---

Chapter 27: The Start of a YOLO Life!

“I want to retire, Your Highness.”

Kariel, having completed his schedule in the principality, immediately set off for a conflict zone.

He fled as soon as it was all over, like a rabbit escaping from a snare.

He claimed it was to inspect the still unstable conflict region, but nobody believed him, considering he headed to a resort instead of the escalating border with Talos.

“Is it really that great?”

“Absolutely! This time, I’m really retiring!”

Kariel beamed in response to Talion’s words.

He had thought retirement would mean an end to his struggles, but it felt like it had been a continuous uphill battle. But now, it was finally the real deal.

In contrast to Kariel’s optimistic thoughts, Talion wore a worried expression.

“You can’t keep using the conflict zone as an excuse to stay away forever.”

“I know. Once the situation settles down, I’ll have to return to my territory.”

Kariel replied with a grin.

By then, the major issues would be resolved, and the real power struggle for the Crown Prince title among his siblings would begin, leaving him no time to worry about himself.

“Shouldn’t you wrap up the Union of Small Nations in the conflict zone first?”

“The Eastern Commander will handle it. If necessary, the Southern Commander can step in.”

With the matters in the principality wrapping up, Achelio was preparing to return with the Central Army, and the Grand Duke Family’s Knight Order was gearing up for their retreat to the West alongside the Western Army.

The disturbances caused by the Dark Mages were also coming to an end.

All that remained were the scattered rebellions within the Empire and the mop-up of the leftover Dark Mages.

However, in comparison to the grand scale of previous events, these were merely trivial affairs.

Even if the Small Nations formed an alliance, they would struggle against even one of the great powers of the West.

Let alone the Empire, which would face no competition at all.

“I won’t have to personally step in for anything.”

“Hmm…”

Talion responded with a hesitant hum.

Indeed, the Empire had plenty of talented individuals. Just because Kariel wasn’t around, it didn’t mean the Empire would fall apart.

Yet, unease gnawed at him.

“It has to go as you wish, Your Highness…”

Talion tried to hide his growing worry as he watched Kariel, who was excitedly planning what to do at the resort.

Was it because he felt that everything was over?

Kariel radiated bright smiles, even amidst a grueling schedule.

In the past, he would have been lost in thought the entire journey, but now he was marveling at the scenery and chatting happily with passing merchants.

“Looks like you’re feeling a bit more relaxed now.”

Kariel’s face, which usually was marked by annoyance, persisted in a big smile.

“Whoa!”

Perhaps because he was rapidly distancing himself from the principality, fearing he might get caught, they soon reached the resort.

True to its reputation, the famous resort of the West featured beautiful buildings against a stunning sea backdrop.

The combination of magic engineering and classical architecture was harmoniously present, and the palm trees typically seen at resorts were even more beautiful than those in the South.

“It truly lives up to its name.”

Kariel smiled at Talion’s remark.

“Right?”

A contented laugh escaped him as he moved towards the villa, followed cheerfully by the Imperial Palace Knights and attendants.

Being Kariel, who rarely received special treatment, they too were expecting a truly fulfilling vacation at this resort.

As soon as Kariel arrived at the villa, he changed his clothes and headed straight to the beach.

Strolling around the resort in casual attire with the knights, he checked out the beach.

On the first day, he enjoyed the beach, and starting the second day, he explored the city, but it still wasn’t enough for him, so he ventured into nearby areas as well.

“Are you not getting tired of this?”

“Tired? Hmm…”

Kariel tilted his head, unable to grasp that sensation.

In his previous life, he hadn’t truly rested due to the war, and he hadn’t had the chance to travel while on Earth either.

His family struggled financially, so he had to work like a dog.

“How about this? I’ll bet this money on the first unmarried person who can find a girlfriend.”

At Kariel’s words, the eyes of the Imperial Palace Knights and attendants gleamed with excitement.

Both the Imperial Palace Knights and his attendants were from the Shadows, so they wouldn’t lose out wherever they went.

“Are you all confident?”

“Yes!”

“Great. Let’s go!”

Under Kariel’s command, his subordinates set off with excitement.

Watching them, Talion sighed.

“But Your Highness, you’re unmarried as well.”

“For me, it’s just a political marriage anyway. I might as well enjoy the sights.”

At Kariel’s words, Talion let out a small sigh.

“And what about you, Talion? What were you doing all this time without getting married?”

“I did actually.”

“Really?”

Upon Kariel’s inquiry, Talion nodded with a forced smile.

“I was widowed.”

“Oh… So no children?”

Talion shook his head slightly, leading Kariel to speak cautiously.

“Consider remarrying. You can’t live alone forever.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Seeing Talion make an effort to smile, Kariel nodded slightly.

Though Talion seemed to hide something significant, it wasn’t easy to ask at this stage.

“Come to think of it, all the Imperial Guards seem to have their own secrets, huh?”

Kariel pondered over the unusual secrets possessed by the Imperial Guards and asked Talion, “What are those Imperial Guards up to right now?”

“They are likely busy executing your orders, Your Highness.”

The Imperial Guards, who had briefly left the capital to safeguard Kariel, had all returned to the First Prince’s palace.

At the same time, news reached that they were diligently researching to carry out Kariel’s commands.

