NOVEL NEXT Chapter 34
Crown Prince Wishes to Retire
11. The Ultimate Knight Reunited
A banner welcoming the Grand Duke Family was unfurled at the capital’s main gate, with flower petals cascading down.
The palace’s orchestra played soft music to greet the Grand Duke’s wagon and the Grand Duke’s Knight Order.
Though the pomp and circumstance seemed a bit excessive, the focus was on the Crown Prince.
The sight of the Empire’s Crown Prince waiting at the city gate to welcome the Grand Duke Family’s entry was the pinnacle of ceremony.
Bang! Bang!
As fireworks erupted and the small welcoming ceremony for the Grand Duke’s entourage concluded, the Grand Duke and Young Duke stepped down from their wagon and made their way toward Kariel.
“Behold the small sun of the Empire, Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
“We welcome you to the capital, Duke Ducal.”
Kariel beamed as he spoke, causing Ducal to cough awkwardly, seemingly not used to such warmth.
The other knights from the Grand Duke Family felt similarly.
They had heard about Kariel’s efforts to reinstate their family, but they never expected to be welcomed with such grandeur.
“Thank you for the warm reception.”
“No, this is hardly enough compared to how much the imperial family has disappointed the Grand Duke Family in the past.”
At Kariel’s statement, the Grand Duke widened his eyes in surprise.
“Your Highness, what if someone overhears?”
“It’s alright. It’s a fact that the imperial family has disappointed you.”
“Ahem!”
The Grand Duke coughed nervously, but Kariel stood his ground without hesitation.
He didn’t have anything to hide since he wasn’t clinging to the Crown Prince title.
“Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you. I am Glen Brittany de Benelux.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I am Kariel.”
At Kariel’s greeting, Glen’s eyes widened slightly, and he bowed.
“Please, speak freely.”
“I cannot treat the future Grand Duke in such a manner.”
As Kariel said this, he glanced at the Young Duke, who was to become the next Grand Duke.
Seeing the great sword that held up the crumbling Empire in the previous life ignited a whirlwind of emotions in Kariel.
“May I take a moment in the wagon?”
“Oh! Of course!”
The Grand Duke hurried over to open the door, and as Kariel climbed in, he looked at the Grand Duke and the Young Duke seated across from him.
They had anticipated this moment, yet their expressions betrayed their tension, unsure of what words would come from Kariel.
“You must have had some expectations, but I have my own requests in exchange for restoring the Grand Duke Family.”
At Kariel’s words, the Grand Duke let out a muffled sound.
“Do you wish to support the Crown Prince?”
The Grand Duke’s question made Kariel’s eyes widen.
“No.”
“You don’t intend to support the Crown Prince?”
The Grand Duke tilted his head in confusion.
Given that he had just obliterated the Emperor Faction, it seemed logical to want the Grand Duke Family on his side.
In fact, from the Grand Duke’s perspective, it made sense to think that way since he had demolished both the Aristocratic and Neutral Factions alongside the Emperor Faction, leaving Kariel with no allies.
Thus, they could assume he sought to reinstate the Grand Duke Family to build up a new power.
By pushing out Belphus and bringing the Grand Duke Family and Count of the West to his side, he intended to establish a support base in the West for the Crown Prince.
That didn’t sound far-fetched at all.
“You’re mistaken.”
At the Grand Duke’s statement, Kariel shook his head firmly.
“…Are you really not?”
“No.”
Kariel answered resolutely to the Grand Duke’s repeated question.
‘Who am I going to screw over?’
As Kariel’s expression crumpled, the Grand Duke and Glen tensed up.
Just then, Kariel hurriedly adjusted his face.
‘Oops! I need to leave a good impression.’
Regaining his composure, Kariel exhaled slowly, calming his anger.
“Phew, I think you’ve greatly misunderstood. As I’m about to resign from the Crown Prince position, I wouldn’t need any forces.”
“Hmm, are you truly planning to retire?”
At the Grand Duke’s inquiry, Kariel clenched his fist and stated.
“Indeed. I wish to retire as quickly as possible.”
As the words of retirement rolled off his tongue, a strong resolve radiated from him, causing the Grand Duke to nod unconsciously.
Watching this, Glen, from the side, couldn’t help but smirk at the unexpected side of the Crown Prince he was experiencing.
“What then does Your Highness desire?”
“There are two requests. One is official, and the other is a personal request.”
As Kariel leaned in toward the Grand Duke, the latter mirrored his movements, reducing the distance so he could hear what Kariel had to say.
“As you know, the primary reason for calling the Grand Duke Family to the capital is to restrain Belphus.”
“…Yes.”
“But it doesn’t stop there.”
As Kariel elaborated on the relationship between Belphus and the Dark Mage, mentioning a possible pact with foreign nations, he stated firmly.
“If a crisis arises, we need to bind Belphus in the West.”
“I’m sorry, but under the current Grand Duke Family, it’s impossible.”
At the Grand Duke’s reply, Kariel let out a faint laugh.
“I assure you, the support I’m offering is not empty promises comparable to that of the Count of the Border.”
Coming from the perspective of a Grand Duke Family that had suffered under the imperial family and central aristocrats, it was hard for them to take such words seriously.
Even if Kariel thought that the central power had greatly cleaned up due to him acting, they believed the actual aid coming to the Grand Duke Family would still be minimal, as long as Emperor, the hidden force, remained intact.
“The central power has changed. At least until this crisis passes, there shouldn’t be any embezzlement of money intended for the Grand Duke Family.”
Though the Grand Duke wore an expression of skepticism, he chose not to press further.
He figured he couldn’t dispel longstanding distrust without personally experiencing the changed ambiance in the capital.
