Chapter 88

Chapter 88

#88. Two Sides of the Same Coin (1)

When Julian was still the crown prince, he hardly ever participated in external activities. At most, he would occasionally show up at social events.

But now that his father Khanbraman had become emperor and he himself was crowned as the heir, he could no longer continue his semi-reclusive lifestyle.

“Welcome to our esteemed guests from the Northern Region. Furthermore, on behalf of the empire’s citizens, I express gratitude to Count Entaire for bridging the gap between the north and our empire.”

This marked the first significant activity undertaken by the usually withdrawn Julian.

The target of this outreach was none other than the northern territories, which were currently gaining prominence not just within the empire but across all of Arcadia.

“On behalf of the northerners, I thank His Highness the Crown Prince for your hospitality.”

“To be thought of so highly by Your Highness is truly an honor to my house. Hahahaha!”

Everyone appeared bewildered by the sudden appearance of a crown prince who usually lacked presence.

As for Entaire, his reaction was rather indifferent.

Having met Julian a few times in the past, Entaire engaged with the crown prince with relatively less awkwardness.

‘Is this Emperor Khanbraman’s way of testing the waters through his son?’

Despite this, Entaire remained cautious, knowing full well how frail and timid Julian usually was.

“I wanted to have a conversation with the northern delegation, hence this little exertion on my part. This is actually my first time meeting someone directly from the north.”

With shining eyes, Julian spoke to both Entaire and Gard.

“For a long time, I’ve been very interested in the northern parts of the empire. I even collect northern art and celadon.”

Clap clap clap

Julian clapped his hands after saying this.

In response, the servants waiting behind brought in paintings and celadons into the VIP room.

“This painting was supposedly painted by the renowned Lord Arad Jin himself, so I paid a hefty sum to acquire it. And this celadon…”

He suddenly began boasting about his collection of items gathered over the years.

“…”

“…”

“!”

Gard, Entaire, and Carpe stared dumbfounded, their faces flushed red as they lost for words.

‘Seems like he’s acting without the emperor’s approval.’

‘I heard Crown Prince Julian has a great interest in northern art… turns out it’s true.’

‘Is this really the crown prince? The future of the empire looks bleak…’

After regaining their composure, the three silently formed their own opinions while Julian continued boasting about his northern collection.

“That His Highness holds such affection towards the north is truly an honor.”

“I’ve heard there’s a big spender within the royal family who loves Bishop Company. Turns out it’s you, Your Highness! If only we’d known earlier, we would’ve given more attention…”

The subsequent conversation with Julian wasn’t particularly noteworthy.

“Do Lords Gard and Entaire personally meet the Grand Duke of the North and the northern sorcerer then?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“And you’ve seen Frost Sword Demon Valkyrie and the Northern Ice Wall Sun too?”

The Crown Prince’s interests solely revolved around the north, specifically the two most famous figures on the continent – Arad and Ariana.

“Waaaaa… Then, did you also see the northern witches? Do they really ride brooms and control spirits?”

“Hahahaha, of course. Though, they’re no longer called witches now. They’re magicians, just like in the empire. The Coven has also been renamed to Lenslet Mage Guild.”

“Ah! I’ve heard the news. But hearing it directly from a northerner makes it feel even more profound.”

Julian was exactly thirty years old this year.

Yet his actions seemed ten years younger than his actual age.

“One day, I’d really like to visit the north. Is there any chance for that?”

“Hmm… As someone who’s traveled to the north multiple times as an imperial citizen and Duke, I recommend you just admire it from afar.”

“Why is that?”

“Well… It might be rude to say this near Lord Gard, but the north is truly dangerous and cold.”

“That’s right, Your Highness. Please heed Count Entaire’s advice.”

“Is that so…? Then… How about when Count Entaire travels back to Lenslet Castle next time, could I accompany him?”

“Hahahaha… Dangerous. Moreover, His Majesty would absolutely never allow it.”

Entaire wasn’t particularly pleased with the current situation.

Regardless of Julian’s personality, the crown prince was still the son of his sworn enemy, Emperor Khanbraman.

Indeed, the resemblance in hair color, eye color, and facial features constantly grated on Entaire’s nerves.

“Hmm… Father would probably dislike it a lot, wouldn’t he? Since this meeting was forced by me anyway…”

Faced with the overt opposition from Gard and Entaire, Julian looked disheartened.

However, perhaps due to his inherently pure and cheerful nature, his dejected look didn’t last long.

Smiling brightly again, he threw out another topic.

“By the way, why isn’t Baroness Habana accompanying you, Count Entaire? I heard it’s been several years since the two of you have been apart. Don’t you miss her?”

“…”

This naive and clueless crown prince was now deliberately poking at Entaire’s sore spot.

‘This kid really doesn’t know.’

Entaire stared blankly at the innocent Julian.

Even Gard and Carpe, disguised as Philo nearby, exchanged glances uneasily.

“Baroness Habana prefers serving His Majesty loyally. I’ll arrange a reunion after the coronation separately.”

“Ooooh! Not only Baroness Habana who prefers staying by His Majesty’s side, but also the empire’s great merchant who risks his life traveling north for the empire’s sake. Truly, the empire is blessed with many talents. Hahahaha!”

“…”

“…”

Gard and Carpe became even more cautious of Entaire’s mood.

‘Could he possibly be doing this intentionally despite knowing?’

Entaire could only force a stiff smile.

If he knew and was doing this intentionally, he’d be crazier than the emperor.

If he didn’t know and was doing this innocently, then he was heaven-sent pure evil.

