### Chapter: 239
#### Heavenly Sword
The Heavenly Sword?
If you were to discuss this within the Empire, praises would never cease.
For centuries, it has stood as the sword protecting the royal family, a descendant of the former Heavenly Sword King.
Kraush managed to arrange this meeting through the Fourth Princess, Sigrid Ephania.
Dalpion is currently in cahoots with the group known as Ixion, or as I like to call them, the World Erosion Gang.
The reason? To fulfill the Emperor’s command to cure a disease that has plagued the royal family for ages.
It’s crucial to sever ties between the Empire and Ixion.
Thus, meeting with Dalpion without delay is imperative.
But the problem lies within the location.
‘The Empire, huh?’
Kraush pondered, thinking about the Empire.
Regardless, Kraush is currently affiliated with the Starlon Kingdom.
Moreover, he’s one of Ixion’s targets.
‘From the royal family’s perspective, I’m a presence they dread the most.’
A deal with Dalpion could very well be a trap.
He could easily turn Kraush over to Ixion in exchange for the royal family’s illness to be cured.
‘After all, someone who knows everything is more trustworthy.’
Above all, Kraush understood that knowing the secrets passed down in the royal family meant they wouldn’t be outright hostile toward Ixion.
‘Not to mention the wildcard that is Abella.’
The person truly occupying Kraush’s thoughts was none other than Abella.
Kraush suspected that Abella likely collaborated with Ixion.
Who knows what schemes they might be up to over there?
‘She probably knows all about this deal, too.’
So, the chance was limited to one.
He had to persuade Dalpion at their meeting and demonstrate the power of the Black Hood.
“Are you burning up with all that heavy thinking?”
As he heard a voice, Kraush raised his head.
There stood a girl with ocean-blue hair, who would be tagging along with him this time.
With her hair styled in donut-like braids, she smiled with her round eyes.
The fourth princess of the empire, Sigrid Ephania.
She was the one who arranged the meeting with Dalpion and informed him about the internal affairs involving Ixion.
Not to mention, she is perhaps the most devoted fan of the Empire.
She wished for the Empire to thrive without collapsing in the future.
“I can’t help but think in this situation.”
“True, I can see why.”
Sigrid understood Kraush’s predicament, so she didn’t dispute his words.
Clunk—
Hearing the rattling of the carriage, Kraush quietly observed Sigrid.
She was said to have the world’s sharpest intellect.
Additionally, she’d already met with the important Dalpion beforehand.
“What do you think?”
It would be ideal to draw from Sigrid’s opinions.
Upon hearing Kraush’s question, Sigrid fell silent for a moment.
“You know there are a lot of variables in this matter.”
Her words were something Kraush completely agreed with.
“Honestly, the potential scenarios are numerous. With all these variables, there are at least twenty possible outcomes.”
Now it made sense why she hesitated to share her thoughts.
As she said, this situation was fraught with uncertainty.
Most significantly, emotions indeed played a major part.
Abella’s affection for Arthur.
The Emperor’s desire to cure his disease.
Dalpion‘s dedication to the royal family.
Ixion’s ambition to create a god of world erosion.
These intertwining sentiments birthed numerous unpredictables.
“Still, if we are to consider the most probable outcome…”
Sigrid directed her bright yellow eyes at Kraush.
“It would be you successfully striking a deal with Dalpion and curing his majesty’s illness.”
“You seem to think too highly of me.”
“Don’t worry. You’ve always exceeded my expectations.”
Upon hearing that, Kraush couldn’t help but crack a grin.
“Yeah, ultimately, it all depends on what I do.”
The results of the world are never predetermined.
It’s entirely up to one’s actions to create those results.
For Kraush, who was constructing a world that no longer existed, that was the most assuring task.
The world had turned into an intricate maze where nothing was visible even a step ahead.
‘If I just navigate through it, I’ll be fine.’
Kraush shifted his gaze out the window of the moving carriage.
There lay the capital of the Empire, Sirian, and far off in the distance, the imperial palace surrounded by walls.
December had arrived.
Amidst the biting winter air in the Empire, an unexpected storm might be brewing.
＊ ＊ ＊
After passing the capital of Sirian for a while…
“We need to walk from here.”
As the carriage came to a halt at the market entrance, Sigrid announced as she stepped out.
When she threw a robe over her head, her appearance transformed drastically.
Though her height remained the same, her figure became plump, and her hair turned black.
This was a transformation robe created by the artifact maker, Rona Imblize.
When she contacted Rona in advance, she was more than happy to make it.
Following suit, Kraush donned a robe, causing his appearance to morph as well.
Sigrid’s expression shifted, intrigued.
“Hmmm, wasn’t this robe made by Rona and not Darling Danphelion, who usually brews your potions? Why does it have Krad’s appearance?”
“I honestly have no idea.”
Currently, Kraush bore the appearance he often took when using Darling’s potions—Krad.
Short closed black hair, with an overall mature and towering build unmistakably grew from Krad’s days.
‘It seems Darling had a hand in this somehow…’
Both Rona and Darling were part of the first batch of students and belonged to the special class.
With the link to Kraush, perhaps Rona heard about the crafting and pulled this prank.
Truly, Darling’s shenanigans were all too Darling-like.
“You still have that suspicious look about you.”
While Kraush was stuck in his thoughts, Sigrid examined him closely, nodding.
