Chapter 142: Shall I Send You Back?
While Ian was contacting the former Crown Prince of Cantum, Cardinal Cesare clandestinely arrived at the mansion of Marquis Adelas. Waiting for the cardinal were not only the marquis himself but also members of various noble factions.
Thank you for coming. I hope the journey wasnt too tiring for you.
Not at all; God has blessed me, and I have traveled in great comfort, replied Cesare with a saintly smile, capable of warming hearts with a single glance.
The sight moved everyone inwardly.
It was inevitable.
Because the Marquis of Adelas faction was not simply eastern nobles.
Indeed, Cardinal Cesare His presence is different.
He is certainly different from the inexperienced fledglings like Haverion.
He served as the Popes left arm for a very long time, didnt he?
Most present were devout followers of the Holy Empires God, and naturally, they held Cesare in high esteem.
But that wasnt all.
I am determined to make Cardinal Cesare the husband of the first princess.
Cardinal Cesare will undoubtedly become the future king of Kaistein
Their determination to make Cesare not only the consort but also the future king of Kaistein was palpable.
As you know, the princes and princesses of Kaistein have many shortcomings. The young ones are too busy with their own interests. Sometimes, when you look at them, they seem like unruly children.
I had hoped the First Princess would be of some assistance, but she is not much different
Cesare smiled at that sight.
As expected, it was a good idea to start with Baptism.
Baptism is the introductory ritual of the Sun Religion.
As soon as Cesare arrived at the mansion, he sprinkled water on the nobles and conducted a simple baptism.
It was a way for Cesare, as a cardinal, to bestow his blessings upon them.
Typically, such a blessing came at a significant cost from the cardinal, making it a favor that couldnt be obtained with mere money.
Naturally, the nobles felt obliged to show favor in return for this valuable blessing.
Thats why its easy to deal with believers.
Even Cesares baptism had the power to amplify the faith that the believers already possessed. However, it was far from a form of brainwashing, and Cesare found himself truly disappointed.
If only I could use it together with Haverions Sacrament, then I could effectively manipulate these people
Baptism, which heightened faith, and the Sacrament, which turned believers into berserkers or living bombs, were essentially two sides of the same coin
Administering the Sacrament to someone who had undergone baptism would exponentially increase its effect.
It was only natural.
When individuals with heightened faith were willing to sacrifice their lives
They have no choice but to desperately seek the gods.
The power was too immense for one person to possess alone, so it had to be divided.
However, Haverion remained imprisoned in an underground dungeon.
Because of that, with narrowed eyes, Cesare asked the nobles, By the way, what will happen to Cardinal Haverion now?
His Majesty seems to have made up his mind to execute him.
Well first of all, I would like to apologize to His Majesty and ask for forgiveness.
He spoke as if he would save Haverion, but his true intentions were different.
Its an opportunity. Once he dies, the Sacrament will be mine.
Although the Pope seemed inclined to save Haverion, Cesare had no intention of letting such an opportunity slip through his fingers.
I was planning to deal with the Pope anyway.
But it had to be done in a grand manner, with everything handed over to him before he died.
And securing the throne of Kaistein was a great advantage and goal for himself.
To confront the Kingdom of Magicians, the unification of the Kingdom of Swordsmen was essential.
So the First Princess is said to be beautiful? Thats good.
The fact that the First Princess was rumored to be beautiful pleased Cesare, as it added to his vision of ruling over both the Holy Empire and Kaistein.
However, it was not yet time to raise a toast.
Cesares attention turned to another matter.
So, what about the Seventh Prince? What happened to him now?
Ah, you mean Prince Ian?
Yes. I heard he was unwell. Im not sure if hes doing well. Gẹtt the latest novels at n.o/(v)/e/l/bin(.)com
Thats right
The nobles were well-versed in responding to Cesares question.
They didnt hesitate to reveal even classified information.
And Cesares eyes were sharp as he asked the question.
I have to be cautious of the one who messed up the plan.
Ian, the Seventh Prince, was the one who had captured even the young but clever Haverion.
Soon, news regarding Ians condition reached Cesare.
