NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14
The Crown Prince Wishes to Retire
5. The Rampaging Crown Prince (2)
Mussolini returned to the Chancellor’s Residence after being humiliated by Podolski, venting his fury by smashing objects around him.
Yet, no one dared to stop him.
Who could possibly halt a man wielding absolute power, backed by the dark forces?
While Mussolini unleashed his wrath within his chambers, Kariel arrived at the slums.
“Where’s the Security Brigade?”
“They’re following behind.”
“And the Inspection Department?”
“They will come with the might of armed forces.”
Talion answered Kariel’s questions promptly.
No sooner had he finished speaking than two groups came rushing in from a distance.
“Have you requested cooperation from the Capital Defense Force?”
“Yes, they are forming a blockade.”
“Good. Let’s begin.”
At Kariel’s command, the Security Brigade and the Inspection Department moved without even a moment’s rest.
Among the attendants captured during the chaos of the Imperial Palace, some could not withstand the interrogation and started to talk.
Many of them had initially aimed to earn some money while doubling as spies, making them quick to spill the beans, and the Inspection Department used their testimony to trace back the locations of foreign spies.
The results were astounding.
“Run! Hurry!”
“We can’t be caught!”
With the sound of buildings crumbling, the armed forces of the Security Brigade and Inspection Department swiftly subdued fleeing foreign spies.
Some among them had considerable skills, but the security brigade had elite special forces that were on par with the knights.
Of course, even those forces would find it impossible to escape…
“Knight Order, Draw Swords!”
They would inevitably be caught by the Capital Defense Force, which had established a blockade.
“Damn it!”
The most skilled among the spies managed to escape to an area where the blockade was weaker, but it was a dire situation.
He raced toward a region where two Palace Knights stood, changed into plain clothes for camouflage, but he was no match for them.
Those escorting Kariel were not merely aristocrats with connections; they were true elites.
“Gak!”
Seeing a spy subdued in an instant made Kariel smirk.
“Did I seem like an easy target?”
As Kariel looked down upon the Palace Knights, they bit their lips, seemingly hurt by his derision.
“We have plenty of time, so show your skills next time.”
“We must escort Your Highness.”
An elder Palace Knight replied, and Kariel smirked again.
“There are attendants, after all.”
“However…”
“We have to restore the fallen prestige of the Palace Knights. Seize the opportunities when given.”
Upon hearing Kariel’s words, the old knight hesitated for a moment before bowing his head.
“I shall remain here.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s sufficient to catch the spies with the young knights.”
Kariel nodded slightly at the elder knight’s words.
No matter how much the prestige of the Palace Knights had fallen, they were still knights dedicated to protecting the palace.
Even those with connections had to come in with some basic combat prowess, and those tasked with closely escorting royals were always selected based on skill.
There was a significant divide between the guards stationed inside the palace and those who accompanied the royals during covert operations or outings.
The next target was relatively large.
A criminal organization located within the capital.
However, it was officially revealed that this place was a sanctuary for foreign spies, leading to a crackdown.
“Let’s finish this quickly and return to our mission.”
“Yes!”
With only three Palace Knights available.
The moment they engaged, those who had been stalling began to fall one after another.
They attempted to overwhelm with numbers, but with the Capital Defense Force joining in, that plan ended almost as quickly as it began.
“While we’re at it, shall we wipe out the surrounding criminal organizations as well?”
“That would be wise.”
In response to Kariel’s question, the captain of the Security Brigade quickly nodded and replied.
And that day, the criminal groups gathered on one side of the capital were all smashed to pieces and taken away by the Security Brigade and Inspection Department.
Due to the overwhelming number of criminals, it drew many residents of the capital out to witness the spectacle.
The Security Brigade and Inspection Department were busier than ever since the current Emperor assumed power, an unprecedented frenzy.
Thanks to that, the already busy Inspection Department was practically paralyzed.
“The Emperor’s faction is going to be busier.”
Kariel murmured while chuckling.
Talion also laughed, curious about what would happen next.
As Kariel and Talion leisurely enjoyed tea in the Inspection Department Head’s office, there was a knock at the door.
