Chapter 120: Fall of Petals (3)

Got Was at “Imperial Palace Pork Belly,” a Popular Restaurant Among Capital Employees

There, freshly roasted pork belly was served in real time, and its flavor paired perfectly with alcohol, making it a favorite spot for group gatherings and team bonding.

“Is everyone seated?”

“Yes.”

“Anyone missing?”

“No, no one.”

“Hold on. The prince will be here soon.”

The attendees were members of the Briol Comrades Association led by Got. Since there were many of them, they had to reserve the entire restaurant.

A close colleague asked:

“Got, how’s your health?”

“Perfect.”

“You’re out of the hospital?”

“Not yet. Soon I will be.”

“Then let’s throw a party when you’re discharged.”

“It wasn’t for a good reason, so I’m a bit embarrassed.”

“So what?”

Got had been receiving treatment at the temple’s rehabilitation clinic for addicts but left due to a summons from the Third Prince.

Before leaving the Empire, Yuri had asked to arrange a dinner with those from Briol, so Got organized the event.

“Fill your glasses first.”

As he watched the glasses being filled, Got sighed.

“Hmm…”

He’d managed to gather everyone, but he didn’t feel completely at ease.

It was known that Yuri and Prince Ragnar were close. But a few days ago, the news of Ragnar’s sudden accident had spread.

Though sometimes a bit of a hassle, Got couldn’t help but worry about the person who had pulled him out of the pit of addiction.

“Since the prince organized this gathering for us, let’s avoid mentioning Prince Ragnar, okay?”

“Yes!”

“The prince is about to…”

Just as Got looked out the window, he saw Yuri approaching from afar.

“He’s coming.”

When Yuri entered, the members of the association stood up.

“Come on, sit down, no need to stand.”

With a wave of his hand, he had everyone seated and placed a hand on Got’s shoulder.

“Wow, you organized this well. Must’ve been quite a task, huh?”

“It was nothing.”

Yuri behaved just as usual. He smiled and looked around the restaurant.

“Mind pouring me a drink too?”

“Oh, of course.”

A close member served him and handed him a cup. Yuri nodded and raised it.

“Meeting here in this far-off capital is fate too. Come on, let’s toast.”

“Yes!”

“To Briol.”

“To Briol!”

Everyone drank in one go. Yuri set the empty cup down on a nearby table and spoke.

“To those from Briol who’ve settled in this distant capital, and to students studying abroad, I hope you never forget—we are people of Briol.”

“Yes!”

“And what about Briol?”

“Never forsakes its honor!”

“Now, enjoy yourselves! Everyone, drink up.”

Meat kept arriving at the table, and the alcohol began to flow. Yuri went from table to table, lifting the mood. Thanks to his friendly demeanor, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the gathering.

Noticing that Got hadn’t been able to eat properly while managing everything, Yuri approached and slung an arm around his shoulder.

“Hey, Got. Aren’t you a little too busy?”

“Oh, I’m fine.”

“Remember what I told you. Do it well.”

“Yes.”

Yuri had asked him to continue the fight against drugs even after he left the capital. Got was to continue working with the temple as a speaker and motivator.

“If anything comes up, let me know.”

“Understood.”

“And thank you.”

“Huh?”

Got looked at him, surprised by his words. Yuri smiled and handed him an empty cup, then filled it.

“You’re looking after all the Briolians living in the capital.”

“It’s nothing big…”

“Sure it is.”

Yuri pointed with his chin.

“Is there anyone here you don’t know?”

“No, I know them all.”

“Then you’re the leader.”

He patted Got on the shoulder.

“So I’m counting on you.”

“Understood, Prince.”

Got felt something strange.

Until now, everything related to Yuri hadn’t exactly brought him good fortune. Six years ago, he’d gotten beaten for getting into trouble. Later, in the capital, he was caught with drugs and dragged to the temple like a dog.

But in the end, things turned out okay.

