Chapter 172

Chapter 172

Emerging from the Imperial Parade, Prince Lark spurred his horse and started approaching the carriage I was in.

"Ah, dear me. His Highness Lark is at it again..."

Alberto, rubbing his forehead, grumbled as if he had a headache. I was annoyed and snapped at him.

"Why, why is he doing this?! Hes coming to me, right?! Do I have some deep grudge with my brother?!"

Honestly, it was terrifying as my undefeated knight of a brother approached with his stern, stone-like face.

As I trembled and asked, Alberto nodded his head slightly.

"No, Your Highness. Its not that. Its quite the opposite..."

Suddenly!

Dismounting from his horse, Lark brashly opened my carriage door,

"Ash~!"

He grabbed my sides with both hands, pulled me out of the carriage, and then- lifted me up high.

I witnessed a smile spreading across Larks face, hard as a marble statue.

"My youngest brother! How have you been?"

"..."

Ah.

So thats what he meant.

"His Highness Lark has been taking care of Your Highness Ash since you were young, on behalf of our busy Emperor. So, uh..."

Alberto whispered in a creeping voice from behind me.

"...he cares for you very much."

Although it was nice that Alberto subtly gave me information after finding out I had lost my memory, this time it would have been better if he had told me a little earlier.

Lark swung me around in the air, still holding me aloft.

"Youre still adorable, my little brother! Your big brother missed you so much!"

No, this isnt merely caring; its like treating me as his own child! Theres only like a ten-year age difference between us, right?!

Being flown like a newborn in front of countless citizens was not an enjoyable experience. It was embarrassing, so I wanted to get down quickly!

"I heard the news! You had a tough time at the Southern Front? Im really sorry I couldnt come to help you!"

Finally ending the flying game, Lark pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Here, a hug of brotherly love, dear brother!"

"Urgh."

This may seem like a display of brother affection, but hey, muscled knight? It feels like I might suffocate and die when youre doing this in your armor?

"Prince Lark, Prince Ash."

At that moment, Alberto called us urgently. Thanks to him, Lark released his embrace, and I could finally breathe.

"You have been summoned to the main palace."

Receiving the message from a courier who had hurried over, Alberto read the contents with a serious face.

"...Both of you are summoned by His Imperial Majesty."

Lark furrowed his brows and set me down, and I clenched my fist.

We were going to meet the Emperor.

Finally, the Guardian Council was about to begin.

***

"How is the Southern Front, Ash? I heard the monsters are quite rampant."

On our way to the main palace where the Emperor resides.

"Is there anything else you need? Although sending reinforcements to the Western Front is difficult, your big brother can still send you some pocket money."

"..."

I couldnt reply at all.

Lark was... carrying me on his shoulders as he walked.

Sitting on the broad shoulders of Lark, and being not particularly short myself, I was the focus of everyones gaze.

Embarrassed, I covered my face with both hands and suppressed a scream.

I had heard it from Lucas too. I had a good relationship with Prince Lark, the First Prince.

But this isnt just a good relationship! Its like uncle and nephew!

"Ah, big brother."

Its roots covered the floor, and its branches reached the tall ceiling.

And at the center of the tree, a throne.

A dazzling golden throne - completely fused with the ice tree, buried within.

"Youve arrived."

That man was sitting there.

The sole emperor of the empire.

The man who ruled half the world.

And, my father.

Traha Peacemaker Everblack... sat as if frozen on the ice throne, then opened his frost-covered eyes.

"My sons."

***

"Father."

Lark and Fernandez approached the throne, seemingly used to this sight, and knelt respectfully.

"Have you been well?"

I hurriedly followed my brothers, kneeling and bowing my head.

The Emperor, with black hair and black eyes, did not appear to be in his 40s, but in reality, he had long surpassed the age of 60. He slightly shook his head.

"Its not good news. The situation at the Northern Front against the Foreign Gods is not favorable."

He grumbled and tapped the chessboard beside his throne with his fingertips.

The chess pieces lay scattered on the frozen board, stuck in place.

"The situation at the front is getting increasingly dire. I am concerned. How long can we hold this line and protect the Empire...?"

"Do not worry too much, Father."

Fernandez smoothly responded.

"Once we annihilate the Bringar Duchy and seize their dragons blood, you will be able to wield the power of the dragons blood, Father. Then the problem with the Front against the Foreign Gods will be resolved."

"..."

The Emperor, silent till then, gestured towards us.

"How are the three fronts you are overseeing? Tell me."

Lark was the first to respond.

"The Western Dragons Blood Front is almost settled. Soon, we will eradicate the Bringar Duchy and steal their dragons blood."

Fernandez seemed to wait before continuing.

"The Central Shadow Front is in fierce combat. However, we will soon reveal the enemys hidden forces true identity, and even eliminate their supporters."

"Good."

The Emperor looked at me last.

"Lastly, Ash."

"..."

"How is the situation in the Southern Monster Front?"

Having kept my mouth shut, I slowly rose. The eyes of the Emperor and the Princes were fixed on me.

Then, I said,

"What the hell are you all talking about?"

The Emperor raised his eyebrows in puzzlement, and a look of confusion crossed the faces of the two Princes.

"Ill speak plainly. Father, brothers."

I had tried to hold it in, but I couldnt anymore.

I decided to be straightforward.

"I suffered a severe head injury during battle in the Southern Front, and as a result, Ive lost most of my memory. Therefore, I cant keep up with your conversation right now."

Tapping my head to emphasize, I stared directly at the Emperor.

"Wont you explain at least a bit for your pitiable youngest? What exactly is a guardian, and what are you and my brothers scheming?"

Foreign Gods Front? Dragons Blood Front? Shadow Front?

What the hell are those, you damn nerds! Speak so everyone can understand!

I dont care about your fronts! Just let me protect our Monster Front well, and thats it!