TESE Prologue
Two Empires, The Slave of the Empire (TESE)
Prologue
Magical calendar year 233 A.D. The Strasse and El Pasher empires, which had long fought over the continent's supremacy, have decided to sign a cease-fire agreement. The Abek Neutral State, which survived luckily between the two powers, was decided as the venue for the agreement.
The landscape of the continent will be completely different depending on whether the agreement is concluded or not. Amid the worldwide attention, the Crown Prince of the Strasse Empire and the Crown Prince of the El Pasher Empire gathered as representatives.
A young man in a crisp gray suit first entered the hall. A refined and handsome face is seen under the neatly cut golden hair. The eyes were beautifully green, reminiscent of a summer field. He had a cheerful look on his face as he walked around the hall. But sometimes the gaze that looked down on people was very Intimidating.
Levnoad van Strass, Crown Prince of the Strasse Empire.
As a child, he grabbed a sword that was heavy on his body and jumped into the bloody battlefield. When he was young, he was called a war demon by people, and he cut down more than ten enemy commanders with his sword. But his real specialty was magic, not the sword.
The quadruple chant spell in the Fabes Plain shocked people all over the world. This is an era where even the old wizards who have devoted their entire lives to magic have only a triple chant spell. It was the first time in continental history that a quadruple-chanting wizard appeared.
"Hmm..., who is El Giscard Fasher?"
Levnoad looked around carefully. As key figures from Strasse entered, El Pasher's group also appeared. What he was looking for was the Crown Prince of El Pasher.
There is a saying that if there is Prince Levnoad in Strasse, there is Prince Giscard in El Pasher.
Prince Giscard was still young and had little expertise, but he gained fame by showing amazing talent with the sword. Rumor has it that he became a sword master as soon as he had his coming-of-age ceremony.
In the two confronting kingdoms, Crown Princes of similar ages are each showing remarkable achievements. The two naturally became like rivals and became a topic of conversation among the people.
However, Levnoad never once thought of Prince Giscard as a rival. Just because he became a sword master at a young age, does that mean he is the same as the first quadruple-chanting wizard who went through all the hardships he faced? Levnoad often ridiculed him, saying, "That kid is still green." Besides, people believed that they were about the same age, but, in fact, Levnoad and Giscard were eight years apart.
First, there is an age difference. The rumors floating around in the world resulted from El Pasher, conscious of him being praised as a war hero, and entering the war of public opinion to give power to his country. The enemy's behavior was quite laughable. However, it would be a lie to say that he was not interested in the rumored Prince El Fasher.
Soon after, Levnoad Discovered Crown Prince Giscard. He had dark blue eyes with black hair unique to the Royal family of El Pasher. He was almost as tall as himself, and his facial features seemed wealthy enough to be called handsome. However, there was not a single expression on his handsome face, only giving off a cold atmosphere.
Levnoad laughed.
"Ha, Look at that young man. I heard that the Prince of El Fasher is eight years younger than me, but somehow he looks eight years older."
"No, not to that extent... But just as Levy Hyung said, he looks a little older than his actual age. It's hard to think that he just had his coming-of-age ceremony..."
The strawberry-blond-haired boy who was accompanying Levnoad replied.
Edrich Van Strass. He was the 11th prince of the empire, but he renounced his rights and became a subject of Levnoad. So, when the twelve princes and princesses were purged, only Edrich survived.
Among the many siblings, only Eldrich could call Levnoad 'Levy.' Additionally, only Levnoad called out Edrich's nickname so affectionately.
"Eddie. It's easy for people to look down on you when you're young. A ruler needs a presence that overwhelms his subordinates. In that sense, the Crown Prince of El Pasher, who experienced a sudden setback at a young age, can be said to have been blessed by God."
"Is....that so...?"
Edrich was wondering if he should take it as a joke or take it seriously.
Levnoad smiled and ascended to the podium in the middle of the hall. All the attendants stayed behind. On EL Fasher's side, only Crown Prince Giscard walked to the podium.
There was no mediator. Only a pre-prepared agreement was on the marble podium. Levnoad picked up a golden pen placed on the side of the table. Giscard also picked up a pen. Almost simultaneously, signatures were made.
