WM V3C0638

Chapter 0638 Astonishment

Translator: Jay_Forestieri

Editor: Tseirp

 

Time rewinds a little.

 

The Darwei diplomatic delegation departed the autonomous city of Kwebasa.

Of the ten official ships, nine sailed north with a twenty-ship Darwei fleet toward the imperial capital Hanlin.

 

Only the tenth ship headed for the grand duchy’s port town, Hoi An.

It went there to pick up Ryo and Abel.

 

The problem was discovered when the Darwei delegation arrived at the port of the imperial capital, Hanlin.

 

 

“His Majesty the Emperor has been abducted?”

 

 

That astonishing report reached the delegation.

 

From the imperial capital Hanlin to the autonomous city Kwebasa took ten days, they stayed seven days, and the return from Kwebasa to Hanlin took fourteen days.

They had been away from Hanlin for barely a month.

 

What on earth could have happened in that time?

 

 

The Darwei delegation proceeded to the Imperial Palace.

That was standard procedure.

Of course, Emperor Tsuin, the person to whom they should report, was not present, but even so, they had no choice but to make their report.

 

They advanced toward the Imperial Palace at a slow pace.

During that time, they were gathering information.

 

Reports kept flowing to the delegation—more precisely, to the main party that included Prince Ryun, Princess Shio Fen, Chamberlain Lin Shun, and Captain Lu Yao.

 

 

The first thing they learned was…

 

“Prince Kouri is running things?”

 

It seemed Prince Kouri, the Second Prince, was overseeing affairs inside the Imperial Palace.

 

Indeed, before the delegation departed, when Emperor Tsuin and Prime Minister Byan Byan fell ill, Prince Kouri had acted as regent.

That had been done based on precedent.

 

So, considering that way, it was not necessarily strange.

 

 

“Prime Minister Byan Byan has collapsed again, the Chief Eunuch was removed from office and placed under house arrest? The Commander of the Imperial Guard, Tin Meu-dono, is missing?”

 

That report clearly made Prince Ryun frown.

 

One could, perhaps, accept that Prime Minister Byan Byan had collapsed again—he was old, after all.

But the Chief Eunuch was removed and placed under house arrest?

And Commander Tin missing?

 

That meant those closest to Emperor Tsuin were not currently at the center of government.

 

 

More intelligence came in about the Ryun residence.

 

“Four days ago, forces from Prince Kouri’s household entered.”

“And Wen Shu and the others?”

 

The Ryun residence had many retainers centered on Chamberlain Wen Shu.

 

“They couldn’t decide how to act—or whether they were even allowed to—so they didn’t resist. The troops from Prince Kouri’s household weren’t violent; they’re reportedly just keeping watch.”

“I see. Wen Shu’s judgment was correct.”

 

Prince Ryun nodded at the report.

Then looked at Princess Shio Fen and said,

“Shio, I think the chambermaids are all right.”

“Yes.”

 

Mifa and the other closest chambermaids had attended the meeting, but most of the other chambermaids remained at the residence.

Hearing that they were likely safe, Princess Shio Fen felt a measure of relief.

 

 

Still, both Prince Ryun and Princess Shio Fen had questions.

 

“If they sent troops into my residence, what happened to the Rondo Manor next door?”

That was the question they shared.

 

The Rondo Manor belonged to Duke Rondo—Ryo—and the only other person there was his escort, Abel.

Both were absent.

There was no particular need to send troops into Ryun’s household, but…

 

 

“After subjugating Prince Ryun’s residence, they apparently dispatched troops to the Rondo Manor as well. However…”

The messenger averted his eyes slightly.

He seemed unsure how to continue.

 

“Say exactly what you’ve heard.”

“Yes. They found golems lined up in front of the gate of the Rondo Manor.”

“Golems belonging to Duke Rondo?”

“They say a horned golem stood at the front, and behind it a long row of golems holding spears of ice… they formed a posture that allowed no one entry.”

“Not surprising.”

“Behind the golems stood two fine horses, glaring at Prince Kouri’s troops… the royal household’s horses were frightened.”

“The Duke’s beloved mounts, I suppose.”

 

Prince Ryun nodded.

 

“Upon receiving that report, Prince Kouri ordered an immediate withdrawal. He deemed any unnecessary interference uncalled for.”

“As expected of my elder brother—an appropriate decision.”

 

Prince Ryun nodded repeatedly.

 

Perhaps Prince Kouri had seized the throne by force in the interim.

If so, he would be a clear enemy… but even so, his decisiveness could not be underestimated.

 

That he did not forcibly storm the Rondo Manor was a sign of prudence.

 

Duke Rondo was clearly aligned with Prince Ryun, and making him an outright enemy would be extremely troublesome.

It was common knowledge that Lord Rowon—one of the Six Saints—was with Prince Kouri’s faction; he could match Duke Rondo in combat or even surpass him.

He had earned that reputation.

