Chapter 98: The Assassin of Chenerus (5)

- I heard that none of the three princes are the emperor's children. An investigation is needed.

It was a fact I encountered while playing the game. For me, it was an unforgettable memory.

Especially since it was the attack on the prince right before he became emperor.

1st Prince, 2nd Prince, 3rd Prince. The situation changed each time, but whoever it was, they were suspected of being illegitimate.

And ultimately, none of the three princes were the emperor's children.

To have an affair outside the imperial palace, right under the eyes of the intelligence agency, in the capital of the empire? Does that even make sense?

I had thought that way before. The empire wasn't that easy a place.

But that was the truth in the game. It was also one of the reasons I chose Erendil.

"What?"

Phiri was also shocked.

"Does that even make sense? It's too absurd."

- I overheard a conversation with Duke Schweik, the head of the imperial intelligence agency, on a rest day.

"Who was the other person? Are you sure it wasn't false information?"

- It wasn't.

"It doesn't make sense. Their hair color is the same as the imperial family's blonde."

- Have you forgotten? The Egne family also has the same hair color.

The emperor's purged relatives. A family of the founding emperor's close friend, which had held power for a long time and often intermarried with the imperial family.

Still, Phiri seemed to find it hard to believe.

"It doesn't make sense. How could the empress have an affair in the palace? The guards and the intelligence agency are always watching."

- If the other person was the empress's deceased guard, the story would be different.

"Guard? Wait a moment. The empress's guard at that time was...?"

- Yes. Both were the empress's cousins.

The children of the Sevillen family served as the empress's guards. Both were her lovers.

One would guard outside while the other spent time with the empress.

"Are they the current Sevillen's younger brothers?"

- Yes. The Sevillen count met the prince, and it seems he was upset because he wasn't treated well.

I didn't hear it directly, but it doesn't matter which side it was. The count actually met the prince.

The result wasn't good.

The princes, due to the purge of their maternal family, the Egne, tried to distance themselves from them.

And in the game, the Sevillen count acted similarly.

He would play both sides and spread distorted information to support the prince he backed.

For example, if he supported the 1st Prince, he would reveal that the 2nd and 3rd Princes were illegitimate.

Since it involved exposing his family's secrets, it wasn't heavily doubted.

Or he would use the information to blackmail the princes.

When the scandal broke out while he was supporting a prince, it hit hard.

- I also heard that both had affairs with the empress.

"Hard to believe. Are you lying?"

- It's possible, but it's not unheard of. The empress and her guards were close since childhood. It wouldn't hurt to verify.

The demon followers are planning to attack Erendil. By assassinating me, I delayed their attack and bought time.

We need to use this time well.

Originally, I planned to gradually solidify the situation rather than move hastily due to the butterfly effect.

But now, I don't know how things will turn out. I need to prepare to attack the princes.

Even if it means exposing the empress's betrayal, the damage to the princes must be greater than to Erendil.

No matter the controversy, it can't be worse than not being of royal blood.

- And it doesn't matter if it's true or false. We just need to use the information.

"That's right. Whether it's true or not, we can try to manipulate the Sevillen count."

- Yes. If not, we can try to recruit the princess.

Phiri agreed. Though it was hard to believe, it was beneficial for us.

The truth isn't important. What matters is how people perceive it.

"By the way, your father asked about you."

- Did you get in touch?

"It was one-sided. I only received a letter, so I couldn't reply."

I was disappointed, hoping for a direct line to Phiri.

Well, from Phiri's perspective, it would be strange to think the captain was a traitor.

There was also disappointment from another side.

When Duke Brussek created a direct intelligence unit in the north, I hoped to identify the captain, but it didn't happen.

"Anyway, your father said to ask you what you think of the princess."

Ah, that was what I said when I wanted to go to the empire in the past. I had mentioned it playfully before.

I thought it was over, but he still remembered.

Hearing it suddenly was a bit surprising. Phiri chuckled playfully.

"You said you joined the empire to see the continent's three beauties, the princess. You told me you wanted to grow more, but was that all a lie?"

- The reason I told you was more significant. The former was a light curiosity from childhood.

"So, what do you think? I can't reveal the captain's identity in the letter, but since your father asked, I should answer."

- Well, she's as beautiful as I've heard.

Phiri asked mischievously.

"Really? More than me?"

I was slightly on the defensive, but Phiri gave me a chance to counterattack.

Does she think I'll say something nice because she's my sister? No way.

- Of course not. The princess is one of the continent's three beauties, isn't she?

"See you later."

Phiri seemed a bit upset and gritted her teeth.

- If things go as planned, I'll maintain my position as a guard even if the princess becomes empress.

"Then we won't meet like this. And I'm good at waiting."

I laughed quietly. It was because Emmit was nearby.

- By then, I might be in a higher position than Phiri.

"You brat. Where did you get your arrogance from, being by the princess's side?"

Phiri burst out laughing, but there was a playful tone in her voice.

- Did your father say anything else? He's not the type to write about such things.

"It wasn't a task for you. The imperial intelligence agency asked us to rescue someone."

The imperial intelligence agency? Unexpected.

Rescue, not capture, implies betrayal. I wonder if it's safe.

The current imperial intelligence agency is in chaos due to the fight against demon followers.

Perhaps it's a demon follower whose investigation net is closing in within the agency.

Or the opposite.

