Golden Mage - Chapter 90

Volume 3, Episode 30

Blieard Empire. Among the five great empires, Blieard Empire was lately enveloped in a rather grim atmosphere. This was due to the significant negative impact Prince Alcaid and Viscount Einhart, two influential figures within the Empire, experienced, as the attention shifted towards the Tower Lord El of the Golden Tower.

Viscount Einhart was the leader of one of the two major noble factions in the Blieard Empire. However, after losing to El and Gretton, he rapidly began to lose his standing and influence.

As the leading family guiding the noble faction started losing its power, the noble members within the faction became deeply perplexed. Since they constituted almost half of the noble population in the Blieard Empire, their turmoil spread throughout the entire empire, causing great upheaval.

El’s actions didn’t only affect Viscount Einhart; Prince Alcaid also suffered a significant loss of influence over the nobles due to the commotion he had caused.

Had the audacious Prince Alcaid not preemptively eliminated the princes who could become his future enemies, he might have faced abdication by Emperor Oscar.

However, since the only contender for the next emperor was Prince Alcaid, Emperor Oscar commanded him to remain loyal indefinitely. Though being in a position of considerable influence within the empire, at that moment, Prince Alcaid found himself in a powerless state, seething with intense anger towards El.

“If it weren’t for that brat, I wouldn’t be in this predicament….”

Yet, in this current situation, there was nothing he could do. His staunch supporter, Duke Cleyan, had entered indefinite seclusion after the clash with the Golden Knight. The confusion among the noble faction’s members left other nobles in disarray. Furthermore, Prince Alcaid had lost the trust of Emperor Oscar, so though he hadn’t been dethroned, his future was undoubtedly bleak.

In the midst of his distress, a voice reached him.

“May I offer my assistance?”

Startled by the sudden voice, Prince Alcaid exclaimed, “W-who’s there?”

The figure that emerged from the window, swaying a black robe, laughed as if amused by the prince’s reaction.

“Hehe, fear not, for I mean you no harm, Your Highness.”

Mocking as the person might be, Prince Alcaid bellowed with anger on his face, “Reveal yourself!”

“Oh, my, what an impatient character you are,” the owner of the voice chuckled.

Swoosh!

With that, a person appeared, waving a black robe from the window. He greeted Prince Alcaid.

“My apologies for the late introduction. My name is Zigril, the Tower Lord of the Black Tower, as referred to by the continent’s people.”

“Black Tower!”

At Zigril’s introduction, Prince Alcaid was flabbergasted. Wasn’t that where the Black Sorcerer, who had razed half of the continent in the past by summoning demons, resided?

Seeing Prince Alcaid’s reaction, Zigril grinned mischievously.

“Fear not, Your Highness. The present Black Tower is nothing compared to its past. Though its power is no longer comparable, it’s not to say that my skills have diminished. Even in this appearance, I am still an 8th-class mage.”

Prince Alcaid looked astonished. An 8th-class mage was not a common sight in the continent. There were only ten of them, to be exact. Even the Black Tower, referred to as the congregation of devils, had only an 8th-class mage… It was surprising, but Prince Alcaid was a person who would become the future emperor of the Empire.

Quickly regaining his composure, he asked Zigril a question.

“But why has the Tower Lord sought me out?”

Zigril shook his head. It didn’t matter to him.

“That’s not important. Your Highness, if you join forces with me, we can easily eliminate the Tower Lord of the Golden Tower….”

“What? Did you just say the Tower Lord? The Tower Lord of the Golden Tower?”

Zigril’s smile widened. He had taken the bait.

“Yes, you mentioned the Tower Lord of the Golden Tower. Do you not harbor resentment towards him? The reason I came to you was because of that….”

At Zigril’s words, Prince Alcaid’s eyes flickered.

“What? What did you say just now? The Golden Tower Lord? Did you say the Golden Tower Lord?”

Zigril smiled slyly. He had caught the big fish.

With a slow nod, he confirmed, “Yes, I did mention the Golden Tower Lord. But fear not, for you will not have to worry about the fact that I am a dark magician. I prefer to deal with matters quietly… in a discreet manner. No one will know that you and I have joined forces.”

“Umm…”

Prince Alcaid grimaced. Indeed, he had been caught in a dilemma. He was deeply attracted to Zigril’s offer, as having an 8th-class mage like Zigril’s support meant he could easily regain his lost influence. Not to mention, he could even restore the confused noble faction and amass even greater power. Moreover, he had lost even Emperor Oscar’s trust, so although he wasn’t dethroned, his future looked utterly bleak.

Zigril cleverly exploited his hesitation and presented him with a final offer.

“And as a reward, I shall help you ascend to the center of power again. If Your Highness desires, I can even put you on the imperial throne.”

“…!”

Prince Alcaid opened his eyes wide. He had finally made up his mind.

He opened his mouth to address Zigril.

“Is that truly possible?”

Zigril chuckled, nodding his head. The bait was enough to hook Prince Alcaid.

“Yes, it is indeed possible. If Your Highness wishes for it, I can make it happen.”

With a cruel smile forming on his lips, Prince Alcaid spoke, one word at a time.

“What I desire… is to become the ruler of this empire.”

“Indeed, the person I’ve chosen.”

Zigril’s lips curved into a smile.

El’s battle with the Holy Kingdom, a precarious peace, and another dagger aimed at him in the shadows.

The emerging forces of darkness, with ambitions that demanded countless lives, posed a tremendous threat. And in the midst of El and the Holy Kingdom’s collision, Zigril sought Prince Alcaid’s help to create a massive storm.

A storm that would be made of the bloodshed of countless people.