Healing oneself fulfills the contract.
Acella declared that to me.
“The pact of Geass, right?”
“Exactly. It’s the wish that the prince desperately wanted to fulfill.”
“Hmm.”
The most anticipated outcome of curing Acella’s curse is, above all, the deletion of the remaining bad endings caused by her.
The curse is a price for the magical talent Acella possesses. In this world, without a price, there’s no reward.
Most of the bad endings triggered by Acella, like summoning a dragon legion with high-tier spatial magic, will physically cease to exist.
‘And Acella might not become a crazed wicked woman.’
I can’t make a definitive judgment yet, but the current Acella, while vicious, doesn’t seem to be a completely insane villain like the emperor I know.
Maybe?
Hugo said that the soul of the great witch, the medium of the curse, has severed humanity to spread black magic, and if fused with Acella, it would become unstable.
I suspect this influence leads to the future Acella being as she is.
During the magic explosion incident, she merged with the great witch’s spirit and went completely off the rails.
And with the shock of killing her own mother layered on top, well…
It must have been tough for her.
To add a bit of humor, I think it’s more likely that the emperor is Acella’s true nature and that her strong spirit devoured the great witch as well.
Well, anyway.
My business with Acella comes to an end.
However, when asking if there’s more to do in the imperial family, I do have a career as a doctor.
‘Efficiently, it doesn’t seem good.’
Having spread the seeds of medicine throughout the empire, I believe I’ve made significant contributions in the inner palace.
I’ve even established a potion factory in the marquisate, and acquired independent military authority from the emperor.
Returning to my territory to work for the family may be more convenient for building achievements.
In the inner palace, there’s always political factions dividing, so I can’t become a clear leader, and even if I do rise to the top, I’ll ultimately be below the royal family.
A doctor from a university hospital building a new large general hospital feels better.
‘It’s about time to start worrying about other bad endings too.’
Out of the 101 bad endings, exactly 52 are triggered by Acella.
I’ve erased a few others, like the dragon and Hugo, but still, there are over forty remaining.
The fight with the Demon King’s army is still quite ahead, but the more I prepare in advance, the better.
I don’t want to join the hero party directly either, nor would I be of help. It’s more efficient to prepare the best party for the hero.
Hmm, the hero.
She has some problems to solve as well.
Thus.
I thought it wasn’t a bad time to fulfill the contract with Acella.
“I’m just glad you’re looking out for me, Royal Princess.”
“Hoho, then. Where could you find a lord like me?”
“Only Acella von Württemberg in all of heaven and earth.”
Acella smiled joyfully at my flattery as always.
“Then pledge your loyalty to me.”
Before I knew it, Acella spoke with an imposing voice, like that of a grand lord.
“Devote your talents and dedication to me, Princess Acella von Württemberg of the Empire.”
She must be feeling a bit low in energy these days, yet she emanates such an overwhelming aura, truly an emperor by nature.
Of course, I will pledge loyalty. As long as I’m receiving salary as the attending physician in the Moonlight Palace.
Just as I was about to respond, she frowned.
“Prince, you’re bleeding.”
“Eh? Ah.”
Before I knew it, I was bleeding from my nose.
It was a debuff symptom. Stat-wise, my stamina wasn’t drastically low. The effects of candy and brooch were sufficient to cover it, so there’s no issue.
However, this blood effect occurs from time to time, which has become a bit annoying.
“Prince, how many hours did you sleep yesterday?”
Acella grabbed my arm roughly.
“Ah, it’s no big deal. It’ll stop soon.”
“How long did you sleep?”
“Hmm, about three hours? I’ve been a bit busy these days.”
Sorting out potions and documents, seeing patients, and recently verifying Acella’s condition means I’ve hardly slept.
Acella took out a blue bottle with a clink.
“Take this and sleep.”
“Eh? That’s not really for that purpose. If you abuse it, it’s bad news.”
“Otherwise, you’ll just get up and run around again. Or should I tie you up like before to make sure you sleep?”
“Hey, you weren’t good at that either.”
She laughed, and Acella suddenly pinched my side, turning red.
“Okay, okay. That hurts.”
In the end, I was forced to take the sleeping medicine I had made that day.
Acella offered her bed while showing off all sorts of pride.
Though she was planning to use me as a plush doll anyway.
As I lay down on the bed, it was warm and soft, and sleep overtook me in an instant.
Hmm, thinking back, I realized I never clinical-tested the sleeping medicine. I never needed it for myself.
“Prince, are you sleepy?”
“Yes. Somehow I feel like I’ll fall asleep quickly…”
My eyelids, as well as my lips, felt heavy.
Its effects were beyond expectation.
My eyes began to drift shut, and my shoulders felt light. It was an exceedingly pleasant sensation.
“Lars? Already asleep?”
Rustle, I heard the sound of a blanket brushing against something, and a familiar weight settled on my left side.
It seemed Acella had snuggled close, but I was in a dreamy haze and couldn’t precisely recognize it.
“…Did you really fall asleep? You’re so still that I can’t let my guard down.”
She lightly tapped my nose and then gently began to stroke it.
“…Hoho. You took the medicine, so you won’t wake up.”
With Acella’s wicked laughter ringing in my ears, my consciousness faded away.
*
The next day, thanks to the sleeping pill, I woke up feeling exceptionally refreshed.