“Your Highness.”
“Come in.”
When the chief of the Inspection Department entered, Kariel wore a look of surprise.
“Why’s a busy fellow like you here?”
“It seems the Capital Inspection Department is swamped, so I borrowed some personnel from the Imperial Palace Inspection Department.”
“Well done.”
Kariel said with a nod.
“It seems matters have escalated. The Emperor’s faction might take extreme measures; will that be alright?”
“He’ll probably run to the Emperor today, whining for something to be done about the Crown Prince.”
Kariel laughed, envisioning the Chancellor clutching his neck in stress.
“Most likely, the Emperor will summon him tomorrow.”
When Kariel spoke as if he knew, Podolski raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Are you certain it will be alright?”
“Of course.”
Kariel replied nonchalantly.
However, Podolski was concerned.
If the situation escalated too much, Kariel might be ousted from the Crown Prince position before he could make any moves.
Podolski’s thoughts focused on gradually undermining the power of the Emperor’s faction.
But Kariel seemed uninterested in that idea.
“Roman is growing, and neighboring countries are rapidly getting stronger. More importantly, the Southern Alliance poses a problem.”
“Hmm….”
“They must be dealt with before they become too powerful, don’t you think?”
Kariel said, sipping his tea.
In reality, his thoughts weren’t focused on threats from other nations.
There was an urgent need to solidify the internal stability of the Empire in preparation for even greater threats.
He had to make arrangements to ensure the Empire could withstand significant blows and navigate through the perils without serious damage before leaving, which necessitated swift action.
“If the Emperor calls upon you tomorrow, I’ll suggest getting at the Aristocratic faction as well. You know what must be done for that?”
“I’ll prepare accordingly.”
“Good. Let’s see how the balance the Emperor spoke of holds up.”
“Yes!”
Kariel said with a smile and then clapped his hands as if just remembering something.
“Oh! By the way, we also need to eliminate the Neutral faction.”
“That’s fine.”
“Really?”
At Kariel’s query, Podolski nodded firmly.
“After all, they’re nothing but dead weight, it’s better to clean them out while we have this chance.”
“Hm, alright. Let’s catch those deadweights and see if we can restore some balance.”
Following their conversation, Kariel headed out of the Inspection Department with Podolski toward the Crown Prince’s Palace.
The Crown Prince’s Palace, typically bustling, was eerily quiet given the turmoil they had instigated.
When the next day came, many attendants and inner court attendants descended upon the Palace, still silent.
“His Majesty has summoned you.”
“Is that so?”
Observing the attendant who spoke with a respectful bow, Kariel couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Let’s do well from here on out.”
He lightly tapped the attendant on the head and proceeded toward the wagon.
Behind him, the attendant grimaced and gritted his teeth.
Yet, there was nothing he could do about it.
“Your Highness, are you alright?”
Talion asked with concern as he boarded the wagon alongside Kariel, who smiled and opened his mouth.
“It’s what I expected.”
“Nevertheless…”
“Shh! I’ll handle it.”
Kariel placed a finger to his lips, gazing out at the scenery.
From a distance, he saw attendants looking pleased as they watched his wagon.
Though they were bowing, he noted their smiles, and Kariel turned to Talion.
“Don’t you think the attendants need more training?”
Thinking they wouldn’t see him from a distance, his reinforced vision, gained from training in Body Technique, proved more than adequate.
Seeing the attendants’ faces contorting in expressions they probably shouldn’t show, Talion shuddered and glared at Kariel.
“Should we call them individually?”
“Forget it. They need to be dealt with collectively for the added flavor. Let’s fix it all together later.”
As Kariel thought about how to handle the attendants, the wagon arrived at the Emperor’s Palace.
“Wait here.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Leaving Talion outside, he entered the Emperor’s Palace, where the attendants guided him not to the reception room but to the Emperor’s personal office.
‘He wants to see me personally.’
Kariel thought as he followed the attendant into the Emperor’s office, where the Emperor awaited him in a chair.
As if prepared, the tea table was set with lavish snacks and fine teacups.
“I greet Your Majesty!”
