◈ Episode 208

I didn't ask the professor for a definitive answer right away.

The reason is as explained to Ainoa.

Now is the time to hold our breath and wait and see what happens.

'It's not something that can be solved by just sitting still in the palace.'

Of course, the professor's memory is a key element that goes without saying. As an authority on parasite research, her past holds the key to ending the disaster.

'Personally, I think the faster the better, but…'

But why did you give a final answer? Because you were worried about the professor's mental state? It would be a lie to say that you had no worries at all, but it is not just a matter of emotions.

If we compare the situation on the continent to a disease, the natural disasters called catastrophes are the initial symptoms. The pollution after the catastrophe is the middle stage. And now that it has reached the final stage, new symptoms have appeared.

Crack.

Even if the professor's memories are restored, Lab and Dustborn cannot handle all the problems on their own. The key is just a key. Many countries will inevitably be involved.

There are steps you need to take before you can deal with it.

By applying the lessons learned from the last summit.

'It's not always good to take care of things in advance.'

After giving Legion a severe beating, didn't Legion become a laughing stock? This isn't something that can be overcome with improvisation like that.

First of all, we need to make people around us aware of the seriousness of the situation.

You have to know that this is not the time to be preoccupied with Shiran's movements.

The anomaly began to be observed in Bastitera as well.

"... An urgent report has arrived. The same strange phenomenon from earlier has occurred again. The sudden appearance of parasites, the proliferation of monsters, and even the explosive increase in contamination seem to be all the same."

Kim Lee-hyun, who was called separately by Adrian, received the report. When he looked through it, he saw that it contained detailed records of the number of monsters and parasites, as well as the size of the cracks themselves.

"It's not that big yet. I'm glad we found it before it was too late."

"It's only natural. The first discoverer was a professional hunter hired by the lord. It's impossible for someone who makes a living hunting monsters to not notice such a change."

"Are you a hunter working under the lord?"

The hunters in the foreign lands where Maximilian worked had a strong raw feel to them. They seemed closer to criminals than workers. However, the city was a different story.

"There are often lords who lead hunters. They satisfy their strange collecting desires, and they are also helpful in city defense. It would be easier to understand that they are used as a somewhat unique unit."

"It actually helped."

"okay."

Adrian nodded with a serious expression.

"The outbreak is extremely close to the city. Although it is a small city, we cannot take lightly the tens of thousands of people living there. We must deal with it as soon as possible."

His eyes were so haggard that it made you wonder if he slept two hours a day. His hair was disheveled and his appearance was haggard. However, his blue eyes, characteristic of royalty, were shining brightly.

'They say a place makes a person.'

It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was a different person from the Adrian in the game. The prince who was intoxicated by the madness of war and narrow-minded beliefs was completely gone, and he was becoming a proper monarch.

A calm voice flowed.

"I will formally request the Royal Family of Bastitera. Will you cooperate in resolving the situation?"

"How could it be otherwise? Since I am in your care like this, I should pay for the food."

The current relationship with Bastitera is very good. They provide us with a place to stay without any complaints and also provide us with various supplies. It wouldn't be difficult to provide them with a service once.

'It's a good opportunity for me too.'

It's a great way to experiment with your newfound talents. Putting aside the unpleasantness, there's no reason to let the cards you've been given go to waste. Depending on the results, you'll be able to significantly shorten the path to the ending.

Plus, one more thing.

'The location is the location, so it's a circle.'

The place where the crack occurred is a small fiefdom called Kartata. It is by no means the main city of Bastitera. In extreme cases, even if it were to be erased from the map, the country would not be in danger.

However, it was a place that Kim Lee-Hyeon could not leave alone.

'I thought I'd heard that place somewhere.'

Well, it's bound to sound familiar.

Cartata is the hometown of Asterike.

* * *

The Prince's Palace's office.

Without a single word, only the dry sound of turning the pages of paper was repeated. As the silence grew longer, the atmosphere became more subdued. The attendants, standing like stone statues, shared awkward feelings by winking at each other.

When the master is serious like this, the subordinates suffer mentally. Recently, the Shiran Palace was like a sheet of thin ice. It was the aftermath of the emperor who boasted of god-like authority disappearing overnight.

The nobles who had been oppressed by imperial power began to run wild behind the scenes. They often caused discord among the royal family, asking who would be the right person to occupy the empty throne.

Among them, there were two that particularly became topics of conversation.

"I'd like to hear your thoughts soon."

When Princess Laura put down her teacup, the servants flinched for no reason. The servants who currently followed Maximilian did not have much experience. This was because the prince himself had been away from the palace for several years.

On the other hand, Laura has always maintained her position. In other words, public opinion in the palace is favorable to the First Princess. It is not a time when being a woman is considered such a flaw.

While the debate over the throne was going on, the first princess visited the prince's palace. Maximilian, who had received some documents, did not say a word since then, so the vassal felt like he was sitting on a bed of thorns.

However, the reality is not that slimy.

"What do you think, Maximilian?"

"…Sister. Is this really true?"

"Is there anyone in the current empire who knows the truth?"

Maximilian looked away from the paper and glanced at Laura. He was sipping his tea as calmly as ever. How could he be so calm after bringing such a bomb?

