Chapter 173: Don't Look for Me

What Ian wanted was nothing else.

“Please allow me to handle the Queen’s punishment.”

It was the Queen’s life he desired.

He wanted to be the one to decide whether she lived or died.

But the King firmly shook his head.

“That is unacceptable.”

“Why not? She is a sinner anyway.”

“It’s not such a simple matter.”

King Eloin spoke with a calm expression more than ever.

“Entrusting the punishment of the Queen to a mere prince, who is not even a successor, is something rarely seen in our long history. It would undermine the authority of the royal family.”

“However, Your Majesty. The Queen has…”

“That’s not all. Despite her wrongdoing, she remains the mother of the royal heirs. If I were to grant you this responsibility, it would shadow you for life.”

King Eloin said this

In his youth, he had fought too hard on the battlefield, earning the nickname of a ‘Slaughter King.’

Because of that, he is still called a bloodthirsty king.

No matter how much Ian is the king of Bahara, he is still a child.

Therefore, managing his reputation was essential.

“Moreover, if such a matter is entrusted to you at the time your mother returns, wouldn’t it become a topic of gossip among the people?”

“Surely they would say that Your Majesty is being manipulated by a woman and has cast aside the legitimate wife.”

“That’s right. If that happens, it would not be good for you, nor for Lila and Elaira.”

King Eloin’s words were reasonable.

For the sake of the three people who would live in the Kaistein royal family in the future, it was better to avoid such misunderstandings.

All he had overthrown so far was the Queen.

‘There are still enemies left.’

The queens, as well as their maternal families, remained.

They were connected to the eastern empire or the Kingdom of Magicians across the sea.

Although they were currently holding their breath due to Ian’s continued victories.

‘They will surely show their true colors, trying to eliminate me, my mother, and my sister someday.’

That was why it couldn’t be done. King Eloin asked Ian again.

“Is there nothing else?”

“Hmm…”

Ian pretended to think for a moment.

Then he spoke as if he had just remembered something.

“If disposing of the queen is impossible, then at least let me take care of my mother and sister in the future.”

“You wish to take care of them?”

“I don’t want anyone else to interfere in my mother and sister’s lives anymore. I will protect those two from now on.”

Eloin, the king, remained silent at Ian’s words.

The son said he would protect his mother and sister.

It didn’t feel entirely good even though it was heartwarming.

‘But… I can’t say I don’t understand that feeling.’

That much was possible.

“Very well. I grant you permission.”

“Then, could you provide proof in Your Majesty’s name?”

“What?”

King Eloin raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

Asking for proof for such a simple request.

What kind of scheme was this?

His tone couldn’t help but be harsh.

“What is your intention here?”

“It’s a simple matter. With rumors circulating about a forged decree bearing Your Majesty’s name, I fear some may doubt my word. After all, I am still young, am I not?”

“Young?”

“Those who overlook my age may seek to harm my mother and sister.”

“And?”

“I seek your assurance in the form of proof,” Ian explained.

His gaze drifted towards the King’s hand, prompting King Eloin to follow suit.

‘This kid… Was he aiming for this from the beginning?’

It was the token that the queen possessed.

It was an item that guaranteed safety and status in the name of the king.

It allowed one to avoid the scrutiny and constraints of both the Black Lion Knights and the Blood Lion Knights, and one could request support whenever desired.

“Do you know that there are only three of these tokens in this country? No, now there are only two.”

That was how precious the token was.

“And you want such a token?”

“If I don’t have proof of that level, there might be those who would disregard me, don’t you think?”

King Eloin let out a soft chuckle at Ian’s request.

“Are you aware of the implications this token carries for succession?”

Ian had already solidified his position.

If he were to possess the king’s token, the nobles might mistakenly perceive him as the king’s successor.

Despite his laughter, King Eloin’s gaze was cold.

It seemed to imply that he suspected Ian was coveting the throne under the pretext of protecting his mother and sister.

