Proclamation

He rode busily for a month, changing horses.

Far away, Illumina’s capital Faillea came into view.

Various nations’ flags were fluttering before the towering castle gate.

‘Delegations from each nation?’

The banquet to be held two days later was actually a ceremony proclaiming the succession war.

As the real fight begins, they’d come all the way here to lend strength to the royals they each support.

‘Rezhen isn’t here. Did Salavan exert effort?’

They say Salavan recently raised the level of pressuring Zayl.

Zayl likely can’t participate in the delegation and can only send gifts.

‘No matter how excellent royals are, in the end, the situation will reverse depending on how much supporters lend strength.’

Great powers each have one hidden move.

Even the Rakis Empire, called the eastern ruler, can’t move recklessly due to concerns about other nations’ hidden powers.

If war accidentally breaks out and they get swept up, it provides justification for the Holy Kingdom to inversely invade them.

At the point where forces comparable to Rakis exist, each nation unhesitatingly lends strength to the succession war.

‘A nation that can become each nation’s strategic strongpoint.’

The reason each nation is desperate to establish Illumina’s king as their ally even while taking risks.

Illumina, located in the middle of great powers, in other words, has high tactical value enabling easy goods transportation to other nations.

Other nations’ delegations supporting each royal all want to gain that advantage.

Now when Phillena shows conduct as queen and observer.

This place where the king disappeared was in the middle of a battlefield where all the world’s power and greed whirled.

When the long procession ended, Pernok’s turn came.

Showing the marquisate’s flag, he spoke to the soldier.

“Prince Pernok.”

The soldier who initially tilted his head at shabby appearance and light horse was soon startled seeing Pernok’s features and flag.

“Y-Your Highness the Prince, how are you in such a place!”

“Did I come to a place I can’t?”

“That’s not it—if you go that way, it’ll be fine.”

Apparently there was a dedicated passage only royals use.

Not knowing even that, Pernok smiled awkwardly.

“Since I’m already here, I’ll enter this way.”

“However, if you go that way, they’ll guide you directly to the inner castle.”

“I’ll look around a bit. Since I don’t want to cause a disturbance, please send me through quietly.”

“Ah, yes!”

When the soldier bowed his head, a knight guarding the royal dedicated passage approached.

But by then, Pernok had already entered inside the castle.

Having entrusted his horse to the stable keeper, Pernok walked quietly while taking in the capital’s appearance.

Befitting Illumina influenced by various nations, diverse architectural styles and people’s lives catch the eye.

‘What’s Illumina’s unique value?’

Perhaps because he only cared about the succession war, he has no memory of things like royal dedicated passages or Illumina’s unique cultural style.

It was when Pernok advanced while examining streets in detail to add information and ensure nothing was missed.

His back murmured.

“The Rakis Empire!”

And someone possessing massive mana approached behind Pernok.

‘S2 Magus.’

When his body reacted and he turned around, a man huge like a bear stood there.

From the middle-aged man’s unusual appearance showing his forehead scar unhesitatingly, the Rakis Empire’s marquis was immediately recalled.

“Prince Pernok, right?”

“Rakis Empire’s Marquis Breia?”

“Oh, how did you know it’s me?”

“The forehead scar, blue and green odd eyes, and this mana—there’s only Marquis Breia who was a former black-rank mercenary.”

“Kuhahaha! Young friend has better eyes than appearance!”

There seemed no hostility.

Apparently coming as Vans’s delegation, he was even bringing a carriage behind.

“Nice to meet you. Ah! Can I drop formalities?”

“Aren’t you already being rude?”

“Hahaha, acting so stiffly. I’ll treat you specially at the royal palace. But how about walking while chatting briefly as senior and junior in the mercenary world now?”

Breia pointed to the carriage, but Pernok shook his head.

“I’ll walk.”

“Then I’ll walk together too.”

“…?”

“I’m curious and think it’s admirable that a junior mercenary made an S-rank guild I couldn’t, so let’s talk.”

Still no hostility showed.

Pernok walked the path silently.

Breia, who sent the carriage to the castle first, followed beside.

Perhaps the uniform was stuffy—he unbuttoned his neck and spoke.

“More sensitive than heard.”

“Facing competition, what would you think when the First Prince’s supporter approaches?”

“Hm? Ah! I didn’t come because I like Vans?”

