Chapter 40

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 16-3

Chapter Title: Shadows of the Unborn Heir

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"Pregnant... you say?"

Leona murmured in a daze.

"It's still early, so the Imperial Infirmary couldn't confirm it yet. They said it would take another month to be sure, but His Majesty is convinced the palace lord is with child."

"Pregnant..."

Leona felt dizzy and steadied herself against the wall.

Ember grumbled in dissatisfaction.

"Even after learning that the palace lord of Moran Palace was behind Gilabo, His Majesty didn't blame her. Instead, he protected her and pinned all the crimes on Gilabo."

Noticing Leona's darkening expression, Ember added,

"Still, His Majesty placed her under house arrest and ordered her to behave. After this major failure, the palace lord won't dare harm Your Highness again."

Leona gave a bitter smile.

All her efforts to catch Biota had gone to waste.

Though deeply disappointed, Leona forced herself to pull it together.

"So, who will take over the Servant Oversight Department chief servant position?"

"That's what the Supreme Servant Chief is agonizing over right now. The investigation revealed that most of the Servant Oversight Department's servants were involved in Gilabo's wealth-building schemes. A major purge of the department's servants is planned, so the chief position will remain vacant for the time being."

"That means you've taken charge of Anu Palace, Ember."

"That's right."

Leona gathered her thoughts and spoke.

"With the palace lord's movements restricted now, you must fully secure Anu Palace. There are those bought off by her among His Majesty's royal guards, the gate sentries, and the Servant Oversight Department's maids. I'll give you a list tomorrow. Investigate the movements and actions of everyone staying in or entering Anu Palace. See if there are any other lackeys besides those on the list."

"Got it. What should I do once we find the lackeys?"

"Just keep them under surveillance for now. That's enough."

Having said her piece, Leona pointed to the laundry entrance.

"You go first, Ember. See you tomorrow."

"Alright."

As Ember turned toward the entrance, he paused and looked back.

"This whole thing... it was all your doing, wasn't it? Targeting Moran Palace's lord."

Leona answered with a cryptic smile, saying nothing.

After parting with Ember, Leona returned to the Crown Prince Palace.

Upon entering, she headed not to her quarters but to the kitchen.

The Crown Prince was swamped with official duties these days, staying in his office late into the night.

Leona prepared a simple late-night meal and took it to his office.

Kamin looked up from his documents as Leona entered.

"Why are you carrying that with your injured hand?"

Seeing the tray in Leona's hands, Kamin scolded her.

Leona smiled and set the food on the reception table.

"It's all better now. Your Highness, take a short break and try some."

Kamin left his desk and walked over to her.

"All better? Let me see."

"It really is..."

Leona held out both hands.

Kamin took them, meticulously checking the backs and palms in turn.

"Did you remove the bandages today?"

"Yes."

Kamin lifted his head and gazed intently at Leona.

"You got permission from the infirmary, right?"

Feeling an inexplicable awkwardness, Leona quickly pulled her hands away.

"Of course. They said it's fine now. Don't worry about me—sit down."

"Hm."

Kamin flexed his empty hand absentmindedly before sitting on the sofa.

As he began eating, Leona attended to him at his side.

Mid-meal, Kamin said to her,

"Don't be too disappointed."

"..."

"I heard about Gilabo. That woman slipped right out of the trap you so carefully set."

"Yes... I failed. I have no face to show Your Highness."

Leona knelt and bowed her head.

Kamin stopped eating and pulled her to her feet.

"No need for that with me. I don't mind."

Though Kamin comforted her, Leona's expression remained downcast.

"I know you're trying to protect me. But truthfully, that woman is no threat to me at all. So no need to blame yourself..."

"She's pregnant."

"What?"

"Biota is with child by His Majesty. That's why, even knowing her crimes, he covered for her."

Kamin stroked his chin and nodded.

"Pregnant, huh. That would explain why Father is shielding her."

He muttered nonchalantly.

His indifferent reaction frustrated Leona.

"Your Highness, Biota will bear a prince."

Kamin raised an eyebrow as if hearing something unexpected.

"You sound awfully certain."

