Sang couldn’t believe Ian’s words.

‘Follow and serve under him?’

Abandon Crown Prince Leonic and take Ian’s hand? Everything Ian had said so far was difficult to accept.

‘Someone pulling the strings behind the Cantum imperial family? That even Crown Prince Leonic was merely a pawn?’

It seemed absurd. The Cantum royal family, said to be the most powerful on the continent, couldn’t possibly be controlled by just one person. And the Seven Sins?

‘That’s just outdated nonsense—something straight out of legends.’

The idea of deliberately starting a war and using the bloodshed to awaken the Seven Sins was ridiculous. Anyone would dismiss it as pure fantasy. And yet—

‘Why? Why do his words resonate with me…?’

Everything Ian had done made it difficult to believe he was lying. It wasn’t just because he had defeated Sang. Even now, at this very moment, he could see it.

“All troops, defensive formation!”

“Yes, sir!”

Blocking the Seventh Prince’s army on their path to the Imperial City were the forces of the Second Prince. Yet Ian was handling them with ease.

“Shield-bearers to the front! Cavalry on both flanks—distract the enemy!”

“Sir Ian! Please wait, our formation isn’t—”

“We can’t afford to waste any more time. I’ll handle it.”

He led from the front, ahead of all his soldiers. Even when retreating to take advantage of the terrain, he stayed at the rear, holding the enemies back.

“Everyone, keep moving forward! I’ll handle the rear!”

“Supreme Commander, it’s too dangerous!”

“Luring them in is something I can handle alone. Go! I’ll buy us time.”

Thanks to Ian’s efforts, some were injured, but there were no casualties. The skirmishes continued, but—

“He’s incredible.”

“He saved us…”

Ian continued to lead and care for his soldiers until the end. He exuded a presence that belied his young age. But that wasn’t all.

“Supreme Commander, what should we do with the injured?”

In Cantum, injured soldiers were rarely treated with mercy. More often than not, they were left behind so the army could advance. But Ian was different.

“What do you mean? Treat the injured and exclude them from battle until they recover.”

“But that will slow down our advance.”

“What does that matter? Not a single soldier is to be left behind. No commander abandons his men.”

Ian’s sharp gaze silenced the commander’s objections. And, believing that words alone were not enough, he personally took care of the wounded. He entered the ragged infirmary—a place no commander had ever set foot in.

“Are you feeling alright?”

“S-Supreme Commander? How did you come to such a shabby place…?”

“Don’t get up. Focus on recovering—you need to return home, don’t you?”

“Th… Thank you, Supreme Commander.”

Before anyone realized it, Ian had become one with the soldiers. He personally distributed rations and assisted in tending to the wounded.

“This herb works best for this kind of wound.”

“This… herb?”

“It’s from Kaistein. It’s specifically used to treat sword wounds.”

Despite his youth, Ian had an extensive knowledge of medicine. His skill in treating injuries made others wonder just how much experience he had. Thanks to him, more and more soldiers overcame their wounds and returned to the battlefield.

The commanders were stunned.

“My god. Despite all these battles, our numbers haven’t decreased.”

“And the march isn’t slowing down much either. The soldiers are voluntarily increasing their speed.”

“Is it because they now believe they won’t be left to die? Or is it…”

His power? The thought crossed every commander’s mind.

Sang felt it too. Ian was truly fit to be a king. He clenched his teeth.

‘This is the kind of crown prince I had hoped for. And yet… was the prince I followed all this time nothing but a lie?’

If the enemy’s power was real… If everyone, including Crown Prince Leonic, was being manipulated… Then holding onto Leonic’s hand would mean deceiving himself.

Sang’s resolve wavered.

‘He says he’ll keep his promise to me…?’

No one had ever done that before. He had believed only Crown Prince Leonic could make it happen. But now, his heart was gradually leaning toward Ian.

At that moment, a knight approached.

“Hey, you look like you’ve got a lot on your mind.”

“You are…?”

“I’m Nathan, Lord Ian’s right-hand man.”

T/N: I used “Lord” instead of “His Highness” because Nathan was cautious about concealing Ian’s status as a prince.

Sang tilted his head.

“Aren’t you mistaken? I thought the right-hand man was Sir Galon over there.”

“Wh— Who’s spreading such nonsense?! I’m the right-hand man!”

Nathan shouted in frustration before quickly regaining his composure. He flashed a lighthearted smile, but Sang eyed him suspiciously.

“Don’t tell me… Are you still suspicious of me?”

“No, but…?”

“You seemed troubled, so I thought I’d help you out a bit.”

“Help me?”

Nathan leaned in and whispered,

“You’re torn, aren’t you? Wondering whether or not to take his hand.”

“!”

Sang was stunned. That had been a private conversation between him and Ian. How had this man overheard it when he wasn’t even nearby? But Nathan carried on, unfazed.

“Actually, that person is… someone of extremely high status.”

