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Chapter 27 Exploiting Misunderstandings
Chapter 27 Exploiting Misunderstandings
Chapter 27 Exploiting Misunderstandings
Sizelry Ephania.
Just as the first prince was about to perish by Sigrids hand and she nearly placed Arthur upon the throne, Sizelry concealed the White Dragon Jade Seal, the symbol of imperial authority of the emperor, in a place no one could find and then took her own life.
According to an unspoken rule long held, no one without the White Dragon Jade Seal could ascend the throne. Consequently, unable to seize the White Dragon Jade Seal, Sigrid and Arthur failed to unite the Empire under one banner.
They may have ascended the throne in the end, but only as figureheads, ultimately unable to quell the internal strife within the Empireall due to one incident orchestrated by Sizelry.
Shes trying to get rid of that meddler in advance.
Sizelrys mind worked differently from others. Even the most renowned geniuses would often have to concede before her.
Therefore, it was clear that Sigrid had judged, even if by chance, she were to seize the White Dragon Jade Seal first, Sizelry would interfere in some way.
Sizelry would never idly accept Arthur ascending the throne.
Utilize the Night Crow to kill Sizelry and pin the blame on the second prince, who holds the Night Crow, ending both at the same time.
Kraush felt all the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place.
Its not my place to judge, considering I murdered my half-brother with my own hands.
It was apparent how little regard Sigrid had for family ties.
What are you pondering so long for?
Crimson Garden, perched atop the bandaged mans head, tilted her head and asked.
Upon hearing that, Kraush let out a long breath.
He had a rough understanding of the situation.
And why the Night Crow had participated in this martial arts tournament.
The second prince must have wanted to spread the word that he had taken control of the Night Crow far and wide.
And the martial arts tournament would have been a perfect target for such rumors.
He would have been hoping for the Night Crow to achieve first place in this martial arts tournament.
All without realizing it was all part of Sigrids scheme.
And then, Sigrids blade would simultaneously strike down Sizelry and the second prince.
Crim.
I believe I told you not to call me that.
Crimson Garden tried to peck at him with her beak, but Kraush lightly dodged it.
I want to ask for a bit more help.
To think Im already raising you as my disciple, and still you ask for more help. Arent you lacking a sense of shame?
Shame or whatever, this relates to me getting stronger.
Kraush had grasped Sigrids goal.
She wanted to bring down the first and second prince before she headed off to Rahelrn Academy.
That way, when the current emperor succumbs to illness at her academy graduation, Arthur could smoothly succeed the throne.
She was aiming for the position of Empress of the Empire.
And Kraush had no intention of letting Arthur ascend as Emperor of the Empire.
The Black Hood fundamentally creates the dial based on the targets self-esteem.
The higher ones self-esteem, the more solid the dial becomes, not easily opened.
Conversely, the more depleted self-esteem becomes, the looser the dial.
This was only natural.
To heighten the worth of what one possesses, one must believe in their own value.
Thats why I cant let Sigrid achieve her goal.
For the future, he had to pilfer the skills she possessed.
So, for that purpose alone, he couldnt allow her to ascend the throne.
And if that damn woman rises to the throne, the Empire will likely fall to ruin.
Though Sigrid has innate talent with the sword, her intelligence falls short of an emperors capacity.
Just looking at how hastily she wants to prop Arthur onto the throne, doesnt the answer become clear?
The fall of the Empire ushers in world erosion.
Kraush was resolute in preventing Sigrid from becoming Empress.
I need to wreck the plans of someone whose skill I want to steal.
Crimson Garden clicked her tongue at Kraushs intentions.
As usual, regressors move based on their paltry knowledge of the future.
Regrettably, the real regressor resided elsewhere.
But Ive agreed to help you. Very well. This time, Ill aid you.
Fortunately, Crimson Garden readily agreed to assist him.
What are you going to do about this fellow?
As Crimson Garden prodded the bandaged man with her beak and asked, Kraush turned away.
Leave him. Hes not particularly needed anymore.
The situation was fully assessed.
As much as Kraush knew Sigrid, no one better understood the circumstances than he did.
Huh, since its come to this, lets at least imprint him as a servant.
With that, Crimson Garden stamped her foot on the bandaged mans head.
After a moment, a black star was imprinted between the bandages.
Leave.
Crimson Garden commanded, and the bandaged man immediately turned around and walked away with heavy steps.
So, whats the plan?
Crimson Garden asked as she followed Kraush with a steady pace, having sent the bandaged man off.
Its simple. We have to find the Night Crow hiding in the main competition.
For that, action had to be taken to draw out the Night Crow.
And it just so happened to be perfect timing.
Crim, Ill need to use you and this appearance.
Lets see who can bet on the real crow.
Sizelry was also having a delightful day.
The reason for her recent joy was thanks to a single individual.
The boy from Starlon who was aware of her identity.
Kradd.
Sizelry found it hilarious every time she behaved erratically and he became frustrated.
It was, after all, expected.
Up until now, everyone else merely responded awkwardly to her tomboyish impulses.
She was an imperial princess of the Empire.
The most that could be said against her antics was from, at most, her attendant Sera.
Conversely, if she hid her identity and played pranks, she knew it was only because her identity was concealed.
Therefore, to Sizelry, Kradd was an interesting subject.
He definitely knew her real identity.
Yet, on such a premise, he had never once treated her as a princess.
This was deeply intriguing to her.
How could such an amusing fellow exist, she wondered.
The spark occasionally visible between his narrowly opened eyes made him seem anything but a 14-year-old boy.
In fact, Sizelry had deduced that he was hiding his true age.