"...Yes. I'm sure. She'll give birth to a prince, and she'll be elevated to Empress because of it."

"From your past life, then."

"Yes. When Biota bears the prince... His Majesty's favor will turn entirely to him."

Kamin crossed his arms and frowned.

"So that's why you've been so desperate to drive her out. You think the child she'll bear will threaten me."

"Once the baby is born, His Majesty will try to hand your position to that prince. No matter how well you perform, he'll find fault and depose you. How to stop it... I have no idea right now."

Leona brooded darkly.

"Don't worry about the likes of Biota. From now on, I'll handle it..."

Kamin noticed Leona lost in thought and lifted her chin.

She snapped out of it and met his gaze.

"You still don't trust me."

Kamin's face twisted in pain.

Leona's eyes wavered.

"Your Highness?"

"You think I'm someone you can't rely on. Right?"

"I..."

Leona fell silent.

She couldn't find words to refute, as he'd hit the nail on the head.

"Do you see me as such an incompetent man? Someone who can't even fend for himself without your help?"

Leona shook her head vigorously.

"No. Your Highness is exceptional. I know you possess extraordinary abilities. Even without my help, you can protect yourself. It's just..."

Kamin cut her off.

"Just that I seem to have no intention of holding onto my position as Crown Prince, so you're guarding it for me?"

"...Yes."

"Leona. I..."

Kamin gripped both her shoulders.

He wanted to confess everything right then.

That he had no interest in the Crown Prince position. That the empire, the world, would end. So let's leave the Imperial Palace together.

But the words wouldn't come.

Leona had said before:

If his days were numbered, he'd spend them for the precious people in the palace.

If she knew the truth... would she abandon them and come with him?

Would she... choose him?

Kamin wasn't sure.

Just a little longer, he'd confess after waiting a bit more. He resolved himself.

"...Trust me. I'll solidify my position and power so that neither Biota nor even Father can shake me. I'll protect my own seat from now on."

Leona's eyes widened.

"Your Highness, are you serious?"

"Yes. So stop thinking about Biota. She'll be lying low for a while, watching her step."

Leona nodded blankly.

It was the first time the Crown Prince had shown such will to defend his position.

Moved, her eyes welled up.

"Thank you... for saying that, Your Highness."

Kamin patted her shoulder with a bittersweet expression, then changed the subject.

"You said you locked up Biota's spies in my palace? How many?"

"Three servants and two maids."

"Have you thought about their punishment?"

"No. Please decide, Your Highness."

Kamin pondered briefly before stating his view.

"I'll send them all out of the palace."

"Their crimes are grave—won't you punish them?"

"Yes. To punish them, I'd have to reveal they were Biota's spies. But that would stir up the palace again. With Biota under Father's protection, touching her is foolish."

"You're right, Your Highness."

"I'll handle the spies. I'll expel them and wrap this up."

With the discussion over, Kamin resumed eating.

Leona tried to reheat the cooled food, but he stopped her and finished it all.

Biota lay still on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Her face was deathly pale, her eyes sharp as blades.

She'd been like this since the Emperor's visit.

Suddenly, she bolted upright.

Glaremong her belly with fiery eyes, she slammed her fist into it.

Thud. Thud.

She paused mid-strike, teeth gritted.

"No... that's not it. This isn't a curse—it's a weapon. A weapon to strike the Crown Prince. I must cherish it."

Biota slowly unclenched her fist, placing her hand gently on her belly.

Just then, Cloy limped toward the bed.

Though she'd rested and received treatment, her leg hadn't fully healed.

"Palace Lord."

"Did you check?"

"Yes. They're all recorded as having left the palace yesterday."

"Expelled? Is it true?"

"Yes. I investigated—the spies all left without issue. But after expulsion, their whereabouts are unknown. We can't find them."

"The Crown Prince's doing. He trapped me and spirited them away."

Biota bit her nails anxiously.

How did he do it?

How did he pinpoint the spies exactly?

And how did he uncover the origami codes and secret ciphers?

Biota curled up, clutching her belly tightly.

Humiliation and fear washed over her at the thought that the Crown Prince had seen through all her moves.

