The Mad Princess's Tale of Doom and Survival

 Arcmage is a person that strictly pursues profit.

  

  Being a magician itself was a profession known for using money like water.

  

  The astronomical costs were necessary for experiments conducted for research purposes.

  

  That’s why I chose the arcmage as my trading partner.

  

  I could have approached the Merchant Guild, but ultimately, Arcmage would have to be involved even if I sold cores to them. Only magicians can restore the cores and create bonds.

  

  So, I decided to trade directly with Arcmage without any intermediaries. Since magicians are notorious for their love of money, they would willingly reveal large sums.

  

  But if someone else were to emerge after declaring that I would establish a guild…

  

  “It’s only natural that there’s no reason for them to cling to me. There must be another entity that offers greater benefits than the bond formula.”

  

  As someone who knew who Kael met yesterday, I could clearly envision the unfolding situation.

  

  That entity is the Emperor. The Emperor plans to establish a guild.

  

  “Wait, did he manipulate the rumors for his own sake?”

  

  If the Emperor, who is not even a hunter, were to become the guild leader from the beginning, there would be significant backlash.

  

  The Emperor needed someone to take charge of the guild on his behalf.

  

  “That person is the Prince.”

  

  Although he doesn’t rank among the top, that problem would be solved once the third gate opens.

  

  Just swinging his sword once towards the monsters would get him into the rankings.

  

  However, Dante must be nothing more than a temporary guild leader. Eventually, the Emperor himself should quietly take that position.

  

  That’s why I commissioned the Information Guild to manipulate the rumors.

  

  “At the crucial moment, after announcing that the current circulating rumors were Dante’s doing, I’ll push him aside. Wow, what a well-built plan.”

  

  There were many forces in the Taycan Empire that the Emperor’s authority did not reach.

  

  With the temples and Arcmage alone being troublesome, now that hunters, a formidable force, have emerged, it’s only natural for the Emperor, who is already considered the most incompetent in history, to be anxious.

  

  Until now, he has been loved by the public for his just and amiable image, but that only works in a peaceful world.

  

  In an era of impending destruction, what is needed is a definite power rather than a good image.

  

  Like the Hunter Guild.

  

  “I thought it was because of nepotism… but it was for the sake of power. The Crown Prince is going to become a puppet.”

  

  As parents, it was unfair, but as rulers, there was no other choice.

  

  I had no intention of interfering whether the Emperor used his son to establish a guild or not.

  

  After all, I wasn’t the only one who could establish a Hunter Guild.

  

  But I needed to know what proposal the Emperor made to Kael, at least that much.

  

  “I deliberately took my time drinking water to give myself time to organize my thoughts.

  

  “Well, alright. I’m not the only one who can establish a guild, so let’s forget about the contract. Shall we have our meal instead?”

  

  Kael asked with a slightly bewildered expression.

  

  

  “……Are you curious about the conditions they mentioned?”

  

  “Not at all. I have no intention of meeting their conditions. What are they going to do about it?”

  

  “They wanted a contract with the Magic Tower, didn’t they?”

  

  “But the Magic Tower is not the only trade partner. I am willing to trade with anyone. Instead…”

  

  I deliberately interrupted my sentence and rinsed my mouth with water.

  

  Kael’s grey pupils stubbornly stuck to my face.

  

  “Instead, I promise to never trade with the Magic Tower again. Oh, by the way, today is our first and last meal together, Kael. Enjoy your meal.”

  

  Kael remained silent for a moment before asking, “To restore the core and create a barrier, we need the power of a mage.”

  

  “If we establish a guild, we can attract at least one mage.”

  

  “What if I give orders to the mages? I’ll tell them never to accept requests related to the core. Mages consider the Magic Tower absolute, so they won’t follow the Lady’s orders.”

  

  “I understand. I will obey your orders, Kael. It’s fine.”

  

  “So, you plan to simply sell the core without restoring it? There won’t be many buyers for an imperfect core, you know?”

  

  “Of course, I plan to restore it and then sell it as a barrier.”

  

  “What exactly are you trying to say?”

  

  “Kael, have you forgotten what kind of lineage I come from?”

  

  “….”

  

  Kael spat out in a low voice.

  

  A fact that had been overlooked came back and struck me like a bone.

  

  Multi-lineage.

  

  The ability to wield both swordsmanship and magic at the same time, an almost fraudulent ability.

  

  Of course, I only had magic power; using spells was impossible. There was no need to reveal that much.

  

  “In fact, I don’t really need the power of a mage. I can do it myself. It’s just a matter of efficiency.”

  

  “….”

  

  “But I do need the Magic Tower. I need to supply the core in order to create a barrier and sell it to the nobles.”

  

  Kael sighed.

  

  “So, this is what it boils down to. The person I met yesterday offered to reduce the tax on the Magic Tower and provide cores for barrier formula research for free.”

  

  “I want to create the barrier independently, without using your formula.”

  

  “Yes.”

  

  “That was the bait the Emperor threw.”

