Side Story 1

Prahenfelt, the only empire on this vast continent, was a land ruled for generations by an imperial lineage possessing powerful magic.

 

“Your Imperial Majesty! Your Majesty!!”

 

A maid from the Empress’ Palace burst in, calling out for her mistress. The Empress, who had been sitting by the bedroom window lost in thought while gazing outside, turned her head to look at her.

 

“What is the matter?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty. It… it is said that His Imperial Majesty the Emperor has decided to take another concubine.”

 

Everyone in the room was aghast.

 

The Emperor was originally a philanderer who could never be satisfied with one woman. Even without the excuse of needing an heir, he constantly kept mistresses and sought out new ones.

 

The flustered Head Maid, glancing at the Empress’ reaction, stuttered as she asked the young maid—a rare display of weakness for someone usually so composed.

 

“W-who is it…?”

 

“They say it is Lady Donarans.”

 

“What?!”

 

To take a woman he had only recently met as a concubine—it was unheard of. While ensuring the succession was important, past Emperors of Prahenfelt tended not to have many wives. Having too many children only meant creating more rivals for the throne.

 

“…”

 

The Empress, who had been sitting motionless, slowly opened her lips.

 

“Calm yourselves. This is because I have been unable to conceive a child for several years. His Majesty is a man with a duty to preserve the Imperial House firmly.”

 

‘But Lady Ileana, who entered as the second concubine, is already pregnant. To take another in the meantime…’

 

Though no one could speak up due to the Empress’ restraint, they were all thinking the same thing. It seemed the kind and quiet Empress was constantly being pushed aside.

 

The Empress’ Palace fell into a quiet, deep despair.

 

 

***

 

 

Thanks to the Emperor’s wandering eye, the number of concubines continued to grow, and the Imperial Palace suffered under the bloody power struggles between them. This was because the Emperor never favored one woman consistently.

 

The era of brutal schemes finally came to an end only after one concubine was poisoned to death. The culprits, accomplices, and those who habitually brewed conspiracies were identified, punished, and expelled.

 

In the meantime, two concubines each gave birth to a son: the 1st Prince, Heymelic, and the 2nd Prince, Radak.

 

Having birthed princes, these women feared nothing. The Emperor was a bystander, and they were the mothers of the men who would become the next Emperor. Emboldened, the two concubines began to slash at the quiet Empress’ heart with tongues sharp as hidden blades.

 

“Our Heymelic will surely experience his ‘Explosion’ in a few years, won’t he? Every time I think of it, I wonder what His Imperial Majesty looked like before his own Awakening.”

 

“Oh my, Lady Ileana. You should ask Her Imperial Majesty that. After all, Her Majesty is the very person who made the Emperor ‘explode’ with passion, isn’t she?”

 

“Goodness, I didn’t even think of that! To think that His Majesty’s first love is relegated to the back palace without a single child… oh dear, ignore me. Hohoho.”

 

“Our generous Empress will understand everything. Won’t you, Your Majesty? Hoho…”

 

The Empress merely lifted her teacup to her lips without answering. Since everything they said was true, she didn’t even have the heart to scold their arrogant attitudes. Her face remained calm, but her heart had long since been mangled.

 

The concubines’ remarks did not change much even after the Empress finally gave birth to Prince Kaisertern years into the marriage.

 

In any other country, Kaisertern, born of the Empress, would have immediately become the Crown Prince. But this was Prahenfelt. In this land where the successor was determined by a magical duel between brothers, Kaisertern was not the Crown Prince, but merely the 3rd Prince.

 

Since the Emperor did not seek her out even after the birth, the Empress’ Palace remained a forgotten corner. The Emperor knew exactly what kind of insults the Empress had endured for a long time, yet he simply remained a bystander. The Empress began to rot from the inside out.

 

She tried her best not to show it in front of her young son, but Kaisertern quickly noticed his mother’s sadness.

 

“Mother, are you sad again today?”

 

“No, I am not. Mother is not sad.”

 

“…Was it those concubines? I’m going to tell Father! That the concubines are making Mother cry!!”

 

Kaisertern stomped his feet in anger. Despite her sorrow, the Empress flashed a faint smile at her son’s adorable display of affection.

 

“Kai, His Majesty is busy, so you must not trouble him with such things.”

