Chapter 84
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The Imperial Palace’s Main Hall, the Chamber of the Noble Council.
Those seated around the round table all wore grave expressions.
Today’s agenda: the eradication of the ‘Maw’.
The meeting, presided over by the First Prince himself, came as a shock to them.
Euclid, who until now had hardly ever attended a council session in earnest, was showing unprecedented initiative. Both his presence and the substance of his proposal were astonishing.
The First Prince presented a new hypothesis.
By using divine power, a ‘Maw’ could be eradicated. What had happened in the Shastir Gorge was no coincidence, and any ‘Maw’ that appeared in the future could be destroyed in the same way.
If the First Prince’s claim proved true, the Empire’s greatest source of anxiety would be greatly alleviated.
The budget spent each year to maintain the Empire’s unstable public security was enormous. If that could be redirected elsewhere, the Empire’s economy would see remarkable growth.
Thus, the handling of the ‘Maw’ carried far greater significance than mere monster extermination.
“If more examples are needed, I shall gather them myself. Each time a ‘Maw’ appears, I will depart immediately and demonstrate its eradication.”
“If it can truly be destroyed through divine power, why not move alongside His Highness the Second Prince? Surely, it would be too much to shoulder alone?”
It was Gregor Vallerin who offered the suggestion. He was a member of the conservative faction and one of the Empress’s closest confidants.
His words, slyly pushing for the Second Prince’s involvement, drew a faint, amused smile from Euclid.
“I appreciate your concern, but really… I wonder if the Second Prince could be of any help at all. He couldn’t even kill a single monster in the Lekan Forest. So, could he truly destroy a ‘Maw’?”
At the First Prince’s retort, Gregor fell silent.
The fact that the Second Prince had recently returned in secret was already an open secret within the palace. Everyone knew why he had slipped back so quietly.
“Well, it would be all the better if my younger brother joined in. Why don’t you make that suggestion yourself, Duke Vallerin? For some reason, he’s been avoiding me lately.”
Euclid’s lips curved into a faint smile as he added the remark. At his pointed words, several of the reformist nobles let out quiet chuckles.
The Second Prince who had handed his fiancée over to his brother and failed even at a simple monster hunt. Even with the Empress as his backing, his reputation was falling by the day.
“The examples gathered by His Highness the First Prince will be more than sufficient, I believe. For the peace of the Empire, we entrust this matter to you.”
Marquis Gerard Montfel, head of the reformist faction, brought the discussion to a close.
With his final statement, the motion was passed entirely in accordance with Euclid’s wishes.
Until recently, the Noble Council had never considered the First Prince as a potential candidate for Crown Prince. But with his recent conduct, he had swiftly risen as the most promising contender.
“Your Highness the First Prince.”
When the meeting concluded, Euclid left the room with Knight Commander Maurice. As he walked down the corridor, someone called out to him, halting his steps. Turning his head, he saw Marquis Montfel.
“Marquis Montfel. What brings you here?”
“I wished to express my gratitude, Your Highness, for your service to the Empire. On behalf of the reformist faction, please accept our thanks.”
“I’ve only done what I always have.”
“For too long, we took Your Highness’s dedication for granted. It was shameful of us.”
“I appreciate you recognizing it now.”
Euclid spoke casually and patted Montfel on the shoulder. His large hand gave a gentle, reassuring tap as he smiled softly.
“As a member of the Imperial Family, I only did what was expected of me. I’ve no intention of boasting. Let’s continue until every last ‘Maw’ is gone.”
With that simple remark, he turned away.
Marquis Montfel, gazing at the broad back of the First Prince as he departed, looked deeply moved.
A prince who had silently carried out his imperial duties for years, even without recognition.
He thought, ‘Surely this man is the one truly born to be Emperor.’
Discussion
1 CommentRBluemoon238
Reminds me of the saying
"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all"