Chapter 89
uK1RG0The pilgrims looked at each other cautiously, then stepped forward. Just in case, they glanced around, but no one stopped them.HGy4Nr
nmAxOnly Lothier stepped aside with a complicated expression, avoiding eye contact. Seeing that, the pilgrims were convinced and all entered at once.2ufn
R9Td“Ah…”R72Rr
T48The pilgrims who gazed upon the ancient capital of the northern kingdom let out exclamations of awe.tzsEX
hL81The first thing that caught their attention were the exquisitely detailed buildings and the neatly paved streets.ls6d
D0jw2Even though they were residential areas for commoners, the style was as classic and elegant as that of the nobility.awLTZ3
rh8eGIn the distance, the inner city walls were even more beautiful than the outer wall. And as the finishing touch, within the inner city stood a palace.Tvra2
Xqstw“The White Palace.”07hfIkN
SFK6Someone murmured as if hypnotized, staring at the palace.WkqJ0f
qWz8oIt didn’t look like it was built from stacked bricks, but as if a giant pure pearl had been carved directly.HzsB3
2bFMQ0JEverything around it was beautiful, but in front of that white palace, everything else seemed to lose its shine.kFdXwaS
BkINxThe pilgrims who had visited before were savoring its beauty once again, while those seeing it for the first time trembled with emotion.MNx
vf61“…It’s even more impressive than I imagined.”XMw8N
PiKPA sincere exclamation escaped Lucian’s lips. He had heard it was more beautiful than the imperial palace, but he didn’t expect it to surpass it completely.12Z2
9y7nAgQWhat kind of technology had they used to build something like this a thousand years ago?2vQ
9ZkpVW8As he looked around, unable to take his eyes off the surroundings, Lucian noticed something strange.E855T3
lt05z‘The security is excessive. It’s almost like a military strategic point.’DVllc
oGMM3Even if it wasn’t habitable, it was still a city open to tourism.iyiW
6o7zIf the general public was allowed to enter, there was no reason to maintain such strict surveillance.pjeGR
FGt6pKb“Sir Lothier.”m1ab
iRr“Yes?”6Xww2l
KcA9Lucian looked at Lothier, who flinched at being called.x0xMzYb
PbOJ“The security seems too strict. If this is a tourist site that allows pilgrim visits, why such caution?”t9FQYr
vngEq“…Your Highness, I’m sorry, but I’m in charge of the defense of a territory under the direct administration of the Empire. I cannot reveal confidential information to outsiders.”XZWut12
Kuq5wHHis expression was firm, as if he held no grudge over what had just happened. His words weren’t illogical, so Lucian smiled slightly.BtYevcY
s5n“That’s not an incorrect argument. I shouldn’t lightly dig into the Empire’s secrets.”zr40
QfjisXU“I appreciate your understanding.”3MMXr
2yj0tKw“But this territory has been granted to me as a fief. If there’s an obvious danger and you deliberately hide it, and something happens because of that, don’t forget that it will also be your responsibility.”5TA
NVX“…”XCuO
lpU2At Lucian’s calm reply, Lothier’s face twisted. Justifications can always be shaped as needed.DpBCjFB
7jUIf an incident happened in the future, it would be enough to say, “he hid it!” for all the responsibility to fall on him. From the moment he invoked imperial secrecy, there was no room left for excuses.PWIYlLH
9oJV“Sir Lothier, not even to me you can say it?”UNL
L6LEven Glenn, who stood nearby, sided with Lucian and pressured Lothier.bzy
tkvpGIt was a city granted by the emperor to ensure support for the first prince.NUt
6BRRIf a mere knight, out of personal resentment, made that favor seem lesser, it would be no small loss.MyNz
bXDScmb“That’s not it, but…”pB95Bj
bzDmtG“If there’s no reason to hide it from me, explain it to His Highness. From now on, Asagrim is his fief, so even if it’s confidential, if it concerns this land, it must be reported.”2X443