“Anyone with eyes can see that.”

Sang scoffed. Ian’s leadership in battle and his ability to command were far beyond that of a commoner. He carried himself with the dignity of nobility—no, of royalty. At the very least, Ian had revealed that he was from Kaistein.

‘There’s only one person from Kaistein with that name—Ian, the Seventh Prince of Kaistein, who defeated Crown Prince Leonic.’

Sang had heard rumors that Ian was once of humble birth, but he didn’t believe them.

“If he’s royalty, he must have been trained in the art of kingship from a young age. How else could he command like that?”

“Is that really so? Until recently, he was a mere serf.”

“That must have been a disguise. How else could someone his age possess such tactical and medical knowledge? It must be a scheme orchestrated by the Kaistein royal family…”

At those words, Nathan’s eyes curved like a crescent moon. With a slightly teasing tone, he replied,

“I don’t think so. I was the one who brought him in when he was still a serf.”

“What are you saying…?”

“It means that until just a few years ago, he truly was a serf. He hasn’t been back in his rightful place for long.”

“Then… how do you explain the way he is now?”

“We’re just as surprised as you are. He learned and mastered everything himself. You could say he was born with it.”

“!”

Sang’s eyes widened. How could such a thing even be possible?

‘Was he educated from the moment he was in the womb?’

Or perhaps the bloodline of royalty was simply different from birth.

For a moment, disbelief clouded Sang’s expression. No matter how extraordinary a person was, this should have been impossible.

After all, a serf was no different from a slave—completely deprived of education.

‘And yet, a mere serf carries the knowledge of kingship as if it were second nature? Even the village fool wouldn’t believe such nonsense…’

He had no choice but to ask.

“Did he reincarnate or something?”

“Well? I wouldn’t know.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve been by his side since he was a serf, and I still can’t believe it. Would it be any different for anyone else?”

“?”

Sang was dumbfounded.

But Nathan, his voice tinged with self-deprecation, continued,

“But one thing is certain. I have served him since his days as a serf. And I witnessed him reclaim his rightful place with my own eyes.”

“…”

Sang hesitated.

“So why are you telling me this?”

Was it out of loyalty to his lord? To prove that Ian was so extraordinary that he should be followed without question? But that wasn’t Nathan’s intent.

“I want you to understand that he rose on his own, despite enduring tragedies you couldn’t even imagine. And even now, he continues to carve out his future with his own hands.”

“That’s…”

“And one more thing. The tragedies weren’t just limited to you.”

“?”

Nathan lowered his voice so that no one else could hear.

“Have you ever heard about the return of the Adria ducal family of Kaistein?”

“!”

Sang’s eyes widened. Thanks to the merchants from Kaistein who frequently visited the trade city, he had heard rumors about the country.

In particular, the most intriguing story was about the Adria family, who had returned after driving out the powerful Garcia family.

“But they haven’t been reinstated yet.”

“They will be soon. Their power is already no different from that of a ducal family.”

“What’s the reason for telling me this? Are you implying that, since there’s a family in Kaistein with a history similar to mine, I should simply trust him?”

“Not quite. But… who do you think made that happen?”

“Could it be…”

“Yes. It was all because of him. It was a result of the promise between Aria Reese, the current head of the Adria family, and Lord Ian.”

“!”

Before Sang even realized it, Nathan had straightened his posture, shedding his usual lighthearted demeanor.

Sang felt his mind reeling—not because of the knight’s sudden change in attitude, but because of the sheer weight of his words.

“Is that even possible?”

Restoring a fallen noble house was difficult, even for a king. Doing so meant admitting past mistakes and risking backlash from other vassals. No ruler would allow such a thing easily.

And yet, a mere prince had accomplished it?

‘Could it be that he is…’

Sang’s eyes darted urgently toward Ian.

Noticing this, Nathan whispered,

“Whatever choice you make, he will keep his promise. So make sure you’re certain.”

“…”

Sang’s expression hardened—not because of Ian’s guarantee that he would fulfill his promise, but because he had now heard proof that Ian was someone who could make such promises a reality.

As he continued watching Ian’s back, lost in thought—

Knock. Knock.

Someone was looking for him just as he returned to his tent for a brief rest.

“You… could it be?”

“It has been a while, Lord Sang. I bring a message from His Highness, Crown Prince Leonic.”

“…”

Sang took the letter with trembling hands.

The handwriting on it was unmistakably Leonic’s.

[I need the head of Ian Kaistein, the Seventh Prince—not the Seventh Imperial Prince. My loyal subject.]

Sang’s hands shook as he stared at the words. With a trembling voice, he turned to the messenger.

“Is what’s written in this letter true?”

“Of course. His Highness demands that man’s head.”

Sang’s grip tightened. He looked as if he had never expected to receive such an order.

After a moment of silence, he finally nodded.

“I understand. Everything shall be done according to the will of the Crown Prince.”

