Chapter 738: Royal Court

Children of Angels

Thump-!

The moment Albert heard those words, his heart started to race.

It meant he had expectations.

Because they were the Children of Angels.

An existence born from sacrificing all Holy Power to defeat the Devil who descended upon the Holy Capital.

An existence that saved the Pater Church, which had lost its power and authority.

In the midst of apocalyptic rumors spreading far and wide, they were seen as the last hope.

In any case, they were something extraordinary.

And that extraordinary being was said to have come to treat his mother, the Queen of the United Kingdom, who led its golden age.

How could he not be excited?

Albert, who had grown up too fast under the pressure of being a prince, couldn’t hide his emotions for once and ran like a child.

To meet the Child of Angels, who had come to help his mother.

Believing she would help somehow.

He didn’t know exactly what kind of help it would be or how, but he thought it would at least be more useful than the treatment from the court physician or the Dark Priests.

They’d done nothing but offer excuses.

‘I’m sorry. I don’t know what the illness is. In my opinion, she’s simply exhausted. It’s a type of nervous breakdown. The Queen has worked tirelessly since her younger days…’

‘I think the same. She worked herself to the bone while young and even bore children at an older age. It’s no surprise that she’s exhausted and it has manifested as a form of illness.’

Both the physician who had served the Queen since before Albert was born and the Dark Priest with a medical license said the same thing but in different words.

They claimed it wasn’t an illness but just old age catching up with her.

Albert listened calmly on the outside but cursed them inwardly.

It almost felt like they were blaming his and his brother’s birth for his mother’s illness.

But cursing them inside was all Albert could do.

He didn’t have a medical license, after all, and both the court physician and Dark Priest did.

Moreover, even the renowned doctors and mages secretly brought to the palace offered the same diagnosis.

So what could Albert do? All he could do was stay quiet so as not to interfere with his brother’s preparation for succession and stay by his mother’s side praying to the God.

And the God answered Albert’s prayers.

The Child of Angels. Her very arrival was a sign.

An existence with power surpassing even the Holy Power that could heal all wounds.

Thinking back, it seemed foolish. They should have called her from the start. He hadn’t realized it earlier because he was too preoccupied.

But now, it was all solved.

With such thoughts, Albert eagerly rushed to meet the Child of Angels, but he was soon disappointed.

“I’m sorry. It doesn’t seem to be an illness.”

***

In the annex bedroom, where his mother was moved due to her illness, the Child of Angels, Joanna, spoke.

She claimed his mother’s collapse wasn’t because of an illness.

In other words, she reached the same conclusion as the physician, the Dark Priest, the external doctors, and the mages.

That it wasn’t an illness that could be treated, but a nervous breakdown.

“…”

Perhaps out of disappointment? Albert couldn’t say a word.

No, the whole thing felt like a dream. He couldn’t even remember when he’d met Joanna or when all these people had gathered.

He had woken up to find people checking his mother’s condition then declaring the conclusion.

“Ah…”

A wave of exhaustion hit Albert, and he let out a groan.

At that moment, the gazes of the people who were focused on his mother turned briefly to Albert.

The court physician, his assistants, the Dark Priest, the Prime Minister and lawmakers, the nobles allied with the Royal Family, and so on.

They seemed to look at the boy with pity after hearing the hopeless diagnosis, but Albert didn’t feel it due to his fatigue.

Perhaps it was just his imagination.

Among those present, only Joanna, who had been observing his mother closely, seemed genuinely sympathetic, but honestly, Albert did not care.

What mattered to him wasn’t anyone’s feelings but his own disappointment.

If he hadn’t had any expectations, he wouldn’t have felt this let down.

The disappointment hit harder than he expected, and Albert, who usually responded in a mature manner, couldn’t manage it this time.

Instead, Miller, the Royal Secretary standing behind Albert like a shadow, stepped in.

