Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Alvey asked, "In Aldor, are there any rumors about the succession of Emperor Antonio Griffin of Gabella?"
Paul recalled and said, "It is said that the previous emperor designated Antonio as his successor, but his unwilling brother launched a rebellion. Antonio took swift and decisive action to crush the rebellion and finally succeeded to the throne."
In fact, he had already learned a great deal of the truth from the wizard Derson, but it is wise to listen to both sides. What Alvey said could corroborate Derson's words.
Alvey nodded, "The version known to the public is indeed like this."
"The version known to the public?"
"Actually," Alvey explained, "the previous emperor, Bartley Griffin, had not yet decided on his successor. The one who really initiated the rebellion was Antonio—of course, his brother Felix Griffin was indeed inferior to Antonio in every way. At that time, I also supported Antonio and even contributed to his efforts to seize the throne."
"Well, this is quite common in history," Paul pretended to hear it for the first time. "Since someone as wise and knowledgeable as you supported Antonio Griffin, he must have been highly esteemed in Gabella. If Emperor Bartley had announced him as the successor earlier, instead of leaving the coveted position undecided, perhaps his later years would have been more peaceful."
Alvey then showed a look of regret: "Antonio was indeed outstanding, excelling in both political and military affairs. At least in the eyes of us at the Scholar's Tower, he was the most suitable person to rule the empire, but unfortunately..."
"Unfortunately?"
"His background has some issues," Alvey's face showed an inexplicable expression. "In Gabella, there is a widely spread rumor—Antonio is the child of a witch."
"A child of a witch? Oh, it seems that this emperor grew up under the strange gazes of others."
Alvey nodded, "Exactly, there is a saying in our place—the descendants of witches, whether they can use magic or not, will be monsters!"
Paul snorted lightly, which caused Alvey to be puzzled, "Lord Grayman, did I say something wrong?"
Paul quickly said, "No! Please continue, Master Alvey."
"Then I will continue. This is precisely why Bartley was slow to decide on a successor. If it were just a rumor, it would never affect the emperor's will. The key is..." Alvey frowned and lowered his voice, "This rumor is true."
"Antonio's mother, Selena Hewitt, was a witch. She came from a long-standing spellcaster organization—the Arcane Order, and was the daughter of the leader of the Arcane Order, Zico Hewitt."
The Arcane Order? Paul heard the name of this wizard group again.
Bennett, who instigated the usurper war in the Northwest Bay, belonged to this wizard organization, as did his mother, Marianna, and that Derson. Now this organization is also related to the new emperor of Gabella.
Alvey suddenly asked, "You don't seem surprised?"
Paul asked in return, "What should I be surprised about?"
"Wizards, magic, coming from the mouth of a Scholar's Tower scholar who advocates knowledge and reason, shouldn't it be surprising? You know, many high-ranking nobles like you scoff at such things, considering them mere superstitions of country folk."
Paul was speechless. How should he explain? Should he tell Alvey that he has a witch subordinate, Ladia, a witch mother, Marianna, a wizard admirer, Derson, and that he allows a group of Horns Bay Wizards to live in his territory?
He said, "You see, the war in the Horns Bay has lasted so long, and Eaton has declared recognition of the equal status of wizards. Many secrets that were unknown before have come to light. We must admit that certain things objectively exist, don't we?"
Alvey nodded, "It seems I have been wandering on the grasslands for too long and have fallen behind the world's trends."
He continued, "What I am about to tell you next will involve some mysticism, but since this world already has wizards and magic, the existence of some other similar things is not impossible."
Then, Alvey detailed for Paul a series of things, including the prophecy of the Disaster Star, the legends of the ancient demons, the alliance between the Scholar's Tower and the Arcane Order.
He also recited the notes left by the ancient civilization's priests.
"When it appears between heaven and earth for the tenth time."
"The Great Destroyer comes to this world from the other world through a non-existent door."
"He created his own followers on earth and forged his army with steel. They wielded weapons that spewed fire, slaughtering all flesh and blood creatures..."
"The followers celebrated their victory, erecting stone pillars to worship Him on the earth."
"Poisonous black mist spewed from the tops of the pillars, obscuring the sun, moon, and stars. Nauseating black water flowed from the bottoms of the pillars, invading rivers and seas. These evil things created countless plagues and aberrations in the human world..."
"Under the devastation of the Great Destroyer, the world fell into chaos..."
"People's minds were eroded, their thoughts twisted, noble morals abandoned, perfect order trampled. The era of heroes and wise kings ended, and the old civilization was gone forever..."
"Noble people became lambs to be slaughtered, while the originally gentle populace turned into ferocious beasts, fiercely pouncing on their former masters..."
"An era of extreme chaos has arrived..."
Paul listened in bewilderment. What is this, an otherworldly version of the Cthulhu Mythos? Last time it was recited by Derson, and now by Alvey, both with such solemnity. Are they so deeply convinced in such unfounded things?
Then he suddenly thought of something, "Wait, how do I know you are the real Master Alvey? Do you have any means to prove your identity?"
Alvey was silent for a moment, then said helplessly, "Unfortunately, I have no means to prove my identity. I originally had a small gold seal from the Scholar's Tower, but it was lost on the run."
"Alright, please continue."
The conversation with Alvis lasted the entire afternoon. Basically, what the old scholar said was largely the same as what the wizard Derson had disclosed. Perhaps a bit more trust can be given to that Derson?
After seeing Alvey off, Paul asked, "Was there anything unusual about him?"
A figure emerged from behind the screen and replied, "No, my lord, no signs of lying were detected."
Paul was somewhat helpless, "Ladia, perhaps you could speak to me in a friendlier tone."
(End of the Chapter)
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