Chapter 143: What is the Price?


    Do you truly intend to make it happen for me?


    Leonic flinched without realizing it.


    <i>Hes going to set me free? Is he really nning to do it?</i>


    No, it was more than just a glimmer of hope.


    He may have lost his position as the Crown Prince to the Second Prince, but he believed that if he returned now, he could regain that position.


    Excitement tinged his voice as he eagerly asked Ian, Will you truly allow me to go back?


    His heart raced with anticipation, and his eyes bore an impatient gaze, silently urging Ian to grant his request.


    Ian chuckled at the sight before him.


    No, am I foolish enough to release the fish Ive caught?


    !


    For a moment, Leonic was speechless.


    He quickly grasped the situation. Then, seeing Ians eyes as if he was making fun of him, he abruptly rose from his seat.


    So, you were just ying with me!


    <i>Bang!</i>


    He was so agitated that the chair toppled over.


    But it was that moment.


    <i>m!</i>


    Before Leonic could fully stand up, a sword swiftly flew towards him.


    In an instant, the sharp de was positioned inches away from his neck and chest.


    Why dont you remain seated, former crown prince?


    I will not tolerate any disrespectful behavior towards Prince Ian.


    They were knights.


    And to some, it would have seemed as if the knights momentum stopped the crown prince in his tracks.


    However, Leonic was frozen for a different reason.


    <i>This guy. When did he</i>


    <i>ng.</i>


    Before he knew it, a sword was vibrating before his eyes.


    The problem was Ian, the swords owner.


    His intimidating gaze, which seemed to overwhelm him, was also a problem.


    <i>When did he draw the sword?</i>


    He didnt even hear the sound of the sword being drawn.


    No, he didnt even see the motion of grabbing the sword right in front of him.


    Ians skill surpassed Leonics exceptional swordsmanship, evading his keen senses.


    Ians sword was so stealthy and swift.


    But for the other knights, it was a natural sight.


    <i>Our prince never misses a day of training. His growth rate is astonishing.</i>


    <i>Lately, hes been able to graze my body with a sword. If hes my disciple, he should naturally be able to do this much.</i>


    Ian seemed to consider Patience as an additional strength.


    He continued to train without change.


    His efforts, passion, and talent were acknowledged by Galon and Nathan.


    It was only natural for him to surpass Leonic, whose body had grown stiff due to his imprisonment.


    But regardless.


    Ian casually sheathed his sword and took a seat.


    Leonic flinched slightly as Ians gaze made him feel like a mere subject.


    He was still in an awkward position.


    Seeing this, Ian spoke in a cool voice.


    Why dont you sit down? Your legs look sore.


    My legs are only


    Return to your seat, Ian ordered, his voice sounding like a low growl.


    Under his pressure, Leonic unknowingly had to return to his original seat. Seeing this, the knights put away their swords and returned to their positions.


    But Leonic shouted as if he would not lose.


    I am the former crown prince of the Cantum Empire. If you think you can intimidate me into submission, youre mistaken. I wont lie down like a dog.


    Threats? I have no such intentions.


    Then what do you mean by toying with me like this?


    I thought I could help you.


    If this is some kind of joke, Im tired of it. Get to the point.


    Ian smiled like a bad boy.


    Ill give you what you need right now.


    What I need right now is your neck, though.


    Well, that poses a bit of a problem. This neck is quite valuable. How about something else? Ian suggested as he moved closer to Leonic.


    The reason the Second Prince was able to take your ce is because of Leonic Kahn. Its because you were absent.


    And youre telling me this now?


    Im serious. Without you, Cantum began to crumble.


    ?


    Leonic looked at Ian as if asking what he was talking about.


    But he was serious.


    <i>Hes not someone to be underestimated just because hes caught by me.</i>


    Leonic had overwhelmingly suppressed dozens of nobles and taken the position of Crown Prince.


    He possessed exceptional swordsmanship skills, a keen political sense, and even led factions. If he hadnt been captured, he would have easily ascended to the throne and waged wars across the continent.


    <i>But hes too talented, which is a problem.</i>


    Cantum is a great empire.


    In such an empire, the crown princes supporters were bound to be numerous.


    And Leonic skillfully bnced the power, ensuring that only he could stand above them all.