w07VnpAt Glenn’s insistence, Lothier spoke with a resigned expression.lASTe
QkM“The truth is that we recently discovered a barrier.”EsBh6
rosS230“A barrier? Are you talking about a magic barrier?”chKRs
0yop“Yes. That one.”ReMno1
1jCPA protective barrier installed in a specific place to prevent intrusions or to guard something.m6nSA
wKEIt usually created a physical obstacle that blocked passage, but some were so dangerous they could incinerate a person on contact.OOeioq
K8ZIn ancient ruins, it wasn’t uncommon to find such barriers that reduced careless soldiers to ash.NdCAe7M
btdwTXM“For the record, it’s not a dangerous barrier. It was installed to protect the city and can be activated and deactivated freely. The magical artifact was placed in a barely visible corner, which is why it hadn’t been discovered until now.”sPhLMTP
KR58“That’s surprising, but in ancient ruins, things like that sometimes appear… Wait, it protects the city? How large is it to protect the entire city?”NCao
6XK9“It covers all of Asagrim in the shape of a hemisphere. Its durability seemed comparable to other ancient relics.”RHnZ
m54Y9GC“…!”MXP
6VTAKcoLucian and the others gulped in unison. Normally, a barrier covered just an entrance, at most.JgkOVJI
TRCWA barrier that even covered the open sky and protected an entire city? Not only had they never seen one — they hadn’t even heard of such a thing.lrKl
52WK“Wait, what does that barrier have to do with this extreme security? You said it wasn’t dangerous.”sJEgU
xbe3TY“If an outsider manipulates the magical artifact without permission, we could end up trapped inside. Just in case, we reduced the number of pilgrims and strictly restricted access.”WqZ
J4q90“That’s strange. Usually, those kinds of artifacts are controlled from inside. Did someone deliberately place it outside?”26lT
rLm“No. But if, after activating the barrier, someone destroys the artifact, we don’t know what could happen.”U7n
k38“No, normally barriers…”WWXgB
lO3rwEmLucian was about to keep talking, but stopped himself. The reasoning was too weak. If the artifact that maintains a barrier is destroyed, normally it deactivates.IgV
JHS‘That’s how barriers in ancient ruins are usually neutralized what is he saying?’DdL
mENS3e4Being a knight, Lothier had to know that fact. At that moment, a possibility crossed Lucian’s mind.jaXJRu
gpPMM“Sir Glenn, there’s something I’d like to ask.”tYn
tK3P2G“What would you like to know?”wfi
83bH“Does Tibron have a magical artifact like this? I mean a barrier that covers the whole city.”IZbA
6BEzd4“That’s difficult to answer. It’s related to the capital’s defense.”oLcO57k
ppDK7“I see. Apologies.”RGouTz
vNyAlthough he changed the subject, the reaction made it clear that nothing like that probably existed.Gfi
QlPLucian nodded slightly and glanced sideways at Lothier.95ftHc
sAZHzJust as he expected, Lothier’s face was crimson, even though no one had pointed anything out directly.y2QeI
Xijwnxg‘An inferiority complex?’glB
eP1yImperial knights were usually proud to serve under the Empire’s sovereign.nbPBbs
o1lFzBut now they had discovered a city that, except for its size, surpassed the capital where the emperor resided.Q65vDPj
e8yNFVbAnd not only that—it was clear that Tibron’s white wall was an imitation of Asagrim, and now they had found a defensive barrier system never seen before.ZhaL4P
g1xTr‘He probably felt that, with Tibron’s and the Empire’s prestige falling, his own pride fell with it.’ztatjBY
g57LThe strict restrictions on pilgrims and constant surveillance were likely meant to prevent further discoveries.8teo
dfBIf something even more astonishing than the barrier appeared, Tibron would be even more exposed.x62QA
