After five or six years had passed, Bebe’s speed had surpassed the Blackcloud Panther’s by a large margin, reaching a new, terrifying level.
And now? After having reached the Saint level, Bebe’s speed had soared once again!
“Of course he is faster than Olivier.” Linley laughed as he rubbed Bebe’s little head. “Wharton, let me tell you, Bebe’s speed and defense are the greatest I have ever seen. In the past, when I was at the Ernst Institute, Bebe was still in his growing phase and had the power of a magical beast of the seventh or eighth rank. But even after being struck by the dying blow of a peak-stage ninth-ranked Armored Razorback Wyrm, he still only suffered a severe wound.”
This was the first time Wharton had heard of this. It was the first time Zassler and the others had heard this story as well.
“How is that possible?”
They were all stunned. An Armored Razorback Wyrm was one of the most terrifying dragon-type magical beasts.
“When I encountered Haeru in the Mountain Range of Magical Beasts, Haeru wasn’t able to injure Bebe at all with his attacks. At that time, Bebe was only an early-stage ninth rank. You must know that Haeru’s attacks were able to cause harm to me at that time, even though I had the defensive powers of a late-stage ninth-rank expert after transforming.”
Bebe raised his head even higher upon hearing Linley’s praise, staring around himself haughtily like a victorious general.
“I can tell you this. Bebe’s speed is definitely higher than Olivier’s. What’s more, even if Olivier was able to land a blow of his ‘Sword of the Aurora’ on Bebe, he still probably wouldn’t be able to break past Bebe’s defense.”
Linley laughed.
Bebe’s fur’s defensive power was simply too terrifying.
“The ‘Sword of the Aurora’ most likely wouldn’t be able to break his defense?” Wharton, Hillman and the others fell silent. That unremarkable little Shadowmouse Linley had acquired when he was young had grown to be so powerful.
Bebe shook his head. “Har har har. The defense of me, Bebe, is naturally powerful. That goes without saying. However… I’m not confident in my ability to deal with a blow from the Boss’s ‘Profound Truths of the Earth’.”
Linley’s ‘Profound Truths of the Earth’ all but ignored defense. The only thing defense would do would be to slightly weaken the strength of the vibrations as it passed through.
“Given Bebe’s speed, bringing out the Seventh Princess then fleeing at high speed from the imperial palace shouldn’t be a problem. Most likely, the Saint-level experts in the palace simply wouldn’t have time to catch up.”
“Heh heh. Boss, just entrust this issue to me.” Bebe was extremely excited. He looked as though he wanted to go break the Seventh Princess out right now.
“Don’t be impatient. Emperor Johann hasn’t made his announcement yet with regards to who he will choose, after all.” Right now, Linley was prepared for either eventuality. He wouldn’t be caught offguard.
Both Wharton and Blumer spent these next few days worrying. Many of the nobles of the imperial capital were also secretly guessing which one of them would end up marrying the seventh princess.
In the imperial palace.
The Emperor was currently in a seated meeting with a blue-haired middle-aged man. In front of them was a strategic wargame board. These games were quite popular in the military, and Emperor Johann often liked to play this game as well.
“Your Imperial Majesty. You’ve raised a fine daughter. She’s actually attracted so many suitors, including my own younger son.” The blue-haired middle-aged man laughed.
This blue-haired middle-aged man was the mighty Imperial Left Premier, Judd Darryl. Judd and Johann were on extremely good terms, and in private they were as close to each other as brothers.
“Judd, stop teasing me.” In front of Judd, Johann only addressed himself as ‘me’, not using the royal ‘we’. Just from this alone, one could tell how close the relationship was between these two men. But of course, he only did so when nobody else was present.
“You don’t know this, but this has been a huge headache for me. Blumer and Wharton aren’t too much of an issue. Either would be a fine choice. But their older brothers…” Emperor Johann sighed. “Olivier and Linley both are absolutely terrifying.”
