Chapter 89
“Wasn’t this a strategy game?”
As the years went by, the number of Mages in Hesmoro was dwindling.
Magic was an undeniable force in national strength, so discussions about establishing a second Magic Tower to train new Mages had been ongoing for a long time. However, due to initial capital constraints and the inability to handle the Mages, it kept getting postponed.
Jepar wanted to seize that opportunity and build a Magic Tower in the Duchy, but it was clear that there would be fierce opposition from the Emperor and the nobles, making Eden’s words tempting.
“The Grand Duke is the master of Yurenka and has worked hard for the Duchy for quite a long. Although it’s just something expected of you, because of that, the people of the Empire will subconsciously think there’s a line between them and the citizens of the Duchy.”
That was definitely true. The Duchy was indeed a part of the Empire, but due to the presence of Yurenka, it had been subtly rejected.
Of course, this was the result of the royal family’s long efforts to prevent Yurenka’s power from becoming too overwhelming.
“You must break that hasty prejudice first. There’s an opportunity.”
And the opportunity Eden spoke of was the Sun Festival.
Eden predicted a monster attack during the Sun Festival and suggested that Jepar mobilize forces to rescue the citizens of the Empire personally.
“With the support of the Empire’s citizens behind you, His Majesty will reluctantly grant permission. He will see just how friendly the Duchy is to the Empire and how willing you are to sacrifice for the citizens, thus trusting you, Grand Duke.”
It certainly sounded plausible.
The Sun Festival was the most sacred and important celebration and ceremony in the Empire, and if it were to be attacked, the protagonist of the Sun Festival would surely be a hero who saved everyone from that attack.
Jepar knew the terror of public sentiment and understood that even the Emperor would have to bend before the fierce opinions of the people.
Maybe, just maybe, as Eden said, the Emperor would come to trust him.
“But, Priest. His Majesty will definitely suspect my intentions. Knowing about an impending attack surely raises suspicion.”
Jepar smiled slightly.
“How do you predict the Dark Sorcerers will attack the Sun Festival, Priest?”
It was a kind voice, but the question was laced with doubt. Of course, Eden knew that Jepar wouldn’t be so easily swayed.
“If you are questioned about how you knew, say there was a prophecy.”
Eden said this while pulling something out from within her garments. Jepar’s face turned rigid at the sight of what she held.
“To inform you of the sacred prophecy before the Temple, it is to repay your grace, Grand Duke.”
Eden said this while briefly showing a nervous and guilty expression.
Jepar looked at the piece of Holy Stone in Eden’s hand.
Gray with red vein-like streaks.
It was undoubtedly Holy Stone.
“So, if you seize this opportunity, everyone will realize that Hamun needs you, Grand Duke.”
There was no way to refuse. For a brief moment, I thought that maybe Eden truly felt deeply grateful towards me, or perhaps even had feelings beyond that.
“To hand over the Holy Stone…”
Jepar muttered quietly.
Eden’s words were true. The Sun Festival was indeed attacked, and I did manage to rescue the citizens in time.
The problem was Libyatan.
“…”
Eden hadn’t mentioned the presence of such a massive monster, and it was Asmun who dealt with it. The protagonist Eden had chosen for the Sun Festival was not me, but Asmun, and I was—
Perfectly used.
“Haha…”
Jepar laughed in disbelief.
Eden used me. To let Asmun deal with Dragan without hesitation, so he could step up as the complete successor.
Moreover…
“Grand Duke Yuren dealt with the gargoyle swarm. I wonder if he did so under the command of His Highness Asmun?”
“That’s a possibility. It seems Grand Duke Yuren has sided with His Highness Asmun. He’s quite the visionary, so it makes sense!”
Jepar’s cold smile suddenly vanished.
A feeling of humiliation pricked at his throat as he clenched his jaws tightly. The point that really stung was that it seemed like I was helping Asmun.
So now, if I were to present the Holy Stone, it would merely serve as evidence that Hamun had made me assist Asmun.
The Holy Stone would only further highlight Asmun…
“…”
I had totally fallen into Eden’s trap.