“Excuse me, everyone. It seems the prince is quite fatigued. Could we ask for some privacy for a short while?”

Hearing the old man who had long served the Royal Family, the high-ranking adults in the room quickly nodded in understanding.

“Ah, of course…”

“We understand.”

“Don’t worry, Prince. We’ll stay here.”

“Prince.”

Miller, who had helped by speaking on Albert’s behalf, wore a gentle expression as he encouraged him to leave.

Albert agreed. There was no advantage to staying here any longer.

Thinking this, Albert politely excused himself and walked out of the room.

“Sigh…”

As soon as he was out of the room filled with people and his ailing mother, it felt like he could breathe again.

However, he didn’t feel completely better.

After catching his breath with a sigh and steadying himself, the suffocating feeling slowly crept back. The air felt thick, like he was breathing water.

Ordinarily, he would have asked the court physician for a diagnosis, but Albert didn’t want to see that man’s face again. So instead, he decided to leave the annex and head to his room in the main palace.

“That sounds like a good idea.”

Miller agreed.

Albert walked from the annex toward the Royal Palace.

“By the way…”

“Yes, Prince?”

“Why hasn’t my brother come?”

Only after leaving the annex and calming down a bit did Albert realize that his older brother hadn’t been present among the crowd.

He wasn’t sure, but when he first met Joanna, it seemed his brother had been there.

“He must’ve been too busy to come.”

“Not even for the brief time it takes for a diagnosis?”

Albert’s voice carried a hint of reproach, and Miller bowed his head apologetically.

Albert felt a little sorry for being short with him, but he still couldn’t understand.

What could be so important that his brother didn’t even visit their mother during this time? Now that he thought about it, his brother hadn’t been visiting often.

Of course, it made sense that he was busy. He would soon inherit the throne of the greatest nation in the world, so naturally, he had a lot on his plate, probably dealing with all kinds of stress. But even so…

“Isn’t it weird?”

“What do you mean, Prince?”

“No, it’s just… my brother. He’s been overly anxious lately.”

It wasn’t just because of his disappointment or fatigue that Albert was saying this. He had been too distracted worrying for his mother to realize it, but truth be told, his brother Edward had been behaving strangely.

Anxious, even. No, more than anxious… it was like he was running from something.

By nature, his brother was an optimist who would be excited like a child over the prospect of inheriting the throne, but now, that excitement was nowhere to be found.

Perhaps he was just worried about their mother, but then why wasn’t he visiting her often? It would’ve taken him no time to come see her.

It was just that he was busy and anxious. Too busy and anxious.

“Ah… I’m not too sure.”

Miller, who had been with the family for a lifetime, tilted his head as if puzzled.

Hearing the old secretary say that made Albert uncomfortable talking about it any further.

“Never mind. Forget it… He’s probably just overwhelmed.”

Miller bowed apologetically, and their conversation ended.

Just as their conversation ended, they arrived at the main palace.

This was the heart of the United Kingdom’s Royal Palace, where only the King and his direct family could dwell.

Its lavish heart was adorned with a seamless red carpet, and the white walls and ceilings were beautifully decorated with golden chandeliers and ornaments.

Albert walked through the sight as if it were entirely ordinary, without feeling any sense of intimidation.

It made sense, of course. He was born and raised here.

However, one thing was not correct. While he wasn’t overwhelmed by the grandeur, it wasn’t because he had grown fully accustomed to it either.

Familiarity implied comfort, and Albert didn’t feel particularly comfortable in the Royal Palace.

To him, the palace was too large, too ornate, and filled with far too many people to feel at ease.

“So, when exactly is the succession ceremony going to be held?”

“I’m not sure… nothing specific has been mentioned yet.”

“Crowning a successor while the King is still alive is extremely rare, so they’ll be cautious about it. Especially given the state of things right now.”

In the chamber where the visiting dignitaries gathered for his mother, voices filled with not worry, but calculation, leaked out.

