The news that the Second Prince of the Empire would co as a congratulatory envoy surprised many, but among those, Logan was the most sensitively affected.
“Why him?”
In his current life, Logan had no particular reason to be regretful towards the Second Prince. In fact, the prince had extended his hand to help, albeit with his own intentions, during the civil war against the king.
However, rembering his past life, Logan naturally viewed the Second Prince’s every action with suspicion. While it might be considered a prejudgnt that clouded his ability to gauge rightly, such prejudices or fixed ideas often provided the simplest grounds for conjecture about soone’s maneuvers. Of course, that only worked if one’s judgnt of the person was accurate.
And Logan was convinced that the Second Prince was a man of duplicitous ttle.
“Since a new dynasty has co into power, perhaps they’re looking to establish new relations?”
Damian’s speculation, lacking any suspicion, was imdiately dismissed by Logan with a shake of his head.
“No, that’s impossible. He’s not that type of person. If it were for that reason alone, he would’ve sent an envoy instead.”
Damian sighed softly at Logan’s emphatic response.
“Whatever his purpose might be, isn’t it odd for the prince to co in person when the Empire isn’t lacking envoys?”
“That’s exactly why it’s strange. And that’s why I’ve called you here.”
The other confidants, especially the ministers and family mbers like Dwayne, were too preoccupied with preparations for the royal marriage to contribute to the conversation.
Receiving Logan’s expectant gaze, Damian fell deep into thought.
“If there is an ulterior motive, it must be related to the difference between the prince coming as an envoy and soone else coming in that role.”
“Hm? The only difference I can think of would be an increase in the number of knights and the overall size of the envoy… Ah!”
As Logan was speaking, his eyes lit up, and Damian added, interpreting his thoughts.
“Among the envoy, there might be those with certain intentions. Ordinary spies could co any ti, but perhaps there’s sothing unique about those who are able to enter the royal city with the prince.”
“Hmm, that’s a plausible idea.”
“Or perhaps the Second Prince has so business with His Majesty.”
“Hm?”
“If he were an envoy from a small kingdom, that would be one thing, but if the Emperor’s son requests an audience, you’d have to accept it.”
“…That’s true.”
If they didn’t want to appear hostile to the Empire, it seed best to maintain at least a facade of a good relationship.
Then it occurred to Logan.
“So, you an that those coming as bodyguards or close aides of the prince might be planning so mischief inside the palace, or the Second Prince himself has a specific reason to et in person?”
“Yes. It’s difficult to imagine anything else.”
“Well reasoned. I like it. In the anti, keep a close eye on the prominent mbers of the Empire’s envoy. Maybe instead of watching from behind, it would be better to assign them a knight’s escort under the guise of protection.”
“I’ll also ensure covert surveillance that won’t draw attention.”
“Good, that’s settled.”
Despite continuing to ponder the prince’s purpose, Logan ultimately realized he wouldn’t know until they t face to face. A month after receiving the news, the imperial envoy finally entered the capital, Gran.
Boom, boom, boom, boom.
As the booming drums echoed, an astonishing procession unfolded before the onlookers.
A knight bearing the Empire’s standard emblazoned with a golden dragon led the way, followed precisely by ninety-eight knights—a calculated show of not bringing more than a hundred knights, to prove it wasn’t a war party according to international convention. However, the knights of McLain who had reached a certain level knew that all ninety-nine knights were at least of an advanced level, their expressions turning solemn.
Even more imposing was the ‘one-eyed’ knight beside the prince.
“Jero Decade…”
The na slipped out of Luther Kyle, who had seen him in the imperial capital, with the heaviness of a sigh. He rembered the form Jero had shown in the decisive battle against Logan. Regrettably, he didn’t have the confidence to handle the young man who’d barely hit thirty at that ti.
“No, I’ve also improved since then.”
Feeling as if his gaze had t Jero’s, Luther clenched his teeth and straightened his back.
