Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince — Chapter 324: The Sword and the Bouquet

Chapter 324: The Sword and the Bouquet

When‍ it became known‌ that the Anti-Imperial Alliance had won,⁠ the entire continent‌⁠ was swept up‍ in a festive‌‌ mood.

There were celebrations every‍ day.

By‍‌ contrast, the citizens‌ of the Empire,‍ upon being freed⁠‌ from the brainwashing‌⁠ of black magic⁠‌ and understanding the‌ truth of what had happened, fell⁠‌ into confusion.

As‌ compensation for the‌‌ war, the Empire‍ lost much of‍ its territory and had to cede‍⁠‍ rights and interests.‌‌

People‍ feared that, at this rate, the‌⁠ country would become‍ a colony of‌ another nation.

But,‌ unexpectedly, a leader emerged who was‍ able to quickly‍ stabilize the situation⁠⁠‍ — Yekaterina Ivarna⁠‍ de Granzaien.

Considered‌‌‌ the most beautiful‌ woman on the‌ continent, and as the only remaining‌‌⁠ imperial bloodline, she⁠ ascended to the‍ throne and began‌⁠ to rule.

The‍ people’s joy was‌ not due only⁠ to her surprising‍‌ political ability.

The hero of the⁠ Alliance and leader‌ of the Anti-Imperial‌⁠ Coalition, Yuri Briol,‍ was in love‌ with Yekaterina.

That alone allowed the⁠ citizens of the Empire to hope⁠ that they would‍ not be treated‍‍ excessively unfairly by the victorious powers.

“As‍ if I had⁠‌‍ any power…”

She⁠ shook her head,‌ but in truth⁠‌ the kings of‌ the coalition did‍ take care not‍ to offend Yuri.‌‍

Whether‌‌‌ he was aware‌ of it or⁠ not, Yuri stayed‌ at Yekaterina’s side‌‌‌ and actively participated‍‍ with her in⁠ public events.

“Yuri.”⁠‌

“Hm?”‍

“Lift⁠ your chin.”

“Won’t‍ that look a little arrogant?”

“If‌⁠ you’re attractive, you‌ can afford it.”⁠⁠

“Like‌ this?”

“Perfect.”‍

The painter nodded firmly.‍‌

“Yes,⁠ very good.”

He was a famous‌ illustrator known for‍ his realistic style in the Monthly‍ Daily magazine.

In‍⁠‍ the past, he‌ had received excellent‍‌‌ reviews for an‌ illustration of Yuri⁠ and Gott in⁠ a special feature‌‍ on narcotics.

The‍‌ artist’s hand moved⁠ quickly.

“But,‌‌⁠ tell me something…”‌‍

Jared, who was watching⁠ with arms crossed,⁠⁠‍ spoke.

“This‌‌ interview is for‍⁠⁠ the White Paper‍‌ on Policies for‌‌ the Reconstruction of‌ the Empire, so why are you posing as if⁠‍ this were a fashion catalog?”

And it was true.‌⁠

The interview was serious,‌ about the future⁠ of the Empire.⁠ But there they‌‌ were, dressed in‍‍ the latest capital⁠ fashion — Yekaterina‍⁠ with her hand‍ at Yuri’s neck,‍⁠ Yuri with his‍ hand on her‌‌‍ waist, both glancing⁠ sidelong at the‍‌ painter.

It⁠‌‍ might be pleasing‌‍ to the eye,‌‍ but the topic‌ was far from‌‌ that.

Yuri‍⁠ mocked him.

“You’ve‌‌ got a lot‍ to learn. What⁠‍ have you learned‌ by my side all this time?”‌

“Eh?”‌‍

“Governing⁠‌‍ is, at its‍⁠ core, promotion. Jared,‌‍⁠ in difficult times⁠‌ like these, to⁠‌‌ unify the people’s‌ spirit, you must‌⁠ use every resource⁠‍⁠ available. And it‌ doesn’t need to be explained that,‌ in this case,⁠‌ the resource is‍⁠ beauty. How many‍ do you think‍‍ will actually read‍‌ the article? What⁠‌⁠ will remain is‍ the illustration.”

Jared‌⁠ sighed. He couldn’t refute it, and⁠ that annoyed him.‍‌

The⁠⁠ Empire, which had‌‌ once been divided,‌‍ quickly unified thanks⁠ to the two‍‍ of them being at the forefront.⁠

The⁠‌ force that united‌‌ the people was simple: the couple‍ at the head‌⁠⁠ of the Empire had swept first⁠ place in the‍ survey for “The Most Admired Person‌ of the Opposite‌‌ Sex on the Continent.”

Even‌ though it was‌‍‍ the darkest time‌‍ in its history,‌ support for the crown was at‌ its highest point.‌⁠‍

“You’ve⁠ become the pride‌ of the Empire,‌‍ congratulations. And Briol?‍ Aren’t you looking‍ after him?”

“My‍⁠ brother takes care⁠‌‌ of that well⁠‍‍ enough.”

Joshua,‌‌‌ having found his⁠⁠ focus, was beginning‍ to become a monarch worthy of‍‍ going down in⁠‌ history.

By⁠ temperament, he wouldn’t‌⁠ be a virtuous‌ king, but he‍ would surely win‌ a survey for⁠‌ “Kings Who Contributed⁠ the Most to⁠⁠ Briol’s Development.”