For people supposedly concerned about an ailing monarch, they were lounging around, drinking liquor, and chatting.

It wasn’t just long-standing nobles and politicians but even businessmen.

It might not have been appropriate for him to think it, but Albert couldn’t help but feel that such a place could never feel like home.

Even so, the reason Albert returned to the main palace was to rest in his room.

The only place where he remained free from people’s eyes and could relax was there.

However, he soon realized even that thought was wrong.

“Aaaaah…”

Sitting in a chair in his room, Albert let out a frustrated sigh. Miller asked out of concern.

“Are you alright, Prince?”

“No, I’m not. Even now, I don’t feel at ease.”

“You might just be overexerted. How about some rest—”

“—No, just sleeping won’t help. I don’t even feel sleepy… Miller.”

“Yes, Prince.”

“How about we go for a walk?”

“A walk?”

“Yes, just you and me.”

Albert thought back to the time he had visited Randa.

There had been many incidents, and he had been tired, but one memory stood out: sneaking out alone and strolling the streets.

Back then, he had learned just how refreshing it was to walk by himself.

Though he longed for the same now, Albert wasn’t so childish as to try sneaking out again. Instead, he asked Miller if they could take a walk with just the two of them.

“I’m sorry, Prince.”

Miller bowed his head as he refused.

But this time, Albert didn’t back down so easily.

“I understand it’s not the most appropriate thing to do right now. My mother is still unwell, and my brother is busy with the succession… but isn’t it alright to take a short break?”

“I understand how you feel, Prince. But right now, the situation isn’t safe. You’ve heard the rumors, haven’t you? That rebels are operating in the capital?”

“Ah…”

Albert let out an exclamation of realization.

Even though the disturbing rumors about the Royal Family and the kingdom’s power struggles had subsided after his mother’s collapse, the Queen’s illness was still an enormous issue.

The King was the nation’s backbone, after all. If the backbone was to fall, the rest surely would too.

This was made evident by the unrest among regions and factions already bearing resentment toward the United Kingdom, including the Kel rebels.

According to intelligence, a substantial number of Kel rebel agents had infiltrated the capital.

They were dangerous, willing to do anything to achieve their dream of independence for their barren homeland.

“If you were to step outside the palace, there’s no telling what they might do. That’s why I cannot allow it.”

Miller softly explained the danger, but Albert couldn’t argue.

Amidst these turbulent times threatening the throne, exposing himself to danger would be an enormous risk.

“I’m sorry, Prince.”

Miller apologized again.

Albert shook his head.

“No, it’s my fault. Umm… I’ll get some rest for now, so…”

Knock, knock.

Just as Albert was about to give in and try to rest, someone knocked on the door.

It felt like a déjà vu.

The voice of the Royal Secretary managing the guests came from behind the door.

“Prince, the Child of Angels has requested an audience with you.”

***

Clean porcelain-like skin, distinct features, and radiant golden hair.

It might’ve been a cliché description, but Joanna, the Child of Angels, was the very picture of beauty.

Even Albert, who’d grown used to meeting other royalty, nobles, and members of high society, thought so.

For the record, Albert and the Child of Angels were already acquainted.

They had met briefly in the past during his journey to the New Continent.

At the time, she was a Holy Knight fulfilling her mission on the New Continent, and perhaps because of that, Albert’s first impression of her wasn’t bad. As time passed, he even began to admire her.

A knight he once knew had become the Child of Angels and was now regarded as an unwitting savior.

However, what Albert felt toward her now was mostly disappointment. It was the downside of having too many expectations.

“I’m sorry, Prince.”

As she had the first time they met, the former Holy Knight, now Child of Angels, greeted him with respectful apologies.

She apologized for not being of more help.

Her gratitude was appreciated, but lately, Albert had been seeing too much of it to muster any real feelings.

“It’s alright. It’s not your fault that my mother’s condition stems from exhaustion. There’s no need for you to apologize. I’m fine.”