 

However, despite his mother’s pleas, an angry Kaisertern ran to his father.

 

“Father! Those concubines made Mother sad again! Please make them stop.”

 

The Emperor frowned as he looked down at his youngest son, who had barged in unannounced.

 

“Kaisertern. I am not the husband of only one woman. I cannot take one side. And I am an Emperor before I am a husband.”

 

“But… Mother is your wife! I heard that a man is supposed to protect his wife so she doesn’t cry.”

 

“…Kaisertern. Did your mother raise you to be this rude? Leave us.”

 

Unable to bring further dishonor to his beloved mother, Kaisertern turned away, dejected. His father was a magnificent ruler, but he was by no means a good husband or a good father.

 

Walking weakly through the palace corridors, Kaisertern whispered to himself.

 

‘I… I will never become a man like my father. I will be a husband who protects his wife before I am an Emperor.’

 

The only rebellion the young and powerless Kaisertern could muster was the vow that he would not grow up to be like his father.

 

Perhaps it was because her heartache had deepened over the years—his mother eventually withered away and departed on a journey of no return, leaving her young son behind. Thus, Kaisertern was left alone in the cold Imperial Palace.

 

Kaisertern grew rapidly, feeding on pain and loneliness. As he grew, people said he was the prince who most resembled his handsome father. They even joked that he possessed a certain innate sensuality just like the Emperor, predicting he would break many women’s hearts when he grew up.

 

But Kaisertern loathed those words. To be told he was becoming like the father who made his beloved mother cry and left her to die of neglect.

 

‘I will love only one woman in my life. I will never be like my father.’

 

He repeated it like a habit.

 

 

***

 

Though the Empress died just as the concubines had wished, the Emperor did not make any of them the next Empress. He merely invested the mothers of the two princes as the 1st and 2nd Consorts. The palace became peaceful on the surface.

 

After losing his mother, Kaisertern tried to live as if he didn’t exist. But everyone was watching him, and the checks against him grew stronger as he aged.

 

The Emperor’s birthday celebration week was approaching. The 1st Consort held a dinner banquet and invited the Emperor, the 2nd Consort, and the princes.

 

“I have prepared a small family meal to be the first to celebrate Your Majesty’s birthday. It would be my greatest joy if you could enjoy it comfortably.”

 

Exquisite dishes were being laid out one by one on the wide table. The beautiful consorts and the growing princes were all seated. However, the Emperor scanned the room with a blank expression and asked: “Where is Kaisertern?”

 

The youngest prince, Kaisertern, was missing from the rare family gathering. Seeing his empty seat, the 1st Consort replied with a feigned look of surprise.

 

“Oh my? I was so focused on the table setting that I didn’t realize! Randy, go see if the 3rd Prince is on his way.”

 

The person sent by the 1st Consort returned shortly to report.

 

“The 3rd Prince was eating alone. I have informed him to come immediately.”

 

The Emperor’s face hardened, and the warm atmosphere froze over. No one touched the food, waiting for Kaisertern in silence.

 

Soon, he arrived. To the boy who seemed to be catching his breath after running, the Emperor asked in a low voice:

 

“Why were you eating alone instead of coming here?”

 

Kaisertern’s handsome face flushed with embarrassment.

 

“Ah, I…”

 

The Emperor said sternly, “Don’t mumble. Answer clearly.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty. I… did not know there was such a gathering.”

 

The Emperor raised an eyebrow. He immediately turned to the host, the 1st Consort.

 

“Did you not inform Kaisertern of this event?”

 

The 1st Consort replied with a shocked expression.

 

“Oh my? That can’t be… Prince, if you forgot, you should have just said so… To put me in such a difficult position like this…”

 

A hint of moisture gathered in her voice.

 

“Prince, if this gathering was uncomfortable for you, you should have told me in advance… Your Majesty, I should have looked after the Prince’s feelings better. It is my fault.”

 

She looked truly distressed. Kaisertern, looking back and forth between the Emperor and the 1st Consort, parted his lips.

 

“Your Majesty, that’s not it—”

 

“Enough.”

 

The Emperor cut him off with a stern face. “Kaisertern, do not forget matters related to me so easily in the future. Sit.”

