The slums in the Imperial Capital of Luos were located outside the castle walls in an abandoned area. Even if war broke out, the Empire would have no desire to protect the poor souls living there, ranging from poor people to immigrants, even criminals, and others who definitely wont find any work. Nobody with any decent job would ever visit this place. Of course, every major town or city had a place like this, and with Luos general size, this was one of the biggest ones.
And right now, Kyle and his friends were setting foot in there. The rotten scent and stench of feces imdiately pierced their noses, as even the path to walk on was not tended to in years, making it hard to walk. Even though it was barely noon, there were many who were collapsed on the ground from being drunk, others were throwing up and laying in their own vomit.
I would have rather not made you tag along, but
Kyle wore a hood over his head, looking over at Lieze and Uzra in a similar fashion. Down here, two cute won like them would imdiately draw attention from the nasty folks. Of course, they were strong enough to hold their ground, but if they ca at them in numbers, there wasnt anything Kyle would be able to do, so hed rather not have them around while going down here.
Are you still going on about that? Youre so obstinate when it cos to the weirdest things.
Absolutely. And you need to have us around, right?
Lieze got angry in return, and Urza just sighed in disbelief.
I knew such a place existed, but seeing it with my own eyes is sothing entirely different.
Standing in the center of the group was Princess Angela, as she looked around her surroundings in disbelief. Just as Urza stated, having only Kyle and Seran protect the princess would be too dangerous, so Lieze and Urza tagged along.
I understand, but even soHm, whats wrong?
Nothing, Minagi said and gave a distant response.
She seed to be in a bad mood, which was weird to Kyle. She should be used to places like these more than anybody else from the group, and she wasnt the type of person to ask for compassion. However, she was still bothered by the fact she wasnt even part of the sa conversation as Lieze and Urza. Kyle most likely didnt do this on purpose, but this difference in treatnt annoyed her, while also being surprised that she felt this way.
Its weirdEver since I accepted his request, sothings been off with .
It has only been half a year since she accepted the contract, and that was by no ans her longest one. So tasked her to fit into a certain place or society and blend in for a longer amount of tias was given for a shinobi. At first, she kept a certain distance from Kyle and intended to work separately from him, but lately, she was staying close to him rather frequently.
But who would think a noble would be hiding here, no?
Thats exactly why. This is a place for outcasts and the weird to gather. Just be careful you dont get pickpocketed.
Shildonia looked around with great interest in her gaze, but Minagi made sure to throw in a proper warning. After that, they repelled attempts at pickpocketing or trying to attack them, reaching a small area not even the inhabitants of the slums must know about. It was a house blending in perfectly with its surroundings, looking like the average worn-down place, but that was also the destination the group was given prior.
Looks like a dirty hole at first, but its actually built rather sturdily, used as a ans of evacuation in dire tis.
Reaching her current skill, Minagi had no problem pulling apart the layer of this residence. She also pointed out that most people loitering around the area were paid guards. Knocking on the back entrance, a suspicious-looking man appeared. Giving him the code, he finally let them inside. The inside was the complete opposite of the outside facade, set up with several doors and long hallways to protect against sudden raids. It most likely also connected to neighboring houses to provide several escape routes, or so Minagi judged.
They were guided to the room furthest in the back, finally allowed to et the Empires first crown prince Konrad. He looked much more weakened than when Kyle had last seen him. His face was pale, and it looked like he was robbed of his energy at every passing second. However, the light in his eyes was sharper than ever before.
Hes definitely changed. Backed into a corner, but determined
However, when Konrad spotted his sister Angela, his gaze softened up.
AngelaSo you were alive. He seed genuinely concerned for his sister, now looking relieved at knowing she was safe.
Brother KonradIm glad we got to et again.
However, this joy of a reunion only lasted an instant. Konrads facial expression returned to being tense as he looked at Kyle and his team.
I cant offer that much ti.
Yes, of course. I wanted to thank you for helping my mother. I was told you did a lot for her. Kyle deeply lowered his head to show his sincerity.
This was sothing he wanted to get done with no matter what.
Dont worry about that. I just repaid my debt for all shes done in the past. If that is all you ca here to say, then were done, Konrad said and looked away.
No, I also have thisIts a letter from Majesty Maizer.
Hearing that, Konrad reflexively reached out his hand, only to draw it back right after. He seed to be hesitant if he should accept it or not. Angela observed this with a dubious look.
Brother Konrad? Are you not going to take it?
I dont have any intention of starting discussions with Maizer. Konrad turned his back to the group. More than anything, I cannot trust him.
Understanding the aning behind those words, Angela was beyond herself.
Are you suggesting that Brother Maizer was the one who assassinated Brother Eldorand?!
After Eldorands death, many rumors made rounds, one of them assuming Maizer to be the mastermind. However, Angela only scoffed this off, and she assud that Konrad would feel the sa way. That said, Konrad slowly shook his head horizontally.
What I believe does not matter. It depends on the public eye, so I have to take it into consideration.
Then tell , Brother. What do you intend to do after this? Do you wish to beco the next Emperor? Angela jumped right to the matter at heart.