Judd nodded. “Indeed. I saw that astonishing battle in the air above the Colosseum as well. Olivier and Linley both revealed that they had peak-stage Saint-level power from the very beginning. I didn’t expect that the power they initially revealed was just the tip of the iceberg. They actually both had their own ultimate attacks, and Olivier even dared to challenge the Monolithic Sword Saint, Haydson.”
Johann nodded. “Olivier and the Monolithic Sword Saint competed before. Last time, Olivier lost. But despite having already competed and thus knowing exactly how powerful the Monolithic Sword Saint is, he still dares to challenge him yet again? That means he definitely has something that is making him confident.”
“I have a feeling that both Olivier and Linley will be people on the level of the Monolithic Sword Saint in the future.” Johann sighed. “The most damnable thing is, both of these men are extremely protective of their younger brothers. Judd. You tell me. How can I not have a headache?”
Judd began to laugh.
“Then, your Imperial Majesty, have you made your decision yet?” Judd looked at Johann.
Johann nodded. “I’ve made my decision.”
“Who?” Judd was very curious.
Johann said resignedly, “I admit that Linley is indeed the most brilliant person I have seen in my entire life. He is astonishing in every single aspect. But compared to him, Olivier isn’t much inferior. If it weren’t for other factors, I would probably choose Wharton.”
“Then your Imperial Majesty, you mean to say… you have chosen Blumer?” Judd could tell what Emperor Johann meant.
“Right.” Johann nodded.
“There’s nothing for it. Blumer is, after all, the personal disciple of the War God. You should know how influential the War God is in the Empire. In addition… over four of his fellow apprentices have come to speak with me. All of them did so for Blumer’s sake,” Emperor Johann said helplessly.
“Four of them?”
Judd was shocked as well. “I’ve heard that the personal disciples of the War God rarely get involved in matters. I didn’t expect that as soon as he became a personal disciple, four other personal disciples would come out and speak on his behalf.”
“Judd, you should know that although in principle, I have the most authority in the Empire, in reality… the War God is still the highest power in the land.”
Emperor Johann, in the end, had decided to side with the War God’s College.
The Imperial Left Premier’s manor.
An astonishingly handsome young man with long, flowing blue hair was taking a casual stroll on the stone roads within his own family’s estates. Whenever he saw anyone, even servants, he would smile and nod towards them.
Caylan Darryl, a genius magus.
“In the end, his Imperial Majesty decided to choose Blumer?” Caylan shook his head and sighed. His father, Judd, deeply doted on Caylan. He had even told Caylan about this affair.
“Why? Why can’t his Imperial Majesty consider his daughter’s feelings?” In his heart, Caylan was actually very unhappy with some of the coldly pragmatic ways in which the noble clans and the imperial clan handled affairs.
In his mind, people should treat other people well. If two people were to be together, it should be because both loved each other. Emperor Johann should have considered things from Nina’s standpoint.
“That girl Nina.”
Thinking back to how he and Nina had played around together when they were young, Caylan came to a decision. He immediately headed out of the Left Premier’s manor. The only thing he said to the housekeeper when he ran into him was, “I’m going out for a walk.” Caylan headed straight for Count Wharton’s manor on Bo
ulder Street.
Caylan had come to a decision.
He had to inform Wharton of this affair.
At nightfall, Wharton was still training in his manor’s training area. Next to him, Linley was meditating quietly. Just at this moment, a servant ran over. “Milord, Lord Caylan of the Left Premier’s household has arrived.”
“Caylan?”
Wharton came to a halt. In his heart, Wharton actually felt very grateful to this former romantic rival of his. After all, Caylan had voluntarily given up his pursuit. If he hadn’t, this affair would be even more complicated.
“Caylan’s come? Wharton, I’ll accompany you.” Linley was actually quite curious about this young man who had voluntarily abandoned his pursuit as well.
Linley and Wharton headed directly to the guest hall. When they saw Caylan, the first impression Linley had was that this was a person who was very amiable and easy to get along with.
