

Come to think of it, some people believe I’ll die young as the price for my abilities.

‘Cliang, that guy…’

I understand why he might think that, given what I’ve done.

The saintess of Parulashit, who predicted the Red Star Fever, lived her life in a wheelchair in darkness and still died young.

From Cliang’s perspective, seeing me perfectly healthy, he might assume I’ll meet a similar fate. He can… but it doesn’t sit well with me.

I have a vague idea of what I paid in exchange for seeing the ‘future’.

But I didn’t want to share it, so I kept it to myself.

“I won’t be predicting any more major disasters like the Red Star Fever. I think I’ve paid almost the full price.”

“Is that true?”

Julian stared intently at my face, then tilted his head.

“Why? Do I look like I’m about to die?”

“No… Cough, cough, damn it… I’m sorry. It’s just a habit.”

“I’ll let it slide this time. Be careful in the royal palace. If you feel it coming on, keep your mouth shut.”

Many things have changed from the ‘future’.

From now on, the Rosa System, especially the [Library], will be used frequently.

The interpretation of information will be crucial.

Julian’s ability could be very valuable.

The problem is his health. He could collapse and vomit blood any day… I should call Schuetz as soon as I get back.

***

‘Where did he go?’

After receiving a report that the 5th Prince had disappeared on his personal airship, the Black Wyvern, Milroa’s mind raced.

“Damn it!”

She couldn’t fathom where he’d gone.

Frustrated, she lit a cigarette.

Milroa was in the office of the 1st Prince’s residence, Topaz Palace. Lucas had asked to talk, so she’d come to visit.

Chiiik, inhale- exhale-

‘At least Lucas becoming a smoker has one benefit.’

Topaz Palace used to be a non-smoking area, but now she could smoke freely.

She pushed aside her thoughts about the 5th Prince and watched the smoke dissipate.

Chiiik.

Chiiik.

After three cigarettes, Lucas appeared, wiping his sweaty face with a towel.

He glanced at the ashtray and said, “Did you wait long?”

“I arrived early. I’m glad to see you training.”

“It’s all I can do right now. Maybe I’ll suddenly awaken and become a 7-star knight?”

Milroa bit her lip.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For everything. No excuses. It’s all my fault.”

Milroa reached for another cigarette. Lucas snatched it and put it in his mouth.

“You look like a zombie. I’ll smoke this.”

Lucas sat heavily on the sofa and lit the cigarette.

Inhale- Exhale–

Inhale- Exhale–

Milroa watched him silently as he stared at the ceiling.

When the cigarette was half-burned, Lucas tapped the ashes and said, “Milroa, be honest. What are my chances of taking the throne?”

Milroa’s lips twitched.

“Is it that hard to answer? Let me rephrase. Is it even possible?”

“Of course! Duke Moria! The Galad Azure Lion Knights Commander! Two 7-star powerhouses support you. You have more than twice the number of 6-star figures as the 5th Prince. If we resolve the southern rebellion and bring the former 2nd Knights Commander from Stone Coffin Island to our side…”

Exhale- Lucas exhaled smoke and smiled.

“But Evan has the 8-star mage Fran on his side.”

“She’s an outsider. She didn’t participate in the war even when her close friend, Marquis Richard Bayern, died in the Hamel Empire’s invasion.”

“Maybe Marquis Richard’s will played a part? Could we drag her into the succession battle?”

“The 5th Prince won’t. He knows the worst-case scenario if he involves Fran.”

“Worst-case scenario?”

Lucas frowned, then his eyes widened.

“Are you saying we’ll bring in outsiders too?”

Lucas thought of Moria Runtia, the 1st Queen, and others.

“…It’s possible.”

“Don’t worry. The 5th Prince would rather give up the throne than let foreign powers interfere. Definitely. Public sentiment favors him, but those with real power support you more.”

If Lucas didn’t know Milroa so well, he would have believed her.

He looked at her hand, which she kept wiping on her thighs.

It was a habit she had when she was lying.

She thought she’d stopped. Lucas thought so too.

Until now.

‘Some believe Fran wasn’t an 8-star mage when Duke Weiss and Amika Arya were eliminated, right?’

If that’s true, Evan has at least one more 7-star powerhouse.

Plus, Bert and Reina, jokingly called 6.5-star knights…

Lucas chuckled, stubbed out the cigarette, and stood up.