“…What is the other request?”
The Grand Duke, still unable to shake off his disbelief, braced himself to hear Kariel’s true second request.
‘Could it be to assassinate the Emperor?’
‘Is he trying to form a secret faction centered around the Grand Duke Family?’
Ducal and even Glen, who had been silently listening, gazed curiously at Kariel.
However, soon they heard something completely different from their expectations.
“Whatever happens, maintain neutrality.”
The Grand Duke’s eyes trembled at Kariel’s words.
“This will surely be a challenging and arduous task. Yet, I beg you.”
As Kariel bowed his head, the two from the Grand Duke Family fell silent.
Despite being driven out of the central power by the imperial family, the steadfast belief they held on to was rooted in the first Emperor’s plea to uphold neutrality.
Having braved multiple crises, the decree of the first Emperor had become both the Grand Duke Family’s conviction and pride.
“…Is that all I need to do?”
“It will be difficult. Regardless, I ask you to remain the pillar of the Empire so it does not crumble.”
“That is…”
“Essentially, the newly reinstated Grand Duke Family will surely rise rapidly. Central power will come creeping in to tarnish it.”
“Hmm…”
The two from the Grand Duke Family gulped, realizing what worries Kariel harbored.
“Maintaining your conviction will be a taxing endeavor. Nevertheless, I implore you. I hope the belief you’ve steadfastly protected remains unshaken.”
In response to Kariel’s request, the two nodded faintly.
Many had laughed at them, while some had scorned them for clinging to their beliefs.
Yet, the Crown Prince understood them.
He had bowed his head, asking them to keep their faith as they walked a difficult path.
Watching this brought something warm and profound swelling in the hearts of the two members of the Grand Duke Family.
Though they weren’t sure what it was yet, one thing was clear: the Crown Prince before them shared the same convictions as they did.
‘Stay steadfast and not be swayed by scoundrels. I shall provide ample support.’
As Kariel looked at the two of them, he internally made that request again.
“Of course, it’s not merely an ask. If I’m asking for a favor, there must be some compensation.”
“There’s no need for compensation to uphold your beliefs.”
At the Grand Duke’s firm statement, Kariel shook his head.
“It’s only natural to offer compensation for personal requests.”
“Your Highness.”
At Kariel’s words, the Grand Duke frowned.
Worry surged in them as it seemed their long-held beliefs could degrade to a merchant’s transaction.
“The repayment just involves returning what you deserve. That will be my reward.”
“…Huh?”
The Grand Duke, slightly dumbfounded, heard Kariel’s smiling voice.
“The manuscript of the first Grand Duke.”
At Kariel’s words, Glen’s eyes jerked wide open in shock.
“I heard the original was damaged many years ago. While it must have been somewhat restored, it likely remains incomplete.”
The incident that could mark the beginning of the Grand Duke Family’s downfall was when someone had attacked their estate, destroying the manuscript of the first Grand Duke.
While they had avoided complete ruin because some passages had been preserved, the timing was particularly disastrous as it had occurred when they were unable to even produce a Master, accelerating the decline of the Grand Duke Family.
“Though it’s an incomplete copy, the palace still holds the first Grand Duke’s manuscript.”
“…Really?”
“Of course, it’s not perfect. Several key elements are missing. But those key elements should already be in your possession.”
The Grand Duke instinctively nodded at Kariel’s words.
The endurance of the Grand Duke Family had stemmed from preserving at least the core elements of the teachings left by the first Grand Duke.
Adding an incomplete copy to it could allow for the perfect revival of the first Grand Duke’s manuscript.
‘In my previous life, Glen restored it perfectly and rose to the rank of Grand Master.’
Recalling the past, Kariel beamed at Glen.
“If the elements you’ve long awaited for the revival of the Grand Duke Family are combined with the first Grand Duke’s manuscript, the pillars of the Empire shall rise once more. Does this not suffice as a reward?”
Humbled by Kariel’s words, Ducal knelt and expressed, “I am deeply moved by Your Highness’s grace. I swear to repay this gratitude with unwavering loyalty.”
“Just returning what you owe.”
As Kariel said this, he turned to Glen.
“Once your obligations are fulfilled, please come visit the Crown Prince’s Palace.”
“…I will do so.”
Glen bowed his head, unable to hide his elated expression.
“Your Highness, we have arrived at the palace.”
“It appears we must part ways now. I sincerely hope you gain much while in the capital.”
Having delivered that parting sentiment, Kariel alighted from the Grand Duke’s wagon and transferred to his own.
With a solemn expression, he mounted the wagon and began towards the Crown Prince’s Palace when unexpectedly, Talion, who climbed aboard with him, regarded Kariel with a perplexed expression.
“Your Highness.”
“Hmm?”
“Ahem! That… smile of yours seems a bit…”
Throughout the ride back to the Crown Prince’s Palace, Talion’s expression tightened at Kariel’s mischievous grin.
“Well, there’s no one around anyway.”
“True, but…”
“Ha! It’s not long now. Once the Grand Duke Family is officially reinstated, I’ll retire.”
“You’re planning to do it that quickly?”
Talion’s face fell in surprise at Kariel’s statement.
“Of course. It’s only right that I step down quickly for my siblings. I’ve fulfilled my promised responsibilities; lingering might raise suspicion.”
“While that’s true…”
Talion’s expression conveyed a hint of regret.
Having the support of Empire Citizens, more aristocrats were now beginning to view Kariel favorably as well.
However, he couldn’t voice that desire aloud.
“Hehe~ Retirement!”
Kariel’s anticipation for retirement had him grinning from ear to ear.