◈ Episode 201

Around evening time.

Maximilian suddenly knocked on Kim Yi-hyeon's guest room door. As expected of a nobleman, there were many trivial things to say before the main topic, but the main point could be summarized in one word.

"So, you're curious about what kind of person the head of the lab is?"

"Hmm, hmm. I'm not really curious, I'm just curious."

Maximilian's attitude was extremely cautious. He is still an outsider whose origins are unclear, as he has not yet come out as a member of the royal family. It is not surprising that he is mistaken for a spy.

Even though I was aware of it, I couldn't just pretend not to know.

"It's not like I'm doing any background checks or anything, huh. Actually, I saw the two of you talking a little while ago. But there was a familiar face somewhere…."

"So that's what you're saying, you're worried."

"Yes, that's right."

Kim Yi-hyeon glanced at Maximilian, who seemed relieved that he had somehow managed to explain it well. He pretended to be thinking about his answer while recalling the game's script in his head.

'Was there a connection between the two?'

I think it was mentioned once in passing. It was just a short line in an episode when Maximilian's true feelings were revealed. Naturally, I had forgotten about it until now.

Well, we're not that close.

'You said you saw a photo at the palace, I think.'

Maximilian only knows Kushan's face and name. On the other hand, Kushan only knows information about Maximilian that is known to the world. This is because their generations are so different.

But it helps now.

'This will make things easier.'

If things go well, we might be able to reveal it today.

"Then let's just meet in person."

"Say it directly. Is that okay?"

"What's wrong with that? I'm not an idol or anything."

Thus, a three-way meeting was quickly arranged.

Maximilian stared blankly at the man sitting in front of him. He had long hair tied up neatly and a cold expression. When he looked closely, the vague sense of foreboding turned into certainty.

'… … It's just like in the picture.'

Before saying anything, I took a quick look around the salon. It was a space where there was no one else besides myself and the three of us. Since it was an impromptu meeting, there seemed to be little concern about wiretapping or recording.

However, Maximilian hesitated to open his mouth. The moment he uttered the name Heinz, he would be revealing his own information. Even his identity, which he had kept hidden until now, might be revealed.

If you just let it slide, saying it was a mistake, you can continue with your current life.

but,

'How long will it last?'

How long must I run away?

What about the brothers and sisters who remain there?

Isn't now the turning point?

Maximilian took a deep breath. That alone changed the atmosphere. Minos, worn out by his wandering life and racism, was nowhere to be found, and his unique elegance was everywhere.

"I know you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Heinz Milarch."

Their eyes exchanged glances across the table.

"In the past, you were the chief researcher of the Shiran Imperial Family. I saw a photo of you. A photo from over 50 years ago. And you still stand before my eyes, looking so young."

It is an act of asking for danger.

Even though he is not specifically mentioned as a prince, you can guess that he is a high-ranking official of Shiran. It is unlikely that Bastitera will stage a hostage situation against Shiran, but there are many ways to exploit him.

There are truths that I want to know even if they involve risks.

"How long have you 'they' lived?"

"...."

Kushan was silent for a moment. Maximilian's question contained a lot of information. For example, why did the First Prince abandon his luxurious life and status and escape to such a harsh environment?

After gathering his thoughts, he said.

"It won't be as long as you'd expect. It's not a special birth either. Immortality is a product of research, and it hasn't even been 80 years since the research began."

Maximilian held his breath as he confirmed his opinion.

"Is that really possible?"

"Isn't there a witness?"

It wasn't just Kushan himself who was referring to it.

"The emperor and the guardian deity are the same. The shell has changed though."

That's a given.

Fire is a matter that should not be revealed on the surface, even if it is seated on the throne of all people. If it is known that the emperor is an ageless monster, it will not end as a mere noise.

That's why they resorted to means.

"A shell? Could it be that you are trying to say…?"

"For nearly 70 years, the succession ceremony was held normally in Shiran. It must have been a very honorable and exciting festival for the imperial subjects who did not know the truth."

Maximilian's face turned pale. Even his lips twitched slightly. Hearing the conjecture that he had kept buried deep in his heart, unable to tell anyone, from someone else's mouth made him feel nauseous.

I first noticed a sense of discomfort when I was 15.

The father's gaze, which had always been warm, suddenly changed at some point. Eyes that were empty of affection and inanimate. Eyes that seemed to be looking at a tool rather than his own child.

After some time, the former emperor abdicated and his father became emperor.

The former emperor did not attend either the abdication or the enthronement ceremony.

"I thought so, so it was like that."

There is no evidence other than Heinz's existence. But sometimes, circumstantial evidence is the strongest evidence. His long memories add to the persuasiveness.

For example, memories with my father.

"I guess you had some idea."

"…At first, I thought it was to select a successor. No matter how much you love your children, state affairs are a separate matter. You are saying that you are keeping your distance in order to judge from an objective perspective."

Maximilian looked back and forth between Kim Ihyeon and Kushan and laughed helplessly.

"Haha. Even after revealing this much, there's still no response?"

"Well, it was obvious that he had grown up preciously."

"If you noticed, it was probably when I greeted Miss Rosetta."

"I never dreamed that you would be a member of the royal family."

Kushan glanced at Kim Ihyeon, who was spouting out lies in a brazen manner. He seemed like a very shameless guy from the time they first met, but now his face looked like it was covered in adamantium plywood.

"In the first place, would there be a Minos who had no qualms about visiting Bastitera? It's a place that's burdensome for outsiders to visit as tourists. It's even more so for outsiders."

