NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40
The Crown Prince Desires Retirement
13. A Joyful Time? (2)
The Grand Council Chamber, which had always been filled with the history of the Empire, now sank into a peculiar silence.
This was due to Kariel’s prior announcement that he would complete the purge of the Emperor Faction.
As soon as Kariel arrived at the Grand Council Chamber from the Crown Prince’s Palace, discussions regarding the Emperor Faction would commence.
“Looks like you’re finally tying up loose ends.”
Duke Devir said, laughed disdainfully by Duke Welch.
“If he had just stayed quiet, maybe he could have taken a middle ground… but he went and provoked the Crown Prince instead.”
Duke Welch sneered at the nobles as if envisioning the future.
Given that the Crown Prince was being forced to delay his retirement, his anger was bound to be directed at the nobles.
“I should proceed with caution for a while.”
“…Looks like a bloodstorm is about to blow.”
In response to Duke Welch’s jest, Duke Devir spoke gravely.
The Grand Duke, who attended the Grand Council, smiled faintly at the words of the two dukes.
“This is getting interesting.”
Nobles were afraid of the Crown Prince wanting to retire.
One might wonder why they prevented his retirement if this were the case, but they had no choice but to do so.
There was a real fear that if the aristocratic faction split, they could become prey for the royal family.
Furthermore, since the Neutral Faction also did not welcome political civil war, they unanimously supported the delay of Kariel’s retirement.
In fact, there were rumors that the Counts of the Border secretly conveyed their intention to stop the Crown Prince’s retirement.
Regardless, Kariel’s retirement was prevented, and as a result, the blood purge began.
“Kariel Friedrich von Blazer, Your Highness.”
When the attendant announced his full name, the nobles straightened their attire.
Shortly after, the enormous doors opened, and Kariel walked confidently among the nobles.
Everyone expected Kariel to sit on the throne, but contrary to their thoughts, he took a seat on the chair placed at the base of the throne.
“Your Highness, please ascend to the throne.”
Duke Devir prompted, but Kariel shook his head.
“The throne belongs to Your Majesty. This is enough for me.”
At Kariel’s words, the nobles cleared their throats.
By not sitting on the throne, he subtly hinted that next time he would definitely retire.
“The first agenda is….”
“That’s enough. I’ll speak directly.”
Kariel interrupted the attendant and spoke himself.
“The first agenda, as you all know, is to carry out the execution of the verdict against the Emperor Faction that was postponed.”
An air of silence swept through the Grand Council following his declaration.
“And the second agenda is closely linked to the previous one: among the local nobles, there are those who have committed crimes along with the Emperor Faction nobles yet have managed to escape scrutiny. I intend to arrest them all and bring them to face the law.”
The nobles cleared their throats again at Kariel’s words.
The impending purge coming directly from Kariel’s mouth pressed heavily on them.
“Lastly, I’ve heard that incompetent individuals have surfaced among the western nobles and military. It’d be good to discuss matters regarding that as well. Let’s set aside the remaining topics and focus on these three agendas.”
“Do as you please.”
At Duke Devir’s words, the nobles bowed their heads in unison, affirming his decision.
“First, we will proceed with the execution of the Emperor Faction… I hope to finish it all within a week.”
“Is there a particular reason to rush the proceedings?”
Duke Welch looked at Kariel with a face full of doubt.
It wasn’t that he would strictly oppose, but he questioned if there was a valid reason for such haste.
After all, moving the trial swiftly would mean they should handle the execution properly for the future.
Kariel swiftly addressed Duke Welch’s concern.
“I plan to go to the West myself.”
“Yourself?”
“Indeed.”
Duke Welch tilted his head, looking over at Duke Devir, who nodded slightly as if he already knew.
“I’ll make this clear: once everything in the West is settled, I will formally abdicate the Crown Prince position. The Emperor has already granted permission, and I think it’s best to stabilize the political environment quickly and commence the competition for the next Crown Prince.”
At Kariel’s shocking statement, the nobles began to murmur.
“I understand your worries, nobles and ministers. I am well aware you wish to avoid the worst-case scenario of a split in this unstable political situation. Thus, I will resolve the current issues before I retire.”