“I‌⁠‌ see you’ve loved‍ surveys ever since‍⁠⁠ you won one.”⁠

“Only‍ those who have‍‌ been first understand.”‍‍

“I’ve‌‍‌ been first too.”‍‍

“What?”‍⁠⁠

“Knight‌ You’d Trust Most‌‌ With Your Life⁠ — first place.”‌

Jared,‍ who had shared‍ life and death‍ with Yuri, was‌‍ famous across the⁠‌⁠ continent.

For those who didn’t‌ know the truth,⁠⁠‍ he was the embodiment of loyalty‌‍⁠ — unsourced stories⁠‍ circulated about how‍ he had single-handedly⁠‍ held off hundreds⁠ of orcs on⁠ a bridge to‍⁠ protect Yuri, or‍‍ how he had⁠⁠ escaped with an unconscious Yuri on⁠ horseback from the‌‌ imperial troops.

Yuri’s gaze turned cold.‍

“What‍ magazine made that‌ garbage survey?”

“Maxim.”‍

“Damn it…”

He‍ would have loved‌‍ to shut it‍‌ down, but being‍ so popular among‍‌ soldiers, even he‍‌ couldn’t touch it.⁠‍

While⁠⁠ they talked, the⁠ painting was almost‍ finished.

“This‍‌ is enough. I’ll⁠‌ finish the rest‌‍ myself,” the painter‌ said.

“Good⁠ work.”

“No,‍‌ it’s been an⁠ honor to portray⁠ you. It’s not⁠‍ every day one has the opportunity⁠⁠ to use two‌‍‍ such magnificent people‍ as models.”

“I’ll‍ call you for⁠ the next one.⁠ We have an‍‍ article pending on Tax Reform for⁠ the Revitalization of‍‍⁠ the Empire.”

“I’ll‌ look forward to‌ it.”

When‌‍ Jared saw the‍‍‌ illustration, he understood‍⁠ why Yuri insisted‍‍ on promotion. It‌‌ wasn’t just beauty‍‌ — it was‍ art.

With⁠ something like this,⁠‍ the impact was‍‌ inevitable.

After‌‍ all, humans are⁠⁠ imperfect beings, guided‌ by what they⁠ see.

“Hehehe…‌‍‌ kill all the⁠‍ monkeys and create⁠ a new worl—”

“Don’t‍⁠ say nonsense.”

“Yes,‍⁠ sir.”

As⁠ they left the‌‌‌ studio, Yekaterina called‍⁠ to Jared.

“Sir‍‍‍ Jared.”

“Yes?”

She‌‍ tilted her head,‌‌ giving a signal⁠ with her eyes‍⁠⁠ — she wanted⁠⁠ to be alone with Yuri.

“I‍‌ understand.”

As‍‍ a royal guard‌ knight, he was‍‍ used to withdrawing.‍⁠

In‍ truth, the idea‌ that he protected‌ Yuri made no⁠ sense — the‌ difference in strength was such that‌‌‌ now he was‍ more of a porter than a guard.

But he wasn’t discouraged.‌

“I’m‌ number one in‍‌ Knight You’d Trust⁠ Most With Your‌ Life…” he muttered.⁠⁠

When Jared left, Yuri⁠‍ and Yekaterina smiled at each other.⁠‍‌

“Shall‌ we go?”

“Yes.”⁠

They‌ were so well-known⁠ that they wore⁠ slime masks to⁠‍‌ hide their identities⁠⁠ and go out‌‍ into the streets.

Yuri⁠‍ felt something strange.‌⁠‍

In⁠ his past life,‌⁠⁠ they had walked‍‌ around hiding their‌ identities to enjoy⁠⁠‍ secret dates.

This⁠‌‌ felt the same.‌

She⁠‌ tilted her head,‍⁠ as if trying‍ to remember.

“Have⁠⁠ we been here‌‍‍ before?”

“Yes.”⁠⁠

“I⁠ think I remember…”‍

Walking‌ through the capital,‌ they entered the⁠ market. Merchants shouted to attract customers,⁠‍ food fell to‌⁠‍ the ground, a girl sold flowers‍ from a cart,⁠ children ran and‍‍ fell.

At‍⁠ times, in the alleys, hunched beggars‍ could be seen.⁠‍

Yuri‌‌ stopped.

“What‌ is it?” Yekaterina‍‍ asked.

He⁠⁠ didn’t answer, staring‍‌‌ fixedly at a spot in an‍‌ alley.

He⁠⁠ remembered. Here.

When‌ Cedric, in Laurent’s⁠ body, had stabbed⁠⁠‌ him, he had‌ trapped him in⁠‌ absolute silence to⁠ make him surrender.‍‍

There,‍ Yuri had remembered‌ the days with⁠‌ Yekaterina and understood‌‌‍ something.

It‍ was a forgotten‌ scene from the‍ past.

“Do‍⁠ you remember that we argued here?”‍⁠

“Argued?”‌‍

“Yes.”⁠

“I’m‌ not sure…”

Yekaterina⁠⁠ tilted her head.‍⁠⁠ Yuri smiled.

“You‌‍ got angry and left. Right here.”‍‌

“Me?”‌

“Yes.”⁠

“And‌ you?”

“I‌⁠ stayed still.”

“You‌ didn’t follow me?”‍

“No.”

“I‍ left upset and‌‌ you…?”

“Yes…”

Before‍ she could frown,⁠ Yuri touched her cheek, remembering that⁠ day.

