The Prince Wants to Retire

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The Crown Prince Wishes to Retire

28. The price of interrupting rest is steep!

Contrary to the fury he had vented to Talion, Kariel did not move much at all.

He merely provoked the Union of Small Nations without agitating Talos too much and sent a letter to the Prince of the Empire.

After all, the work is usually done by those below.

Only the Shadows delivering the messages faced danger, while Kariel’s leisurely situation continued unabated.

“Not bad. If it’s this much, it’s manageable.”

Watching Kariel confidently slice into his steak, Talion let out a sigh.

With nothing much having changed despite the outrage, everyone looked deflated.

But Kariel was satisfied.

‘Why would I easily give up this peaceful life I’ve acquired?’

With unwavering determination to protect this peace, Kariel chewed his steak with an even greater zeal.

Yet, contrary to his resolve, the Empire’s situation was deteriorating rapidly.

Rebellions breaking out here and there were pushing even the most capable nobles into confusion. With such chaos, it was maddening to have to consider external matters as well.

However, the foundation Kariel had built was considerably sturdy, so it didn’t collapse.

It was undeniable that the Empire’s citizens were beginning to feel anxious, confirming that things were far from good.

As a result, Kariel started to ponder.

‘Should I mobilize the army?’

Should he be bolder and move the army before invoking the pirates? It was a decision he was contemplating.

“I received a response from the Prince of the Empire.”

“Really?”

As the expected reply arrived, Kariel smiled brightly while examining the letter.

“Good.”

It contained news that the Prince would grant his request.

“It’s about time to move.”

“Are you thinking of going in person?”

At Talion’s question, Kariel nodded.

It seemed the Prince had significant connections, as a senior member from the Pirate Alliance was reportedly coming.

Thus, it was fitting for Kariel to move personally.

“That’s dangerous.”

“It’ll be fine.”

Kariel responded dismissively to Talion’s worried words, flashing a smile.

The Prince seemed a bit concerned as well, stating he would send a reliable person as a mediator.

“With a Master around, what could possibly go wrong?”

“Are you saying you’ll send Marquis Chardonnay?”

“Yes. Looks like the Prince isn’t pleased with the current situation either.”

Kariel chuckled as he said this.

Given the circumstances, with one Empire being assaulted by powerful nations of the West Continent, it was indeed a cause for discontent.

Should a large-scale war erupt, it would be quite troublesome for the Principality, fresh out of another conflict.

They needed to buy time to restore their national strength at all costs.

Thus, Kariel’s plan was also what the Prince hoped for.

“But just that alone for Marquis Chardonnay….”

“Since it’s not his own money involved, it wouldn’t seem like a bad idea for him to support my plan.”

“Um….”

From the Principality’s perspective, there was no downside.

Using the Empire’s finances to mobilize the pirates, if the results were favorable, they could buy time to restore their strength.

The issue was if the pirates posed a threat to Kariel.

As long as that was preemptively blocked, it would yield the best outcome for the Principality, thus safely deploying Marquis Chardonnay.

If they mobilized the Knight Order, people would catch on, so only the Master would sneak out for a little stroll.

“Hmm….”

With the Master coming, Talion could no longer oppose.

“Alright then! Now that we’ve wrapped up today’s tasks, shall we go have some fun?”

Kariel beamed as he prepared to head outside.

“Don’t you get tired of this?”

“Not yet?”

Kariel smiled as he responded to Talion’s question, heading out to the beach.

This resort, famous as the retreat of the First Prince, had become increasingly popular, drawing young noble ladies from the Principality.

Dressed quite audaciously for noble women, they strolled along the coast, clearly putting on a show for someone.

“They’re gazing longingly at you again today.”

“It’s just an act. If you’re going to perform, at least do it well. Tsk tsk!”

Kariel clicked his tongue, causing Talion to tilt his head in confusion.

“How can you tell?”

Talion’s question made the nearby Knights and attendants curious as well.

While Talion, trained as a Shadow, could somewhat recognize it, the Palace Knights had picked up a bit of the skill too.

Yet Kariel was different. He could see through their act even better than they could.

Sometimes, he could spot the performances of women who could catch Talion off guard.

“Tsk tsk! If you can’t recognize something this obvious, you’re asking to be played.”

“That woman might be identifiable, but the one we saw last time really seemed to—”

“So, what did your investigation yield?”

At Kariel’s question, Talion’s expression tightened.

“Hmm!”

It turned out the woman had managed to trick even Talion.

At first, her background checked out as a merchant family’s daughter with no special circumstances.

She seemed like the kind of calm woman Kariel would appreciate—unassuming and not burdensome.

But Kariel had flatly dismissed her and ordered an investigation.

The results revealed she had been trained as a scam artist by the merchant family since a young age.

While her bloodline was genuine, it wasn’t from a legitimate wife; she had been raised specifically for such occasions.

‘How seasoned is my experience….’

Such schemes were something he had encountered countless times in his previous life.

After becoming the Emperor, many noble families rushed to grasp power in the ensuing chaos.

Whenever banquets were held, women would swarm in pursuit of Kariel.

Amid countless contenders targeting the empty Empress position, Kariel had prevailed.

Thus, for someone like Kariel, the antics happening here were nothing more than amusing tales.

“Quite cute, really.”

Kariel strolled by, amused at the clumsy performances of the women.

Watching that, Talion wore a serious expression.