"..."
It was time for a light greeting, but there was only silence between the two. The agreement is nothing but a piece of paper. An agreement can only be established if the two empires want a truce. therefore, it may be the most important step for the representatives of the two countries to have a direct conversation.
First, Levnoad held out his hand. When Giscard did not respond to the handshake but just stared at his hand, Levnoad raised the corner of his mouth.
"Do you really need to think about it when we're just shaking hands?"
Compared to Giscard's stiff stance, Levnoad appearance was relaxed. Giscard shook hands without replying. However, when he held Levnoad's hand, a cold blue air permeated his eyes.
The Crown Princes of the two countries were shaking hands, but there was no warmth in their interaction, only tension as if standing on thin ice.
Simultaneously, the two men let go of their hands and turned away from each other. However, before taking a single step, Levnoad suddenly turned to Giscard and spoke.
"It may be hard to believe since I have the nickname 'war demon,' but I don't like war very much. So, I hope this truce will last for a long time."
"... I agree with the ceasefire agreement."
For the first time, he could hear Giscard's voice. Levnoad chuckled again, as it was quite surprising that despite his cold expression, Giscar spoke respectfully, treating him as an elder.
"Then I'll see you again when I get the chance."
Levnoad waved his hand and left the hall. The royal guards were standing squarely in rows as if measured with a ruler. Levnoad shouted cheerfully as he crossed between them.
"Let's go back! To our homeland! We must bid farewell to those on the border and return to Strasse!!"
"Waaaa!!"
The knights, who were standing like metal statues without blinking, suddenly erupted in a loud cheer. Levnoad gestured to Cerdo, the captain of the royal guards.
"I'll have to catch up on some sleep in the carriage on the way back. Don't wake me up before the sky falls."
"Please change that habit of yours. It's not good for your health to stay up for several days and then sleep all at once."
"I can take care of myself"
"Although the ceasefire agreement was completed was concluded safely, there is a possibility of danger on our way back."
"You can handle that on your own! Must I have to worry about such trivial things?"
Levnoad got on the prepared carriage without a second thought. Cerdo sighed deeply at his recklessness. But when he turned back from the carriage, Cerdo smiled. Who were they? The prince's personal royal guards who have built an invincible reputation through years of hardships with Levnoad. Cerdo raised his voice and shouted at his men.
"Formation! We're returning to Strasse! Is this how you present yourselves when already being lax and compromising someone's safety? If you don't want to spend your whole life in an enemy country, pull yourselves together!"
Listening to the commotion, Levnoad took out a communication crystal. The long-awaited ceasefire agreement was finally achieved. He stretched out his hand over the crystal, intending to quickly report the progress to the Strasse Emperor.
"On"
As he uttered the short activation phrase, the magic gem embedded in his bracelet vibrated, producing a low humming sound. The crystal directly reflects the image of Emperor Strasse. The fact that the connection was established as soon as he sent the signal, he must have been waiting in front of the communication crystal waiting for his call.
"Your Majesty, it has been nearly 15 days since I greeted you. The weather is cold. Are you feeling well?"
-Whether I'm healthy or not is something you can see with your own eyes. More importantly, return by the first day of next month! Got it?
Without even confirming the results of the ceasefire agreement, an abrupt order for an urgent return was issued. Levnoad frowned.
"What's wrong?"
-Everything! Your father is bored to death! I have planned a hunt for the first, so be there!
"...Your Majesty, try contacting Count Bolgwin. He would be happy to be your hunting companion."
-This brat has no intention of being filial to his old father!
"Aren't you more curious about the outcome of the ceasefire agreement?"
-Ohh! Have you experienced the bitter taste of failure for the first time in a while? I was against the ceasefire, but it turned out to be a good thing!
"Unfortunately, the ceasefire agreement was concluded without incident."
-Eh!
Suddenly the carriage door opened. Levnoad turned his head. Edrich came in holding a teacup.
"Eddie, what are you doing here now?"
"Didn't you stay up for three days to conclude the ceasefire agreement? I brought you some tea that is good for sleeping so that you can sleep comfortably..."
Edrich suddenly trailed off. He realized that Levnoad was talking to the Emperor through a communication crystal. He immediately bowed his head.