***‍

Then,‌ Yekaterina furrowed her⁠⁠ beautiful brow.

Then‌⁠ she threw the‍‌⁠ necklace he had‍⁠ given her, spat‍‌ out a few‌ cutting words, turned⁠‌ around, and left.

Yuri‍ stayed there, watching‍ her figure walk‌⁠ away, without understanding‌ what he had⁠‍ done wrong.

“…”‍

He‍⁠ remained frozen in‍‍ that spot for a long time.‌‍

“Haa…”‍

When he finally sighed‍‌⁠ and turned around,‌‌ he saw, in‍‍ a corner of‍‍ the alley, some⁠ beggars beating another.‌‌

His‌‍ small body, completely⁠‍⁠ wrapped in cloth,‌ rolled on the⁠⁠ ground, and at‌ first Yuri thought they were beating‌ a child.

Yuri‍ immediately ran over,⁠‌ dishing out punches‍ and kicks to‍‍⁠ the attackers and‍ driving them away.

The⁠⁠ beggar being beaten⁠ was not a child.

“Th-thank‌⁠‍ you. Hehe…”

He‌ had a face⁠‌⁠ so deformed it⁠‍ looked as though from burns and‌‌ limped when walking.⁠ That was probably‌ why they had made him a target.

But‌ Yuri wasn’t the‍‌‌ type to judge⁠⁠ by appearance. In⁠ front of Yekaterina,‍⁠ after all, everyone‍‌ was equal.

“Are‌ you alright?”

“Yes.”‌

“You don’t look it.‍ Hey, take that‍‌ off.”

“I-it’s‌‌ fine.”

“Come‍ on.”

Yuri,⁠‍ almost forcing him,⁠‍ took off his clothes and applied‌‌ a potion to‌⁠ his wounds.

“Thank you…”

Seeing⁠⁠ the hesitation in‌ the little beggar’s‍⁠ eyes, Yuri sensed⁠‍ that this boy⁠⁠‍ had almost never received kindness from‍‍ another person.

He‌‌ was a poor⁠ unfortunate soul.

Yuri⁠ started chatting with⁠‌ him. He even‌ told him the‌‍ story of his⁠ fight with Yekaterina.‌

Although⁠ his appearance was‍‍‍ ugly, the beggar‌⁠‍ was clever and‌ spoke well.

“I‌ think… that’s why⁠ she got upset.”⁠‌⁠

“That’s‌⁠‌ why?”

“Yes…⁠ I think it‍‍⁠ was a little…‌‌ insensitive.”

“Yes,⁠ now that you‍‍ mention it, I think so too.‍ I hadn’t even⁠‍⁠ thought about it.‍ Haa… And how did you know?”⁠

“I⁠⁠ just tried to put myself in‌‌ her place.”

“Not⁠‌ bad, huh?”

“Hehe…”⁠⁠‌

“But what do I do now? I didn’t realize I had made a mistake, and when⁠ my girlfriend left‌ angry, I didn’t‌ even try to‌ stop her. Surely‌‌ that made her‌‍ even more upset.”⁠⁠

“She’ll forgive you.”

“You‍ think so?”

“O-of‌‌ course.”

“She’s⁠ not the type⁠‌‍ to forgive easily…”‌

“Maybe‌⁠⁠ not with others,‍ but with you‍⁠⁠ she will.”

“And‌ how do you‌‌ know?”

The‍‌ boy bared his‌‍ teeth in a smile. It wasn’t a pleasant face,⁠‌ but there was⁠‌ sincerity in that smile.

“Because⁠ if I were⁠⁠⁠ her, I would.‌‌ She must know⁠ better than anyone⁠ what a good⁠‌ person you are.”⁠‌⁠

“Well…”⁠

Yuri‌ let out a laugh.

“You’re⁠‍ not just telling‍‌ me nice things,‍‍ are you?”

“I-it’s serious. I… I’m‍‌ good at reading‍ people. I’ve lived⁠ my whole life⁠⁠ watching other people’s‍⁠ moods…”

“I⁠⁠‌ see, I see.”‍‍⁠

Yuri‌‌ patted his small‌‍‍ shoulder and then‌‍ stood up.

“Anyway,‌ I’ve got to⁠ go.”

Just⁠‍ as he was⁠‌ about to leave,‌ the boy grabbed‌‌ his clothes.

“Mm?”‍⁠‌

“Sir…⁠ May I pray for you?”

“Pray?”‍

“Yes.‌ Even if I’m⁠ ugly and limp,⁠⁠ I have a small power.”

Then⁠ he smiled shyly.⁠

“My⁠‍ words have strength.⁠⁠ When I say‌ something, it happens.⁠⁠‌ Only small things,⁠‌ of course. For‍⁠ example, once I thought I wished‍⁠ the person who‌ hit me would⁠⁠‌ trip when leaving…⁠ and they really‌ fell! It hasn’t‌ been just once.”‌⁠

“Oh,‍ really?”

“I-I‌⁠‍ swear.”

“Alright.”‍⁠

Yuri⁠⁠⁠ shrugged.

“If⁠ you don’t mind…‍‍ could you lend⁠ me that necklace‌ for a moment?”‌⁠

“This‍‍‌ one?”

The⁠ boy, hunched and‍ with a timid‌⁠‍ voice, said.

