The Prince Wants to Retire

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The Crown Prince Wishes to Retire

21. Finally, Retirement!

While the envoy groups from various nations focused on the Continental Conference, thanks to a heavy blow dealt by Kariel, the Empire was able to sustain overwhelming dominance in negotiations.

Though the compensation the Empire was to receive was important, the most crucial aspect was the Dark Mages.

As long as they hadn’t fully vanished from the West Continent, cooperation from each country was essential, so they couldn’t just keep hammering away at them.

The Empire had to show mercy, compelling others to willingly cooperate—even if it was forced.

In that sense, Kariel’s position was exceedingly significant.

“Strike from behind and soothe from the front…”

Jeyron Paul, the leader of the Iron Alliance, wore a look of disillusionment.

Just yesterday, he had been in a battle of wits against Kariel, but now the two princes were demanding he soften up Kariel while adding more pressure for the Dark Mages’ cooperation.

As the Continental Conference shifted into its second half, Kariel had relentlessly tormented him.

Iron was faring relatively better in this situation.

The Holy Nation, on the other hand, was being chewed up terrifyingly.

On the first day, the Pope had had a pleasant impression, but things took a turn and his expression remained stiff after that.

The fact that even the Pope, who had spent his life with a smile, was now affected by Kariel’s torment was telling.

Not just the Pope, but all the leaders from various nations participated in the Continental Conference with grim expressions.

It was painfully obvious that they were struggling to just remain seated.

In the midst of them, the Second Prince Rufiel smiled and spoke.

“Hmm… I believe I have good news for you all.”

At Rufiel’s words, everyone tilted their heads in confusion.

Inwardly, they all thought, “This better be good for us!” as they looked at Rufiel.

“It seems my older brother is going to retire.”

At Rufiel’s statement, everyone responded with bland expressions and uttered some mechanical words of sympathy.

They looked as if to say that it was unfortunate, but he must have made a difficult decision.

Given the abilities Kariel had displayed, what did it truly mean for him to step down from the Crown Prince position?

Watching their reactions, Rufiel wore a bitter smile.

“Once he steps down from the Crown Prince position, he has indicated he will relinquish all his duties. He will likely depart for the estate designated by His Majesty immediately.”

Rufiel’s words made the eyes of the leaders in the conference chamber go wide.

“…Has the retirement ceremony been scheduled?”

“It will be in two days.”

In reply to Jeyron Paul’s question, Rufiel responded with a gloomy expression.

Seeing the prince’s reaction, Jeyron realized this wasn’t a lie.

‘Is it to raise the princes properly?’

As Jeyron thought this, he gazed at the two princes.

With Kariel’s retirement now a certainty, all that remained was the growth of the two princes.

And it would also serve as an examination for the next Emperor.

With most negotiations having been wrapped up due to the Empire’s overwhelming strength, only trivial matters remained, making this a feasible action.

Of course, for those having to cough up compensation, it would be significant, but it seemed the Empire wasn’t concerned about the importance and wanted to leave it entirely to the two princes.

Though the leaders from different nations contorted their expressions as if their pride was hurt, it was nevertheless an opportunity.

An opportunity to minimize the damages to their countries through the Imperial throne dispute.

“I hope you all will attend my brother’s retirement ceremony and illuminate the occasion.”

Seryel, who had been silently observing, prompted the leaders of various nations, who responded with smiles and agreed to attend.

Fearing that their moods might sour and the ceremony would be postponed after the Continental Conference, the leaders hastily replied, causing the two princes to let out soft sighs.

Now, they had to rely solely on their strength to contend with the cunning leaders.

With heavy shoulders weighed down by immense pressure, the two princes exited.

However, the expressions of the leaders from various nations remained dark.

Carrie, the monster, overshadowed them, yet the two princes were also geniuses in their own right.

They were potential contenders for the next Master and Mage, gaining political experience at a young age.

And not just any experience, but one accumulated in a high-stakes setting orchestrated by a monster.

