The Return Of The Genius Ranker Of All Times [EN]: Chapter 258

258.

Dohyun, stunned by the shocking situation, quickly regained his senses.

But even after regaining his senses, he was still filled with questions.

‘What is going on?’

Gamilion had mentioned sensing strange energies from both the First and Second Princes, so he expected something hidden, but this was beyond that.

‘His entire body is red? How is that possible?’

The Eye of Truth has the ability to see through hidden things.

So, his entire body being red meant something was hidden within his entire body… This was the first time he had seen such a phenomenon since acquiring the Eye of Truth.

It felt strange to discuss reality in a game, but he even questioned if this was realistically possible.

He was bewildered, but he had a hunch.

‘If something is hidden inside the body, not externally?’

Like mana.

What if the mana circuits circulating within the body were affected by the Fragment of Fate or something else?

If that were the case, it would spread throughout the body, so such an appearance wouldn’t be strange.

It could be due to something else, but—

“Your complexion isn’t good. You’ve been feeling unwell lately; shouldn’t you have rested?”

“Haha, what use am I if I can’t even walk around the castle? I can’t stand being cooped up. You know how active I like to be.”

“……Indeed. You always enjoyed being active, Your Highness. It feels like just yesterday when you were learning swordsmanship from me.”

“That was already two years ago, Sword Emperor. Ah, do you perhaps miss being called ‘Master’? Haha.”

“Haha, don’t tease an old man. Well… I do miss it a little. You had exceptional talent.”

The conversation between the two added credibility to his speculation.

‘Two years ago was when the game opened.’

He became sickly around that time, and the Eye of Truth says something is hidden throughout the Prince’s body?

Something smells fishy.

But he couldn’t know for sure just by thinking.

After a moment of contemplation, Dohyun finally spoke.

“Greetings, Your Highness. It is an honor to meet the Second Prince here, where I have come by His Majesty’s order.”

“Ah! Is that so? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Eden de Arnis. What should I call you?”

“I am Kaiser. These fellows behind me are my Guardians.”

Perhaps it was because he spoke with as much courtesy as possible.

Despite the sudden interruption that could have been unpleasant, the Second Prince accepted him with a smile.

Compared to the First Prince, who would have cut off his arm for being presumptuous, this was an angelic reaction.

“I see, Kaiser. I apologize for talking amongst ourselves while you were here. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a welcome face, so I was impolite.”

“Not at all, Your Highness.”

“By the way, this is the first time His Majesty has personally invited an Apostle… How intriguing. Would you mind having a brief conversation before His Majesty arrives?”

“Of course.”

Thanks to that, he naturally achieved his desired goal of having a conversation.

However, most of the conversation was directed towards satisfying the Second Prince’s curiosity.

“I heard you were the top contributor in the Forgotten Tomb. We were also keeping an eye on it, so I have many questions.”

Although the Second Prince was known for his good character, he was still royalty by birth.

Satisfying his own curiosity was his top priority, as was fundamental to his nature.

So, the Second Prince would ask questions about what happened in the tomb, Dohyun would briefly summarize, and then he would answer follow-up questions.

“Indeed. Thanks to you, my curiosity has been greatly satisfied. To have dealt with such a massive disaster… This is quite something. I wonder if the Apostles are more amazing than I thought, or if you are just amazing… Perhaps the latter.”

“You flatter me.”

“Haha, there’s no need to be modest. It’s an achievement you can be proud of.”

Finally satisfied, the Second Prince offered praise instead of questions.

The Sword Emperor was clicking his tongue behind him, seemingly displeased, but he didn’t object, as if acknowledging the achievement.

“It seems I’ve been doing all the talking. Hmm… It seems it will take a few more minutes for His Majesty to arrive. Before that, do you have any questions for me?”

‘Now is the time.’

Dohyun felt that the moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived, and his eyes lit up.

He licked his lips and carefully opened his mouth.

“It’s nothing much… Have you perhaps heard of this name?”

“A name… you say?”

“The name is ‘Wolryeongdan (月令團)’ [likely a secret society or organization].”

He quietly finished speaking and watched the Second Prince, but after pondering for a moment, the Second Prince simply shook his head.

“That’s a name I’m hearing for the first time. Is it a famous group?”

“……It’s the name of a group I heard from someone before. It stuck in my memory, so I was wondering if it was a famous place, but it seems it’s not that well-known.”

“I see. Do you have any other questions?”

Seeing his nonchalant demeanor, Dohyun paused for a moment before asking about the Fragment of Fate.

But the answer he received was the same as before.

“I’m also hearing about that for the first time… How strange, don’t you have any questions for me? Haha. I was expecting something, being a Prince and all.”

“How could that be? I’m just hesitant to ask.”

“Haha, you’re His Majesty’s invited guest, so feel free to ask.”

There was nothing strange about his appearance as he feigned ignorance and joked around.

He even seemed embarrassed.

Seeing only this, one might think he was barking up the wrong tree, but Dohyun’s eyes sharpened instead.

When he mentioned Wolryeongdan, he clearly saw it.

Only for a brief moment, but his eyes and the corners of his mouth stiffened before relaxing.

‘He definitely knows the name Wolryeongdan.’

‘I think so too, Master. My eyes don’t lie. He’s definitely hiding something.’

‘Rizariza.’

‘Hmm. Certainly, there’s a suspicious reaction.’

Does this mean they’re all in cahoots [collaborating secretly]?

But he didn’t sense any malice or murderous intent, though even this could be a sophisticated poker face [an impassive expression that hides one’s true feelings].

He needed more information.

Just as Dohyun was about to open his mouth again.

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, the hallway became noisy.

It wasn’t loud, but rather the actions were bustling, and he quickly understood the reason.