c84‘How absurd. That won’t make the north superior to the Empire, nor will it put me above the emperor.’aLjHLM
JlwRealizing the true reason, Lucian let out an ironic laugh. Knights obsessed with appearances were always the same in the end.A2ebS
Fi8“From what I hear, there’s not enough reason to maintain this level of security. Withdraw the soldiers.”TXtr
SeA“Your Highness, if we let outsiders wander freely and something happens…”sGc
LojMRE“It’s my land. I’ll take responsibility.”PHfVk
pBeAmqAt Lucian’s firm response, Lothier was speechless. If the land’s owner permitted it, what more could he say?zLB3
gmn***KF2Yg
qzGWVfJ“Let me go as far as the inner citadel!”Ge5Fdu
31cA“Ah, the White Palace! The ancient glory of the north!”Vukz4S
ltKMLb4Tears of emotion streamed down the faces of the pilgrims following Lucian.ddW
rPb6eGzEven when surveillance had been less strict, access to the inner citadel had never been permitted, so this was the first time they were seeing the White Palace from so close.r5FVk
55bSome even knelt down and kissed the ground.CzGj
W0aw1dN“Your Highness, do you intend to proceed just like that to the White Palace?”1RY8Rm
d4oK2“Is there a problem?”Yamls0H
Jr12C“It’s not that there’s a problem, but access to the interior of the White Palace is forbidden even to us. I’m sorry, but we won’t be able to guide you beyond the exterior.”2Bpqt
DBEDpN“Then there’s no other choice. Take me only to the entrance. I’ll handle the rest myself.”kaxyw5
I9CJ“Understood. But what do you plan to do with them?”Q1q1
v8qAU21Lothier cast a look full of displeasure at the pilgrims following them.spYq
ev3WHe seemed annoyed by how loudly they were shouting in excitement.HimsAB
2Bx“I assume you’re not thinking of showing them the inside of the palace. In such an exalted state, there’s no telling what kind of damage they might cause.”hqFjAl
miZ4Deep down, what truly displeased him was that they felt proud upon seeing a palace comparable to the imperial palace.4kx
rA2iLucian, having read his intentions, smiled mockingly.9eU
nlq5yyW“Of course not. Even if they’re pilgrims, I can’t allow them into the White Palace. But at least I’ll let them see the entrance.”CKQk2u0
Ycns“A truly merciful decision.”uI9BQ
J6BBlLothier bowed his head, uttering words he clearly did not feel.9FvJ
c1H8Shortly afterward, when Lucian’s group reached the main gate of the White Palace, everyone stopped.w07
f9LL8VIt was the moment when the northern sanctuary, closed for hundreds of years, would be opened.JOsO
6n3JOWxJust as everyone held their breath before a moment that could be called historic—RUk
pTVuve“Ascend the throne!”RYhyVC4
qYtyA voice shook the motionless group. Startled, they turned and saw the young man who had stood out earlier step forward and shout.4mJOJk
lQpxKS“Open the gates and reclaim the rightful authority of the Grimaldi! Ascend the throne!”UFFL1
koR1Z“…!”TcYBu
Wzj1lEveryone froze at his words.gr46eT7
EvaDAHIt was the castle of the former royal family of the north, so there was no doubt that there would be a throne inside.Hk5
9zv0VAlthough Lucian’s title was that of a margrave, it was natural that he would govern from there. However, explicitly referring to a “throne” or a “royal throne” was another matter entirely.CO4iWWD
dQZWjzThe Empire could conquer other countries and turn them into vassal states, but it never appointed new kings.NVukb9H
5KfsBBg“Ascend the throne! Ascend the throne!”DASJs
TNBSn“Ascend the throne! Ascend the throne!”jjaEyYd
1eqA2SvThe young man’s shout spread among the pilgrims like a forest fire. To them, Lucian already looked like the king who would unify the north.hDXv
EGptJWhile the members of the imperial side, Glenn included, tensed at the dangerous atmosphere—lhADQ
IMgPnA“Enough.”1yPoowW
