V2 Chapter 7

“Your Majesty, this is…?!”

“…several people claimed they have seen the infamous White Masked Phantom Thief’s face.” The Empress spoke with a wide smile. “…One from a merchant under the Countess Viaban who claimed that he was robbed of all his money in the roadside. There were also those who saw it after fighting him, breaking his mask on the process, and many other—”

“…?!!”

“The most important information was that—this was the very exact face they had all seen. With this face, would they still be able to think that it was done by my son? Even if they had some suspicions, I doubt they would still cling to that foolish belief…!” The Empress let out a satisfied chuckle. As expected of her son, so thorough… with this even if he was started being eyed by many people, they would still not be able to think that this was done by him…!

And thus, the royal family would be seen out of this little farce…!

And it was done in one fell swoop!

Precise, thorough, and meticulous. He had gained a very significant amount of wealth and treasures, at the same time, exposed their real tails, then bleed and caused endless trouble for them, all while gaining experience and training… such thinking, even she can’t help but feel Cian was really unfathomable.

“…but this disguise, I don’t think it will last…” Somelia immediately understands what was happening on the fake portrait. And then she also realized where a problem could be—but contrary to her expectations,

“…that’s also what I couldn’t understand.” The Empress made an unusual complicated expression.

Did something happen…?

“…Count Vanir was also one of his victims and yet when the two met, fought and ‘accidentally’ broke a part of his mask, Count Vanir testified that this face was really the one he saw. And that there was no falsehood, even a bit of magic fluctuation or concealment—there’s no sign of disguised or shapeshifting as well.”

“What does he mean by that…?”

“Don’t you understand? It means my son was not using a disguise through magic but to some unknown means that can physically change his appearance without the need of magic—but to be able to change his appearance to this degree without the aid of magic is unheard of! How did he do that…?”

“… …” Somelia also frowned. If what her majesty said was right then, indeed…it was really indeed worthy of praise.

Such a revolutionary method would surely have many uses if used it properly. More so, it was something even magic eyes wouldn’t be able to see through and negate! If she had such abilities, then infiltrating enemy groups is not unrealistic anymore!

…Eh? Isn’t this super important…?

“…Well, I can just ask him about it later. Even still, this event made some of our problems a bit lighter. As expected of my son, we can at least differentiate who was loyal, and who was not anymore. And in this occasion, we had also managed to realize that my stupid eldest son had already built a firm foundation, and was seemed to be already planning something—and now we can see it clearly more than before…!”

“As what her majesty had said…” Somelia tactfully nodded. Although, between the Second Prince and the First Prince, she prefers the First Prince compared to the former in inheriting the Throne. However, that is only if they were the only two possible options. Though, if possible she doesn’t want the First Prince either. Because, just like what the Empress thinks of him—he was too ambitious for his own good. Although having ambition is not a problem, only if it’s within one’s means. Beyond that can already be seen as foolish…!

First Princess was also eligible to inherit—though, if it was the ancient times, women wouldn’t have that right. It was only then changed because of the Empress Sitana’s existence. However, the Second Princess lacks the ambition to do it. She was on the ‘My Pace’ kind of character that will only do things she was interested in or those she has no choice but to do it.

As for the Second Princess, she was still too young…!

Among the siblings, Somelia felt Aanuel was the most undeserving of such title—but now, she had no choice but to change her views. His Highness the Second Prince changed in these past few days was like a miracle, akin to that of a mere worm turning into a mighty Dragon in an instant! His enigmatic mindset and scheming ability, his decisive character that was already bordering the realm of recklessness along with his strange abilities and unknown mysterious power—she felt as if, the him right now was far more superior than his brother—the First Prince Lucifalion.

‘It’s not scary to fail! What’s scary is lacking the courage to try!! This is my crusade!’ She recalled Cian’s reply to her when he was asked if this recklessness would backfire to him, what would he do? The Empress efforts till now would surely be worth in vain! After all, this is really a very dangerous game he was playing! If other people know about it, the Royal Family would surely be condemned and this might even be used against them!

However, at that moment, he stared coldly at her and replied, ‘…Blind compromises will only help your opponent in proceeding forward in a step by step manner. After all, you may be trying to look at the bigger picture here, but others might not be capable of doing the same!’

The moment she heard those words, she was stupefied and had a hard time snapping out from the daze…

She really couldn’t understand the Second Prince’ miraculous transformation.

The two continued conversing about the present situation when suddenly—

“HER HIGHNESS PRINCESS ORIEL HERETARIUM VORN STORMFURY HAS COME TO SEEK AN AUDIENCE!!” a deafening loud voice rang out from behind the closed doors of the Throne Hall.

