The 9th Class Swordmaster: Blade of Truth

Chapter 282: Destination

“Quickly assess the current situation in the principality!”

“How can we still not know who is ruling the principality after the civil war has ended...?”

“What are the agents doing?!”

The empire’s meeting room was abuzz with people coming and going, as the aftermath of the civil war in the principality was causing great concern. Contrary to the experts’ prediction that the conflict between Tuli and Fran would drag on, the civil war had ended abruptly.

However, what truly shocked the empire was the outcome—the death of Tuli Lurein and the fact that only Bonitos, the Sixth Duke, had survived out of the seven siblings. This left the empire reeling, especially when Bonitos relinquished his position shortly after, leaving the principality without a ruler.

“There’s less chaos than we expected,” someone remarked.

“There's talk that the immigrant tribes were involved in their civil war. Could it be that Fran really brought them in?”

“I don't know... I’ve met the Second Duke a few times. He came across as a proud duke, so the idea of him involving the immigrant tribes... Honestly, I find that hard to believe.”

In stark contrast to the bustling main meeting room, a quieter discussion unfolded in an adjoining chamber. Despite the commotion outside, it was clear from the faces around the table that the real decisions were being made here.

Chancellor Bryn Ennik, Court Sorcerer Kadin Luer, and the captain of the empire’s Seven Knight Orders, Belin Vallention—all three of them were present, their combined influence second only to the emperor himself.

“What do you think?”

All eyes in the room were focused on one person seated at the head of the table. Surprisingly, it was a young boy.

“It seems that we need to further investigate this civil war. The speech given on the last day of the funeral at the White Bunker is particularly noteworthy. I trust you are all aware of the reports on that?”

The boy was none other than Olivurn Shutean. Sitting naturally at the head of the table, he exuded authority, making one think that he had already become the true master of the empire.

“We must promptly investigate the MacGovern family,” Chancellor Bryn Ennik began.

“Hasn’t His Majesty already issued orders regarding that? You’re well aware that the MacGovern heirs are currently in Heim, the Holy City of the Church,” countered Kadin Luer.

“Not all of them. Isn’t there a MacGovern under your wing? Tiren MacGovern, the second son. I hear you favor him quite a bit... It’s only natural to be partial to your disciple, but you must separate public duty from personal feelings,” Bryn Ennik pressed, his tone sharp.

“How dare you...!” Kadin Luer frowned.

“You’re crossing the line, Chancellor.”

“Did I say anything untrue?”

Belin Vallention couldn't hide his discomfort as he tried to mediate the tense exchange. After all, they had once been supporters of Luon, the First Prince. Following the failure of the southern expedition and the subsequent framing of Luon for the poisoning of the Third Prince, Kromen, their influence had waned significantly.

During the mourning period, Luon’s supporters had gradually retreated, like a receding tide. The only person still holding onto hope was the empress, as she was trying to make a comeback through her brother, Marquis Vestal of the Wisteria Knights.

However, the knights who had already pledged their loyalty to Olivurn had no intention of following a figurehead leader like Marquis Vestal. This left the empress in a precarious situation, wary of worsening her relationship with Kadin Luer, who had backed Olivurn from the start.

“Even brothers can walk different paths. I hear Tiren has been gathering talented young minds to hold debates with Bran, the nephew of Viscount Harun. What a commendable initiative,” Belin Vallention remarked, unusually praising the Court Sorcerer.

“Hmph... Don’t praise others’ subordinates while neglecting your own. One of your men disappeared for months in the south, only to go straight to Heim upon return,” Chancellor Bryn Ennik retorted, now targeting the captain of the Seven Knight Orders.

That madman... If you’re going to back down, do it completely. The First Prince is already finished. Belin Vallention cast a sideways glance at the chancellor, annoyed by his half-hearted attempts at resistance.

Sensing what was running through Belin’s mind, Olivurn responded with a slight smile, “I understand your concerns. However, Heim is a place even the empire must tread carefully. It is a sacred site cherished by His Majesty... We will need to watch how things develop there.”

“But as for the family, I believe something must be done about Kuwell MacGovern,” one of the council members interjected.

“What grounds do we have to act against him? His son may be an issue, but Kuwell himself remains a loyal servant of the empire. He’s the continent’s greatest swordsman, and we should expect him to act accordingly. Picking up those strays, though...” Chancellor Bryn Ennik muttered, realizing too late that he had touched on a sensitive topic.

Tiren, the second son of the MacGovern family and a disciple of Kadin Luer, was also an adopted child of Kuwell. For the chancellor, a noble to his core, the idea of adopting children outside of bloodlines was difficult to accept.

“A-Ahem... What should we do, then?” the chancellor stammered, trying to recover.

“We need to clarify Kuwell’s position. The mourning period has ended, and Tatur must now be recognized as a legitimate power. If the immigrant tribes are indeed backing Karyl, that makes him an enemy of the empire.”

“We’ll need to see if Kuwell can draw his sword for the empire, even if it means standing against his own son,” another suggested.

“Or we could use him to take control of Tatur. It’s a strategic point at the center of the Fonein River, and from there, we could subdue the remaining Three Kingdoms of Istria,” the Chancellor proposed, eager to redeem himself after his earlier blunder.

“The Three Kingdoms of Istria are indeed at war, but the situation is precarious. Actually, there are four nations involved now. The army of Princess Viola, who declared independence from the Kingdom of Fenria, is rapidly conquering the other three.”

“With their forces weakened by war, this could be the perfect opportunity to strike. We might even be able to sway them to our side...” one member mused.

