Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Archmage (1)

The white city of Chenarus.

I sat at a cafe terrace, drinking coffee and listening to the chatter of countless people.

“We need to catch and kill those wretched bastards quickly.”

“You’re absolutely right. Frankly, I don’t like it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about His Majesty the Emperor. This is the second time those scoundrels have targeted the Her Highness the Princess, right? But there’s been no resolution for a year now. By staying idle, aren’t we just letting them look down on us? I think this latest incident is because of that too.”

“Don’t worry, my friend. Don’t you trust His Majesty the Emperor? He’s the one who sent those western bastards to hell.”

Public opinion remained the same. Like bubbles slowly rising from the bottom before water boils, these opinions were the mainstream.

It seemed war would break out soon, just as I had predicted. At the earliest within 6 months, at the latest within a year and a half.

“My friend, you should speak properly. Wasn’t it actually Her Highness the Princess who sent those western bastards to hell?”

“Still, it was His Majesty who made the decision, right? This time too, he’s doing everything with us in mind. Didn’t you see the article the other day? It said the price increase last year was due to the war.”

“Was that so?”

“Yes. His Majesty endured it all for the sake of our lives. Now that this incident has occurred too, he absolutely won’t stay idle.”

I might try my best to delay it as much as I can, but I won’t be able to prevent the war.

Rather than trying to stop it, it’s better to prioritize what I need to do.

There are reasons for wanting to avoid war besides the possibility of the Empire suffering losses.

If the devil worshippers achieve victory against the Empire, another problem will arise.

Dwarves and elves. Other races who hate the Empire and humans will start lending their strength to that side after seeing their military achievements.

In fact, if this were in the game, their joining would have happened only years later, but…

I’ve changed a lot. With the assassination of the Empress and this recent terrorist attack, discussions have likely already begun within the other races.

Probably along the lines of “If we had helped, couldn’t we have dealt great damage to the Imperial family?”

‘I need to do what I can before more power flows to those guys.’

Anyway, there was a separate reason why I deliberately took a seat at this cafe terrace in broad daylight. It’s because I detected an Imperial agent in this area.

Although his rank itself wasn’t very high, he talks a lot and comes to check on trends when he has time.

Not all spies are taciturn and control information. Some often chat with close colleagues. I’m just grateful for it.

He was especially active during this time. Although not every day, I’m just doing what I need to do during this period of leisure anyway. Whether it was lucky or not, I didn’t have to wait long today before the man showed up.

-Have you heard the news from the north?

-I heard it’s not good. Quite a few people have gone missing, right?

-From what I briefly heard, it’s worse than you imagine.

Even though things seemed to have calmed down a bit, the Emperor’s wrath fell upon the intelligence agency after the terrorist attack.

The north became busier, and Imperial agents were dying off. Both from the intensity of work and in reality.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

-Sigh, I don’t know if this is right. Should we be ground down like this? Even if they tell us to move carefully, it’s too harsh. There are definitely traitors inside.

-Still, there can’t be that many, right? We’ve weeded out so many people. The bigger problem is replenishing personnel. We’ve suffered quite a loss since the Empress died. Things must be bad if they’re even calling back retired agents.

That’s right. Although most had shifted to administrative roles, the Empire was even calling back retired agents.

In fact, they are people with good abilities. The fact that they retired properly usually means they have considerable skills.

-You’re right. Regiro, who mocked me for running errands two years ago, came back with a gloomy face. His expression was so dark I couldn’t even tease him.

-Still, it’ll get better soon.

-Why? Did you hear something?

-I heard His Majesty ordered the use of knights.

-Knights? Will they do well?

-It’s better than nothing. At least they’ll be better at combat than completely ignorant rookies, right?

This was the first time I’d heard this information. While it’s common for knights or nobles to cooperate with the intelligence agency, they usually operate individually.

It seems the Emperor has also made up his mind. To wage war against the devil worshippers.

There may be concerns about betrayal, but if the provided information is limited, it shouldn’t be a major problem.

It might be faster than I thought. Hmm, I wonder how this war will progress.

If he hands over troops to the princes like last time, it will literally be a disaster.

-By the way, have you heard any news about Schurtafen?

My focus sharpened slightly at this talk. I know there won’t be much to come out of it, but human psychology works that way.

-No. The higher-ups are saying to find him somehow, but how can we find that guy? Even Lord Rudehrn lost him.

-In my opinion, they’re just saying that. Just pretend to look. The focus is on the north anyway.

That’s not wrong. Although there are many people observing in the capital, it’s not to a severe degree.

I usually go around in disguise from the start anyway.

Osten’s contribution was also significant. When I was Schurtafen, I exposed my bare face. Even with a disguise, I couldn’t cover my eyes.

But now it’s different. Starting from colored lenses, I can now even attach intricate flesh pieces.

I did explain things like silicone masks, but the speed of development was beyond imagination.

Every time he invents something, he gets a bonus, so he shows passion by even cutting down on sleep when I tell him something.

‘That’s a good thing. I can always make more money.’

Of course, he’s not just focused on that alone.

The cape coat has also been improved, and he’s made an umbrella sword. Although the quality of the sword isn’t great since he’s not a blacksmith, it’s usable as a disposable weapon.

Seeing results already, it’s clear I made the right choice in bringing Osten. Of course, the same goes for the other kids.

It’s just that a bit more time is needed.

As the conversation finally wrapped up, I stood up from my seat. This much eavesdropping is enough for today.

Now I just need to stop by the post office and return to my lodgings. I’ve been waiting every day.

It’s about time for a letter to arrive from Shahri.

***

Unfortunately, the visit to the post office was in vain. There was still no letter from Shahri.

According to the schedule, it should arrive soon…

There is a possibility of something unfavorable happening.