With a rather satisfied expression, the moment Kraush raised an eyebrow, Sigrid smiled widely.
“This appearance suits me best, doesn’t it? The one who darted in like an arrow to rescue me.”
As Sigrid reminisced, giggling softly, it became clear.
Their first meeting was indeed when he was in Krad’s form.
“I felt it back then. Kraush, it’s going to be a blast tagging along with you.”
“Looks to me like we just get tangled in troublesome adventures.”
“Hehe, troublesome things are what make life fun. Thanks to you, I’ve changed a lot too. If it weren’t for you, I’d never have left the Rahern Academy, let alone the Empire.”
As she spoke, Sigrid approached and began straightening his robe, which had become disheveled.
As she neared, a light citrus scent wafted gently through the air.
It was the perfume favored by Sigrid.
“It’s all on you. I can be here, not turning a blind eye to the matters of the Empire, thanks to you.”
With her bright amber eyes, Sigrid gazed up at Kraush, breaking into a grin.
That smile held an inexplicable charm distinct from her external appearance.
“Is this how you’re repaying me for helping you back then?”
“Hmmm, haven’t I already paid you back enough? I’ve helped you a few times too.”
He couldn’t deny it.
He had indeed received considerable help from Sigrid along the way.
“This isn’t about repaying a debt. I’m doing this because I want to help. It’s pure intention, no strings attached.”
Laughing playfully, Sigrid poked Kraush’s chest with her tiny finger.
“For someone who boasts an exceptional intuition, you are particularly oblivious in this regard. With all the girls around you shooting their shot, do you need to sharpen your senses?”
“Looks like you’re back to teasing me again.”
Kraush held her wrist, signaling her to ease up.
In response, Sigrid rolled her eyes, manipulating her finger playfully in his grip.
“I have no reason to give up my charm, do I?”
“Isn’t it about time to act a bit more mature?”
“A woman can embody adulthood while still cherishing her girlhood.”
Knock, knock—
Just then, a sound broke from the carriage door.
Sigrid, seeing the fun had gone on long enough, withdrew her finger from Kraush‘s grasp and opened the carriage door.
Standing there was a well-built man.
At first glance, he appeared masculine, but her identity was none other than Sera Betella, Sigrid’s mighty bodyguard.
Upon meeting Kraush’s eyes, she nodded politely and assisted Sigrid in descending the carriage.
As Sigrid sprang down nimbly, Kraush followed suit.
No one seemed to take note of their arrival.
Since the carriage itself wasn’t particularly flashy, people merely thought a couple of local noble kids were out for a stroll.
Given the Empire’s crowded nature and nobility, that was a likely assumption.
“Let’s go.”
Sigrid was already heading down the path.
Moving smoothly through the marketplace, even with a princess from the royal family strolling openly, nobody gave them a second glance.
Not even with a bona fide Balheim family member from the Starlon Kingdom by her side.
Had even one person noticed, it would have caused quite a stir.
But here, no one could pierce through their disguises.
“This market path is familiar.”
“It’s because I come here often.”
Yes, one might wonder how often a princess actually wanders beyond the castle walls.
However, Sigrid exhibited such awareness of the market like she’d run through it daily, chatting with the kids along the way.
“I suppose I had my share of hardships, huh.”
Sera let out a wry smile as she stood guard beside Sigrid.
She had been Sigrid’s bodyguard ever since her birth and had quite a time keeping up with her reckless nature.
“You’re quite the clever one; just a small distraction, and you fool me! Luckily, you’ve calmed down lately.”
“Sera, I was always calm!”
Pouting, Sigrid objected to Sera’s remark, but no one truly believed her.
Even if she styled her personality to act like a renegade in the castle, her inherent character remained the same.
“You both take it too far.”
With a playful pout, Sigrid continued her walk.
Eventually, a building came into view, lurking at the market’s edge.
The vacant establishment looked forlorn.
A glance at the surrounding empty units hinted that this location wasn’t thriving in business.
Sigrid approached the seemingly abandoned building, unlocking the padlock.
She stepped in, revealing a rather hollow interior.
The dust indicated it hadn’t been in use for some time.
“Close the door.”
Following Sigrid’s direction, Kraush closed the door behind him.
At that moment, Sigrid produced another key from her pocket.
She approached the door they just entered, sliding the new key into the lock.
Click—click—
The sound of locking that very door echoed, followed by it opening once more.
Once Sigrid pushed the door open, a room laid in view.
It resembled an office and featured desks and chairs as its furnishings.
As they scanned the well-kept room, a figure emitted a presence from inside.
With golden locks cascading down his back, a man lounged on the couch, seemingly awaiting guests.
Upon laying eyes on him, Kraush felt an uncanny chill surge from deep within.
His instincts sensed the disparity between their strengths.
As he lazily opened his eyes, the man met Kraush’s gaze, his dark brown eyes glinting with interest.
“You’ve finally arrived.”
This man was Dalpion Junon.
The head of House Junon, often referred to as the Heavenly Emperor.
It hit Kraush suddenly.
At this level, it was evident he was nowhere near the Heavenly Sword Maven.
Whatever they did today, if it was against Dalpion’s wishes, leaving here safely was a tall order.
‘Is this akin to walking into the tiger’s mouth?’
But to capture a tiger, one must first enter its den.
Only, the real concern is that there’s more than just one tiger in its lair.
In the end, everything should be captured, right?
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