She had no reason to show restraint like the others.
The succession is sothing Father will decideAnd to be honest, youre not acting like yourself, Brother Konrad. I know youve been negotiating with many of the influential individuals of the Empire, but is that really inheriting Fathers willThe will of the Emperor?
Surely, Father will soon bring down his decision. I would like to respect itBut if he were to choose Maizer, I will not accept it! Konrad scread with bloodshot eyes, slamming his fist on the table.
I am not so arrogant to believe I could ever replace Brother EldorandBut with the Empires fate on the lineI cannot give him the right!
B-Brother? Angela seed bewildered.
This must be the first ti she saw her brother this emotional. He must have grown concerned with this, as he coughed once to regain his composure.
ApologiesEither way, I will not fall back, nor can I afford to. Many people are willingly supporting , too.
Thats how it is, Angela-sama, the new arrival entering the room was General Dargof.
DargofWhy are you here?
I am one of the individuals fully supporting Konrad-sama.
Did you not want Nord to succeed our father?
Dargof stayed by Eldorands side, always proactively pushing aggressive ans of growing their territory. Angela did not understand why he would take Konrads side.
Now that Eldorand has passed away, I would love for Nord to beco the Emperor, but he is too young and cannot hope to fulfill his duties diligently. However, the absence of an Emperor will only weaken the Empire more, so I believe Konrad-sama would be fitting to take up this role until Nord-sama has grown.
In other words, he decided to follow Konrad until Nord was ready to take up the succession.
I have many other followers who wish for to beco the next Emperor. For that reason, I cannot step back.
Witnessing this confident statent from Konrad, Kyle realized that what Maizer said was absolutely true. Those who follow himhe cannot abandon. If he found himself in a position where he had to cut his lossesIf Eldorand was still alive, this kindness would be a very valuable asset. And Kyle could only lant this outco.
Surely, the Emperor his Grace will not be able to ignore this support for Konrad-sama. And I ask that you join our ranks, Angela-sama.
I will abide by Fathers decision. Until then, I will not side with anybody.
Angela remained strong despite Dargofs invitation.
And let askThat ally of yours, is it Minister Korodes?
Kyle asked a question too, but Konrad remained silent. This, however, spoke for itself.
Silence! Dont think you have any voice in this matter just because His Grace took liking to you!
Im afraid I cannot remain silent. After all, I ca here to tell you of Prince Maizers feelings.
Dargof could use his pressure and roar to intimidate Kyle as much as he wanted, but he couldnt back down this easily.
First of all, Prince Maizer has no intention of starting a fight over this. And you should be more than aware of this, Prince Konrad. So, I have to question why you are going this farAnd I would wager that both of you are aware that His Majesty Benedix will choose Prince Maizer as his successor. Thats why you are so desperately working in the shadowsTo change his opinion, yes?
Hearing that, Konrad was at a loss for words, and Dargof could glare at Kyle as much as he wanted, but it didnt change this reality. Both knew that Benedix and Maizer were extrely similar. After all the ti they spent with those two, they were painfully aware of that.
Fathers heart is weakened because of his sickness. His judgnt is flawed, and it is my job to correct it, Konrad said with a hurt expression.
He was aware of his admission of defeat through that statent.
And you dont have the choice of offering everything to the Prince? No matter what you do, the Imperial Command will decide. And if Prince Maizer is chosen as the Emperors successor, you will be branded a traitor trying to obstruct the succession!
What are you!
You bastard!
The mont the word Traitor left Kyles mouth, but Konrad and Dargof brandished clear hostility toward Kyle. They knew that he was speaking the truth, but envisioned the scenario in their heads.
Brother, I ask you! Please dont split the Empire in two!
A request from his own sister left Konrad unable to speak another word.
Please! A civil war must be avoided at all costs!
That was the most important factor to stress. This would be the last possible chance for him to avoid a civil war. With just Kyle alone, it might be impossible, but thanks to Angela, they managed to reach Konrads heart. Kyle prayed as he waited for Konrads answer.
I
A long silence followed, and right as he opened his mouth, Seran cut ahead of him, turning around and putting one hand on his sword.
Sothings weirdDid we get surrounded?
A wave of tension filled the room. And as if his assumption had been spot-on, sounds of fighting could be heard outside.
An attack? Thats impossible! Only a selected few should know about this location! Dargof imdiately glared at Kyle and the others.
Were we being followed?
Not at all! I checked several tis, so it shouldnt have been Minagi imdiately tried to answer Kyles doubts, but at the sa ti, she rembered being off her ga on the way here, and grew pale.
anwhile, Konrad and Dargof slamd their hands on a nearby wall, opening up a secret passage. It must be an ergency exit. Kyle ran toward that exit, but Dargof blocked off the path.
Stay away!
His voice was filled with rage and hostility, so Kyle tried to defend himself.
This is a misunderstanding! We didnt do anything! Kyle pleaded, but Konrad wouldnt have any of that.
And yet, we were perfectly safe before you ca here.
Ugh
Kyle didnt have any ans of arguing back. From an objective point of view, this was clearly suspicious. It might be so sort of trap from the very beginning, after all.