    Thats where the problem arose.


    When the Crown Prince was captured by Kaistein, the lower ranks started fighting among themselves, oblivious to their own interests.


    Ian said, calmly sipping his tea.


    The lower ranks are too preupied with their own petty squabbles, right?


    The Crown Prince, or rather the Second Prince, took advantage of that chaos and gradually took them down, one by one, Ian continued.


    Leonic was well aware of this fact.


    Although he could only receive one-sided news about the situation in Cantum, he had managed to establish secretmunication with someone who ryed information to him.


    The news was disheartening.


    <i>Those fools. Theyre being manipted by the Second Prince, all because theyre blinded by a few pennies.</i>


    Those who turned a blind eye were being exploited and eliminated by the Second Prince, while some even joined forces with him.


    All this urred because Cantumcked amander like Leonic.


    What can you do for me if youre not going to release me anyway?


    His gaze conveyed an attitude of So what?


    Even without Ians help, he could still hear news about Cantum.


    What he needed right now was to escape from this ce.


    He had to takemand of his subordinates himself.


    Only then did Ian get to the point.


    You simply need the ability tomunicate with the outside, correct?


    What?


    I will allow you to have face-to-face conversations, rather than the one-waymunication you currently have. This way, you can move the hearts of Cantums people.


    !


    Leonic looked puzzled.


    It makes no sense. Can you do that?


    No, it was a skeptical expression.


    That was natural.


    Shouldnt the kings approval be necessary for something like this? Even if you be the crown prince, he wont allow it, Leonic reasoned.


    Leonic had been stripped of his position as the crown prince, but he still held his former title.


    There were ample opportunities for him to exploit, even in his diminished state.


    But Ian smiled.


    I can make it happen.


    !


    Ian was sincere.


    And there was a reason why it could actually be possible.


    <i>If they are targeting Cantum after Bahara</i>


    And if the Berserk soon engulfs the Holy Empire, everything will go ording to their n. Unless King Eloin was a fool, he would likely grant permission.


    It would be against Kaisteins interests to be consumed by the chaos as well.


    And actually, I dont need permission, Ian added.


    What?


    Ians eyes turned to Leonic.


    <i>Because youre the fish Ive caught. If everything else fails, I can simply take you to Bahara.</i>


    Leonics eyebrows raised at that moment, sensing something unsettling in Ians gaze.


    <i>What kind of gaze is that?</i>


    It felt like the gaze of a predator, as if a beast was fixated on him.


    However, Leonic quickly shook off the thought, dismissing it as mere imagination.


    Thats not enough. I cant change the minds of my subordinates.


    Why?


    Im just a fallen prince captured by the Seventh Prince. Ive already lost my honor as a crown prince.


    Oh?


    Leonic wasnt a fool. He was judging himself more thoroughly than ever.


    At the very least, I have to be able to escape from this country with my own strength.


    Only then would he be able to reim his position as crown prince.


    So, Leonic said, his eyes serious.


    I assure you, if you send me away, I wonte after you or Kaistein again.


    Really? Ian questioned.


    Of course. I promise on my honor.


    Ian appeared hesitant. Its a bit difficult to let you go, though


    Leonic slightly shook his head, realizing that it didnt make sense, even to himself.


    Then Ians voice reached his ears.


    Instead, I promise you this. I will restore your title as the crown prince without needing to set you free.


    What?


    Wouldnt it be okay to get the crown princes title back without leaving this ce?


    Leonics eyes widened.


    Not only him, but the other knights were also very surprised, as if they couldnt believe it.


    So Leonic had no choice but to ask with calm eyes.


    What should I do in return?


    Ian smiled.


    ***


    Cardinal Cesare was in a very bad mood.


    <i>Is he interfering with my goals?</i>


    The saintesss prophecy.


    It had been weighing on his mind for days.


    But he was a man of steel.


    Cardinal Cesare, are you here?


    Today is the day I meet His Majesty.


    Understood.


    He was able to put on his usual smile without showing any signs of it.


    But he was never idle.


    <i>The saintess prophecy is absolute. I have to deal with the Seventh Prince somehow.</i>


    So the first thing to do was to shake up the Seventh Prince.


    He cautiously called the priest behind him.