It could be that Shahri has already made contact with the devil worshippers and is taking more time to set a trap.

‘But it doesn’t matter either way.’

If what Osten says is true, the glowstone has the power to collapse all of that.

And I trust Osten’s eyes. I just hope for quick contact from either side.

That’s because the First Prince is leaving in a few days. It’s still alright for now. I was planning to target his return anyway.

I never intended to move hastily in the first place.

Since Shahri’s arrival and the prince’s departure don’t align, it was awkward to move forcefully anyway.

‘The First Prince wasn’t the target to begin with.’

Shahri and the devil worshippers are bigger enemies than the First Prince. There will always be opportunities for the prince.

It would be nice if he died, but there’s no need to kill him urgently. In fact, I could kill him right away if I wanted to.

The problem is entering the imperial palace, killing him, and then not being able to escape the Sword Master’s pursuit.

But once the war starts, opportunities will arise plenty.

‘Of course, I shouldn’t get impatient about this either.’

If the princes die off except for Erendil, she will be suspected one way or another.

That’s not good. The handling needs to be done naturally.

It would be even better if the First Prince and Second Prince attack each other. But it didn’t seem like a big incident would occur.

A few days ago, the Second Prince reacted sharply, but upon closer inspection, it didn’t seem like he would move hastily. He’s also greedy for the Emperor’s throne after all.

‘Anyway, the First Prince said he’d return in about two weeks, so it’s perfect for aligning the plan.’

After eavesdropping on the meeting, I was able to find out the reason and schedule for going to Albaco by spying on the First Prince’s confidants.

It’s strange to leave the imperial palace at a time like this, but it turns out it was an initiative led by the First Prince himself.

Albaco is a place where many of the Empire’s blacksmiths gather, and the Empire’s military equipment comes from there.

The First Prince intended to make his bravery known by inspecting Albaco during these dangerous times.

It’s a common action for politicians.

For safety reasons, he planned not to announce it before departure but to publicize the fact after returning.

‘Rina’s not here.’

The lodgings I arrived at while thinking were quiet. I could only sense Osten’s presence.

That’s natural.

Including Denif and Namir, the kids went out on a mercenary mission. It was the first proper mission in a long time.

It was a job to escort a merchant group to the border area of the west, and they were included in one of several mercenary groups.

There, they will raise their reputation a bit more by sparring as I instructed.

Because of that, only Rina, Mary, Osten, and I were left in the capital now.

‘Osten is always busy in his room, and Mary went to university.’

After the coming-of-age ceremony, I immediately looked into universities and enrolled Mary. It wasn’t difficult.

Most problems are solved with money. Especially for universities.

Most wealthy families in the Empire send their children to university with money, regardless of their children’s abilities.

-Brother! Thank you so much.

-I-I’ll work hard!

Aron was extremely grateful. Mary also showed tears with a moved expression. It was a reaction beyond my expectations.

Considering she was an orphan from the western region, I could understand.

Although I had treated her well so far, she probably didn’t expect to go to a university in the imperial capital.

It was quite an expensive endeavor, but it’s an investment for the future. And Mary isn’t the type to not work hard.

She may be lacking now due to her young age and limited education, but she’ll catch up soon.

She’s several times smarter than those good-for-nothings who entered with donations. However, I told her not to stand out too much.

Pretend not to know even if you do, just stay in the middle. It’s not good to become too famous. While I was thinking this, Rina opened the door and came in.

“You were here first.”

“Where did you go?”

“To stretch my hands a bit.”

Rina faintly raised the corners of her mouth and placed gold items and money pouches on the desk.

I was momentarily speechless. She had stolen quite a lot, more than I had imagined.

“It seems impressive that you managed to hide this in your clothes without getting caught.”

“Do you like it?”

“Of course. Take as much as you want.”

“I’m good.”

“Then according to the agreed ratio.”

Due to the strict surveillance in the imperial capital, Rina hadn’t been able to rob the noble mansions she wanted for a while.

Since Rina, whose happiness is stealing, was getting too frustrated, I allowed her to do some petty thievery.

“Don’t do too much tomorrow.”

“Because the timing is bad?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. I’ll be careful.”

Rina agreed without much comment. Her expression seemed a bit better, so I felt I did well in allowing it.

She probably didn’t get caught anywhere.

“Has the contact come?”

Rina asked. I had explained my plans to all the companions anyway. Although I’m the only one taking action.

“Not yet.”

“Is that okay?”

“It doesn’t matter how it turns out. You heard from Osten too, right?”

“Yes. But I can’t imagine it.”

Well, even I, who have some idea of how big an explosion can be through movies and media, can’t quite grasp what it would be like in reality.

For Rina, who watched this recent terrorist attack from quite far away, the hundreds of times greater destructive power must be beyond the realm of comprehension.

There was no more conversation after that. Rina tends to be taciturn, and I’m not the type to talk much either.

Rina went into her room, and I closed my eyes and entered my inner world.

It was to focus on swordsmanship. I had reached 5-star in Moonlight Technique with the best condition I had before the coming-of-age ceremony and gained a lot of insights.

However, now is more important. I need to internalize every aspect of the realm I touched that day without missing anything.

Three days passed like that.

The First Prince departed for Albaco. Secretly, dressed like an ordinary knight, with minimal escorts.

And the next day, contact came from Shahri.

It was a letter saying she was waiting in a city near the capital. I had originally called her there.

‘It’s time.’

I sent another letter to Shahri.

The content was to come to Karantang Forest, located between Albaco and the Empire, on the day the First Prince leaves Albaco.

Immediately after sending the letter, I set out for the forest with the Devil’s Blood detector.

To lure in the devil worshippers according to the schedule, I need to become the bait myself.

Author's Thoughts

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