Hearing it, Sitana’s brows furrowed, a bit surprised for that girl to come back now—what does she want…?

Creaaaak!! After the announcement, a beautiful figure appeared walking nonchalantly on the red carpet laid walkway towards the Throne Chair. The woman who seemed to almost not be human due to her complete lack of expression was walking towards the Throne Hall with a blade hung horizontally behind her waist. Under the dim light, her beautiful, long, blonde hair that seemed to be inherited from her mother billowed in the wind.

As expected of Sitana’s daughter, she had a beautiful figure and well-endowed body, especially the bountiful hills on her chest. A face as if delicately sculpted, shiny golden-blonde hair, a high nose, and eyes like sapphires. Just a glance could send anyone’s imagination running wild. She had double eyelids, and a frosty face, as if her expression never changes

She had a suffocating sort of beauty.

“Why have you come so suddenly, my dear Oriel…? Have you missed your dear mother…?” The Empress Sitana smiled warmly, however, the look on her eyes revealed otherwise. It was full of suspicion and doubt.

“…do you think I’m that stupid…?” Oriel sneered. Oriel’s attitude caused Somelia to frown, and the atmosphere as well to become awkward. However, Sitana didn’t really mind it. She still has her usual smile, “You’re still the same as ever. You still haven’t grown up from your puberty yet? Really, when are you going to end that childish teen rebellion you’re playing~?”

“Childish Rebellion…? Hahahaha,” Oriel suddenly let out a strange laugh but her eyes were so cold one would be frozen over if they laid their eyes on it. “Don’t make me laugh, your majesty…” A heavy pressure descended, But the Empress was not someone easy to deal with and with just a casual wave of her hand, Oriel felt as if she was hit by a hammer and felt her chest stuffed. Her pressure immediately disappeared; blood seemed to surge through her throat.

She retreated, glaring at the Empress. The latter look at her with a smirk, “Stop playing, you will only bore yourself out. What do you want? What did you return back for? Wasn’t the North quite chaotic right now? You had slipped out and returned secretly a while ago, and I didn’t pursue it. But now, the North’s situation is not favorable and you still waste the time to come here…?”

“…The North has already been taken care of, it only needed a bit of cleaning up. Although it looks terrible on the surface, it wasn’t something you need to care about.” Oriel answered coldly as she slowly stabilized her spirit.

“Then, why did you come here for? To brag about your achievements?”

“…I want to bring Aanuel back with me!”

“…huh?!” The Empress was taken aback. She stared at Oriel, slightly surprised—but only for a moment as her expression changed in an instant. She still has the usual smile but her eyes were ice cold. “What did you say?”

Oriel senses the Empress changes but she didn’t care. She glared back at her and repeated, “I want Aanuel to go with me on the North.”

“…although the answer was already predetermined. I want to ask why,” The Empress took a deep breath and asked with great gravity, “…Aanuel was alright in here. What are you actually thinking, wanting your brother go to such a dangerous place…? Have you lost your mind…?”

“Aanuel is better staying with me, than here,” Oriel responded with a serious expression. “I don’t know what’s happening in the Capital nor do I care. But him staying here is just like leaving him with a pack of wolves. In my side, he would be safer and I can also make him stronger…in which you are incapable of doing, my empress mother!”

Do you really think that Aanuel needed your protection…? The Empress smirked. Do you even know who was having his fun within the Imperial Capital lately? Even as to play all the major character within the empire on his palm…! And you say he needed your protection…?

“I refuse!” The Empress responded with great gravity. Her expression solemn and firm.

“Mother! Spoiling my brother is making him useless and weak!! This can’t go on any longer!” Oriel suddenly kneeled in the ground, then prostrated herself. “I beg of you, mother your majesty, please listen to this lowly daughter of yours. I have not wished for anything before but this, please listen to my request! Give Aanuel to me, the Capital is having a strange storm blowing, my brother is weak and surely he would not be able to endure this sudden change!”

“…what do you know? Oriel?” The Empress frowned after seeing her daughter’s desperate actions. What is she trying to do…?

“…I know nothing, mother your majesty. However, I can feel something brewing within the Imperial Capital and this makes me apprehensive!” Oriel grits her teeth hard as her face gradually dyed in a dark color. When she was in the North, away from the Capital, she had never forgotten to check up on the Capital’s situation. In fact, she had even planted some spies within the Capital, as well as her brother and younger sister’s faction. Thus, she can be said to be completely knowledgeable in dealings made within the Imperial Court!