Albert spoke hollow words, devoid of emotion.

Yet something felt off. There was a trace of something hidden in Joanna’s expression, as if she were keeping a secret.

“Is there something you wish to tell me?”

Joanna thought for a moment.

“Yes, there is something that bothers me.”

“What is it?”

Albert unconsciously straightened up.

“It seems the Queen’s life force has disappeared in a strange manner.”

“Life force?”

“Yes, life force is—”

“—No, I know what life force is. I’m asking if someone stole it from my mother. Is it a Dark Sorcerer?!”

Thump-!

Albert’s heart began to race again, this time for a different reason.

If that were true, it would mean treason. Treason against the greatest nation in the world.

“I’m not certain.”

“What do you mean by that?!”

Frustrated by her ambiguous response, Albert lashed out.

“I can’t say for sure. What I can tell you is that it’s not just the work of Dark Magic. Your mother’s life force has been artificially reduced. It seems as though someone took it.”

“Who…?!”

Albert asked, though not really to Joanna but to himself.

Who could have dared to do such a thing? A few suspects came to mind.

Although his mother was a good queen, the throne always created enemies.

“I’m sorry.”

Having dropped a bombshell, Joanna apologized again.

Albert’s patience snapped, even if by just a little.

“So you’re telling me, Child of Angels, that you don’t know anything for certain, yet you’re sharing this with me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I am telling you simply to prepare for potential danger… In truth, the reason I came here wasn’t to bless the succession ceremony, but rather to investigate something.”

Though it was officially stated that she had come to bless the succession, Joanna admitted that she had been investigating something else.

“What are you investigating specifically?”

The Child of Angels’ silence stretched.

“Do you suspect someone within the palace harmed my mother? Or was it someone in the Royal Family?”

Joanna’s silence continued.

Suddenly, Albert sprang from his seat.

“Or was it—”

“—I still can’t say for sure.”

Just as Albert was about to name specific people, Joanna interrupted him.

In response, Albert spoke in a low voice.

“That’s a dangerous statement. To say you suspect someone within the Royal Family of plotting against the next King of the United Kingdom. Or do you think I’m too young to deserve respect?”

“No, Prince, I—”

“—Leave.”

Albert pointed toward the door.

In the midst of his mother’s illness, hearing such words had pushed him over the edge.

“Go ahead. Share those ridiculous ideas with someone else. Or talk to the Dark Priest and the Holy Knights upholding your reputation since the Holy Power disappeared. Whatever you do, don’t show yourself to me again. Otherwise, I’ll make sure people hear what I’ve learned today.”

Unable to contain his anger, Albert issued his warning.

Reading the prince’s temper, Joanna left without another word.

She looked at Albert with a mixture of concern and sorrow, the same way she had when examining his mother, as she walked out.

Creak… Click.

Once the door closed, Albert felt no relief. Instead, his anger only burned hotter.

“Miller!”

“Yes, Prince.”

Miller, who had been waiting outside at Joanna’s request, entered.

“I need to go for a walk. Prepare it.”

“A walk, Prince? But—”

“—If I can’t go outside, the gardens are fine! Get it ready!!”

***

As Albert requested, he went for a walk in the palace gardens, specifically the garden farthest from the main building.

He felt like he would get sick if he stayed still any longer.

‘Child of Angels? If you were really an angel’s child, you would’ve cured the epidemic in the Holy Capital long ago.’

While wandering among the gardens, Albert recalled reading about the state of the Holy Capital in the newspaper.

Now, a strange illness had swept through the Holy Capital, disfiguring people to the point where neighboring nations had restricted travel.

If Joanna were truly a Child of Angels, she would’ve cured that disease long ago.

But she hadn’t, and there could be only one conclusion.

She was a false idol created by the Pater Church, which had lost its authority after the Holy Power vanished.

It seemed possible. Just seeing how the Dark Priests had been sucking up to everyone lately.

