Chapter 323

Dont be ridiculous! Kaiser roared. He knew there was no way that the seal he had was fake since Heimdal himself had handed him this seal.

There is no way that he made a mistake Kaiser thought, shivering with denial.

Kaiser, Kiser quietly said. Dont lose it right now.

Brother Kiser Kaiser trailed off.

Is your seal really the original? Kiser asked.

Kaiser went quiet as he recalled that day.

* * *

Three years would be enough, the man muttered.

Pardon? Kaiser tilted his head in confusion; hed just entered the secret room.

I mean Ive made a decision, the man said, and nodded.

Does that mean? Kaisers eyes narrowed.

Within several days, the War God will exterminate the Ducal Family of Agnus, the man declared.

Kaiser goggled at him. The Du-Ducal Family of Agnus? But thats

Its enough, so Id just be greedy if I let them live any further. The man shrugged.

Then? Kaiser asked cautiously.

Although the Second Princes influence has weakened, the Agnus name means more than that of a mere ducal house to the nobles.

I know. Kaiser nodded.

Youll lead the operation and earn the First Princes trust. And The man trailed off and pulled out something. Put an end to everything with this.

That- thats! Kaisers eyes bulged.Is-isnt that the imperial seal? Heimdall, how did you get?

The deceaseds belongings dont belong to anyone anymore, do they?

Kaiser shivered violently as if hed been struck by lightning.

The man turned Kaisers suspicion into a conviction as he nodded.

Yes, I killed the emperor.

* * *

Kaiser clenched his teeth after being lost in his thoughts for a moment.

Was he planning to backstab me from the start? No, I would have noticed immediately if that was the case unless his every word was a lie

Kaiser, Kiser called. Are you okay? You dont look too good

It-its okay. Kaiser turned to look at Kiser, wiping the sweat off his forehead. Kiser was looking back at Kaiser with cold eyes.

Things are also turning bad for us, the First Prince warned him, not just for you, so youd better answer me, Kaiser.

You idiot! You want to be sly but youre too incompetent to be sly! If you were going to be greedy, then you should have at least gotten the job done! Kaizen growled.

I do have some idea about what is going on, Kiser suddenly said, grabbing both Kaisers and Kaizens attention, but it would take more than a day at least to make such an exquisite seal.

Ah! Kaiser gasped. Kiser was right: the imperial seal was engraved with the golden dragon that symbolized the Avalon Empire. The way the dragon spread its wings wide and roared at the sky was marvelously elaborate and beautiful as it was made by the dwarf king, the god-sent craftsman himself.

People of power always prepare two seals just in case; an emperor wouldn't be an exception, Kiser reminded them.

That means Kaiser trailed off.

One of them is a good-looking imitation. Kisers eyes narrowed.

The hot-tempered Kaizen leaned forward first. Is there a way to authenticate the seal?

I once heard from Father that the imperial seal will only respond to the current emperors mana, so wed better beat him first if we want to have it

Thats one way to say do not ever dream about getting the throne. Kaizen shook his head in disbelief.

But there is a method, Kiser said.

Whats that? Kaizen wondered.

Magic Tower, Kiser mumbled.

Kaizen and Kaiser boggled at him.

Theyre the ones who designed the imperial seal so that it would only react to the current emperors mana, so we can request the mages of the Magic Tower verify it. The process will take at least three days, and there is a danger of other countries finding out about our current situation Kiser trailed off, glancing down at the colosseum stage. Joshua had continued to spin his spear mockingly the entire time, as if showing off how relaxed he was.

Kisers eyes turned cold. Since he made a big mess, its only a matter of time before the rumor spreads.

So what do you suggest we do? Kaizen asked.

This is for the better. We have three days, so even if that child has the original Kisers eyes filled with uncharacteristic murderous intent. Only a fool would need to hear the end of Kisers sentence to understand what he meant.

Brother Kiser is showing such a reaction Surprised, Kaizen watched Kiser glare down at the colosseum stage. Is it because of that girl? Yes, if hes still fond of her, then I can make good use of that.

Kaizen smiled slyly in his mind as he reached a decision, firmly believing that he was going to be the final victor.

At that moment, he heard a quiet footstep, making him flinch.

It seems like thats the only possible decision right now, Tremblin said with a nod.Th sourc of this content n/o/v/(l)bi((n))

Duke Tremblin? Kiser murmured.