 

Still, Prince Kouri judged it unnecessary to make a clear enemy of him.

 

The alchemical and magical techniques inside the Rondo Manor… golems being chief among them—would be valuable, and it would be an opportunity to seize them. But doing so would enrage Duke Rondo.

Prince Kouri apparently chose to avoid that for now.

 

 

However…

 

 

Prince Ryun looked at Captain Lu Yao.

Lu Yao seemed to understand what Ryun was asking.

 

“Yes, the Rondo Manor may be useful.”

Captain Lu Yao answered.

 

That did not mean immediate action.

 

There was not yet enough information.

 

Above all…

 

“Where is His Majesty the Emperor…?”

 

 

When they entered the Imperial Palace, the delegation was taken to the square in front of Taiji Hall.

 

It was the same plaza where Prince Ryun had once reported victory on the Ryokusou Plain.

But this time, the figure who stepped forward before the party was not Emperor Tsuin…

 

“Brother…”

“Prince Ryun, it is good to see you.”

 

Prince Kouri appeared much as before.

His dress was the formal attire of a prince… but his aura had changed.

 

It was not overtly intimidating.

 

How to put it… he exuded overwhelming composure.

 

It was an ease born of the feeling that every move he had made so far had connected and produced the expected result… confidence born of success.

 

Truly, a masterful positioning of stones.

 

 

(Could it be… that everything unfolded according to my brother’s plan?)

 

Ryun forcibly brushed away that instinctive thought.

 

After all, what exactly constituted ‘everything’? From where to where did ‘everything’ stretch?

 

Did that include the abduction of the Emperor?

The Eastern Countries Joint Conference?

The actions of the Choouchi Empire in the first place…?

 

“Brother, I have urgent matters I must discuss.”

Prince Ryun looked Kouri directly in the eye and began.

 

Certainly, the Imperial Palace might be in Prince Kouri’s hands at the moment.

But he was not yet Emperor.

 

He remained only an ‘imperial prince’.

 

“Of course, Ryun. To Taiji Hall.”

 

 

Then, only Prince Kouri and Prince Ryun entered Taiji Hall.

 

 

“Brother, what in the world is happening?”

Prince Ryun asked as soon as they entered.

 

Prince Kouri said nothing and walked to the center of Taiji Hall and sat.

Tea had been prepared.

Kouri had apparently anticipated that Ryun would begin the conversation and that they would speak alone.

 

“You’ll have gathered a great deal of information on your way here, Ryun.”

Prince Kouri said as he poured tea.

 

Ryun had no choice but to sit opposite him.

 

“I heard His Majesty the Emperor… my father… was abducted.”

“It’s true.”

“How… why… in what way…?”

“That is unknown. Commander Tin Meu, who was guarding His Majesty, is missing, so we lack the details.”

“No…”

 

Prince Ryun had indeed been told that Commander Tin of the Forbidden Guard was missing.

But Kouri’s manner of speaking made it sound as if Commander Tin had betrayed them.

As if that devoutly loyal Tin could have done such a thing.

 

Ryun’s thoughts trailed off there.

A piece of information arrived that cut them short.

 

“They say our father was executed by the Choouchi Empire.”

“What did you say?!”

 

 

Abducted and then executed?

The Darwei Emperor?

 

Could such a thing be possible?

 

“Where did that information come from…?”

Ryun asked in a choked voice.

 

“From spies our father and Prime Minister Byan Byan had placed within the Choouchi Empire.”

“Is that information certain?”

“They also reported that an official announcement from the Choouchi Empire will likely be made within a few days.”

“This is… impossible…”

 

Prince Ryun stood dumbfounded.

 

 

But he could not remain stunned forever.

 

“If the Choouchi Empire has executed the Darwei Emperor, that amounts to a declaration of war. How shall we respond militarily?”

“No. We will not attack.”

“Huh?”

 

Prince Ryun was speechless at Kouri’s unexpected reply.

 

“Of course, publicly we will condemn the Choouchi Empire, but we will not take military action.”

“Why?!”

“There is the state of Peiyu between us. Also, I do not believe the Choouchi Empire will press further against Darwei.”

“What is your basis for that…?”

“Their objective seems to have been our father… the Emperor himself.”

“…Father?”

 

Prince Ryun could not fathom the meaning.

They had kidnapped him, executed him, and that was the end… if their goal had been the person, he could not think of a reason to act in such a manner.

 

“Keep this matter confidential for the time being. The Choouchi Empire will likely announce it publicly, but until that happens, do not speak of it.”

“…Understood.”

 

Prince Ryun understood that Prince Kouri had effectively taken the lead.

Even in just over a month, he had acted as regent for the Emperor and had been imperial prince for six years, holding a majority of the Shitaifu class… his achievements and base of power were much greater.

 

(There’s no way to act now, in any case.)

 

 

The delegation dispersed, and Prince Ryun and the others returned to the Ryun Royal Residence.

 

“Your Highness, I am sorry!”