"Certainly. It might have been better to dye your hair as well."

Maximilian sat up straight with a bitter smile on his face.

"Thank you for sharing the details. I'm just glad to know that I'm not some delusional lunatic. There may be deeper secrets, but they're not ones I can easily cross."

"What are you going to do from now on?"

"Isn't it up to you?"

Maximilian's face, as he asked back, showed both anxiety and a sense of relief. Through his attitude, which had become much more natural, Kim Yi-hyeon was able to read the other person's mind.

'Somehow things progressed quickly.'

Originally, Maximilian's encounter with Lab was much further in the future. It was when he was regaining his self-esteem by leading the homeless in the ruined Bastitera. On the other hand, in the present, he was struggling at the bottom.

If you're talking about the prince's salty struggles, you've seen enough of him in the game. He's the guy who ate bugs and vomited all day long, something you'd only seen in books.

'I guess you also wanted to open up and feel at ease.'

It was a stroke of luck for Maximilian. The person who revealed his identity, which had been hidden for so long, was such a good citizen. It was a rare stroke of luck.

Now, let's get to the main point.

"I don't really have any intention of using you for anything."

Don't be fooled, people who say this are just trying to use you.

"Instead, I'd like to make a suggestion."

"It's a proposal. Do I have the right to veto it?"

"Of course, it's not mandatory, so don't worry."

Since he had an expression on his face that said, "Tell me what to say," I told him exactly what to say.

"You will become emperor."

"...뭣?"

"It just so happens that we have a conflict with the Shiran Imperial Family. Our interests coincide. I'll explain this part step by step so that you can understand it clearly. Anyway."

Kim Lee-hyun smiled faintly.

"I don't like the emperor, so I'm thinking of replacing him."

As I said, it's not forced.

You may reject it, but in the end you will have no choice but to accept it.

Because if no one takes care of it, Shiran will become a sea of ​​fire.

* * *

1 week, 2 weeks.

Even during the two-month period, the royal palace was peaceful. Under strict security, spies were not allowed to cross the gate. Although they could not receive news from the outside, they were safe because they were on a remote island.

In the meantime, in the royal palace, conspiracy meetings were held every day. Not only were plans discussed, but practical preparations were made. For example, equipment.

"Oh, that's for sure."

"What! This is easy! I'm not bragging, but, huh? When I was little, I was really interested in cars. I can modify them more neatly than even the most expert."

The blacksmith Tamtam of the small people wiped his nose with his oily hand. He lightly tapped the body with the spanner, and a clear, thud, thud sound rang out.

'I didn't know you would do this much.'

Kim Yi-hyeon looked up at the car again and let out a gasp. Four armored vehicles equipped with machine guns. They were the result of the blood and sweat of the craftsmen in the production workshop, including Tamtam.

"It was tough. After all, Bastetera isn't a good place to get materials. If you ask the princess, she'll bring it to you right away, but there are a lot of things you can't find here."

"You worked hard. The working environment must have been poor compared to rap."

"It's the same everywhere. Do you know how much effort I put into making that workshop?"

Tam was a different cause of his tongue.

"Miss PinkPink. Are you done with the inspection?"

"It's Chelsea, Chelsea! How many times do I have to say it before you know it!"

"You made me say it twice, Miss. Are you sure it's done?"

Chelsea, who had been fiddling with the machine gun, turned her head abruptly.

"Oh, really. No problem! It's perfect."

Even though he shouted, the content of his words was praise. In fact, there was no fault with the vehicles or guns. They were comparable to ready-made products from prosperous countries such as Cilicia.

"I think the remaining orders will be finished by the deadline. It's been a while since I've touched on various things, so it's quite fun."

"Then please. Tell Kushan to give you a generous bonus."

"Hehehe, you're already tearing it apart."

Even though he was no longer the director of the research institute on the surface, Kushan was still Kushan.

After finishing the inspection, Kim Hyun and Chelsea came out of the workshop. Chelsea grumbled for a moment, listing the complaints she had received from Tamtam one by one. Then she suddenly said.

"But will the prince move as you wish?"

"Well, I can't guarantee that."

Maximilian plans to return to Shiran soon. He will do so cautiously, making sure that he doesn't get involved with Bastitera. He has already received a declaration of willingness to cooperate.

Of course, the possibility of a change of heart cannot be ruled out.

'Maybe I'll report this to the Emperor.'

Taking everything into account, I plan to release Maximilian.

"Right now, the Prince's role is not that important. It would be nice if he gave the signal as planned, but in fact, it is not necessary. We can unilaterally decide the timing."

After the incident happens, there will be nothing but chaos. When that happens, Maximilian will try to take care of things himself, even if he doesn't want to. Even though he ran away once, he cares about his country and the citizens of the empire.

"You didn't tell me in detail anyway."

"Well, I guess so. They haven't even told us how they're going to invade."

I am grateful that everyone followed along without complaint even though I didn't explain the most important part. This was possible because of the trust we have built up so far.

'I think it's time to start revealing things.'

Since it was a method that could only be used once, I was careful not to leak it. However, it was not something I could hide until just before the decision. It seemed like I would have to make it public after sending Maximilian away.

"Why, if you're not satisfied, tell me in advance?"

"Huh? Can I go first?"

"As long as you keep it confidential."

"Of course I wouldn't go around bragging about it."

"Then what."

Kim Lee-hyun shrugged his shoulders.

"Actually speaking..."