“I feel energized. I guess I need to become a 7-star knight soon?”

“Yes, that would solve everything. Even better if you became an 8-star. You’d secure the throne and avoid being controlled by your family. Focus on swordsmanship. I’ll manage the situation…”

“I’m going to the training grounds after lunch.”

“Good idea.”

“Are you going to eat?”

“No, I have no appetite.”

Milroa finished her conversation with Lucas.

Her steps faltered as she left Topaz Palace. She walked with her head bowed, looking defeated.

Anyone would think she was a soldier who lost a war.

As Milroa reached the Royal Bureau of Military Affairs building.

“You look very listless.”

She quickly looked up at the familiar voice.

“What brings you here during your busy hours, Count Cliang?”

“Today is my day off.”

Milroa couldn’t even dream of that.

“…I’m jealous. A day off during a rebellion in the south.”

“You need rest to be efficient, no matter how much work there is.”

“It’s not just a lot of work. So, why are you here on your day off?”

“Are we going to talk standing here?”

“…Follow me.”

Reluctantly, Milroa led Cliang to her office.

“…Nim! Southern… contact…”

“Why are you saying that now!”

“…Reported…”

“Get out! Run on your feet! You too! You bastards!”

The Royal Bureau of Military Affairs was bustling with shouts and screams.

“Isn’t it lunchtime?”

“The Royal Bureau of Military Affairs’ reputation has plummeted. How can they eat?”

“Still, they need to eat.”

“I didn’t order it!”

“I know.”

“Why are you picking on me when you know…?”

Clatter, clatter.

Milroa looked out the window at the sound of hooves. Several carriages stopped in front of the building.

The coat of arms of the White County family was on them.

The carriage doors opened, and the smell of fresh bread and meat wafted out.

Sniff, sniff, Milroa smelled the aroma.

“This is…”

The smell of pasta from Golden Creamy, a restaurant she recognized, was also there.

Her appetite returned.

“It’s not just for the Royal Bureau of Military Affairs, so don’t refuse. I heard everyone is skipping meals, so I sent a food truck to every department.”

“You haven’t eaten, have you?”

“Of course not.”

Milroa, who was going to skip her meal, had a simple lunch with Cliang in her office.

“Thank you. I feel a little better. I didn’t know Golden Creamy delivered pasta.”

“I didn’t either. The butler took care of it…”

Milroa rinsed her mouth and sat on the windowsill, lighting a cigarette.

“So, what’s the matter? You know people will gossip if you meet with Count Cliang at a time like this.”

“That’s why I came to the Royal Bureau of Military Affairs. It would be worse if it came out that we met privately. Milroa, I need to tell you something before it’s too late.”

“What are you trying to say? This is making me uneasy. Don’t tell me… is it that? Don’t do it. I’m warning you.”

Cliang looked at her in silence.

Chiiik, inhale- exhale-

Milroa lit a cigarette, exhaled smoke, and muttered, “5th Prince? He’s amazing. I admit it. He’ll probably inherit the throne in eight out of ten cases. But it’s not over yet. You know what kind of woman I am, right? I declared the annulment of my engagement and was kicked out of my family, but I eventually became the head of the Christie County family. Everyone laughed at me then. You know those morons can’t even look me in the eye now, right?”

Cliang, who had been listening, said, “Not everyone. I never laughed. And… it’s not eight out of ten cases. The 5th Prince’s chances of inheriting the throne are 100%.”

“……”

Milroa chewed on the end of her cigarette.

“Milroa, you know why the rebellion isn’t happening in other regions, right?”

“…5th Prince.”

“Yes, it’s because of the 5th Prince. They know it instinctively. The prince’s sincerity towards the people and the kingdom. That’s why they believe he will be the next king. You, the head of the Royal Bureau of Military Affairs’ intelligence department, must know that.”

“……”

“Milroa, you felt it while watching this rebellion, but those who can’t dream of the future would rather hang themselves than kneel before a sword.”

Cliang paused.

He continued, “If, just if, the 5th Prince dies young due to God’s mischief and can’t inherit the throne, the Lionel Kingdom will collapse from within.”

Cliang looked at Milroa, who was looking at the mountains and smoking, and said clearly, “If it’s now, it’s not too late yet. Take the 5th Prince’s hand, Milroa.”