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Chapter 34
“Emperor Raoul Garcia ordered the pirate Jean Blasque to kidnap the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”
“That’s absurd. Why would His Majesty do such a thing?”
Duke Lyon could not believe it easily.
Alexei pulled out a document.
It was the letter bearing Emperor Raoul Garcia’s imperial seal.
“This is…”
“Perhaps he wished to shatter the current peace?”
Duke Lyon carefully reread the document once more. There was no mistaking the emperor’s handwriting.
To involve pirates in affairs between nations…
No matter how powerful the emperor was, he could not simply ignore international law.
The duke was a loyal subject, but his loyalty was ultimately to the Tordi Empire itself.
The current emperor was not someone worthy of such devotion.
As that thought crossed his mind, Duke Lyon lifted his gaze from the document and looked at the Crown Prince of Latria.
He has good eyes.
Unlike someone whose gaze was stained with greed and rage.
Perhaps… this could become an opportunity.
Duke Lyon pulled the cord beside him.
“Bring the item.”
A few minutes later, the butler returned carrying the actual telescope.
“This telescope was a gift from my grandfather.”
The duke stroked the body of the telescope as he spoke.
“My grandfather was both a soldier and an explorer. After retiring from the military, he traveled the world collecting gemstones and relics. The basement of this estate was once filled with the treasures he acquired. It was his pride and joy.”
Duke Lyon walked over to the sofa and sat down.
Even to himself, the idea seemed absurdly reckless, but perhaps he had inherited something from his grandfather.
To the world, his grandfather had been an honorable commander. To his grandson, he had been a warm, talkative old man.
Remembering him was always a joyful thing.
As Duke Lyon spoke about his grandfather to the crown prince of an enemy nation, warmth settled over his face.
“But my father neither liked nor understood him. Adventures were full of danger, after all. Grandfather nearly died several times. Father always disapproved, but I never disliked Grandfather’s hobby. When he returned from his adventures, I could see strange treasures and hear thrilling tales of exploration. He also loved giving me quizzes.”
Alexei slowly sat down across from him. Duke Lyon did not stop him.
It was as though the duke’s soul had already drifted into the distant past.
“Then my grandfather was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He decided he wanted to leave a gift for his only grandson. And so, he embarked on one final adventure.”
Duke Lyon twisted the telescope’s body. A rolled-up piece of paper slid out from within.
It was a map.
“Before he died, Grandfather gave me this telescope and told me that when I became an adult, I should search for the true treasure he had prepared for me.”
Alexei stared at the map in surprise.
“Then this map…”
“It’s a treasure map my grandfather created himself.”
“A treasure map?”
At nine different points on the map were strange symbols alongside diamond markings.
“My grandfather hid nine diamonds of different colors among the treasures he found, each buried in a special location. It was both a way to let me experience the joy of adventure and a precaution against theft.”
And it had also been the most valuable adventure of an explorer who had roamed the world to his heart’s content.
Duke Lyon completed the map and passed away less than half a month later.
The relics he collected were sent to a museum he had prepared in advance.
Even the telescope he intended to leave for his grandson.
“That telescope was a gift to me from Grandfather!”
“No. It will be kept in the museum.”
The duke’s father, who did not wish for his son to inherit his grandfather’s adventurous spirit, secretly sent the telescope to the museum.
Several months later, thieves broke into the museum.
The curator had conspired with a professional band of thieves. It was the result of Duke Lyon’s father’s indifference. The pursuit failed.
“I have been searching for that telescope ever since. I only discovered there was a map hidden inside after finally recovering it. Grandfather merely told me he had left behind a surprise gift.”
“And why are you telling me this story?”
“If you can find the treasures on this map…”
Alexei interrupted Duke Lyon before he could finish.
“If we retrieve the treasure, will you help us return home?”
“That is correct.”
Their gazes locked. Franz hurriedly interjected.
“It’s your grandfather’s legacy. Why not search for it yourself?”
“First, there are matters I must handle here, so I cannot leave the estate. And also…”
The duke rolled up his trouser leg.
“A month ago, I fell from my horse and shattered my kneecap. According to my physician, it will be difficult for me to walk long distances from now on.”
“Even so, asking the crown prince of an enemy nation for this is reckless.”
“Surely the Crown Prince of Latria has no intention of coveting another man’s jewels.”
“There are no jewels more precious than one’s life.”
Alexei agreed.
“But others will not think the same. I trust you understand how rare these diamonds are on the Tordi continent. If word of this map spreads, countless people will seek the treasure. Even the emperor would be no exception.”
“……”
“So I cannot do it myself, nor can I entrust it to anyone else. This is my best option. And I believe it is the same for Your Highness.”
Franz was left speechless by the flawless logic.
“In any case, there is no way to reach Latria directly from the Tordi continent. We must pass through the Kingdom of Rio. This merely makes the journey longer.”
“This is still unacceptable. The risks are too high.”
Franz whispered after Alexei spoke.
“The risks are just as high on our side. The emperor is suspicious and merciless.”
“……”
“As Your Highness said, there is no other way here. Even I would lose my head immediately if I launched a ship for Latria from the Tordi coast.”
Even without joining the adventure personally, Duke Lyon was taking part in a dangerous gamble of his own.
Though it was clearly a far more perilous adventure than the one his grandfather had envisioned.
“I will provide travel expenses as well. However, I refuse any documents or letters that could serve as evidence. On the agreed date, at the agreed place, you must bring the diamonds. Once you hand over the treasure, you may board the ship I prepare.”
“Do you want anything else?”
“Hand over that document proving the emperor hired the pirates.”
“You shall receive it along with the diamonds at the meeting place.”
“Very well.”
As the two men rose and shook hands, Franz stared down at the map.
It would not be an easy journey.
They first had to decipher the cryptic markings drawn across the map.
“You should remain here for a short while while preparations are made.”
Duke Lyon left the reception room.
Franz’s deep sigh filled the silence.
“Did you see the map?”
“I did.”
“Do you truly think there’s a chance?”
“This isn’t a matter of choice.”
Alexei answered immediately.
“Our identities have already been exposed, and our fate now lies in the duke’s hands. What matters is bringing him onto our side.”
“Only Your Highness’s identity has been exposed.”
“Do you think anyone would believe you if you claimed not to be from Latria?”
Franz could not answer.
After a brief silence, he spoke again.
“Even so, he is still a duke of an enemy nation.”
“When I become emperor, it will no longer be an enemy nation.”
Franz sighed once more.
“You’ve never even traveled before, and now you’re talking about searching for treasure? The map itself is full of riddles.”
“It’s fine. I’m good at solving problems.”
“Your Highness…”
“Have I ever escaped captivity before? Have I ever been stranded on a deserted island? Been chased by pirates?”
“……”
“All of this is new to me. I hate this situation more than anyone, but hating it won’t open a path forward.”
“……”
“Adventure? Treasure? Under normal circumstances, I’d laugh it off. But now, I have no choice but to gamble on this childish journey. I’m more serious than ever.”
Moreover, a connection with the anti-emperor faction could prove beneficial for the future of the Latria Empire.
“I know. You’ve always been serious. I heard Her Highness grumbling about it often enough.”
Alexei let out a faint chuckle.
“If even she couldn’t stop you, how could I? The fate of you two is yours to bear.”
“And you? Won’t you come with us?”
Before Franz could answer, Duke Lyon returned.
He spread another map across the table—a map containing information about the Tordi continent and the surrounding nations.
“The appointed date is two months from now, at Halches Harbor in the Kingdom of Rio.”
