The Empror's Trap-Chapter 76: Ch - Return Home

The imperial prison differed significantly from ordinary jails. Its conditions were relatively comfortable, mainly because it housed important prisoners - high officials and nobles whose status demanded better accommodations than common cells could provide.

However, the inhabitants rarely had the mindset to appreciate their surroundings. Most would have gladly traded any comfort just to preserve their lives.

Kenji entered carrying carefully prepared refreshments. Though the guards were meant to stop all visitors, they allowed him through upon recognizing him.

The Fifth Prince was living quite comfortably - when Kenji entered, the expensive ink from the prince’s mansion still gave off a fragrant aroma.

"Your Highness seems in good spirits, still finding interest in such pursuits even now. I’m impressed," Kenji remarked with a smile, observing the books and writings before the prince.

"It’s merely a way to pass the time," Yunis replied, welcoming Kenji without showing any anger over his thwarted plans. "At this point, I have few concerns left. Since I’ve found this rare moment of peace, I might as well spend it doing what I enjoy."

Though his tone was light, Kenji could detect the underlying tension in his words. No matter how much one claims indifference, humans fundamentally fear death. Few can truly face it with complete calm.

"Come, Duke Anos," the Fifth Prince took a deep breath, pushing a stack of papers toward Kenji. "These are my writings. Please, have a look."

…

In the Western Empire...

Rinas emerged from the Central Military Academy of the Western Empire, squinting at the bright sun.

It was uncommon to see a handsome man from the Camelot Empire on these streets, especially one wearing the crisp uniform of a Western Empire officer.

As part of Camelot’s foreign exchange program, Rinas had just completed his studies.

The Western Empire was one of the strongest nations in the West, ruled by a powerful sovereign. Its main difference from Camelot was its devotion to the Holy Religion.

This was natural, as the Western Empire fell within the Holy Religion’s sphere of influence. However, the notion that "even the Holy Lord must yield to the Majesty" - shocking elsewhere - was gaining traction here as the nation gradually worked to free itself from religious constraints.

The Western Empire’s prosperity stemmed from their open-minded yet competitive spirit. Everything was subject to improvement and consideration.

While this somewhat exaggerated their national superiority, they were indeed notably more relaxed than nations bound by rigid ideology.

Three years ago, Kenji had recommended Rinas for this exchange program.

When other Western nations showed hostility toward Camelot for not following the Holy Religion, only the Western Empire and its territories expressed great interest.

This led to a massive exchange program three years ago, with thousands of talented individuals from both nations studying abroad in fields including military affairs, economics, agriculture, industry, magic, and spiritual energy techniques.

Rinas stood out among them, focusing on military studies while also learning spiritual energy applications.

Over these three years, this diligent and gentle youth from Camelot had endeared himself to various circles in the Western Empire.

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Before this exchange, most Westerners imagined Camelot people wearing long silk robes, and their soldiers as fully armed, elite warriors appearing suddenly from empty valleys in great numbers.

This image was partially accurate - Camelot’s regular army did excel at tactical superiority through ambush and camouflage. However, not all Camelot soldiers were elite, and many were quite tall.

Rinas’s presence showed them that Camelot could produce refined, cultured military officers as well.

In three years, Rinas had learned much, including alternative applications of spiritual energy that might benefit Camelot’s army.

Despite generous offers to stay from his teachers, nobles, and officials upon graduation, he chose to return home.

"When my homeland sent me here, I took on a responsibility greater than myself. My entire nation is watching - I cannot disappoint them," he explained.

Moreover, Camelot had its own unique achievements and had always treated him well. Even from a practical standpoint, he wouldn’t choose the Western Empire.

Now, having graduated with honors, he prepared to return to his homeland.

The moment he crossed the Camelot Empire’s border, Rinas felt that familiar comfort he’d missed. Every building brought a sense of security. Though he’d received preferential treatment in the Western Empire, nothing compared to returning home.

The carriage traveled along the newly paved imperial road until reaching the border checkpoint, where guards requested his documentation. Rinas presented his papers along with his Camelot rank insignia.