"Your Majesty the Emperor. How have you been?"
-Edrich. I'm always watching, you must continue to assist Levnoad flawlessly.
The Emperor's attitude was much colder than when he addressed Levnoad. All the princes had died, but Edrich had survived. Edrich is also the Emperor's son, so he is qualified to pursue the imperial throne. The Emperor was very displeased with the presence of Edrich, who could be a threat to Levnoad.
The pleasant atmosphere turned cold in an instant. Levnoad stepped forward to take care of the situation.
"Your Majesty, Edrich is under my care, so all authority and responsibility for him belongs to me."
-Now that you're all grown up, you're ignoring what your father said? Well, fine. It's amusing to think I'd interfere in what you do at this point. Do what you wish. I trust you will take care of it. And... it's the first of next month!!
"Understood"
Levnoad lowered his hand from his communication crystal. The Emperor's image disappeared in an instant. He sighed and turned to Edrich.
"Aren't you going to offer me tea?"
"Yes? ah!"
Only then did Edrich belatedly hand over the tea he was carrying. While Levnoad took a sip of tea, Edrich sat across from him.
"Eddie, I heard your skills with the sword have improved a lot lately. How's your progress?"
"Uh... Well, it's, um, just okay."
Edrich hesitated a little and then answered with difficulty. Levnoad took another sip and set down his cup.
"You have the guts to dare to lie to me."
"What?"
Edrich opened his big eyes even wider. When his gaze met Levnoad's,h he shrank back, shoulders hunched.
"Sorry... that was..."
"When I heard the report it said that you have already activated aura. There are only a few people in the country who can wield the Aura Sword. If you progress further from here, you may become a sword master. But you are only sixteen now. Would you say this is ‘just okay’?"
Levnoad clicked his tongue while crossing his legs. At that moment Edrich shouted.
"I won't touch a sword again! No, I haven't touched a sword in months. So..."
"Are you asking me to spare you?"
Levnoad asked. With a bitter smile on his lips.
He had killed twelve of his brothers. He also exterminated his sisters, concubines, and maternal relatives who were a threat. His subjects and people followed him like a God, but his blood relatives hated and feared him like the devil.
Edrich raised his head. He did not avoid Levnoad's gaze this time.
"I won't do anything. But...Stay by your side..."
Levnoad raised his cup, finishing the remaining tea in one gulp. He roughly put his cup down.
"Power is not created through the strength of one body. Everyone in the empire is my subject and you are nothing more than a fallen prince. Do you think becoming a sword master could shake my position? Your thoughts are absolutely ridiculous."
Suddenly he felt a little dizzy. Levnoad shook his head lightly and looked at Edrich. His younger brother, who came under his command at the age of eight, had changed little since then. He is still small and boyish. He probably wanted it that way himself. To survive.
"Stop your useless thoughts and continue sharpening your sword. If possible, try to surpass that El Pasher kid. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of expression the young man will make. Hmm..."
As he chuckled, he pressed his temples. The headache was intensifying. Seeing that his complexion was rapidly deteriorating, Edrich came closer.
"Hyung?"
"It's nothing. I'll be fine after a nap...No, could you bring some cold water?"
"Should I summon a priest?"
"No need for that..."
Edrich stepped outside the carriage to fetch water. Levnoad signed and leaned back in his chair.
Suddenly, he found it hard to breathe.
"Cough"
He opened his mouth wide, trying desperately to inhale air, but it was futile. His face rapidly turned red, blood streaming from his nose and ears. Incredible pain struck his head. Levnoad couldn't even scream.
Thunk.
Something landed in his twitching hand. It was a teacup. The teacup that Edrich handed him, Levnoad realized. There was poison in that tea.
"Ed...Eddie...You..."
Was it betrayal? Was it inevitable?
He had always been prepared with antidotes whenever he ate. Many enemies had attempted to poison him. However, when Edrich offered the tea a while ago, he took it without any defense. He was more surprised that he let his guard down in front of Edrich than the fact that he was dying. Did he want to trust Edrich that much?
His thoughts did not last long. Resisting against the encroaching darkness was futile. In an instant, everything went dark.
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