‘His Highness actually… possesses different tastes than others….’

For a moment, Talion harbored impure thoughts but quickly discarded them.

Seeing Kariel shudder at the sight of Toto made it clear that was not entirely accurate.

So perhaps it was simply that he had no interest at all…?

‘He’s not impotent or anything….’

At such a prime age, it was strange to have eyes akin to those of an old man.

Still, as his lord, Talion pressed on, pretending not to notice while accompanying Kariel on his day of relaxation.

*

After several days of handling minor tasks and having fun outside, Kariel finally prepared to venture further.

“Hey, it’s just the next city over. Is this really necessary?”

“What if something unexpected happens?”

As meeting the pirates at the resort felt inappropriate, they planned to meet within the boundaries of the Principality.

The issue was that this place was not far away at all.

“Since we’re going, spending a few days in the city wouldn’t be too bad, would it?”

“Hmm….”

At Talion’s suggestion, Kariel creased his brows while glancing around.

Everyone wore expressions of boredom towards the resort.

While it might have been beautiful at first, the novelty wore off.

Strolling along the beach and sightseeing every day had begun to feel tiresome.

“…Should we?”

In truth, Kariel was just starting to feel that way too.

So he thought, ‘There’s no rule that says I have to stay in one place to enjoy a YOLO life; maybe I should take this chance to explore the nearby city?’ and left the resort.

Upon entering the clearly developed large city, he had the wagon stopped at a lodging and immediately donned a black robe.

“I present myself to His Highness the First Prince.”

“Nice to see you.”

Kariel shook hands with Marquis Chardonnay, thrilled to see him after a long time.

“Where’s the meeting place?”

“Downstairs in that building over there.”

Nodding at the Marquis’ words, Kariel moved alongside Talion.

If too many people moved, suspicion would arise, so they pretended to be ordinary tourists while the attendants and Palace Knights ordered food from nearby shops and waited.

“…They’re pirates.”

“They’re more than I expected?”

Pretending not to care, Talion couldn’t escape his own keen eyes.

Pirates disguised as ordinary people were lurking everywhere. However, their numbers far exceeded what Talion had anticipated.

“Are they high-ranking members?”

“Even so, it seems a bit excessive. Their skill level is also quite high.”

Although Talion wore a worried expression, Kariel merely smiled and glanced subtly at Marquis Chardonnay.

It was amusing to be concerned when the Master was right beside them.

Following the Marquis as their mediator, they entered the building. It was an ordinary pub, but clearly aware of their arrival, it was deserted.

Heading down through a secret passage in the vacated establishment, a pirate awaited them.

“Um….”

Sweat trickled down Talion’s brow as he instinctively reached for the sword at his waist.

“Your Highness, this individual’s skill is extraordinary.”

With a tense face, the quiet voice of Talion made Kariel frown.

“At least on par with me.”

Those words made Kariel’s expression stiffen.

Excluding the Master, he estimated Talion would rank within the top three.

If Talion was feeling that tense, it meant the person was nearly a match for the Master.

Among the pirates, there was only one person who had reached such a level.

“…Is that the Pirate King?”

“The rumors were true. Nice to meet you. I’m John Kidd, leader of the pirates.”

“…I am Kariel, the First Prince of the Empire.”

If facing the Pirate King, it was only proper to extend the courtesy he deserved.

Watching Kariel not treat him dismissively, the Pirate King’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You may lower your tone with me….”

“As a Pirate King, you deserve respect. Above all, you’re in a position to be asked a favor, so you should acquiesce.”

Kariel smiled broadly as he spoke, prompting a hearty laugh from the Pirate King.

“You’re an amusing fellow.”

“Let’s save the small talk for later… Shall we handle business first?”

“Sounds good.”

The Pirate King nodded, seeming pleased with that approach.

At that, Kariel’s eyes sparkled.

If the Pirate King had come personally, it was time to raise the stakes.

‘I need to adjust my plans.’

Confirming the pirates were sincere, Kariel thought of ways to torment Talos even more.

“I’m thinking of offering a contract fee of 100,000 gold.”

“Hmm….”

“Do you find that too little?”

Such an amount could easily buy a decent territory, but it was insufficient to mobilize the Pirate King.

The Pirate King openly expressed his discontent at the unexpectedly small sum.

“This isn’t enough for me to mobilize.”

“I know.”

It was a question forming on the Pirate King’s face, asking why he was proposing such an amount if he knew that.

“What I lack, I intend to supplement through trade.”

“…Trade?”

“Yes, both the Empire and you would want to torment Talos…”

The Pirate King appeared puzzled at Kariel’s words.

To that, Kariel grinned and added, “Cannons. How long will you continue to buy them at exorbitant prices in secret?”

The Pirate King’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Are you saying…?”

“We will sell them to you.”

With that definitive statement, both the Pirate King and Marquis Chardonnay were left stunned.

“You surely know the Empire’s cannons and Magic Cannon Technology well.”

“Are you really proposing to sell those to us?”

“Of course. By the way, the contract fee I provided will serve as the protection fee for our fleet when trading with the East Continent in the future.”

Kariel declared with a face that looked rather bright.

There wasn’t a soul among those present who didn’t understand the implications of this statement.

“When will you stop living under the notorious title of a pirate? Isn’t it time to step up as a formal nation?”

As Kariel spoke, even the Pirate King swallowed hard.