Chapter 173: The Meaning of the Arrows Released to the Sky

Chapter 173: The Meaning of the Arrows Released to the Sky

“I see...” Karyl nodded in response to Dushala’s report.

“The Church has dispatched a high priest to perform a purification prayer for two days, and then they will hold a state funeral for three days.”

Dushala paused, taking a sip of water from the cup on the table before continuing, “You were right, Master. A young boy ending up as a political sacrifice. Quite tragic.”

“Is the mighty Dushala feeling sympathy for the dead?”

“Not at all. It’s just... something the men in the camp said came to mind.”

“Hmm?”

Karyl gave her a curious look, but Dushala merely shrugged as though it wasn’t important. He then turned his gaze away, deep in thought. Kromen’s name left a bitter taste in his mouth. Although he wasn’t directly responsible for the young prince’s death, he knew it was coming and chose to let it happen.

“What were his final moments like?”

“His death was handled in strict secrecy, so we don’t know the details, but the guards who were coaxed into talking described it as horrific. They said that just before he died, blood flowed from every orifice, eyes, ears, nose, mouth... every hole in his body.”

Dushala shook her head lightly.

“I’ve never seen such a potent poison. The empress fainted on the spot upon seeing him... and the Second Prince was the one who handled the body."

“Heh...”

Dushala looked at Karyl with a puzzled expression, as if wondering what was funny about this whole thing.

“Unlike the First Prince, who showed no concern for his brother’s welfare, Olivurn’s reputation will rise even higher.”

“Of course. He’s already popular with the common people. From Titan Shutean to Luon, the members of the imperial family are seen as cold, but Olivurn stands out."

She smiled bitterly.

“Regardless of anything else, the sight of him crying while holding Kromen has become a widespread story throughout the market districts of the capital.”

“Yes, it’s certainly different, isn’t it?”

“Indeed. He’s truly a ruthless person. Even in the lawless Tatur, people like him are rare.”

Dushala heaved a sigh.

“To weep so convincingly over the brother he himself had murdered...”

Their perception of Olivurn was starkly different from that of the citizens, who were unaware of his schemes.

“How long has it been?”

“It’s been just over a month since we arrived in the south. It took longer than your two-week estimate, Master. But at least it gave us some time.”

Karyl’s voice turned cold.

“Even at a young age, Olivurn’s caution exceeded my expectations.”

“...Is that a compliment?”

Dushala frowned at his words.

“Maybe. What about the prisoners?”

“They’re ready. As per your orders from the south, Beikan and Kinu have positioned them in the northern mountains near the capital. It was quite a challenge given the number of people, but with Hashir’s help, we managed using secret passages known only to the indigenous tribes.”

“Great job.”

“Of course. It took us the entire month.”

“Indeed. It wouldn’t have been possible without you. I can always trust you.”

“What... What are you saying? You’re embarrassing me..."

Dushala blushed slightly at Karyl’s praise, quickly covering her face with her veil.

“What about Luon?”

“According to the report, they’re ready to deploy troops again from Berardo.”

“Deploy troops, huh...”

Dushala chuckled at Karyl’s cold demeanor.

“Yes. They’ll head to the capital, eager for the opportunity. They’ve been at a stalemate for a while now.”

“Indeed. For him, it’s a welcoming opportunity. He couldn’t hope to retake the Twin Armor with the remaining forces."

“Do you think they’d go the same route after failing once? There are other paths, even if they take longer.”

Karyl smirked.

“That’s the pride of the imperial family. Avoiding a small nation out of fear? Even if they succeed, the emperor would be unsatisfied with that approach.”

“They certainly live complicated lives."

“Well, they’re the kind of people who’d even sacrifice their siblings for their advantage. How many people do you think will genuinely weep at Kromen’s funeral and mourn him?”

Dushala nodded in understanding, though she still looked discontented.

“In such a family, the word ‘family’ has no meaning. They’re just enemies to each other. Neither Olivurn nor Luon will be at peace. The smallest misstep will be exploited.”

As he spoke, Karyl thought of the MacGovern brothers. Despite not being blood-related, they genuinely considered each other brothers. In a way, Kuwell MacGovern was a more remarkable man than the emperor, though he wasn’t with them...

Whoooosh—!

It was then that he saw the fire arrow in the distance, soaring into the sky from the mountains behind the palace. It looked like a signal.

“...”

Whooosh—!!

Luon’s expression suddenly contorted in shock.

“...!!”

Following the signal, thousands of other fire arrows flew into the sky, creating a wall of flames.

***

“Everyone, to your positions!”

“Check it immediately!”

“Gather all reserve forces!”

Thud, thud, thud...!

The guards and knights in the capital rushed about in a frenzy after seeing the tens of thousands of arrows outside their windows. There was a mix of fear about a potential enemy attack and anger at whoever dared to challenge the empire.

But strangely, the arrows didn’t seem to be aimed at the capital; they were merely shot into the sky.

Clang...!!

A teacup fell to the ground, shattering the silence.

“Are you alright?”

A maid quickly rushed in to clean up the broken pieces.

“...Sorry, I’m sorry...” Olivurn mumbled. He had been awake during the whole two-day purification ritual, not getting a moment of rest.

“You have overexerted yourself, Your Highness,” the maid remarked, her expression filled with concern as she looked at Olivurn. They all had seen how much he had grieved, and no one would find it surprising if he collapsed.

Crash!!

But his stammering was neither from fatigue nor sorrow.

Whoooosh—!!

The third arrow signal shot into the sky, slicing through the air with a sharp whistle. At that moment, Olivurn’s expression twisted as he gazed out the window.

Another hail of tens of thousands of flaming arrows filled the sky, spreading wide as if to mock him.

“Which... son of a bitch is doing this...?”

He couldn’t help but curse as he watched the scene unfold.

***

“Master, we’ve fired all three arrows as you instructed. But... what’s the meaning behind this?”

Watching the majestic arrows adorning the night sky fade away, Karyl slowly closed his eyes as if to remember the moment.

A year after the prophecy had been delivered...

Karyl and Olivurn spoke on the walls of the imperial palace.

“Karyl, listen carefully. From now on, we’ll have to face countless terrible wars. Not even the imperial palace will remain safe forever.”

“Don’t say such things,” Karyl said softly but firmly, holding his sword and staring at the same sky.

“As a member of the royal family, there’s something I know. Do you see those three poles at the far end? People think they are merely decorations symbolizing the empire, but that’s not true. They are enchanted with ancient magic. They serve as beacons when a calamity occurs at the imperial palace.”

“...”

Karyl looked where Olivurn pointed.

“The arrows shot from those beacons are also enchanted flames. They can be seen across the entire continent.”

“So what?”

“If those flames rise into the sky, it means you must return here to protect the empire in my stead. It means I’m dead.”

“Pff, foolish words...”

Karyl shook his head, although he could indeed see three tall poles reaching for the sky.

“The first flame shot into the sky signifies the emperor’s death by illness,” Olivurn said slowly. “If there’s a second flame, it signifies the emperor’s death in battle.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

Olivurn slowly turned his head to look at Karyl.

“Because you’re my friend,” he said with a smile. “And if all three flames rise into the sky...”

Ssshhh...!!!

As Karyl gazed at the imperial palace in the distance, he recalled the memories of his past life.

“Knowing a secret can be a cruel thing, Olivurn. You, of all people, would understand the meaning of the arrows I sent. Not just you, but everyone at the imperial palace.”

A wicked smile slowly crept on Karyl’s face as he whispered, “It means assassination.”