At that unexpectedly pointed question, Logan’s smile faded away.
‘…Did I show any signs?’
Logan, who had briefly reviewed his actions thus far after realizing his mistake, only beca aware of his error once he noticed the scrutinizing black eyes observing him.
“Hmm. You say frightening things. I’m flustered as to whether I really have opposed the empire. May I know why you would suggest such a thing?”
While his discomfort was apparent, his response was smooth and not the slightest bit awkward.
He seed to have handled himself well, but the black eyes watching him did not waver at all.
“Recently, I heard a surprising piece of news. In the forr McClain territory—specifically, one part of it—a magic stone mine was discovered. And a considerable quantity has already been sold. Oh, but not to our empire.”
“Ah…”
So, the existence of the mine was the critical issue.
However, Logan had braced himself for this revelation, and while internally clicking his tongue, he calmly replied.
“Ahaha. Given that it’s a precious resource, we naturally tried to maintain the utmost secrecy in the interests of the territory and the nation. Surely, you don’t an to suggest that such a precaution qualifies as hostility towards the empire? That seems a bit excessive.”
Defiantly nonchalant.
So what will you do about it?
Had it been known when McClain only referred to a single territory, perhaps it would have been different.
But now that everything is well established, the empire could hardly interfere by any ans other than war.
Still, Logan’s confident deanor was unchallenged as the prince calmly continued.
“Revamping the military system and incessantly nurturing your forces—is this not preparation for war? If you do not oppose the empire, are you then planning to conquer the small kingdoms in the east?”
The question visibly stiffened Logan’s expression.
“As a king, it is rely part of the policies aid at strengthening the nation. Are you suggesting the empire intends to ddle in the internal affairs of our kingdom?”
The prince had crossed a line.
If he were not the prince of the empire, Logan would not have hesitated to reprimand him.
Logan attempted to regain control of the conversation using this as leverage, but the prince, with a chilling smile, unexpectedly uttered sothing outrageous.
“Well now. It’s difficult for us to trust the words of soone who has planted a spy within the imperial family.”
“What? What absurdity…”
He would have planted a spy had he been able to, but the accusation was imnsely unfair.
However, Logan could not help but startle when Jero casually brought forward a sack he had been holding, and from it rolled a head—undeniably belonging to soone Logan knew.
“Cleo!?”
Watching Logan’s wavering eyes, the prince spoke with composure.
“This is the imperial spy, identified as an official from the Grandia Kingdom. How would you explain this?”
“Ha…”
Logan was at a loss for words at the utterly baffling claim.
‘How did they get hold of soone I couldn’t trace? Was he truly a tool of the empire?’
As confused thoughts raced through his mind, Logan observed the prince and Jero’s every move, which now seed slightly unnatural.
What are they thinking?
His complexion turning icy, Logan glowered back into the prince’s black eyes.
“Hmm, so you do recognize him.”
“…Cleo Lieberman. A fugitive wanted by the kingdom.”
“Well now. Using a wanted man as a spy is a common tactic…”
“A traitor who has brought ruin to Grandia. A fact that would be evident with a bit of verification, right? Prince Baros, I will not tolerate any further impudence.”
As Logan radiated a nacing aura, Jero quickly stepped in to protect the prince.
“Your Majesty, please calm down. We rely sought to resolve a serious concern that might affect both nations.”
Was the prince expecting a different reaction?
Just as Logan realized the prince’s eyes showed a hint of disappointnt, the prince, still smiling, touched Jero’s shoulder and shook his head before stepping forward.
“A traitor who has brought about the downfall of a nation… Ah, indeed, it seems I recall such a person. It appears I failed to confirm properly in my haste. Please forgive my rudeness.”
The prince’s bow, unbefitting imperial dignity, seed flexible.
How could his words of failing to confirm be trusted?
But Logan, unable to act against the prince on the spot, just gnashed his teeth and spat out his words.
“How dare you hurl a man’s head at a king and instigate trouble? It’s confusing whether the prince ca as an envoy to celebrate the marriage alliance or to declare war. Had soone else been the diplomat, even if they were an imperial subject, their head would no longer be attached.”
Despite sensing the veiled threat in his words, the second prince smiled softly.
“I fully understand. It’s such an important issue that I ca personally. I apologize once more for my rudeness.”
“That’s enough. Leave now.”
It was an eviction without pleasantries or warm wishes to stay comfortable—yet, unfazed by the cold treatnt, the prince’s party simply bowed their heads and withdrew.
After they had gone, Logan stared at the spot where they had been for a long while.
‘They’ve taken note that I oppose the empire. And they threw Cleo’s head to gauge my reaction…’
Even as he lightly tapped the armrest, pondering, how the prince had co to such a thought was beyond him.
Yet one conclusion was certain.
‘They brought up a non-existent spy to test how much I know. So, there is only one conclusion. Their plans for invasion haven’t changed, not even in this lifeti.’
At least, not yet.
The looming disaster he had most feared after his return felt decidedly close.
Logan touched the back of his neck, an eerie feeling creeping over him.