When Pernok looked to the side, Breia grinned.

“The person I like is the duke. Vans trained under him, and since it’s the day royal competition unfolds, we must also show faces. Since I’m relatively free, I came.”

“Doesn’t sound like delegation talk.”

“Rakis nobles have the right to act freely. I also became a noble by accepting that proposal.”

“Even while abandoning mercenary work?”

“You also reached that position, so don’t you know how hard persuading nations is? Besides, I had no more ranks to climb, so I went when someone came looking. Of course, being impressed by the duke’s Magus Arts is the biggest part.”

When Pernok nodded appropriately, Breia excitedly blabbered alone about the empire and Vans’s relationship.

Since they were mostly known contents, he responded meaninglessly.

“…Anyway, that guy Vans wants to imitate the duke too much. I don’t like that. As a man, shouldn’t he raise fists and charge at impossible tasks like Prince Pernok?”

“Then go guide him.”

“Vans is also a Magus. The grain is somewhat different from me. But you look quite similar to me. Is it because you’re enhancement type?”

Breia boasted the undefeated myth as a mercenary.

His Magus Arts is known to be refined like a spear that smashes any flesh.

If choosing the best current enhancement-type Magus Arts, it would be Breia.

“If you have time, how about one bout with me?”

“If I did that, wouldn’t Vans cause a ruckus?”

“That guy Vans! Ugh, so sick of it. Really.”

“Why do you hate what’s already decided in Rakis so much?”

“Not everyone thinks the same. We just forcibly follow because the duke said so.”

Pernok smirked and probed.

“Then if the duke tells you to withdraw from this matter, and I ask for help, will you support me?”

“Why not?”

At words too refreshing, Pernok was momentarily speechless.

“I like people like you. Breaking through A-rank that was considered the mercenary limit, uniting, taking revenge on those who sent you to the Fighting Pit, and trying to proudly claim the throne! If born as the empire’s prince, I would’ve attached to you.”

Breia blabbered without caring who saw.

“If you’re afraid of Rakis, persuade the duke. Then everything will be resolved.”

“…?”

“Don’t think we’ll go to the end with a royal we shook hands with once. Decisions can be reversed anytime. That’s Rakis. And an opportunity might exist for you too.”

“Is it okay to say such things to me?”

“What reason isn’t it okay?”

When Breia asked back, Pernok laughed incredulously.

“Isn’t it natural my heart leans more toward a junior walking the same path than Vans who only grazed a few times in the empire?”

“…”

“Anyway, survive to the end. Who knows? Rakis’s public opinion might change.”

Breia smiled and separated from Pernok.

“Think of it as senior advice for an admirable junior. Let’s meet in a good place next time.”

As the royal palace approached, Breia went to following guards.

Watching that appearance walking together, Pernok thought.

‘Not all 13 nobles of the empire support Vans?’

Perhaps Rakis might want insurance besides Vans.

That might be why Breia came friendly.

‘The empire’s duke… Chris…’

Repeating the name of the Magus called the world’s strongest, Pernok entered the royal palace.

* * *

He stayed in the assigned lodging and wore provided clothes.

Two days later, entering the grand banquet hall, noisy sounds echoed.

“Prince Pernok, the 17th Prince, is entering!!”

Though he hadn’t cared about order until now, hearing it was actually surprising.

Did Arjan create bastard sons even after sowing this many seeds?

How on earth such a scoundrel became king—it was absurd enough to let out a hollow laugh when the three prominent succession candidates arrived.

“Third Prince Porla is entering!”

The tall handsome man revealing sharp impression without hiding, Porla.

He’s made quite a name in commercial circles enough to directly engage in commerce since childhood.

Those who admire him all submitted to Porla’s financial power.

His talent judged by Soul Discernment rivaled Salavan’s.

But what catches the gaze is the Mage Association’s delegation.

The Mage Association with branches in each nation wants to make their own sacred ground in Illumina.

‘They said they raise their own nation’s Magi beyond limits with technology combining and amplifying mana?’

The Mage Association’s mana application methods are known as the world’s best.

Based on that secret technique, they possess high-level mages and three Magi.

“Second Princess Yuliana and Tyr Kingdom’s Marquis Morfo are entering!”

Everyone perks up ears at clicking shoe sounds.

Yuliana appeared smiling brilliantly like flower petals fluttering.