 

Kaisertern stared at his father for a moment as if he had more to say. But soon, as if resigning himself, he bowed his head and went to sit at the far end of the table.

 

After the uncomfortable meal ended, Kaisertern sighed as he walked out of the dining hall. His attendant, Hail, who had been waiting outside, ran to him.

 

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

 

To Hail’s worried question, Kaisertern replied calmly.

 

“Check who received the 1st Consort’s invitation.”

 

“About that, Your Highness… while you were dining, I checked with the servants of the Prince’s Palace, and none of them… said they received such a message…”

 

Hail’s voice trailed off in apology. But Kaisertern wasn’t surprised; he merely nodded slightly with a darkened expression. He was used to such things.

 

It happened as they were passing through an outdoor corridor with a beautiful railing.

 

“Hey, Kai!”

 

Prince Heymelic, who had approached with a giggle, suddenly gave Kaisertern a hard shove from behind as if playing a prank.

 

At first glance, it looked like a playful joke between close brothers. But this was the third floor, and Heymelic was a sturdy 18-year-old youth. In an instant, Kaisertern’s upper body lurched, tilting over the railing.

 

“Your Highness!”

 

A terrified Hail grabbed his master’s body just as he was about to fall. Heymelic smacked his lips in disappointment.

 

“A prince shouldn’t be this weak. Build some strength, kid.”

 

He dismissively tapped the back of his younger brother’s head and turned away.

 

“Your Highness, are you okay?!”

 

Hail brushed off Kaisertern’s clothes and checked his body.

 

“Yeah, this isn’t the first or second time. Thanks.”

 

Though it could have been a disaster, he was calm for a child.

 

“Last time, he spilled hot food on you…”

 

“He probably wants to see if my magic manifests instinctively in such situations. It’ll keep happening. Just keep handling it well like you did now.”

 

Hail tried his best to swallow a sigh.

 

 

***

 

 

“Kai, you must never show your full strength to your brothers until you become an adult.”

 

“Why, Mother?”

 

“Unlike your brothers, you inherited the Emperor’s magic along with the dragon’s power from my family. The magic latent within you is massive, but you are still young. Your brothers will complete their power earlier than you. If they judge that you can surpass them, they will… try to eliminate you before your power is complete.”

 

Young Kaisertern’s eyes widened.

 

“Eliminate…?”

 

“’Yes, Kai. The Imperial Palace is a scary place. Mother is sorry for giving birth to you in a place like this.”

 

“No, it’s okay. I won’t use my power in front of others. I promise.”

 

He made that promise to his mother, but Kaisertern broke it exactly once.

 

The three princes of Prahenfelt once accompanied their father on a tour to Gelayen, a western border region. It was a trip to reward Marquis Moravia who had exterminated troublesome monsters and to look over the western territories for the first time in a while.

 

Marquis Moravia, came out to greet them.

 

“It is an infinite honor that Your Majesty and the Princes have come all this way personally. You must have had a difficult journey.”

 

“Your merit in this matter was great.”

 

“Is that not the duty of a border lord? You must be tired, please come inside first.”

 

The Marquis had his servants guide the guests to their respective rooms.

 

Walking behind a servant, Heymelic asked in a casual tone: “Were the monsters exterminated without a single one remaining?”

 

“Virtually, yes.”

 

“Virtually? Does that mean something is left?”

 

“Only the monsters living in the cave of the Black Forest remain.”

 

“Why were they left?”

 

“Those monsters do not leave the cave. Unless someone enters that cave, they do not come out to cause harm.”

 

“Ho…” Heymelic’s eyes sparkled. “Interesting. Tell me everything you know about those monsters.”

 

As Heymelic handed over a gold coin, the servant’s explanation became even more detailed.

 

“Yes, they are called ‘Forellin.’ Since they don’t leave the cave, people rarely encounter them. But they are violent creatures that attack anyone they see without fail. They spray a fine mist of venom, so toxic components float in the air, not to mention on the floor and walls. Since they don’t leave, there’s no need to send people in to get rid of them.”

 

“If it’s poison, can’t you just wrap your body in protection magic?”

 

Having grown up only in the palace where everyone had magic, Heymelic lacked a sense of reality.

 

“Your Highness might be able to, but mages are extremely rare in these borderlands. We even lack mages to exterminate the monsters attacking the villages. We don’t have the luxury to catch monsters that don’t even come out.”