‘If they’re wary of , my future moves might introduce variables. Yes, if that is the case…’
Having composed his thoughts, Logan promptly called for his knights.
“Victor.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Increase surveillance on the imperial delegation. Not just knights but also servants. Relay the sa to Damian.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Oh, and…”
Logan hesitated briefly before adding with a hardened gaze,
“If anyone from the delegation strays from their designated area, whether they are knights or servants, kill them—especially those who enter the castle.”
“Yes!?”
Although Victor rarely showed strong reactions, this ti he was shocked. Logan, however, continued impassively.
“Don’t worry about the aftermath. The prince is the one who first showed rudeness. As long as he lives, the empire cannot hold us accountable.”
If the opponent’s actions are unpredictable, then restrict their movents altogether.
Fortunately, the excuse was provided by the other party, so it shouldn’t beco an issue.
‘Prince Baros. Whatever you desire, it won’t go as planned.’
Left alone, Logan smirked nacingly.
anwhile, the second prince, having left the office, entered the quarters provided for him, no sooner had he done so than he asked Jero,
“How was it?”
Jero quietly shook his head.
His unique Absolute Vision was not only applicable in combat—it was incredibly useful in gauging one’s inner thoughts by observing everything reflected in his view.
In Jero’s eyes, the surprise and subsequent response from Logan, upon seeing Cleo’s head, seed utterly unfeigned.
Accordingly, Baros exhaled a quiet sigh and nodded.
“So he did not plant the spy. But then how did he know…”
“If that head truly wasn’t that of a spy… Then?”
“Ah. There’s no need for you to know any more.”
Cut off from asking further, Jero’s expression stiffened montarily, but the prince did not see this as he continued in an indifferent tone.
“Carry on with the rest of the plans. When the ti cos, you’ll naturally find out.”
Following the prince’s gesture, Jero bowed and left.
His escort duties would now be taken over by other knights.
Jero’s task lay elsewhere.
Not long after Jero returned to the delegation, another incident occurred at the royal palace, significant enough to cause a stir once more.
– To promote friendly relations between our nations, the empire will assist with the wedding.
– ‘The Star of Grandia,’ or rather, ‘The Sun of McClain,’ a gift from His Imperial Majesty.
The imperial delegation put forth a coercive offer wrapped as the emperor’s gift.
Though slightly absurd, Logan found himself without ans to refuse, and from that mont on, about two thousand of the empire’s rchants who had remained outside began to enter the palace with all sorts of materials.
Out of these, only a handful noticed about thirty people who displayed quite different movents from the rest upon their entrance into the palace.
* * *
The announcent of the royal marriage and the preparation for the event, attracting celebratory envoys from other nations, had taken a month.
And as the first day of the new year approached, signifying the comncent of the royal marriage, the palace was buzzing with finishing touches.
“Careful over there!”
“Easy, take it slow!”
“Okay!”
The bustle of the workers throughout the palace was palpable as they carried on with their tasks, astounded by the scale of their work.
Specifically, the scale of the wedding had suddenly increased due to the emperor’s gift of workers.
“This wedding is going to be an extravagant affair.”
“Seems even more luxurious than the coronation, doesn’t it?”
“It’s all because of those guys. The empire…”
The workers’ eyes turned towards a laughing figure with the title of the empire’s second prince, who was directing his attendants here and there—a sight quite incongruous with his status but one the workers had grown accustod to over the past fifteen days.
“Royalty really is different, huh? Our old royal family was nothing like this…”
“Hey now, you can’t compare then and now. After all, the emperor himself publicly praised our king as ‘The Sun of McClain.’”
“Praise? It’s more like just a complint.”
“What? Look at this guy, sympathizing with the empire?”
“Better than being nationalistic. Making a big deal out of a simple complint.”
“What did you say, huh!?”
Despite the unusual event causing so minor disputes, most people were simply wondering how grand the wedding would be and continued their work.
“Still, us commoners won’t get to see the wedding, will we? Just the nobility…”
“Isn’t it obvious? But we have the festival, right? After work, we can have a good drink, there’s enough money—what’s there to complain about?”
“…Well, that’s true.”
“So, let’s finish up quickly and go for a drink today, okay?”
“Okay!”
In the midst of this lively commotion, a sudden unfamiliar voice rang out.
“Alright, clear the way! We’ll show you what real art is!”
A group of stout but sturdy dwarves, a hundred in number, appeared.
“Dwarfs!”
“The dwarfs of Taren!”
“Is that… is that guy Hamr?”
The arrival of Hamr, known as King Logan’s staunch ally, caused a stir. According to rumors, his appearance had freed all dwarves in the kingdom from a life of slavery—though in reality, it had been McClain that had acquired the dwarves and sent them to Taren. Nonetheless, the outco was the sa, so those in the know simply kept quiet and smiled.
“Co on! Show your best work for our lord—ah, my apologies. I an, for His Majesty!”
“Yes!”
Under Hamr’s command, the dwarves plunged into their work, igniting their passion for craftsmanship.
And so, after a tumultuous period, as the first day of the new year dawned, the day of the royal marriage arrived.
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