novelraw Chapter 245
Chapter 245
Chapter 245. He who stays near vermilion becomes red. (3)
In an instant, my mind went blank with a ringing sound, and I started to feel dazed.
The moment I realized there was an entity undetectable by any 'surveillance magic', a wave of uneasiness washed over me.
'The Imperial Seal wasn't there without reason.'
Before starting this task, I had considered the possibility of clashing with the 'Imperial Family', but now that it was becoming a reality, the fear wrapped around me.
However, having come this far, there was no other choice. I had to reveal the whole truth and somehow expel the 'Demon God's Horn' out of the capital.
Preferably, toward the northern region.
Specifically, to the place where the Demon God's remains originally rested.
'I'm glad I have a way to contact Kaldrach.'
But, there's another problem here.
The moment the 'Imperial Seal' was discovered, it was easy to deduce that the imperials were connected to the 'Demon God's remains'.
What if Kaldrach is also connected to those 'imperials'?
'No.'
That won't be the case. Kaldrach will side with me.
A regressor, or rather a 'repeater', that guy had noticed strange signs from the Imperial Family and was amassing power in the North Pole to prepare for them.
'Once this is all over.'
It crossed my mind that he might indeed become the emperor.
"Did you visit Flugel because of the Demon God's Horn?"
To turn doubt into certainty, I asked Uruhar, who responded with an expressionless face.
"You know, even if you are the 'Black Knight', I can't tell you anything."
Despite his words, the moment he listened to me, a haze of 'gray' began to rise above his head.
A 'Color of Negativity', signifying doubt and curiosity.
It felt as if he was asking how I knew.
'But assuming certainty wouldn't be wise.'
There was someone who could confirm this doubt.
'Ugh.'
I grabbed the wriggling mask with my hand and took a step back. This Angelica fellow was being too petulant.
"Black Knight!?"
"It's fine. There's no problem."
Surprised by my sudden retreat with the mask in hand, Uruhar spoke up.
What a fellow.
He seemed genuinely concerned, looking quite distressed, as if he were a real fan of the 'Black Knight'.
"If you aren't the one who assaulted Flugel, there's no reason for me to stay any longer."
After finishing speaking, I elongated Angelica's body to attach it to the building's exterior wall, pulling myself up.
Surrounded by a sense of floating, I ascended to the rooftop through Angelica's body, hearing voices from below.
"Wait a minute! What about a signature!?"
***
After my discussion with Uruhar concluded, I immediately set out to find someone who could clear my doubts.
The questions lingering in my mind.
The first was whether Flugel actually had the Demon God's Horn.
The second was whether someone other than Uruhar succeeded in retrieving the 'Demon God's Horn'.
"...... Please explain why I should answer that."
To resolve these doubts, I sought out the Chief of the Secretariat, Sedn Orbian.
According to his calm reception, though he did deliver Emperor Adratan's orders to the Imperial Knights, he asked me to justify my request.
After he finished speaking, unusually for him, Sedn's face turned frosty.
It was the most hostile I'd ever seen him, portraying a rare display of hostility.
As the Imperial Chief of the secretariat, Sedn likely didn't wish to antagonize the 'Blind Eyes'.
The 'Blind Eyes', similar to the Secretariat, was a 'direct agency' under the Imperial Family, sharing many common grounds.
'...... He seems quite displeased.'
Extracting information about the Imperial orders to the 'Imperial Knights' from him was a nearly impossible endeavor.
Despite his occasional indiscretions, Sedn has long held the position of 'Chief', reinforcing his knowledge of separating personal feelings from professional duties, adeptly drawing clear lines on potentially contentious matters.
Hence, his expression of displeasure.
The fact that Emperor Adratan conveyed commands through 'Chief Sedn' to the Imperial Knights was something most affiliated with the Imperial Family knew.
However, asking him to disclose those details was a blatant violation of protocol.
"It's by the order of Prince Kaldrach, Sir Sedn."
Fortunately, I had the leverage to make Sedn open his tight lips.
"By Prince Kaldrach's order......?"
A notable confusion swept over Sedn's face. I nodded as he voiced his query.
Unofficially, Sedn supports Kaldrach.
Even if not, Sedn managed the 'Wedge Knights' embedded across the capital, meaning it wasn't farfetched to say he had ties with Kaldrach.
'Kaldrach.......'
Kaldrach had mentioned in the North Pole to convey stories through Sedn in case of emergencies, or seek assistance from him.
I hadn't imagined having to make use of it like this.
'Haah.'
Honestly, utilizing a 'prince's ties' like this induces a bit of uneasiness.
Should Kaldrach take offense to my actions related to this incident, the notion of my head rolling wouldn't have been dismissed as an implausible future.