Throughout the morning check-up, Acella wore a somewhat smug expression, as if she had won. What’s up with that?
As I was wondering, a communication sphere darted over to me.
It contained a message from the emperor summoning me.
“Why is His Majesty only looking for you, Prince?”
“How would I know?”
Leaving the Moonlight Palace, I walked with Tanya on the road.
Along the way, we came across a unit of knights returning to the imperial palace.
At the forefront, riding a white horse with pride, Heike saw me and called out with authority.
“Ah, Gothberg. It’s been a while.”
“Oh, Royal Princess. You look well. Did your expedition go smoothly?”
She patted my shoulder heartily, like a valiant woman.
“Of course. I showed those impudent bandits who’s boss. I heard the news, Gothberg. Saving the emperor’s life was quite a feat.”
“Haha, I’ve heard plenty of praises, but nothing feels better than your commendation, Your Highness.”
“Hmm, I can’t express how relieved I was that you managed to uphold things while I was away from the imperial family.”
“This mission must have been quite arduous.”
Heike narrowed her eyes.
“I heard about the battle with the black magician on your way back. Immediately afterward, I took follow-up measures. There were far more black magicians hiding in the empire than initially thought.”
“Oh, did you come back after dealing with the black magician?”
“That’s exactly right.”
I checked my status window.
[No. 088 Demon Worship 23% → 2%]
No wonder this bad ending was almost deleted; it seems Heike had been catching them left and right.
Great ability. I wonder how many she managed to subdue, simply at the mention of the black magician.
And she seems quick to act. It’s likely they couldn’t respond before the news of their extermination spread throughout the imperial palace.
Certainly, Heike resembles the emperor most in her principle of acting for the empire.
Hmm, acting for the empire.
For the kingdom. No, for the empire, right?
An idea popped into my mind.
“Royal Princess, could you possibly lend me a unit of knights? Just for a couple of months, about a company-sized group.”
“A unit of knights? Is this a personal request of yours, Gothberg, because of the situation at the Moonlight Palace or the second barracks?”
“You caught me exactly.”
“And it’s something Acella would certainly disapprove of.”
“It’s for the sake of the empire.”
If Acella’s magic explodes, the empire would also face doom, so it’s an honest statement.
“It’s true that the alliance between Mokhwi Palace and Moonlight Palace has been effectively terminated due to Acella’s declaration of participation in the succession war. There’s no obligation to uphold it for Acella.”
Heike smiled brightly.
“I have much to give you. If you disclose the purpose, I will lend it to you.”
Great, I’m almost there.
“I need it to confront the barbarians. Depending on the situation, it could turn to extermination or negotiation.”
“Barbarians? You’re up to something again.”
“Isn’t that what I always do?”
Heike didn’t contemplate for long.
“I’ll hand it over. Just bring back a report.”
“I’m enamored by your ocean-like character.”
This is why it’s important to establish good relations in advance.
With reinforcements secured, if I get long-term permission for outside activities, I can set off for the North tonight.
I can’t inform Acella about this, as the only person in this imperial family who can grant me permission is one person alone.
I arrived at the Imperial Palace and stood before the emperor.
“Gothberg.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I deem you to be trustworthy.”
“It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”
The emperor seemed to be loosening the formalities a bit, sitting comfortably on the throne.
Conversely, the burden apparent on his shoulders still felt heavy.
After a moment’s reflection, he slowly began to speak.
“I have deposed Gunter.”
So it has come to that.
That’s quite a big issue within the imperial family.
Now that the position of the successor is officially vacant, the succession war will become all the more intense.
The faction’s vassals and the nobility intertwined with interests will likely create all sorts of commotion, trying to utilize every trick in the book.
‘Considering Georg’s absence, it might reduce the confusion a bit.’
He, filled with ambition for succession, may make the palace quite busy when he returns.
“It seems only right that I decide upon a successor before the empire plunges into chaos.”
As a mere attending physician, it’s a grievous breach of authority for me to delve into the empire’s future. Bowing my head quietly, the emperor continued.
“However, I still lack certainty. I have yet to observe all the possibilities of my children.”
I could share Acella’s potential.
In the original history, perhaps after about two or three years, the emperor would die, and chaos would befall the empire, triggering a succession war.
Acella would then slice through her brothers with her magic.
After the magic explosion incident, she would wield magic far more potent than now.
The war would take years, leading to a catastrophic state for the people, allowing foreign invasions. The crumbling empire would be swiftly revitalized once Acella ascended.
“Gothberg, you know I am connected to all my children. Hence, I will ask you.”
Why would he seek my counsel?
“Who do you believe among Heike, Georg, Lau, and Acella is most suitable to be the next emperor?”
This was an unexpected question.
Of course, they wouldn’t decide a successor based solely on my opinion, and I’m sure the trusted individuals – secretaries, steward, commander of the knights, and judges, would have all been called in for their insights.
‘He sought my thoughts, knowing I’m Acella’s subordinate.’
Moreover, I’m Acella’s betrothed.
Did he think I’d choose someone other than Acella as a successor?
‘That just means he trusts me enough that mentioning another will signify credibility.’
Typically, no one stands to benefit as much as I do when Acella becomes the emperor.
But I know the future that awaits when Acella becomes empress.
‘What will I do?’
After a moment of contemplation, I spoke a name.
“…Lau?”
And then, in the corridor leading to the audience chamber, for some reason, Acella was staring at me.
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