“His Imperial Majesty is arriving!”

“Ah! It seems His Majesty has returned. It’s a shame, but we must cut our conversation short.”

The ninth Emperor of the great Arnis Empire.

Bahrun de Arnis appeared from beyond the hallway.

The red carpet of the Imperial Castle seemed to exist solely for him, and his appearance walking upon it suited him perfectly.

Turbuk, turbuk [onomatopoeia for footsteps].

The monarch’s gaze seemed to look down on everyone.

His height was a little under 180cm, not particularly tall, but the aura he exuded made him appear gigantic.

His attitude, as if the trailing entourage was bothersome, was impressive.

Cheok, cheok, cheok, cheok [onomatopoeia for footsteps].

Eventually, the Emperor approached and stood within striking distance, as the entourage parted to both sides like the Red Sea [a biblical reference to Moses parting the Red Sea].

The air grew heavy.

“There are many guests. Eden, why are you here……”

“I was passing by and had a brief conversation…… Cough, cough.”

The Second Prince, who was answering, suddenly coughed roughly, and his complexion turned pale.

His already pale complexion was almost zombie-like, making one wonder if he was the same person who had been talking a moment ago.

“Tsk. Your illness has worsened. Go and rest.”

“……I apologize.”

The Second Prince bowed and retreated.

The Emperor, who couldn’t take his eyes off his retreating figure, finally turned his head after the Second Prince was out of sight.

“……This much gold is just decoration, it seems. It doesn’t seem to have any effect.”

“It does seem to have a slight effect. He was talking quite comfortably until just now.”

“……Is that so? Thank you, Sword Emperor. This wasn’t originally a request I would entrust to you, but you readily agreed.”

“How could there be such a thing? The person who can bring him most comfortably should bring him. I will take my leave now, so please speak comfortably.”

“Hmm. I understand. Let’s talk separately next time.”

Only after seeing the Sword Emperor off did the Emperor’s gaze finally turn to Dohyun.

The Emperor, who had been looking at Dohyun with a strange, piercing gaze, spoke indifferently as if spitting out words.

“You are Kaiser. Come inside.”

There was an irresistible atmosphere from the Emperor, who turned and entered the door after finishing those words.

Indeed, he had the aura of someone who had declared that the sun under the sky was only the Emperor of the Empire.

However, Dohyun, who was looking at such an Emperor, was feeling bewildered instead of impressed.

It wasn’t for personal reasons like feeling unpleasant.

[The Eye of Truth is activated.]

‘……This is driving me crazy. Why is the Emperor also red?’

The Emperor of the Empire, Bahrun de Arnis.

He was also dyed red.

Not the entire body like the Second Prince, but a faint red light spread from the chest, reaching the shoulders and navel.

‘There’s definitely something.’

Is it just my imagination that the other side of that door looks like a tiger’s den [a dangerous place]?

I have a strong feeling that if I step inside, I’ll get properly entangled in something.

I was hesitant to enter, but they say that even if you enter a tiger’s den, you just need to keep your wits about you.

‘Well, this damn main quest is just like that.’

Dohyun took a short, deep breath and straightened his posture.

‘Alright. Now that it’s come to this, let’s figure it out properly.’

* * *

It’s already been 30 minutes since I made up my mind and had a conversation in the audience chamber.

The conversation was going smoothly, so much so that my nervousness was embarrassing.

“I have heard much about your reputation. You are very famous among the Apostles. Do you know that wherever you go, it is full of talk about you? Some Apostles even call you a god.”

“……”

“I wonder if it is okay for Apostles who serve gods to do that, but that means you are an outstanding talent. An outstanding hero is bound to captivate people, so I can see why.”

“You flatter me.”

“It is something to be proud of, so put aside your modesty.”

“……Yes. Thank you.”

Thus, it was a continuous conversation like a relay of compliments.

I had heard that the Emperor was so arrogant that he had said that two suns were not needed under the sky, but the Emperor I met in person was a man who acknowledged what needed to be acknowledged.

‘Hmm! Indeed, he has the discerning eye of the Emperor of a great empire. It has been said since ancient times that to become a great king, one must have a good eye. Leadership and outstanding qualities are also qualities of a king, but the most important thing is how many talented people follow him…….’

‘……I see.’

‘This Charlie is overwhelmed with emotion because his lord’s fame is echoing even in the skies of the Empire.’

That was also why Charlie, who had been smiling the most contentedly in recent times, was standing quietly by his side.

Jihad had slipped slightly behind at Charlie’s unbridled reaction, and Eliza was just nodding with a soulless expression.

Dohyun also listened with one ear and let it out the other, lost in thought.

‘Just in case, I tried to indirectly probe for information related to the Fragment of Fate or Wolryeongdan…… but he didn’t seem to know anything at all.’

Although I spoke indirectly for fear of getting on his bad side, he had even less of a reaction than the Second Prince, who had reacted to Wolryeongdan.

It was different from the lord of Sargis, who had reacted immediately, or Gilberun of Fratel.

But if I were to assume that the Emperor had no connection,

[The Eye of Truth is activated.]

The red light, which accounted for a quarter of his body, proved that there was a connection.

It seemed clear that the imperial family was involved, but how could he know so little?

Just as I was getting a headache from the incomprehensible situation.

“I think the introduction is enough…… I should get to the main point soon. You must be wondering why I brought you here.”

The Emperor, Bahrun, took his hand off his chin, which he had been resting on.

The indifferent color that had been constantly visible on him disappeared as he leaned his upper body slightly forward.

The faint wrinkles around his eyes and mouth straightened out stiffly, to the point where he felt cold.

He looked at Dohyun with endlessly serious eyes and slowly parted his dry lips.

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