### Chapter: 243
The Skill of the Black Hood that Can Steal Anything, Provided Conditions are Met.
Kraush never thought he would use such a skill on the emperor, but here he was, lifting his right hand.
“Then, I request permission to steal away the White Stone Syndrome.”
“Such a polite thief,” chuckled Emperor Sirius Ephania, nodding his approval.
“I grant you permission.”
As soon as he said that, the light from the Black Hood erupted from Kraush’s hand.
Everyone present held a tense expression as they watched the spectacle unfold.
With the burst of light, something began seeping into Kraush’s hand.
At the same time, he sensed the presence of the White Stone Syndrome residing within his body.
Simultaneously, Ignis ignited within Kraush.
And it was this Ignis that began to burn the White Stone Syndrome.
The syndrome within him resembled an egg.
Kraush knew very well why it took the form of an egg.
The reason the royal family was afflicted with the hereditary White Stone Syndrome was simple.
It all began with their ancestors.
The Ephania royal family often prided themselves on being descendants of the White Dragon, claiming that the power they wielded was of the White Dragon.
This was an embellishment to cloak the royal family in mystery, and while they treated their abilities as secret arts passed down through generations, the truth was quite different.
Indeed, the Ephania royal family was truly of the White Dragon bloodline.
Their ancestors were the White Dragon King.
He was royalty from a world like Crimson Garden.
In other words, the Ephania royal family were descendants of the World Erosionists.
Since that was far in the past, little documentation remained, and it was a tale passed down only within the royal family.
Therefore, they played up their lineage of the White Dragon, feigning a sense of mystique.
As a result, people dismissed the claim of being of the White Dragon bloodline as mere joke, believing the royal family to be overly obsessed with mystique.
Paradoxically, by saying it openly, they avoided raising further suspicions.
The World Erosionist is the enemy of the world.
The fact that the imperial family descended from the World Erosionists must never be revealed.
Naturally, they concealed this fact and went to great lengths to hide the existence of White Stone Syndrome.
Moreover, they desperately wanted to eradicate this disease.
If they could eliminate merely the disease, they wouldn’t have to bear the label of being descendants of the World Erosionists.
White Stone Syndrome is evidence of being the successor of the White Dragon King.
It was a horrific legacy that the White Dragon King left for his descendants.
The dragon royalty bizarrely feared their own death.
They wished to live forever, and as a consequence, they meddled with many things they should’ve left untouched.
A prime example would be the Undying of Crimson Garden.
She entered a state of eternal slumber in exchange for immortality, watching the world through the eyes of her minions.
The same could be said for the White Dragon King.
To attain immortality, he chose to leave behind an egg that inscribed his soul into the bodies of his descendants.
However, the White Dragon King did not want to be born from weak flesh.
What he desired was a body of royal dragon blood.
Thus, while implanting the egg imbued with his soul, he took an additional step.
That was to transform the bodies of his matured descendants into royal dragon flesh.
The symptom of the body turning pale due to White Stone Syndrome is none other than the process of being transformed into a royal dragon’s body.
But most of the descendants could not withstand such a process.
They repeatedly died because of the White Stone Syndrome.
“But if there happens to be a descendant who can endure all the symptoms and ultimately survive...”
The egg residing within would hatch, and the White Dragon King would be reborn in a royal dragon body.
That was how the White Dragon King chose to live on.
He wanted to live eternally, siphoning the lives of his descendants without dying.
White Stone Syndrome was essentially the White Dragon King’s dream.
“All descendants who inherit the bloodline of the White Dragon King cannot escape the egg they carry within.”
Unless the White Dragon King were to be reborn, his soul would continuously pass on to the next generation.
“Isn’t it common for famed heroes to save the world and win over beautiful women in tales and legends?”
“That’s just old folk tales.”
“Haha, nothing really changes, does it? After all, seeking beautiful women is a universal desire among all men.”
Who could have guessed this was the emperor talking?
This guy couldn’t help himself.
“Young Balheim, you’re the youngest in your family; how does our youngest fare?”
Sirius’s amber eyes sparkled intensely.
Facing them, Kraush felt even more pressure than when Sirius radiated the power of the White Dragon earlier.
Kraush’s gaze flitted over to Sigrid.
She watched the scene with keen interest, as if it were merely someone else’s affairs.
What a pair those two were.
“...I think she’s a good friend,” Kraush replied.
“Though far off from being an emperor, she holds herself well in status, and in looks, she resembles me.”
Without hesitation, Sirius continued boosting Sigrid’s reputation.
“Additionally, once they restore the Diana family and their accolades, they’ll become a central power among the noble forces in the capital.
Even if not as emperor, you won’t be lacking in status within the empire. Rather, Sigrid’s status will see a significant rise.”
As he spoke, he subtly squeezed Kraush’s shoulder.
“Thanks to you, my lifespan has greatly increased. There’s no immediate reason to hand the throne to my children. I’m planning to live another fifty years!”
“That’s something worth celebrating,” Kraush replied.
“Indeed. A cause for celebration. What’s more, this means I could skip over my children and pass the throne to my grandchildren if I wanted.”
Oh boy.
“I’m of age, and if I were to marry and have children, let’s see; by the time I’m eighty, my grandson will be nearing thirty.”
Sirius scratched his chin, grinning.
“If I find the right person, I wouldn’t hesitate to pass the throne to my grandchild, you know?”
A Balheim bloodline.
For all that, coupled with Sigrid’s intellect.
A new emperor who possessed both qualities would undoubtedly make Ephania a dominant power.
And Kraush found himself caught up immediately in that grand vision.
Sirius’s reforms were always far-reaching.
And those ripples focused on making the empire flourish.
“I have a fiancée,” Kraush finally asserted.
“I don’t particularly care if I have multiple women.”
Was this the mindset of those in high positions?
All their ethics lay shattered.
“However, I must insist that Sigrid be my primary wife.”
Otherwise, the throne wouldn’t be able to pass to his grandchild.
“Your Majesty.”
At that moment, it was Sigrid, who had maintained silence until now, who spoke up.
As Sirius turned his gaze toward her, Sigrid wore a smile reminiscent of his own.
“It wouldn’t do to rush into things, would it? I would like to discuss matters with Kraush myself. For today, perhaps it’s best to allow him some rest after his long journey to see Your Majesty.”
Such words could only be spoken by a princess.
However, as solid reasoning, they rang true.
Sirius regarded Sigrid for a moment before releasing his grip on Kraush’s shoulder.
“I see. You’re right. I was too pushy.”
Instead, he lightly patted Kraush’s shoulder before turning back to Dalpion.
“Dalpion, please guide the Balheim boy to a resting chamber. He’s an honored guest, so ensure he’s escorted safely.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now.”
Dalpion bowed before leading Kraush out.
Sirius, meanwhile, continued smiling as he watched Kraush’s retreating figure.
It felt as though he would soon see this face again, perhaps sooner than expected.
...Or maybe it was just wishful thinking.