The second time he met Yuri was better than the first, so he felt that the next time would be even better.

“There’s not much of an age difference between us, right?”

“No.”

“Then we’ll probably see each other for a long time. So let’s do this right. Train your swordsmanship and cultivate a good heart like mine.”

“Uh…”

Yuri pointed his chin toward Dale, who was sitting in a corner.

“Teach that kid well too, alright?”

“Yes, sir.”

Just then, a commotion erupted outside. Got turned and saw unfamiliar people peeking into the restaurant and jotting things down.

They were reporters. Ever since the interview between Yuri and Got caused a stir, both had become targets of the capital’s media.

Yuri removed his arm from Got’s shoulder.

“Got.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll turn right, you go left, and we look over there casually.”

“Sorry?”

“Don’t forget to smile gently.”

“Uhh…”

“Strike a pose like it’s nothing.”

“Got it.”

“Now.”

Feeling Yuri’s tap on his back, Got turned with him toward the reporters and managed a smile.

The hands of the journalists at the entrance of Imperial Palace Pork Belly began to move frantically.

Without moving his lips, Yuri whispered.

“Don’t move.”

“Okay…”

The next day, every newspaper and magazine in the capital featured that scene on their front pages.

***

Yuri, Before Leaving the Imperial Capital, Was Very Busy

He gave money to Gorio in thanks for gathering information during his stay in the Empire, bid farewell to the foreign delegations departing before him, and visited the Elaine Company’s capital branch to give instructions for future business.

He also contacted several media outlets to offer them interesting stories and sent gifts to the staff of the Duforia Hotel in appreciation for their efforts.

Now, he was receiving a visit in his room at the Duforia Hotel.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

Sitting at the edge of the bed, he looked up. In front of him stood Asana.

After infiltrating Genard’s castle, she had left to train but suddenly reappeared just before Yuri’s departure.

And then she dropped a shocking statement.

“The palace is dangerous.”

“If I don’t do this, Briol will be in danger.”

“Hmm…”

“I’ll carefully look for the right opportunity.”

“Ugh…”

Yuri shook his head.

“You suddenly show up and say you’re staying in the capital to find a way into the palace…”

The palace was protected by multiple spells and magical barriers. Even for someone like Asana, it wasn’t a place one could enter easily.

“Now it’s possible. I won’t be able to enter freely, but if I stay nearby, I’ll find the right time to infiltrate.”

After encountering that unknown entity beyond the orb in Genard’s castle, Asana realized her own limitations.

That’s why she temporarily left Yuri to master the assassin group’s secret techniques and had made considerable progress.

“If you’re speaking so confidently…”

Yuri murmured. Asana wasn’t a reckless person. On the contrary, she was very cautious.

If even she was this determined, then there must be a real chance.

While patting the bed, Yuri said,

“Keep this in mind: if it gets too dangerous, withdraw immediately. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“If you need anything, ask Gorio.”

“Understood.”

“And don’t be too rough on him. Gorio isn’t that young anymore.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Be wary of the imperial archive, of all imperial family members. If you see anything suspicious, report it to me.”

“Yes.”

“I’m really worried.”

“Prince.”

Asana shook her head.

“You should worry more about yourself. I’m surprised you’re still sane.”

“Hmm…”

It wasn’t common for her to speak so bluntly. Asana continued,

“Shouldn’t you cancel your itinerary?”

“I can’t.”

“I’m very concerned.”

Yuri planned to fake his return to Briol, but in reality, he would detour to Adelein.

There, an imposing entity awaited him.

The Death Knight Gert.

A true Death Knight, feared by all. Very different from the unpleasant skeleton he’d seen in Erich Briol’s tomb.

“Don’t worry. I’ll bring a strong friend.”

Asana didn’t look convinced. Yuri shrugged.

“With that guy, it’ll be enough…”

Just then, the mentioned friend knocked at the door.

“Prince! It’s Jose!”

