As As and Sang made their entrance, the Second Prince observed them with a curious glint in his eyes.

“Oh? You’re the supreme commander? That’s not what I heard.”

With a sneer, the Second Prince fixed his sharp gaze on As and Sang, pressing them for answers. He was clearly searching for the rumored individual.

But As, maintaining a relaxed expression, replied, “I had to hide him somewhere safe—just in case my brother had his sights on him.”

“You think hiding him means I won’t find him?”

“Well, I suppose we won’t know until you try.”

“You little…!”

The Second Prince growled under his breath but quickly regained his composure, speaking in a nonchalant tone.

“What a shame. I was hoping to meet the one who amused me in person.”

He spoke like a true heir to the throne, as if the man’s presence—or absence—was of little consequence to his inevitable rise. As his amusement faded, he turned to the First Imperial Princess.

“Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I wouldn’t know. I have no interest in the matter.”

“Oh? But he’s the very one who dethroned your dear brother, the former Crown Prince.”

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

A tense staring contest ensued between the Second Prince and the First Imperial Princess—a battle of wits as they attempted to gauge each other’s intentions. Yet, the Second Prince held the overwhelming advantage.

“Show some respect to the Crown Prince, Your Highness, the First Imperial Princess.”

“If you continue like this, we will have no choice but to resort to force.”

Clank!

At the Second Prince’s command, knights and ministers surged forward in unison, a blatant display of his dominant influence within the court. But the balance of power shifted almost immediately.

“Hohoho. His Majesty the Emperor is present. Put down your swords, everyone.”

“How disgraceful, showing such disrespect to the First Princess. If this continues, we will be forced to act as well.”

The eunuchs aligned themselves with the First Princess. As if prearranged, the court instantly split into two opposing factions. The Second Prince’s eyebrows twitched at the sight.

“These leeches…”

“Oh? Are you referring to us, His Majesty the Emperor’s loyal subjects? I’m disappointed, Second Prince.”

“Not ‘Second Prince’—Crown Prince! You insolent fools!”

The situation was spiraling into chaos—knights and ministers backing the Second Prince, while the First Imperial Princess stood firm with the support of the eunuchs. Just as the tension reached its peak—

“Hehehe.”

Behind the First Princess of Kaistein, someone was quietly grinning.

Leonic Cant, disguised as a mere servant, was watching everything unfold.

‘I knew you could do it, Sang.’

Ian was nowhere to be seen. That alone convinced Leonic that Sang’s assassination had been successful. Of course, it wouldn’t have been easy. Sang’s arm was bandaged—evidence of the struggle.

‘That’s not the only proof.’

Leonic also noticed that As, despite his outward calm, was trembling slightly.

‘The makeup hides your pale complexion well, As, but the cold sweat on your forehead gives you away.’

His youngest sibling still had much to learn. That thought made Leonic smile. It was no surprise—the ever-loyal Sang had carried out the deed flawlessly.

Just then, a subordinate slipped out of the shadows and whispered beside him.

“I confirmed that Lord Sang secretly entered his tent late at night…”

Leonic had issued the order himself, but he trusted no one completely—not even his own men. That was why he had them observe Sang in secret.

“And after that?”

“There was a brief commotion. It seems Sir Sang feigned an assassination attempt before stabbing himself to make it look convincing.”

“Good. That’s more than enough.”

With Ian out of the way, nothing stood in Leonic’s path.

‘It’s a shame the prophecy about me becoming Emperor is lost… but it can’t be helped.’

As the confrontation between the Second Prince and the First Imperial Princess grew more heated, Leonic decided it was time to slip away. He had come here with a purpose, and he intended to see it through. But before he could leave, Kaistein’s knights—loyal to the First Princess—stepped forward, blocking his path.

“Stop. Where do you think you’re going?”

“It will soon be your turn to step up.”

The knights’ expressions were resolute. They clenched their fists, making it clear they wouldn’t let him move a step further. But Leonic only smirked.

“I have somewhere to be.”

“That’s impossible. The First Princess has ordered you to—”

Thwack! Thwack!