They say he has collapsed again due to the lingering effects of the Seven Virtues, particularly Patience.
Well How can he even make it to his own palace?
And then they say he collapsed again.
The nobles looked disappointed that they could not elaborate further.
Its difficult to infiltrate the Crystal Palace with servants.
Strangely, the spies are quickly caught. Theyre more defensive than I thought.
They couldnt even send spies or assassins.
It was because Galon Oath of Invisibility guarded it thoroughly.
Still, one thing was certain.
I surreptitiously checked under the guise of joining their faction. The Seventh Prince had definitely collapsed in his room.
And so, the former Crown Prince Leonic of Cantum opened the door to Ians visit at an incredible speed.
You bastard!
Leonics harsh voice expressed his disbelief at being called by Ian.
However, despite the intense expression on Leonics face, Ian lying down remained nonchalant.
Long time, no see?
You you bastard! Because of you!
Oh, calling me a bastard to your older brother?
Leonic trembled. Not only was he captured by Kaistein, but Ians attitude of making fun of him was so natural.
Because of you, I lost my position as the crown prince. What more business could you possibly have with me?
To come without even seeking him out and calling him through a servant.
Leonic shouted, asking how far he had to lower himself to feel satisfied.
But Ian just laughed as if it were nothing.
If you didnt want to come, you didnt have to come, right?
But you came anyway because you needed something from me, didnt you?
Ians words were not wrong.
Leonic was receiving decent treatment as the former Crown Prince of the Cantum Empire.
But the reality was that he was imprisoned and unable to do anything.
Leonic needed Ians help to return to Cantum. And that wasnt the only thing.
And by the way, brother, watch your words. It was your own brother, not me, who usurped the crown princes position.
Leonic was speechless at Ians words.
He had lost his position as the crown prince due to the unexpected actions of his own brother, whom he had never considered an enemy.
His younger brother had seized everything from him as though he had been waiting for the opportunity.
Leonics anger flared up once again.
My younger brother may have taken my place, but it was you who paved the way for it, Leonic retorted.
Is that so? Who would do such a thing in the first place? We are the victims here.
You!
Ian laughed in spite of Leonics anger.
I simply sent a letter. I didnt say anything about having you captured. The current crown prince didnt miss that opportunity.
You bastard
And.
Bang!
Ian slammed the table with his foot.
And he glared as if warning not to step out of line.
Watch your tone. How dare you call your brother a bastard?
!
I wont warn you twice. Otherwise, I wont be able to treat you as my younger brother anymore.
Leonic was on the verge of saying something but quickly sealed his lips, sensing the change in Ians demeanor. It had been several months since their last encounter, and Ians grown-up appearance was noticeably different from before.
That brat he must be fourteen by now.
However, it was clear that Ians growth was far from ordinary.
While their interaction had been somewhat playful until now, Leonic realized that pushing Ian further could put his own life in danger.
However, Ians expression quickly softened into a smile.
Oh. Dont be too uptight. I called you today for a different reason.
A reason?
Leonic looked at Ian anxiously.
He had no choice.
Theres never been a time when Ive been happy to work with him
But Ian reassured him not to worry and smiled.
Youre probably aware of the situation.
What?
While you were confined, you must have managed to establish some kind of communication network. Im sure youve heard the news from Cantum.
!
Ians smile grew wider, as if he held all the answers.
Leonics placement in the secluded palace was no coincidence but a deliberate move, enabling him to be used at the opportune moment.
And now, that moment has arrived.
Ians eyes lit up.
He saw an opportunity to deal with the Cardinal and the Holy Empire once and for all, should they dare to stand in his way.
And with that look, finally, Leonic couldnt help but speak.
Yes. Thanks to you, Im well informed. Every day, my supporters are being cut off.
Leonic was devastated.
Even now, the Second Prince, who used to be his brother, is removing his loyal followers.
The situation left no room for further delay.
Leonic had to find a way to return to Cantum by any means necessary.
That was the moment.
Do you wish to return to Cantum?
?
Should I help you return?
Ians words sounded like a whisper from the devil, making Leonic grit his teeth.