 

‘So it means people with magic are fine.’

 

Heymelic smirked, thinking of something. “Go to the 2nd Prince’s room and tell him to come to mine.”

 

The next day.

 

The Emperor and the three princes heard the Marquis’ explanation of the fierce battle against the monsters. Afterward, the Emperor wanted to receive a one-on-one report from the Marquis regarding administrative documents awaiting his approval.

 

‘Now is the time.’

 

Heymelic turned to his brothers and said in a bright voice:

 

“I heard yesterday that there’s a place in that Black Forest where the secrets of ancient magic are sealed.”

 

Then Radak chimed in excitedly, as if he had been waiting.

 

“Wow, really? What is it?”

 

“I don’t know the details either. I heard it’s some cave, there are mysterious creatures, and a space only those with magic can pass through?”

 

“Whoa, let’s go! Such a place is exactly what’s prepared for people like us with magic, right?”

 

Radak looked as excited as a knight facing an adventure.

 

“…”

 

But Kaisertern remained silent. Heymelic approached him, slung an arm around his shoulder, and said brightly:

 

“A prince shouldn’t be a coward. Let’s go!”

 

Ultimately, they brushed aside all the servants’ warnings and set off for the Black Forest together. The forest was called “Black” because it was so dense, but since it was daytime, it was manageable to find the way.

 

How long did they walk through the dense forest? Ahead, the cave entrance appeared.

 

Heymelic pretended to check a map and stepped back slightly. He then mumbled a spell under his breath, wrapping his body in a protection shield. Seeing his brother, Radak also quietly checked the magic protection tool he wore under his clothes. Radak still needed a magic tool to assist him since his magic wasn’t as stable as his older brother’s.

 

Kaisertern, knowing nothing, walked silently toward the cave.

 

The entrance to the black cave looked eerie just by sight.

 

“Radak, light up your hand with magic. Kai, you lead the way. I’ll protect you guys from behind.”

 

Heymelic said, giving Kaisertern a light shove forward.

 

Kaisertern looked back at his brothers with a slightly uneasy gaze, but that was all. He slowly took the lead as Heymelic ordered. The two older brothers exchanged glances and grinned behind his back.

 

‘Finally, we’ll see your power. If you’re unlucky and get taken by a monster, well, that’s just how it goes.’

 

They entered the cave one by one in a single file.

 

Chiiiiii…

 

A faint, unknown sound could be heard from afar.

 

Heymelic felt his protection shield tingle very slightly. It meant there were toxic components in the air. He watched the youngest brother in front of him, expecting a reaction, but Kaisertern just walked on silently.

 

‘This guy shouldn’t have a shield, so why is he unfazed? Is he the dull type?’

 

Chiiiiii…

 

In the meantime, that ominous sound drew closer. Radak could also see a light red glow on the surface of his protection tool. But Kaisertern was still walking without a word.

 

Watching him closely, Heymelic gestured for Radak to turn off the light. Instantly, pitch-black darkness descended.

 

“Uh, my magic control must be off. No more light is coming out.”

 

Radak said as if he were in a bind.

 

“Can’t be helped. Keep going while touching the wall with your hand.”

 

Saying this, Heymelic and Radak quietly stopped walking. But Kaisertern, seemingly unaware, continued to walk forward slowly.

 

Leaving him to go on, the two brothers killed their footsteps and turned back. They carefully felt the cave wall and only turned a light back on after rounding a corner.

 

“Brother, is it really okay to leave him here?”

 

Radak whispered quietly. The anxiety of doing something wrong appeared on his face.

 

Heymelic replied, raising an eyebrow. “He probably won’t die.”

 

He dropped his voice significantly. “And if he does… I’ll be grateful.”

 

It was then.

 

Chiiiiii…

 

The eerie sound was heard quite close. It seemed to be from where Kaisertern had gone. The brothers held their breath in anticipation of the next sound. Would the silent brother finally scream?

 

KKIEEEEAAAAAAAK—!!!

 

But the sound that followed was not human. Soon after, a massive explosion occurred.

 

KWAGAGAGANG—!

 

The entire cave shook, and rocks fell from the ceiling. Even though they were protected by magic, they instinctively crouched before standing back up.