At that moment, Talion entered late, carrying documents.
His prolonged absence from the Crown Prince’s Palace wasn’t simply to study documents.
“I have prepared for the nobles worried about what will happen after my retirement.”
After saying so, Kariel showed the documents he had prepared through the image sphere installed in the Grand Council.
1. Princess Miriel will be excluded from the candidates for the next Crown Prince.
2. Each candidate must choose between the destruction of Dark Mages or receiving compensation from foreign nations that collaborated with criminals within the Empire. The competition for the next Crown Prince will commence based on these two choices.
3. A Continental Conference will be held to root out Dark Mages from the continent.
Some of the nobles stared in awe at the giant image sphere.
The first point ensured that nobody would exploit the young Princess Miriel for gain, firmly establishing the two princes.
This would prevent unnecessary further division.
Secondly, holding the next Crown Prince competition to deal with external enemies would encourage unity within the Empire.
It was a way to prevent civil war, and should the worst-case scenario arise, it would be beneficial to first decimate the foreign nations.
Lastly, the Continental Conference aimed to convene nations from abroad.
This too would serve as a test of the Crown Prince’s qualities, examining how much compensation they could receive and how much assistance they could garner in capturing the Dark Mages.
“I will address as many issues in the Empire as possible before my retirement. Then the only remaining concern will be with foreign nations. The next Crown Prince must be someone who can rise not just bound by the issues within the Empire but also rule over the continent.”
As Kariel spoke, some of the Neutral Faction nobles began to glow with excitement.
Most were nobles originating from the military.
Among the nobles, the Old Nobles couldn’t hide their excitement as they reminisced about the glory of the Empire that once reigned over the continent.
“There’s opportunity amidst crisis. The current Empire harbors many dangers, but I believe if we can overcome this, we can reclaim past glory. So, I wish to end the division with me—remnants of the past and incompetent Crown Prince—and unite around the next Crown Prince.”
Kariel concluded his speech in a calm tone, watching the nobles.
“…We understand Your Highness’s intentions.”
When Duke Welch bowed his head, Duke Devir quickly followed suit.
Thus, starting with them, all the nobles bent their backs before Kariel.
And with that, they raised both hands high in salute.
That was a gesture reserved only for the Emperor, a form of respect so high that even the Emperor could not easily accept it.
“…Your Highness.”
Talion looked at Kariel with an expression of awe.
Not long ago, he was in a position worried for his life; now he stood respected by the nobles.
Kariel felt a wave of emotion himself.
He hadn’t expected to receive such honor from the nobles.
“Ahem! Now, let’s dive into discussing the agendas.”
Feeling a bit shy, Kariel cleared his throat and began discussing how to handle the previously postponed verdict against the Emperor Faction and the situation in the West.
First on the agenda were high-ranking officials from the Emperor Faction; due to their grave offenses, a decision for all of them to face execution had been made.
While some would be reduced to slaves or stripped of their titles, Kariel decisively shook his head.
With additional materials from the Inspection Department, he convinced the nobles.
Ultimately, all the nobles accepted Kariel’s determination to completely eradicate the Emperor Faction.
The remaining task was the West.
He was adamant about wrapping it up as well, deciding to use every available force.
The Master, Duke Devir.
The Grand Duke Family.
Duke Welch’s magical battalion.
With just these three, they could wipe out several small nations, yet even the Central Army was set in motion.
Additionally….
“Your Highness, a letter from the Count of the West and the Count of the North.”
When Podolski, the representative of the Neutral Faction, delivered the letters from the Counts, Kariel tilted his head in curiosity.
While he understood the Count of the West, the Count of the North was unexpected.
The current Count of the North’s family had severed ties with the royal family after the death of his mother, the Empress.
“Are they sending crows?”
“They are to be used to capture any Dark Mages that may be hiding in the West.”
The nobles gasped at Podolski’s words.
The North’s crows, alongside the shadow of the royal family, were among the Empire’s few elite special forces.
“…Please convey my gratitude.”
“Yes, Your Highness. And there’s one more thing to relay.”