“F-for⁠⁠ words about the‍⁠ future, it’s better⁠ to store them‍‍ in a valuable‍ object…”

Without‌ suspicion, Yuri handed‌ him the necklace.⁠

The⁠ beggar took it‍ with both hands,⁠⁠ as if it‌ were a precious⁠ jewel, and closed‍⁠ his eyes to‍⁠ concentrate.

He⁠‍ seemed so serious‌‍ that Yuri couldn’t‌‍⁠ help but smile⁠ wryly.

“You‍ said you regretted today’s mistake, right?”‌‍⁠

“Yes.”‌

“Then⁠‌‌ I’ll pray for‌‍ your future. If⁠ one day you⁠ make a mistake,⁠ and something comes⁠ up that you‍⁠⁠ really want to‍ make right, that‍‌ it won’t end‍⁠‌ there — that you’ll have one‌ more chance. That‍ is what I truly wish…”

At‍ that moment, Yuri‌‌ thought the necklace‍‌ in his hands‌ shone faintly.

It‍‌ was the first‌ and last time.‌

Days‌⁠ later, when Yuri‍‌‍ made up with‍‍‌ Yekaterina and returned to the market‍‍ to thank him,⁠ he found only,⁠⁠‌ in a corner,‍ a small body‌‍‌ wrapped in cloth,⁠ set aside like‌‍‍ trash.

They‍ said he had⁠‌ been run over⁠ by a noble’s carriage.

Whatever‌ his story, that nameless little beggar⁠⁠ — Yuri truly‌‍ wished that in⁠ his next life‍ he could have⁠‌ peace.

That⁠ had happened once.‌‌

***‍

“Yuri?”‍‍

Yekaterina’s⁠ voice pulled him⁠ from his thoughts.‌

“What‍‌ were you thinking‌‍‌ about so much?”‍

In‌ her large green‌ eyes, his own‍⁠‍ face was reflected.

Recalling⁠⁠ a past buried⁠‍ deep inside, he‌‍ felt strongly that‍‌ everything he was‍‍ living now was⁠‌‍ a miracle.

Yuri⁠ spoke.

“About‍ Cory.”

“With‌‌‍ me in front⁠ of you?”

Seeing‍‍‍ her eyebrows arch,⁠‌‌ Yuri smiled.

One‌ more chance, something‍‌‍ not granted to‌ anyone.

It‍⁠‌ was a miracle.‌‌

That’s⁠⁠‍ why he had‍⁠ to make good‌ use of this‌‍ life.

So as not to‍ regret it.

So‌‌ as not to‌‍ leave behind those‍ trivial laments of⁠⁠⁠ “why didn’t I do it then?”.⁠

If‍ in this moment‌ he felt he‍⁠ should do something,‍‌ he wouldn’t hesitate.‍‌

“Yekaterina.‌ I have something‌ to tell you.”‍‌

“What⁠‍⁠ is it?”

Yuri‍‌ turned, took from‍ the nearby flower⁠ cart the most‌‍ beautiful bouquet, and⁠⁠ placed it in⁠ Yekaterina’s arms.

“Hm?”⁠‍‍

Then,⁠‌‍ he unsheathed Guilty‍‌⁠ and drove it⁠‌ into the ground.‍‌

He‍‌‌ looked her directly⁠ in the eyes.‌

“Would you marry me?”⁠‍

It‍ was a sudden⁠ proposal, but she wasn’t the least‌⁠‌ bit surprised.

She simply curved her lips, as if‌‌ she had heard‌ something obvious.

“If⁠⁠ that’s what you‌ want.”

Those‌⁠ who were surprised‌⁠‌ were the people‌ in the market.⁠ The unexpected event ended with an‍⁠‌ acceptance, and soon‍⁠ applause and cheers‍ erupted.

If‌ they knew that‌ the woman and⁠ knight before them⁠ were Empress Yekaterina‍ and her lover,‌ Yuri Briol, they⁠ would probably faint⁠⁠ from the shock.‌‍

Receiving‍ the congratulations, Yuri‍ unsheathed Guilty again.‍‍

But⁠‍ then.

Ping.‌

With⁠ a clear sound,‌‍ the blade broke.‍

Right‌‍⁠ where the word‌ Guilty had been‌‍‌ engraved, the sword‌ split cleanly in‌‍ two.

The word no longer existed.

“Did‍⁠ you hurt yourself?‌⁠ Wasn’t that your⁠‍ favorite sword?”

“Yes. It was.”

His‍‍ companion for so‍ many years.

Yuri‌‌ lifted the broken⁠ hilt and, looking‍⁠ at the fragment‍‌ where nothing could‌‌⁠ be read anymore,‌ smiled.

“She’s⁠‌ congratulating us too.”⁠‌‌

“Oh,‌‍ really?”

“By‍‍ the way, Yekaterina…”‌‍

“Hm?”⁠‌

“Everyone’s‌‍ looking at us.”‌

“So⁠‍‍ what?”

“I⁠ think the right⁠‌ thing would be to kiss.”

“Then⁠⁠‌ do it.”

The‍⁠ cheers grew louder.‍‌

It‌ was a good⁠ day.

He had been through‌ so much, but⁠ in the end,‌ Yuri Briol had‍‍ been absolved of⁠ his guilt.

***‍

Although⁠⁠ he committed atrocious‌ acts, Cedric was undoubtedly a genius who transcended his‍ era.

