Published: July 4, 2025
That night.
At the princely residence of Prince Bin, the fourth prince, located outside the Imperial Palace.
"Who goes there!"
Prince Bin sensed a presence in the corner of the room and called out.
"It's been a while."
A woman's voice replied.
"It's you..."
It was a voice familiar to Prince Bin.
He didn't know exactly who she was.
He had never seen her face.
Because she always wore a mask...
The woman who appeared from the shadows that day was also dressed in a black robe and wore a black mask.
The robe was a rare outfit in darwei and its surrounding nations.
From that alone, Prince Bin was convinced that she was someone he had met before.
The last time they met was the day after the banquet for Prince Lyun and Princess Shio Fen.
Indeed, a commotion had occurred at the banquet, where Prince Lyun was supposed to be killed, but he survived.
The one who had facilitated some of the chaos was Rinsui, a trusted aide of Prince Bin.
There had been an attack on Prince Lyun, but... it had failed.
"I never thought you would be associated with those from the Chououchi Empire."
"Technically, that's not accurate... but there's no point in discussing the details."
"Hmph."
Prince Bin dismissed the words of the black-masked figure with an uninterested tone.
However, her next words had a profound impact.
"It has been decided that Prince Lyun will be sealed as a prince."
"What?!"
Prince Bin literally jumped up.
What he feared had become reality.
"I told you! Lyun is a danger! Yet, Elder Brother and the others wouldn't listen..."
From surprise, his expression shifted to anger as he spoke.
"Or could it be that they understand everything and are contemplating a duel between me and Lyun to eliminate us both? That is quite possible. After all, we are both rivals for the next imperial throne... they would be pleased if anyone but themselves sank!"
Prince Bin ranted in anger.
The black-masked figure watched in silence.
Her black mask, of course, did not change expression.
But if one could see the face beneath, there would likely have been a sinister smile.
"This won't do. I must do something."
Prince Bin's thoughts turned towards how to deal with Prince Lyun.
"Hey, black mask."
"Yes, what is it, your highness?"
"Take on the request to eliminate Lyun again."
Prince Bin spoke with an authoritative tone.
Since he perceived her as subordinate.
However...
"Iām sorry. I currently lack the necessary forces for that."
"What?!"
The black mask rejected him quite coolly.
This infuriated Prince Bin.
While he looked down on her entirely, that was just his perception.
From the black mask's perspective, it was simply laughable.
The previous attack was undertaken only because it was advantageous for them.
Now, there was no benefit in accepting it, so she had no intention of doing so.
"Damn it, useless!"
Prince Bin spat.
Even after hearing that, the black mask did not get angry.
Rather, she stifled a laugh beneath the mask.
That laughter implied... so this is one of the successors, nothing impressive...
Although the princes were likely to clash amongst themselves, the black mask thought of further provoking them.
To that end, she proposed.
"Your highness, there are plenty of disposable forces available in the imperial capital, are there not?"
"What? My army... the Bin royal army cannot be used. If the royal army attacks Lyun, I would surely be chased from the princely title."
Prince Bin replied.
The black mask wore a mocking expression beneath her mask.
(Does this prince think of his own army as disposable forces? I thought he was foolish, but I never imagined he was this foolish.)
"Your highness, I am referring to the adventurers."
"Adventurers? Oh... I see."
The reaction was slower than the black mask had anticipated.
It was clear that the thought of adventurers had never crossed Prince Bin's mind until now.
"The second prince and third prince are skillfully utilizing adventurers."
"Is that so...? Alright, adventurers then."
Prince Bin nodded once and raised his voice.
"Rinsui! Where is Rinsui?!"
He called for his trusted aide.
By the time Rinsui entered the room, the black mask had already vanished.