The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Decided to Divorce - The Youngest Son of the Northern Grand Duke Decided to Divorce chapter 47

47

***

Alter had been diligently training in magic, commuting between the mansion and the academy.

At the mansion, he delved into the theoretical aspects through books, while at the academy, he often repeated practical exercises.

However, Alraune strictly limited the use of magic, and Alter had no choice but to comply reluctantly.

“It seems alright so far…”

Alter periodically checked his physical condition.

But unlike before, he didn’t tire quickly, nor had he collapsed suddenly.

Increasing the use of magical power probably wouldn’t pose any significant problems.

‘No, it’s right to do as instructed. After all, they know more about magic and curses than I do.’

I didn’t want to be stubborn in front of the archmage.

After all, I was in a position to learn, and there were still unverified elements remaining.

In such a situation, shouldn’t one follow those with accumulated knowledge and experience?

‘Getting greedy and then caught in a curse would only be my loss.’

It was a cunningly intertwined curse, so it ended with just weakening it.

Allaune even went so far as to say she would find the Frost Witch herself to completely eradicate the curse.

In a way, it was a serious matter, so the existence of the curse could not be ignored.

‘It’s not a problem that can be solved just by my stepping in…’

With a brief knock, Brillié appeared.

Alter stared blankly at Brillié, then seemed to recall something.

“I heard you had night duty yesterday… Did you get some sleep?”

“I did sleep a bit. That’s why I can come in a bit late today.”

Brillié sat down at the table, seized by a faint fatigue.

In the end, she had encountered the phantom thief in the night but let him slip away.

His agile movements, occasionally even employing tricks, made it particularly tricky for anyone pursuing him.

“Was there no trouble?”

“I did encounter the phantom thief… but couldn’t catch him.”

“Oh… that’s a bit disappointing.”

Of course, Alter accepted even that as an inevitable outcome.

The thief used techniques optimized for intrusion and escape, linking them with magical operation.

Thus, he moved swiftly, leaving hardly any trace.

If one were to engage in a chase with the thief, they would likely fall behind unless they were exceptional.

“I thought he was only famous by rumor, but his movements were extraordinary. If we really want to catch the thief, we might have to resort to tricks.”

“Oh… like luring him towards the vault?”

“Yes. Surround him in advance and then capture him all at once.”

“It sounds like a good plan… but wouldn’t he realize it quite quickly?”

Alter answered with a guess that was a clear truth.

The thief, being very suspicious, almost always sees through such obvious traps.

Instead, they thought of using that trap to mock the opponent or to escape with ease.

“Hmm… That might be possible. They’ve never been caught before, so they must be quite perceptive, right?”

“It might be better to just leave them be. Even though they steal, they don’t clean out the safes entirely.”

“So, provoking them would only increase the damage?”

“Yes. If Brillié missed catching them, they’re not to be underestimated. If we go after them with determination, it might become a bit troublesome.”

“It’s already troublesome. They’re calling in all sorts of knights under the pretext of catching the phantom thief. Spending money and all for nothing but wasted effort.”

Brillié grumbled with a touch of surliness.

No concrete plan had been established, and the knights were competing over the commission.

All the more frustrating since they hadn’t captured the phantom thief.

“Why not give up now? It’s probably just a waste of time.”

“That’s why I’m trying to persuade the captain. We can’t just keep working nights, can we?”

Brillié had managed to slash the hem of the thief’s cloak in their standoff.

But they failed to pierce the skin, let alone unmask them.

Considering the thief’s perspective, it was quite dangerous, so perhaps they would avoid them out of fear.

‘I’m sure I hit them… How did they dodge it?’

Brillié still couldn’t accept the outcome.

They were quite angry upon hearing they were a duke’s daughter, but not enough to lose their composure.

They had intended to inflict only a minor injury calmly, but even that didn’t work on the thief.

‘They moved even faster than the captain.’

The thief didn’t counterattack while engaging with them.

They were too swift, and what felt like a hit passed through thin air.

They just dodged or retreated, protecting their own body.

‘Quite troublesome indeed. To catch the thief, should we call a swordsman of renown? Hmm…’

***

Alter visited the imperial palace for the founding anniversary of the Agnes Empire.

The secluded palace was opened to many, and the royal family prepared a grand banquet.

The emperor and empress, including the crown prince and the direct royal family, were all to attend.

Likewise, the heads of each family had to show their faces, and the heirs set to inherit titles could not ignore this event.

‘I represent the duchy, so I feel qualified enough.’

The Northern Duke was guarding the Agnes Empire from the frontiers of the northern territories.

No matter when, one must remain faithful to the given mission, and not recklessly desert the front lines.

The eldest son and the second daughter are active as knights under my command, making it difficult to send them as representatives of the Northern Duke.

Therefore, Alter was able to attend this banquet in full, representing the Northern Duke.

“Brilliere is my fiancée, and as a duchess, there’s nothing lacking.”

The influence of the ducal house cannot be ignored lightly, and it forms one axis among the nobility.