And that part was fun as well.
An old soul like him, wasnt he quite similar to her?
Sizelry concluded that he was even disguising his outward appearance.
It was curious how he managed to disguise himself without her knowing, but her overwhelming observational ability allowed her to see through it.
Certainly, his name too must be an alias.
But it didnt matter.
She had noticed that he had little concern beyond the martial arts tournament.
Does that boy catch your fancy that much?
Sera asked Sizelry, who was looking out the window.
Hearing the question, Sizelry gave a wry smile.
Are you asking if Im interested in him romantically?
Its natural for the fourth princess to be drawn to males of her age.
Sizelry toyed with her chin.
Biologically speaking, its natural for males and females to be attracted to each other. For the preservation of the species, hormone levels would be highest around this age. Especially someone as physically weak as I might be desperate to leave offspring.
Dont beat around the bush.
Im not particularly interested in that aspect. If he were the same sex, I would have reacted exactly the same.
Sizelry declared.
I am Sizelry Ephania, the Empires fourth princess. Even if such feelings were to arise, they are not for me to hold onto.
Sizelry said so and slowly smiled.
That is what it means to be the fourth princess.
Watching Sizelry, Sera felt a sense of sorrow.
For her, being a princess was nothing more than shackles.
What use was there for a brilliant mind?
God had handed her a weak body and the position of the fourth princess, Ephania.
She had no other way to live her life except as a perpetual tomboy.
Or perhaps there was another way.
However, the moment she chose that method, Sizelry would have to use her intellect to harm everyone around her.
Disliking that, she remained in her place, choosing to always live the life of a tomboy.
Oh, youve come.
At that moment, Sizelry spotted Kraush walking in from outside.
You made quite the splash in the preliminaries, didnt you? Lets go lavish you with praise.
With an excited expression, Sizelry headed down to the first floor.
Sera could only hide her presence naturally as she watched her.
Bounding down the stairs, Sizelry came to a stop right before the door.
Her plan was to tease Kraush the moment he walked in.
And just as the door creaked open,
Sizelrys voice suddenly halted.
Because she read a different shade of emotion on Kraushs face looking at her.
Whats the matter?
Perhaps thats why her usual tone of voice burst out unintentionally.
Why are you looking at me with such an expression all of a sudden?
Sizelry asked.
After all, it made sense.
Sympathyan emotion that had abruptly nestled in the eyes of Kraush, whod only been irritable since morning.
That sentiment, often seen with Sera, wasnt something expected from him.
Honestly, it was upsetting.
Though it was questionable how he had come to know about her, she was certainly not one to be pitied by him.
Just.
Kraush simply said, walking inside.
I just happen to think you lead quite a hard life, thats all.
His words made Sizelry track him visually as he entered.
What happened?
Take care of your body. Remember that much.
Left pondering his cryptic parting words, Sizelry stood there dumbfounded.
Sera.
Yes.
At her call, Sera immediately appeared.
Sizelrys eyes were colder and more composed than ever before.
It was a look she often showed when displaying the responsibilities of a princess, so Sera immediately assumed a posture of deference.
You are the one providing information from the imperial family.
She spoke and turned to look at Sera.
Are you truly reliable?
No matter how sharp her intellect, Sizelry still needed to hear with her ears to obtain information.
She wasnt free within the imperial family.
Thus, the question to Sera, who had so far been her informant about the internal affairs of the imperial family, prompted Sera to bow her head.
I will double-check.
I would appreciate that.
Sizelry said as she looked again toward the room into which Kraush had entered.
Truly, from where did that boy learn his information?
Could he see even what she was blind to?
She wasnt quite sure, but this martial arts tournament might bring significant upheaval.
The day the preliminaries of the martial arts tournament ended and the finals approached, there was a peculiar rumor circulating.
It stated that the Night Crow, steeped in mystery, had participated in the youth division of this martial arts tournament.
People who heard the news exhibited uniform curiosity.
The Night Crow was, as ever, one of those topics that people delighted in gossiping about.
Mankind reveled in embroidery when it came to organizations shrouded in secrecy.
As a result, the spectators who came to watch the finals were immensely curious about the veiled whispers regarding the Night Crow.
Wondering if the rumors could be true.
As the final rounds progressed, there was a particularly high concentration of people in the youth division, but the event fell short of expectations.
Regardless of their agility or strength, they were no more than under 15.
The reality was that the childrens level of skill was far from that of the adults.
Even those who made it to the finals were prone to mistakes and had many flaws.
It could have been amusing for someone, but to most, it lacked the excitement of the adult division.
Just as people were beginning to think that the Night Crow may just be a rumor after all.
32nd round, contestant Kradd!
A boy walked out.
The first thing that caught everyones eye was the crow perched on his shoulder.
Seeing the crow, they couldnt help but collectively recall the Night Crow.
After all, a crow was the symbol of the Night Crow.
Moreover, the boys appearance also evoked an unusual atmosphere.
His all-black attire gave him the vibe of someone from the empires underworld.
And especially the slit-like narrowness of his eyes, locking away any insight, made him even more suspicious.
Could it be real?
It seems so.
Look at that scheming face, it has to be.
In the minds of the spectators, a consensus was reached in an instant.
Thats the boy.
That boy is the real Night Crow!
32nd round, contestant Garda!
When everyones attention was at its peak.
His opponent walked out.
With a well-trained physique and carrying a large sword, he looked at Kraush with a formidable gaze.
Crow, are you that famous Night Crow?
Hearing Gardas question, Kraush gave a shrug of his shoulders.
Neither affirming nor denying.
This ambiguous attitude further fueled suspicions about his existence.