Chapter 294

Chapter 294

Translator: yun

It was the truth. If it had not been for the absolute power of the Crown Prince, the end of their people might have been set in stone a long time ago.

“But only history will tell what is true.”

However, the conditions Julian needed to win were still insufficient.

In an empire led by the powers granted by her gods, divinity was the absolute measure of status that could not be refuted. That was why the Crown Prince was strong. It was his inexplicable strength that placed him in the position he was today.

Dane was an abnormality. Compared to others, he knew more, learned faster and calculated quicker.

“There’s still time till it happens but I’d like to refuse your request to help in your coup. I think it’s better if I just pretended I never heard.”

His predictions, which sometimes surpassed reason, was a result of his calculations based on his knowledge of the world rather than the use of something as magical and powerful as divinity.

But he didn’t use his abilities for just anyone.

“I don’t want to remain in history. My prince.”

“So, you wish to remain in the shadows?”

“No one will be able to control me.”

The curtains flapped loudly against the wind blowing through the open window.

While Julian held his hair back with a wince, a beautiful smile appeared on Dane’s face as his brown hair fluttered into his eyes.

“This is my choice, one uncontrolled by anyone else.”

His eyes that were as red as camellias blooming against the snow had a calculative glint in them.

“... I heard that you hadn’t want to become the ‘Emperor’s Shadows’ a long time ago.”

He did. He did once.

“I won’t be a shadow”

The day Ahn disappeared, Dane had given up on everything.

At first, he was coaxed and appeased. Then, they killed his mother to set an example. But even if they hadn’t killed her, he had already been swayed.

“Why don’t you become our chief? Well. If you need time to think this over, I’ll buy you some time. Hurry back. I’ll hand the title to you once you return.”

That was how no one remained in his palace. A few years later, he had welcomed her back from the western territories.

“I knew it. I knew you’d come back. You’re the only one who can be our chief.”

When he became chief, Deros was happier than anyone else to see him.

That was how he became Chief of the Shadows.

“I have not once ever considered myself to be a shadow.”

Dane had always stood out from the others. But even for him, there was one thing he never expected.

The 10th Day of the Month of Habermia.

The one he loved more than anyone else in the world had died that day.

“I am so very sorry to say this even though you sought me out especially just to appoint me as your personal aide, my prince.”

“So, you’re not going to accept.”

“It’d be too much for me.”

As he spoke, Dane smiled piercingly.

“That!”

“My prince.”

Dane interrupted Julian with a smile.

‘He’s trying to pull me to a higher position.’

Perhaps the position he was pulling him to would grant him power. A cool glint settled in his sunken eyes.

Julian coveted Dane.

The nobles who supported the acquisition of Dane might have different reasons for their support but they all recognised Dane’s abilities. It was hard for him to refuse. In any case, he was the prince who divided the Empire so he had to contemplate over this decision thoroughly.

“I know why you covet me so, my prince. Do you think having me will give you a chance to defeat the Crown Prince?”

He held the emperor’s life in his hands.

“Correct. But that’s not the only reason.”

“Yes. That’s not the only one”

Dane nodded.

“You sympathise with me.”

Without checking Juliann’s expression, Dane continued as he stared off into the distance. Even if he didn’t manage to see it, he didn’t have to because he could easily guess what expression he wore.

“We were destined to be used as puppets. I am a prince but before I could enjoy my life as one, I was forced to memorise. Both my cousin and I had been shackled to a predetermined future the moment we were born. Well, I’m not recounting my past because I have any resentment or ulterior motives for bringing it up.”

His role was not to intervene in the power struggle between the two princes. He was to shield from the damage caused by this battle one day.

“Are you going to continue that work?”

“Do you mean the ‘Emperor’s Shadows’?”

“Yes.”

The reason why he continued to address his honourable older brother politely was due to his desire to continue watching him from afar.

Dane tilted his head and glanced at Julian.

“You seem to be very interested in me, my prince.”

“I just wish for you to live a better life.”

“I’m not the only one who has had a terrible life in the hands of the emperor. Would you help out everyone who catches your eye?”

He quickly shifted his eyes and gave a lukewarm smile.

“You should go out and meet more people, my prince. I’m not the only pitiful person you’d need to take care of.”

Dane released his clasped hands before tapping on his neck. He was pointing towards a small pendant shaped like a cartwheel that was shaking and reflecting light around Dane’s neck.

“If you’re handing me a position out of pity, I’d like to refuse. I know you had decided this after much consideration despite much resistance from the head templars. But it was my choice to stay here.”

Julian did not answer. He merely bit his lips.

“I don’t need achievements nor do I care about the filthy deeds my family is carrying out to cleanse themselves of the stigma to become high-ranking noblemen in the Empire. I’d rather give up on everything but there’s only one reason why I didn’t leave the palace.”

Dane moved to grab a sharp pen.

He instantly threw it upwards towards the ceiling. A groan could be heard above them. It was the 2nd Prince’s escort. Dane was shaking him off. Dane brought his hands behind his back before raising his head.

“It is enough for me to be able to protect one person.”

At the same time, Julian’s eyes curled.

“Did you think I’d be unhappy because I am walking on a given path without a choice?”