“Wha…?”
That was the first reaction Ezekiel showed.
It was a word that slipped out without passing through his brain, but there was no helping it. The Emperor’s words were that shocking.
When he mentioned a method, Ezekiel had expected him to say he would prepare a neutralized Sun Elixir. However, the problem was what came after. Who would’ve thought he would consider this approach?
‘Harmony? With the 1st Princess!?’
Ezekiel couldn’t believe what he had heard.
“To neutralize the Sun Elixir… first, the 1st Princess will consume it. Then, you will engage in bed with the 1st Princess. Is that the meaning?”
“Your understanding is correct.”
“…Why all of a sudden?”
Ezekiel could only see question marks swirling around in his head.
At this moment, he was more puzzled than focused on how to somehow get the Sun Elixir. The Emperor’s behavior was simply incomprehensible.
‘The Emperor cares for the princess above all else.’
The Emperor had always been displeased when Ezekiel spent time with the princesses or even exchanged a few words.
Yet, suddenly, this man spoke of sharing a bed with the 1st Princess. This wasn’t just about taking the princess’s purity; it was a radical proposition!
“Stealing the purity of the 1st Princess… just like that…?”
Was it audacious to even speak of the purity of a princess? It must be rude, but given the gravity of the situation, he had to ask.
Then the Emperor made a subtle sound, likely a meaningfully enigmatic chuckle.
“I’m just presenting an option.”
Splash!
The chalice in the air swirled gently.
“It’s to inform you that such a method exists.”
With that statement, the heat in the room dissipated. Finally, it was the temperature of the audience chamber that Ezekiel was familiar with.
Of course, the sensation from the Sun Elixir he had just experienced was still lingering in his soul. No, it was etched there.
The Emperor claimed he had merely suggested a method.
But for terminally ill Ezekiel, it was a desperate choice. However, it required some careful deliberation because it involved the 1st Princess.
After all, the opponent was none other than the Empire’s 1st Princess.
There were many considerations to be made.
“I will convey this to the 1st Princess separately, and I will leave the Sun Elixir with you. Decide and negotiate as you see fit.”
The Emperor murmured softly.
Offering to speak to the 1st Princess was suspiciously proactive. Had the Emperor finally changed his attitude toward Ezekiel?
For now, everything felt delicate and uncertain.
Creeeak—
Finally, the door of the audience chamber swung open.
It was a dismissal order. Time to go out.
“Yes. I will think it over. Thank you.”
Ezekiel bowed quietly.
Slide…
The robe on the throne draped comfortably. The Emperor likely leaned back in the throne to relax.
Ezekiel maintained his courtesy until the moment the door of the audience chamber completely closed. His mind was occupied with thoughts, so he couldn’t move from his spot for a while.
‘So the Sun Elixir was such a thing.’
A privilege that only the strong could enjoy, the Sun Elixir.
It was certainly not a panacea for the weak.
Was it the change in information in his mind? It felt peculiar. He began to think he needed to tirelessly elevate his realm to accept the Sun Elixir.
‘To consume the Sun Elixir…’
He had to take the purity of the 1st Princess.
Was it that an incredibly glorious and happy thing for a man? Well, the 1st Princess’s intentions were also critical in the issue.
Then, suddenly, one line from the 1st Princess came to mind.
—Okay, whatever I catch, I’ll squeeze it all out.
…No, her intentions might not be all that different from what he heard.
Wasn’t it essentially about Ezekiel’s survival being at stake?
Step—step—
Ezekiel calmly moved forward.
Heading straight for the 1st Princess; there was no time to waste.
But then…
“My Inspector, you were here.”
It was then that he faced the 2nd Princess.
Inside the Imperial Palace, the realm of the 1st Princess.
Within the palace absorbing the mysteries of all four seasons, there were quite a few realms, and where the 1st Princess resided was winter. The snowfield was perfectly recreated there.
Whoosh—
In that place where powdery snow endlessly poured, there was a voice echoing loudly cutting through the atmosphere.
“What the heck is the 1st Princess thinking—!”
Not just anyone, but yelling at the 1st Princess?
It was a shocking scene.
Muscled warriors from the Northern Region were lined up in formation outside the large gates, and this had been their shout for a whole week. The messenger was visibly distressed.
‘I’m utterly at a loss.’