That‌ is why, to‍‍ obtain artifacts, urban‍‌ plans, or technical⁠ data he had‍‌ left behind, the⁠‍‌ Anti-Imperial Alliance’s research⁠‌ team remained in‌‌ the underground city.‍⁠

Jonathan‌‍ was part of⁠ that team and‍⁠ explored the depths.⁠⁠

Although⁠‍ he was a knight, he had⁠ a strategic mind and great intellectual talent, as well‌ as a constant⁠‍ interest in all‌⁠ kinds of innovations.‌⁠

He⁠ had even planned‌ to visit the‌ Far East after‍‍⁠ finishing this research.⁠

“Sir‍ Jonathan, what are⁠‌ you doing there?”‌

“Observing.”‌‌

“Observing what?”

“I‌ wanted to check⁠ Cedric’s aesthetic sense.”‍

“It’s‍ not to my‌ taste. Put a numbered tag on‍ it to review⁠‌ later.”

“Yes.”‍

While‍ investigating the underground⁠‌ city, Jonathan concluded‌ that Cedric was‍‌ an extremely efficient⁠‍ man, but with⁠‌ little aesthetic sense.‍⁠

If something was useful,‍ the rest didn’t‌‍ matter — all⁠ the styles were⁠ excessively simple.

“Hmm…”⁠⁠

Jonathan⁠ was inspecting an‌ underground warehouse.

It⁠ seemed to be the place where‍ Cedric kept items‍ he considered useless.

From⁠⁠‌ time to time‌‍ there were decorations,‍ but for someone‌‍ with a more⁠ popular taste like‌ Jonathan, they were‌ nothing more than‌‍ horrors.

“Why⁠‍ the hell would‌ he make such‌‍ a monstrous statue?”⁠

He‌‌⁠ couldn’t understand his‌‍ taste.

Then,‍ suddenly, he saw‌‌⁠ on the floor⁠ something the size⁠‍ of a fist‍ that looked like‌‍ a stone.

“What’s⁠‌‌ this?”

Its‌ surface was irregular‍‍⁠ and full of⁠‌‌ bumps, like tentacles⁠ coiled into a disgusting ball.

He‌ nudged it with his foot; it⁠⁠‍ rolled a bit⁠‍ and stopped.

“Tch…”

Cedric was definitely incomprehensible.‍‌ Had so much‍ intelligence driven him‌‌ insane?

Thinking‍‍ that, Jonathan kicked the stone.

The‌‌ stone shot forward,‍ hit the wall,‍‌ and rolled back.‌ It didn’t break.‍⁠

Jonathan⁠ kicked it again.

“To‌‍ hell with you!”‍

Volunteering for this investigation⁠ was not good⁠⁠ for mental health.‌‍ It felt like‍ staring into the‍‍‌ abyss of a lunatic.

He‍⁠ used the ugly‌ stone to vent‍ his stress.

“Die,‍ damn you!”

He‌ gave it another⁠‌‍ kick.

“Huh…?”‌‌

It seemed he had‍‍ kicked it too‌‌‌ hard. The wall⁠ where it hit‍ cracked.

A researcher poked his head through the⁠‍ warehouse door.

“Uh,‍‌ what are you‌ doing?”

“Sorry.”‌‍

“You’re‌‌ a knight, control‌‌ your strength. You’re‌⁠ going to break⁠‍ everything.”

“Yes,⁠⁠ my apologies.”

“See‍‍‍ you later.”

When‌⁠‍ he was alone again, Jonathan turned⁠‍ his head and‌⁠⁠ froze.

Not‍‍ only was the‌‌ wall damaged.

The⁠‌ stone ball had⁠‍ a crack spreading⁠‌ through it, and⁠ it began to‌ split into two‌ halves.

“Huh?”‌

Black⁠ smoke began to‌⁠ rise slowly.

As‍ a member of‌⁠ the Anti-Imperial Alliance‍⁠ and veteran of⁠ many battles, Jonathan‍⁠⁠ recognized that darkness‌ as the prelude‌ to black magic.⁠

“D-damn‍‌‍ it!”

What he had touched wasn’t just some‌‌ object, but a remnant of black⁠‍‌ magic.

Instinctively,⁠⁠ Jonathan raised his⁠‌‍ sword.

In⁠‌‌ the thick smoke,⁠ a shadow moved.‌

There⁠⁠ was something there.⁠

It⁠‌ could be a summoning.

It‌ was strong.

Instinctively,‌ he understood that‌⁠ the presence beyond the smoke was‍ much more powerful⁠ than he was.‍‍

His⁠⁠ skin prickled.

Jonathan⁠‍‌ had crossed swords⁠ with the man⁠‌ considered the strongest‌ on the continent,‌⁠ Yuri Briol, now⁠ the empress’s husband.⁠⁠‍

However,‍ the pressure he felt from this‌⁠⁠ opponent was no‍ less than Yuri’s.‍

He‍⁠‌ was in danger.

“Damn‌‍‌ it…”

Had⁠‍ he, by giving‌ in to anger,‍ endangered the continent‍‍ again?

From‌‍‍ the darkness came‍⁠ an attack.

“Ahhh!!!”‍‌‌

Jonathan‍ ducked and covered‍ his head with‍⁠ both hands. The‌ difference in power⁠ was so great‍‌‌ that he dropped‌ his sword without‌ even thinking of⁠ resisting.

Was⁠ he going to‍ die like this?

But⁠‍⁠ instead of a blow, he heard‍ a voice.