She glared, grinding her teeth.

Crown Prince. I'll repay this debt.

I'll drag you to the lowest depths with my own hands.

Along with your father...

With Gilabo's execution casting a pall over the Imperial Palace, the mood began to lift as the Emperor's birthday approached.

The palace buzzed with preparations for the birthday celebrations and ceremonies, while the capital teemed with growing numbers of travelers daily.

Nobles invited to the event and royalty from other kingdoms arrived one after another, joined by throngs of imperial citizens eager to spectate.

Inns were full, some sleeping in the streets, yet the empire flung open the capital's gates to welcome more.

Early dawn.

Dozens queued outside the capital walls, awaiting the gates' opening.

As the sun rose, the gates swung wide.

People passed simple checks and entered one by one.

Among them stood out a strikingly beautiful pair, man and woman.

Their golden hair and eyes gleamed like gold in the sunlight.

Naturally, eyes turned to them.

After passing the gate, they stood nearby.

Soon, a carriage halted before them.

Tension flickered across their faces.

The door opened.

Jahankun sat inside.

They relaxed and boarded.

"Come in."

Jahankun spread his arms, embracing the woman.

"You must be tired from the journey, Luze."

"It's been a while, Jahankun."

After greeting Luze, Jahankun nodded to the man.

"Doing well, Cruah?"

"Yes."

Cruah nodded curtly, pulling Luze from Jahankun and seating her.

Seeing Cruah drape his cloak over her, Jahankun shook his head with a wry smile.

"Your sister's as overprotective as ever."

The two were siblings.

Luze had been frail since childhood, making Cruah fiercely protective.

Luze ignored him and asked Jahankun gravely,

"Heard the news?"

"News?"

"From the tribe recently?"

"I got it, but... nothing major. Just checking progress. I replied we'd have results soon."

"...I see."

Luze's face darkened.

Jahankun sensed unease.

"What's wrong? Trouble with the tribe?"

"They must have withheld it from you to avoid worrying the mission..."

"What is it? Tell me."

Luze hesitated, then spoke heavily.

"The ice wall... won't hold much longer."

"What?"

"Thawing's accelerating. At this rate, it'll break much sooner than expected... freeing the giants."

Jahankun swallowed dryly.

"Then the time left..."

"At most a year... no, I doubt even half that."

"Half a year..."

"Hard to say exactly. Could be two or three months before the seal breaks."

Jahankun bent forward, burying his face in his hands.

Luze waited for him to recover.

Moments later, he dry-washed his face and straightened.

"Then we must succeed this time."

Seeing his resolute expression, Luze smiled softly.

Kamin stole a glance at Leona, who was fussing over his attire.

Her lips curved loosely.

The rigid expression had melted into a dreamy, tipsy smile.

"You look happy."

Kamin lightly flicked her forehead.

Leona blinked as if waking from a dream, then giggled.

Her open grin exasperated him.

"That good?"

"Yes. Very."

Knowing what she meant, his heart still raced.

"...Yeah?"

"Yes. There are mountains of problems left, but Your Highness changing your mindset alone makes me feel secure—all worries gone."

Kamin stroked her crown with a bittersweet look.

"Glad you're relieved."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Leona clasped her hands demurely, accepting his touch.

Kamin absently petted her hair until noticing her fidgeting, then yanked his hand away.

Embarrassed, he scratched his nape.

The mood turned awkward.

Just then, Barts entered the bedroom.

"Your Highness, Jahankun requests a moment."

"Oh? Send him in. Leona, you may go."

"Yes, Your Highness."

As Leona left, Kamin wiped imaginary sweat and greeted Jahankun.

"Whew. Good timing. Your friends arrived safely?"

Heading for the sofa, Kamin halted, sensing Jahankun's odd demeanor.

"What's wrong?"

Jahankun met his eyes squarely.

"Kamin, you must succeed this time."

His warning tone furrowed Kamin's brow.

"Who said I'd fail? Why the sudden gravity?"

"If you don't get Yora's Necklace this time, there'll be no second chance."

"We still have 4, 5 years' leeway, so no need to—"

"No leeway."