'I wonder if it would be a good idea to stick with Hyun.'

If it's work-related, it might be okay, but it doesn't seem like it would work out well in private. Wouldn't it be jarring in a context similar to hatred for one's own race? Rather, the second princess, who admires such a sister, would get along well with Hyun.

Putting aside my distracting thoughts, I first opened my ears to listen.

"Everyone, get out. I have something to talk to you about for a moment."

There may be rumors of discord between the siblings, but it doesn't matter. It's a minor issue compared to the matter Laura brought up. It's something that must never be revealed to the public.

After a while, when the seeds had receded, he opened his mouth again, looking at the documents.

"A large-scale human experimentation site? How on earth did you find it?"

"Would there be anything else outside the Imperial Palace? You are not the only one who felt uneasy. Anyone in the Imperial Family would have vaguely realized it."

Maximilian swallowed hard. Seeing his nervous expression, Laura added.

"I won't ask how involved you were in the last disaster."

"...."

"Let me make it clear in advance that I have no desire for the throne."

It was a flat tone, as if it was simply listing facts.

"I'm not weak, and I'm somewhat capable, but that alone would make me a tyrant. Shiran is too big for a mere human to support. I'm worried about you."

"Then what do you wish for, Sister?"

"well."

Laura looked out the window.

The sunlight is moderate and not excessive, and the indoor temperature is kept pleasant all year round. Life in the palace must have been the height of luxury and affluence in these times of calamity.

It may be a blessed environment, but still.

"I am terrified of this palace."

"You're afraid? Why?"

"Because I don't know anything. My father who changed at some point, the secretive special forces, something that was secretly transported to the Imperial Palace periodically…."

Her eyes narrowed.

"I want to know them, even if it's late."

"Is this the report?"

The report was full of information about the facilities that the Emperor had under his control. A research institute where inhumane human experiments were carried out. Research records on parasites were also discovered.

"...Okay. Do as you wish, Sister."

Maximilian spoke, locking eyes with his sister.

"But don't tell anyone but me."

"I thought so even if you didn't say it."

In some ways, this is a more serious issue than the death of the emperor. There is a risk that the imperial family will be attacked. Depending on the situation, the empire may be criticized internationally.

"We will carefully review this material again and then discard it."

"Do whatever you want."

Laura stood up from the sofa and looked at Maximilian again. Her feelings for her brother were quite complicated. There was a mixture of regret and gratitude, and a little bit of envy.

Escape from the palace.

I came back without any shame.

Participating in a terrorist attack to assassinate the Emperor.

All of these were choices Laura would never have made. She is not the type to cause or take on problems she cannot handle. She is objective about her abilities and the subject matter.

That's why it doesn't change easily. There's no need to change.

On the other hand, what about Maximilian, who wanted to carry Shiran on his back?

Whether we like it or not, change is inevitable.

When Laura left, Maximilian was left alone in the office.

He unfolded the material again and carefully read the part he had noticed.

'The intersection with the other world, the crack. And the induction of its occurrence… … .'

I couldn't fully understand it because I lacked basic knowledge. However, I could guess the danger it contained. The darkness left behind by the Emperor was deeper and more severe than I had thought.

'I wished for a humane empire, yet I have to turn a blind eye to this.'

Maximilian slumped back against the chair and sighed.

"No, I don't know."

If it's Kim Lee-Hyeon, he might even know this.

* * *

Kim Hyun-hyun headed to Kartata immediately upon Adrian's request. He brought all of Dustborne's agents with him. He even brought along Echidna, who had settled down as a completely non-combatant.

"Is the situation really such that we have to move all at once like this?"

"That's right. You always told me to watch out for spies."

Kim Hyun-ah shrugged her shoulders in response to Edwin and Chelsea's questions.

"It doesn't matter if you're a spy. We're in the royal palace and carry out royal commissions. There's nothing unnatural about it. And if the situation is serious, then it is serious."

He observed Asterike's complexion. She had not shown any particular reaction since receiving the story. However, her slightly stiff expression conveyed her feelings.

"If it's small as reported, then there's no need to worry. It seems that the citizens are evacuating without delay. With just me and Asterike, it should be able to handle it."

"Huh. Then, maybe you could show some sincerity to the prince this time?"

"I think it will be a good experience for me too."

Echidna and Leone each added a word. A former mafia specializing in plotting and politics, and a sincere trainee. Their personalities were clearly revealed.

Both of them matched Kim I-Hyeon's intentions.

'Humble and humble.'

While I was saving face, I needed to let the agents experience the cracks in advance. They would occur more and more frequently in the future. This is also closely related to the death of the Emperor.

Well, I didn't necessarily say it out loud.

"Asterike. How are you?"

"Body? I'm completely fine. Why?"

"Why? You were injured in the palace."

"When was that? Of course it's all better."

"It can't have been that long…."

After all, Pecatum is Pecatum.

"Hehehe, still, thanks for worrying about me."

Asterike also knew that this wasn't limited to injuries. Kim Yi-hyun is surprisingly meticulous. He must have been concerned because he kept his promise to go home together in this way.

Asterike looked out the window. The road was familiar, though somewhat changed. A small city was visible in the distance. It was the hometown he had once fled from.

The cursed Castus, who had burned down his family, had grown up and returned home.