“Wharton.” Seeing Wharton, Caylan smiled, then looked at Linley. “And this should be your older brother, Master Linley. I’ve heard of Master Linley’s reputation a long time ago.”
Linley smiled at him as well.
“Caylan, please sit.” Wharton was very friendly towards him.
Caylan shook his head. “No need. I’ve come today to tell you something. As soon as I have, I’ll be leaving.” Caylan’s face grew solemn.
“Tell me what?” Wharton said, puzzled.
Caylan said resignedly, “Wharton, based on the information I’ve received, on March 15th, his Imperial Majesty is most likely going to choose Blumer, not you. But of course… since it isn’t March 15th yet, nothing is for sure. However, this information I have is most likely 90% accurate.”
14
An Exchange Between Geniuses
Wharton was stunned by this sudden news.
Wharton truly wanted to be able to openly wed Nina in the imperial capital, rather than elope with her.
“Caylan, is this information of yours true?” Linley stared at Caylan, asking urgently.
Caylan nodded solemnly. “Master Linley, although his Imperial Majesty hasn’t publicly proclaimed it yet, this information came from my father’s conversation with his Imperial Majesty. Master Linley, I trust you can judge for yourself the authenticity of this news.”
Linley nodded slightly.
There was no need for the Imperial Left Premier to lie to his own son. And, given Linley’s spiritual energy as an Arch Magus of the ninth rank, if Caylan were currently lying, Linley should be able to sense something.
“No matter what happens, we brothers would like to thank you for your assistance, Caylan,” Linley said in thanks.
Only now did Wharton’s mind become clear again. He too said gratefully towards Caylan, “Caylan, thank you for notifying us.”
“No need to thank me. I just hope that in the future, Nina will have a happy life. Alright, I need to leave.” Caylan bowed slightly towards Linley and Wharton, then left.
Wharton watched Caylan leave, then suddenly turned towards Linley. “Big Bro. What should we do?” Wharton’s mind was in chaos.
“What should we do?” Linley spoke with absolute conviction. “For now, we immediately begin moving the household out of the imperial capital.”
Linley stared coldly in the direction of the imperial palace. “We are out of options. I will immediately instruct people to speak with Yale and have him come. Right now, we’ll have to use the secret channels of the Dawson Conglomerate to take Rebecca, Leena, Jenne, and Uncle Hillman’s family members out of the imperial capital. And, ideally the Emperor must not discover that they’ve left.”
In truth, it wouldn’t be too big of a deal even if the Emperor did find out.
Even if Emperor Johann was suspicious of Linley, so what? Would he dare to offend Linley? He himself was not the War God, after all. And even if he dared to offend Linley… who under his command was actually capable of dealing with Linley?
That very day, Linley invited Yale over. After discussing the issue for quite some time with Yale, Yale immediately slapped his chest and promised, “Third Bro, don’t worry about it. It’s just a few people. There definitely won’t be any issues.”
Yale then laughed. “Actually, Third Bro. Even if the Emperor found out, he would pretend he didn’t know.”
Linley smiled as well.
He had reached the Saint level. Although the status of the Emperor was very high, Linley didn’t have any fear of the man. In truth, the only person Linley was afraid of was that man who was residing on War God Mountain.
“Still, try to avoid being discovered,” Linley instructed.
Although, Jenne, Rebecca, and Leena were reluctant to leave, they knew that they would meet again with Linley’s group later, and thus they followed the directives of the Dawson Conglomerate and quietly left the imperial capital.
Actually, Linley and Wharton hadn’t given up all hope yet.
They hoped that on March 15th, Emperor Johann would choose Wharton at the Martial Palace. Although the chance was very low… it was still possible that Emperor Johann might change his mind.
After all, Nina eloping with Wharton meant parting with her family. As for Wharton, he, Housekeeper Hiri, and Hillman had all become very comfortable and used to living in the imperial capital. Unless it was absolutely necessary, they didn’t want to take the final step.