Kamin's expression vanished.

"...Things have changed."

"Yes. The ice wall's melting faster suddenly. Time's short."

Kamin held his breath, then exhaled long.

"Tell me. How much?"

"Half a year at best, two months at worst."

Kamin covered his mouth with one hand.

His fingers trembled faintly.

He lowered it, staring at his quivering hand.

"Two months...?"

"Could stretch to half a year if lucky."

"Ha, ha..."

Kamin laughed dryly.

He staggered to the sofa, leaning on the back.

After staring silently at the floor, he looked up.

"No matter what, I must secure Yora's Necklace at this birthday."

"Yes."

"You have the fake for the switch?"

"Yes."

"Bring it to me at dawn on the birthday."

"Understood."

Kamin slumped onto the sofa, closing his eyes.

Fatigue etched his face.

Jahankun quietly moved to the door to let him rest.

"Jahankun."

Gripping the handle, he turned.

Kamin opened his eyes, meeting his gaze.

"Your friends—are they at Edmond's inn now?"

Jahankun nodded.

Kamin started to speak, then waved him off.

"Got it. Go."

Jahankun left.

Alone, Kamin sank into the backrest.

His unfocused eyes wandered until a knock jolted him.

"Enter."

Leona entered.

"Your Highness."

"What is it."

Kamin tried hiding his crumbling expression, but his voice came out stiff.

Leona eyed him cautiously, reciting his morning schedule.

Watching her face, Kamin thought:

Get Yora's Necklace.

Once we have it, take Leona and flee to the Yetaku Tribe.

We can stay safe there for a while.

The hope of protecting Leona gave him strength.

Kamin rose.

"To the office."

"Yes, Your Highness."

To claim the prize, he had to faithfully perform his Crown Prince duties now.

The day before the birthday, the New Moon Cavalry returned to the capital.

Though they'd earned merits in the recent barbarian war, with the Emperor's birthday tomorrow, they entered quietly without fanfare.

Makia went straight to the palace alone to see the Emperor.

His men waited outside and were dismissed.

Most rushed joyfully home to family.

The single ones banded together for the tavern.

"Captain, you're coming too, right?"

Knowing Stan was alone, they assumed he'd join.

But Stan refused unexpectedly.

"I'm good. You know what tomorrow is—drink in moderation. Show up to the ceremony reeking of booze, and you're in trouble."

Stan shooed the puzzled men away.

Then slipped into the palace.

During the long ride from the border fortress, Stan had pondered nonstop.

The source of the Crown Prince's superhuman strength.

His answer upon nearing the capital: one.

'The empire's founding guardian, the legendary protector.'

The Crown Prince had inherited the guardian's power who fought the giants.

One answer birthed another question.

Why hide it?

The Crown Prince hadn't revealed his might during the war.

He could've annihilated the invaders instantly.

Yet he chose the hard way: strategies, commanding troops.

Why hide such power?

Shouldn't he flaunt it proudly?

Then he'd have been Crown Prince long ago.

Without the previous one's death, would he have stayed Second Prince forever?

More questions: What linked that night he witnessed the power, the events, and the barbarians' surrender? Jahankun's true identity?

Resolved, Stan entered the palace.

Last time, he'd been silenced without a word.

Not today.

He'd confront the Crown Prince and resolve his doubts.

Stan strode boldly to the Crown Prince Palace.

But his momentum crumbled at the gate.

The sentry blocked him.

"His Highness receives no visitors today."

Stan faltered but calmly stated his rank.

No use.

"Please leave."

The guard was firm.

Stan slumped, turning away without argument.

"Vice Captain Stan?"

Head down, he snapped up.

She stood a few steps ahead.

Stan froze.

Obsessed with the Crown Prince's riddle, he'd completely forgotten Leona.

He hadn't even realized he might meet her here.

"You've entered the palace. I saw Captain Makia earlier."

Leona approached smiling.

"Relieved to see you back safe. You must be exhausted."

Stan stared blankly, half-dazed.

"Vice Captain Stan?"

"...Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

Leona waved a hand before his face.

Stan slapped his cheek hard to snap out of it.

