When the plot-skips players into the game world-Chapter 1327 - 50 Ludwig II

"Actually... to say that no one from the Vandome family has ever become a Son of the Moon, perhaps that’s not entirely true."

Suddenly, Sherlock spoke up.

Everyone’s attention immediately focused on Sherlock.

Old Argon slightly furrowed his brows, his entire demeanor exuding an aura of authority and power without a hint of anger.

Aiwass seldom saw such a presence in others. Whether it be the princes and princesses of Star Antimony, Isabel, or even the Cardinal Archbishop or Pope of the Holy Nation, they were all the same... The last person who gave Aiwass this feeling was the Old Queen of Avalon. Apart from that, it was Arthur seen during the advancement ceremony.

Although Aiwass did not have the level of the Path of Authority, he could guess—that this was precisely the unique aura belonging to the Path of Authority.

The Old Duke probably had a level in the Path of Authority in addition to the Path of Beauty. And it should not be low.

...Wait, Beauty and Authority?

Thinking of this, Aiwass paused slightly. He suddenly thought of something.

Meanwhile, Sherlock continued, "The Son of the Moon cannot cross flowing water nor enter someone’s house without permission—though a river at the entrance might indeed form a barrier against the Son of the Moon... However, it can only fend off the Son of the Moon who tries to ’fly in as a bat’ or ’walk in physically.’

"The taboo for the Son of the Moon lies in ’motivation.’ They are simply afraid, unable, or scared to do so—not ’completely incapable.’ Just like a Son of the Moon, despite fearing flowing water, can cross borders by boat... Isn’t the Fallen Celestial Marshal’s previous crusade against the Son of the Moon army an example?"

"...Indeed."

Aiwass nodded in agreement.

This is precisely why the Son of the Moon in Star Antimony must take control of the Navy Department. The ocean is a fatal weakness for the Son of the Moon, so they must keep the navy in their own hands.

—This was also the sense of discord Aiwass felt when he first entered.

Although this river could theoretically block the Son of the Moon, to really rely on it for that would be foolish. It’s akin to putting a security guard at a neighborhood gate to prevent thieves, only as a deterrent. If someone really wanted to come in, there were always ways—whether by car or boat, they could penetrate this seemingly perfect protective circle.

Compared to a protective barrier...

"It’s more like... a prison preventing the Son of the Moon from escaping. Isn’t it, Duke?"

Sherlock spoke softly.

Upon advancing to the Fourth Level, Sherlock had resumed a youthful appearance, his gaze now bright and commanding, with a hint of a majestic aura.

"It seems your investigation has yielded some results, Mr. Detective."

Duke Argon was not angry.

The old man, his bright green eyes fixed on Sherlock, allowed a slight upward curl of his tense mouth: "As expected of the famous Sherlock Hermes... why not share your findings here."

"...Here, Father?"

Annie was a bit uneasy: "But, for Aiwass..."

She did not want Aiwass to be involved.

But Aiwass silently shook his head.

He extended his left hand, gently placing it on the back of Annie’s right hand resting on her thigh. His attitude was clear without words.

The sensation from the fingertips was surprisingly not youthful. Even though Annie’s hand had stopped being cold after Aiwass’s treatment, the visibly protruding blue veins on the back of her hand and her skin, no longer as fine as jade, indicated she was no longer young.

Annie turned back in surprise to look at Aiwass, and after a few seconds... she suddenly smiled.

Like letting go of a heavy burden, she sighed in relief. Her eyes became faintly moist.

Sherlock paid no heed to this—having received the Old Duke’s permission, he closed his eyes slightly to organize his thoughts, then calmly spoke: "As you said, the ’Third Rebellion’ on the land of the Iris, indeed had a hidden third party behind it."

Upon hearing this, both Aiwass and Arthur turned their gazes towards Sherlock, listening intently. After all, this was the reason Sherlock was "kidnapped," and they risked getting lost in the Dream Realm to save him...

If they couldn’t figure this out, or if the secret behind it wasn’t worthwhile, it would feel like their time had all been wasted.

Only Annie seemed not to be listening—she stared at Aiwass, lost in thought or reminiscing.

Aiwass, however, asked with interest, "A third party?"

"That’s right."

Sherlock nodded: "Different from the commonly known history—the most famous ’Third Rebellion’ in the Iris Kingdom, which ended the era of Kings and nobles by beheading their King, was originally masterminded by themselves."

"The secret essence of the ’Third Rebellion’ was a drama orchestrated by the last Monarch, Mad King Ludwig II himself."

Ludwig II...

That was the name of the last Monarch of the Iris Kingdom in Aiwass’s memory.

He was obsessed with drama, to the point of madness—in modern terms, he had a "chuunibyou" syndrome.

Before being known as the "Mad King" by the people of Iris, his nickname was "Swan King."

This came from a story in the opera "Swan Knight," which also has its original on Earth, called "Lohengrin." The famous "Bridal Chorus" comes from this opera about a couple whose wedding did not end well.

The gist of the opera is a mysterious knight calling himself the Swan Knight, who meets Princess Elsa in a dream, claiming that if she ever faces danger, she could call upon him, and he would fly to assist her. Later, Elsa indeed encounters a life-threatening crisis, calls upon the Swan Knight, and he easily defeats her enemies.

His strength was saint-like, noble, pure as the driven snow. Elsa falls for the knight who saved her, while the knight is also smitten by the Princess’s "beauty." He vows to protect her kingdom, defeat all her foes, and swears eternal loyalty, with only one tiny, singular condition: she must never ask his name or origin.

Elsa readily agrees to such a simple request. However, spurred on by others’ malice and jealousy, she eventually succumbs to curiosity and asks the question on their wedding night.

The Swan Knight sighs, reveals his true identity per his promise, and leaves Elsa forever. He said if Elsa had refrained from asking for merely a year—just a year—he could have stayed forever. But before leaving, the Swan Knight dealt with all the villains and enemies around Elsa, accomplishing one last act of protection.

—This was a highly acclaimed opera in Iris.

Just like how Isabel was enraptured by "Lulu’s Magic Flute" in her childhood, young Ludwig also had the Talent for the Path of Beauty... This made him unable to escape the Curse of this opera for his entire life.

The sourc𝗲 of this content is fre(e)novelkiss