As Luther and the other knights of McLain steeled themselves against the intimidating presence of the imperial knights, laypeople could only marvel at the following thousand soldiers, several hundred attendants, and the unending line of rchants connected to the envoy procession.
“Is this really an envoy? How many are there?”
“It must be at least ten thousand.”
“Now, now, most of those in the back are just rchants, just trying to cash in on the official envoy.”
“But they’re part of the empire’s party all the sa.”
Amid the murmurs, the knight at the head of the procession stopped before the royal palace.
“Make way for His Highness Baros van Ares, the revered scion of the Emperor, the sole ruler beneath the heavens!” The strongly voiced announcent by the knight, who was visibly one of the strongest, unsettled the atmosphere.
Luther casually pressed down the knight’s mighty aura with a mocking smile.
“First, dismount and show so manners. This isn’t the Empire, we can only let His Highness and his guards enter the palace.”
As the knight struggled against the oppressive aura, Boss Luther persisted.
“This is not the Empire. As a rule, you must enter alone for a private audience!”
Feeling the pressure of the knight’s presence, he raised his voice in protest.
“What audacity!”
Crack.
The Second Prince’s face soured slightly, and a flicker of interest appeared in Jero’s only eye, as a voice from inside the office reached them.
– It doesn’t matter. Let him in.
Creak.
Step, step.
As the door opened, the prince stepped in without hesitation, his black eyes eting Logan’s red ones calmly.
“It’s been a long ti, Prince Baros.”
At the ntion of “prince,” Baros’ eyebrows twitched slightly. It was customary to treat the emperors and kings of small kingdoms as equals when they ventured abroad for special reasons, but most would treat the imperial princes with greater reverence due to the vast dominion of the Empire.
Especially, as the Second Prince was a likely candidate for the throne, the deference was expected, considering he might be the future Emperor. Yet, Baros quickly regained his composure and offered a polite smile.
“Indeed, it’s been a long ti, Your Majesty.”
Not “Your Highness” but “Your Majesty,” a designation of sovereignty and independence, suggesting that McLain was not a subservient state of the Empire. While it was the usual approach taken by imperial envoys, Logan did not object, rely sharpening his internal alert.
“It’s a rare occasion for the busy imperial prince to pay direct congratulatory visits…?” Logan mused.
But the prince answered with a continued smile.
“Rarer would be a thousand-year-old dynasty changing hands. I only regret not being able to attend the coronation.”
Sensing the prince’s unreadable heart, Logan returned the smile, turning his attention to Jero standing behind.
“It’s good to see you too, Sir Jero. I was sorry to hear about what happened, but seeing your appearance now does relieve .”
Jero’s usually placid face stiffened; it wasn’t just a pretense from the man who had taken his eye. Even the subtle aura Jero had been emitting since entering the room seed to vanish in Logan’s presence, indicating one thing:
‘At least… equal to , if not higher.’
Within the sa rank, the difference in strength among knights was clear, and even more so among those classified as superhumans like them. Considering Logan had defeated him when Jero himself had been slightly weaker, the realization was grim. Jero’s relaxed composure began to harbor a petty jealousy and rage.
But then, his master’s words echoed in his mind.
– Your absolute perception can ignore even a couple of ranks difference. If used wisely, you won’t face defeat like before.
Jero steadied himself with his master’s advice when suddenly the prince called out.
“Jero?”
Jero then realized he had been lost in thought. He shook his head slowly, signaling one of their prearranged cues. Observing this, the prince slightly furrowed his brow but quickly composed himself with a smile towards Logan.
“Such an event turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Sir Jero. Please, don’t worry about it.”
“Well, if you have brought congratulations, what’s the reason for seeking a private audience?”
Logan posed a direct question, and as Jero’s expression grew tense, the prince answered with a widening smile.
“I wish to understand why Your Majesty holds hostility towards our Empire.”
Logan’s face hardened at the prince’s statent.
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