The slap echoed; Leona startled.

"Why'd you do that suddenly?"

Rubbing his stinging cheek, Stan forced his stiff tongue to move.

"F-Fine. Just tired..."

"Then hurry home and rest. Or looking for Captain Makia? He's at Black Lion Palace."

"No. Here for His Highness."

"His Highness?"

"Yes. But... turned away at the gate."

"Ah... He's swamped with birthday prep. Urgent business?"

"Well..."

Stan shut his mouth, unsure.

Leona eyed his determined face, recalling that day.

When she'd rushed out at night to find the Crown Prince, Stan had followed—and witnessed everything.

Had the Crown Prince briefed him later? Was that why he sought him?

"Did His Highness summon you?"

"No."

"Then tough to see him today. I'll tell him you came."

Stan bowed gratefully.

"Thanks. See you next time."

As Leona passed, Stan called out.

"Leona."

"Yes."

"Spare a moment? Things I want to ask."

Leona hesitated briefly.

Stan looked earnest, but she worried he'd probe that day.

"Sorry. No time now. Must get to His Highness."

"Ah..."

Leona hurried toward the Crown Prince Palace, leaving Stan.

He watched her vanish beyond the gate.

"Who?"

Late evening, after a full day, the Crown Prince took tea.

Leona seized the chance to mention Stan.

"Stan. Vice captain under Captain Makia, New Moon Cavalry..."

"Ah, I remember. He came by?"

"Yes."

Kamin scowled.

He recalled the guy's impure gaze on Leona.

"You met him? When?"

"Coming back from Attire Department about Your Highness's ceremonial robes. Ran into him."

"What'd you talk about?"

Kamin probed sharply.

"Nothing much. He wanted to see you; I offered to relay. Then he asked for my time."

"What? And?"

"Said he had questions... Didn't know what, so I said I was busy and refused."

Kamin slapped his knee approvingly.

"Good. If he approaches again, ignore him completely."

Before replying, Leona asked,

"Your Highness, what did you tell him about that day?"

"Hm?"

"At the border, when you saved 13th Har, Stan was there. Didn't he ask you later?"

"He did. Gave no explanation."

"Really? Won't he misunderstand between you and the Katago?"

"Who cares what that guy thinks. Let him."

Kamin snorted derisively.

Leona murmured awkwardly.

"Seems that's what he wants to ask... How to explain..."

"Explain what!"

Kamin raised his voice.

Grabbing stunned Leona, he laid down the law.

"That's an order—listen well. Never meet him again. Ever."

"But..."

"No talking, no eye contact."

"Your Highness, impossible. If he comes for you, I must respond. Or we might bump into each other in the palace like today."

"I'll ban him from the palace."

Leona gaped in disbelief.

"Your Highness. He's a famed imperial knight, captain of the elite unit. Punishing without cause will raise eyebrows."

"Doesn't matter."

"Your Highness."

Kamin stubbornly shook his head.

"Why are you so wary of him?"

Leona asked worriedly.

Kamin averted his eyes.

"Your Highness, don't tell me..."

Thinking she'd guessed his feelings, Kamin tensed.

"You're worried he'll blab about that day?"

"..."

Kamin deflated.

He chuckled wryly, nodding.

"Yeah. That's it."

"Then keep him close to monitor. Pushing him away blindly backfires. Meet him first. Convince him somehow about that day, then intimidate with your authority to seal his lips. He won't talk lightly."

Leona advised earnestly.

Kamin stared, exasperated, realizing her blind spot.

"Your Highness?"

Overwhelmed by fatigue, Kamin slumped in his chair.

"Fine. After the birthday, I'll summon him."

"Wise choice, Your Highness."

Seeing her brighten, Kamin gave a hollow laugh.

"Poor guy."

Mocking Stan, he realized his own plight was no better, smile fading.

At the same time, Edmond paced a narrow hallway.

It was his building.

Fronted as an inn, it was actually a temporary base for Sandcastle agents.

Amid overflowing travelers, this inn had empty rooms galore.

In the three-story building, only one room had guests.

Edmond paused, glancing at the end room.