However, Ian shook his head.

“I swear to Your Majesty. I will never use that token for anything related to my sister and mother. Furthermore, as successor, I will not use the token for any matter whatsoever.”

“What?”

“If you wish, I can even conceal the token’s bestowal. Do you still doubt me?”

Ian’s eyes were more serious than ever.

It was as if he needed only proof that he was someone who would protect his sister and mother. He showed no signs of wanting anything more.

King Eloin had no choice but to nod in agreement.

“Very well. You must… keep that promise.”

“I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty.”

Ian received the token with a polite demeanor.

However, he secretly smiled without the king noticing.

‘I never thought I would obtain this so easily.’

He did not expect to be granted permission to dispose of the queen in the first place.

What he wanted was to obtain this token.

And thus, he intended to protect his mother and sister, and perhaps even bring down King Eloin with a single blow.

‘Now that they are safe, all that remains is revenge.’

The least the Queen could do was to be imprisoned in a dungeon.

She’d been given all sorts of favors because she was royalty.

But Ian could never forgive her for that.

It wasn’t enough after what his mother and sister had been through.

‘She will face the consequences.’

Ian’s eyes burned with rage.

The First Princess watched him anxiously.

***

After securing the token, Ian made his way back to his palace, his business at the queen’s residence concluded.

It was then that Nathan approached him.

“Prince, what on earth did you discuss in there?”

“Why do you ask, Sir Nathan? Is it because of my elder sister?”

“No, not at all! Just curious,” Nathan replied, glancing discreetly at Ian.

Behind him, the First Princess appeared unusually tense, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.

No, it was clear to Nathan, who had known her for a long time.

‘She really looks extremely upset.’

He instinctively knew that it would be dangerous to provoke her.

Suddenly, memories of the First Princess genuinely angry came to mind.

‘Back then, I was almost beaten to death.’

Something must have happened inside.

Ian, noticing Nathan’s serious expression, couldn’t suppress a smile as he revealed something held close to his chest.

“This… is this the king’s token?” Nathan gasped in disbelief.

“That’s right.”

“!”

Nathan’s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight.

‘Has the king finally lost his mind? He handed this over?’

It was only natural.

The token inscribed with the king’s name was held by only three people.

The Queen, the Chairman of the Council of Elders, and the head of the Black Lion Knights, the secret guard.

Even the formidable Duke Lavaltor did not possess it.

This was due to the token’s uniqueness.

‘It symbolizes the king’s unwavering trust and a pledge of non-surveillance.’

Moreover, except in special circumstances, one could refuse the king’s orders.

Unless the king personally intervened, it was truly the best immunity one could obtain in this country.

Of course, Nathan was surprised for another reason.

‘In fact, I heard that Duke Lavaltor refused it, saying he didn’t need such a thing.’

What did he say?

He had said something like, ‘If you can break through my defenses and spy on me, go ahead.’

‘But that’s because the Duke’s skills were unmatched.’

Usually, even if one wanted it, they couldn’t obtain it.

The reason was simple.

One could only acquire the token if its owner died or was stripped of it.

“Given that there are only three tokens in the country, how did you acquire it, Prince?” Nathan asked, bewildered.

“It’s the queen’s token.”

“What?”

Nathan’s eyes shook violently.

He finally understood why the First Princess looked genuinely upset.

His voice trembled as he inquired further.

“W-what happened to Her Majesty the Queen?”

“She has been imprisoned underground for treason. She will remain there for some time,” Ian revealed.

“…”

Nathan was momentarily speechless, struggling to process the prince’s words.

‘The queen, mother of the First Princess and the nation’s queen, sent to the underground prison?’

He had anticipated that there would be some kind of incident, but he never expected things to escalate to this level.

‘There will surely be chaos from now on.’

The Queen, who oversaw the inner court, was gone.

And Lila, who was supposed to become the Third Queen, had returned.

