Chapter 127: The Beaming Crown Prince Maker (4)
In one corner of the cathedral, an office was set up.
Cardinal Deviale, buried under a pile of documents, grasped his throbbing head.
It was inevitable.
Having spent half his life on the front lines and witnessed many scenes, he had never faced a case so unpredictable and without a single clue.
Its difficult.
He had encountered many temples dedicated to peculiar gods, but ominous phrases written in demons blood were a rarity, even in the central library of his homeland.
The only evidence at the scene was demons blood, and with no precedent to reference, he felt the limits of his expertise.
Knock-knock-
Come in,
Deviale called out without checking who was at the door. After all, besides him, there was only one other person who had unrestricted access to the cathedrals depths.
I beg your pardon.
Shiron entered, bowing politely with a file and a tray in his hands, which, given the strong scent filling the room, likely contained coffee.
Click-
Deviale smirked at the neatly arranged refreshments before him.
Why go to all this trouble? You must be busy with the interrogations as well.
I just needed an excuse to take a break.
Indeed. You did, indeed.
Deviale laughed out loud at Shirons witty remark, finally taking his eyes off the documents to glance at the clock.
Its already that time.
The short hand pointed to 7. It was 7 oclock when he last looked; it seemed he had pulled an all-nighter again. Deviale sipped the coffee before him and closed his eyes.
Brother Shiron, may I ask you something?
You dont need permission. Feel free to ask anything.
I read in a magazine that bosses who talk about work during break times are quite unpopular.
After saying that, Deviale took a deep breath. The coffee the young nobleman brought had a really nice aroma, but the unsolved case prevented him from fully enjoying it.
How is the interrogation of the suspects going?
Were almost at the final stage but were facing some challenges. All the suspects are unanimously denying the allegations
Shiron sighed deeply and bowed his head.
Really, how can people be so shameless?
We cant resort to torture during interrogations like in the old days.
Because they might falsely confess just to avoid immediate pain.
You understand well.
Deviale patted the slumped Shiron. The young man could have complained about the consecutive all-nighters, but instead, he not only completed his assigned tasks but also took initiative, making Deviale, who was leading the investigation, feel guilty.
Your Eminence, by the way, a letter has arrived from Lucerne.
A letter?
It appears to be a response to the request we sent earlier for dispatching the Steel Knight Regiment.
Let me see it.
Deviale unfolded the envelope that was handed to him.
Uh
May I ask what it says?
Nothing much. It seems that a knight order is coming from Rien. And there will be a delegation to meet the emperor, too.
A delegation, along with a knight order?
It seems like a serious matter since theyre bringing a military group right to the doorstep of the Imperial Palace. And also.
Deviale put down his empty cup and continued.
It seems that our homeland doesnt view this incident as just a prank by socialites. Youve been suspecting it too, havent you?
It would be a lie to say no.
The six temple appearances had all occurred on properties owned by supporters of the 1st Prince, Austin. It might have been overlooked if it had happened once or twice, but with the events occurring consecutively, they had no choice but to extend their investigation in that direction.
Shiron adjusted his glasses with one hand. He had good eyesight, but he always wore non-prescription glasses when looking at files.
No matter how I look at it, this incident seems to stem from a power struggle between the 1st and the 3rd Princes.
Exactly
Deviale sighed deeply, pressing his eyelids shut.
It was hard to believe that those vying for imperial power would stoop to involving wicked demons, but given the circumstances, it seemed natural to suspect as much.
If thats the case, then it makes sense why those protected in the cathedral are unanimously proclaiming their innocence. Assuming theyre the victims of a plot by someone who wishes for their downfall, it fits even more perfectly.
So, are you suggesting the Third Prince is the culprit?
No.
In response to Shirons question, Deviale shook his head in denial.
The mastermind behind this incident is connected to a high-ranking demon. According to the documents, demons do not follow humans and only cooperate through deals.