“What‌ are you doing?”‌

“Huh?”‌

“Dropping‍ your sword — that disqualifies you‌‌ as a knight.”⁠

“Ah?”⁠⁠

Jonathan⁠ cautiously lifted his‍‍ head.

When⁠‍ the smoke cleared,‌ he saw a tall, slender man‍‌ of elegant bearing,‌ with a bored‍‌ expression and a sword in hand.‌

He‍‍ also seemed somewhat‌‌⁠ irritated.

“Were⁠ you the one‌ who freed me?”‌

“Me?⁠ Ah… probably…”

“Thanks‍ for saving me, but earlier I almost vomited from⁠ motion sickness. Did‍ someone throw me?”‌

“I…⁠‍ I don’t know.”‌‍

“Hmm…”⁠‍

“There⁠‌ was a ball⁠‍‌ and, since it‍‍⁠ was special, I touched it and⁠ suddenly you appeared.”‍‌

“I⁠ suppose it was⁠ a side effect⁠⁠ of breaking the‍‍ seal…”

As‍‍ Jonathan mumbled excuses,‍ he realized the⁠‌ man’s face looked familiar.

A name crossed his‌ mind.

“Could it be that‌‍ you are… Your⁠ Majesty, the former‍ King of Briol?”‌

“That’s right.”

That‍⁠ unknown and terrifying⁠ swordsman was, in⁠⁠‍ fact, Fiore Briol,‌‍ father of Yuri‍ and former holder‍ of the title of the strongest‌ man on the‌ continent.

He⁠ was thought to⁠ have disappeared, but⁠ it seemed he‍ had been sealed‍ here.

Jonathan hurried to bow.‍‌

“If you recognize me,‍‍‌ then not much‍‍ time must have‌‌‍ passed.”

“That’s‍⁠‌ right, Your Majesty. But since you‌ disappeared, many things‌ have happened.”

“Yuri‍ must have killed‌‌⁠ Cedric.”

Jonathan‍‍⁠ opened his eyes‍ wide, and Fiore‍ smirked.

“It‌⁠⁠ was obvious.”

“Yes,⁠ and now, His Highness Yuri is⁠‌ the imperial consort…”⁠‍

“And‌‌⁠ he married the⁠⁠‍ princess?”

“That’s‌‌ right.”

“Also‍ obvious. Ever since‌ they met, the way they looked⁠⁠ at each other‌ wasn’t normal.”

“Yes…”‌

“By⁠ the way, your name?”

“I’m‌ Jonathan Eagle, knight‌ of Brusen and‌‌ Count of Krill.”‌

“Knight⁠ of Brusen…?”

Fiore‍‍‍ looked around.

The⁠‌ warehouse was dark‌ and full of‍ strange statues and trinkets.

“Hmm…”‌‍

Fiore⁠ began to walk⁠⁠ toward the exit.‌‌⁠ Jonathan didn’t dare⁠⁠ stop him.

When‍‌ Fiore stepped outside,‍⁠‍ the team members⁠ looked at him‍⁠ in surprise — in a corner‍ of the warehouse‌ where there had‍ been commotion, a stranger had suddenly‌⁠ appeared.

“Who’s‌ that?”

“I⁠ haven’t seen him⁠ before, is he‌‍ part of the‍⁠‌ team?”

“And who are you?⁠‌ And what’s the‌‍ knight doing?”

Fiore⁠ asked.

“Is‌‌ there anyone from‌ Briol here?”

They⁠ looked at each‌⁠ other, and one⁠‍ raised his hand.⁠‍

“Yes,‌‌ I’m from Briol.”‌⁠

“Affiliation‍ and position?”

“I…‍ I’m a professor⁠ at the academy.‌⁠ But who are‌‍ you? Your face‍ looks familiar…”

Fiore‌‍ nodded. He was⁠ already sure.

“So you’ve forgotten me,‍ son…”

He‌ clenched his fist,‍‍ and mana began⁠⁠ to flow, exhaling‌ white smoke like⁠‍ mist.

Jonathan‍ cautiously stepped forward.‍

“Ahem…⁠‍ sir…”

After⁠‌ thinking for a moment, Fiore nodded.‍

“No,‍‍ actually this works‍ out for me.”‌⁠‍

“Huh?”⁠‍‍

Fiore⁠‍ smiled.

“You‌‌⁠ said your name⁠‌ was Jonathan?”

“Yes.”⁠⁠

“Let’s‍⁠‌ talk for a bit.”

He‌ put an arm‌ around his shoulders. The strength in⁠‍‌ his grip made⁠⁠ it impossible for‍⁠ Jonathan to resist.⁠‍

“This⁠‌ weird building, Cedric⁠ made it? Why is it so‌ dark?”

“Well…”‌⁠

As‍‍‌ they left the‌ underground palace and‍‌ Jonathan explained the‍ basics to him,‍ Fiore let out a disbelieving laugh.⁠⁠‌

It⁠ was hard to⁠ believe that there‍‌ had been a war deciding the‍‍‌ fate of the‍ continent while he‌ was locked up.

His‌‌‍ two sons had‌‌ caused more trouble‍ than he had expected.

“I‍⁠⁠ suppose I can⁠⁠ forgive them for‍ forgetting me.”

“No,⁠‌‍ Your Majesty, I’m⁠‌‌ sure they haven’t‌⁠ forgotten you.”