“Ah, you’ve come. Have a seat.”
The Emperor spoke with a warm voice.
‘What a show.’
Internally acknowledging this, Kariel feigned politeness and sat down.
“I hear you’ve been diligently carrying out my orders lately.”
“It is Your Majesty’s decree, and I shall do my utmost.”
At Kariel’s words, the Emperor nodded approvingly.
A smile crept across his face, showing pleasure at Kariel’s dedication to carrying out commands.
“Are you taking care of yourself? You seem to be pushing yourself…”
“While executing Your Majesty’s commands, I have indeed been somewhat strained. But I’m still managing.”
The Emperor beamed with satisfaction at Kariel’s response.
“You seem to be overdoing it. How about you take it easier and let me handle things?”
With the Emperor’s statement, Kariel bowed his head respectfully.
“I still have some tasks remaining.”
“Hm…”
The Emperor made a slightly discomforted expression at Kariel’s answer but quickly continued.
“I understand your concerns.”
“Concerns of the balance. You are worried it might collapse, aren’t you?”
At Kariel’s words, the Emperor gave a knowing grunt.
“Shall we put it to rest here?”
Kariel, careful to reply, said, “We must maintain balance, don’t you think?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“The Emperor’s faction has taken hits; if we don’t reciprocate to the Aristocratic and Neutral factions, it won’t be fair.”
At Kariel’s remark, the Emperor’s expression lightened a bit.
“Hm, do you think you can achieve that?”
“Yes, I already have gathered proof; all we need to do is act now.”
“Very well, I will trust you one more time.”
At the Emperor’s words, Kariel smiled and bowed his head.
“Yes, I will do my utmost to ensure Your Majesty’s honor is upheld.”
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction at Kariel’s earnest response as Kariel prepared to take his leave.
But just then, the Emperor spoke up again.
“However, as for capturing too many people within the palace, let’s keep it moderate. It would look questionable to take too many at once.”
“As you wish.”
With the Crown Prince’s answer, the Emperor wore a pleased expression and told him to request whatever he needed at any time.
Having concluded his audience with the Emperor, Kariel headed straight for the wagon. Talion, waiting there, raised a worried brow.
“Your Highness, how was your meeting with the Emperor?”
“It went well. Time to target the Aristocratic and Neutral factions.”
“I’ll prepare accordingly.”
Talion bowed as he replied, and Kariel added, “Oh! And don’t touch the Imperial Palace anymore.”
At Kariel’s warning, Talion’s expression darkened, as he envisioned what promise Kariel might have made with the Emperor.
“No need to make that face. It’s just that officially we can’t, but you can continue as you were.”
“…Yes?”
Talion looked confused, and Kariel flashed an evil grin.
“We’re going to strike the Aristocratic and Neutral factions, right? That’s bound to cause chaos in the capital for a while.”
“Uh, right?”
“Would anyone suspect us, even if we used what we have?”
At Kariel’s words, Talion tilted his head.
“Uh, no, right?”
“Do you think spreading discord among the official punished factions would work?”
“Y-Yeah, it should.”
At Talion’s answer, Kariel broke into a broad smile.
“Let’s add some fuel to the fire at the right moment, shall we? Let’s see how far they’ll rip each other apart.”
Talion shuddered in fright at Kariel’s words.
Gazing upon him, who looked like he had seen something he shouldn’t have, Kariel tapped his arm, reassuring him not to be scared, and they headed toward the Crown Prince’s Palace.
*
The next day.
Contrary to everyone’s expectation that the Emperor’s summons would quell the Crown Prince’s fury, he only raged even further.
‘You’re next on my list.’
As if declaring this, Kariel began to publicly uncover the scandals of the Aristocratic and Neutral factions.
Though limited to those within the palace, it was still more than sufficient.
Just with the accumulated scandals, it was enough to hit hard against the Aristocratic and Neutral factions.
And a few days later, a poster was displayed on the square.
‘The Rampaging Crown Prince and His Supporting People’
The illustration, titled as such, depicted the Crown Prince dancing with a sword while nobles fled in panic, and the people cheered.