  

  I casually replied, “Yes. But why did you come here? Weren’t you supposed to make a contract with that person?”

  

  “I’m here because I haven’t made any decisions yet. As the lady kindly proposed a deal first, it’s only fair to give her a chance, don’t you think?” 

  

  “I’m curious, what kind of opportunity will you offer me?” 

  

  “I don’t expect the same conditions as the lady. However, I suggest changing the exclusive contract to a general one and having the lady cover the restoration costs.” 

  

  Originally, the restoration costs were deducted from the price of the core. So, Kael’s words were a declaration to further reduce the price of the core and take control of the contract. 

  

  “That’s not a very appealing offer. I’ll decline.” 

  

  “What exactly is the problem with the conditions? Let’s negotiate what can be negotiated.” 

  

  “Kael, you are the biggest issue.” 

  

  “What do you mean?” 

  

  “How could I be fooled by such nonsense? I’m so disappointed that I no longer have any intention of dealing with you, Kael.” 

  

  “Please, explain properly.” 

  

  A sense of melancholy emanated from Kael. I raised a finger. 

  

  “First, can that unknown person really supply the cores? How?” 

  

  “If they establish a guild, many hunters will gather. It doesn’t seem like a difficult problem.” 

  

  “Alright. Then, secondly, how does this person plan to manage those hunters?” 

  

  “They will form parties and evenly distribute the opportunities to conquer the gates. Successful conquests will be rewarded with compensation.” 

  

  I discreetly bit the tender flesh inside my mouth. It felt like I had been hit on the back of my head. 

  

  The Emperor in Astel’s memories was so different. He was known for his righteousness and knightly behavior, and yet people supported him even though he was the most incompetent! 

  

  

  ‘Famous for being just and knightly? And yet people support him even though he’s the most incompetent!’ 

  

  The ruthlessness to use even his own son for the sake of power is inevitable, let’s say 

  

  ‘But isn’t that despicable? Which side is the real one?’ 

  

  Could Astel’s memories be mistaken? I casually shrugged my shoulders, maintaining a composed expression 

  

  “It may sound convincing, but it’s an incomplete plan,” I remarked, my voice laced with intrigue. 

  

  “What makes you say that?” he responded, his voice filled with curiosity.

  

  “Because their plan requires a prerequisite condition. They want me to concede the conquest of the Gate,” I explained, a sly smile playing on my lips 

  

  “…,” he fell silent, his expression pensive.

  

  “But I have no intention of conceding,” I declared, my voice firm.

  

  Kael replied with a puzzled expression. 

  

  “…Lady, it will be impossible for you to seize control of all the Gates,” he stated, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

  

  “Do you think I would utter such words without any means? I assure you, without my permission, no one will even dare to approach the Gates,” I asserted, a hint of danger in my voice.

  

  Kael lowered his voice, his tone tinged with resignation.

  

  “Well, if the conquest of the Gate is blocked because of me, the guild members on that side will lose their source of income,” he acknowledged, his voice heavy with realization.

  

  “…That’s true,” he admitted. 

  

  “Without practical rewards, how long do you think guild members can stay loyal? Privilege and duty won’t put food on their tables, will they? So, where do you think they will go? Won’t they try to join another guild?” I posed the question, a smirk forming on my face. 

  

  It would only take a little more time, and the hunters would naturally choose to join the guild I had created. 

  

  “Think carefully, Kael. Will you join hands with me to reach the top rank, or will you foolishly turn your back on it for a meager sum?” I challenged, my voice dripping with persuasion. 

  

  “The taxes imposed on the Magic Tower are quite a substantial amount to be called meager,” he countered, his voice filled with caution. 

  

  “Believe me, if you join forces with me, you will earn more money than the taxes you save,” I promised, my voice oozing with confidence. 

  

  Kael let out a deep sigh, shaking his head in disbelief.

  

  “Sigh… Lady, you are not an easy person to deal with,” he muttered, his voice tinged with frustration.

  

  “Now is the time to make a decision, Kael. Will you join hands with me?” I pressed, my voice filled with anticipation. 

  

  In an instant, I could see the wheels turning in his mind. Would he choose to prepare for the future, even if it meant a slight loss in the present? Or would he choose the immediate gains right in front of him?

  

  If Kael chose the latter, I had no intention of partnering with someone who lacked such judgment. 

  

  ‘What a disaster it would be to work with someone who lacks that level of discernment,’ I thought to myself. 

  

  Just then, the main course arrived. As expected, I was served a perfectly cooked steak, while Kael received a steamed sea bass. It was rare for lunch menus to be prepared differently for different individuals.

  

  Kael raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. 

  

  “…So this is the dish I like. Did you find out my preferences in advance?” he asked, his voice filled with surprise. 

  

  Of course, I hadn’t bothered to find out what he liked. Why would I? Just as I was about to ask what he meant, Genia refilled our glasses and discreetly coughed.

  

  I quickly caught on and responded with a quick-witted answer.