Moreover, with both wealth and honor, the royal family must welcome them with all due respect.

Brilliere, being the second daughter of the Elenate ducal house, was of suitable status.

“The Ailrike ducal house must come, of course… and the rest will fall in as per the fixed number.”

Alter occupied a table and surveyed the nobles around him.

Though no one recognizable, most were adorned in splendid clothes and ornaments.

As nobles, they must maintain their dignity, hence they were likely showing off without reserve.

“Is one of them about to cause trouble?”

They might be true nobles, or perhaps they have been masquerading as such for a long time.

But it is certain they deal with forbidden magic, and as a result, numerous undead will swarm out.

Currently, it’s impossible to distinguish friend from foe, so it seems necessary to watch a little longer.

“Such details should be described more precisely; what can one do if they appear all of a sudden…”

“How about it? Don’t you suddenly feel cold?”

“… I wouldn’t shiver that much, even in the royal palace.”

Alter replied calmly and sipped his tea.

Brilliere watched him for a while and then seemed relieved.

“Now you eat outside food well, don’t you?”

“As long as it’s not too strong with alcohol or fishy smells, it’s all fine.”

“Still, it’s the royal family; they should at least serve good food, right? I heard they only serve three glasses of alcohol.”

“If one causes a drunken scene in the royal palace, that would be problematic.”

“I understand that if one gets drunk, they are expelled. After that, they can’t enter the royal palace until death.”

“At least they don’t imprison or execute you, right?”

“One can’t just kill a noble, can they? The royal family must maintain its dignity.”

Brilliere murmured in a low voice and scanned the surroundings.

Usually, she would foster friendships with various nobles, but in the royal palace, she moved with caution.

With many royals and nobles gathered, it could only become troublesome, so she paid extra attention.

“Will you be staying quiet today?”

“In the imperial palace, it’s better to just stay like this. If I see someone I know, I just wave my hand and that’s it.”

“Don’t you still have to pay respects to the Emperor?”

“It’s just a brief look, isn’t it? A simple exchange of greetings and it’s over.”

Brillie casually looked up at the high table of the banquet hall.

The Emperor had not yet appeared, and the Second Prince and Third Princess were organizing the interior of the hall.

It seemed likely that the Crown Prince would enter the banquet hall with the Emperor.

“Is there anything to be cautious about in front of the Emperor?”

“Well… I guess just answer the questions asked. He won’t pick on you for no reason.”

“Since I’m here in place of my father, might there be many questions about me?”

“They won’t be able to hold you for long. Besides Mr. Alter, there are many others to meet…”

“The Emperor has entered the palace!”

At the cry of the exclusive attendant, everyone at the banquet turned their gaze.

The Emperor of the Agnes Empire was slowly revealing himself, surrounded by his escort knights.

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Following him, the Empress and the Crown Prince came out and walked towards the high table.

“Pay your respects to His Majesty the Emperor!”

Following the silence, everyone simultaneously bowed their heads.

The Emperor quietly ascended to the high table and gently took a seat.

Then, looking around as if surveying the surroundings, he soon opened his mouth.

“Today we gather to celebrate the founding day, and what a rare occasion for a banquet. Please enjoy yourselves comfortably. But do not get drunk. Each person is allowed three glasses, so do not forget this.”

The Emperor finished speaking and immediately rose from the high table.

The guests then resumed their conversations or began eating again.

In contrast, the members of the ducal family quickly moved, gathering in front of the Emperor.

“Have you both been well?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“We have lived comfortably thanks to Your Majesty’s grace.”

“As long as you two are doing well, the empire must be at peace.”

Athelore exchanged light greetings with the two dukes and moved on.

Being families that dominated the capital, it was necessary to face each other out of courtesy.

He intended to at least exchange glances with the members of the ducal family, scanning through them this way.

“Oh, it’s been a while. Has your swordsmanship improved much?”

“Your Highness, I am still lacking in many areas.”

“There’s talk of inducting you into the Royal Knights, so your skills must be remarkable. I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”

“I will surely repay Your Majesty’s grace.”

Brillie answered reverently and bowed her head once more.

Athelore watched Brillie closely before moving on.

Had she not been a duchess, she might have been considered for the crown prince’s consort, but regrettably, he had to let go of that thought.

Perhaps it would be better to enlist her in the Royal Knights or hope she shines as a promising swordsman.

“You are…”

Athelore flinched for a moment, instinctively recognizing that face.

The lingering attachment he wished to erase, the emotions he couldn’t shake off, the faint longing.

How much she resembled her, stirring turmoil in the depths of his heart already.

‘Uriel. Are you tormenting me to this extent? I’ve tried to forget you by all means…’

Athelore reached out his hand but then regained his composure.

Had he not restrained his emotions, he would have carelessly caressed that face.

As an emperor, he could not be entangled in personal feelings, and he must always display his dignity, no matter when or where.

‘At least it’s fortunate that it’s a son. If it had been a daughter… I…’