Each day passed, and March 15th drew nearer as well. The streets, hotels, and restaurants of the imperial capital were once again filled with discussion regarding Wharton, Blumer, and their older brothers.
Everyone was trying to guess who would be the one to wed the Seventh Imperial Princess.
The much-anticipated day of March 15th finally arrived. That morning, a rare snowstorm actually descended on the imperial capital early in the morning. Even though the sun came up at seven or eight, it was still hard to see anything farther than ten meters away.
“Whew.” Standing outside his manor, Wharton let out a long breath.
These past few days, he had been under a lot of mental pressure.
“Enough. We’ll know the answer today. Relax.” Linley laughed, clapping Wharton on the shoulder. Wharton turned his head to look at his older brother. Looking at Linley, Wharton felt as though Linley were his strongest source of support. With Linley there, Wharton felt a sense of confidence.
“Right.” Wharton nodded strongly.
Linley and Wharton immediately got on their carriages, heading in the direction of the imperial palace. Because of the snowstorm, the carriages advanced very slowly. In addition, there were many carriages heading towards the imperial palace this day.
At the gates of the imperial palace.
One carriage after another stopped at the gates, and the various nobles exited their carriages and exchanged pleasantries with each other.
“Lord Olivier has arrived.” Seeing Olivier and Blumer walk out of the carriage together, many of the nobles and ministers outside the gates welcomed them warmly.
Seeing the nobles and ministers walk towards him as soon as he left the carriage, Olivier couldn’t help but frown.
“Second brother, let’s go inside.” Olivier didn’t so much as glance at the nobles as he emitted a wave of force from his body, directly pushing aside the oncoming nobles and senior ministers, yet not harming them in the slightest.
The nobles and ministers all exchanged glances. They couldn’t help but be surprised.
“Your Lordship, we’ve arrived,” a carriage-driver’s voice rang out, and then Wharton and Linley exited the carriage. This time, the nobles and ministers very wisely did not try to draw too near. They just called out words of welcome at a safe distance.
Linley and Wharton didn’t pay too much attention to those nobles either, heading directly for the palace.
“Linley.” Olivier came to a halt, turning his head and bidding Linley welcome.
“Olivier.” Linley still felt a degree of respect towards a powerful rival such as Olivier. No
body could reach such a level of power without focusing for many years on painstakingly training one’s self.
Linley, Wharton, Olivier, and Blumer walked forward in a line, heading towards the Martial Palace together.
“Linley, that day, at the Colosseum… to be honest, I really wanted to keep fighting with you.” A friendly smile appeared on Olivier’s face.
“Oh? Then why did you give up the chance? I refuse to believe you were afraid of Haydson,” Linley said with a calm laugh.
Olivier and Linley had both sensed each other’s power. Although that day, they had been forced aside by Haydson, aside from Haydson’s power, one of the main reasons they had been forced aside was because they had not yet allowed their attacks to explode at full power.
“It wasn’t that I was afraid of Haydson. It was more that… challenging Haydson was the goal I set for myself six years ago. After mastering the obsidian sword, I absolutely must challenge him.” Olivier glanced at him. “At the Colosseum, I very much hoped to continue to do battle with you. But this battle must come after my battle with Haydson.”
“I don’t want to let Haydson know the secrets to my obsidian sword technique. If I were to battle you with it, wouldn’t I be exposing myself to him?” A hint of a smile was on Olivier’s face. “I really want to see if the ‘Monolithic Sword Saint’ Haydson, famed for his defensive abilities, can withstand my attack.”
Linley nodded.
“In the duel between myself and the Monolithic Sword Saint roughly a month from now, who do you think will win?” Olivier suddenly asked.
Linley paused for a moment.
That day, Linley had seen the layer of flowing black energy on the obsidian sword’s blade. It gave off a very strange sensation. Linley was very confident in his own adamantine heavy sword, but he wasn’t necessarily confident in his ability to withstand his opponent’s blow.
Baruch Rising_Book 3 of the Coiling Dragon Saga Page 11