Chapter 265: "What is your reason for being against the Empire?"
When faced with such a direct question, Logan's smile vanished.
'...Did I give myself away?'
After briefly reflecting on his actions, Logan realized his mistake only when he noticed the intense scrutiny in the black eyes fixed on him.
"Hmm. You say some unsettling things. I'm surprised to hear that I've been opposing the empire. Might I inquire as to why you think so?"
Though visibly uncomfortable, Logan's response was smooth and devoid of any awkwardness.
While he appeared composed, the unwavering gaze of the black eyes continued to assess him.
"Well, recently, I came across some surprising news. In a part of the former McLaine territory, a magic crystal mine was discovered. A significant amount has already been sold, but not to our empire."
"Ah..."
The existence of the mine turned out to be the crux of the matter.
Despite bracing himself for this revelation, Logan managed to maintain his composure and responded calmly.
"Haha. Given the valuable nature of such a resource, it's only natural for us to keep it a secret in the best interests of the territory and the nation. Surely, you don't consider this precaution as an act of hostility towards the empire? That would be a stretch."
Confidently nonchalant.
So, what is your next move?
If the mine had only been associated with a single territory when McLaine mentioned it, the situation might have been different.
But now that everything was out in the open, the empire had limited options other than resorting to war.
However, Logan's princely demeanor remained unshaken as he calmly continued.
"Enhancing the military system and continually strengthening your forces—could this not be seen as preparations for war? If you do not stand against the empire, are you planning to conquer the small kingdoms in the east?"
The question visibly unsettled Logan.
"As a king, it's simply part of our policies to bolster the nation. Are you implying that the empire plans to interfere in our kingdom's internal affairs?"
The prince had crossed a line.
If he hadn't been the prince of the empire, Logan would have reprimanded him without hesitation.
Logan tried to steer the conversation back in his favor, but to his surprise, the prince calmly uttered something outrageous with a chilling smile.
"Well, well. It's hard for us to trust the words of someone who planted a spy within the imperial family."
"What? That's preposterous..."
While Logan might have considered planting a spy if he could, the accusation was grossly unfair.
Nevertheless, Logan couldn't help but be taken aback when Jerome casually presented a sack from which rolled a head unmistakably belonging to someone Logan recognized.
"Cleo!?"
Observing Logan's shocked reaction, the prince spoke calmly.
"This is the imperial spy, identified as an official from the Grandia Kingdom. How do you explain this?"
"Huh..."
Logan was left speechless by the baffling accusation.
'How did they get hold of someone I couldn't track down? Was he truly working for the empire?'
As perplexing thoughts raced through his mind, Logan scrutinized the prince and Jerome, noticing a subtle unnaturalness in their movements.
What are their intentions?
With a cold expression, Logan stared back into the prince's black eyes.
"Hmm, so you do know him."
"…Cleo Lieberman. A fugitive wanted by the kingdom."
"Well, well. Employing a wanted criminal as a spy is a common tactic..."
"A traitor who has caused harm to Grandia. This fact could be verified easily, right? Prince Baros, I won't tolerate any more insolence."
As Logan exuded a threatening aura, Jerome quickly intervened to protect the prince.
"Your Majesty, please calm down. We only wished to address a serious issue that could impact both nations."
Did the prince anticipate a different reaction?
As Logan sensed a tinge of disappointment in the prince's eyes, he continued with a veiled threat, though the second prince maintained a gentle smile.
"I completely understand. This matter is of utmost importance, which is why I came in person. I apologize once again for my rudeness."
"That will suffice. You may leave now."
The prince and his entourage departed without any further exchange, leaving Logan deep in thought.
'They have noticed my opposition to the empire. By presenting Cleo's head, they wanted to gauge my reaction...'
While contemplating the prince's unexpected suspicions, Logan made a decisive move.
'If they are wary of me, my future actions could introduce uncertainty. Yes, in that case...'
With his mind made up, Logan summoned his knights.
"Victor."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Step up surveillance on the imperial delegation. Monitor not only the knights but also the servants. Relay the same to Damian."
"Understood."
"Oh, and..."
Logan hesitated briefly before issuing a stern command.
"If anyone from the delegation strays from their designated area, be it knights or servants, eliminate them—especially those who enter the castle."
"What!?"
Although Victor rarely displayed strong emotions, he was visibly taken aback this time. Nevertheless, Logan remained resolute.