“That will be difficult. His Majesty has made it clear that he wants Karyl’s head,” Bryn Ennik reminded everyone, his words drawing a nod of agreement from Belin Vallention.

“The Titan Shutean we know will undoubtedly choose war.”

“Then we must prepare to march immediately. If Karyl truly has both the northern and southern heretics under his control...”

The faces of the three dukes hardened at the thought. Despite the blows dealt to the northern immigrant tribes by the Extermination Decree of Heresy, the unexpected death of Kromen had delayed the campaign, leaving many survivors.

“His Majesty has ordered that the affairs of the family be settled within the family. But if that proves impossible, he may intervene personally,” Chancellor Bryn Ennik stated.

“Is there a chance of betrayal?” Kadin Luer asked with evident concern.

“Sword Masters are still human at the end of the day. No matter how powerful one might be, there are limits. Kuwell MacGovern may possess extraordinary strength, but he cannot stand against thousands... no, tens of thousands of soldiers on his own. Even if he were to betray us, he wouldn’t pose a significant threat to the empire,” Belin Vallention said confidently.

“Still, it’s only right to give him a chance. I believe His Majesty has provided an opportunity for the family to resolve its personal matters,” Kadin Luer added.

Only the chosen could enter the Holy City of Heim, the outsiders oblivious as to what transpired within the city’s walls.

“If I may be so bold, Your Highness, what do you think we should do moving forward?”

The dukes turned their attention to Olivurn.

“I...” Olivurn began, his tone steady, showing that he had already made up his mind.

***

“This is it.”

As soon as Karyl returned to Tatur, Israphil quickly produced an image from his Superior Vision’s recorded scenes. Karyl, recognizing the familiar scenery of the Blood Cave, felt a wave of nostalgia as he took in the scene.

“Hmm, so this is Original Magic,” Karyl remarked as Israphil’s magical projection seemed to merge with his vision, giving him the vivid sensation that he was physically inside the Blood Cave. @@novelbin@@

“Yes, you can immerse yourself in the recorded scene. While you can perceive and even interact with the environment, they cannot detect us since it’s a recorded image,” Israphil explained.

“Impressive. This will be incredibly useful for espionage, allowing us to conduct a more detailed investigation of our surroundings,” Karyl noted.

“Indeed, Lady Dushala has already suggested using the Superior Vision in the empire and the Three Kingdoms of Istria,” Israphil added, nodding in agreement.

Karyl nodded in approval. “Good thinking. Now, show me what you’ve found.”

“This is it. Three people entering the Blood Cave... That one has to be Prince Olivurn, right?” Israphil asked, turning Karyl’s attention to the scene. The three figures entering the cave were all wearing white robes, but only two of them had their faces obscured.

Even without an explanation, Karyl understood the significance of the robes.

The Wooden Cloud...

However, as Karyl’s eyes fell on the boy visible in the magical projection, his expression hardened.

“Did Prince Olivurn really let his guard down by removing his hood right in front of the cave?” Israphil wondered aloud.

You bastard... Look at you.

“He did that on purpose,” Karyl scoffed, his tone tinged with irritation.

“W-What...?” Israphil was taken aback by Karyl’s response.

“He’s looking directly at us. Somehow, he knew we were watching and deliberately revealed his identity.”

“How... But why would he do that?”

“It’s obvious.”

“Come and find me”

Karyl immediately understood the message in Olivurn’s eyes. They had known each other too long for anything to be hidden between them.

“But I can’t identify the other two people. Although I’ve asked Lady Dushala to look into it...” Israphil trailed off.

“No need for that,” Karyl interrupted.

“What?”

“I have a pretty good idea as to who they are. One of them is from the Church. I’ve met him before.”

Israphil stared at Karyl in disbelief.

Joey Johansel.

Though his face was hidden under the robe, Karyl recognized the distinct gait and the movement of his shoulders. He had observed these traits of his during the time they spent together from the Church to the lair of the Flame Dragon.

But why is he there...?

It was unexpected, as Joey had never struck Karyl as someone particularly noteworthy. He had served as the emperor’s healer during his recovery at the Church. Karyl remembered first meeting him at the banquet hosted by Baron Beryl in the Three Kingdoms of Istria.

I had suspected a link between the emperor and the Wooden Cloud...

But it wasn’t quite right.

It wasn’t the emperor... Joey Johansel was Olivurn’s man all along. It wouldn’t be surprising if both were part of the Wooden Cloud.

Karyl had learned from Tuli that the Wooden Cloud had attempted to assassinate the emperor. Joey might not have been there to heal the emperor at all but rather to ensure his death.

Hiding behind that amiable face...

But Joey’s plan had failed due to Karyl’s intervention, leading them instead to the Flame Dragon’s lair to find a cure for the emperor.

This means the emperor might not be part of the Wooden Cloud after all.

That would also explain why the Wooden Cloud had attempted to poison the emperor once he had outlived his usefulness.

The puzzle pieces were coming together, but there was still one more person.

“Who is that...?" Karyl murmured, unable to identify the third figure beside Joey.

“What will you do now?” Israphil asked.

“Well, I shall honor his invitation.”

“What?” Israphil blinked in surprise.

“I intended to deal with Olivurn after he ascended the throne, but since he’s inviting me in such a manner, I won’t shy away. The opening act of the Imperial War will begin here.”

Karyl stared at Olivurn’s face in the magical projection, speaking as if directly to him.

“To Heim.”

***

“Yes, to Heim,” Olivurn said in a low voice, giving a slight nod to the gathered dukes.

“We shall go there.”

“We shall go there.”

They murmured those words in unison, as if making a vow.