Chapter 75: Talonfeather (2)
Louis von Arkheim.
His face consumed my gaze as I sifted through my memories of him.
His gentle smile sparked an almost visceral disgust within me. My acting prowess saved me from betraying my feelings.
But why?
Because should this exceptional young man succeed his sister Penelope to the imperial throne, humanity's fate would be sealed in Tahalin and other yet unconquered eastern territories.
Louis von Arkheim is a despot.
Despite his ancestry's illustrious past, his family descended into decadence, and he embodied this corruption from the outset.
However, perhaps 'madman' isn't the proper term.
Indeed, the Imperial family lacks decent individuals, barring Penelope.
He sired nearly two dozen children, yet none possessed any virtue.
Vying for their positions within the Inner Lunatic, they've crowned numerous emperors, all of whom have manipulated the populace for their own gain.
Contrarily, Penelope, though hardened into a "cold-blooded princess," has a glimmer of redemption. I resolved to aid her ascension to the throne.
A heroine, after all, must transition from good to evil, and then return to goodness in the end. Therefore, Penelope must become the empress.
This I had decided.
Yet, for this fleeting moment, I needed to somehow extend my support to that accursed first prince, Louis.
I sought an opportunity to bathe in the Arkriver, for he was a harbinger of chaos.
'Use it or lose it.'
I quickly deduced.
Releasing my trembling hand, I scanned the room and bowed to the Emperor, seeking his understanding.
Turning to Prince Louis, I spoke,
"Your father places immense trust in you, First Prince. He relies on you politically."
"Ha, I hope so. My father is overburdened and tired from his royal duties, so he's retreated from politics somewhat. That's why I've stepped in as his representative."
'The reality may be that he's done something to Esteban, or perhaps seized power while Esteban floundered, but that's irrelevant.'
The only thing of import was the present power dynamics.
Just as I pondered, Penelope behind me interjected, her eyes narrowing,
"My brother, even as the Emperor's agent, opening the Arkriver is a significant decision. To take such a step without our father's counsel is…"
"My father has implicitly allowed it."
Louis's words chilled the room, starkly contrasting his sister's concern. He crossed his arms and met her gaze.
"How can you show such disregard for a benefactor who saved your life? Laws are rooted in gratitude and honesty. Moreover, I need to remind you of an essential truth.
You're not my representative. That implies you've no authority in politics."
"…"
Penelope and Echidna were left speechless.
Indeed, Princess Penelope had a solid claim to the succession. Yet… it was also clear that she lagged behind Prince Louis at this juncture.
This made challenging him an increasingly delicate task.
I stopped her at the most opportune moment.
The things I've relayed about her succession prospects are purely based on future events.
Therefore, her present circumstance won't be very appealing. I can't help but empathize.
"I'm in your debt."
"Haha! At least we can converse, right? You won't access Arkiver until tomorrow, anyway. So how about indulging in a little duel with me today?"
"By dueling, you mean…"
"Exactly. Nox, I don't know about you, but your academy feats have reached my ears more than once. I wish to witness them myself."
What in the world is this?
The very idea of… has lost its meaning.
I'm in a tight spot.
I now understand that the prince perceives me as the maiden did.
They both want to see me unravel.
As a spy for the dark side and as a proficient individual.
As a skilled person, I possess the self-assuredness to utilize my abilities.
* * *
"Princess, are you well?"
Within her quarters was the Imperial Princess.
Echidna inquired, a worried look etched on her face.
Penelope was there, holding her head, moaning about a headache.
She hadn't appeared this way when Nox's placation attempt had failed earlier, but… this was a perilous situation, to say the least.
A place that offers no solace.
This was the capital city of the Empire, the Imperial Palace.
"The First Prince. I was aware that Louis von Arkheim was amassing power… but I hadn't anticipated his attempt to strip Princess Penelope of her resources in such a manner.
I should have verified his return to the capital castle."
Echidna chided herself.
Meanwhile, Princess Penelope's thoughts were far from rosy.
'Nox von Reinhafer… what on earth is he planning? He's in danger, and so is his companion. Everyone's at risk.
Princess Penelope was a woman of ambition. She desired to dethrone her brother, claim the empress title, and save innumerable lives.
She was the empathetic Penelope.
To achieve this, she had recently made a significant decision.
She had chosen to enroll in Eldain, lure the best resources to her side, and establish a power base that would enable her to topple her brother and ascend the throne herself.
In this endeavor, attracting top talent was crucial.