There must be demon followers within the imperial intelligence agency, so someone in danger might have requested help from the duke.

'If he can contact Duke Brussek, he must be a high-ranking official.'

A quite influential person. I didn't expect Duke Brussek to have such connections.

- Rescue? What's the reason?

"The empire created demon followers. And they said these followers would target their lives."

Indeed, my guess was correct. The empire created demon followers, and now there's a problem.

This is another setback for me.

It means even a high-ranking official in the imperial intelligence agency is threatened by them.

The upcoming battle won't be easy.

- That's true. They're not fools, so they'll provide detailed information after the rescue.

"Right."

- I understand why you're telling me.

"It involves demon followers."

Phiri's voice carried worry. It's because it's under the Highsun intelligence unit.

The captain is a demon follower, so he might read our movements and the target's movements.

The person requesting help walked into the lion's den. There will likely be an attack.

Anyway, Phiri wants me to participate as a third party.

- When?

"Two days from now, at night."

- Not on a rest day.

"Can you come?"

- I can talk to the princess.

I've built trust with Erendil. She'll allow this. The problem is Emmit.

We share guard duty. There are ways, but it might attract unwanted attention. I'll have to bear that.

"Recently, the assassin of Chenerus is famous. If you cause trouble, won't they think it's him? I'll get the clothes for you."

- Are you crazy?

Of course, it was a joke.

It could lead to suspicion that the assassin of Chenerus is from Highsun.

"The plan will fail. Your father said to avoid unnecessary risks."

- It's because of me.

"Right. The princess is almost winning, so there's no need to take unnecessary risks. If things go wrong, everyone should escape. If captured, commit suicide."

I understood what Phiri was worried about. But I had other concerns.

- Phiri, if the captain uses his tactics, you might be the most at risk.

"Right. From his perspective, I'm the most annoying. And he's perceptive, so he might suspect I know something. Sigh. Even the kids' eyes look suspicious these days."

Indeed. Phiri must be having a hard time. Living on thin ice under the enemy's nose every day.

I offered some comfort.

- Phiri's acting isn't that bad.

"I know. The captain isn't ordinary. But I'll be fine. A few of your father's people will join us."

Indeed, we need to rescue the person. But we can't be too relaxed.

- No. I'll go, but you need to be careful. We can't be too obvious, but we should be cautious. Even Highsun agents should be suspected.

Phiri nodded heavily after a short silence.

"…Right."

* * *

On the day of the mission, Kallin requested a private meeting with the princess. It was unusual, so the princess was curious.

"Your Highness, can I be absent tonight?"

"From the way you're asking, it's not a normal matter."

Guards have personal matters too. If they're sick, get married, or have a family member pass away...

When such things happen, the guard on rest duty takes over.

"Can you tell me what it's about?"

"It's related to the Highsun intelligence agency. They don't know I'm involved."

"I don't understand."

"It involves the imperial intelligence agency and demon followers."

The princess frowned.

"Surely not…"

"Yes. There are traitors in both Highsun and the empire."

"Is it safe?"

"I don't know yet, but I need to go and see."

"Go then."

The princess nodded readily. She trusted Kallin, who had risked his life for her.

And Kallin had never caused any harm by following his instincts.

From the princess's experience, things usually worked out well when Kallin did as he pleased.

"By the way, what about Emmit? Do you plan to tell him now?"

"Can Your Highness call me separately?"

"Separately?"

The princess was surprised. Spending time alone at night was not a normal occurrence.

Emmit wouldn't spread such things, but her heart still raced a bit.

"As I mentioned before, it's better if few people know about me. I can say it's about discussing something with Duke Ryurik."

Kallin continued, gauging the princess's reaction.

"If it's inconvenient, I can tell Sir Emmit the truth."

"No. Do as you please."

"Thank you."

"But you need a reason to talk about Duke Ryurik."

"Ah, the marriage issue we discussed last time should be enough."

The princess nodded reluctantly. That night, after midnight, the princess called Kallin.

"Shurtafen, I have something to discuss."

"At this hour?"

Kallin pretended to be surprised. Emmit also looked puzzled. It was usually the princess's sleeping time.

"I received a letter from Lady Ryurik yesterday and forgot about it."

"What is it?"

"Lady Ryurik mentioned a marriage proposal for Shurtafen."

"Really? Duke Ryurik and Shurtafen?"

It wasn't something that needed to be discussed at this hour. But Emmit couldn't think that far.

He was too shocked by the news. Soon, Emmit understood.

Currently, Kallin's status in the empire was unmatched by anyone except the emperor.

To the imperial citizens, he was a war hero. With his talent and young age, his future success was expected.

"I thought about discussing it in the morning, but I couldn't sleep and thought it would be a long conversation."

Kallin agreed.

"Yes. Lady Ryurik is an important person, so it's best to reply as soon as possible."

"Right. It's not a decision you can make easily. Come in."

Kallin bowed and entered the room with the princess.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Alright. Will it take long?"

"I need to see for myself."

"Are you leaving now?"

"Yes."

Kallin nodded and headed towards the window. He needed to leave the palace.

Erendil added.

"Don't be too late."

"I won't."

The princess paused for a moment before continuing. It was when Kallin was about to open the window.

"Be careful."

"I will."

"Come back safely."

"I will be back soon."

Kallin bowed and leaped out the window. It was 19 meters high. The wind assisted his descent.