Golden Mage - Chapter 23
Volume 1, Episode 23
“Are the preparations for the expedition ready?”
As a middle-aged man in his early forties, with striking red hair and thick eyebrows, opened his mouth, the knight standing in front of him, also in his middle age, bowed his head and replied.
“We are fully prepared, Your Excellency.”
“Perhaps Count Einhart knows about His Highness the Crown Prince’s expedition. However, in order for His Highness the Crown Prince to rule the empire, he must see the lives of the people at some point. Einhart might attempt something foolish, so security must be thorough.”
“We have selected the ten most skilled knights from the Bliaud Order.”
The middle-aged man smiled with satisfaction at the knight’s respectful tone.
“Ten should be sufficient. We must be thorough in our security, as we can’t rule out unforeseen events.”
“Understood.”
“Now, go.”
Upon the middle-aged man’s words, the knight once again bowed deeply and left the room. Watching the knight’s back, the middle-aged man sat down and closed his eyes.
In a low voice, he murmured to himself.
“Do not engage in folly, Count Einhart. If you dare to harm His Highness the Crown Prince, my sword will show no mercy to you.”
Flashes of menacing light emanated from the middle-aged man’s eyes. A crimson aura surged forth, swiftly enveloping the surroundings.
His true identity was Duke Kleian, one of the strongest individuals on the Danggum continent, the Grand Master of the Bliaud Order, and the leader of the Imperial Guards.
Meanwhile, El and her companions arrived at Capermil and decided to stay at an inn, awestruck by the imposing size of the city.
Though El wanted to immediately go and find Count Einhart, they decided to first gather information about him.
Silphyre seemed interested in hearing about her family and graciously accepted El’s proposal.
Of course, El wanted to compare the information Devell provided with the rumors circulating in Capermil.
During their stay at the inn, they came across some astonishing rumors about Count Einhart.
It was said that Count Einhart deeply regretted driving away his daughter in the past, and now, he was sending people all over the continent to find her.
“Oh, my father… I’m so sorry, Father!”
Upon hearing about her father’s sincere regret, Silphyre’s expression was moved. Even though she had killed her husband, she couldn’t bring herself to hate her family. Despite harboring resentment, she couldn’t help but love them, as they were still her family.
El looked puzzled.
According to Devell’s information, Count Einhart was a cold-blooded man who wouldn’t even shed a drop of blood when stabbed with a needle. Yet, he was searching for his daughter? It was hard to believe.
“Is he really regretful?”
Various thoughts crossed El’s mind.
Based on the information she had obtained so far, it was hard to believe that he had taken such actions.
However, that thought didn’t last long.
When it came to love for one’s family, one could easily think that way. Perhaps, even after driving away his daughter for the sake of the family’s reputation, he regretted his decision and wanted to make amends.
Knowing well the depth of familial love, El could easily arrive at such a conclusion.
“Let’s think positively. But I can’t let my guard down.”
Rumors were just rumors.
Without confirming the facts with her own eyes, it would be unwise to jump to conclusions.
Seeing Silphyre’s hopeful gaze, El couldn’t turn her away.
With a gentle smile, El said, “If your mother insists, we can’t do much about it. But for now, let’s focus on creating identities for Serena and Kaina, alright? You know why.”
Serena and Kaina had no official status, but they had agreed to be hired as exclusive mercenaries. With their skills, they could easily be recognized as high-ranking mercenaries.
Silphyre nodded in agreement.
Her eyes filled with determination, she continued to look at El.
Her eyes were moist, and her lips glistened.
She looked so poignant.
“Elly, let’s go see my father. I want to meet him.”
“Phew…”
Seeing Silphyre’s expression, El let out a sigh.
She could tell that Silphyre believed the rumors wholeheartedly, even though they were only rumors at this point.
In her heart, she probably already forgave her father, who she had resented until now, believing that he genuinely regretted his actions.
El couldn’t ignore such a passionate gaze from Silphyre.
Reluctantly, El stood up from her seat.
Looking at Serena and Kaina, they also stood up.
Perhaps because they were in a foreign land, they looked quite anxious.
Seeing them, El gave a light laugh.
“Don’t be too nervous. Whatever happens, I’ll protect you both.”
“Yes…”
Serena and Kaina bowed their heads shyly, responding to El’s words.
Finally, the three women left the room. Their goal was to go to the Mercenary Guild and register Serena and Kaina as mercenaries.
As they descended from the third-floor inn to the first-floor restaurant, the gazes of the people dining there were all focused on them.
Naturally so, as El and the two women were exceptionally beautiful.
However, no one dared to approach them, as El and Silphyre were dressed as magicians, exuding an air of nobility that even surpassed aristocrats.
Amidst the curious looks, just as they were about to leave the inn, a voice suddenly rang out, causing El and the others to stop in their tracks.
It was the sound of a man’s voice in his late thirties, with an immaculate blue hair and gentle emerald eyes. The soft yet difficult-to-approach aura around him made it clear that he was no ordinary man.
Surrounding him were followers who bowed respectfully but emitted an inevitable pressure.
Each one of them was as well-forged as a sword.
They were like his personal guards, positioned strategically to observe the man and Silphyre.
The sight of the man observing Silphyre with a tender gaze left her eyes wide open.
He was none other than Crown Prince Alkaid, the future Emperor of the Bliaud Empire.
He was born to be the Emperor.
With the knowledge and dignity required of an Emperor, as well as the ability to embrace the nobles and possess exceptional political acumen, he also displayed a kind and compassionate nature to those around him.
Seeing him now, Silphyre’s body trembled as she shrank away.
“Your Highness…”
Silphyre used a title that couldn’t be concealed, which proved his identity.
Prince Alkaid!
He was the man who, if she had accepted her fate and married him, would have created a beautiful romance.
However, it was only a rumor known to the outside world.
Prince Alkaid was highly possessive, and he meticulously managed his reputation.
His kind and gentle demeanor toward Silphyre was only for show. In reality, he was cruel, narrow-minded, and possessive.
Silphyre was well aware of Prince Alkaid’s true nature.
At one point, she had come close to entering the imperial palace, only to narrowly escape his clutches.
She recalled those moments and her