“I shall deliver your response to His Highness.”

As the messenger departed, Sang’s expression darkened. He took out a dagger and carefully put it in his arms. And he went to find Ian.

Knock. Knock.

“Lord Ian, I have something to discuss with you.”

“Come in.”

Ian turned around just as Sang entered the room.

Slowly, Sang approached him—his hand reaching for the dagger hidden in his arms.

***

After numerous twists and turns, the First Princess finally stepped into the Imperial City. She lowered her head respectfully before the Emperor.

“Irene Kaistein, Supreme Commander of Kaistein, greets Your Majesty.”

The Emperor, his face pallid with illness, merely regarded her in silence. Instead, the eunuchs beside him spoke in his stead.

“Kaistein’s reinforcements, you say?”

“We sent word long ago, yet you send troops only now? Truly, what a complacent nation.”

“And a mere fifty thousand? What good will that do?”

The eunuchs cast disdainful glances at the First Princess. However, Irene remained composed and unwavering.

“Kaistein is currently at war. It has barely been any time since the conflict with Bahara ended. This is all that Kaistein can spare.”

Her sharp gaze bore into the eunuchs, silently reminding them that Cantum had stabbed Kaistein in the back during the Bahara war. Yet despite that betrayal, Kaistein had still sent an army to aid them—they ought to be grateful.

Flustered, the eunuchs quickly tried to defend themselves.

“That was merely Crown Prince Leonic’s misjudgment. It does not reflect the true will of Cantum.”

“His Majesty considers Kaistein an allied nation. That is why the Crown Prince was dethroned.”

They were grasping at straws, desperately trying to diminish Kaistein’s significance.

Then—

Bang!

The grand doors of the throne room swung open with a thunderous crash. A man with a rugged countenance strode in.

“Your Majesty, your son has arrived!”

It was the Second Prince—the newly appointed Crown Prince.

The eunuchs seethed with anger.

“How dare you be so disrespectful before His Majesty, Crown Prince!”

“Show some respect!”

But the Second Prince was unfazed. His gaze flickered toward the First Princess, scrutinizing her with an unsettling intensity before shifting his attention to the Emperor.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I was slightly delayed.”

“Hmm…”

The Second Prince showed little regard for the Emperor, already carrying himself as though the throne were his by right. Instead of addressing his father, he turned his attention to Irene.

“So? You’ve come from Kaistein? To assist me? I am truly grateful.”

A cold and dirty gaze, like that of a snake, swept over the First Princess’s body. The commanders accompanying the First Princess stiffened in fury.

“That… that bastard.”

“Even if he’s the Crown Prince, how dare he look at Her Highness like that…!”

They were on the verge of losing their composure, but Irene swiftly intervened.

“Hold your tongues.”

“But, Your Highness—”

“Do not be provoked by the enemy. We are in their stronghold.”

With that, she stepped forward.

“We have come to aid the Cantum Empire and His Majesty the Emperor. We are not here to serve the Crown Prince.”

Her words were razor-sharp. The Second Prince let out a low chuckle.

“I understand. But in the end, I will be the one sitting on that throne. There’s no need for such wordplay, is there?”

“What do you mean—”

“I will claim the throne soon enough. There is no need to consider anyone else. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”

The Emperor, faced with the Second Prince’s unwavering stance, remained silent. In truth, he seemed incapable of speech.

“Ugh…”

A strained groan was the only sound he could muster, his gaze unfocused. Seizing the moment, the Second Prince curved his lips into a victorious smirk.

“That’s merely the Second Prince’s perspective. In the end, we’ll have to see who truly claims the throne, won’t we?”

A new voice echoed through the room as another figure stepped inside. The Second Prince’s expression darkened, his voice laced with irritation.

“You again…?”

“Kaistein has sent reinforcements. Naturally, I came to welcome them.”

The First Imperial Princess, Seirin, had arrived unnoticed, quietly observing the exchange. The two figures—both contenders for the throne—locked eyes, tension crackling between them.

Then—

A new announcement echoed through the hall.

“The Seventh Prince As and his Supreme Commander have arrived!”

Once again, the grand doors swung open. The final player in the throne war had arrived.

The Second Prince’s expression darkened.

‘I stationed so many soldiers along the way… yet he arrived so soon. That means the rumored man must be with him.’

But something felt off. As he observed the two figures approaching the Emperor, confusion flickered across his face.

As stepped forward first, bowing his head respectfully.

“I have arrived, Your Majesty. My apologies for the delay.”

And the man beside him followed suit.

“The Seventh Prince’s Supreme Commander, Sang, greets Your Majesty.”

The Second Prince’s eyes widened in recognition. He knew Sang well. But more importantly—

That troublesome man, Ian, was nowhere to be seen.

Author's Thoughts

Haha, the author sure changes names as they please. It was Chloe Kaistein before, and now it's Irene. 🤦‍♀️