Chapter 143

Chapter 143

Crash!

Raciel clenched the Perennial Snow firmly, infusing it with mana. He took cover behind a 5-foot diameter ice shield that materialized suddenly. Then, he contemplated silently.

How did I find myself in this situation?

He lifted his pensive gaze, looking straight ahead. Across the neatly paved stone path and fine sand, approximately 15 feet away, stood a middle-aged man holding a hefty broadsword at an angle.

It was the Emperor.

Are you prepared?

No.

Thats what he wanted to say.

But he couldnt. So, he mustered a smile on his lips and continued to reflect. How did he truly end up like this?

Then, in a sudden flash, he recollected something that occurred 30 minutes ago.

Crash!

Suddenly, he felt an embrace encircling his shoulders.

A robust figure embraced him warmly, almost toppling him backward due to his slender physique. He managed to maintain his equilibrium with his feeble back muscles, eventually comprehending the situation.

The Emperor?

Welcomed him with an embrace?

Initially, he found it unbelievable. He thought the man was insane. However, it was accurate; the Emperor, with all his momentum, had hugged him. Consequently, Raciel had to fend off something akin to a takedown by a UFC wrestler.

In short?

He was suffocated!

The embrace was overwhelmingly powerful!

Ugh, uh, ah!

An emotional embrace between father and son? An exhilarating reconciliation between frequently quarreling acquaintances? None of that was present. In reality, he wished it were.

At least then he wouldnt feel like his limbs were on the verge of being torn off.

Hey, wait! Stop! Enough!

He struggled as best as he could. Finally, it appeared that the Emperor noticed his pallor. The Emperors eyes flickered briefly. The passionate, nearly lethal body lockno, the hugrelaxed.

Gasp! Cough! Cough!

So, did you return safely?

Yes, he returned safely. And he narrowly avoided a complete spinal fracture.

But he couldnt mention that. So, he caught his breath and nodded.

Ah, Im honored to meet Your Majesty, the rightful ruler of the Empire.

Very well.

?

Was that all for the greetings?

Raciel felt uneasy and glanced at the Emperor. Their eyes locked briefly, and he averted his gaze swiftly.

Earlier, he thought that awkward silence would be preferable. Now, he realized it was worse. What should he say? He opted for a polite bow.

Then, it happened.

The Emperor began teasing him.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Did my display of joy just hurt you? Just that much?

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Youre so fragile. How can you bear the weight of the throne when you turn pale over something like this?

Its utterly pathetic and lamentable. I cant help but have doubts.

Doubts, you say?

Do I have to explain every little thing?

He regretted asking and received a scolding in return. Simultaneously, he realized something. It wasnt really about having doubts. It felt like the Emperor was speaking without much thought.

On the other hand, he sensed something else.

The Emperors true emotions.

Hes happy.

Happy that he returned safely. Happy to see him in good health. Happy that they could face each other like this.

He felt genuinely relieved. He sensed the Emperors joy and contentment. He had felt it ever since the Emperor hugged him earlier, even more so because it wasnt the first time.

Father.

Suddenly, he thought of his father in Korea. It was during his third year of middle school. He had broken his leg while playing soccer during lunchtime at school. He had to wear a cast for a while. Taking the bus was difficult, so his father drove him to and from school.

Have you really not thought about the void and chaos that the imperial family would face, and the severe losses that could arise if you were to make a mistake?

Uuh! N, no, thats not it!

Jjeokkeok-!

Or what were you thinking, challenging the Swordmaster so recklessly?

T, that I didnt want to, but it just happened!

Tookwaang-!

Gack!

This time, its for real. A strike filled with genuine emotion. He realized it the moment he blocked it. The emperors expression also turned grim. Was he angry? The glare he gave him was no joke.

Do you consider the future that this father and the imperial family have placed on your shoulders to be a joke? Is it really?

Raciel was at a loss for words and assumed an even more robust defensive posture.

The emperors gaze turned colder. He moved with a more aggressive momentum. However, in truth, the emperor was feeling both joy and astonishment at the same time.

This child has already reached the realm of Double Circle?

Just earlier, unable to contain his happiness, he had accidentally hugged him. That was when he faintly sensed it through Core Technique.

His eldest sons aura had transformed. It was nothing like before. He even tested his sons reaction by giving him a tight hug. From that moment, he had his suspicions. He wanted to confirm them even further.

So, he summoned him to the training grounds. He pushed him hard. Thanks to that, he realized. His always frail eldest son had already reached the Double Circle level.

Is this a possible rate of growth?

It was an astounding pace of development. No, it was an unrealistically rapid rate of progress.

He awakened his Mana Circle earlier this year. Not even a full year has passed yet

Already a Double Circle. The more he thought about it, the more incredible it felt, especially considering it took him 25 years to advance from Single Circle to Double Circle.

But it was a fact.

Every time he struck his eldest sons ice shield, that fact became an increasingly vivid reality. It was astonishing, and it was glorious.

Of course, as his sons defense grew colder, the Emperors words also turned colder.

You are truly pitiful and pitiful again. With such a lamentable mindset, what will you achieve in the future as the crown prince responsible for the imperial familys future? Tell me. What are your plans with such a low sense of responsibility and duty?

Grr, I am!

Kwaang-!

Another blow landed. Raciels leg quivered slightly. The moment he noticed that, the Emperor, holding a sword, loosened his grip just a bit. To avoid making it obvious, to give his son a chance to regain his stance, he waited for a brief moment.

Raciel didnt miss that opening.

Lets initiate the offense first.

It was unfair to keep being the target. He couldnt continue to play defense and be overwhelmed indefinitely. Just then, he noticed the Emperor hesitating. It was an opportunity.

Shield strike!

Swiftly taking a half step, he moved toward the Emperors chest. He planted his foot firmly, channeling strength through his legs and waist into the upper body holding the Perennial Snow. The amplified power from the Mana Circle was also at play. He aimed to push the Emperor back with his shield and create some distance.

Now!

Whoosh-!

The icy shield of the Perennial Snow rushed toward the Emperor like a steel wall. A sense of a successful counterattack filled Raciels eyes.

Done!

The Emperor remained unresponsive. It seemed like a successful surprise counterattack, at least for a moment. Then, the Emperor turned his gaze toward him. With a slight smile, he calmly stepped backward.

Eh?

Whoosh?

The shield he had pushed forward only met empty air. Consequently, Raciel lost his balance, nearly stumbling forward. If the Emperor hadnt reached out to catch him, he would have appeared quite foolish.

Thump!

The Emperors hand that caught him. His face instantly reddened. Attempting a counterattack and ending up in such a situation was somewhat embarrassing. But there was no time to dwell on this humiliation.

The Emperor suddenly retrieved a thick bundle of papers from his chest, the contents of which were unidentified, and handed it to him.

Take this.

What is this?

He straightened his posture and reluctantly accepted the bundle. The Emperor wore an oddly pleased smile. And then he said something that sounded almost unbelievable.

It was a bombshell.

Its a collection of marriage proposals sent by various royal families and prestigious noble houses for you.

(To be Continued)

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