Things Kariel had ordered before leaving the capital were none other than unusually significant tasks, leading the Imperial Guards to be quite busy.

“Apparently, they’re jealous of me.”

Talion smiled and stated this.

Unlike his relaxing self, Toto, typically burdened with work, had been sending Talion letters expressing envy whenever he found the time.

“Once things settle down a bit, tell them to come and visit. I need to fulfill the requests they entrusted to me, one by one.”

“Yes, I will convey that, Your Highness.”

Kariel resolved to ease the secrets harbored by his Imperial Guards and fulfill their desires—something made possible by his newfound leisure.

“Alright! What shall we do for fun today?”

With a face full of anticipation, Kariel sank into thought.

Talion and the attendants flashed smiles at his enthusiastic demeanor.

*

However, unlike carefree Kariel and company, the entire West Continent was rapidly descending into chaos.

“The Empire and Principality Establish Alliance! Is Blood Alliance Next?”

“A massive alliance linking Iron-Empire-Principality. What remains of the other nations?”

“Unofficial Meeting between the Southern Union and the Holy Nation.”

“What will become of the future of the West Continent?”

The alliance between the Empire and the Principality entirely split the Holy Nation from the Southern Union.

This alone placed the remaining nations in unfavorable situations, further worsened by rumors that the Empire was beginning to punish the Small Nations.

With the state’s minimal buffer having vanished, the remaining nations faced severe threats, prompting strong protests from both the Southern Union and Holy Nation, but it was to no avail.

The Empire had revealed evidence of the crimes committed by the Small Nations all this time.

However, despite the announcement, they couldn’t strike the Union of Small Nations immediately.

Although the Empire could have wiped out every Small Nation right away, the scale of the rebellion occurring within the Empire was anything but trivial.

If it were just one rebellion in one location, it might have been manageable, but rebellions erupted sporadically across various regions, and with the Dark Mages joining in, subduing the situation became incredibly difficult.

Amidst this chaos, the Union of Small Nations secretly began supplying materials to the Empire’s rebel forces.

And that wasn’t all.

“Your Highness, this…”

Just as Kariel was enjoying his holiday, Talion urgently delivered a letter to him.

The message contained in a black envelope, sent urgently by the Shadows, made Kariel’s smile vanish.

“These bastards…”

Reports from the Shadows indicated that the Southern Union was secretly funding the Union of Small Nations.

Given this, the Imperial Palace desired for Kariel to press the conflict region.

“It seems the situation is not trivial. Staying here is…”

At Talion’s words, Kariel sighed softly.

“But I can’t return to the Imperial Palace!”

“Hmm…”

“It’s not laziness; if I return now, it’s only going to create unnecessary chaos.”

Talion hesitated, his expression stirred with doubt as Kariel asserted his point.

In response, he turned away slightly, conceding.

“Ugh, even my subordinates don’t trust me.”

“…I trust you.”

“Does that look like a trusting face?”

“Hmph!”

Kariel calmly explained to Talion.

“Listen closely. Right now, the power in the Empire is starting to divide between the two princes, right?”

“Yes.”

“But what happens if I return? It just raises suspicions. People will start thinking, ‘Has this guy broken his promise and is trying to regain his position as Crown Prince? Or is he trying to become the Emperor?'”

“Surely not.”

“It happens. You know it too.”

“That’s just a small minority.”

“The problem is that those guys are significant players. If they keep making those claims, they’ll attract followers.”

There’s no need to invite undue risk.

It’s best for him to stay put until a new Crown Prince emerges.

However, Talion felt as if Kariel was worrying too much.

“Tch! First, gather the troops remaining in the conflict zone.”

“Are you thinking of acting personally?”

Talion’s question prompted a nod from Kariel.

Talion’s expression was one of surprise. Kariel smiled at him.

“Being too relaxed isn’t good, you know? Sometimes, you have to add a little action to appreciate the taste of rest.”

He then gathered the commanders of the troops stationed in the conflict zone.

“I’ll keep this brief. From now on, we will pressure Talos.”

“Is that wise?”

At Talos’s query, Kariel nodded.

“We have enough justification. The Union of Small Nations still has troops stationed in the conflict zone.”

“But they’re in Talos, aren’t they?”

“What does that matter? The negotiations over the conflict zone haven’t even started yet.”

With that, Kariel grinned.

Talos vehemently disliked the idea of dividing Aysarman between the Principality and the Empire and had been continuously postponing the negotiation dates.

Because of that, this place was still officially a conflict zone.

Despite the fact that the territory was essentially settled, the official designation as a conflict zone meant the Union of Small Nations had a foothold there.

More importantly, evidence suggested that the Union of Small Nations supported bandits in times of crisis for the Principality.

The Empire certainly had ample justification to strike against the Union of Small Nations.

And coincidentally, they were situated in the conflict region held by Talos.

“We’re going to strike against the Union of Small Nations. Understood?”

“Yes!”

“Good. Let’s go.”

With his order given, Kariel leisurely sank into his chair, enjoying the view of the emerald sea.

“Is it okay to just stay here?”

“Of course! Leading the army is the commanders’ responsibility. My role is only required when they send a messenger with a protest letter to negotiate.”

Saying this, Kariel lifted a glass filled with fruit juice, relaxing in his priority.

 

---