Chapter 45
The final method used by the Nabel Empire was to move C-Class or B-Class Transcendents close to a breach and forcibly drive them into rampage. The explosion that occurred at that time had destroyed most breaches.
Unfortunately, it seemed that this time they had failed to eliminate the core.
A breach was a gap between spaces that connected to the Demon Realm. Usually, a monster that possessed the core maintaining the breach was nearby, so if that creature was destroyed, the breach would close.
“If they’re just buying time, then what? Are they planning to request help from other countries? None of the neighboring nations are in a position to help the Nabel Empire anyway.”
With breaches occurring across the continent, every country was already busy dealing with the ones within its own borders. The only nations with the capacity to help others were the empires, but relations between the empires were not particularly good.
“That is why their Crown Prince has sent an envoy, saying he will come to our country with a Guide.”
“A Guide?”
“The eighteenth Imperial Princess. They say she is an S-Class Guide.”
If he had heard this before realizing his own feelings, it would have sounded like welcome news. But Kasselard’s expression turned sour. He had a feeling this would become a reason for Ephinia to reject him.
“What nonsense? If one of that emperor’s children were an S-Class Guide, the whole continent would have known already.”
“I thought the same.”
S-Class Transcendents were rare, but the value of an S-Class Guide was even greater. For that reason, the imperial family also gave special consideration to Agnes, an S-Class Guide, treating her almost like an Imperial Princess.
Fortunately, she didn’t have a strong desire for power, and instead focused only on traveling across the Empire with other S-Class Transcendents to close breaches.
In recognition of her contributions, the Emperor had already indicated that she would soon be granted the title of Count or Marquis. Since Ephinia was expected to be raised to the rank of a Count by guiding him, the Crown Prince, Agnes’s title would most likely be settled as Marquis.
“The Nabel Empire is suspected of conducting human experiments on Transcendents. Just looking at how they treat their C-Class and B-Class Transcendents makes that clear. It’s hard to believe they have done nothing to their Guides.”
Therefore, even if the numbers shown on a magic device were high, it would be wise to be cautious about any Guide they presented. Especially if that Guide was an Imperial Princess who had never once been revealed to the outside world.
‘An Imperial Princess who is an S-Class Guide, brought by the Crown Prince…’
This was clearly the setup for a political marriage. If the breach was so severe that even multiple S-Class Transcendents could only hold it back defensively, it was the perfect reason to ask for the strength of an SS-Class Transcendent.
It was irritating, but it would also be a problem if the Nabel Empire collapsed completely. It was still a nation on the continent, and if it fell and the surrounding kingdoms followed, monsters would inevitably pour toward the Karnan Empire, leading to a large-scale war.
“What does His Majesty intend to do?”
“For now, he intends to permit the visit. The existence of an S-Class Guide is always welcome. Besides, even if it is not Your Highness, they could simply pair her with one of our S-Class Transcendents.”
“Do you think it will be that simple? They’ll definitely be aiming for me.”
As he said this, Kasselard fell into thought. He had a feeling this matter would affect his relationship with Ephinia one way or another.
“When will this be brought up at the State Council?”
“It won’t go beyond this week at the latest. A reply will have to be sent around then.”
If that was the case, Ephinia would hear this news by next month at the latest. They would be traveling by summoned beasts. Although they would obtain permission to pass through several kingdoms, a procession coming all the way from the Nabel Empire would be hard to miss.
Seeing Kasselard’s expression grow serious, Christian asked cautiously.
“Do you think Baroness Linier will pay attention to this news?”
“She will. She’ll be overjoyed and eager to hand me over to that Nabel Princess.”
You’re surprisingly self-aware.
“What was that?”
“Ah…”
Christian broke into a cold sweat as he realized he had spoken his thoughts aloud.
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