Chamberlain Wen Shu knelt on both knees and apologized as soon as Ryun returned.

Wen Shu had been responsible for the residence during Ryun’s absence and had failed to prevent Prince Kouri’s forces from entering.

 

“It’s all right, Wen Shu. It’s enough that the residence wasn’t looted. You did well.”

Prince Ryun said, then entered the house.

 

 

After Prince Ryun returned, Prince Kouri’s household troops withdrew from the Ryun residence.

As a result, entry to the residence was unrestricted.

Yet at every crossroads, soldiers from Prince Kouri’s household stood watch—surveillance apparently continued.

 

“Isn’t this tightening of control a little too lenient?”

“They likely want to make use of your abilities.”

Prince Ryun asked quietly, and Chamberlain Lin Shun answered.

 

“My abilities?”

“Yes. Your strength as a general.”

“If Prince Kouri ascends the throne, he cannot personally go out to the battlefield all the time. Prince Churei is skilled in martial matters, but he cannot single-handedly defend all of vast Darwei. So he may wish to use me.”

 

Prince Ryun shook his head slightly.

He knew that even entertaining such thoughts revealed how difficult it would be to prevent Prince Kouri from taking the throne.

 

He understood, but he also needed to see the future clearly.

To predict the future accurately, one must grasp the present precisely.

 

“For now, we have no choice but to accept it.”

 

 

That night, at the Ryun Royal Residence.

Captain Lu Yao of the Prince’s bodyguard unit had been sleeping in her room when she was woken by a tap on the shoulder.

 

Her companion had awakened her.

“Huh? No. 2-kun?”

 

It seemed the Friendship Token No. 2-kun had roused her.

Of course, nothing like this had ever happened before.

 

In Lu Yao’s eyes, No. 2-kun looked resolved.

Others might not perceive such determination, but Lu Yao did…

 

She put on her outer cloak and took her sword, following No. 2-kun out of the room.

 

 

No. 2-kun led her to the outer wall of the residence.

Beyond it lay the Rondo Manor.

The outer wall between them was about three meters high; some might manage to vault it if they tried, but the master of the house, Duke Rondo, had often warned them emphatically:

 

“Never attempt to climb our outer wall. If you try, you’ll freeze solid.”

 

He had apparently reproduced a water-attribute magic—some kind of steam-magic—using alchemy.

She was considered one of the capital’s foremost alchemists; her master, Lord Rowon, was a famous water-attribute magician, and Lu Yao respected him, but she honestly did not fully understand Duke Rondo’s magic.

 

No—perhaps she could even say she did not understand it at all.

She could not comprehend how someone could reproduce that magic through alchemy.

 

She had wanted to discuss that matter with her master, Lord Rowon, but had not yet had the chance…

 

 

In any case, three figures had just leapt over that outer wall.

 

Lu Yao reflexively drew her sword.

 

“Wait!”

A low, controlled male voice called out.

 

It seemed to come from the man in the middle of the three.

Looking closely, the two figures who had leapt the wall beside him were not human at all.

They were golems.

And they were the same type as No. 2-kun…

 

“Golems of Duke Rondo? And the one on the left is No. 1-kun, isn’t it?”

Lu Yao recognized them.

A golem with a horn on its head.

 

She remembered Duke Rondo happily introducing “No. 1-kun, the Advance-Notice Officer”.

No. 1-kun was apparently the leader of the ‘Oniwaban First Division’… Lu Yao did not know what that unit was.

She had heard that No. 2-kun had the authority of a leader of ‘Oniwaban Second Division’.

From that, she guessed these golems held positions above the others.

 

If No. 1-kun had accompanied them, then perhaps the man in the middle was not an enemy.

Lu Yao felt certain of that.

 

They were golems, after all.

She did not know exactly how much judgment golems possessed.

But No. 2-kun was Lu Yao’s partner.

Someone she trusted above anyone.

 

If her partner’s companions had made a judgment… she trusted that more than the decisions of many humans.

 

 

“I take you to be Captain Lu Yao of Prince Ryun’s bodyguard. I am Tin Meu, Commander of the Imperial Guard.”

The man in the middle said as he stepped forward.

Moonlight made his face clearly visible.

 

Of course, Captain Lu Yao knew Commander Tin.

She had met him several times at the Imperial Palace.

He had been the one who had protected Emperor Tsuin.

 

Yet she had heard.

That Commander Tin was missing.

And that he was implicated in the Emperor’s abduction.

 

 

“I understand that you are Commander Tin Meu-dono.”

Lu Yao said, though she did not lower her sword.

 

“But Commander Tin is under suspicion of being involved in His Majesty’s abduction.”

“I know. That is why I was being sheltered at the Rondo Manor.”

“You were sheltered?”

“I wish to speak to Prince Ryun. I have to tell him everything.”

 

 

TLN: Please read my translations at tseirptranslations.com, I did not give permission to any site to host my translations. 

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