“Don’t‌ say things you‍⁠ don’t mean.”

“Sorry.”⁠

Walking‍‌‍ through the underground city, they found‍ a bench and‍‌ sat down. Cedric‍ valued urban planning, so there were‍‌ small parks with⁠‌ seating.

“Alright, tell me calmly.”‌

“Sorry?”‌

“How⁠‍‍ is the continent⁠ now?”

“Hmm…”⁠

“Let’s‍⁠ start with Briol.‍ What has happened‌ to it?”

“Briol…”‌‌

***‍‌

“Hey,‍ what do you‍ think is needed‌ to govern a country?”

Joshua,‌‍⁠ with his legs on the table,⁠ looked at the‌‍ nobles with disdain.

The‍⁠‌ Senate of Briol‍⁠ was originally meant‌⁠⁠ to keep the⁠ king in check.⁠‌ Even Fiore Briol had to endure‌⁠ headaches there.

But Joshua was different.‍

“Money.‌⁠ Money — the‌⁠ money you all‌⁠‍ steal in secret.”‌‌

With‍ a kick, he shook the table,‍‍⁠ and the oldest⁠‍‍ nobles shrank back,‌ exchanging nervous glances.‌‍

“I’m‍ going to send‍‍ in a team‍ of inspectors, so‍‍ make sure you‌ fix everything before‍ they get there.‍ If from now‌‌ on I discover‍‌ embezzlement or corruption,⁠‌ I won’t treat‌⁠ it as a mere common crime.‍‌ If you’ve already‍‍‌ filled your pockets,‍‌‌ then hide it⁠ well, because if⁠ I catch you,‍ you’ll regret it‍⁠ bitterly.”

Joshua⁠ had the backing‍‍⁠ of Yuri Briol‌ and the Order‍ of Knights of‌‌ Vengeance that he⁠ led.

Added to that were‍⁠ Heime and Ainzer, who had long‍⁠ been away from‌ central politics but⁠ were now lending‌‍ their support.

Thus,‌⁠ no noble dared‍ oppose Joshua.

Unlike‍⁠⁠ other kings, he‍ didn’t hold back in the slightest‌ and had the‌‌ luxury of ruling‍ with an iron fist.

Of⁠‍ course, from the people’s perspective, this‌ tyranny was welcome.‍

With‍ absolute power in⁠‍ his hands, he‍⁠‍ pressured the nobles⁠ and reformed the⁠‍ tax system.

“The‍ sword is fine,‌ magic is fine⁠‌ — but what‌ we need for‍‌ the next era‌ is science. I’m‌ going to build‌⁠ a large-scale research‌ center.”

The ambitious plan to‌ which he allocated⁠‍ such a massive‍⁠‌ budget was something entirely new.

The⁠ knowledge he had‌ acquired at the⁠ Academy had completely⁠ changed his way‌ of thinking.

“What Briol will bring‌ to this continent⁠ is a new‍‌‌ wave. We could⁠ call it the‌⁠ Second Wave.”

Duke⁠‍ Josephine Zetteri of‍ Yuzes, one of‌ the few nobles‍ with an open‍ mind, showed great‍ interest and leaned‍‌⁠ forward.

“What‍ wave, Your Majesty?”⁠

“The‌ Second Wave.”

“And‍ the First Wave?”

“The‌⁠ discovery of mana.‍⁠‍ When humans learned‌ to manipulate it,⁠‍‍ we surpassed our‌‌ limits.”

“And‍‍ the Second Wave?”‍

“That‍ I don’t know.”‌

“Excuse⁠⁠ me?”

“What⁠‍ represents the Second‍ Wave will be‍ defined by history.‌⁠ What’s important is‍ that this new‍⁠ wave is already‍ happening… and Briol‌‍‍ will be its⁠ center.”

Joshua‍ placed something on⁠ the table.

All‌ the nobles fixed‍⁠ their eyes on⁠‌ it.

“What’s⁠⁠⁠ that?”

“Looks‍ like a piece‍ of metal.”

“A‌⁠ toy?”

Joshua‍ smirked mockingly.

“This was made by‍‍‌ the dwarf we‌‍ recruited, Umstein.”

“And‌ what has that⁠‌ dwarf done? All⁠ he’s done is‌ take loads of‌ money…”

Instead‍ of answering, Joshua‌⁠⁠ picked up the⁠ piece of metal⁠ in one hand,⁠‌⁠ aimed at the‍ ceiling, and pressed‍‍ with his finger.‍

Bang!‍

The‌ sudden explosion made⁠⁠ everyone jump. There‍‍‍ was now a hole in the‍ ceiling.

Joshua‍ grinned from ear⁠ to ear.

“This is a firearm,‌‌ you idiots.”

***⁠‍

“Looks‌ like he’s doing⁠‍‌ well.”

“Yes.”‌‌

“Science,‍ huh? He’s always⁠ been better at‍ that than at swordsmanship or magic.”‍

“Hahaha…‌ Now, if you’ll‌ allow me, I could tell you⁠‍ about Liberta…”

“Before⁠‌‍ that.”

“Yes?”‍

“Tell⁠ me about Yuri.‌‍‌ You said he⁠‌ married Yekaterina.”

“That’s‍⁠‍ right.”

“And‍ how’s the Empire?”‌

“The two govern it‌‍ well. Although it’s not as strong‍⁠ as before due‍‍ to postwar reparations,‍‌ it’s stabilizing quickly.⁠‍ It’s thanks to‌ those two. I’d⁠ say it’s like a joint government.”‍‍

“Good.”‍‍

Fiore’s‍‍ eyes softened.

