Chapter 183

Chapter 183

"I understand your intentions, Ash."

After a long silence, the Emperor finally spoke.

"Breaking free from the Piece trapped in the game and becoming a Player yourself, quite ambitious, isnt it?"

...Piece? Player?

Suddenly, game terminology was mentioned. I was so surprised that my eyes widened.

"What do you mean by that, Father?"

"It means exactly what it says."

The Emperor calmly smiled and sat back down.

"On the chessboard called the world, not just a Piece controlled by others, but one who carves out their own destiny."

In his hand was suddenly a chess piece - a black king.

"Discussing the fate of the world, commanding others lives with words, fighting for control of the world itself - a being of a higher dimension. One who is qualified to play chess."Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

Crack!

The Emperor loudly set the black king on the armrest of his chair.

"That is what a Player is."

"..."

"To put it more simply, one could also call it a King."

I thought of the chessboard placed next to the Emperors throne.

The chessboard, the pieces, the players.

Then those who have been calling me a Player all this time...

"The youngest, the most foolish, and the most fragile of you have grown to this extent! As a father, I am pleased."

Thump!

The Emperors hand fiercely clenched the chess piece, and he growled.

"But as an Emperor, its hard to forgive easily."

"..."

"Theres no parent who wouldnt welcome their childs independence, but this place is the Imperial Family, and I am the Emperor. The declaration of independence in the southern front means, in other words, that this territory will escape the Empires jurisdiction."

A chilling aura emanated from the Emperors entire body.

"Do you think I would allow such a thing while Im still alive and breathing?"

"...The southern front is undoubtedly the land of the Empire, and your territory, Father. However, for the next 3 years."

I stood firm, unshaken, and raised my voice.

"For 3 years only, as a completely independent front, I ask that all the struggles and governance of that area be entrusted solely to my hands."

Whatever I did or caused in the southern front, the Imperial Family would not interfere. That was all I wanted.

But, of course, the Emperor was not going to permit it just like that.

"Why should I do that? What benefit would it bring to the Imperial Family, to the Empire?"

Yes.

In the end, what moves people is not reason, but real benefit. I had to persuade them with this benefit.

"I will offer the magic stones acquired in the southern front to the Imperial Family."

My words caused the Emperors straight eyebrows to furrow.

"Magic stones? From Crossroad?"

"Yes."

A source of magic power obtainable from monsters - magic stones were the largest strategic resource produced in Crossroad.

However, most of its production was consumed in the southern continent.

Because Crossroad was such a remote place, distribution was not easy.

The merchants in Crossroad take the magic stones to other cities and countries in the south to sell them. Theres quite a demand for magic stones there as well.

But now,

"The monsters invasions are getting more intense. In other words, the amount of magic stones that can be collected is increasing."

After I took office as the lord, the production of magic stones skyrocketed. It was because monsters were pouring out like mad.

Right now, the warehouse in Crossroad is filled with unsold magic stones.

While I refrained from selling some for profit control, the demand in the southern continent could no longer keep up with the supply.

I will provide these magic stones to the Imperial Family for free.

...Not all of them, maybe about half?

"With this amount of magic stones, we should be able to operate the Dark Black Water Everblack without human sacrifices," I said.

"..."

"That means you no longer need to harm innocent lives. Prisoners of the Bringar Duchy, citizens on the outskirts, theres no need to capture and burn them as fuel."

A smile flickered across the Emperors lips.

Whether it was a jest, sarcasm, or some other meaning in his smile, I found it hard to guess.

"Its an interesting proposal. But the distance between the Imperial Capital and Crossroad is great. The road is not well-maintained, and the security is unstable. How do you plan to transport the magic stones to the Imperial Capital?"

Please spare Silver Winter Merchant Guild. Also, permit the independent route of the southern front.

Acknowledge my usefulness.

Acknowledge Serenades usefulness too.

Serenade and I - you need us in your Empire.

...

The Emperor, his smile vanished, stared at me expressionlessly.

It was a golden gaze that seemed to scan not my appearance but my soul. I did not back down and met his eyes.

Very well.

Finally, the Emperor spoke.

But the decision will be made after I meet the Countess of Silver Winter. Where is she?

She has not arrived at the party yet.

Fernandezs eyes flashed sharply.

"Ive dispatched the special forces. She wont make it back alive."

"Well see."

I smirked.

"Well have to wait and see."

***

Then Serenade arrived at the grand banquet hall.

Though she had suffered through chaos and turmoil, she had kept her promise and entered this place.

Before greeting Serenade, I approached Princess Yun.

I knelt on one knee before her and carefully took her hand.

"Im sorry, Yun."

Her eyes widened at my unexpected apology.

"We had a good time, though it was short. But I guess this is where it ends for us."

"...?"

Shock filled Yuns yellow eyes in an instant. The princess was quick-witted.

"Youre not going to ditch me right after announcing our engagement, are you?"

"Thats how it is."

"Didnt you say you were marrying me?"

"Sorry, but I never said that."

I had said to my brothers that I would break off my engagement with Silver Winter, and that Id meet you. But I never said Id accept the marriage, did I?

"The engagement announcement was something Father did on his own, and I never once gave the okay sign. Though I did enjoy dancing."

"No..."

"You wanted this marriage, didnt you? I hope you meet a muscular man who fits your taste, not a bad-reputation scoundrel like me."

Standing slowly, I left Princess Yun standing with her mouth agape.

"Dont worry. The alliance between Ariane Kingdom and the Empire will remain strong. Not through an old-fashioned strategic marriage, but a clean contract for a functional alliance. Lets go for a relationship as refreshing and crisp as the snow in summer."

"..."

When I threw her words back at her, Yun finally spoke.

"Prince Ash. Youre really a shameless bastard."

I shrugged.

"Ive heard that before."

Then I walked down the stairs, heading towards Serenade, who was standing by herself.

***

Now.

In the center of the party hall, receiving everyones attention.

Dancing barefoot with Serenade, I whispered softly in her ear.

"...Thats what went on between Father and me."

I told Serenade about the conversation that had taken place at the Guardian meeting a little while ago.

While dancing a gentle waltz with me, Serenade listened quietly to my story.

Her face was pale, but her silver eyes were bright.

"Serenade. This is the final trial you must overcome."

For you to survive. And for me to survive.

The music was coming to an end.

Before finishing the dance, I looked straight into Serenades eyes and asked,

"Are you ready to defy the highest person in this country?"