The Third Prince Of Darkness

After Lady Madeleine's departure, I wrote a kind of public address to be published in the newspapers. After pondering it for some time, I finally managed to complete the public address (chp:102). I am confident that this message will at least stir something in the people and instill courage in them.

Shortly after, the manager temporarily running my newspaper company arrived. He was not a noble, but he was a highly educated man. After handing him the material to be published, I immediately ordered the printing of thousands of newspaper copies. The manager said he would carry out my orders and left.

Then, the manager temporarily overseeing my bank company came to see me. Most of my assets and the revenues from my other businesses were invested in this bank. I promptly instructed him to bring all my wealth to the palace. I also assigned Isabella a group of guards to safely transport this money to the palace.

Following this, I sent another letter to the servants' guild, ordering the immediate transfer of Lunaene, the mother of Liam's child and princess of Avarya, who was hiding near the capital. Liam's child provided me with a powerful bargaining chip. Moreover, I had learned that Liam controlled the south, the border region with Avarya.

If I informed the King of Avarya that Liam had abducted and assaulted his sister years ago, the king would likely attack the region under Liam's control. However, I was sure that the King of Avarya wouldn't do this out of concern for his sister but to annex new lands to his kingdom.

For this reason, I would only use this trump card as a last resort. Later, I could use Princess Lunaene to take over the Kingdom of Avarya. For now, my plan was to either threaten Liam with his child or at least deceive him.

Meanwhile, I briefly considered finding out where Fiona was, but since her two sons didn't think highly of their mother, I quickly abandoned the idea.

The next step was to wait and buy some time. I didn't have much power, but I had a city with the strongest walls in the kingdom. Before the coalition war, Richard had already stocked the capital's depot with supplies that could last two years. No sane person would want to lay siege to a city for two years. Once I replenished the guard forces, this city would be impenetrable. But my goal wasn't just to have a safe city of my own.

I needed to become the sole and undisputed king of the Kingdom of Asina. I already controlled the capital and its surroundings, but if Duke Grohandal pledged his support to me, I could also establish dominance over the western territories. This would give me control of the kingdom's largest and busiest seaport, which would be an incredible advantage.

*Knock, knock, knock

When the door was knocked, I immediately said, "Come in," and Marsiel entered with a tense expression.

"Your Majesty, I hope you are in good health."

"I am, thanks to you. I must thank you personally—for saving both me and my mother," I said.

It was true. Marsiel deserved to be rewarded. When I released my mana to heal Luciana, Marsiel could have caused me magical paralysis if she had wanted to. Magical paralysis is a serious condition where one can no longer use magic. Instead, Marsiel not only successfully healed my mother but also healed me perfectly despite my vulnerable state.

"It was an honor to heal both Your Majesty, and the esteemed queen," Marsiel said. Then, hesitantly, she added, "Your Majesty, I was sent to consult with you on a matter."

"Don't hesitate; tell me what you need to say."

Encouraged by my words, Marsiel seemed to relax a little. "Your Majesty, the concubines' palace is currently in chaos. The concubines and their children are fearful and anxious, wondering what will happen to them. They sent me to learn your orders, especially whether they will be allowed to remain in the palace."

"Of course, they will remain in the palace. Tell them not to worry. By the way, I have decided to appoint your mother, Lady Elbuanur, as the chief concubine of the concubines' palace."

Marsiel's face lit up with a joyful smile as she bowed deeply before me and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. We will not disappoint you." Then she stepped back and left the room.

---

One week later

A lot happened during this week. During one of the passionate nights I spent with Isabella, I told her about Luciana's situation. Isabella had already suspected something and asked me first, so I detailed the situation without lying. Though she was initially surprised, she later accepted it with understanding. She even offered to help me.

When she said she'd help, I didn't think she was serious, but in the following days, Luciana's behavior and the way she looked at me began to change. Isabella's influence, as her closest friend, played a big role in this. I am truly grateful to Isabella; she is the very definition of a perfect woman.

Meanwhile, my sister Odette was brought back to the palace. She seemed genuinely happy to see me. Fortunately, she was too young and innocent to notice the awkward situation between Luciana and me.

After everything that had transpired, I felt closer than ever to making Luciana completely mine. Yet I needed her to be absolutely certain before taking the last step. That's why last night, we simply shared a bed—nothing romantic or physical—just the way we used to when I was a child. Back then, Luciana would often be the one who insisted on it.

At first, she seemed hesitant and uncertain, but soon she grew accustomed to my presence. Now, as morning arrived, and I opened my eyes, I found Luciana holding onto me tightly, just like the morning after I was wounded a week ago. She clung to me as though she were afraid I might disappear.

When I gently kissed her forehead, her white eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes. Seeing my face so close, she initially looked surprised and startled, but then she relaxed, resting her head shyly on my chest.

"Little Ethan..." she murmured softly, her voice low but heartfelt.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

I kissed her silvery hair and whispered in her ear, "Let's have breakfast, mother."

---

At the breakfast table, the atmosphere was livelier than it had been a few days ago. Avanne had arrived at the palace with my daughter, along with the maid I had accidentally impregnated, who came with her son.

The letters I had sent to the women at the academy were unlikely to reach them for a few more weeks. However, as soon as the letters did arrive, they would all use the academy's teleportation portal to arrive here instantly. When that day came, this palace would truly come to life. Until then, I realized we would need a larger dining table. Perhaps I could set up a separate table for the children, leaving my main table for my wives.

This plan would likely be useful in the future when I had even more children. Otherwise, the table would become so long that seeing the other end would be impossible.

---

After breakfast, I retired to my room. Over the past week, the news I had received through the servant guild was unsurprising but crucial. The new emperor of the Tamerid Empire was now Yavein, who also happened to be the husband of Fiona's daughter, Umala. However, it was reported that Umala had gone missing over the past week. She likely fled the palace upon realizing she had no power to stop her husband, which was undoubtedly good news for me.

This development reduced the likelihood of the Tamerid Empire, or at least Fiona's two sons, interfering in Asina's civil war under the pretense of supporting one of the factions. Meanwhile, across the continent, the kings of the northern kingdoms had all been executed by Alpshar, with the sole exception of the Emperor of Tiamat, who had not only retained his throne but solidified his position with Alpshar's support.

As for me, letters had arrived from both Liam and Fiona's other son, Thaerd. Both said nearly identical things, demanding that I recognize their legitimacy and vacate the capital in exchange for sparing my life. Naturally, I paid little heed to their threats and used the letters as kindling.

On the other hand, Duke Grohandal, who had remained neutral until now, responded, expressing his desire to support me. However, he demanded a portion of Duke Fernnard's lands, who currently supported Liam, as a condition. Reluctantly, I agreed to his terms with certain conditions. Shortly after, Duke Fernnard officially declared his support for me and informed me that he had begun mobilizing resources to form a new army.

The Kingdom of Asina was now officially divided into three factions. Nobody could predict who would emerge victorious from this civil war, but I already knew the answer.

No matter the cost, I had to win. No matter what it took, I had to survive—and I was ready to do whatever it required.