Chapter 87

Chapter 87

There was no need to specifically search the imperial treasury records to know the original name of True Salmon sword. Fortunately, the chief chamberlain Louis, who had just come in holding a pot of warm tea, gave a clear answer.

The name of that sword is [Eungashi], and its nickname is [Acacia]. Its a truly beautiful sword, he said, as he set down a warm cup of tea at the Emperors table.

The virtue bestowed by the sacred text on the sword is called [Repentance].

It was said that adding the virtue from the sacred text to a treasure sword was a long-standing tradition of the Delcross royal family. Things like [Promise], [Sacrifice], or [Devotion], for example.

It seems that if you become a chief chamberlain, you know all the items in the imperial treasury. Truly impressive, isnt it?

At Seongjins admiration, Louis chuckled softly, Hehe.

How could that be the case? Its just that this sword is special. It was one of the few weapons designated as a sacred relic, but it was stolen several decades ago.

At the time, it was under strict supervision within the Theological Academy along with other holy artifacts. But, it vanished overnight, so to speak.

And the sword that was found again after a long search had become just an ordinary precious sword.

It was an event that occurred 40 years ago. I was just an apprentice steward at that time, but it was such a famous event that I still remember it.

It was an event where a sacred relic was stolen and lost its noble status. Both the imperial family and the academy were turned upside down.

High-ranking clerics and scholars from the academy had spent months making a fuss, but the noble status the sword had lost never returned. In the end, Eungashi was left abandoned in the imperial treasury amidst many peoples lamentations.

So, I thought that Your Majesty choosing this sword might also be destiny, said Louis, looking at the Holy Emperor with a soft smile.

The Holy Emperor, who had not known the full history, looked gravely serious. Its understandable if it was a sword that had once been a sacred relic.

A name thats not so special after all. In that case, True Salmon is

Was that his concern?

Seongjin quickly shouted, No! Eungashi or Acacia is definitely cooler!

Looking all sour wont change the fact!

***

After finishing his royal duties and on his way back to Pearl Palace, Seongjin decided to stop by the Tribunal. It was to meet Kenneth Diggory and the Black Prophets who were imprisoned.

With nothing much to do even if he went to the Monster Special Division, and the whole division strangely just staring at Seongjins face, he thought it might be okay to do some independent investigation.

Clip-clop. Inside the slow-moving carriage, Seongjin was lost in thought.

The accompanying knight Sir Masain who was traveling with him, discreetly observing his mood and remained silent. To his eyes, the princes face was quite serious, so there was no point in questioning why they were going to the Tribunal.

In truth, throughout the journey, Seongjin had different questions he really wanted to ask the Holy Emperor:

Did you keep an eye on Commander Bruno through Arenja?

What do you mean when you say he wholly belongs to my karma?

How much does Arenja know about me and the Demon King?

What do you expect from me and the special monster task force?

However, every time he faced the emperor, the words would not easily come out. Whether it was due to some strange premonition of Seongjins, or because of his sensitive intuition, he could sometimes sense an unexplainable, precarious atmosphere coming from the Holy Emperor.

Sometimes, even words spoken casually can shake and crumble the very foundations (Chapter 81)

Katrinas words kept coming to his mind.

Is it just me, or does everyone look oddly tired these days?

After pondering for a while, Seongjin abruptly raises his hand and messes up his hair. Startled by this sudden action, Masain, who was on the opposite side, looked at him.

Ah, I dont know! This is giving me a headache!

Originally, such worries werent in Seongjins nature.

Wouldnt the Holy Emperor handle everything well anyway? Theres no need to add burdens by sticking his nose into the issues of a failed construction supervisor.

Right, lets not create any trouble.

Maintaining his health and staying out of trouble would fulfill his duties as a child, wouldnt it?

While Seongjin was having these somewhat reassuring thoughtsthoughts that would have made the Holy Emperor sigh if he knew the carriage arrived in front of the Tribunal.

It was a timely visit for Seongjin.

Three out of the six members of [Black Prophets] were soon to be released on bail until the Church Assembly was over.

-Even if you see whats in that princes eyes, would you still be able to act that way? Heavy restrictions always entail great potential. You are more than qualified to step into the mysteries of this world.

That was the inside story behind the sudden arrival of an invitation to Morres.

Hey, Demon King.

[Hmm, it seems to be true. His heart rate is fast, but it looks like its just emotional fluctuations.]

The lie detector was working hard today as well.

Seongjin wrapped his head in agony, took a glance at Kenneth, sighed, and left the visiting room.

He definitely had to dig deeper into this sage, but he had no idea where to start.

The investigation into the Gray Plague wasnt even proceeding properly yet.

Ah, its frustrating. So frustrating.

He suddenly wanted to swing the Nutcracker around in the training ground.

But as soon as he went to the training ground, even more troubling stories awaited Seongjin.

I have a feeling it wasnt just a coincidence, said Commander Bruno cautiously, sharing his story.

Apparently, he met someone who resembled his first love from his childhood before contracting the Gray Plague.

Didnt you say you dont remember anything?

When asked about the initial progress of the illness, Commander Bruno had stated that he hardly remembered anything. At Seongjins question, the commanders face reddened.

Thats because at that time, I thought I was just dreaming

Ah.

Certainly. Saying, I had a good dream where my first love appeared, is indeed awkward.

But as days go by, I keep thinking that it wasnt a dream. Her face is blurry, but her voice is still vividly in my ears. Of course, my memory at the time isnt intact, so I cant be sure.

Is it possible that she was your first love?

Impossible. She definitely died during the Ortana civil war long ago.

Hmm

Seongjin stroked his chin, lost in thought.

The person resembling Commander Brunos first love, the gorgeous beauty Haven met.

And the sage who captivated the Black Prophets.

[Something smells fishy, right? It feels like the Charm that demons use.]

At the Demon Kings words, the commander nodded.

Exactly. As Sir Red said, the more I think about it, the more I cant shake off this Charm feeling. But there cant be any demon race in Delcross.

[Who the hell is calling me Red?]

My apologies. Sir Red.

[Ack!]

Seongjin raised his hand to stop the two who were anxiously talking.

So, do you remember what she said?

Nothing much. I just remember feeling completely relaxed because she was comforting me. So

I know your pain better than anyone else. You dont need to blame anyone anymore. Forget everything, and after you sleep well for a few days, everything will get better.

something like that Ah, that doesnt mean I resent the Holy Emperor or anything

Although the commander belatedly rambled on with excuses, Seongjin nodded his head with a generous smile.

I get it, you sir. Even if youve been sincerely loyal to the imperial family, who wouldnt harbor some resentment after living as an outcast for years? If it were me, I would still be unsatisfied even after venting all my frustrations.

Yes, even if you vented your frustrations a few times, I understand.

Thats not what I meant

Dont worry. I know. I know it all.

.