The messenger of the 1st Princess rubbed his head, still nursing the bump he received from being whacked with a sword hilt.
“1st Princess! Just give us a response! 1st Princess—!”
Though it was an astonishing scene, the messenger knew.
This was a situation that could very well occur.
‘The North only communicates with muscle and blood.’
That was a saying that epitomized the North.
The North had its own set of rules.
The weather was harsh, and because it bordered the Demon Realm, continuous battles had to be fought. It was a space where bravery and the merits of the battlefield held more value than common sense.
Given that, such a scene was not at all strange.
In this region, the level of support one had among the warriors mattered more than hierarchy. Those who showed more bravery had stronger voices.
“1st Princess, respond as a warrior! Right now!”
The warrior yelling at the 1st Princess, Brolka, was a perfect example. Those who amassed great achievements could raise their voices among the warriors.
Even if the opponent was the 1st Princess, like now.
…And the reasons for yelling were somewhat justified.
“Why is the 1st Princess hesitating to return to the North? Have you lost the pride of a warrior? Explain yourself!”
Upon hearing the cries, the messenger sighed heavily.
Right, it was about the 1st Princess’s non-return.
‘…I can’t say it’s because of a man.’
The only one who knew the reason was the messenger. From the Northern warriors’ perspective, when the 1st Princess suddenly declared she wouldn’t return, it was inevitable that they would be furious.
The messenger, who understood the 1st Princess’s thoughts on Ezekiel and the feelings of the Northern warriors… was in a position that could drive him mad with worry.
“1st Princess! If you are a warrior, respond! Right now!”
This situation had already persisted for a week.
Muscles like mountains were covered in snow, resembling giant snowmen, and the Northern warriors screamed at the gates without a moment’s rest.
Eventually, the messenger of the 1st Princess cautiously opened his mouth.
“Guys, let’s calm down. How about we wait patiently for the 1st Princess’s response?”
“That’s been over a week!”
“We’re not fools! We know how time works!”
The messenger tried to force a smile.
“Still, let’s remain calm…”
“Messenger Rizolta! Then let’s settle it with a death match!”
“….”
As expected, rational conversation wouldn’t work here. It was everyday life for them to draw axes and show their teeth, so typical resolutions were impossible.
Just then, the voice of the 1st Princess was heard.
—Everyone, the noise is too loud.
“It’s the 1st Princess!”
“Our warrior leader! The 1st Princess!”
All the warriors reacted strongly.
“1st Princess, answer us! Are you abandoning the North? Why are you delaying your return!?”
—If it’s an answer, I would’ve given it already.
As the large gates remained closed, they couldn’t tell what expression the 1st Princess Ether wore or what she was doing.
However, despite not being very loud, her voice was distinct. It carried a weight of seriousness.
—I have something that must be hunted down.
“What’s that prey!?”
“Reveal it!”
“Do you mean it’s more important than the North!?”
Even as the protests poured in, Ether remained composed.
—It’s a hunt of great significance to my life.
—Until it’s concluded, I will not return at all.
The two sides faced each other across the massive gates.
On one side was the 1st Princess Ether, and on the other were the renowned warrior Brolka from the North. The two most authoritative figures in the North were fiercely clashing.
“The situation in the North is dire!”
“The 1st Princess must step up as a warrior!”
“Are you going to abandon us?”
The messenger also carefully interjected.
“1st Princess… it seems that the strong opposition stems from the fact that you made this decision alone…”
In the North, which placed immense importance on the respect and backing of its warriors, making decisions unilaterally was extremely rare.
The 1st Princess was fully aware of this yet proceeded with her decision anyway.
—You all go back to the North first. I’ll finish this soon.
“What is the identity of that prey! Reveal it!”
“Speak!”
—You don’t need to know. For now….
But at that moment.
“…What’s with all this racket?”
Someone entered the realm of the 1st Princess.
It was a chilling space, yet the newcomer didn’t show any signs of feeling cold. Moreover, they didn’t falter even under the piercing gazes and imposing figures of the Northern warriors.
The man arrived with Sunweed in his mouth and said.
“I just have something to discuss with the 1st Princess.”
The Inspectory of the Imperial Tower, Ezekiel.
That was him.
And at the same time.
Bang—!
The gates that had never opened before flew open.
The 1st Princess in her nightgown stood there.
She pointed her finger emphatically and shouted.
“…Capture him! Get that one!”
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