Chapter 175 - Unexpected Outcomes

Max stared quietly at the man kneeling before the emperor. It was Count Pyrex, commander of the royal guards. As the emperor's royal servant, the nobleman was infamous for doing anything and everything for his lord.

'The way the spies swung their swords yesterday was similar to how that man wields his.'

Last night, after his master had left, Max had eliminated those lingering around the duke's mansion—sparing only one to gain information.

"Why are we doing this, you ask? Well, the only thing I can tell you is that if I do not return to the palace, my master will increase his efforts to persecute the duke," the captive had threatened Max instead of confessing the truth. In any case, he was able to obtain a hint from those words. There were only a few people in the empire who could dare to persecute Duke Floyen and the most influential among them was…

Max stared at his father, who was looking down at him from the throne.

"I see that you're not wearing your armor today. What's the occasion?" he asked.

Grinning, Max answered, "Ah, I am having it checked for any damages."

"What a pity. How long would it take for you to get it back?"

"About three days, I presume."

Narrowing his eyes, the emperor observed his son. It was indeed strange to think that he would walk around with his face revealed for three whole days.

It was not an exaggeration to say that the crown prince resembled the emperor only in his hair and eye color. The prince had likely inherited his handsome appearance from the late empress. Nevertheless, this was the evaluation of those who knew what the prince looked like. The emperor's thoughts were quite different—he believed he was the origin of the prince's attractive features.

If the grand chamberlain next to him could read the emperor's mind, the aide would have tutted. In any case, such was impossible, and the emperor was free to contemplate in seriousness.

'It may complicate things if that face of his lures a woman from a powerful family.'

The emperor was planning to reign for several more decades, which meant he couldn't let his son grow in power. After all, there was no guarantee that he would remain calm knowing the bestowal of the throne would be postponed for many years.

'The moderates would want him to be married, so I'll just have to find a girl from a family no one knows.'

Having made the decision, the emperor smiled and said, "Come to think of it, during the victory banquet…"

"What about it?"

"Was there anyone that caught your eye?"

As Max was about to deny, Jubelian came to his mind. She had more than just caught his eye. What Max was worried about was that she had no interest in him. A bitter taste filled his mouth. In all honesty, Max wanted to force the arranged marriage that Jubelian had misunderstood. But…

'If I do that, she will hate me.'

He wanted to win her heart. Therefore, he decided he wouldn't do anything that might earn her hatred. With these thoughts, Max answered,

"Not in particular."

Looking at his son who gave a favorable answer for the first time in a while, the emperor smiled in satisfaction. "I see. I agree that it wouldn't hurt to take your time as you are still young."

Max smirked. "Still young?' Frankly, I'm not surprised he's blabbering such nonsense.' He was 22 years old—which meant, in the empire, he was at his best age to marry.

Normally, the parents of noble families would search for a marriage partner for their children even before their coming-of-age ceremony. The emperor showing such a reaction meant that he was trying to delay the marriage, or rather, hinder Max from gaining power.

His father's motivations were as transparent as glass. Seeing through them, Max played the immature son. "I agree. I want to live freely for now."

Hearing the answer he wanted, the emperor smiled again. Thanks to the empress, he had been able to establish and maintain his power without being threatened by Max. The only thing he had to do now was act like he was going to eventually give the throne to either one of them.

'Keep living freely like that,' the emperor thought. 'I will spare your life as long as you live as a figurehead under me.'

"By the way, Beatrice's coming-of-age ceremony is just around the corner," Max noted.

****

Hope you enjoyed it,

Love,

Biji ^^,

Nov.16.2023