“Huh? Why now…?”

Yuri gestured to Asana, who disappeared immediately.

“Come in.”

Jose opened the door and walked in with firm steps. The entire time, Asana remained in a corner of the room.

Yuri was relieved Jose hadn’t noticed her; he simply bowed before Yuri.

It seemed his training had paid off.

Jose burst in, flustered.

“Prince, there’s a problem.”

“What is it?”

“Jonathan said no.”

“I told you not to be so honest. Of course he’d say no.”

“But I couldn’t lie.”

“So what now?”

“I’ve decided to sneak away.”

“Huh?”

“Prince, I’ll flee in the middle of the night. I’ll stay in Gatenxia—meet me there.”

“That…”

Jose’s eyes burned with the resolve to face Gert.

“I, Jose Aratur, will take down that monster with you.”

“I appreciate it, but you know it’s dangerous, right?”

“Of course.”

There was still time before Jose would defeat Gert and join the Ten Greats as he did in the previous life, but Yuri knew the current Jose was already strong.

That growth was thanks to the changes Yuri had caused. Through his guidance, Jose had met people like Moyongchan and Bernard, accelerating his development compared to the past life.

“Alright. If Jonathan scolds you later, let me know. I’ll speak to him.”

“Thank you.”

Jose straightened up with determination. He carried a huge amount of luggage.

“Then I’m off. I’ll slip away without anyone noticing. If Jonathan asks, say you don’t know anything.”

“Got it.”

Even if it was impossible for no one to notice, Yuri simply nodded.

Jose smiled broadly, bowed, and left with loud, thudding steps.

Yuri looked back to where Asana had been.

“Huh?”

But she had disappeared too.

Now alone, Yuri flopped back onto the bed. The ceiling stretched above him.

Six years had passed since his regression. Much had happened.

Until recently, everything had gone according to plan. But not anymore. Now he faced enemies that even his memories couldn’t easily overcome.

That’s why he lost Ragnar.

It hurt, but now wasn’t the time to grieve. There would be many more moments like this.

For now, he had to carry the burden. Someday, when the time came to lay everything down, then it would be okay to collapse.

But now was not the time to wipe his tears.

It was time to draw his sword.

***

In the underground crypt of the palace, there was a hall where only the remains of imperial blood were placed.

Only members of the imperial family could enter.

Yekaterina entered alone, leaving her escorts behind. Numerous coffins were lined up behind inscribed gravestones.

She stopped in front of Ragnar’s. She laid flowers at the stone.

And remained silent, gazing at it. Ragnar’s name, dates, and life achievements were carefully inscribed.

But nowhere did it say he had been a great uncle.

“Yekaterina.”

A voice called out. Turning around, she saw her second brother, Georg, entering the hall.

He approached and stood beside her. He too placed flowers before Ragnar’s grave.

They stood silently for a moment. Georg was the first to speak.

“I can’t believe Uncle’s gone like this.”

“Yeah…”

“It’s hard to accept he died in an accident.”

When they were children, they often called him “Uncle.” When their father, Ivar, wasn’t around, Ragnar would take them to eat sweets or play with them. It was their little secret.

“I miss him already…”

Unusual words from Georg. He stepped past the gravestone and placed a hand on the coffin.

“Brother?”

“I just want to see him one more time.”

The coffins in that room were magically protected to prevent decomposition. It was a place to preserve the bodies of imperial members.

Georg opened the coffin.

“He looks peaceful. Like he’s just sleeping.”

Yekaterina cautiously stepped closer. It was true. Ragnar lay as if merely asleep, no different from how he looked in life.

Around him were numerous funerary objects. His sword, his armor, and treasures of gold and silver.

Then Georg reached out his hand.

“That.”

He pointed at something. Looking at Yekaterina with a strained smile, he said,

“I was wondering where it was… so here it is.”

Resting neatly beside the body were the emperor’s tournament champion medal and an old deck of cards.