Chapter 10

After parting ways with Arcrain, Estelle headed for the deepest part of the palace with Sarsches.

The Albion Palace was built on the site where the governor's office was located during the time when this land was under the rule of the ancient La Tene Kingdom, and it is said that the remains of that era lie beneath the palace.

The underground passage, like a maze, led to a dead end where a pair of doors made of milky white stone were embedded.

The doors were carved with vine patterns, which were commonly found in the ruins of the ancient La Tene era.

"This was once the heart of the Albion governor's office. It is called the 'Temple'."

Near the doors, as usual, there was a panel.

Sarsches took out the 'key', inserted it into the keyhole at the bottom of the panel, and infused it with mana.

Then, with a heavy grinding sound, the doors opened, and a dazzling silver light spilled out from within.

Estelle squinted at the brightness.

Inside, a vast amount of mana swirled, which appeared as light to Estelle's eyes.

"Every time I come here, it doesn't feel like an underground place."

Sarsches muttered.

Estelle blinked repeatedly to adjust her eyes. Gradually, the scene beyond the doors became visible.

Indeed, what spread out there was a sight that was hard to believe was underground.

A stone-paved path led to a higher level, surrounded by pillars with intricate milky white carvings.

The interior was as bright as daytime, and white flowers bloomed on both sides of the path, creating a garden-like atmosphere.

Lily of the valley, daisies, lilies, snowdrops... including flowers whose names she didn't know, various white flowers gathered and bloomed elegantly, regardless of the season.

"Are these real flowers...? Even with the lighting, in such an underground place..."

There didn't seem to be anyone to tend to them.

When she realized this, the magnificent garden began to seem somewhat eerie.

"They were created using lost magical techniques. It's better not to think too deeply about it."

Sarsches said, extending his hand to her.

"Would you allow me to escort you?"

"Yes, it would be an honor."

Estelle placed her hand on Sarsches' elbow and stepped into the deepest part.

In the center of the deepest part, a massive magical stone was embedded in a stone monument, which was the source of the vast mana that filled the interior.

In front of the monument was an altar, and the structure made it clear why it was called the 'Temple'.

The white space surrounded by the white garden was filled with a sacred and solemn atmosphere.

"Various palace ceremonies are held here. The most important ritual is the one where the king annually pours his own blood and mana into the 'Foundation Monument'."

Sarsches stood in front of the altar, took out the 'key', and began some operations.

The altar also had a keyhole, and when the 'key' was inserted and infused with mana, a flat image appeared in front of Sarsches.

The image was written in what appeared to be ancient La Tene script, and when Sarsches touched it, the image changed silently.

It looked like an input/output device for a communication magical tool. Estelle was captivated by the ancient lost magical technology.

After a while, the image disappeared.

Next, Sarsches touched the 'key' and began to channel mana from his body. A vast amount of mana was visibly absorbed through the 'key' into the altar.

Ancient script appeared on the monument, glowing silver.

The white 'Temple' surrounded by the white garden was enveloped in a mystical light, and Estelle was overwhelmed by the solemn scene.

—That's why she noticed Sarsches' abnormality a moment too late.

She saw Sarsches collapse at the edge of her vision.

"Your Majesty!?"

Estelle hurried over. Sarsches squatted on the spot and began to cough violently.

"Are you alright? Please give me the communication magical tool. I'll contact Lord Arcrain immediately..."

Sarsches should have had a communication magical tool to contact the king's personal guard. Estelle reached into his coat to find it, but Sarsches immediately stopped her.

"It's no use. The magical tool can't be used anymore."

Sarsches' mouth and cuffs were stained with red. He had coughed up blood again.

Since there was no time to change clothes after leaving the tower's cell, it was frustrating that she had nothing. If she had a clean handkerchief, she could have wiped his mouth.

All Estelle could do was pat Sarsches' back.

"Using too much mana does this to you. It will get better with a little rest."

Sarsches sat down and sighed wistfully.

"I'm sorry, Miss Estelle. I know you're worried about the situation above, but I had to bring you here."

"I would only be a hindrance to Lord Arcrain if I were up there."

Estelle shook her head and continued to pat Sarsches' back.

His handsome face, similar to Arcrain's, looked terribly worn out and exhausted. Upon closer inspection, his hair was quite gray, and it was evident that Sarsches had endured much hardship.

Sarsches was in his early fifties.

He looked much older, and his condition might be quite bad.

"Miss Estelle, if this matter is resolved, you have a high chance of becoming the future Crown Princess. Do you have the resolve to stand as the mother of the country?"

Sarsches asked in a small voice.

"To be honest, it's difficult to say I have the resolve. So much has happened in the past few days..."

Estelle stuttered in her response to Sarsches.

"I don't think Lord Arcrain had the awareness of being the Crown Prince. He once said his first choice was to be granted a direct territory and become a local lord... and he even planned to flee the country if his life was in danger."

"That was my fault..."

Sarsches said with a bitter expression.

"Why didn't you protect Lord Arcrain, Your Majesty? You must have considered him the successor, right? Why did you keep the queen, who was targeting Lord Arcrain's life, by your side...?"

"I tried to protect him in my own way. But I couldn't ignore the influence of Duke Marvick... so my options were limited. The same goes for the queen."

Sarsches answered, breathing heavily.

"Various intentions and circumstances have led to this. ...I'm really sorry for being a weak king."

He coughed again. Estelle apologized to Sarsches.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked so many questions when you're in such a state."

Sarsches shook his head slightly.

"I can't force you, but I hope you will support Arcrain. I understand the title of Crown Princess is a heavy burden..."

Estelle was shaken by Sarsches' words.

Logically, Arcrain was the king's firstborn and the first in line to the throne, the closest to becoming the next king... but while she was prepared to be a princess, the idea of being a Crown Princess made her hesitate.

The position of Crown Princess leads to the role of queen. The spouse of the king and the mother of the country. In some cases, like the current situation with Tortelise, it could mean supporting a young or ailing king.

It was too much and too frightening.

Even though she had been imprisoned and cornered, she couldn't believe that meeting Arcrain was a mistake.

"...I'm sorry for imposing my parental ego on you."

Sarsches said, sighing deeply and closing his eyes. Estelle couldn't respond, and she felt self-loathing for her inability to do so.