“In any case, thanks to Count Entaire risking his life traveling alone to the north, the exchanges between the north and the empire can proceed smoothly. On behalf of the citizens and His Majesty, I thank you once again.”

Whether aware or not of Entaire, Gard, and Carpe’s sentiments, Julian continued speaking with a bright smile.

“Your praise is too kind. I merely followed my instincts as a merchant chasing money like a moth to a flame.”

Entaire strongly agreed with the saying ‘can’t spit in the face of a smiling person’ as he faced this pure evil.

“In fact… I do know a little. About the matters between the empire, more precisely, the royal family and the House of Lenslet…”

“?!”

“!!”

At that moment, the atmosphere of the seemingly doomed-to-fail conversation took a sharp turn.

“My grandfather, the late Emperor Solred, was a conqueror. During his reign, the empire acquired vast territories and strengthened the previously puppet-like imperial authority.”

Though Julian’s words sounded like boasting about his grandfather, the tone was far from proud.

“Internally, he freed the serfs, weakening the power of the nobility and the church while expanding the direct rule territory of the royal family. Externally, he expanded the empire’s influence.”

It was delivered almost shyly, like a confession of sins.

“But… In the process, he created far too many enemies.”

“Yes… Among those countless enemies, our north is one of them.”

Thus, Gard could respond provocatively.

“Truly regrettable and apologetic.”

Saying this, Julian shook Gard’s hand.

“!!”

Gard’s eyes, along with those of Carpe and Entaire watching nearby, widened.

“Blowing cold winds won’t make anyone wear more clothes; what the north needs now, I believe, is warm sunshine. Am I right?”

“T-That’s true, but…”

Gard nodded hesitantly, recalling the words he heard from Arad before leaving the High City.

-“When you attend the coronation, try having a conversation with Crown Prince Julian.”

A possible instruction to reach out to the royal family side, especially Crown Prince Julian, if the opportunity arises.

‘Lord Jin must have noticed something. This royal family member is vastly different from the rumors and impressions.’

While conversing with Julian, Gard broke out in cold sweat internally.

On the other hand, Entaire glanced around.

‘What are the crown prince’s true intentions? These conversations will surely be reported to the emperor as is.’

Among those guarding Julian, from the royal knights to the maids and servants attending him, at least half were likely spies planted by the emperor.

Then Entaire’s gaze shifted to Gard, who was shaking hands with Julian.

An unprecedented confusion and flustered expression were clearly visible on the northerner’s face.

‘Could he really be falling for it?’

Seeing this, Entaire felt an odd sense of competitiveness and unease.

“Your Highness, the banquet is about to start.”

At that moment, a servant approached to inform Julian of the time.

“It’s already this late?”

Upon the servant’s report, Julian smiled and nodded.

“Let’s go. Allow me to guide you. Ah! Bring the entourage waiting outside as well.”

Rising gracefully from his seat, Julian led Gard, Entaire, and Carpe.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Entaire and Gard bowed simultaneously.

Walking a few steps ahead, Julian was followed closely by the three.

“Count Gard.”

As they walked, Entaire suddenly whispered to Gard.

“Isn’t the northern creed to repay both favors and grudges?”

“Yes, but?”

“Then, I should enlighten you about the creed of the empire, more precisely, the merchants of the empire.”

“Oh… What is it?”

“Beware of excessive kindness.”

Staring at Julian’s back, Entaire said this and hurried to catch up.

* * *

Even before the coronation, grand banquets were held continuously.

Banquets celebrating the achievements of the late emperor, wishing him well in the afterlife, praying for the smooth conduct of the coronation.

There were plenty of reasons to hold these banquets.

“Where’s the Arad salt?! Arad salt!”

“It’s coming right now!”

“Hurry! If it’s unavailable, bring Eastern spices!”

“We lack enough porcelain for the food!”

“Bring celadon, at least northern celadon! Porcelain is reserved for the royals and nobles!”

Thus, the servants, maids, chefs, cooks, waiters, and waitresses working in the Imperial Palace were incredibly busy every day.

And here…

Another bustling administrative department of the empire existed, rivaling the palace’s busyness.

“The Princess Aska of Escar Queen’s Nation will attend the coronation herself!”

“Request female mages from Sigma posing as maids to gather intelligence!”

“A special envoy has arrived from Daejin Kingdom of the eastern continent.”

“Hmm? News from the distant east reaches us late, but it seems the embassy in our free port acted first.”

“Receive them warmly.”

“The Holy Inquisitor Longos from the Theocratic Church has arrived with cardinal status!”

“Absolutely! Ensure they don’t encounter the Empire’s Church faction! Especially avoid Archbishop Theresa!”

“Prince Isurus, the third prince of Scania, attended the coronation.”

“Duke Sephiros, the head of the aristocratic council, regularly meets with the church cardinals!”

“Duke Harold, the king’s uncle from Gargant Kingdom…”

Major powers across the continent gathered for the coronation.

Meaning, the curtain rose on a splendid stage of diplomatic battles and espionage.

However, the efforts of the Empire’s Foreign Ministry and Sigma soon lost direction.

“Report! Intercepted communications reveal the main discussions of Scania’s delegation revolve around Lenslet.”

“From the kingdom’s delegation to the aristocrats in the noble council, everyone is focused solely on the north.”

“??”

On this splendid stage of diplomacy and espionage, the most frequently discussed topics weren’t the emperor or the royal family.

They were the delegation from Lenslet in the north and Bishop Entaire.

Not even the emperor or the archbishop received as much attention.

“What… is this…”

For the fully prepared Empire’s Foreign Ministry and Sigma, there was nothing but disappointment.