Before the knights could finish, they were struck down.

Despite their physical training and oaths that strengthened them, they had been subdued in an instant—by the eunuchs.

“Get rid of them discreetly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Moving with quiet efficiency, the eunuchs swiftly dragged the unconscious knights behind a pillar, out of sight. Turning back to Leonic, they smiled.

“Crown Prince, you should go now.”

“Thank you. I won’t forget this.”

“Haha. How could we doubt that?”

The eunuchs had always been loyal to Leonic’s faction. Though they had wavered slightly in his absence, now that he had returned, their loyalty was absolute. Meanwhile, the Second Prince and the First Imperial Princess were too engrossed in their conflict to notice anything else. Even the First Royal Princess was wholly focused on the battle.

No one realized that two knights had vanished.

“I’ll be stepping out for a moment.”

“We’ll handle everything in your absence.”

The eunuchs brought forward a servant who resembled Leonic. In an instant, they switched places, and without anyone noticing, Leonic disappeared into a hidden passage.

***

As the conflict between the Second Prince and the First Imperial Princess intensified, Seventh Prince As grew increasingly anxious.

“Are you sure this is okay, Sang?”

“Now is the time for patience.”

“Haa… but…”

The atmosphere was rapidly deteriorating. The opposing factions—knights and ministers supporting the Second Prince versus the First Imperial Princess and her eunuchs—had drawn their battle lines. If this continued, bloodshed seemed inevitable.

“Our knights alone won’t be able to handle all of them.”

“Yet we cannot withdraw either. Their eyes are fixed on us.”

“Then what do you propose we do?”

“Wait.”

Despite Sang’s reassurance, As’s anxiety did not subside.

“Is Sir Ian really unable to wake up?”

“Yes. He won’t be able to for the time being.”

“Ugh…”

As struck his chest in frustration. Everything had unraveled the night before, when his supreme commander, Ian, was gravely injured in a sudden assassination attempt.

“Who could have done this…?”

The culprits were obvious. The ones standing before him—the Second Prince and the First Imperial Princess—were the prime suspects.

“How can they be so shameless…?”

They had likely sent the assassins themselves, yet they now feigned concern for Ian’s well-being. Their audacity was infuriating. But that wasn’t the most pressing issue.

“Of all people, why did it have to be him…?”

Ian’s loyal knights were guarding him closely now, but it wasn’t enough. Only Sang and a few others were left to protect him. As could only sigh.

“I’ll trust only my acting commander.”

“Understood.”

Sang responded briefly, but inwardly, he was anything but at ease. He couldn’t shake off the unsettling feeling in his gut.

‘The Crown Prince…’

He had witnessed the covert events taking place behind the First Royal Princess. He alone had noticed the two knights collapsing and disappearing. Unlike the others, his attention remained fixed on the First Royal Princess’s faction.

‘Did I make the right choice?’

His mind drifted back to the previous night, to the moment he entered Ian’s tent.

Knock. Knock.

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

“Come in.”

Ian wasn’t facing the entrance. His back was fully exposed as he concentrated on something before him. Sang stepped forward cautiously.

‘His weapons and armor are on the table. He’s completely unguarded.’

The knights who had been stationed to protect him were nowhere in sight. Then, a voice reached Sang’s ear.

“So. Have you made your decision?”

Sang remained silent, gripping the dagger hidden in his sleeve. He took another step closer.

Ian spoke again, as if sensing his presence.

“Still undecided? Or were you ordered to do this?”

“…!”

He knew. But how? Sang’s breath caught in his throat. After a brief pause, he finally managed to speak.

“You knew?”

“I noticed a little rat sneaking in.”

In the first place, spies couldn’t enter his tent, which had the power of Jealousy. He had known but had done nothing, as if he were waiting to see what Sang would do.

Sang’s expression darkened.

“Do you trust me?”

“No. I don’t.”

“Then why…?”

Why leave himself vulnerable like this?

Ian let out a quiet chuckle.

“If you’re someone who ignores the truth before your eyes, then I don’t need you either.”