Days ago, Jahankun brought two guests.

Prepped by Kamin's request, Edmond took them unquestioned.

Jahankun left them and returned to the palace alone.

Curious, Edmond surveilled them.

They only strolled nearby by day, otherwise inactive.

No contacts, just between themselves.

No clues to identity, but Edmond guessed Yetaku Tribe.

Jahankun seemed long-time intimates.

To probe, he'd tried talking yesterday and today.

But the man blocked him—ignored greetings.

Couldn't even glimpse the woman.

"Sigh... Frustrating."

Much to learn, no opening.

Edmond eyed the shut door, then left.

Handing guest care to the keeper, he went to another hideout: 'Laura Pawnshop.'

Arriving, he sat at his desk, reviewing piled documents.

Dozens of letters arrived daily from scattered agents.

Miscellaneous intel from all fields.

His job: analyze, unearth hidden truths.

"Hm?"

Edmond scrutinized one.

Intel: Huida, Jera, Powden kingdoms' royals plotting secret political marriages.

He dug for another report.

Hvida's massive fund flows traced: unknown source to Jera and Powden, who bought weapons en masse via black markets.

"Political marriage... The three uniting. For war with the empire..."

Edmond drummed fingers, brow furrowed.

"Where'd they get such war funds suddenly?"

Hvida lacked the spare cash before.

Someone—or something—backed them.

Whatever goal, war on empire certain.

Edmond suspected same force behind Katago invasion.

Too easy border breach: leaked military secrets.

He'd hunted the spy everywhere—no trace.

Perfectly hidden.

"Sigh. Giants are priority now."

Hoping for leads, he pored over rest.

Eyes dry, he looked up.

Door burst; Max rushed in.

"Found it!"

Max thudded over, slamming the desk.

"Finally!"

"Good work."

Edmond's flat tone irked Max.

"That's it? I slaved for huge intel!"

"Sorry. Distracted lately."

Edmond rose, leading Max to the sofa.

"Hard work. Snacks ready—eat."

"Hmph."

Max grabbed treats from the table.

Stuffing his face softened his pout.

Edmond gathered papers, sat opposite, reviewing while Max ate.

Soon, Max patted his belly, reporting.

"Biota. Someone pushed her into that gathering."

On Kamin's request, Edmond probed 'Biota Helsian.'

Found her public name and status fake.

True identity? Still unknown.

So he traced her Emperor meeting.

Around Kamin's victorious return, a count offered treasure.

Days later, Emperor attended count's small art showcase.

There, he 'happened' upon Biota.

Edmond doubted the coincidence.

Biota attended as count's daughter's guest—fishy.

Tasked Max.

Max could uncover hidden links.

"Not coincidence, as expected."

"Yeah. No prior link to count's daughter. Count brought her. He had gambling debts; a gem importer cleared them."

"In exchange, rigged for Emperor meet."

"Bingo."

Max snapped fingers.

"Tough nut—count cleans up well."

"Good job. Firm's name?"

"'White Ant Company.'"

"New to me."

"Obscure. Small outfit—slipped our net."

"Yet pulled big strings...?"

Suspicious moves.

Edmond asked Max,

"Head of the firm?"

"Yeah, but only name known."

"What?"

"Samuel."

"Samuel..."

Edmond mulled, stroking chin.

"Sketchy, huh? Dig more?"

"Yeah. Let's see."

Edmond narrowed eyes at the window.

Birthday eve buzzed the capital.

Night streets lit like day.

All out reveling.

Palace blazed brighter.

Every lantern aflame. Guards rechecked; servants dusted spotless.

Bustle for tomorrow's ceremony.

But one spot tranquil: Perfumery's Phil Mago's lab, isolated.

Door locked, he experimented alone.

Phil held a vial of clear liquid.

Shook it, tilted over a towel.

Drops soaked in.

Took towel to desk lined with reagents.

An odd item: a sword.

Blade gleamed sharply in light.

Phil wiped the blade lightly.

Set it down, timed.

At mark, shook it gently.

The iron sword shattered.

Fragments fell; Phil smiled satisfied.

To be continued in Volume 5