It seems unlikely that a human capable of making deals with demons would resort to such a sloppy method. Rather, it appears as though theyre trying to deceive the priests of Lucerne, knowing they would become involved.
Then
There are several assumptions we can make, but Ive considered two main possibilities.
Deviale began to write on a blank piece of paper.
Ive heard that the Third Prince has a weaker political foundation compared to the First Prince. Hence, it could be interpreted as an act to publicize the Third Princes desperate moves to overturn this disparity. In other words, I believe its a scheme aimed at the downfall of the Third Prince.
So, are you implying that the First Princes faction acted on their own?
Shiron fiddled with his lips, focusing on Deviales statement.
Although it was a plot to tarnish the reputation of the First Prince, Austin, he had to be careful to prevent the fire from spreading to himself. He said nothing and waited for Deviales next words.
Its one possible interpretation.
Whats the second one?
Could you come closer?
Deviale gestured for Shiron to approach and cleared his throat.
Its the deception of the socialites.
Excuse me?
Shirons eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected return to square one.
Why would that be? Isnt there also a theory that the Third Prince made a deal with demons to turn the tide in his favor?
Are you a citizen of Rien?
Yes, well I am.
How many times have you been dispatched, excluding Lucerne and Rien?
Im relatively inexperienced, having only been to the southern conflict zones
Shiron rubbed his neck, feeling the conversation veer off course.
Ignoring Shirons reaction, Deviale began to draw a map on the blank paper. A mountain range bisected the vast continent, and the border of Rien stood firm against the waves of demonic beasts crossing it.
After outlining the rough situation, Deviale spoke.
There are more people than expected who wish for Riens downfall.
What are you talking about? If Rien falls, who will stop the demonic beasts?
Rien maintains its hegemony over the continent in exchange for acting as a breakwater for its vassals and other nations. This is a diplomatic principle in this world.
States or interest groups of similar scale, possibly aligning with cults that worship evil gods, are suspected to be involved.
You mean its the work of foreign agents Thats what youre saying.
Its just my personal opinion, so dont take it too seriously.
Deviale finished speaking and began to tidy his desk.
The second assumption is too far-fetched. It seems right to act based on the first assumption, but what do you think?
I have no objections, but something is bothering me.
What is it?
Didnt you say the Steel Knight Regiment is coming from Lucerne? If this is purely due to political strife and they aim for a clear outcome, it seems they would wrap up the situation before it escalates.
Shiron looked at the documents Deviale was holding. If the situation escalates, the variables increase, and controlling the situation becomes impossible.
What Shiron wanted was the downfall of the First Prince, not to become entangled in the complex realm of international diplomacy.
Nonetheless, Austin must have been in a precarious situation at that moment. If the imperial nation got actively involved, the emperor would likely continue to delay the appointment of the crown prince.
He will do something.
Based on his observations during the Night of the Long Swords, Austin appeared quite determined to ascend to the throne. His behavior in public, where he openly suppressed his rival Victor, was not difficult to interpret.
Ultimately, Austin was destined to die young. In the original story, his death occurred before Victor completed his education at the academy, so even Austin, fully aware of his predicament, would be feeling anxious.
If it were me, I might resort to a dramatic measure.
Are you talking about assassination?
That seems too extreme.
The abrupt mention of violence caught Shiron off guard. He had no intention of assassinating Austin and coughed awkwardly to conceal his brief moment of panic before attempting to steer the conversation back on track.
I think they might opt for fabricating evidence, accusing their adversary of devil worship. Once they expose a demon and name the opponent, the situation would escalate.
Shiron locked eyes with Deviale, who seemed piqued by the idea.
Therefore, I propose we offer surveillance under the guise of protection.
They could not only monitor Austin under the pretense of suspicion but also, if they volunteered to serve as his escorts, he would be unable to decline. This was particularly true considering he was likely struggling to find rest with the threat of an unseen demon looming over him.
If they could secure Victors position in the interim, the path to victory would be all but certain.