‘Whoever becomes the Emperor, things will get tough.’

Jeyron thought to himself with a small sigh.

He was just relieved that this “monster” showed no interest in the throne.

Wanting to ensure the monster wouldn’t suddenly change its mind, they aimed to celebrate the retirement ceremony by gathering precious gifts.

Pursuing the same goal, the other leaders hurried their footsteps, unsure if the monster might change its mind.

*

As the conference room cleared and silence reigned, the Emperor’s palace bustled with key figures.

“I wish to meet His Majesty.”

At the words of Duke Devir, the attendants hastily relayed the request for an audience.

Moments later, as the request was granted and Duke Devir stepped inside, he was taken aback to find unexpected figures alongside the Emperor.

“Uh…”

“It seems I’m late.”

The Duke of Welch was there with the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Grand Inspector.

“I greet Your Majesty!”

“I didn’t expect you all to come regarding the Crown Prince matter.”

The Emperor chuckled lightly.

It was amusing that those eagerly awaiting retirement came to dissuade it, alongside those maintaining neutrality.

“Let me make it clear; the Crown Prince’s retirement can no longer be postponed.”

The Emperor promptly cut off any demands from the Mages.

Having already delayed till the brink, if he postponed further, who knew what Kariel might do?

At the very least, a strike would be a given, and if anger clouded his judgment, he might even ally with Dark Mages to leave the Empire.

Though it was a change of thought relying on imagination, having grasped Kariel’s temper to some extent, the Emperor contemplated that he might actually do something like that.

“What if we at least maintain his position as Chancellor…?”

“Can you keep him in the Chancellor role if he doesn’t want to work?”

With Akhelio’s remark, Duke Welch sighed and replied.

Kariel’s ultimate reason for stepping down from the Crown Prince position was that he didn’t want to work.

At first, they had thought it was for political reasons, but if one looked at Kariel’s past deeds and actions, it became clear to anyone.

He always wore an expression of not wanting to work.

Rumors circulated that he would mutter, “Just finish this, and I can retire!” and “Just a little longer till retirement!”

However, Duke Welch knew this wasn’t mere gossip. He had heard it himself while leaving the palace after the Grand Council Meeting.

The desire for retirement drove him to smash the Dark Mages and formulate the Continental Conference as a pretext to flee.

Who would want to keep such a person in the palace?

What could he set in motion?

“For now, I don’t think we can prevent the Crown Prince’s retirement.”

Among those present, Podolski, closest to the Crown Prince, spoke calmly.

Everyone nodded slightly in agreement.

“Therefore, we need to think about what comes after his retirement.”

Upon Podolski’s statement, everyone turned their attention to him.

As the Emperor also looked on, as if to ask what plan he had, Podolski smiled brightly.

“I hear His Majesty has asked for a small estate.”

At Podolski’s words, the Emperor nodded subtly.

“It’s pivotal to send him to a small, secluded estate far from the capital.”

Understanding the implications of Podolski’s words, the Minister of Foreign Affairs chuckled knowingly.

“Indeed. Though it sounds small and quiet, one can never tell what might happen in that vicinity.”

“Ah… I see. Quite a clever idea.”

Perhaps realizing the Emperor’s intent, they all smiled lightly.

When the Emperor was clear-headed, he could outsmart even the Crown Prince and quickly grasp intentions.

“We can choose between the Northeast and Southeast.”

Thinking of granting a territory bordering the escape routes of the Dark Mages in the Northeast or those adjoining the Southern Kingdoms and Principalities in the Southeast, the Emperor smirked.

Everyone, having caught on to the Emperor’s thought from his smile, nodded in agreement.

Then, Podolski spoke again.

“The most crucial point is that we shouldn’t send him to a territory too near the borders.”

“Exactly. We must send him to a place that could be mistakenly viewed as a safe estate.”

The Emperor regarded Podolski.

If he couldn’t settle in central politics, it would work to assign the former Crown Prince one of the significant matters too “burdensome” for the current princes.