AngelaYou should put so proper thought into the future. Konrad directed these sad words at his sister and then disappeared behind the closing door.
Kyle grit his teeth and then slamd the wall in anger.
This is the worst
Since he brought Maizers letter here, he was seen as an envoy. And whatever Konrad said, his followers might see this as an attack from Maizer, not forgiving him as the envoy. This was the sa as Maizer and Konrad holding negotiations and failing drastically.
I guess we shouldnt have taken Princess Angela here with us, Minagi whispered in a tone only Kyle could hear.
The mont he grasped those words, his face grew pale. He imdiately understood what she ant by that. If they had assassinated Konrad here, it would resolve a lot of problems. In fact, Kyle considered it for a mont, but not in front of Angela, and not while hes looking after his own mother.
Regretting cos later. We gotta get out of here first. Seran said as he checked the situation outside.
Got it. Seran and I will carve a path, soLieze and Urza, you stick with Princess Angela. Minagi, you keep our backs safe. And ShildoniaYou just exist, I guess.
Following Kyles orders, the group went into formation.
Lets go!
Kicking open the door, the group dashed outside the room.
***
I seeSo thats what happened.
My sincerest apologies.
Kyle finished reporting on the previous events, to which Maizer looked up at the ceiling in pain. The regret and guilt almost tore Kyles heart apart. This way, Konrads side would have the absolute advantage when it ca to reason and motive.
No, it was my decision to send you there with my letter, and I left the negotiations to you, too. They just used this as a chance. However, you didnt manage to figure out who exactly attacked you, right?
Yes. We couldnt afford to take that ti to check.
After leaving that house, they were busy protecting Angela with all their might, experiencing several battles to the deathExcept maybe not that bad, but they certainly didnt get out of it unscathed. In that situation, it was difficult to even tell friends from foe, and the residents of the slums even joined in, hoping to catch so profit out of it. For that reason, they had to prioritize Angela over everything, not being able to confirm who it was that even attacked them.
Were they aiming for Brother, or did they target AngelaEither way, the timing was a bit too great if you ask , Maizer grumbled, as Kyle started thinking.
Youre sayingThis was set up by the prince himself?
If they wanted a reason to attack Maizers faction, this wasnt entirely impossible, but Kyle struggled to believe soone as Konrad would be able to do this.
Even if Brother Konrad himself had no intention of doing soThere are people more than willing. And that would limit my own path. Maizer scratched his head when sothing else happened.
Excuse
The one who entered was Beadola, her voice and face clouded. Its as if she witnessed the end of the world, making Maizer and Kyle feel as if the god of death had arrived.
His grace has fallen into slumber once more. Without deciding on the successionWe dont know when he will wake up againif he will wake up again.
There couldnt be any news worse than this. This way, there was no ans to stop Konrad anymore.
With this, Brother has no more reason to keep alive. In the worst-case scenario, he might send them after . Maizer muttered with an expression like he had ntally prepared himself. I was planning on accepting whatever decision my old man made, but I cant just sit still and be killedThus, I will beco the Emperor. That is my only hope at survival. He stated his clear intentions. Kyle, will you assist ?
Yes, of course, Kyle responded instantly.
So far, he acted in the best interest of avoiding a civil war, but it seed impossible to stop at this point. Since in the original world, this war continued for a whole year, it weakened the country as a whole, so he had to bring a halt to it as quickly as possible, even if it would taint his morals.
We gotta hurry. Surely, Brother must be on his way to his territory to gather forcesTo end it all before Father wakes up. Beadola, what are you going to do?
I have no intention of following Prince Konrad this late into the ga. I will gather those nobles who follow .
Please do. Ive got a few advantages here and there, so lets use that. For starters, gotta keep Nords followers down. Maizer began formulating a plan. First, I will take in Nord, have him marry my future daughter, and announce Eldorands grandchild to beco the next Emperor. I dont mind offering a contract to the Goddess Kohle. Im gonna rob Brother of any of his rights.
It was a story far ahead in the distant future, but that way, he could return Eldorands blood to the throne.
That way, those who followed Brother Eldorand will now follow . What about Korodes?
Sa as usualBut I wouldnt bet on him. With both Prince Eldorand and His Grace out of the picture, if hes gone, the Empire would fall to ruin for good.
Yeah, I know. Korodes should know that, which is why he must be sneaking around behind the scenes. Ill leave him to his own accord for a while. Maizer let out a confident snort. Itll be a battle of ti, for sure, he grumbled and glared norththe direction where Konrad must be hiding right about now.
Two days later, news about Konrad gathering troops in his region reached the Empire. The goal was to save the Emperor that was locked up because of his sickness and strike down Maizer, who holed himself up in the Imperial capital while bringing back the Emperor and Nord from Maizers grasp. General Dargofs orders ca in to gather under Eldorand, soon reaching forces close to 50,000. Facing that, Maizer spoke against these accusations, stating Eldorand and Dargofs intentions of going against the Emperors plans and wishes for succession, and that they should be punished for treason. With these two forces clashing, the civil war was brewing on the horizon.
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