SUAWith a single phrase spoken softly by Lucian, the shouts stopped abruptly.JuNhj3
HaYSqIAt the sudden silence, Glenn swallowed hard. Although they had fallen quiet, the pilgrims continued to stare at Lucian with eyes full of excitement, awaiting his next words.7Z3N
Nph3DhR‘Lucian, please don’t say anything reckless carried away by the mood.’REeahz4
92rFYdTo declare an aspiration to kingship and unsettle the Empire would be an unforgivable foolishness.f2WO
uBhnzxeHowever, to consolidate support, he could subtly hint at ambition. For Glenn, even the slightest hint of that would be unacceptable.iFt
Y0zdU5yAmid the overall tension, Lucian opened his mouth.rL8
bKV“The ancestors of the Grimaldi longed for the White Palace. To them, this place was the destination they were meant to return to someday, the dream of our ancestors.”YQ4F
LPxR“……”S6hc
tYNNfXS“For hundreds of years that wish was never fulfilled, but it is in my generation that it has finally come true. It is deeply moving. Therefore…”1fNpt
UxWoNjLucian paused and swept his gaze over the pilgrims before continuing.WJyH
yODJBpY“Today, I wish to walk alone through the White Palace, in memory of my maternal grandfather and the ancestors who came before him.”QBOS
vyyF“Ah…”bxnM
HbM4YC“They left this world long ago, but their blood runs through my veins. Let this body be their eyes and their hands today. At least today, I do not wish to be interrupted.”l0sSc4A
TrSndcAt those words, the pilgrims bowed their heads with solemn expressions.kbR
7kLJQThey had celebrated thoughtlessly upon hearing that the north had recovered the White Palace, but upon reflection, they realized that many ancestors had died without ever seeing it.48HVPZ3
5FHKysbThinking of that accumulated resentment made it necessary to show mourning and respect.HYMB12
7Mqav‘I’ve been too shallow.’5PELlj
4BC5Ashamed, the pilgrims stepped back with reddened faces. No one mentioned thrones or royalty again.vObnUPN
z9BLucian gave them a gentle smile and extended his hand toward the door.Qjm2ip
IbkT2I***3mdNM1
FLpNt“Truly impressive, Your Highness!”veYbF
yA4M5thGlenn exclaimed enthusiastically upon reaching the gardens of the White Palace together with Lucian’s vassals.wNc6
n4vCLucian had not disappointed the northerners by rejecting kingship, nor had he aroused the Empire’s caution by displaying ambition.bZ6
7xeNQBy invoking the ancestors, he had elegantly cooled the fervor, strengthened his support even further, and given an answer that also satisfied the Empire.3uHv1i
S21K“You truly have the makings of a grand duke! With you, even becoming the next head of the Valdeck house would be easy!”jmM
69y“I appreciate the compliment, but what I said earlier was also sincere. I’ve always wanted to walk through this White Palace alone at least once.”VwA2p
F6qFok“That’s understandable. From today onward, it will be difficult for you to find time to be alone.”A8uj
GpljEven if it was territory of his maternal family, it was land his ancestors had yearned for for nearly a thousand years. Even someone cold would feel something; an ordinary person, all the more so.pI4VXJq
0d35YJX“Still, just in case, take at least one escort. There may be no people, but you never know if defensive devices are still active.”etDu2
ZZyXT“Then I’ll take just one person. Would you mind waiting at the entrance, Sir Glenn?”J5dau
wk5Jhf“That will be fine. Don’t worry about me and explore the place to your heart’s content.”E925
FXVhWhen Glenn withdrew, Lucian immediately turned his head toward Felicia.Tcym
ZXbheoE“Felicia, let’s go.”F7IDQW
xtjxBl“Yes, my lord.”27Z
dGSOFelicia replied at once and took her place beside him.Bv1IK
MW1njAt last, the time had come to verify the legacy of his ancestors hidden beneath the throne.dSMW
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