Once they all finished their agreement with sly looks, they eagerly began submitting proposals.

Just then, another group arrived at the Emperor’s palace.

“Your Majesty, the Counts of the Border wish to request an audience…”

“Let them in.”

At the Emperor’s command, the door opened, and the border counts entered.

Having gathered in the Emperor’s palace, something which occurred seldom during the current Emperor’s reign, they must have come for a specific reason.

Given the situation leading to their audience request, it was reasonable to assume they intended to prevent the Crown Prince’s retirement.

“I greet Your Majesty!”

“Did you come to try and deter the retirement as well?”

The Emperor inquired, his expression nonchalant.

“Yes, Your Majesty. In these tumultuous times, retirement? Please, at least postpone it until the Empire stabilizes.”

In response to the Marquis Sicario’s words, all the Counts of the Border bowed their heads as if in agreement.

With the unanimous appeal from all the Counts present, everyone could instantly recognize the influence the current Crown Prince wielded.

‘It’s no problem for him to ascend to the throne right now if he sets his mind to it.’

‘Should I consider myself fortunate that he shows no interest in the throne?’

The Duke of Welch and Duke Devir, each backing different princes, observed the Counts and ministers surrounding the Emperor.

Their gazes half-supported the Crown Prince.

To the neutral faction prioritizing the Empire’s stability, the current Crown Prince held significant appeal.

With the advantage of being the eldest son and the position of Crown Prince, above all, he was seen as someone who could calm the tumult and once again lead the Empire to be the continent’s strongest nation.

The problem was that the individual in question had no desire to do so…

“It feels like the Grand Council Meeting is being held.”

At the Emperor’s words, everyone cleared their throats and turned away.

“Phew… then please express your wishes.”

As soon as the Emperor’s words fell, glances were exchanged.

In an instant, an alliance was formed at that table.

No matter how high-ranking the nobles of the Empire might be, negotiations with other countries could become quite exhausting.

But a former Crown Prince?

Moreover, being a prince meant there would be no hindrance in granting significant roles.

If necessary, they could establish a special department and appoint him as its head.

Besides, with the meticulous nature of the former Crown Prince in handling affairs, it was highly likely that even minor issues would be resolved swiftly if he were implanted in that region.

Bureaucrats and high nobles stressed by ongoing petty squabbles amongst the nobility would likely all welcome the idea of bringing in the Crown Prince.

“It has been decided.”

After hours of discussion, once a location was finally chosen, those in winning positions smiled, while those in losing positions wore grim expressions.

“…But will His Highness the Crown Prince accept this?”

The attendant, who had been silently listening, cautiously spoke.

At that, the Emperor burst into laughter.

“He will accept it, for I will make him.”

As the Emperor made that declaration, everyone nodded solemnly.

*

With the covert meeting in the Emperor’s palace concluded, the day of the retirement ceremony finally arrived.

Attendants wore expressions of regret, while the envoy groups from various nations brightly welcomed Kariel’s retirement, showing starkly contrasting faces as they awaited the ceremony.

“Finally, your long-cherished wish is being realized.”

“Indeed. It took a long time.”

Kariel shook his head as if he was tired of it.

However, Talion couldn’t agree with the sentiment of it taking a long time.

‘It has been less than a year since he began acting in earnest!’

For Talion, who was unaware of Kariel’s past life, it seemed like a fleeting moment, but still, he should bless his lord for achieving what he had so eagerly desired.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

As Kariel spoke, he looked around his palace.

He would soon leave for a tranquil estate after retirement, so he would never return to this place.

As he gazed around his room with a bittersweet expression, Kariel said to Talion.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

As the door opened, Kariel and Talion climbed into a lavishly adorned wagon.

The golden wagon rolled along a flowery path leading from the Crown Prince’s Palace to the Grand Hall.

As they approached the Grand Hall, a knight up ahead drew his sword and shouted.

“Commencing the retirement ceremony for His Highness the Crown Prince!”