Chapter 88.1

Fire and Water (1)

When Julian had been the crown prince’s grandson, he had barely engaged in external activities. At most, he occasionally showed his face at social gatherings.

However, once his father, Canbraman, became emperor and he ascended as the crown prince, it was no longer possible to maintain his semi-reclusive lifestyle.

“Welcome to our guests from the North. Additionally, I express my gratitude on behalf of the Imperial people to Duke Entir for serving as a bridge between the North and the Empire.”

This marked the first time Julian began engaging in earnest public activities.

His focus was on the North, which had been rising in prominence lately, not only within the Empire but across all of Arcadia.

“On behalf of the Northern people, I thank Your Highness the Crown Prince for your warm hospitality.”

“It is an honor for my family that Your Highness thinks so highly of me. Hahaha.”

Everyone reacted with confusion to the sudden and unexpected appearance of the crown prince, whose presence had always been minimal.

“So, may I ask why Your Highness has summoned the Northern delegation and me?”

Duke Entir’s reaction was comparatively calm.

Having met Julian a few times in the past, Entir found interacting with the crown prince less awkward than others might.

‘Did Emperor Canbraman instruct his son to test the waters?’

Even so, Entir didn’t let his guard down. He was well aware of Julian’s timid and fragile nature.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“I went to some trouble to meet with the Northern delegation and speak with them. This is my first time meeting Northerners in person, after all.”

Julian’s eyes sparkled as he spoke to Entir and Gard.

“I’ve been interested in the Empire’s northern region for a long time. That’s why I’ve been collecting Northern artwork and celadon.”

Clap, clap, clap.

As Julian spoke, he clapped his hands.

At his signal, the attendants waiting nearby entered the VIP room carrying paintings and celadon pieces.

“This painting is said to have been personally created by the famous Northern, Count Arad Jin. I paid a hefty sum for it. As for this celadon…”

Out of nowhere, he began boasting about the collection he had amassed.

“…”

“…?”

“…!”

Seeing the crown prince speaking with flushed cheeks, Gard, Entir, and Carpe were left speechless, staring with their mouths slightly open.

‘It seems he’s acting independently, without any input from the emperor.’

‘So the crown prince’s interest in Northern art was genuine.’

‘Is that… the crown prince? The Empire’s future looks a little dim, doesn’t it?’

After regaining their composure, the three men silently contemplated their impressions while Julian continued to show off his collection.

“It is truly an honor that Your Highness holds such affection for the North.”

“I’d heard that a patron of the Bishop Company existed in the Imperial family, but to think it was Your Highness! If we had known earlier, we would have put even more care into our dealings.”

Subsequent conversations with Julian were unremarkable.

“Duke Gard and Duke Entir, then, have both seen the Grand Duke of the North and the Northern in person?”

“Indeed, Your Highness.”

“I assume you’ve also encountered the Frost Knight Balzac and the Northern Ice Wall, Sun?”

Julian’s interest was entirely focused on the North, particularly on the two most renowned figures on the continent—Arad and Arina.

“Wow…! Then, have you also seen the witches of the North? Do they really ride brooms and summon spirits?”

“Hahaha, of course. Though they’re no longer called witches. Like in the Empire, they’re now referred to as magus. The Witch Society has even changed its name to the Renslet Magus Society.”

“Oh! I’d heard that news before, but hearing it directly from a Northerner makes it feel all the more meaningful.”

Julian was exactly thirty years old this year.

Yet, his behavior seemed at least ten years younger than his age.

“I really hope to visit the North someday. Would that ever be possible?”

“Well… As a citizen of the Empire who has traveled to the Grand Duchy of the North for business many times, I would recommend appreciating the North from afar.”

“And why is that?”

“Well… Duke Gard, I mean no offense to you by saying this, but the North is exceedingly dangerous and cold.”

“Indeed, Your Highness. You would do well to heed Duke Entir’s advice.”

“Is that so…? Then again… If Duke Entir ever travels to the Renslet Estate on business, could I not accompany you?”

“Hahaha… That would be far too dangerous. More importantly, His Majesty would never permit it.”

Entir, in truth, found the current situation rather unpleasant.

No matter what kind of person Julian was, he was still the son of Emperor Canbraman—Entir’s sworn enemy.

Julian’s hair color, eyes, and facial features bore a striking resemblance to his father, and they only served to irritate Entir further.

“I suppose… My father would strongly disapprove, wouldn’t he? Even this meeting, I arranged without his approval.”

Julian’s shoulders slumped as Gard and Entir openly opposed the idea.

Yet, perhaps due to his naturally bright and innocent nature, Julian’s dejected expression didn’t last long.

Soon, he smiled cheerfully and changed the subject.

“Ah! Speaking of which, why aren’t you with Marchioness Havana, Duke Entir? I’ve heard it’s been years since you were last together. Don’t you miss her?”

“…”

This tactless and naive crown prince was now openly poking at Entir’s sore spot.

‘This guy genuinely has no clue.’

Entir stared at Julian with a blank expression.

Even Gard and Carpe, disguised as Phil, hesitated nervously at Julian’s remark.

“Marchioness Havana is a loyalist among loyalists. She prefers to stay by His Majesty’s side. I’ll reunite with my wife after the coronation.”

“Ohhhh! The fact that Marchioness Havana stays by His Majesty’s side over her husband, and that you, the Empire’s greatest merchant, risk your life for the North—all of this shows how blessed the Empire is with loyal subjects. Hahaha!”

“…”

“…”

Gard and Carpe glanced at Entir anxiously.

‘He’s not doing this on purpose… is he?’

Entir forced a strained smile.

If Julian was doing this knowingly, he was crazier than the emperor.

If he wasn’t, then he was a natural-born innocent devil.