Chapter 72

It has been three years since I last met Lady Asha.

Even though it was a very limited time, it felt intense.

My cheeks are still flushed with excitement, and my head feels light.

"Hehe, hehe... I'm glad I studied."

I am proud that I could converse without disappointing the wise Lady Asha.

Most of all, I could understand what Lady Asha said, and the conversation flowed smoothly; it was a very enjoyable time.

I must thank Marquis Strategos for preparing this.

"Besides, I must show this to Mother."

I gently look down at the paper I hold with both hands.

It is a quick note written by Lady Asha, a diagram of our discussion about the four elements.

I had always thought that magic naturally has attributes, but Lady Asha, being an alchemist, considered it not to be so.

This is because attributes differ by race.

Moreover, the existence of physical enhancement, which is not categorized by attributes, led her to consider the significance of the framework of attributes.

Additionally, in alchemy, there are substances called essences that can classify the effects of each attribute.

"Magic takes on the form of attributes through the medium of human existence. ... If attributes can be assigned later, perhaps anyone, regardless of race, can use magic."

Lady Asha's words revealed a world I had never imagined.

She is truly an amazing person.

The writing she provided for the explanation is indeed the same as in the letter.

Despite being told repeatedly by my brother that it would be different, I still felt uneasy.

So when she wrote this, I hastily asked if I could take it home.

"I hope she doesn't think I'm strange. Oh, right. I should write a thank-you letter, and then..."

I feel a bit embarrassed by my current excitement.

With a restless heart, I stand up from the sofa where I had briefly sat down.

This is the section of the palace where VIPs stay.

Depending on the situation, a separate palace may be opened, but this time, only my father and I are here, so we are using one section.

"There were no writing tools in the bedroom, so should I call someone? No, I remember a study was prepared."

My father, being the king, still has work brought to him even when away from the kingdom.

This was anticipated and prepared accordingly.

I was left alone in the room, still feeling elated, so I headed straight for the study.

However, the door was not properly closed, and no one was around.

I could hear voices from inside, indicating that the area had been cleared of people.

"Really, the First Prince is unbelievable."

What is he saying!

I strongly resist the voice I hear.

But it was a familiar voice.

Curious, I peeked in and saw my father and Marquis Strategos.

It was probably Marquis Strategos who said it.

"Indeed, an assassination attempt did occur. Even against a weak emperor, to go so far as to attempt such a bold act..."

"Furthermore, he defended himself, identified those involved, and even discovered the involvement of the Criminal Guild on his own... Truly..."

"Indeed, if he can do all that, he is indeed an extraordinary person."

My father nodded in agreement with a wry smile.

I feel ashamed of my reflexive criticism and narrow-mindedness.

...But something is wrong.

An assassination attempt? Lady Asha didn't say anything about that...

"Has he not told Diora?"

"The First Prince is aware of his position as a prince and does not publicize such scandals."

"......My daughter is consulting with Adel about her studies?"

My father's shoulders drooped.

I had written in my letter about my struggles with my brother, but I was also told not to write that much.

I felt I had made progress in my studies and was doing well, but it seems I still fall short of Lady Asha.

I feel regret, but I am also worried. Despite knowing it is improper, I cannot move from this spot.

An assassination attempt, and I was feeling elated during such a serious time.

"Is it really just the Edenval family? They have connections built over generations, but they do not have the political clout to confront Duke Lukaios directly. They should know that many would turn against them to seize the power if the Edenval family fell."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Do you understand? I am asking for the identity of the despicable person who whispered to the Edenval family to target the emperor's beloved children to bring him down."

"That's impossible to say."

"Then you have a suspect?"

Marquis Strategos evaded the question, and my father, seeking an answer, shrugged.

Marquis Strategos, whose motives were seen through, had a grim expression, but my father, undeterred, leaned forward.

"I won't ask for names, but is it internal or external?"

"......Both."

Marquis Strategos' answer made my father's expression turn grim.

"Internally, as Duke Eurasion."

"Be clear."

"No, think about it. Who would be the happiest to eliminate the princes with current succession rights?"

"Duke Eurasion himself did not act. He knew he would be the first to be suspected and did not move."

"So, tacit approval?"

He knew about the wicked plot and deliberately did not stop it.

Is that not evil?

"That's why that side cannot be pursued. The Edenval family acted, and now that they have failed, Duke Eurasion is pushing to crush them thoroughly as an act of treason against the imperial family."

"Externally, which of the four directions?"

"Do not investigate. Can I say?"

Marquis Strategos responded to my persistent father in a tone I had never heard before.

It seems my father was also not acting like the usual king.

"Well, considering Duke Eurasion, the candidates would be families that once had imperial blood, right?"

My father, seeing that he could not get more information, leaned back.

The history of the empire is long.

As a result, it has formed marriages with many families and countries.

At the same time, there are still countries and families where the previous emperor's princesses live.

I placed my hand on my chest to suppress the spreading unease.

My hand gripped tightly, as if holding sweat.

"The princesses who were married off might think they have been deprived of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by the emperor."

"Indeed, Duke Eurasion would be the first to... Ah, but that place does not have a throne."

"Seeing a chance to win with the backing of the royal power, they might have targeted the four princes to secure their position."

"Three of them? The First Prince, though intelligent, is not considered very important."

Marquis Strategos stared intently at my father, who spoke as if belittling Lady Asha.

The intense gaze made my father close his mouth.

"I don't think the First Prince would give the throne to a despicable person who eliminated his younger brothers."

"So?"

"Don't wake the sleeping lion. At first, he was pushed to the side of the palace by adult arrangements. But he is already old enough to think and act on his own. He is hiding by choice, knowing that his talent threatens his younger brother."

I was shocked by Marquis Strategos' words.

I stepped away from the door and pondered the meaning of what I had just heard.

Talent is something to be celebrated and nurtured.

That's what I thought.

But Lady Asha is hiding her intelligence?

And the bad rumors that never go away came to mind.

Anyone who knows Lady Asha should recognize her, but her intelligence remains unknown.

Is it all hidden by Lady Asha herself?

For the sake of her younger brother?

"Such a thing? That must require tremendous patience."

I feel a pain in my chest and a sense of discomfort just from being criticized by my brother.

If Lady Asha is enduring this for the sake of her younger brother...

"I will write a letter."

I want to know more about Lady Asha, no, I must know.

I whispered, seeking light in the confusion, and forgot why I had gone to the study, returning to my original room.

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