“I don’t wish for anything bad to happen to my brother as he is currently weak and knows nothing. If something bad is to happen without warning, my brother would be the one to be sacrificed first. I don’t wish for that to happen. The North might be quite chaotic but it is a good place to start and make achievements. Besides, my brother may be useless and good-for-nothing but I’m sure that it was to be pushed into the right path he would surely become someone impressive in no time at all…! That’s why, mother your majesty, please accept my request and let me take my brother to the North! I will surely not let you down!” Oriel begged wholeheartedly.

Apprehensive…? The Empress smirked. Even if that is the case, do you think Aanuel needed your help…?

The brother that you know of could even be considered non-existent! Right now, that boy is different — he's completely different! Although, as detestable as it seems—he had never shown his key traits before, fooling everyone including her. He had always hidden his talents! But, Aanuel is acting like that now!

He has stood out these past few days! He was only a debauchee wastrel in the past. But, he's like an unrestrained storm right now! Even the Vampire Lord and the other trustworthy people she had was starting to feel restless for some unknown reason—she could actually understand…!

He could've been stopped after killing someone like Duke Rabilla for revenge. But, he's a full-fledged eagle which has spread its wings now that he was even messing with the other powerful and distinguished clans in the Demon Empire. He is young, but his power has soared above the nine heavens.

He's a villain who overlooks the world, and dares everything that crossed his mind without any care of the consequences!

Moreover, he has been vindictive ever since this vicious personality of his has arrived! And, his behavior is even more merciless. His means are unwavering, and he doesn't hesitate while making a decision to kill. Even slaughtering an entire city or country would probably be of no effect on him as he would not even bat an eye on it!

You genuinely can't afford to be at fault with him! And, he also has me. With me here, even if the entire empire goes against him, even a strand of his hair wouldn’t be touched by anyone…!

So, he won't have any misgivings because of it. He will look at the world disdainfully and become someone no one would dare look down on. Give him enough time, he would be someone even me would only look up to. The Empress was certain of that! Aanuel, was someone this small empire couldn’t restrain, the moment he completely unfolds his wings. Though, she was not yet able to think if Aanuel would also extend his ambition on the entire Continent, including the Filthy Beastman and Disgusting Humans—

That was what confused her. Indeed, Aanuel was ambitious—reflected in her eyes was an extremely blinding shine of ambition that wanted to hold even the heavens in his palm. However, for some reason Sitana seemed to also feel that Aanuel’s ambition was not similar to his brother; Lucifalion, and didn’t want to control the entire Empire or World and in fact, just wanted to be someone behind the scene, controlling everything within the shadows—or probably, it was just his endless ego wanting to be above everything yet didn’t want to deal troublesome things like responsibility…?

Probably she had already sense that unconsciously long ago, that is why she had never thought of making Aanuel become the Emperor, inheriting the Throne. Because, he was someone like Oriel, always have a ‘My Pace’ attitude and didn’t want to bother things that didn’t interest them. Though, this ‘problem’ was far serious within her beloved son compared to Oriel—because no one holds any value in his eyes!

No matter whom they are! Although he cared for me and indeed, loved me but in front of that cold-blooded side of his, I wasn’t anything. He doesn't care about spilling blood, and he's indifferent to any crime!

Such a man is the most dreadful kind!

And you still think he needed your protection…?

The Empress Sitana found it laughable—really ignorance is a bliss. The one you wanted to protect and look down upon was actually a cold-blooded wild beast, a beast with sharp fangs ready to take a bite the moment it found an opportunity…!

… … The Empress obviously didn’t want to agree to Oriel’s request no matter what she says. After all, there was only a little bit time until Aanuel would leave the Empire just like what he had said. However, he was only delaying it because of her—but this wouldn’t last long. According to Somelia’s reports, Aanuel has seemed to have already been preparing for his departure… if she can’t stop him, then—

…?! Wouldn’t she be able to direct him to a destination that is much more advantageous for her…?

Although she wouldn’t be able to see him for a while, as long as she knows that there would be no danger for him, this should be better compared to who knows where he would go…!

The Empress eyes gleamed and her lips curled upwards, as a certain realization dawn upon her. "…that makes sense…" Sitana tilted her head slightly. Her snow-white cheeks seemed translucent in the light. One look at her would leave any man to believe that he was having an unreal dream.

A perfect excuse that even Aanuel wouldn’t be able to find fault with me…!

Oriel, ah my dear Oriel, you really are my precious daughter—you really save mommy!

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