“Prince?”

While Albert was stomping through the garden in anger, a voice called out from behind.

It was Miller’s voice, and he wore a kind expression, like that of a caring grandfather.

“Forgive me for my impertinence, but might I ask what is troubling you?”

He asked with genuine concern, as if truly worried about what had upset Albert.

For a moment, Albert felt the urge to talk.

Even though he was young, he knew how much of a relief it could be to express one’s feelings. Perhaps more than anyone.

Since childhood, he had always bottled things up, burdened by his position as prince.

But saying it wasn’t easy.

It wasn’t because of Joanna, the fake idol.

It was because he couldn’t predict the chaos that would ensue if her words spread beyond the palace.

The Pater Church had certainly lost its power, but the Child of Angels maintained its authority. That meant that, to an extent, she had influence.

For her to claim there was a conspiracy behind his mother’s illness?

There was no telling what impact that would have.

So he had simply kicked her out without letting anything spill. He couldn’t guarantee what would happen if her words got out.

Digesting his thoughts, Albert gazed at Miller.

Perhaps talking to him would be fine. After all, Miller was not just any royal secretary but one who had served the family his whole life.

He thought it would be best to speak to him.

“That’s-”

“-Wait a moment, Your Highness.”

Just as he opened his mouth, Miller suddenly stepped in front of Albert, shielding him.

Then, from beyond the garden bushes, a figure appeared—an extremely large and fat human-shaped figure.

“Ah, Your Highness?!”

“You are…”

Albert trailed off as he looked at the man who had abruptly appeared.

For two reasons: First, he wasn’t sure who he was, and second, the man was incredibly fat.

He wasn’t just fat. He was ridiculously fat. So fat that his limbs appeared too short.

What made him stand out, though, was that, unlike typical obese people, he had a healthy complexion and seemed vigorous.

“I am Edith Locke, a pugilist visiting on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.”

Miller leaned in and whispered to Albert, informing him who the fat man was.

“A pugilist?”

“Yes, in Randa, he’s somewhat famous for working his way up. He also married into nobility by paying a large dowry and sold his shares of Prometheus on the New Continent for three times their value.”

Albert, now recalling who Edith was, studied the obese man.

Though he had never met him in person before, he had heard about him through his secretary.

He never thought he would meet him here of all places. The world suddenly felt very small.

As someone who had risen from nothing in Randa, Edith brazenly greeted him.

“How do you do, Your Highness? Though accidental, it’s an enormous honor to meet you here today. I’ll make sure my family knows of this event for generations to come.”

His tone was sarcastic, leaving Albert unsure of whether Edith was mocking him or not.

Albert instinctively responded, “Accidental?”

“Yes, I was out for a walk as well.”

“I didn’t expect you to be the type for strolls…”

“The medicine I take works wonders. It’s become something of a hobby for me, although I must admit that’s a bit of an appearance-based remark.”

“Show respect to the Prince!”

Miller, who had been quietly standing aside, suddenly shouted.

Albert gestured that it was alright. He wasn’t really okay with it, but he just didn’t want to deal with the hassle.

He planned to brush the interaction off and move on, but Edith suddenly said something unexpected.

“Actually, it’s fortunate. I had some business with you, Your Highness.”

With an impudent air, Edith began walking toward him.

It was sudden, rude, and entirely unanticipated.

Believing this to be a threat, Miller stepped forward and pushed his hand against Edith’s chest, stopping him.

“Are you mad? How dare you approach the Prince!”

Edith halted, his chest pushed back. Despite this, he didn’t seem offended—he was smiling, widely at that.

“Didn’t you hear what I said before?”

“…?”

“Didn’t I mention that I became healthier? Of course, that means I’m also stronger. See for yourself!”

As soon as Edith finished speaking, he raised a hammer, which he had been hiding behind his broad back, and brought it down vertically upon Miller’s head.

It was in the garden.