Although‌ his eldest son⁠‍ had caused chaos⁠ on the continent,‌‍‍ it was a relief that the⁠‌‌ second and third‌ were doing well.

Then,‍ even Fiore, as‌ carefree as he‍‌ was, thought of‌‌ something that rarely‍‌ crossed his mind.‍

“I’d‌‌ like to meet‌ a grandchild soon.”

Age⁠ made such a wish natural.

Perhaps‍ having spent so‍‌ long locked in‌‍ that sphere had⁠ made him miss‌‍⁠ his family.

At⁠‌‌ his words, Jonathan⁠ smiled knowingly.

“Yes,⁠ you’ll be getting‌⁠⁠ good news soon.”‌‍

“Joshua‌ isn’t married yet?”‌‌

“He‌⁠ still lives alone.‌ I suppose because‌‌ of his… uncommon‌⁠‌ personality.”

“Then⁠‌⁠ we’ll have to‍ wait for Yuri. But both must⁠‌ be busy with⁠⁠⁠ Imperial affairs… maybe‍⁠‌ we’ll have to⁠‍ wait a little‌ longer.”

“Yekaterina‍ is busy, but…‌‍‌ well… there are‍ other people.”

“Huh?”⁠

“What?”‌⁠

“You⁠‌⁠ said there were‌ other people.”

“Ah… yes.”

Jonathan‍‍ nodded, as if‍ he had just‍ remembered.

“Looks‌‍ like you didn’t⁠‍⁠ know. His Highness‌ Yuri has more⁠⁠⁠ wives.”

Fiore’s‍ eyes widened.

“While‌‌⁠ being the Empress’s⁠⁠‌ husband?”

“Yes. Well… that’s how‌ things turned out.‌⁠‍ After all, the⁠ fact that the‍ Empire still exists⁠ as it does‌ now is partly‌ thanks to him. Yekaterina allowed up to three more.”‌⁠‌

Fiore’s‍⁠ eyes widened even‍‍⁠ more.

“Three,‍‍ in addition to her?”

“Exactly.”⁠⁠

“So,⁠⁠ with Yekaterina, that’s⁠ four.”

“That’s‍ right.”

“And⁠⁠‍ who are those‍ three…?”

“Well,‍‌ the second wife‌⁠ is…”

“No,‍ stop.”

Fiore‍‍‍ suddenly stood up.‌

“Don’t⁠⁠ tell me.”

“Understood.”⁠

“I was going to‌‌‌ leave already, but‍ I’ve changed my mind. I’d better‍‍‌ hear it directly.”‌

“Are‍⁠‍ you going to‍‌ see him?”

“After‍‌ being forcibly locked up in the‌‌ palace for being king, I now‍‌‌ want to travel the world. But‌ first, I’ll see⁠‍‌ my son’s face.”‌‍

“Uh, wait, that’s not the way. The‌ stairs are…”

Jonathan‌ couldn’t finish.

Fiore was already rising‍‌ into the sky.‍

“Uh…”⁠⁠⁠

Like‍ a bird, he⁠‍⁠ flew toward the‌⁠ gap in the⁠ ceiling. Jonathan watched‍ him for a moment, then shrugged.‌⁠

“Seriously…”‌‌⁠

Father‍ and son, both‍ were men who went beyond the⁠⁠‍ limits of the‌‍ ordinary.

“Well,‌‍ it’s only natural‌ to be curious.”‌⁠

The‌ hardest war had‍‌‍ ended, and the‌ continent enjoyed peace.⁠‌ But even in‍ peace, there were⁠⁠ always small commotions.‌

With Fiore Briol, the‌ Imperial Palace was‍ bound to get‍ quite lively.

“Hmm…”‍

Fiore’s⁠ figure was no⁠ longer visible.

Where‍ he had flown‍‍ through, only a bright blue sky remained.

It was clear and⁠ pure.

Looking‌⁠ at that sky,‌⁠⁠ the battles against‌ Cedric seemed like‌⁠ a very distant‍ past.

Time diluted even the⁠ hardest moments.

If⁠ someone were to ask him, Jonathan‌‍ could gladly say‌⁠ that he was⁠ happy now. And he knew he‌ wasn’t the only‌‍ one who thought‍ so.

He‍⁠ remembered his war‍‌ comrades and how‌ they were all‌‌ doing well, as‍⁠ well as the‍‌ three wives, in‍ addition to Yekaterina,‍‌⁠ who had married‌ Yuri.

They were good stories,‌⁠⁠ but it wasn’t‌ necessary to know‍‍‍ them all.

If this were a novel, they would⁠ be extra chapters,‍ like an epilogue.‌‌

The⁠‍ main story had‍‍⁠ ended with a happy ending.

A dark mage who wanted to destroy‌ the world, people‍ united to defeat‍‌ him, and in⁠⁠ the end, happiness⁠⁠ regained.

That⁠‌ was the core‌ of it all.‍

But‍‌⁠ there are always‍⁠ those who want⁠‍ more.

Thinking‍ about Fiore and⁠‍ his rush to‍ leave, Jonathan laughed‌⁠‍ to himself.

“Well…‍⁠ if you’re curious,‌ you’ll have to‍ read the extra.”⁠‌⁠