"Don't concern yourself with the repercussions. The prince initiated the rudeness. As long as he lives, the empire cannot hold us accountable."
If the opponent's moves were unpredictable, restricting their movements seemed the best course of action.
Fortunately, the other party provided the justification, so it shouldn't pose a problem.
'Prince Baros. Your plans won't unfold as expected.'
Alone in his chambers, Logan smirked menacingly.
Meanwhile, the second prince, having departed from Logan's presence, returned to his quarters and inquired of Jerome.
"How did it go?"
Jerome shook his head quietly.
His unique Absolute Vision not only aided him in combat but also allowed him to discern thoughts by observing reflections.
In Jerome's assessment, Logan's surprise and subsequent reaction to Cleo's head seemed genuine.
Baros sighed softly and nodded.
"So, he didn't plant the spy. But how did he know..."
"If that head truly didn't belong to a spy... Then?"
"Ah. You need not know any more."
Cut off from further questioning, Jerome's expression briefly stiffened, unnoticed by the prince as he continued in an indifferent tone.
"Proceed with the rest of the plans. You will learn in due time."
With a nod from the prince, Jerome excused himself and left.
His duties as an escort were to be taken over by other knights.
Jerome's true task lay elsewhere.
Shortly after Jerome rejoined the delegation, another incident at the royal palace caused a stir once more.
To foster friendly relations between the nations, the empire offered assistance for the wedding.
'The Star of Grandia,' or rather, 'The Sun of McLaine,' a gift from His Imperial Majesty.
The imperial delegation presented a compelling offer disguised as an imperial gift.
Though somewhat unconventional, Logan found himself unable to decline. Subsequently, approximately two thousand merchants from the empire, who had been stationed outside, began entering the palace with various goods.
Among them, a few keen observers noted about thirty individuals who moved differently from the rest upon their entrance into the palace.
* * *
The announcement of the royal union and the preparations leading up to the event, attracting envoys from other nations, had taken a month.
As the new year approached, marking the beginning of the royal marriage, the palace bustled with final arrangements.
"Be cautious there!"
"Take it slow!"
"Got it!"
The palace echoed with the activity of workers as they diligently carried out their tasks, amazed by the magnitude of their efforts.
Particularly, the scale of the wedding had escalated suddenly due to the influx of workers courtesy of the emperor's gift.
"This wedding is going to be quite lavish."
"It seems even grander than the coronation, doesn't it?"
"All thanks to those individuals. The empire..."
Eyes turned towards a figure laughing, bearing the title of the empire's second prince, who was overseeing his attendants—a sight unusual for his status but one the workers had grown accustomed to over the past fifteen days.
"Royalty does live differently, doesn't it? Our former royal family was nothing like this..."
"Well, you can't compare the past to the present. After all, the emperor publicly hailed our king as 'The Sun of McLaine.'"
"Praise? It's more like a compliment."
"What? Look at this person sympathizing with the empire?"
"Better than being overly patriotic. Making a fuss over a simple compliment."
"What did you say, huh!?"
While the unusual circumstances sparked minor disagreements, most individuals pondered eagerly on the grandeur of the upcoming wedding and continued with their work.
"However, us commoners won't get a glimpse of the ceremony, will we? Only the nobility..."
"Isn't that obvious? But we have the festival, right? After work, we can enjoy a drink, with enough money—what's there to complain about?"
"...Well, that's true."
"Let's finish up quickly and head for a drink today, alright?"
"Agreed!"
Amidst the lively atmosphere, an unfamiliar voice broke through.
"Move aside! We'll show you true artistry!"
A group of robust dwarves, a hundred in number, made their entrance.
"Dwarves!"
"The dwarves from Taren!"
"Is that... is that Hammer?"
The arrival of Hammer, known as King Logan's steadfast ally, caused a commotion. Rumors suggested that his actions had liberated all dwarves in the kingdom from enslavement—though in truth, it was McLaine that had acquired the dwarves and sent them to Taren. Despite the reality, those in the know remained silent and smiled.
"Let's go! Let's showcase our finest work for our lord—ah, my apologies. I meant, for His Majesty!"
"Yes!"
Under Hammer's guidance, the dwarves delved into their craftsmanship with fervor.
And so, after a tumultuous period, the dawn of the new year brought forth the day of the royal marriage.