Chapter 331

After Kaiser came back to his palace, he burst into anger

Ill kill that son of a bitch over and over again! he cursed.

He picked up a glass vase and slammed it into the ground, noisily flinging fragments all over the floor.

What? Wait until they authenticate the imperial seal? Hah! Hahahahaha! Kaiser laughed maniacally.

Y-Your Highness the head butler of the Fourth Princes palace stuttered.

How dare they! Kaiser picked up another piece of decor.

The head butler shut his eyes tightly. Fortunately...

You sound quite angry, a man nonchalantly remarked from the palace's first floor. Kaiser went as still as a sculpture. Although his real personality was quite different, Kaiser liked to show an image of self-control and restraint in front of the others.

Brother Kaizen? Why are you here? Kaizen asked.

For the same reason as you. I cant just stay in my bed at times like this, can I? Kaizen said as he made himself comfortable in the chair he was sitting in. There was a bite to his words that made Kaiser shut his mouth.

I heard you greeted the mages from the Magic Tower, Kaizen continued.

Yes, thats right. Kaiser nodded.

You also met Joshua Sanders. One end of Kaizens mouth curled up slightly.

Kaisers eyebrows twitched.

Brother, Im sorry, but I dont feel well, he said, an implicit yet clear request for Kaizen to leave.

Im sure you dont, Kaizen said dismissively. I have a proposal. You must have already heard about the rumor that war will soon break out.

Kaiser remained silent.

Joshua Sanders will soon head to the border.

Kaisers eyes widened; Kaizen had gotten his attention.

If he survives the war and returns, the older prince continued, he wants us to formally recognize him as a prince.

That lowly bastard doesnt know his place Kaiser muttered. Kaizen chuckled. Kaisers voice was so quiet that no one else should have heard, but Kaizen had read Kaisers lips.

Either way, were suffering a loss. The whole Empire is in danger if he loses this war, but hell become incomparably influential if he wins it. Think about it: the citizens of the Empire have trouble sleeping due to nervousness. Right before the continent is about to be ravaged by the war, he rises victorious and returns to the Empire. Hes going to be seen as the last hero of the falling Empire.

Thats not going to happen, Kaiser sharply replied.

The enemies of the Avalon Empire were the two empires that practically ruled the continent. On top of that, the enemys army was led by the two strongest Skies of the continent: the Crimson Sky and the Martial Emperor. Although it would be impossible to emerge victorious after defeating all of them, the princes of Avalon had no chance of winning the battle for the throne if Joshua pulled off a victory.

Besides, Heimdall himself would have to step in if the situation becomes really bad. Only if it can happen Kaiser thought, unwittingly clenching his fists.

Kaizens voice brought Kiser back to reality.

I also think so, Kaizen said, but there is no harm in preparing in advance. The current ideal scenario would be him beating the bush and us catching the birds.

Brother, Kaiser said, raising his hands. It was really difficult for him to keep listening to Kaizens nonsense. Why dont we stop

Take my hand, Kaizen offered.

Kaiser flinched as he was about to continue.

Brother Kiser is the worst hypocrite. An emperor cant exist without a country? Nonsense, why would you need a country if you cant become an emperor? Ill support you, so please help me too.

It looked like the second brother had a plan, but Kaiser didnt expect much.

In what way? Kaiser asked.

You must have Evergrants ancient spellbook, the one and only existing Class 8 spellbook, Kaizen said, narrowing his eyes.

Kaiser shook his head. What are you talking about?

Dont pretend like you dont know. I already know everything. Kaizens eyes gleamed. The spellbook you have is a treasure that a mage would sell their families and their soul for. On top of that, I heard that the current Master of the Magic Tower is talented, but that boy cant get to the next level because he doesnt have a good teacher. If we can have a private meeting with that boy, wouldnt it be possible to fabricate the imperial seal?

There was no way for Kaiser to not understand what Kaizen meant. Kaisers eyes turned cold.

You dont trust me, Brother.

I hope your imperial seal is the original one too, but Im just preparing for the worst scenario. Besides, you know what the imperial seal symbolizes. Since Father disappeared, the seal itself is the previous emperors will, so even a great, victorious war hero is merely a pawn on the chessboard. Kaizen looked straight into Kaisers eyes. Once we get our hands on that imperial seal, then we have the justifiable cause that those old men love, and Duke Tremblin cant disagree.