Her soul was one hand above Porla’s.

‘As a mage, capability seems limited to level 7, and if rumors are true, tactical capability would be excellent.’

Unlike her delicate-looking impression, Yuliana experienced battlefields since childhood.

Her tactical thinking and judgment gained the military’s support.

Marquis Morfo standing beside her is just one of common mages.

But Tyr Kingdom is the problem.

A monster known as Yuliana’s lover lives there.

A unique being called ‘Magus-eating mage’ that all great powers watch is waiting for opportunities anytime.

No one knows its substance.

Because three Magi went to confirm the monster until now and all died.

The reason Tyr Kingdom is counted among great powers despite having fewer Magi than other nations is precisely thanks to that monster.

“Are you Pernok?”

Yuliana walked straight to Pernok.

A fresh scent conveyed riding a smile.

It’s a dangerous fragrance that would get stabbed as is if handled wrong.

“They say you’re called Mercenary King at a young age?”

“I’ve also heard many rumors. They say you protected the castle from barbarians when young.”

“It’s an old matter. Rather, your heroic tale smashing older brother’s castle is more amazing.”

“To that degree?”

Yuliana smiled gently.

“Fufu, I don’t care about formalities. Feel comfortable beside older sister. If older brother troubles you, come to older sister. I’ll welcome you anytime.”

Yuliana crossed the banquet hall bringing Marquis Morfo.

Her halo that seemed to shine more than anyone was completely washed away by the man appearing after.

“Prince Vans and Rakis Empire’s Marquis Breia are entering!”

Silence instantly flowed, and everyone watched the entrance.

A man with platinum long hair walked with an expressionless appearance.

He released more natural strength than the appearance seen in the half-living’s memory.

‘Considerable talent.’

The soul’s color is the clearest among royals met so far.

‘Did they say unprecedented talent even in the royal family?’

Vans manifested level 2 magic at age 7.

At age 10, magic rose three stages, and ten years later, he became a level 6 mage.

And now at age 33, he’s remarkably reborn as an S1 Magus, one of the nation’s pillars.

Calm in everything, but sometimes bold—he’s widely known as king material.

‘The one who raised that talent is the guy called Rakis’s Duke Chris.’

Breia walking alongside Vans didn’t even glance this way.

Two days ago, his friendly appearance was cold enough to feel like a lie.

And great powers watch Breia with heightened tension.

World’s strongest nation.

One word suffices to describe them.

The Rakis Empire possessing 13 castles and making 13 strongmen into lords.

Commonly known as the 13 Lords, they’re composed of 7 barons, 3 counts, 2 marquises, and 1 duke.

All are Magi, and marquis-rank are S2 experts.

And Duke Chris.

Evaluations of him are higher than the Holy Kingdom’s high priest.

If the world’s first X-rank Magus was born, it was said to be Chris.

Click.

Shoe sounds pierce the silence where gazes focused on Breia.

Expressionless Vans stopped before Pernok holding up a wine glass.

“…”

There were no words.

But those eyes headed toward Pernok’s chest.

He recalled the memory of whom he stabbed how.

Slurp.

When Pernok leisurely rolled wine in his mouth, Vans curled his lips and slowly opened his mouth.

“You’re cleverly alive.”

The voice heard when the body’s original owner died now vividly stimulates ears.

“If I’d known you were a mage…”

Vans tilted his head slightly and whispered to Pernok.

“I would’ve ripped that flesh into a thousand pieces and scattered it.”

And when Vans’s face moved away, Pernok answered smiling.

“That’s why—why’d you stab the chest?”

Pernok tapped his nape with his finger.

“Should’ve struck the neck.”

Vans’s eyebrow twitched.

“If you don’t know how to rip and kill a tenacious bastard, I’ll slowly carve it into that body.”

Pernok gazed at Vans’s eyes and let out a chuckle.

“Until then, enjoy the current amusement calmly.”

And Pernok turned around.

“Great Illumina’s Queen! Lady Phillena is entering! Everyone rise from seats and show respect to the Queen!”

Piercing the cold silence, Phillena wearing a crown sat on the throne.

Scanning all those here, she brought out words she’d waited so long for.

“Thank you all for coming to this place where a new king is born.”

And silent tension dominated the banquet hall.

It was the moment war between royals and great powers supporting them began.