Kariel nodded for Podolski to continue.
“All the Counts wish to attend your retirement ceremony.”
“Let’s discuss that later.”
Kariel replied, clearing his throat a few times before shifting the conversation back to the agenda regarding the West. This allowed for a swift conclusion of that topic.
*
Once the Grand Council led by Kariel ended, the results quickly spread throughout the capital.
As many excitedly engaged in heated discussions about the forthcoming events, the party instigating the issues made their way through the night towards the prison.
“…Have you come?”
A man, looking worn and ragged, bowed his head.
It was Mussolini, who had once held the title of Chancellor in the Empire, watching Kariel approach.
“My fate has been decided.”
“Yes. In a week, you will be executed.”
“My family…”
“Your titles will be stripped, but you’ll retain a small trading company in the countryside.”
Tears streamed down Mussolini’s face as he knelt at Kariel’s words.
“I will sweep the West as I promised you. There won’t be any leeway for your family. Furthermore, I will lay the foundation to drive out the Dark Mages from the continent.”
“Thank you for keeping your promise.”
Kariel responded calmly to Mussolini’s words.
“It’s simply fulfilling what I promised.”
As if he had done all he needed to, Kariel turned to leave, but Mussolini spoke urgently.
“Your Highness, I have something to offer.”
“Something to offer?”
Kariel quirked an eyebrow at Mussolini, who had already been stripped of everything.
“I have heard about the outcomes of the Grand Council. It may be of assistance.”
At Mussolini’s words, Kariel turned back again.
“I have a list of names of those spies you have yet to catch.”
“Names?”
“Nobles from the Southern Alliance, Northern nobles surreptitiously planted by the Holy Nation, and finally, Eastern nobles possibly linked to Romand.”
“They’re not just small fry, are they?”
“All of them are counts.”
Kariel frowned at Mussolini’s words.
“Do you wish to live?”
“No.”
Mussolini shook his head firmly at Kariel’s words.
“I understand that only by killing me can you excise the rotten parts.”
“Then…what do you want? Restoration of your family?”
“I know that too is impossible.”
Mussolini said as he gazed at Kariel.
“Just think of it as gratitude for keeping your promise.”
“Hmm….”
Kariel frowned at Mussolini’s words.
Such a deal felt quite uncomfortable from Kariel’s perspective.
“If it remains awkward, just say it’s for the glory of the Empire.”
At Mussolini’s beaming smile, Kariel sighed.
“Why didn’t you say that earlier?”
Mussolini shook his head.
He had no regrets about his life.
In his circumstances back then, no actions could produce a result like this.
“I will watch over the Empire’s glory even from hell.”
“…It may be difficult at first, but as time passes, I will preserve your honor.”
Mussolini bowed his head in gratitude at Kariel’s words.
As Kariel left with a troubled expression, Mussolini informed Talion of the location of the secret vault he had hidden.
Soon after, Kariel obtained the evidence that Mussolini had concealed.
“…I don’t like this.”
Kariel looked up at the sky as he spoke.
The moonlight, veiled by clouds, shone faintly, reflecting Kariel’s troubled heart.
*
As Kariel was troubled, time passed, and at last, the date for the execution of the Emperor Faction approached.
Amidst the cries of the Empire citizens filled with rage, Mussolini smiled as he declared his last words, “May the glory of the Empire rise again!”
Starting with his beheading while smiling, other nobles of the Emperor Faction began to fall one by one.
However, unlike Mussolini, some were peeing themselves, dying in utter disgrace.
Kariel, who watched their gruesome executions until the end, turned away.
“He went smiling.”
Talion said, recalling Mussolini, who died steadily smiling.
Unlike the disgraceful nobles, Mussolini faced death with composure, worthy of being a faction leader.
In agreement, Kariel nodded slightly with a calm expression.
“…I must go keep my promise. Prepare yourself.”
“Yes.”
Talion answered with his head bowed to Kariel’s command.
Only the sweeping of the West remained.
In preparation for the future, to keep the promise made with the smiling Mussolini, and ultimately to sweep away Belphus and its remnants, Kariel began to prepare to march westward.