Kaiser went quiet as he became lost in his thoughts. Truthfully, Kaizens offer wasnt bad for Kaiser since he was already thinking the same as Kaizen. Wouldnt it be for the best if Kaiser could also get the Second Princes support? Kaiser didnt have to ponder for a long time.

I wont beat around the bush since you already know, Kaiser said, shrugging.

I knew it! Kaizens face brightened up when his assumption was confirmed.

Before we start, I want you to promise me one thing, Kaiser cautiously said.

Promise you what?

You said youll support me, right?

Without hesitation, Kaizen nodded. Of course.

Then please gather up the nobles that are on your side and formally acknowledge me as one of your own, Kaiser requested.

Thats not a difficult request. Kaizen shrugged.

If you do that, Ill try coaxing him as you requested.

Kaizen smiled brightly upon hearing the answer that he had been waiting for.

Summon the Tower Master first in secret, then Ill grant any wishes of yours.

* * *

Meanwhile, Joshua finally arrived at Emperor Marcuss bedroom. He stood in front of the door that was elegantly engraved with a golden dragon.

The menacing Imperial Knights protecting the bedroom drew their swords, creating an ominous rasp of metal.

Lower your swords, Kiser commanded.

The Imperial Knights flinched. But Your Highness

Im the one who promised him this. Are you going to make me a liar? the prince demanded, glaring at them.

Surprisingly, the Imperial Knights stepped back. For generations, the Imperial Knights of the First Battalion had protected the Emperors bedroom, and they only obeyed the Emperors command. Those prideful men were currently following the orders of the man who wasnt an emperor.

Why did you insist on coming to this place? Kiser asked Joshua.

I dont remember promising to tell you why, Joshua replied as he moved to stand right before the door.

Kiser sighed. Ill keep my promise. Besides, you already got what you wanted, so it wont do you any good to be vigilant around me.

Kiser looked at Joshua, but he stayed stubbornly silent. Kiser frowned slightly.

If you think so, fine, but you wont stop us from going into the room with you, will you?

Just as he said that, a loud stomp echoed down the hallway. The reason why Kiser used the word us was that dozens of the Imperial Knights were following Kiser.

Haha. Joshua chuckled.

Are you laughing? Kiser frowned.

Theres no reason to not tell you, Joshua replied with a shrug.DiisCoover pdated novels on n(o)v./e/lbin(.)co

Kiser was about to snap, but he restrained himself.

You sound like youre going to answer my question.

Joshua nodded. Thats right.

Then

Well be able to find out the forgotten truth in this place, Joshua nonchalantly replied.

What? Kiser narrowed his eyes.

I assume His Majesty was assassinated here?

Kisers eyes widened; what Joshua said was basically a taboo. An emperor was basically a god in his empirehow could a god be killed by others? It was impossible and should never happen. That was the reason why the Avalon Empires officials had publicly declared that Emperor Marcus had gone missing.

A knight came forward, growling.

Youre seriously

Kiser quietly raised his hand, stopping the knight in his tracks.

His Majesty didnt get assassinated.

Joshuas smile deepened. Arent you curious about the truth too, Your Highness?

What? Kiser frowned subtly.

What will you do if I say I have a way to find out the truth? Joshua slowly turned to Kiser, who had gone still as a statue. Are you ready to face the truth, prince?

What are you saying? Kiser fixed his eyes on Joshua.

Ill show you if you say youre ready.

His next move put the knights on high alert. They jumped between Joshua and Kiser as Joshua put his hand into his pocket.

Stop right now! One of the knights yelled. Or else!

Theres no need to be tense. Joshua quietly chuckled and pulled something out from his inner pocket.

Thats? Kiser tilted his head in confusion. It was a round, earthen-colored object the size of a fist, but it was impossible for him to determine what it was until Joshua spoke up again.

Its Gaia, the primordial stone, Joshua explained.

Kisers eyes bulged; hed heard that name before.

One of Gaias abilities is peering into the memory left on the ground.

Peering at the memory? Kiser repeated.

Joshua nodded. Thats why its also called the Memory Stone.

When he finally understood what Joshua meant, Kiser became petrified.

That means!

Yes, thats right. Joshuas monotonous voice echoed throughout the suffocatingly silent room. It means we can find out the truth of that day.

Chapter end