She had resolved to align at least the class's top rankers with her cause.
To foster mutual growth, forge alliances, amass power, and sway them to her side.
… However, one issue presented itself.
The greatest prodigy among Eldain's freshmen was none other than Nox von Reinhafer.
He was a descendant of the third generation of the Dark Houses and had links to the Holy Family.
His demeanor suggested that he acknowledged no one but himself.
Defiant of all, including the princess herself, he makes a spectacle of himself at every opportunity. Recently, they discovered him in the dressing room with the young Miss Steiner, although she is his betrothed.
In many respects, Nox is a troublemaker.
Yet.
'Nevertheless, if he's essential and can benefit the empire, we must recruit him.'
Penelope made this decision.
While Echidna resisted accepting Nox, she supported Penelope's resolution if it would elevate Penelope further.
She could strike a deal with the devil.
"But I erred, and Nox refused my proposal."
"I beg to differ," I interjected, "I suspect our family name is the reason. Theo von Reinhaber, as loath as he is to confess, is a magnate, and it's likely that my father's influence extends to him too."
"Even so, if he's so close to my brother… my true brother… why is his demeanor towards me so frosty?"
It's baffling.
Anyone else would kowtow at the mere mention of an imperial offspring.
But he never does.
Nox von Reinhafer.
He conducts himself with unwavering dignity and self-assuredness.
Like a seer from a fairy tale who foresees the future.
Yet.
That doesn't imply I'll idly watch him ally with my brother, the prospective tyrant.
Penelope's face tightened, her expression icy.
"Echidna, if Nox were to align with my brother… I would eliminate him, regardless of his past deeds. After all, if he is to be my adversary in the future… I think I must."
"…Yes."
"And if you find my actions repugnant, you're free to abandon me."
"No. Didn't I pledge to stand by you, to be your sword, even if magic becomes my area of expertise?"
With that, Echidna delivered a quip that elicited no laughter.
After today's duel, Nox would face a grave threat from either of them.
Either Louis would unveil his intentions and execute him.
Or an assassin sent by Princess Penelope would.
In either scenario, his fate seems out of his control.
Penelope brooded over this, loathing the circumstances fervently.
And thus, the persona of the Princess, known as the Benevolent, began to fracture.
* * *
__________________
[Basic Info]
Name: Louis von Arkheim
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Race: Human
Primary Element: Lightning
Achievements: -.
[Traits].
Positives: [Sword and martial arts proficiency]
Neutral: [Perceptive]
Negatives: [Arrogance] / [Disdain] / [Determination] / [Nobility]
[Stats].
Physique: 13
MP: 11
Luck: 6
Willpower: 7
Charm: 16
[Skills].
Passive Skills: -.
Active Skills: [Arkheim Empire Sword – Basic].
__________________
Am I afraid?
Should someone pose that question, the only honest response would be a resounding 'yes'. I mean, the situation is terrifyingly dire.
I stand in a hexagonal arena, facing Louis, the First Prince.
The floor consists of shock-absorbing material, but what difference does it make when my adversary wields a real sword?
This floor holds little significance, especially when he's at least five years my senior and an Eldain alumnus.
At least, I wouldn't voice this if we were on equal footing.
However, regrettably, I can't spar with Louis under the same conditions.
Wield a genuine sword in a duel against the Emperor's First Prince?
That's more than a menace to the imperial lineage.
Immediate charges of attempted assassination wouldn't surprise me.
Hence, the First Prince.
Louis is intentionally using me as his pawn.
Surrender to him and lose.
Or let me triumph, so he can boast about conquering the nation's rising star.
In essence, he desires a trophy.
He also plans to exploit this to boost his influence more swiftly and intimidate me.
Perhaps he envisions absorbing Reinhafer into his faction and declaring himself the Emperor of the Empire.
I must prevent that.
– Emperor, reveal to the rampaging dark urchin the power of the divine!
– Divine punishment! Let divine punishment befall him!
– How dare a darkling vermin stand tall before the First Prince!
I disregarded the chants of the Empire's loyalists echoing around me.
For the record, my weapon is a wooden sword. It's not the most effective for inflicting damage.
"I apologize for the wooden sword, but given my father's condition… the empire can't function without me."
Louis chuckled as he drew his father's authentic sword.
By the way, it's not just his armaments that are superior.
He dons an orb-like armor offering an exceptional physical defense. Naturally, it's melee-proof.
While vulnerable to magic, it's unparalleled in close combat protection, even with money. At least, not until the publication of Lars' thesis.