‘The king had decreed that the third queen’s position should remain vacant upon the fourth queen’s arrival.’

King Eloin had shown such affection.

Now, with the third queen reclaiming her original position, the royal family and the inner court would undoubtedly undergo significant changes.

It was possible that a power struggle over the position of the inner court leader would erupt among the queens.

‘And it’s highly likely that the queens will join forces to take down the third queen.’

But in the end, Ian would win.

Because being the biological mother of Ian, who is currently the closest to the successor, is one of the most powerful forces.

Of course, blood would be shed in the process.

‘A necessary sacrifice for inner court control.’

Ian, sensing Nathan’s thoughts, furrowed his brow.

“Don’t have delusions.”

“Yes?”

“This token will only be used to protect my mother and sister. I have no intention of spilling anyone’s blood for the sake of gaining control of the inner court.”

Ian understood what would happen if the delicate balance of the inner court, which was precariously maintained due to the queen, were to collapse.

He had preparations to make.

‘This token marks only the beginning.’

At that moment, Nathan broke into a cold sweat at Ian’s expression.

A realization dawned on him.

“Then… could it be that the reason you obtained the king’s token is?”

Ian grinned.

It seemed that Nathan, as the son of a marquis, was perceptive.

“So, there’s something I need you to do.”

Gulp.

Instead of answering, Nathan swallowed hard.

He could tell that this prince was undoubtedly up to something again.

***

The blank decree incident.

The fact that a deputy chairman of the Council of Elders was involved caused a huge uproar.

“Round up the sinners!”

“Not a single one shall escape! Make sure you catch them all!”

In an instant, those who followed the queen and those who had been toying with the blank decree were captured.

Even neutral nobles who did not belong to any faction were included

There were quite a few of them.

“At this rate, it seems like nearly one-third of the entire nobility is involved.”

“They’ve crossed a line this time.”

Of course, there were some who had committed minor offenses that would usually be overlooked. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

But this time, no one could escape.

“I heard that even Her Majesty the Queen is involved?”

“I don’t know how it happened. I heard she’s imprisoned in a dungeon and can’t even see the light…”

“To think even Her Majesty the Queen was thrown into prison by His Majesty. As for the others…”

Currently, among the successors, except for the Third Prince, Ian and the First Princess were the closest to the throne.

The Queen was the biological mother of the First Princess.

In such a situation, where even such a figure was sent to prison, the lesser nobles had no chance of survival.

After all, it was King Eloin and Duke Lavaltor who were currently in command.

“If you don’t want to fall out of their favor… everyone, make sure to handle your tasks properly.”

“If one person is caught in the wrong, we all face jeopardy.”

With the eyes and ears of the kingdom’s absolute ruler and transcendent beings watching, there was no one who could engage in mischief.

It was at this point, when the situation had been somewhat organized, King Eloin issued orders to his new chamberlain.

“The time has come.”

It was to bring in Lila, who was supposed to become the Third Queen.

So far, the incidents had been related to the queen, which made everyone cautious, but now that things were almost sorted out, there was no more time to wait.

Especially since reinforcements were about to leave for Cantum soon.

He needed to take care of this matter before then.

“Restore her to her rightful position.”

“As you command.”

The chamberlain took the crown and dress meant for the Third Queen from King Eloin and headed towards the Crystal Palace. Once there, he shouted out.

“It is His Majesty’s command. Quickly prepare your attire and come to His Majesty’s side!”

However, to his surprise…

“Your Highness?”

No matter how many times he called, there was no response from within the Crystal Palace. And it was not just the prince who was absent.

“Is anyone here?”

The Crystal Palace felt eerily empty, as if it had lost its master.

It was when the startled chamberlain began to search inside.

Soon, he found it.

[Tell the king that I am taking my sister and mother with me. I will be traveling for a while, so do not look for us.]

“What… What does this mean?!”

In a panic, the chamberlain hurried back to report to the king.