Chapter 124A

Side Story: Arteaga Imperial Brothers—Green Emerald

Published: 6 February 2024

 

No one would be able to understand the feelings I had for Fia—except for my brother, the Emperor of the Arteaga Empire, who was in exactly the same situation and had the same experience.

 

The Arteaga Empire was a major power that divides the power of the Nav Kingdom and the continent.

It had a long history, covered a wide area of land, and ruled over a large number of people.

My older brother Ruby, me, my younger brother Sapphire, and my younger sister were born as the children of the princess of the Empire.

My mother came from a venerable family with an ancient lineage, and our position as born from her was absolute—if we hadn't been affected by the curse.

 

Because my father's concubine put a curse on me, my brother and I had always had blood bleeding from our faces ever since we were born.

I accepted it as such because it was normal, but I was always in pain, my face looked pale, and my body felt weak.

The loyal subjects of the empire, on the other hand, had no sympathy for our condition and dismissed us as ineligible for the imperial throne.

We were given a temporary villa on the outskirts of the property and spent our days living close together with our mother and a younger sister, who had been sleeping due to a curse.

 

As I grew older, I understood.

What my mother gave me was a fine body. I grew tall, had flesh all over my body, and had a rare body that could become like steel if trained.

The same went for the brain. I was said to have a rare and brilliant mind, able to absorb books in an interesting way and easily memorize multiple languages.

 

However, due to a curse that had been applied to me since I was born, I was unable to make use of what I had been given, and it did not even count as something.

We were rejected from the beginning because we couldn't become anything.

 

As the years went by, I felt more and more resigned to the fact that I was going to die without being able to play any important role—one day, the world was suddenly repainted.

 

The haze that had covered me until then was blown away, and the world began to shine brightly.

Then, while I stood there in a daze, the goddess who changed the world in an instant pushed me back with a mischievous look on her face.

 

"I have given you the power to pave your way. Now you can do anything."

 

—That's right.

My curse was lifted in the blink of an eye, and when the loyal subjects of the empire found out about it, they turned their backs in shock.

 

"He must have met a goddess to be able to remove such a curse! Ah, the 'Goddess of Creation' wants you to inherit the imperial lineage!!"

"That's wonderful! Our family will do our best to support Prince Ruby in ascending to the imperial throne."

 

In just a moment, the world was repainted.

Many things that I was not allowed to have were now back in my hands, multiplied many times over.

 

At that moment, I felt such gratitude that my entire body trembled.

 

—Ah, Fia.

I would give you all my thanks.

I would even sacrifice the world for you who gave me everything...

 

After that, my brother became the Emperor of the Arteaga Empire, and I became his successor.

I was given the first-in-line of succession to the imperial throne to replace my older brother should something happen to him.

 

It was a matter of tremendous power.

With this status, all the doors in the world would open to us.

 

So when Fia came across her wish to Curtis and he replied that it was impossible, I realized that it was my role.

 

Fia's wish was to go to the cathedral and confirm the existence of the "Demon King's Box" that was supposed to be stored there.

The cathedral was located at the top of churches scattered around the world, and only a select few could enter the innermost room where the box was stored.

In other words, there must be less than 10 people in the world, and one of them would be me.

 

"Fia, can you leave it to me?" (Green)

That's why I said my words without any hesitation, confident that this was my role.

 

However, for some reason, Fia heard my words and stared at me in surprise.

"Huh, but, Green…" (Fia)

 

I tilted my head at Fia's confused attitude.

Fia, who possessed miraculous powers that were unimaginable to common sense, was undoubtedly a goddess in human form.

That was why Fia reacted in such a surprised way, even though she probably knew that we brothers were descendants of the Arteaga royal family.

 

Ah, maybe Fia thoguht that even with this bloodline, she wouldn't be able to enter the inner chambers of the cathedral.

...In other words, was I being tested?

I wondered how much I could do with this lineage.

What could I accomplish with wisdom and courage?

 

"I see, Fia..." (Green)

If that was the case, I would just do what I could and respond with the best possible results.

 

"Your request has been accepted." (Green)

When I nodded with a serious expression, Fia continued to speak with concern.

"Oh, really? Well...thank you. But please don't push yourself too hard." (Fia)

 

"Oh, of course." (Green)

This was a request from Fia. Even if it was impossible, I was sure I would do it.

I would definitely bring the best result to Fia.

 

As I made that decision in my heart, I met Fia's gaze who was looking at me worriedly.

I wondered what that expression meant.

 

—Fia asked for confirmation about the existence of the Demon King's Box.

What on earth is that for?

 

...Everyone knew that the Great Saint sealed the Demon King and peace was brought to the world.

That's why no one had any doubts that the Demon King was sealed away, and no one thought about the Demon King's box, but...did Fia suspect something? That the box that sealed the Demon King was in the cathedral?

 

A chill ran down my spine as I realized what Fia's concerns meant.

 

Then I looked at Curtis and the black dragon who were looking at Fia as if they understood everything.

 

—Was the world in danger just because I was not aware of it?

Instantly, I turned so pale that anyone could see it, but...the gazes of Curtis and Black Dragon, who were staring at me, were calm, without surprise or suspicion.

Therefore, they understood everything, and I felt like my ideas were confirmed.

 

I swallowed thickly and clasped one hand tightly.

...The reason I was in this position was to protect the people who had no way to protect themselves.

However, if you were not aware of the dangers that existed around you, you were an idiot.

 

Although it was too late, I finally realized Fia's true intentions.

 

Ah, that's right. Fia was trying to make it seemed like it was what she wanted, but she was actually trying to get me to notice.

The world is in danger.

I should fulfill the role given to me.

 

If that's the case, going to the cathedral was my role as a younger brother of the Arteaga Empire.

 

I swore to myself that I would do whatever I could to find out the truth.

 


Author's Note

Thank you for always reading!

 

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*The spelling of the characters and places may be different from the official or any other translation website. Click here to see the list.