“Grand Duke. How on earth did you know to prepare your troops?”
As expected, the Emperor summoned Jepar to inquire how he had known to prepare his forces, and Jepar did not produce the Holy Stone at that moment.
“As Your Majesty knows, the Dark Sorcerers’ misdeeds are affecting the Duchy as well. So, while tracking the traces of the Dark Sorcerers, I stumbled upon this information. I could not inform Your Majesty beforehand due to the lack of clear evidence, but I prepared in case something might happen.”
With that unclear answer, the Emperor looked at Jepar with suspicious eyes but did not continue his questioning or interrogation.
“I shall acknowledge your merit and will not ask any more. However, if something like this happens again, I may view your intentions differently.”
Thus, Jepar supported the troops without gaining any advantage and only drew the Emperor’s suspicion closer.
“Ha…”
Something cold and chilling bubbled inside.
Jepar glared into the void with icy eyes.
It was truly strange. I should have felt anger towards Eden for using me so flawlessly, but instead, another emotion, besides anger and betrayal, was surging from somewhere deep within.
“Grand Duke, Priest Eden has come to visit.”
At those words, Jepar let out a small sigh and swallowed all his feelings, then opened his mouth with a neatly composed face.
Right after that incident, Eden had requested a meeting immediately.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Eden entered with a guilty look, holding her hands tightly together.
“Hello, Grand Duke.”
Jepar did not smile while looking at her.
“Please, come in.”
However, his voice didn’t sound the least bit angry.
‘But he must be furious. Really furious.’
Eden shuffled closer and sat down.
“Are you… unhurt?”
That was a strange question to open with. Jepar smiled softly.
“Yes, I’m fine, thanks to you.”
Ugh, hearing that made Eden’s conscience prick.
“I owe my safety to you, Grand Duke. Thank you for saving the citizens that day.”
Eden bowed her head respectfully.
“No need for that. I didn’t save the citizens, did I?”
Jepar said with a caring smile, his words sent a cold sweat down Eden’s back.
“Don’t say that. It would have been terrible without you, Grand Duke. You came, and everyone was safe.”
Jepar stared at Eden with a smile on his face.
As she squirmed under his gaze, he quietly called her name.
“Priest.”
His low voice was exceptionally warm and kind.
“May I ask…”
“…”p>
“Just a thought, but…”
Jepar’s blue eyes gleamed coldly and darkened.
“Did you use me?”
The gentle question sent a sharp sting to Eden’s core.
Indeed, Jepar was not an easy opponent, and Eden realized she could no longer dodge the question.
“No, Grand Duke, that’s not it. It may sound like an excuse, but… I just found the best method.”
“…”
“There was surely going to be an incident at the Sun Festival, and without you, Grand Duke, half of the citizens gathered in the plaza would have perished. The reason I didn’t mention Libyatan was that I judged only His Highness Asmun could defeat it.”
Eden calmly laid out her prepared excuses.
That was all true.
If Jepar had known about Libyatan’s presence, he would have hesitated to deploy troops, and if he knew Asmun would defeat Libyatan, he wouldn’t have offered any forces at all.
Moreover, it was a calculated move to make Jepar appear as though he was supporting Asmun, and using this to make the Emperor be even more wary of him and cut off any possibility of establishing a Magic Tower was also something Eden had aimed for.
‘It’s unfortunate, but it can’t be helped.’
While I had developed a unique bond of comradeship and affection through the time entwined with Jepar, I couldn’t accept the possibility of his power growing larger.
‘If that happens, it would be uncontrollable even after Asmun becomes Emperor…’
So yes, I had thoroughly used Jepar. I felt a bit sorry about it, but it was truly unavoidable.
This cold world was both a game and reality.
“But… if you feel that way, I apologize.”
Eden lowered her head apologetically.
Jepar watched her for a moment, then slowly opened his mouth.
“So, Priest, you do support His Highness the 3rd Prince, right?”
At that question, Eden couldn’t answer easily and bit her lip. It was pointless to pretend otherwise now.
“I won’t blame you, Priest. In the end, it’s me who got carried away.”