Im sorry, Your Highness. Tremblin, who moved from behind Kiser to stand in front of him and bowed slightly. I have the duty to find out the truth.

Th-that means Kiser stuttered.

Depending on what happens in the future, I might change my decisions, but please understand that this is my only possible decision right now

Wa-wait! Kiser shouted.

Before Kiser could react, Tremblin jumped down to the stage. The spectators, already suffocatingly silent due to the shock, were petrified.

The Sw-Sword Emperor?

H-hes not trying to cut off the Hero Kings head, is he?

There are so many unanswered questions, so

The spectator couldnt finish their sentencesTremblins unexpected next move after he landed in the center of the colosseum stage made them hold their breaths.

What does this mean?

Shh! Be quiet! Dont you know one wrong word will cost your head in a situation like this?

Bu-but how can I stay still when I see that?

When Tremblin was five steps away from Joshua, he stopped walking and stood behind him as if he was Joshuas guard. The sight made the spectators gradually quiet down. The Dukes actions needed no further explanation.

At that moment, two legendary figures, the hopes of the Empire, were gathered in one place.

* * *

While the morning part of Berches Bloody Battle was in full swing, four people stood together inside the waiting room of the colosseum.

Unless anything special happens, the knight combat will proceed as scheduled, Tremblin said, now that he had become their colleague.

Icarus tilted her head in confusion. Does it mean anything now?

The princes already came to an agreement, Tremblin informed her.

By an agreement, you mean?

Tremblin turned his head to Joshua and asked, Do you want to know?

Not really. Joshua shrugged.

Tremblins eyes turned sharp. If you truly want to become the Emperor of Avalon, youll have to ask even if you arent curious.

Youre being rude! Cain growled before Joshua could say something. Since youve found out that my master has imperial blood, you should pay respect like you would to any other member of the imperial family.

Thats funny, Tremblin smirked, drawing up his energy.

The storm of energy Tremblin threw out right before Cains eyes made him flinch.

If you want my respect, then youll have to tell me the full truth, Tremblin said, locking eyes with Joshua. Youll tell me about His Majestys death and how you ended up with the imperial seal.

Wait, do you think my master murdered His Majesty and took the imperial seal? Icarus asked disbelievingly.

I cant rule out the possibility, Tremblin said, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

Thats Icarus became petrified as she considered Tremblins words. She had thought Tremblin had become their ally, but it turned out that wasnt the case.

Youll find out soon, Joshua quietly replied.

Im not a patient person, Tremblin warned him.

Maybe youll be able to find out before midnight. Joshua tilted his head.

Tremblin frowned. Youre playing with words.

Its my specialty.

Tremblins eyes turned sharper. In that case is it fine to test my temporary colleagues ability?

If I can earn the Sword Emperors recognition, Joshua replied with a little smile, then of course.

Just like I said, there will be group battles between the battalions of the Imperial Knights. We have to exclude Prince Kaiser since he decided to join His Highness Kisers side, so these battles are practically between the First and Second Princes, Tremblin explained.

That means Icarus trailed off.

The princes were going to accept the results of the knights battle, and the winner was going to become the next emperor. Tremblin pointed at Joshua. But then you showed up.

Cain confidently stepped forward. Master, in that case, you and I will be enough

Do you think theyll let you do that? Tremblin asked.

Pardon? Cain tilted his head in confusion.

I told you that this group battle is only for the Imperial Knights, so obviously you cant join. And your master also cant participate because his position was already revoked. Tremblin shrugged.

The realization hit Cain hard.

M-my masters Auxiliary Battalion is still part of the Imperial Knights, isnt it? If they win

Theyre one battalion, so do you really think there is a chance of them winning? On top of that, we cant use them even if they win unless one of us has nerves of steelbecause it was your master himself who abandoned them.

In the end, I have to be reinstated before this Berches Bloody Battle comes to an end, Joshua concluded.

If you can do that, then there is no better method, Tremblin said, nodding.

Joshua grinned.

I have a way, he said.

Lets hear it, shall we? Tremblin prompted.

Joshuas smile deepened.

Before any of that I have to earn the trust of the colleague who is standing right beside me, no?

What? Tremblins jaw dropped.

Ill tell you. Joshua nodded.

Tremblin frowned. Stop messing with me

About the death of the Emperor Marcus ben Britten and Joshua said, clear as day, making Tremblin go still as a statue. ...and everything that happened three years ago.

Chapter end