    Did you send the letter I told you to send?


    Yes, of course. It should have arrived by now.


    There shouldnt be any issues, right?


    The Second Prince of Cantum, or should I say the Crown Prince, has taken all the necessary measures to act as soon as he receives the letter.


    Well done.


    The Second Prince of Cantum was receiving support from the organization.


    Moreover, by bing the Crown Prince after the downfall of the former Crown Prince, he gained control over the military power.


    <i>He will bepelled tounch an attack on Bahara.</i>


    If Bahara was under attack, King Ian would have no choice but to return.


    Failure to do so would pose a significant problem.


    <i>A king who neglects his people can never be forgiven.</i>


    Even Bahara, a country of warriors, would never forgive a king who disregards his homnd for the throne of Kaistein.


    This was especially true considering Baharas history of beheading kings who fled from enemy attacks with an axe.


    However, Cesares expression was not good.


    <i>This alone is not enough.</i>


    Currently, the Seventh Prince Ian is receiving overwhelming support from the knights and the people.


    All of that support needed to be severed.


    <i>The great power of Kaistein, Garcia, cannot move at the moment. Lavaltor is on his side.</i>


    If that was the case, it was time for him to use the influence he had built up for a long time.


    Being a descendant of the Adria Dukedom.


    Cesare asked the Marquis of Ads.


    Marquis. Do you remember that I was once a member of the Adria Dukedom?


    Huh I am well aware.


    Marquis Ads suddenly frowned, wondering why he was bringing up this topic.


    Discussing such matters within the royal family carried some risk.


    Nheless, Cesare smiled.


    As you know, Adria Dukes family was wiped out due to false usations. How do you feel about reinstating that family now?


    Hmmm.


    Under the gaze of the Marquis Ads, Cesare whispered quietly.


    If the Adria dukedom were to be revived I would be the only surviving member of that bloodline, wouldnt I? Perhaps it would be better for me, as a noble of the Adria lineage, to marry the First Princess rather than a meremoner.


    But that is


    The Marquis cant handle Cesare.


    Marquis Ads kept his mouth shut, as if he could never allow that.


    But Cesares words were like the whispers of a snake.


    Dont worry. Even if I were to be a duke, would I ever forget Marquis Ads, who has supported me?


    Hmm


    In that case, how about I ept the Marquiss child as my adopted son?


    !


    Marquis Ads eyes widened, and for the first time, a smile graced his lips.


    You cant possibly mean to make my child the next duke


    I simply seek the rightful position as the husband of the First Princess. Everything else shall be returned to you, Marquis.


    The Marquis of Ads was in deep thought.


    Even though it would be Adria Dukes family name instead of Ads.


    <i>One of my descendants will be a duke?</i>


    For Marquis Ads, who had always dreamed of being a duke, it was an irresistible deal.


    At the very least, with the revival of the Adria dukedom, he would have the pretext to reign in other dukes, perhaps even toppling them if necessary.


    <i>The Marquis of Ads could be a duke.</i>


    His eldest son would be the Duke of Ads.


    The other son is the Duke of Adria.


    Both dukes could fall into the hands of Marquis Ads.


    So, his eyes began to fill with greed.


    Today, I will subtly test the waters with His Majesty.


    Well thought out.


    That was when Cesare smiled sinisterly.


    It was that moment.


    His Majesty has refused an audience.


    What? Why?


    Marquis Ads was genuinely perplexed.


    He needed to discuss the betrothal of the First Princess and Cardinal Cesare, as well as the Adria Dukedom.


    Seeking rification, he turned to the chambein for answers.


    However, just as he was about to voice his concerns


    The audience is not of immediate importance! Theres a civil war! A civil war has erupted in Cantum.


    What?


    There was a civil war in the neighboring empire of Kaistein.


    But that was not the only issue.


    The Crown Prince of Cantum has requested support from Kaistein. This is an order for all ministers to gather together for this matter.


    The betrothal was no longer important.


    It was time to prioritize ending the civil war in Cantum.


    But a problem arose.


    Prince Ian is currently in an audience with His Majesty.


    What


    He is requesting His Majestys approval for the betrothal between the First Princess and the former Crown Prince of Cantum.


    What?


    The situation was bing increasingly bizarre.