 

“W-what? Does the venom-using monster have this kind of power?”

 

“Of course it does! There’s no way Kai has this much power!”

 

KWAGAGANG!!!!!!

 

Another massive explosion hit their ears. Soon, even larger rocks began to fall from the cave ceiling. It looked like the cave was about to collapse.

 

“Gasp, let’s get out! Run!!”

 

The two ran toward the cave entrance. They didn’t even think about their youngest brother left alone. Running like mad, they barely reached the entrance just before the cave completely collapsed.

 

The magic that had protected them from the falling rocks was completely exhausted. They sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath.

 

“Ha… ha… brother, Kai is… ha… buried…”

 

“Ha… I guess so… with the monster… ha…”

 

“It feels… ha… strange…”

 

“Hmph… later on… ha… you’ll be… grateful to me…”

 

After a long while, the brothers finally managed to catch their breath and stand up. As soon as they emerged from the forest, the waiting servants rushed over.

 

“Your Highness! Are you alright?”

 

“Are you hurt anywhere?!”

 

While the servants tended to their respective masters, Kaisertern’s servant approached the two princes and asked cautiously:

 

“Um… where is the 3rd Prince…?”

 

While Heymelic and Radak were choosing their words, someone shouted:

 

“The 3rd Prince!!!”

 

Everyone turned toward the forest to see Kaisertern walking out. He was covered from head to toe in blood. Seeing him, the servant ran over with a face pale with horror.

 

“Your Highness, how did this… Your Highness, w-where are you hurt…”

 

To the trembling servant, Kaisertern replied briefly.

 

“Don’t worry. It’s not my blood.”

 

“Pardon…?”

 

“Let’s go to the room. I want to wash up.”

 

Heymelic and Radak just stood there, dumbfounded, staring at Kaisertern. Though he was covered in blood, he certainly looked fine—both in his walking and his speech.

 

“Brother, that, that guy… surely…”

 

“…It must be the monster’s blood. Seems he couldn’t control his strength.”

 

“A… a nine-year-old?”

 

Heymelic ground his teeth.

 

“Ha. That monster-like bastard, just how much power does he have…?”

 

But Heymelic and Radak did not know. Even before they turned off the light in the cave, the monster Forellin had been approaching them.

 

Even though he knew his brothers were abandoning him, Kaisertern had approached the monster pretending not to know, in order to save them.

 

Kaisertern reported to his father that the “monster’s power hit the cave wrong, causing it to collapse,” and that he “survived by hiding in the gap between the monster’s legs.” He added that he was covered in the blood of the injured monster.

 

However, the Emperor’s face became meaningful.

 

‘I wonder where this child’s power will reach once he is an adult and his Awakening is complete.’

 

But the Emperor did not live to see Kaisertern reach adulthood. Five years later, he passed away from an epidemic that swept through the capital.

 

According to the rules, the adult princes and high-ranking ministers should have formed a council to rule the empire while waiting for all princes to come of age. After that, the successor would be decided by a magic duel.

 

But Heymelic did not miss this opportunity. He was 20, Radak was 16, and Kaisertern was 14. He claimed that leaving the throne empty for too long would weaken the national power and ascended to a “provisional” throne.

 

“This is an inevitable choice for the stable governance of the Empire. Once the 2nd and 3rd Princes reach adulthood, I will fairly accept their challenges.”

 

He made a grand announcement as if he were being fair, but his inner thoughts were different.

 

‘In a few years, my regime will be solidified. Then the ministers might not even want the younger brothers to challenge me. And I can take care of Kai, that monster, before he even undergoes his Awakening.’

 

He couldn’t stop grinning. To think he was the Emperor!

 

‘Father, thank you. To think you’d go when only I was an adult. Honestly, if we had dueled after Kai reached adulthood, I would have lost. But since things turned out this way, I won’t miss this heaven-sent opportunity.’

 

One year after ascending to the provisional throne. Heymelic sent the 15-year-old 3rd Prince Kaisertern as an envoy to the King of Aventador’s birthday celebration. And Kaisertern completed his Explosion only three days after returning from there. Heymelic had no intention of letting his eyesore brother be happy with his first love.

 

“The Duchy of Hertenes, was it…?”

 

As he thought of something, one corner of his mouth curled up into a wide, jagged smirk.