His words weren’t laced with mockery—they carried a deeper, more personal weight. It was as if he were speaking to a reflection of his past self.

Sang’s dagger hovered just above Ian’s back. But his hand wouldn’t move, as if something invisible restrained him.

“You’re really… just going to stay like that?”

“Well. I’ve been betrayed before by someone I trusted… but this time, I’ve decided to believe.”

“…”

Sang’s fingers trembled. At any moment, the blade could pierce Ian’s flesh. Yet, he hesitated.

“I… I must follow the Crown Prince’s orders.”

“Even though he doesn’t care about you in the slightest?”

“What do you mean…?”

“You’re just a pawn to him. He’ll use you when he needs you and discard you when he doesn’t.”

“…”

Ian knew Sang’s fate. In his previous life, Sang had died taking the blame for all of Leonic’s crimes. But Sang bit his lip and stood firm.

“I know. But I believe Prince Leonic will build a better country.”

This wasn’t just about revenge against the eunuchs. The Crown Prince had given him a purpose—had raised him, shaped him into who he was. Even if it meant betraying As, his loyalty to Leonic was unwavering. He wanted to help create a kingdom where no one would suffer as he and his family had.

‘Prince Leonic can do it.’

That was why he was willing to risk everything. But Ian, as if he had foreseen it all, spoke calmly.

“I acknowledge your loyalty. So hurry up and do it.”

“…”

Sang hesitated no longer. He raised his dagger—and struck.

Stab!

The blade pierced Ian’s back. From that moment on, Sang took on the role of Ian’s acting commander, eventually rising to the position of commander.

(Back to the present)

At this very moment—

“You should leave now, Your Highness. It’s becoming too dangerous.”

“Of course.”

As Leonic vanished into the secret passage, Sang turned back with a heavy heart. Once again, Leonic hadn’t even glanced his way. The moment he confirmed the mission’s success, he simply left to pursue his own agenda.

‘Again… just as he said.’

A bitter taste filled Sang’s mouth. Everything he had believed in—everything he had placed his faith in—now felt like a lie.

***

A shadow trailed behind Leonic.

“Where are you going now, Your Highness?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”

His destination was the Emperor’s chamber—a place where he had hidden something of great significance. For years, Leonic had secretly used the chamber for his own purposes.

“No matter how much the Second Prince stirs up trouble, once I retrieve my prize, none of it will matter.”

Leon had promised to restore his position, but Leonic scoffed at the thought.

‘I can’t trust those Kaistein bastards. I’ll handle this myself.’

Besides, Leon and Ian’s subordinates would be too preoccupied with the chaos unfolding elsewhere. That left only one thing hidden within the Emperor’s chamber.

“The Imperial Seal. Once it’s in my hands, this little game is over.”

The Second Prince’s faction was already under his control. And with the Imperial Seal in his possession, even those who had sided with the Second Prince would come crawling back.

All those years of playing the role of a warm, caring older brother—it had all led to this moment.

Upon reaching the Emperor’s chamber, Leonic turned to the Imperial Knights standing watch.

“Step aside.”

“Yes, my lord.”

As if they had been expecting him, the knights guarding the chamber obediently moved aside. Even the Imperial Army, sworn to serve only the Emperor, had long since fallen under his control. This place was already his in all but name. Things may have been different when Kaistein had captured him, but now that he had returned, it was time to reclaim what was rightfully his.

Creak.

Soon, the Emperor chamber’s door opened. Leonic strode inside as if entering his own room. His gaze settled on a worn-out bookcase, one that most would overlook.

Click!

Hidden within was the Imperial Seal, an item only the Emperor of Cantum had the right to wield. The seal bore a lavish engraving of a dragon—the proud symbol of Cantum. With a knowing look, Leonic reached out to claim it.

“Now… it’s time to take back what’s mine.”

It was at that very moment—

“Oh? So this is where you hid it?”

“!”

Leonic’s body tensed as he whirled around. Someone had dared to enter this space without permission. Such audacity was unforgivable. However, he found himself unable to act.

“Y-you…!”

“Nice to see you again. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Ian smiled brightly.

Author's Thoughts

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