Nevertheless, there's a necessity to employ drastic measures.
The 'risk' Kaldrach mentioned previously was drawing near.
"If Prince Kaldrach says so......."
"Haven't you heard from the Wedge Knights? Prince Kaldrach's directive was to assist me in case of any occurrences in the capital."
"Hmm."
Sedn let out a dry cough, then regained his calm.
Watching his brief moment of disturbance, I thought it prudent to press harder at times like this.
***
As Yulian mentioned, Sedn received Prince Kaldrach's words through the Wedge Knights distributed throughout the capital.
― Yulian, he is a trustworthy individual.
Simultaneously, there was this message.
― However, he's someone whose intentions are hard to discern. It's your task to keep an eye on developments in the capital, Sedn, since only you can do it.
Just as Kaldrach stated, Sedn found Yulian's intentions elusive.
But he knew at least this much: Yulian's words were blasphemous towards the 'Imperial Family,' and simultaneously an affront to his own position as Chief of the Secretariat.
"What if I choose not to reveal anything?"
Sedn said this while meeting Yulian's gaze.
A person's eyes betray emotions, but the lack of visible pupils in Yulian's eyes kept his emotions concealed.
Paradoxically, it fueled a sense of dread.
"There's no proof this task is truly by Prince Kaldrach's mandate, isn't it?"
"True, that."
"If so, let's wait a bit. I'll directly inquire with Prince Kaldrach and provide you with an answer."
Feigning composure, Sedn once again brought the teacup to his lips.
Holding the liquid in his mouth, no discernible flavor registered.
"Are you not of the nobility? One of them should possess the patience to wait."
"Prince Kaldrach mentioned the approach of a danger."
Hmm?
Putting down his teacup, Sedn shifted his focus to Yulian.
"Danger?"
"Yes, it seems advisable to return with the Wedge Knights to the capital right away."
"What are you talking about?"
Yulian never touched the cup of tea Sedn offered.
"What do you mean, aren't you somewhat aware, Sir Sedn?"
Within, Sedn felt a growing fear at what Yulian might reveal.
― He sees through everything. Differently than I do. For that reason, he should be on our side eventually.
Recalling a prior conversation with Kaldrach, Yulian spoke again.
"Isn't it time Prince Kaldrach ascended the throne?"
As though mocking the princes quarreling over succession rights, Yulian remarked.
In any typical situation, such insolent words should have been reprimanded, yet fear kept Sedn silent.
***
After hearing from Sedn about the emperor's orders to the 'Imperial Knights', I headed straight to Flugel's hospital room.
Flugel hadn't regained consciousness and was currently confined within a ward managed by the Magic Tower.
'How many accidents occurred for such a setup to exist?'
Observing the extensive ward, I mused silently.
What kind of incidents necessitated the establishment of a dedicated ward like this?
"Sir Flugel, I'm here for a visit."
Knocking on the door of Flugel's room yielded no response from within.
Nevertheless, as I opened the door and entered, I was greeted by the sight of Flugel lying in bed.
"Has nobody come to visit you? Such a solitary old man."
Looking at Flugel, scornful words escaped my lips, but fortunately, there was a vase with flowers by the side.
Perhaps Maier visited shortly before I came.
"Ha ha, Yulian, you do have a harsh way of speaking, don't you?"
Just then, a voice from behind caught my attention as I was gazing at the flowers.
There stood an unexpected figure.
"I greet the little sun of the Empire."
Eulsis de Adratan.
The Fourth Imperial Prince was there.
Upon giving him a courteous bow, Eulsis waved his hand.
"There's no need to be so formal, Yulian. After all, didn't we share hardships together in the sacred country?"
"It's an honor to hear you say that, prince Eulsis."
"Ha ha, I said to drop the formalities."
"Are you visiting Sir Flugel as well, prince Eulsis?"
Indeed, Eulsis nodded, then picked up the vase Maier had placed flowers in.
Subsequently, he added his flowers with delicate care and a gentle smile.
"It's surprising; you being a knight didn't make me think you'd have ties with Flugel."
"It's a simple connection. Just enough to visit, nothing more."
"Really? Yet I heard you made a rendezvous at the Magic Tower not long ago."
"Huhut."
A soft laugh escaped my lips.
"That's right. It's as if you were there, hearing things I've told no one, prince Eulsis."
"Hmm."
A brief sigh came from Eulsis.
"Did you come to make the final move?"
I asked Eulsis this. He nodded in affirmative.
"That was the plan."
Eulsis then shifted his gaze towards me.
"But with you here, Yulian, our schedules have changed."
Clacky's Corner:
Eulsis really is the final villain. I thought it would be the emperor, decrepit as he is. But it makes sense, since Abigail is subservient to Eulsis.
Or is he even Eulsis?