The soldiers examined it carefully before snapping to attention: "Commander, forgive us for not providing a proper welcome."

"Ha! If border guards left their posts just to welcome me, that would be the real problem," Rinas laughed. "How are things? I’ve been gone three years. How is the Empire faring? I only managed to send congratulations when Her Majesty ascended the throne, without meeting her personally. How is she doing?"

"Commander, we’re just soldiers - we don’t know much about affairs in Luminara. Though my family’s situation has improved. Her Majesty reduced our local taxes and eliminated several officials who were acquiring land without paying taxes. My family even gained several acres."

"Is that so? That’s excellent news. Your livelihood is more secure now?"

"In normal years, we manage well enough," the soldier replied cheerfully. "Though bad harvests bring hardship. But Her Majesty won’t let us starve. When Hexi faced disaster, many regional granaries sent relief supplies."

"Indeed, farming depends on nature’s mercy," Rinas nodded, securing his documents. "Carry on then."

"Won’t you stay for a meal, Commander? The County Magistrate would be honored to host you," the soldiers quickly offered. Being a border region, they often received distinguished visitors whom the magistrate personally welcomed.

"I must decline. I need to report to Her Majesty and the Grand Marshal. Give my regards to your superior."

…

At the Imperial Clan Court, Siguo rushed in, looking around but failing to find the acting head. Only servants and regular officials were present in the vast compound.

"Where is the Grand Marshal?" he demanded.

His anxious expression made the officials grow serious - their superior rarely showed such agitation.

"My lord, the Grand Marshal just left to visit Prince Yunis in prison."

"What about his recent documents regarding Imperial Family affairs?"

"Well... my lord, we cannot easily share the Grand Marshal’s documents..."

The officials looked uncomfortable. Though Kenji was acting head of the Imperial Family Court, his primary role remained Grand Marshal. His documents likely contained military secrets no one dared examine casually.

"I’ll find him myself!" Siguo turned to leave.

In truth, he hadn’t wanted to stop Pluvia and Kenji initially. He knew the Fifth Prince must die, whether during capture or execution. Once he rebelled, there was no other path.

But Siguo wanted to try. Having witnessed royal infighting before, he couldn’t bear to see the younger generation experience such fratricidal conflict again. The previous emperor’s ascension had cost many princes and princesses their lives. He had to try to prevent it. The Fifth Prince wasn’t truly evil - he’d simply reached a dead end. If they could just explain to Her Majesty...

First, he needed to gauge Kenji’s position. Though Siguo didn’t know all the details, Kenji played a crucial role. To change Her Majesty’s mind, convincing Kenji was key - she still considered his counsel.

He hurried to the prison but found he couldn’t enter. This was normal - the Fifth Prince’s presence was extremely sensitive. Pluvia wouldn’t allow anyone to communicate with him except someone of Kenji’s status. As head of the Imperial Family Court, Siguo lacked authority to enter freely.

He could only ask the guards to relay a message to Kenji, hoping for a meeting.

Soon, a guard emerged with a response: "My lord, the Grand Marshal regrets he cannot meet you. He knows what you wish to say, but it’s too late. What must happen cannot be stopped by your intervention."

Siguo stood stunned, staring at the sunlight before sighing deeply.

"Tell the Grand Marshal I’ll wait at the Family Court. I hope he’ll meet me after his visit."

"That won’t be necessary, my lord."

A cool voice came from behind. Siguo turned to find Lina’s calm eyes meeting his.

She wore a form-fitting black robe embroidered with gold thread, highlighting her perfect figure. An ornate bronze sword rested in an elegant sandalwood scabbard at her waist.

Though her attire perfectly suited protocol and was pleasing to the eye, Siguo instinctively stepped back upon seeing her. The presence of this demon cult remnant gave him quite a surprise.

Lina had clearly grown accustomed to such reactions. She gave him a disdainful glance before continuing:

"My lord, my young master has instructed that he will receive no other visitors today. Please return - even if you saw him, he would not discuss these matters with you."