"I'll do my best, but don't fret excessively."
"You're very considerate."
I lifted my wooden sword.
A surge of mana bursts forth, radiating hostility toward my adversary.
A memory surfaces. The first time I found myself in this game, I confronted Allen and the Hartz brothers.
Even then, I was playing for keeps.
I knew too well that failure to make it to the main story would mean death. So, I honed my focus and emerged victorious.
But the current conditions are overwhelmingly ridiculous.
You're supposed to have some game advantage, but this feels like playing the Emperor's game.
My odds of winning are practically null.
From my earlier insight, I know that the Emperor's strength is already knight-specialized. While his magical skills leave much to be desired, he already holds a power advantage.
A battle under these circumstances would likely end in my defeat.
-Waaaaaah!
-Prince, look this way!
All those fanatic believers and imperialistic lunatics seem indifferent to the outcome.
And a future tyrant stands before me.
Now, how do I address this predicament?
"If either party falls, or utters surrender, the duel will conclude."
So mocks the knight of the Imperial House.
"I harbor no grievances against the rules, yet… with nothing at stake, it's slightly dull.
Prince Louis. Why not place a bet on the duel's outcome?"
"A bet… I'm intrigued. What sort of bet?"
"Revealing it in advance would spoil the excitement, so let's agree the winner gets to make a modest request of the loser."
"Hmm, that's appealing, not dull, and sounds fair. I accept."
The prince casually agreed to my proposition. However, I suspect his actual feelings diverge.
After all, he could assert his power to control me if he wished.
Yet, he accepted the wager, just for amusement's sake.
"I'm impulsive. I'll disclose my request now. Does that work?"
"Sure."
"If I triumph in the duel, you will serve me. Nox von Reinhafer… no, relinquish Reinhafer and consolidate power under me."
"…Or not."
"Prior to the duel, we grant one another the right to employ any means necessary. However, you may not kill each other.
Now, begin!"
As the knight tasked with moderating the duel declared the commencement, I maxed out my senses.
Whoosh!
(huung!)
Following the "Begin" command, I see the First Prince's sword dart toward my neck.
I then made the best judgment possible at that moment.
"If I can't deflect that, I don't even qualify as a hunting dog.
I deflect the blade with a nimble spin and a smirk.
Then, I steady my breathing and channel my power into my short sword.
Not a wooden sword, but a short sword. The reasoning was simple.
'Because only one method can penetrate that rigid nonsensical armor.'
[The artifact 'Superlative Orb of the Archmage ???' illuminates].
[User name registered].
['Nox von Reinhafer'. The artifact independently remembers its second owner].
[Your low to mid-level magic efficiency significantly improves].
[Temporarily enhances your magic power levels].
[Activates the 'Magic Missile' skill].
Wooooow!
(kwaaaang!)
First Prince Louis coughed as he retreated. The enveloping surge of magic power created a tempest, shocking him even as he backed away.
His eyes quivered.
"What is this… weren't you a swordsman…?"
"Didn't you state any means were permissible?"
I retorted with a bitter laugh and loaded dozens of Basic Magic [Magic Missiles]. An act I shouldn't have even contemplated without a high magic level.
But I was fearless.
The [Mana Sensitivity Genius] trait empowered me to perform such ludicrous feats.
"Then, let's commence."
Bamamamamam!
(kwagwagwagwang!)
The magic missiles hit the ground, relentlessly hammering the prince's armor.
"Buawah…!"
("keueub…!")
Bang, bang, bang, bang!
(kwang! kwang! kwang!)
The prince's prized armor pounded, damage accumulating over time.
I kept up my relentless onslaught. How could he not concede after this?
I pondered.
Meanwhile, Imperial Princess Penelope and Echidna observed the duel.
Echidna glanced at Nox and murmured under her breath.
"That... maniac...."
As mentioned earlier, Nox was undeniably a madman. Otherwise, he wouldn't have unleashed his magic on the prince, dishonoring him.
But amid the chaos, they conceived an idea as outlandish as Nox's.
They weren't sure, but one thing was clear.
Echidna and Penelope.
The two women reveled in Nox's pounding of Louis. Their gazes intersected for a fleeting moment.
I cleared my throat, yet couldn't suppress a laugh at the amusing spectacle.
A rejuvenating smile spread across her face, not characteristic of a princess constantly on guard against rogues.
One thing was now evident.
For the moment, at least, Nox would serve as a buffer between her and her brother.
Neither of them was affiliated with any faction.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone