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AniVerse Explained

What would you do if you were reincarnated as a prince with an SS-Rank water talent and a mysterious ability that makes you stronger as your followers grow stronger? In this epic fantasy anime recap, a modern man is reborn as the 13th prince of a powerful empire. Armed with legendary magic weapons, incredible intelligence, and unmatched leadership skills, he rises from a gifted child to one of the most influential figures in the kingdom. Along the way, he defeats corrupt nobles, suppresses rebellions, earns the emperor's trust, and gains powerful allies who help him reshape the empire.  Watch until the end to see how the 13th Prince becomes one of the strongest and most respected leaders in the entire kingdom!  ✅ Anime Recap ✅ Fantasy Adventure ✅ Overpowered Main Character ✅ Magic & Kingdom Building ✅ Isekai Story

Transcript

00:00:00The protagonist never in his wildest dreams imagined that, in the mere blink of an eye,

00:00:03he would be reincarnated as the 13th prince, and, to top it off,

00:00:06start his new life with an SS-rank water attribute talent right out of the gate.

00:00:10The news instantly sparked a fervent reaction among the populace.

00:00:13Never before had anyone been born with such an extraordinary talent.

00:00:16Hailed as a peerless genius, the young prince delighted the emperor beyond measure.

00:00:20In his joy, the emperor immediately bestowed upon him a coastal territory as a gift.

00:00:23Six years flew by in the blink of an eye.

00:00:26During this time, the protagonist made a crucial realization.

00:00:28What others perceived as his ability panel was merely the external interface.

00:00:32To his own eyes, however, the panel appeared quite differently,

00:00:35revealing that his subordinates actually provided him with attribute boosts.

00:00:39For instance, the S-rank attributed to his water element was a direct result of the territory granted to him

00:00:44at birth.

00:00:44In other words, the stronger his faction grew, the stronger he himself would become.

00:00:48The maids would often whisper amongst themselves in admiration of their young master.

00:00:51While other boys his age were typically mischievous and unruly,

00:00:54he remained remarkably composed and calm, displaying the demeanor of a future monarch.

00:00:58Yet, despite being attended to by a multitude of maids who catered to his every need,

00:01:01the protagonist was still limited by his tender age.

00:01:04He could only simulate strategies within his mind, unable to engage in practical combat training just yet.

00:01:08Suddenly, Evelyn, a beautiful maid renowned for her skills in receiving guests,

00:01:12appeared to deliver a report.

00:01:13The crown prince and the fourth prince had arrived for a visit.

00:01:16She added that he was welcome to take his time finishing his breakfast before going to meet them.

00:01:20The protagonist, however, wasn't about to stand on such ceremony,

00:01:23especially given that one of his visitors was the crown prince himself.

00:01:26He immediately cut his meal short and went to meet his half-brother.

00:01:29Little did he know, the crown prince's visit today was far from benevolent.

00:01:32He had come specifically to present the young prince with a gift.

00:01:35The very next moment, two men, their faces etched with terror, carried a large chest into the room.

00:01:39Inside lay a long sword that radiated a palpable aura of dread.

00:01:43As the protagonist gazed upon it, fleeting visions of countless corpses flashed before his eyes,

00:01:47instantly leaving him drenched in a cold sweat.

00:01:49Yet, the crown prince simply commanded him to pick up the sword.

00:01:52Unable to refuse, the protagonist obediently complied.

00:01:55Once he had successfully littered the blade, the crown prince finally offered an explanation.

00:01:59The sword was named Leviathan, hailed as the empire's most powerful water attribute magic sword.

00:02:03Hundreds had already perished in their attempts to master it.

00:02:06Noticing the look of alarm on the protagonist's face, the fourth prince stepped in to reassure him.

00:02:10Those deemed unworthy were instantly struck down by a curse the moment they attempted to lift the blade.

00:02:14For ordinary people, merely carrying the chest that housed it was an agonizing ordeal.

00:02:18Since the protagonist emerged unscathed, it proves that one must possess at least an SS rank water attribute talent to

00:02:23wield the weapon.

00:02:24The results of this demonstration were highly valuable.

00:02:26The protagonist, however, was left speechless.

00:02:29That detestable crown prince truly treated his life with utter disregard.

00:02:32The fourth prince was perplexed after all.

00:02:34That sword was a priceless treasure, but the crown prince remained indifferent.

00:02:37He argued that it was actually asterisk better asterisk to give it to a genius like the protagonist.

00:02:41Precisely because of his extraordinary talent, he needed to experience the sensation of being bitten back by a cherished pet.

00:02:46That very evening, the protagonist noticed that his personal maid, Zhu Yi, had appeared despondent all day long.

00:02:52He ordered her to explain the reason immediately.

00:02:54The maid requested a leave of absence for a while.

00:02:56Her hometown had recently been struck by floods.

00:02:58Her family farm had been completely destroyed.

00:03:00And her mother, who lived alone, had lost her livelihood.

00:03:02Just that day, relatives had even urged her to enter the sex trade.

00:03:06Arguing that since she had served a prince, she would surely fetch a high price.

00:03:09The protagonist cut her off, telling her to say no more.

00:03:11He agreed to hire her mother to work at the cauldron establishment.

00:03:14She would simply need to be responsible for unlocking the back door each day and would receive a monthly salary

00:03:19of ten coins.

00:03:20Furthermore, there was a vacant house in the western suburbs of the capital, where the maid and her mother could

00:03:24reside.

00:03:25The protagonist simply could not tolerate the idea of his own maid entering the sex trade.

00:03:29It would undoubtedly tarnish her reputation.

00:03:31Therefore, she would serve him for the rest of her life.

00:03:33Immediately thereafter, the protagonist instructed his butler to purchase as much of the flood-stricken land as possible.

00:03:38Otherwise, unscrupulous scoundrels would surely seize the opportunity to swindle people like Zouyi's family, who had lost their livelihoods and

00:03:44stripped them of their assets.

00:03:45The land had to be acquired before that could happen.

00:03:47The butler was astonished that someone so young could possess such foresight, unaware, of course, that the protagonist was essentially

00:03:53cheating, having witnessed far too many similar events in his previous life.

00:03:56The butler expressed concern that the funds might be insufficient.

00:03:59By his estimate, the undertaking would require approximately 700,000 coins.

00:04:03The maid was utterly astounded.

00:04:05His personal income stood at a mere 120, a figure so paltry that even his retainers earned an annual salary

00:04:11of 8,000.

00:04:12Currently, the protagonist had only 500,000 in liquid funds at his disposal.

00:04:16Left with no other choice, he reluctantly decided to sell off a fiefdom that had been bestowed upon him by

00:04:20the emperor.

00:04:21Although doing so risked incurring the emperor's displeasure, he believed that as a nobleman, one must sometimes make personal sacrifices

00:04:27to bring the greatest possible happiness to the people.

00:04:29This very resolve moved his butler deeply, prompting the man to offer repeated apologies.

00:04:33It was only then that the protagonist remembered.

00:04:35The butler, too, hailed from that very region.

00:04:38The following day, just as the protagonist was preparing to set out for an inspection tour, the fourth prince suddenly

00:04:42paid another visit.

00:04:43Upon spotting the case containing the demon's sword loaded onto the carriage, the prince, who had conducted an investigation into

00:04:49the weapon following a conversation with the crown prince, revealed that the sword possessed a will of its own.

00:04:53It was said to obey only a master it deemed worthy, while the prince did not forbid the protagonist from

00:04:58taking it along, he issued a stern warning, never use it frivolously, lest one risk losing one's very life.

00:05:03Soon, the protagonist arrived at the disaster-stricken area.

00:05:06Although the empire had dispatched personnel to distribute food aid, the protagonist discovered that the so-called provisions were barely

00:05:11better than plain water, some had even gone rancid.

00:05:14The refugees, however, simply expressed gratitude that there was asterisk anything asterisk to eat at all.

00:05:19No sooner had they spoken than a local official arrived to conduct an inspection.

00:05:22Pinching his nose in disgust as he eyed the food, the official declared it adequate.

00:05:26The protagonist, seeing through the charade immediately, stepped forward to accuse the official of pocketing kickbacks.

00:05:31The mustachioed bureaucrat, looking down on the protagonist as a mere little brat, brazenly admitted to taking kickbacks, daring him

00:05:37to do anything about it.

00:05:38Enraged, and having gleaned the truth from the refugees' own accounts, the protagonist faced the official, the man, offended that

00:05:43a subordinate would insult him, and by extension, the region's true ruler, Lord Bowen, drew his sword, thereby sealing his

00:05:49own fate.

00:05:49The protagonist was incensed by the official's hypocrisy, fawning over the powerful while bullying the weak, much like the demon's

00:05:55sword itself.

00:05:55Enduring the sword's curse, the protagonist mocked the official for his petty cruelty, pointing out that only the truly insecure,

00:06:01those terrified of anyone stronger than themselves, would feel the need to flaunt their power before the weak.

00:06:05If one is fortunate enough to be born with strength, he declared that power should be wielded for the betterment

00:06:09of the people.

00:06:10Finally, the protagonist, relying on his own inner resolve, the protagonist successfully subdued the demonic sword.

00:06:16With a swift backhand, he immediately beheaded the man with a mustache.

00:06:19However, the demonic sword, still eager for blood, attempted to strike again.

00:06:22The protagonist was forced to forcibly drive its tip into the ground to restrain it.

00:06:26Meanwhile, Dunfran remained oblivious to the unfolding events.

00:06:29Snapping back to reality, the protagonist found himself standing before a bottomless chasm.

00:06:34Rowan, the man mentioned by the mustachioed villain, was drawn to the scene by the commotion.

00:06:38As a retainer to one of the other princes, Rowan immediately recognized the protagonist's identity.

00:06:43The protagonist, still holding his sword, explained the situation and demanded that Rowan meet out appropriate punishment to the remaining

00:06:49criminals, as well as ensure the redistribution of proper food supplies.

00:06:52Afterward, the crown prince received word of the incident.

00:06:54He had never anticipated that the protagonist would actually be capable of subduing the demonic sword.

00:06:59Meanwhile, the protagonist was summoned to an audience with the emperor.

00:07:02Far from being angered by the protagonist's act of selling out the imperial family, the emperor instead praised him, noting

00:07:07that it was solely thanks to his efforts that those attempting to profit from the impending flood had been thwarted.

00:07:11Otherwise, a natural disaster would have been followed by a man-made catastrophe, forcing the empire to expend even greater

00:07:17resources to clean up the resulting mess.

00:07:19Furthermore, the emperor expressed a desire to further assess the protagonist's capabilities, only to be astonished when the young man's

00:07:25innate affinity for the water element suddenly surged once again, reaching the coveted SSS rank.

00:07:29The protagonist himself could scarcely believe it.

00:07:31A genuine cheat ability had actually presented itself to him on a silver platter.

00:07:35Legend had it that this particular ring would only reveal its true form when its rightful master appeared.

00:07:40The moment he slipped the ring onto his finger, it voluntarily acknowledged him as its master.

00:07:44Instantly, it melted down and flowed over his entire body, transforming into a suit of armor.

00:07:49Yet, just a short while earlier, he had heard rumors of a popular singer performing nearby.

00:07:53He had gone there simply to listen to some music and relieve his boredom, only to stumble upon a disturbance

00:07:57caused by debt collectors.

00:07:59The collectors were attempting to coerce the singer into selling her body to settle a debt.

00:08:03The protagonist immediately stepped forward to intervene.

00:08:05Under the laws of the kingdom, children were not legally obligated to repay their parents' debts, and to force an

00:08:10innocent person into prostitution was a criminal act in itself.

00:08:13What do you think you're doing?

00:08:14Do you really want to push this further?

00:08:16He challenged.

00:08:16Typically, he kept the sword concealed within his sleeve.

00:08:19The fourth master, the spirit inhabiting the sword, looked on in sheer astonishment.

00:08:23As a national treasure, he had been sealed away for two centuries, and never in the historical records had there

00:08:27been any mention of such a phenomenon.

00:08:29There was only one conclusion to be drawn.

00:08:31This young man was simply too powerful.

00:08:33Afterward, the protagonist was invited to attend a ball.

00:08:35The host, intrigued by the object fastened to his waist, learned that it was the authority establishing stand, a gift

00:08:40bestowed by the crown prince himself.

00:08:42The entire assembly was once again left in shock.

00:08:44After all, it was a national treasure, and one that happened to perfectly complement the protagonist's seaside freedom.

00:08:49However, a certain detractor, unable to hold his tongue, insisted stubbornly that it must surely be nothing more than a

00:08:55toy.

00:08:55The protagonist swiftly spoke up to restrain his demonic sword.

00:08:58Clearly, the sword would not tolerate any insult directed at its master.

00:09:01The guests present, being well-versed in the art of flattery, felt that the protagonist's single remark had just saved

00:09:06them all from potential disaster.

00:09:07As for the man whose loose tongue had nearly caused a catastrophe, the protagonist had no intention of punishing him.

00:09:12After all, the man had effectively lost his place within these social circles anyway.

00:09:16Subsequently, the protagonist met with the various heads of the merchant guilds.

00:09:20However, he immediately noticed something amiss regarding the young woman accompanying one of the men.

00:09:24He grew curious about the identity of this foreign girl.

00:09:27After all, the man, being a second or third generation sign of wealth, naturally exuded an air of upper-class

00:09:32refinement in his every word and gesture, yet the girl was starkly different.

00:09:35Unsurprisingly, it turned out she had once been a slave.

00:09:37The man truthfully explained the girl's background.

00:09:40Possessing an exceptionally sharp memory, she had been taken in and educated in various disciplines.

00:09:44The protagonist expressed keen interest, suggesting they meet at the man's estate another time to discuss the matter further.

00:09:49After offering his thanks, the man tactfully excused himself and departed, fully aware that lingering any longer would only invite

00:09:55further envy.

00:09:56There was one additional reason the protagonist had suspected the girl was not the man's biological daughter.

00:10:01Whenever his demonic sword radiated killing intent, the girl's expression would shift as she instinctively sought to shield the man

00:10:07beside her, whereas a child of that age would typically be the one seeking protection.

00:10:10Later that day, he chanced upon the pink-haired Prince B.A. on the street and was invited to join

00:10:14him on a treasure hunt through the antique district.

00:10:16The protagonist's halo effect kicked in and he soon managed to purchase a magical grimoire for the price of just

00:10:21three asterisk in asterisk of gold and an original copy at that.

00:10:24Its true market value was easily in the four-figure range of gold coins.

00:10:28Prince B.A. was baffled as to how he had discovered its true worth.

00:10:31The secret lay in the fact that whenever the protagonist touched the book, he felt his affinity for the element

00:10:35of wind inexplicably increase.

00:10:37Any item capable of boosting his innate attributes was, by definition, an object possessing a consciousness of its own.

00:10:42He pointed his demonic sword at the grimoire, only to inadvertently unleash the malevolent spirit that had been sealed within

00:10:48it.

00:10:48Although the combat sequences are somewhat rough around the edges, they are perfectly enjoyable if you simply switch off your

00:10:53brain and go with the flow.

00:10:55After witnessing the protagonist effortlessly dispatch an evil spirit, an antique shop owner steps forward to bestow upon him a

00:11:00powerful cheat, a mysterious ring he possesses.

00:11:02Legend has it that the ring reveals its true form only when it encounters its rightful master.

00:11:07The owner had previously suspected it might be mere junk.

00:11:10Indeed, he had discarded it several times, yet it would inexplicably find its way back to him.

00:11:13Suddenly, right there in the shop, the ring liquefies and transforms into a suit of armor enveloping the protagonist, boosting

00:11:19all his basic attributes.

00:11:20The Eighth Prince, whose magical sword had already proven its worth, proactively offers to foot the bill, treating it as

00:11:25a gift for the protagonist.

00:11:27After all, first came a magical sword and now a magical suit of armor.

00:11:30His younger brother is clearly no ordinary man.

00:11:32However, no sooner had the protagonist stepped out of the carriage than he was ambushed by the bald-headed ruffian

00:11:37from earlier.

00:11:38The ring instinctively sprang to its master's defense, manifesting as a protective shield.

00:11:42The Eighth Prince was once again left astounded, never imagining that his brother would so quickly master the use of

00:11:47the green shadow armor.

00:11:48As for the bald ruffian, having dared to lay hands on a prince, his inevitable fate went without saying.

00:11:53The protagonist had intended to reassure the singer that he need no longer live in fear.

00:11:57Instead, he arrived just in time to find the singer once again being harassed by that obnoxious man.

00:12:01He was compelled to intervene, driving the two troublemakers away.

00:12:05He then urged the shop owner to prevent such dangerous incidents from occurring in the future.

00:12:09The owner, however, found himself in a difficult position.

00:12:11He, too, had to make a living, and in reality, his shop survived solely on the patronage of customers, just

00:12:16like that obnoxious man.

00:12:17Wealthy and capricious, the protagonist decided that if that was the case, he would simply buy out the entire shop

00:12:22on the spot, offering the owner a price he simply could not refuse.

00:12:25His sole requirement of the singer was this.

00:12:27Continue to hone your voice, for one day, he would arrange for you to perform before the king himself.

00:12:31Am ham, calm and composed, he leisurely ate his breakfast.

00:12:34He then stated the purpose of his visit.

00:12:36Why had the payment not been made?

00:12:37He laid down a strict rule.

00:12:38If they dared utter a single word that a child could not understand, they were to keep their mouths shut.

00:12:43Upon hearing this, the official, Wenyang, instantly changed his demeanor.

00:12:46He explained that a massive flood had struck that region the previous year.

00:12:49In his great benevolence, his majesty had granted a one-year tax exemption, thereby allowing the local authorities to utilize

00:12:55those funds.

00:12:56Scene.

00:12:56The flood relief office.

00:12:57The male lead confronts the official in charge.

00:12:59Are you toying with me?

00:13:00He points out that while the decision to suspend tax collection during the floods may stem from his majesty's benevolence,

00:13:06the fundamental reality is that taxes asterisk cannot asterisk be collected anyway.

00:13:10The official, intimidated, scrambles to find another excuse.

00:13:13It's not that we refuse to release the funds.

00:13:14It's simply that we have no money left.

00:13:16His majesty has commissioned a new summer retreat project.

00:13:19Since it is a place intended for the emperor's personal use, to put it bluntly, we were required to construct

00:13:23an entire town, a secondary palace, which has completely drained the national treasury.

00:13:27The male lead cuts him off, an act that constitutes high treason and demands, refusing to fund flood control measures

00:13:33while diverting the money to build a secondary palace instead.

00:13:35Are you trying to make father appear to be a tyrant in the eyes of his own subjects?

00:13:39Only then does the official realize his blunder.

00:13:41He hurriedly offers a groveling apology, begging the male lead not to misunderstand.

00:13:45In the end, the male lead delivers an ultimatum.

00:13:48Either you release the funds immediately and honestly, or I will go directly to father.

00:13:51This forces the official to bow his head in submission and promise to expedite the allocation as soon as possible.

00:13:57However, no sooner had the male lead seen the governor out than an imperial edict arrived, summoning him to an

00:14:02audience with the emperor.

00:14:03The emperor had already been apprised of the incident that had just transpired and commended the male lead for handling

00:14:08the situation with great competence.

00:14:10The male lead was surprised, how could father have known so quickly?

00:14:13Little did he realize that the emperor possessed his own extensive intelligence network.

00:14:17In these times, there is no shortage of smooth-talking schemers, and an even greater abundance of sycophants and flatterers.

00:14:22For a mere six-year-old boy to be able to outmaneuver such seasoned veterans of the bureaucracy was, in

00:14:27itself, a remarkable feat.

00:14:28Gazing at the demonic sword sheathed at the male lead's waist, the emperor marveled that the boy had truly managed

00:14:33to master it for, throughout history, that demonic blade had earned itself a truly infamous reputation.

00:14:37The male lead could certainly understand why, had he not intervened in the nick of time during the previous incident,

00:14:43everyone present in the imperial hall might well have perished.

00:14:45To further hone the male lead's swordsmanship, the emperor had specially enlisted the empire's greatest swordsman to serve as his

00:14:51tutor.

00:14:51Unexpectedly, the moment the swordsman arrived, he requested an immediate sparring match with a male lead, assuring the emperor not

00:14:57to worry.

00:14:57This session was merely to assess the boy's aptitude.

00:15:00The emperor was easily persuaded.

00:15:01Left with no choice, the male lead drew his sword.

00:15:04Yet, as the demonic blade vibrated in his grasp, the male lead executed a lightning-fast strike.

00:15:08For in that very instant, he had received a sudden infusion of swordsmanship techniques inherited from the blade's countless past

00:15:14masters.

00:15:14With just two or three swift movements, he sent a swordsman's blade flying from his grasp.

00:15:18The swordsman, humbled, acknowledged that he had nothing left to teach the boy.

00:15:21Although the male lead's physical speed and strength were still those of a child, the fact that he could disarm

00:15:25a master using pure technique alone proved that his swordsmanship had already reached a truly transcendent level.

00:15:30Seizing upon this opportune moment, the emperor bestowed a great honor upon the male lead.

00:15:34He appointed him the chief examiner for this year's knight selection trials.

00:15:37The so-called knight selection is, in essence, a martial arts civil service examination, the sole avenue for those dedicated

00:15:43to the martial arts to rise above their station through sheer personal strength.

00:15:47The most powerful warriors, selected from every corner of the realm, converge upon the imperial capital to engage in a

00:15:52life-and-death struggle.

00:15:53The ultimate victor is bestowed the title of knight, thereby achieving a monumental leap in social class.

00:15:58A knight's very first assignment is to serve as a subordinate to the examiners themselves, a role in which the

00:16:03protagonist's own abilities are destined to grow even more formidable.

00:16:06However, the protagonist wishes to make a specific request that the regional preliminary rounds be abolished and that the entire

00:16:11selection process be conducted exclusively within the imperial capital, ensuring that no exceptional talent remains hidden like a pearl buried

00:16:18in the dust.

00:16:18When he confided this plan to his personal witch, however, he detected a note of resignation in her response.

00:16:23As it turned out, people from his own home village also aspired to participate, yet, due to the village's impoverished

00:16:28state, the costs of travel and lodging posed an insurmountable hurdle.

00:16:31Prices in the imperial capital were exorbitant.

00:16:34Even if the entire village pooled every last resource, they could barely scrape together enough funds to support a single

00:16:39candidate.

00:16:39Consequently, the chosen individual would be forced to shoulder the hopes and dreams of the entire village.

00:16:44With a decisive wave of his hand, the protagonist declared that he would personally resolve this issue.

00:16:49No potential talent should be lost simply due to financial constraints.

00:16:52He instructed his butler to purchase every vacant property available in the imperial capital.

00:16:56Subsequently, he visited the merchant guild to meet with Byron.

00:16:59Byron, displaying remarkable tact and understanding, offered to supply all provisions and ingredients required for the duration of the selection

00:17:06process at a financial loss.

00:17:07The protagonist, well aware that merchants are driven solely by profit, knew that Byron must surely be seeking something in

00:17:13return.

00:17:13Byron readily admitted as much.

00:17:15Concurrently with a knight's selection, the imperial palace would be holding its own recruitment examination for retainers,

00:17:20and he hoped the protagonist could provide him with advanced insight into the specific criteria or preferences for admission.

00:17:25The protagonist understood Byron's objective to place his own people within the palace walls.

00:17:30After all, having eyes and ears inside the palace made gathering intelligence far more efficient.

00:17:34Moreover, should one of his candidates catch the emperor's eye, it would represent a meteoric rise to power, a true

00:17:39one-step ascent to the heavens.

00:17:41The protagonist agreed to assist, promising to put in a good word, provided, of course, that the candidate in question

00:17:46was a young woman whom he genuinely admired.

00:17:48He emphasized this stipulation repeatedly.

00:17:50She had to be a girl for whom he held sincere personal appreciation.

00:17:53Catching the subtle nuance in the protagonist's words, Byron gave his assurance that he would select a young woman who

00:17:58would be entirely to his liking.

00:18:00He also expressed a specific hope that the candidate emerging from his guild's signature program might be assigned to the

00:18:05household of the third prince.

00:18:06The protagonist agreed to take her under his wing, a decision that, in turn, led to a further enhancement of

00:18:11his own innate abilities.

00:18:12Yet, unexpectedly, one of his attribute ratings, specifically his affinity for the water element, suddenly dropped by one rank from

00:18:18an F rating.

00:18:19This indicated that a sudden crisis had erupted within his coastal fiefdom.

00:18:23He immediately hastened to the imperial palace to seek an audience with the emperor.

00:18:27Although the emperor had merely sensed the ominous asterisk precursor's asterisk of trouble, the protagonist was absolutely certain that the

00:18:33calamity had already struck.

00:18:34Sure enough, a messenger soon arrived with a report.

00:18:36A rebellion had broken out within the protagonist's territory.

00:18:39Based on the specific degree to which his attributes had been diminished, the protagonist deduced that it was likely only

00:18:44a small-scale insurrection.

00:18:45The emperor then provided the definitive confirmation.

00:18:48According to the reports, the rebel force numbers approximately 5,000.

00:18:52The emperor asked the protagonist if he intended to lead the punitive expedition personally.

00:18:56The protagonist politely declined, explaining that he was unable to do so.

00:18:59After all, he was still young and had never experienced actual combat.

00:19:03Consequently, he lacked the authority to command the respect of the troops.

00:19:06Any of his older imperial brothers would be a more suitable choice.

00:19:09The emperor acknowledged the validity of the protagonist's assessment and asked him to recommend a candidate.

00:19:13The protagonist suggested his fourth brother.

00:19:15Given the scale of the rebellion, a direct military suppression was deemed the most effective strategy, and his cautious fourth

00:19:21imperial brother was certain to handle the matter with competence.

00:19:24However, just as he was setting out alongside his fourth brother, his demonic sword suddenly reacted.

00:19:28The protagonist immediately ordered the convoy to halt.

00:19:31He realized that asterisk he asterisk was the intended target.

00:19:33To avoid endangering his imperial brother, he voluntarily stepped out of his carriage.

00:19:37Yet, no sooner had he disembarked than he was struck by a magical attack utilizing water elemental magic.

00:19:43Fortunately, the divine artifact he had recently acquired automatically activated to protect its master.

00:19:48Since the attackers were also practitioners of water magic, it became clear that they were members of the rebel army

00:19:53from the territory in question.

00:19:54Regrettably for them, they were unaware that the protagonist possessed such formidable cheat-like abilities.

00:19:59Within a mere few moves, he had neutralized them all.

00:20:01His fourth brother was astonished to learn that the rebel army consisted primarily of cavalry.

00:20:05He had never imagined they would possess individuals capable of wielding such magic.

00:20:09It seemed a pity that, with the attackers now dead, no intelligence could be extracted from them.

00:20:13Little did he know, however, that the protagonist had not actually dealt them lethal blows.

00:20:16After knocking them down, he had merely used the intimidating aura of his demonic sword to render the enemies unconscious.

00:20:22Upon learning that the rebels were a cavalry force, the protagonist immediately summoned his subordinate, Byluon, and ordered him to

00:20:28launch a massive campaign to purchase warhorses.

00:20:30By depriving the rebels of their mounts, the protagonist ensured that the ensuing battle would be a far easier undertaking

00:20:35for his fourth imperial brother.

00:20:37What the protagonist could never have anticipated was that his demonic sword possessed yet another hidden ability, long-range strike

00:20:43capability.

00:20:43With just a single precision delivery, much like a guided missile, it could execute the rebel leader from a thousand

00:20:48miles away.

00:20:49According to the interrogations of the captured assassins, the rebels had apparently intended to abduct the protagonist to use him

00:20:55as a bargaining chip.

00:20:55Fortunately, the protagonist was no pushover, and thus the rebel's scheme was thwarted.

00:20:59Furthermore, his decision to order the seizure of warhorses and provisions earned him the emperor's deep favor.

00:21:04After all, the crown prince had previously offered a strategy of his own, one that involved cutting off supply lines

00:21:09to starve the rebels into submission, whereas the protagonist had shown concern for the innocent soldiers on both sides.

00:21:15The superiority of the latter's approach was immediately apparent, and the emperor promptly bestowed a reward upon the protagonist.

00:21:21I end this world, a setting reminiscent of the asterisk yellow emperor asterisk era, a rare privilege was granted, the

00:21:26right to affix a sword emblem to the protagonist's personal banner.

00:21:29It is well known that the empire is built upon the backbone of its warriors, and the sword serves as

00:21:33the empire's ultimate symbol.

00:21:34Consequently, even imperial princes are forbidden from displaying it without explicit permission.

00:21:39Thus, this honor represented the highest distinction among all the rewards bestowed by the emperor.

00:21:43Later, the guildmaster, having successfully completed his assigned mission, returned to deliver his report.

00:21:48He revealed that the rebel army's entire supply of warhorses and provisions had been completely bought out.

00:21:53Furthermore, regarding the rebel leader, Capoon, rumors suggested he was a man of obsessive determination, one who would stop at

00:21:59nothing to achieve his ends.

00:22:01Suddenly, a maid appeared with an urgent message.

00:22:03Standing outside the gate was a man covered in wounds, claiming he had a matter of critical importance to report

00:22:08to the 13th prince.

00:22:09As it turned out, the visitor was a squad leader within the rebel ranks.

00:22:12He had come specifically to warn of an impending rebellion within the territory.

00:22:16Unwilling to be complicit in such treason, he had seized an opportunity to flee his unit and deliver the intelligence.

00:22:21Little did he know, however, that the protagonist was already fully aware of the situation.

00:22:26Nevertheless, the protagonist, ever fair in his administration of rewards and punishments, instructed the maid to tend to the man's

00:22:31wounds and rewarded him with a thousand units of currency.

00:22:34When the guildmaster, puzzled by this gesture, asked for an explanation, the protagonist simply replied that he was rewarding the

00:22:40man for his loyalty.

00:22:41Yet, the rebels refused to give up their schemes.

00:22:43Not long after, the protagonist's personal maid approached him with a look of deep distress, seeking forgiveness.

00:22:48She produced a pouch containing 500 coins, explaining that a stranger had offered it as payment for a task.

00:22:53She was to find a way to make the protagonist drink a certain liquid he had handed her.

00:22:56The maid, however, could not bring herself to betray her master.

00:22:59After all, both she and her mother, as well as their family back home, owed their safety and well-being

00:23:03entirely to his benevolence.

00:23:05Yet, the stranger had threatened to kill her if she refused to comply.

00:23:08Upon hearing this, the protagonist immediately wrote out a check of 5,000 units of currency as a reward and

00:23:13asked the maid to perform a specific task for him.

00:23:15He instructed her to let him drink the potion. Once the effects of the drug had taken hold, she was

00:23:19to hand him over to the rebels.

00:23:21He also warned her to flee immediately after the exchange, noting that the rebels would undoubtedly attempt to silence her

00:23:26to cover their tracks.

00:23:27The protagonist remained utterly fearless and self-assured throughout this exchange.

00:23:31He reasoned that since the rebels intended to use him as a bargaining chip, they would certainly not kill him.

00:23:35Moreover, with his magical sword serving as a personal guardian, his safety was all but guaranteed.

00:23:40When the protagonist finally regained consciousness, he found his hands and feet bound.

00:23:44Fortunately, he had concealed his magical sword inside his ear, and his signet ring had escaped the rebels' notice during

00:23:49their search.

00:23:50For the protagonist, breaking free from such bonds was an effortless task.

00:23:53To piece together exactly what had transpired during his period of unconsciousness, he once again accessed the memories stored within

00:23:59his magical sword.

00:24:00The memories revealed that the moment the rebels had moved in to abduct him, the maid had seized the opportunity

00:24:05to make a swift escape.

00:24:06He was subsequently escorted to his current location.

00:24:08In short, that was the situation.

00:24:10The protagonist dropped the act, wielding his demonic sword, he stepped out of the shadows to reveal himself.

00:24:15He felt a pang of disappointment, he had hoped to lure out a truly formidable opponent, but it turned out

00:24:19the ones who took the bait were merely the rank and file.

00:24:21As the battle commenced, the protagonist employed a whipping top strategy, striking back and forth with lightning speed.

00:24:26No sooner had the fighting ended than the reinforcements summoned by the maid arrived, she had simply been too worried

00:24:31about his safety to stay away.

00:24:33To her surprise, the protagonist had already wiped out the entire enemy force single-handedly.

00:24:37The protagonist informed the group that these men were accomplices to the individuals who had attacked him earlier.

00:24:42Suddenly, however, a jet black dagger tumbled from the body of one of the fallen foes.

00:24:46The protagonist immediately shouted, don't touch that, and ordered everyone to back away from the blade.

00:24:51The very next moment, wisps of black mist began to billow incessantly from the dagger's surface.

00:24:55He sensed an intense surge of malice, a malevolent force even more potent than that of his own demonic sword.

00:25:00It was a curse, imbued with the bitter resentment of the sorcerer who had cast it.

00:25:04Alas for the enemy, the sheer prestige and power of the protagonist's demonic sword were clearly on a different level

00:25:09entirely.

00:25:10The rebel leader had never imagined he would meet such an ignominious and abrupt end.

00:25:14News soon reached the king that the rebel leader had been struck by a sudden column of water and killed

00:25:18instantly.

00:25:19The king surmised correctly that this was the work of the protagonist's demonic sword.

00:25:23By using the resentment lingering within the enemy's dagger as a homing beacon,

00:25:26the demonic sword had been able to execute a precision strike from a great distance.

00:25:30Stripped of their ringleader, the rebel forces were swiftly crushed under the weight of the empire's military machine.

00:25:35Within moments, virtually every individual involved in the attempted insurrection had been apprehended.

00:25:40Enraged by the incident, the emperor decreed that the ringleaders and their entire clans be executed via the five horses

00:25:45method being torn limb from limb.

00:25:47Yet, the protagonist boldly stepped forward to object, declaring that such a punishment was impermissible.

00:25:51He argued that judicial penalties must be administered strictly in accordance with imperial law,

00:25:55and the five horses method did not exist within the empire's legal code.

00:25:59If the emperor himself were to be the first to flout the law, it would surely become the root cause

00:26:03of chaos and unrest.

00:26:04Throughout the realm, the entire assembly fell into stunned silence.

00:26:08However, the emperor did not punish the protagonist for his audacity.

00:26:11On the contrary, he commended him for his courage in daring to point out his sovereign's error.

00:26:15Nevertheless, the emperor felt that a lenient sentence would be insufficient to satisfy the demands of justice.

00:26:20Consequently, he issued a final decree.

00:26:22While the punishment must indeed remain within the bounds of the law,

00:26:25the maximum penalty permitted by statute would be imposed upon the offenders.

00:26:28From that day forward, the protagonist was officially bestowed the title of the 13th wise king.

00:26:32Later, in a throughout the realm, the entire assembly fell into stunned silence.

00:26:36However, the emperor did not punish the protagonist for his audacity.

00:26:39On the contrary, he commended him for his courage in daring to point out his sovereign's error.

00:26:44Nevertheless, the emperor felt that a lenient sentence would be insufficient to satisfy the demands of justice.

00:26:49Consequently, he issued a final decree.

00:26:51While the punishment must indeed remain within the bounds of the law,

00:26:54the maximum penalty permitted by statute would be imposed upon the offenders.

00:26:57From that day forward, the protagonist was officially bestowed the title of the 13th wise king.

00:27:01Later, in a, he brought his son along,

00:27:03thinking it the perfect opportunity for the boy to apprentice under the family physician.

00:27:07However, the very next day,

00:27:08Shirley discovered that the maids within the estate were still gossiping about potential candidates for the future princess consort.

00:27:14After all, the other princes had all married the moment they came of age.

00:27:17His personal maidservant felt they were being a bit presumptuous,

00:27:20yet she was unaware just how popular the young prince, the story's protagonist, had become.

00:27:24Indeed, the streets nearby had recently seen the opening of numerous coffee houses' establishments

00:27:28catering specifically to those hoping to catch a glimpse of the prince,

00:27:31or perhaps even be fortunate enough to catch his eye.

00:27:33After all, as Evelyn had once remarked,

00:27:36it would be nearly impossible to find another prince as gentle and kind-hearted as him.

00:27:39Sometime later, the prince suddenly received a mysterious letter.

00:27:43The gatekeeper reported that the messenger had fled immediately after delivering it.

00:27:46The letter served as a warning to the prince.

00:27:48The remnants of the former rebel army might be planning a move,

00:27:51and the sender appeared to be conducting covert reconnaissance.

00:27:54The prince surmised that the sender was likely the same individual who had tipped him off during the previous crisis.

00:27:59That man had subsequently learned that the prince had, in fact,

00:28:01already possessed full intelligence regarding the rebellion all along.

00:28:04Yet, the prince had feigned ignorance and had even rewarded him handsomely.

00:28:08This latest act was likely an attempt to repay that debt of gratitude.

00:28:11However, the prince did not view this as a positive development.

00:28:13It was far too dangerous for an inexperienced layman to engage in espionage.

00:28:17Discovery would inevitably lead to a violent death.

00:28:20He needed to immediately contact the fourth prince, who was still stationed in the local area.

00:28:24Soon, the prince received a reply from his fourth brother.

00:28:27As he had feared, the man had indeed been discovered and subjected to brutal interrogation.

00:28:31Because he had steadfastly refused to break his silence, he had been tortured mercilessly.

00:28:35Although the fourth prince had managed to rescue him in the nick of time,

00:28:38the man had yet to regain consciousness.

00:28:40The prince reproached himself.

00:28:41Had he only heeded the emperor's teachings and gathered intelligence sooner,

00:28:44the man would never have had to take such a risk.

00:28:46Consequently, he immediately dispatched his subordinates with strict orders to save the

00:28:50man's life at any cost.

00:28:51But to sacrifice the life of a loyal subject merely to obtain intelligence would be a loss

00:28:55far too great to bear.

00:28:56On that particular day, he took Shirley along to an antique shop to acquire new stock.

00:29:00Gazing at the dazzling array of treasures on display,

00:29:02gems and artifacts of a caliber she had never encountered before,

00:29:05Shirley was utterly mesmerized.

00:29:07The prince, however, noticed a particular object that had been kept concealed from view.

00:29:11It was a masterpiece crafted by a renowned western artisan using techniques now lost

00:29:15to history, a statue of a goddess, preserved in exquisite detail.

00:29:18It was said that only two such statues remained in existence throughout the entire world.

00:29:22The prince, sparing no expense, purchased it on the spot,

00:29:25unaware that the eighth prince happened to be visiting the very same shop that day.

00:29:28He immediately spotted a glass statue of a goddess standing nearby.

00:29:31He was truly impressed.

00:29:32He never imagined that the second and final of only two such statues in the entire world

00:29:37would be discovered so quickly.

00:29:38This was particularly striking to him because the asterisk other asterisk statue of the goddess

00:29:42was currently in his own possession.

00:29:44Consequently, the protagonist acted with the cunning of a corrupt official.

00:29:47He promptly knocked over the statue right there on the spot.

00:29:49He then instructed the shopkeeper to spread the news that the second statue had been destroyed.

00:29:53In doing so, the value of the goddess statue currently held by eight prince would skyrocket.

00:29:57The eighth prince acknowledged this favor, promising to repay the debt in the future.

00:30:01Shirley, who witnessed the scene, felt her eyes truly opened that day,

00:30:04though she couldn't help but feel it was a pity to see such a valuable object destroyed so casually.

00:30:08Little did she know that, to the protagonist, the asterisk truly asterisk precious things were

00:30:12people, those who risked their lives to convey intelligence, those who strove wholeheartedly

00:30:16to live up to the legacy of the seventh prince, and those who swore their fealty to him,

00:30:19burning themselves out in selfless dedication.

00:30:21Thus, people, not objects, were the true treasures.

00:30:24After being reincarnated as the thirteenth prince, the protagonist acquired a unique ability.

00:30:28His power would grow infinitely, expanding in tandem with the size of the faction under

00:30:32his command.

00:30:32By strictly adhering to the law, and daring to publicly point out the emperor's errors,

00:30:36he had earned the emperor's deep favor, becoming the second princely minister in the realm,

00:30:40second only to the fourth prince.

00:30:41It was now the protagonist's twelfth birthday.

00:30:43His newly arrived maids looked on in utter disbelief.

00:30:46The procession of gift-bearers alone had lasted for three whole days.

00:30:49They were unaware, however, that the previous year's procession had lasted for an entire week.

00:30:53Yet, the protagonist's mind remained remarkably clear.

00:30:55Accepting gifts of courtesy was not the end of the matter.

00:30:58Both the gift-givers and the gifts themselves required a massive amount of time to meticulously

00:31:02record.

00:31:03Fortunately, among his maids was a bound spirit, a supernatural entity, who was always able

00:31:07to handle these administrative tasks with perfect efficiency.

00:31:09As the wielder of the water demon sword, the protagonist had received a personal decree

00:31:13from the emperor assigning him to serve under the fourth prince for his practical training.

00:31:17As the only princely minister among the emperor's sons, the fourth prince commanded

00:31:20the empire's military forces and was charged with quelling rebellions.

00:31:24Coincidentally, he had business to discuss with the protagonist that very day.

00:31:27The emperor had just issued an edict ordering him to deploy troops to repel an invasion by

00:31:31barbarian tribes.

00:31:32Standing beside him was Nicolas Cage, a trusted confidant of the fourth prince, who possessed

00:31:36not only.

00:31:37He brought his son along, thinking it the perfect opportunity for the boy to apprentice under

00:31:41the family physician.

00:31:42However, the very next day, Shirley discovered that the maids within the estate were still

00:31:46gossiping about potential candidates for the future princess consort.

00:31:49After all, the other princes had all married the moment they came of age.

00:31:52His personal maidservant felt they were being a bit presumptuous, yet she was unaware just

00:31:56how popular the young prince, the story's protagonist, had become.

00:31:59Indeed, the streets nearby had recently seen the opening of numerous coffee houses' establishments

00:32:03catering specifically to those hoping to catch a glimpse of the prince, or perhaps even be

00:32:07fortunate enough to catch his eye.

00:32:08After all, as Evelyn had once remarked, it would be nearly impossible to find another prince

00:32:13as gentle and kind-hearted as him.

00:32:14Sometime later, the prince suddenly received a mysterious letter.

00:32:17The gatekeeper reported that the messenger had fled immediately after delivering it.

00:32:21The letter served as a warning to the prince.

00:32:23The remnants of the former rebel army might be planning a move, and the sender appeared

00:32:27to be conducting covert reconnaissance.

00:32:29The prince surmised that the sender was likely the same individual who had tipped him off during

00:32:33the previous crisis.

00:32:34That man had subsequently learned that the prince had, in fact, already possessed full

00:32:37intelligence regarding the rebellion all along.

00:32:39Yet, the prince had veined ignorance and had even rewarded him handsomely.

00:32:43This latest act was likely an attempt to repay that debt of gratitude.

00:32:46However, the prince did not view this as a positive development.

00:32:48It was far too dangerous for an inexperienced layman to engage in espionage.

00:32:52Discovery would inevitably lead to a violent death.

00:32:55He needed to immediately contact the fourth prince, who was still stationed in the local

00:32:59area.

00:32:59Soon, the prince received a reply from his fourth brother.

00:33:02As he had feared, the man had indeed been discovered and subjected to brutal interrogation.

00:33:06Because he had steadfastly refused to break his silence, he had been tortured mercilessly.

00:33:10Although the fourth prince had managed to rescue him in the nick of time, the man had yet to

00:33:14regain consciousness.

00:33:15The prince reproached himself.

00:33:16Had he only heeded the emperor's teachings and gathered intelligence sooner, the man would

00:33:20never have had to take such a risk.

00:33:21Consequently, he immediately dispatched his subordinates with strict orders to save the

00:33:25man's life at any cost.

00:33:26But to sacrifice the life of a loyal subject merely to obtain intelligence would be a loss

00:33:30far too great to bear.

00:33:31On that particular day, he took Shirley along to an antique shop to acquire new stock.

00:33:35Gazing at the dazzling array of treasures on display, gems and artifacts of a caliber she

00:33:39had never encountered before, Shirley was utterly mesmerized.

00:33:42The prince, however, noticed a particular object that had been kept concealed from view.

00:33:46It was a masterpiece crafted by a renowned western artisan using techniques now lost to

00:33:50history, a statue of a goddess, preserved in exquisite detail.

00:33:53It was said that only two such statues remained in existence throughout the entire world.

00:33:57The prince, sparing no expense, purchased it on the spot, unaware that the eighth prince

00:34:01happened to be visiting the very same shop that day.

00:34:03He immediately spotted a glass statue of a goddess standing nearby.

00:34:06He was truly impressed.

00:34:07He never imagined that the second and final of only two such statues in the entire world

00:34:12would be discovered so quickly.

00:34:13This was particularly striking to him because the asterisk other asterisk statue of the goddess

00:34:17was currently in his own possession.

00:34:19Consequently, the protagonist acted with the cunning of a corrupt official.

00:34:22He promptly knocked over the statue right there on the spot.

00:34:24He then instructed the shopkeeper to spread the news that the second statue had been destroyed.

00:34:28In doing so, the value of the goddess statue currently held by eighth prince would skyrocket.

00:34:32The eighth prince acknowledged this favor, promising to repay the debt in the future.

00:34:36Shirley, who witnessed the scene, felt her eyes truly opened that day, though she couldn't

00:34:39help but feel it was a pity to see such a valuable object destroyed so casually.

00:34:43Little did she know that, to the protagonist, the asterisk truly asterisk precious things were

00:34:47people.

00:34:47Those who risked their lives to convey intelligence.

00:34:49Those who strove wholeheartedly to live up to the legacy of the seventh prince.

00:34:52And those who swore their fealty to him, burning themselves out in selfless dedication.

00:34:56Thus, people, not objects, were the true treasures.

00:34:59After being reincarnated as the thirteenth prince, the protagonist acquired a unique ability.

00:35:03His power would grow infinitely, expanding in tandem with the size of the faction under

00:35:06his command.

00:35:07By strictly adhering to the law and daring to publicly point out the emperor's errors, he

00:35:11had earned the emperor's deep favor, becoming the second princely minister in the realm,

00:35:15second only to the fourth prince.

00:35:16It was now the protagonist's twelfth birthday.

00:35:18His newly arrived maids looked on in utter disbelief.

00:35:21The procession of gift-bearers alone had lasted for three whole days.

00:35:24They were unaware, however, that the previous year's procession had lasted for an entire week.

00:35:28Yet, the protagonist's mind remained remarkably clear.

00:35:30Accepting gifts of courtesy was not the end of the matter.

00:35:33Both the gift-givers and the gifts themselves required a massive amount of time to meticulously

00:35:37record.

00:35:37Fortunately, among his maids was a bound spirit, a supernatural entity, who was always able

00:35:42to handle these administrative tasks with perfect efficiency.

00:35:44As the wielder of the water demon sword, the protagonist had received a personal decree

00:35:48from the emperor assigning him to serve under the fourth prince for his practical training.

00:35:52As the only princely minister among the emperor's sons, the fourth prince commanded the empire's

00:35:56military forces and was charged with quelling rebellions.

00:35:59Coincidentally, he had business to discuss with the protagonist that very day.

00:36:02The emperor had just issued an edict ordering him to deploy troops to repel an invasion

00:36:06by barbarian tribes.

00:36:07Standing beside him was Nicolas Cage, a trusted confidant of the fourth prince, who possessed

00:36:11not only exceptional martial prowess, but also extraordinary talent for military command.

00:36:16The protagonist had but one question.

00:36:17How many asterisk actual asterisk regular troops do you currently have under your command,

00:36:21Cage?

00:36:22Upon hearing this, the man instantly broke into a cold sweat.

00:36:24He immediately confessed his transgressions and begged for mercy, but the protagonist understood

00:36:28a fundamental truth about the military.

00:36:30Funding was allocated based on the asterisk registered asterisk headcount of soldiers on

00:36:34the official rolls.

00:36:35Consequently, it was a common practice to pair the roster with the names of men who were

00:36:39merely laborious, merchants, or other non-combatants.

00:36:41It is a common occurrence for auxiliary personnel to be officially registered, often in inflated

00:36:45numbers, to allow those in charge to line their own pockets.

00:36:48However, the protagonist's objective here was not to assign blame.

00:36:51Under normal circumstances, such practices posed no significant issue, as the ostensibly

00:36:55large troop figures served as a deterrent against potential enemies.

00:36:58This time, however, things were different.

00:37:00The emperor demanded a resounding victory and would not tolerate any padding of the army's

00:37:04headcount.

00:37:05Cage confessed that 2,000 of his men were merely placeholders.

00:37:08The protagonist simply required him to fill this actual manpower deficit.

00:37:12He then penned a note instructing Cage to approach the Ministry of Finance to request funds for an

00:37:16additional 2,000 men, money that Cage could keep entirely for himself, on the sole condition

00:37:20that he secure a victory.

00:37:21Young members of the imperial family frequently met with untimely deaths officially attributed

00:37:25to outbreaks of plague, though any insider knew that most were.

00:37:28In reality, casualties of power struggles, imperial princes were forbidden from entering

00:37:32the battlefield without a direct command from the emperor until they reached adulthood.

00:37:36Unexpectedly, the very next moment, a group of children suddenly blocked the road,

00:37:39pleading for help as several burly men roughly attempted to drag them away.

00:37:43Upon witnessing this, the protagonist stepped forward to intervene.

00:37:46Enraged and humiliated, the men attempted to attack him.

00:37:48The protagonist showed no mercy, instantly summoning his magic sword to cut them all down

00:37:52on the spot.

00:37:53To his surprise, a skilled combatant emerged from a nearby alleyway, declaring that the

00:37:57confrontation must end there.

00:37:59Recognizing his opponents as the fourth prince and the thirteenth prince, the man publicly

00:38:02flaunted his powerful patron, the first prince, Gilbert.

00:38:05As if he did not recognize the man, the fourth prince, playing along with perfect tacit

00:38:09understanding, likewise denied knowing him.

00:38:11With lightning speed, the protagonist knocked the man unconscious, then publicly accused

00:38:14him of impersonating a subordinate of the first prince, a ruse.

00:38:17He declared that could never fool them.

00:38:19Courtesans.

00:38:20The protagonist then deliberately issued a loud command to his subordinates, find all

00:38:23these thieves and deliver them to the first prince's residence, reporting that they had

00:38:27dared to impersonate the first prince's retainers in broad daylight.

00:38:30To shake the very foundations of the empire, acting on the emperor's instructions, the protagonist

00:38:34was ordered to handle the entire affair strictly in accordance with the law.

00:38:37Grasping the emperor's true intent, he swiftly concluded the sentencing of all those implicated.

00:38:42Every single individual arrested met the same fate, the death penalty, to be carried out

00:38:45immediately two and a half days later.

00:38:47The protagonist perceived that the emperor had no desire to implicate the crown prince, thus,

00:38:51he resolved to downplay the incident and keep it from escalating further.

00:38:54The emperor was highly pleased with his approach and rewarded him with an annual stipend increase

00:38:58of 1,000 tails.

00:39:00However, no sooner had he returned to his office than he found all the guards lying prostrate

00:39:04on the ground.

00:39:05Intruders had breached the premises during his absence, and they had yet to depart.

00:39:08Drawing his demonic sword, the protagonist stepped inside alone to confront the enemy.

00:39:13With just a few swift moves, he instantly subdued one of the attackers, even taking the

00:39:16precaution of severing the man's tongue to prevent him from biting it to commit suicide.

00:39:20In mere moments, every single intruder had been taken down.

00:39:23It was then revealed that these men were the very conspirators involved in the rebellion,

00:39:27the ones who had been sentenced to death, and that they had been silenced.

00:39:30This meant, of course, that this group was acting under the orders of the crown prince.

00:39:34The protagonist had no choice but to inflict a wound upon himself, feigning injury at the

00:39:38hands of the intruders, for under the law, the maximum penalty for assaulting a prince

00:39:41minister was immediate execution on the spot.

00:39:44In this manner, the entire affair was finally brought to a definitive close.

00:39:47Although the protagonist felt deeply aggrieved knowing that were it not for the crown prince,

00:39:51he would not have had to endure such suffering.

00:39:53The emperor recognized his sacrifice and felt deeply gratified by his choice.

00:39:56If all his subjects were as principled as the protagonist, the emperor's own reign would

00:40:00be far less arduous.

00:40:01For among those rulers hailed as enlightened monarchs, 9 out of 10 ultimately suffer a tarnished

00:40:06reputation in their twilight years.

00:40:07After all, while the empire had indeed reached an unprecedented zenith of prosperity under the

00:40:12emperor's governance, a legacy that history books would undoubtedly record as a mark

00:40:15of an enlightened ruler should the crown prince's rebellion succeed, the emperor would

00:40:19inevitably be branded with a shameful stigma of having become a senile, incompetent ruler

00:40:23in his old age, one incapable even of keeping his own son in check.

00:40:27The protagonist became even more convinced that the emperor no longer trusted the crown prince,

00:40:30the only reason he had not yet moved against him was his fear that doing so would sully

00:40:34his own reputation in his final years.

00:40:36Consequently, the protagonist put forward a proposal.

00:40:39He, along with his fourth and eight brothers, had been elevated to the rank of prince minister

00:40:42through the emperor's grace.

00:40:43Yet, as they were newly appointed officials, there remained a risk that they might handle

00:40:47matters imperfectly in the future.

00:40:49It would be far better, he suggested, to have a single individual to coordinate and oversee

00:40:53their collective efforts.

00:40:54He proposed the creation of a new position, one ranking above that of prince minister, to be

00:40:58known as the chief prince minister, and recommended that the crown prince be appointed to fill it.

00:41:01The emperor angrily rejected the suggestion, yet the protagonist, undeterred by the risk, continued

00:41:05to press his case.

00:41:06After all, having served as crown prince for 35 long years, his second brother's growing

00:41:11impatience was entirely understandable and pardonable.

00:41:13Why not, then, simply grant him this authority, provided, of course, that it did not infringe upon

00:41:18the emperor's own ultimate power of final adjudication?

00:41:21The emperor decided to have the crown prince emulate him in handling state affairs.

00:41:24However, he harbored concerns that the prince might cause trouble.

00:41:27Specifically, he wondered how to proceed should the prince fail to submit important cases to him

00:41:31for final adjudication.

00:41:32The protagonist, however, had long since devised a solution, simply grant the various princes

00:41:37and high-ranking ministers the right of direct petition.

00:41:39Whenever they deemed it necessary to seek an audience with the emperor, they could bypass

00:41:43the crown prince entirely and submit their memorials directly to the throne.

00:41:46In this way, the crown prince would be stripped of any substantive power, yet his public standing,

00:41:50his face, would remain intact.

00:41:52The emperor was absolutely delighted.

00:41:54He could not help but remark once again how wonderful it would have been had the protagonist

00:41:57been born just a few years earlier.

00:41:59Consequently, a reward was deemed imperative.

00:42:01However, ordinary gifts of gold, silver, and jewels felt too uninspired.

00:42:05Thus, the protagonist was led to the emperor's treasury and granted permission to select any

00:42:09single item of his choice.

00:42:10As it turned out, the protagonist activated a cheat.

00:42:12He employed his demonic sword to seek out the most valuable object within the vault.

00:42:16And, just as the emperor had anticipated, the protagonist indeed selected the very treasure

00:42:20that had originally been intended for him all along.

00:42:22Having reincarnated as the 13th prince of the empire, the protagonist, thanks to the emperor's

00:42:27favor, had received a divine artifact as a reward.

00:42:29This gift, however, allowed him to discover a novel way to exploit his cheatability, pitting

00:42:33the spiritual essences of various divine artifacts against one another.

00:42:37By merely observing these spiritual duels, the protagonist could raise his own power level.

00:42:41Just moments ago, when the emperor had instructed him to choose a treasure for himself,

00:42:45the protagonist did not disappoint.

00:42:46True to form, he selected the very item that had been prepared specifically for him.

00:42:50Certainly recognized that this artifact, much like his demonic sword, possessed a sentient

00:42:54consciousness of its own, though the sword was clearly of a superior caliber.

00:42:57The protagonist forcibly subdued and claimed the artifact.

00:43:00Immediately thereafter, the flames surrounding it coalesced into the form of a ring.

00:43:03The emperor was overjoyed.

00:43:05The protagonist had, without a moment's hesitation, chosen asterisk Lucia star.

00:43:09This choice was made so that the protagonist could put the ring's true capabilities to the

00:43:13test.

00:43:13To shake the very foundations of the empire, acting on the emperor's instructions, the protagonist

00:43:17was ordered to handle the entire affair strictly in accordance with the law.

00:43:20Grasping the emperor's true intent, he swiftly concluded the sentencing of all those implicated.

00:43:25Every single individual arrested met the same fate, the death penalty, to be carried out

00:43:29immediately two and a half days later.

00:43:31The protagonist perceived that the emperor had no desire to implicate the crown prince.

00:43:34Thus, he resolved to downplay the incident and keep it from escalating further.

00:43:38The emperor was highly pleased with his approach and rewarded him with an annual stipend increase

00:43:42of 1,000 tales.

00:43:43However, no sooner had he returned to his office than he found all the guards lying

00:43:47prostrate on the ground.

00:43:48Intruders had breached the premises during his absence, and they had yet to depart.

00:43:52Drawing his demonic sword, the protagonist stepped inside alone to confront the enemy.

00:43:56With just a few swift moves, he instantly subdued one of the attackers, even taking the

00:44:00precaution of severing the man's tongue to prevent him from biting it to commit suicide.

00:44:04In mere moments, every single intruder had been taken down.

00:44:07It was then revealed that these men were the very conspirators involved in the rebellion,

00:44:11the ones who had been sentenced to death, and that they had been silenced.

00:44:14This meant, of course, that this group was acting under the orders of the crown prince.

00:44:17The protagonist had no choice but to inflict a wound upon himself, feigning injury at the

00:44:21hands of the intruders, for under the law, the maximum penalty for assaulting a prince

00:44:25minister was immediate execution on the spot.

00:44:27In this manner, the entire affair was finally brought to a definitive close.

00:44:31Although the protagonist felt deeply aggrieved knowing that were it not for the crown prince,

00:44:34who would not have had to endure such suffering, the emperor recognized his sacrifice and felt deeply gratified by his

00:44:39choice.

00:44:39If all his subjects were as principled as the protagonist, the emperor's own reign would be far less arduous.

00:44:44For among those rulers hailed as enlightened monarchs, nine out of ten ultimately suffer a tarnished reputation in their twilight

00:44:50years.

00:44:51After all, while the empire had indeed reached an unprecedented zenith of prosperity under the emperor's governance, a legacy that

00:44:57history books would undoubtedly record as the mark of an enlightened ruler should the crown prince's rebellion succeed, the emperor

00:45:02would inevitably be branded with a

00:45:04shameful stigma of having become a senile, incompetent ruler in his old age, one incapable even of keeping his own

00:45:09son in check.

00:45:10The protagonist became even more convinced that the emperor no longer trusted the crown prince.

00:45:14The only reason he had not yet moved against him was his fear that doing so would sully his own

00:45:18reputation in his final years.

00:45:20Consequently, the protagonist put forward a proposal.

00:45:22He, along with his fourth and eight brothers, had been elevated to the rank of prince minister through the emperor's

00:45:26grace.

00:45:27Yet, as they were newly appointed officials, there remained a risk that they might handle matters imperfectly in the future.

00:45:32It would be far better, he suggested, to have a single individual to coordinate and oversee their collective efforts.

00:45:37He proposed the creation of a new position, one ranking above that of prince minister, to be known as the

00:45:42chief prince minister, and recommended that the crown prince be appointed to fill it.

00:45:45The emperor angrily rejected the suggestion, yet the protagonist, undeterred by the risk, continued to press his case.

00:45:50After all, having served as crown prince for thirty-five long years, his second brother's growing impatience was entirely understandable

00:45:56and pardonable.

00:45:57Why not, then, simply grant him this authority, provided, of course, that it did not infringe upon the emperor's own

00:46:02ultimate power of final adjudication?

00:46:04The emperor decided to have the crown prince emulate him in handling state affairs.

00:46:08However, he harbored concerns that the prince might cause trouble.

00:46:10Specifically, he wondered how to proceed should the prince fail to submit important cases to him for final adjudication.

00:46:16The protagonist, however, had long since devised a solution.

00:46:19Simply grant the various princes and high-ranking ministers the right of direct petition.

00:46:23Whenever they deemed it necessary to seek an audience with the emperor, they could bypass the crown prince entirely and

00:46:28submit their memorials directly to the throne.

00:46:30In this way, the crown prince would be stripped of any substantive power, yet his public standing, his face, would

00:46:35remain intact.

00:46:35The emperor was absolutely delighted.

00:46:37He could not help but remark once again how wonderful it would have been had the protagonist been born just

00:46:41a few years earlier.

00:46:42Consequently, a reward was deemed imperative.

00:46:45However, ordinary gifts of gold, silver, and jewels felt too uninspired.

00:46:48Thus, the protagonist was led to the emperor's treasury and granted permission to select any single item of his choice.

00:46:54As it turned out, the protagonist activated a cheat.

00:46:56He employed his demonic sword to seek out the most valuable object within the vault.

00:46:59And, just as the emperor had anticipated, the protagonist indeed selected the very treasure that had originally been intended for

00:47:05him all along.

00:47:06Having reincarnated as the 13th prince of the empire, the protagonist, thanks to the emperor's favor, had received a divine

00:47:11artifact as a reward.

00:47:13This gift, however, allowed him to discover a novel way to exploit his cheatability, pitting the spiritual essences of various

00:47:19divine artifacts against one another.

00:47:20By merely observing these spiritual jewels, the protagonist could raise his own power level.

00:47:25Just moments ago, when the emperor had instructed him to choose a treasure for himself, the protagonist did not disappoint.

00:47:30True to form, he selected the very item that had been prepared specifically for him.

00:47:33He instantly recognized that this artifact, much like his demonic sword, possessed a sentient consciousness of its own, though the

00:47:39sword was clearly of a superior caliber.

00:47:40The protagonist forcibly subdued and claimed the artifact.

00:47:43Immediately thereafter, the flames surrounding it coalesced into the form of a ring.

00:47:47The emperor was overjoyed.

00:47:48The protagonist had, without a moment's hesitation, chosen asterisk Lucia star.

00:47:52This choice was made so that the protagonist could put the ring's true capabilities to the test.

00:47:56He subjected himself to a trial by fire and water.

00:47:59He attacked himself with Lucia's flames, then used Leviathan's power to counter it.

00:48:02The result unfolded exactly as the protagonist had predicted.

00:48:05Leviathan's power gained a slight upper hand.

00:48:07In the briefest of moments, the ground surrounding the protagonist melted into a perfect circle.

00:48:12Afterward, the emperor asked a protagonist to pass judgment on a matter.

00:48:15His younger brother's son had been running roughshod over his territory and had recently committed a drunken murder in public.

00:48:20The emperor's younger brother had voluntarily come forward to confess his sins and accept punishment.

00:48:24Citing a failure in supervision, he offered to pay a fine of $30,000.

00:48:28However, according to imperial law, there was no precedent for a son's debts being paid by a father, nor for

00:48:32a child's transgressions resulting in punishment for their parents.

00:48:35The protagonist's stance was that this money could not be accepted even if the offer was made entirely of the

00:48:40brother's own free will.

00:48:41The emperor then proposed a question.

00:48:42Would it be feasible to institutionalize a system of voluntary fines?

00:48:46After all, the national treasury had long been under strain.

00:48:49Disaster relief and the suppression of rebellions were both massive financial drains.

00:48:53The protagonist understood the emperor's reasoning, but firmly maintained that such a system was unfeasible.

00:48:57If such a precedent were set, it would create the misconception that one could simply pay their way out of

00:49:02criminal liability, a situation that would likely erode the deterrent effect of the law.

00:49:06Moreover, the only people with the actual means to pay such fines were the wealthy elite.

00:49:10Ultimately, the entire convoluted process would merely devolve into corruption and graft.

00:49:14The emperor did not take offense at having his idea rejected.

00:49:16On the contrary, he immediately appointed the protagonist as his chief advisor.

00:49:20Although it was merely an honorary title devoid of any actual administrative power, the protagonist demonstrating his quick wit and

00:49:25ability to draw broader conclusions from a single point came up with an excellent alternative idea, let people pay for

00:49:31asterisk on a asterisk instead.

00:49:32For instance, by donating 10,000 to the state, one could be granted the title of honorary knight.

00:49:37However, it would have to be explicitly stipulated that this title carried absolutely no administrative authority.

00:49:42If the title were to be personally conferred by the emperor himself, the protagonist reasoned countless people would surely vie

00:49:47for the opportunity.

00:49:48After all, once one possesses enough wealth to last a lifetime, the pursuit of honor and social standing often becomes

00:49:53far more compelling than the accumulation of material goods.

00:49:56Highly pleased with the suggestion, the emperor immediately summoned the Eighth Prince.

00:50:00Sensing the perfect moment to withdraw, the protagonist requested permission to take his leave.

00:50:04After all, to continue speaking on the matter would be to encroach upon the administrative authority of the Eighth Prince.

00:50:09On his way back, he unexpectedly stumbled upon the rhinoceros beetle he had attempted to bring into the palace of

00:50:14the Sixteenth Prince.

00:50:14By now, the Sixteenth Prince had reached the age where he, too, enjoyed watching rhinoceros beetles do battle.

00:50:20The protagonist, a true genius, was once again struck by inspiration.

00:50:23If such was the case, he could surely arrange for Luthier and Leviathan to engage in magical duels as well.

00:50:28Merely observing these battles proved immensely beneficial to him.

00:50:31However, what the protagonist hadn't anticipated was that his own level would rise after watching just a single match.

00:50:37This implied that as long as he continued to watch, he could level up indefinitely.

00:50:41Furthermore, after suffering numerous consecutive defeats, Luthier finally underwent a complete transformation and secured her first victory.

00:50:47As Luthier grew stronger, the protagonist's own fire attribute abilities received a further boost.

00:50:52Undoubtedly, this was a cheat, a special power unique to him.

00:50:55Not long after, the Fourth Prince arrived with a matter of business.

00:50:58The monster nest was now ripe for a raid.

00:51:00The time had finally come for the protagonist to take the field for the very first time.

00:51:03All he had to do was open the box resting on the table to perform the ritual that would determine

00:51:07the troops allocated for his debut campaign.

00:51:10Unexpectedly, the result of the divination was a single individual.

00:51:13Upon learning of this, the emperor issued an edict that very day, deciding to temporarily postpone the protagonist's deployment.

00:51:19Subsequently, the messenger bowed respectfully to the protagonist, a gesture performed solely because the messenger was a retainer of the

00:51:25Fourth Prince.

00:51:25Every retainer serving a prince of the Blood Royal was required to adhere to the strictest codes of etiquette.

00:51:30It turned out that the protagonist's astonishingly miraculous divination result had delighted the emperor beyond measure.

00:51:35Eager to showcase the extraordinary nature of the imperial family, the emperor intended to publicize this event throughout the entire

00:51:41nation.

00:51:41In his quest to raise his level, the protagonist set out to collect magical artifacts possessing a consciousness of their

00:51:47own.

00:51:47He welcomed all comers, even cursed dolls would suffice, and went so far as to pay a fee in advance.

00:51:52Furthermore, he promised to provide an additional bonus afterward, the value of which would depend on the quality of the

00:51:57item presented.

00:51:57His female bodyguard could not fathom it. Why pay money when they hadn't even laid eyes on the actual item

00:52:02yet?

00:52:02Little did she realize that this was precisely what was known as the aristocratic mode of consumption.

00:52:07Unexpectedly, a scene of coercive trading unfolded on the main street.

00:52:11A man, presuming upon his official status, attempted to forcibly purchase an item that had already been reserved by someone

00:52:17else.

00:52:17The protagonist stepped forward to inquire about the situation, only to discover that the aggressor was a retainer of the

00:52:22First Prince.

00:52:23Yet, when confronted with accusations of street-side intimidation, the man displayed not the slightest remorse for, according to imperial

00:52:29law, officials of the imperial household agency are immune from prosecution unless implicated in treason or external threats.

00:52:36Thus, even as a prince, the protagonist could not directly interfere with them.

00:52:39He was unsurprised by this man's arrogant demeanor, yet he knew that finding a way to deal with him was

00:52:43not impossible.

00:52:44Noting that the man, a retainer of his imperial brother, had failed to offer a proper bow of respect even

00:52:49after encountering him, the protagonist swiftly ordered his arrest.

00:52:52He then publicly declared the man guilty of gross disrespect toward the 13th Prince and sentenced him to a public

00:52:57flogging.

00:52:58The surrounding merchants, having long suffered under the man's tyranny, flocked to watch the spectacle with relish.

00:53:03Yet, the man remained defiant, issuing death threats and vowing that none of them would know peace once this incident

00:53:07had passed.

00:53:08Alas, the protagonist had no intention of letting him live.

00:53:11Had one of his own retainers dared to abuse their authority to oppress the common people, he would have unhesitatingly

00:53:16taken matters into his own hands to purge his household.

00:53:19In the end, the man met a rather peaceful demise under the lash of Sherry's whip.

00:53:23Afterward, the protagonist placed himself in handcuffs and went to the First Prince to offer a formal apology, a ritual

00:53:28known as bearing thorns to beg for forgiveness.

00:53:30Upon learning the details of the incident, the First Prince appeared remarkably mild-mannered.

00:53:34He deemed the protagonist's handling of the matter entirely justified, reasoning that spouting such insolence toward a prince was a

00:53:39crime punishable by death.

00:53:40The protagonist, however, insisted that he had erred nonetheless, arguing that he should have consulted his big brother before taking

00:53:46action.

00:53:46The First Prince, in turn, actively distanced himself from the offender, feigning ignorance of the man.

00:53:51He claimed the fellow had long since been dismissed and expelled due to his poor character, and thus could not

00:53:55even be considered a retainer anymore.

00:53:57Indeed, he went so far as to thank the protagonist for helping to salvage his own reputation.

00:54:01Sherry remained bewildered, unable to grasp the true significance of the apology ritual she had just witnessed.

00:54:06Little did she know that the First Prince's mild-mannered demeanor was merely a facade.

00:54:10Inwardly, he was seething with rage.

00:54:12Yet, he could not afford a public rift with his younger brother.

00:54:14After all, the Emperor's favor toward the protagonist now far surpassed that shown to any of his other Imperial brothers.

00:54:20Moreover, since the younger brother who had committed the transgression had taken the initiative to offer an apology,

00:54:25custom dictated that the elder brother could not reasonably continue to hold a grudge.

00:54:28As long as the protagonist performed the necessary formalities, presenting himself to beg forgiveness,

00:54:33and having his Imperial brother graciously accept it, the matter was considered settled among Imperial princes, as certain.

00:54:38Decorum is expected.

00:54:39For those of noble blood, dredging up old grievances that have already been forgiven is considered a breach of propriety,

00:54:44an act certain to invite ridicule from others.

00:54:46The protagonist, however, never could have anticipated that simply by discovering the First Prince's plot to poison both the Emperor

00:54:52and the Crown Prince,

00:54:53he would be entrusted with a monumental responsibility by the Emperor himself.

00:54:56The Emperor charged him with a critical mission.

00:54:58Should any misfortune before the throne, he was to immediately mobilize his troops to secure the Imperial capital and oversee

00:55:04the selection of a suitable successor.

00:55:05In essence, as the Thirteenth Prince, he was to serve as both a contender and the ultimate arbiter.

00:55:10This extraordinary mandate stemmed from the protagonist's unique innate talent.

00:55:13His personal power grew exponentially with a number of subordinates under his command.

00:55:17Consequently, when a man recently arrived seeking to pledge his allegiance, the protagonist instantly sensed that something was amiss.

00:55:23Although the man had concealed his true nature with great skill, the protagonist nevertheless detected that both of his parents

00:55:28were retainers of the First Prince.

00:55:30It was therefore indisputable that the man himself was also a spy, dispatched by the First Prince to infiltrate his

00:55:34ranks.

00:55:35The butler was astonished by the protagonist's keen insight, his ability to spot a flaw in a person upon their

00:55:40very first meeting unaware that this had nothing to do with conventional observational skills,

00:55:44but was instead a direct result of his innate talent.

00:55:46When the protagonist feigned acceptance of the man's pledge of loyalty, his own power level remained unchanged, a clear indication

00:55:52that the man's allegiance was insincere.

00:55:54Shortly thereafter, the antique dealer returned to report his success.

00:55:57He had located the cursed object.

00:55:58The protagonist required a painting of a young girl known as Sven Barber.

00:56:02The moment the protagonist approached it, he sensed a palpable aura of dark energy.

00:56:05After comparing it against a contemporary forgery, the protagonist realized that this cursed painting possessed a unique property.

00:56:11It could grow and evolve.

00:56:12He also sensed a strange, unsettling aura emanating from the authentic masterpiece itself.

00:56:16Without a moment's hesitation, the protagonist channeled his strength, sweeping his cloak aside as he unleashed a powerful slashing attack.

00:56:22In the very next instant, the girl depicted within the painting miraculously sprang to life.

00:56:27According to the girl, the painting had been created by an artist who had brutally murdered her and then mixed

00:56:31her very blood into the pigments used to paint her portrait.

00:56:34Wishing to repay the protagonist for liberating her from her painted prison, she pledged her eternal fealty to him.

00:56:39As a result, the protagonist's proficiency in earth magic received a significant boost.

00:56:43The very next moment, Sven Barber transformed, assuming the appearance of the shopkeeper.

00:56:47By drawing upon the protagonist's power, she was now able to manifest a fully corporeal body.

00:56:51Not long after, the president of the Merchant Guild arrived with more good news regarding Ada.

00:56:55The servant girl selected six years prior based on the protagonist's specific recommendations.

00:56:59Now, having officially become a court lady through the Empress' favor, Ada has arrived to deliver a gift of gratitude

00:57:04to the protagonist.

00:57:05The guild master hopes that Ada will eventually rise to the rank of First Consort.

00:57:09After all, the Imperial harem consists of four distinct ranks, and a concubine's rate of advancement depends entirely on the

00:57:14degree of the Empress' favor and the status of her children.

00:57:17The protagonist's own mother currently holds the rank of First Consort, a position she attained only after being granted the

00:57:22title of Consort of Virtue.

00:57:24Since there can be only one Empress, the rank of First Consort represents the absolute pinnacle of achievement for any

00:57:29other woman in the harem.

00:57:30The protagonist warns that the critical challenge ahead lies in the internal power struggles of the harem.

00:57:35While securing the Emperor's favor is indeed the fastest route to advancement, navigating the treacherous politics of the inner court

00:57:41is equally vital.

00:57:41For instance, a rival might easily swap Ada's perfume with a scent the Emperor detests, for within the deep confines

00:57:46of the Imperial Palace, the world of women can be even more perilous than that of men.

00:57:50The protagonist decides to provide Ada with financial backing.

00:57:53He also instructs his maidservant to deliver 10,000 in cash and a letter to his mother, along with a

00:57:58specific verbal message that Ada is his person.

00:58:01The maidservant is aghast at the implication she assumes he intends to use his own mother as a pawn in

00:58:06a political maneuver.

00:58:07Yet, she fails to grasp that this is precisely how the Imperial family operates.

00:58:11Even between parent and child, the pursuit of power and status invariably takes precedence over familial affection.

00:58:16If Ada's status within the harem rises, she could become a powerful ally for his mother.

00:58:20Before concluding, the protagonist does not forget to inquire after the maidservant's own mother.

00:58:25The maidservant expresses her deep gratitude to the protagonist for providing her mother with a job that includes both room

00:58:30and board.

00:58:31At this mention, the maidservant suddenly recalls something.

00:58:33Since one of her mother's duties involves opening and closing the palace gates every morning and evening,

00:58:38she distinctly remembers hearing a suspicious noise outside the gates last night and catching a glimpse of a furtive figure

00:58:42lurking in the shadows.

00:58:44Upon hearing this, the protagonist immediately springs into action.

00:58:47That very night, the maidservant's mother proceeds to close the gates as usual,

00:58:50only to be attacked by an assassin attempting to silence her permanently.

00:58:54However, the attacker is unaware that the victim is actually a decoy, a magically conjured illusion created by Fenn Barber.

00:58:59The protagonist instructs the maidservant to take her mother and pretend to return to their hometown to arrange a funeral,

00:59:05treating it as a paid leave of absence for both mother and daughter until the current crisis has been fully

00:59:09resolved,

00:59:10at which point he will have them brought back.

00:59:11As for the man who fled the scene earlier, Fenn Barber has been tasked with keeping him under close surveillance.

00:59:16The following day, the man regains consciousness, only to realize just how close he came to meeting his end the

00:59:21previous night.

00:59:22He had never anticipated that, immediately after attempting to silence his own victim,

00:59:26he himself would be targeted for elimination and ruthlessly abandoned.

00:59:29The man is left to rue his fate, wishing he had never become a spy in the first place.

00:59:33Yet, even now, it was not too late.

00:59:35The protagonist was willing to offer him a chance to pledge his true allegiance.

00:59:38However, in return, should he ever betray that trust, the punishment would be far more severe.

00:59:42Deeply moved, the man, as a designated successor, the protagonist, having distinguished himself through his service,

00:59:48was granted a marriage by the emperor.

00:59:49Furthermore, he once again came into possession of a sentient, supernatural ring, a cheat item,

00:59:54thereby becoming, in every sense of the word, the lord of the rings in this other world.

00:59:58Regarding the first prince, the evidence of his attempted regicide and rebellion was irrefutable.

01:00:02Under imperial law, the only prescribed punishment for such a crime was execution by bisection at the waist.

01:00:07However, given that the rebellion had been thwarted before full execution,

01:00:10the sentence could be commuted by one degree, from bisection to punishment by confinement.

01:00:14This concession was made out of consideration for the emperor's paternal sentiments.

01:00:18Perhaps finding it too agonizing to execute his own flesh and blood,

01:00:21the emperor had deliberately proposed a sentence effectively equivalent to life imprisonment.

01:00:25The crown prince felt there was no need to complicate matters to such an extent,

01:00:28yet the emperor admired the protagonist's approach,

01:00:30one that weighed both the letter of the law and the dictates of human emotion when determining a sentence.

01:00:34Nevertheless, the emperor was no indecisive monarch.

01:00:37He immediately ordered the crown prince to carry out the judgment.

01:00:40The emperor was highly pleased with the protagonist,

01:00:42recognizing that he had shown true consideration for his aging sovereign.

01:00:45He intended to bestow the first prince's forfeited fiefdom upon the protagonist,

01:00:49and offer the protagonist immediately and firmly declined.

01:00:52He reasoned that since the entire incident had been triggered by his own confidential report,

01:00:56accepting a feudal title as a reward would inevitably encourage other princes

01:00:59to emulate the first prince's treachery in the future,

01:01:01leading to endless mutual scheming and internecine strife.

01:01:04The emperor clarified that granting the fiefdom had merely been an asterisk proposal asterisk.

01:01:08While he permitted the princes to compete for merit,

01:01:10he would not tolerate internal fratricide.

01:01:12Consequently, he decided to alter the reward to a marriage alliance instead.

01:01:16The protagonist had, after all, reached the appropriate age for formal matrimony.

01:01:20The chosen bride was the granddaughter of Prince Lai, the emperor's own uncle.

01:01:23The emperor was convinced that any children born of this union would be exceptionally brilliant,

01:01:27perhaps even surpassing the protagonist himself in talent.

01:01:30The protagonist, however, remained remarkably composed.

01:01:33He offered no objection whatsoever to the emperor's arrangements.

01:01:36The prime minister marveled at his demeanor.

01:01:38Not only did the protagonist show no curiosity regarding the nature of his future bride,

01:01:42but he did not even bother to inquire about her name.

01:01:44Before long, the first prince met his grim end.

01:01:46The protagonist decided to award a substantial bonus to the young guard who had assisted him.

01:01:51After all, the young man could be considered a lifesaver to the protagonist's father.

01:01:54Furthermore, the maidservant Ruyi no longer needed to live in fear

01:01:57that her female relatives would be targeted by the first prince's faction.

01:02:00One day, while traveling through the city, the protagonist unexpectedly stumbled upon a scene

01:02:04where a large crowd of curious onlookers had gathered on a side street.

01:02:08A young maiden was performing street arts there, offering to engage in a combat demonstration

01:02:12with anyone willing to pay a fee of three asterisk ling star.

01:02:15The rule was simple.

01:02:16If you could defeat her in combat, you would win her hand.

01:02:18However, she proceeded to defeat over a dozen challengers, all men hoping to win a wife,

01:02:22until a lecherous-looking man with a goatee suddenly appeared.

01:02:25Without even paying the entry fee, he launched a sneak attack.

01:02:28The crowd watched in disbelief as the young woman was instantly knocked unconscious.

01:02:32Just as it appeared she was about to be dragged away, the protagonist arrived in the nick of time

01:02:36to intervene.

01:02:36He publicly exposed the man's treachery, pointing out that he had resorted to despicable tactics

01:02:40specifically, using a paralyzing agent, and had even positioned an accomplice within the crowd

01:02:45to turn the duel into an unfair two-against-one fight.

01:02:47Having made his accusation, the protagonist immediately moved to rescue the accomplice hidden in the crowd.

01:02:52The goateed man tried to bluff his way out of it, claiming he didn't know the accomplice,

01:02:56but a swift blow to the face forced him to admit the truth.

01:02:58The man lying on the ground was indeed his subordinate.

01:03:00Despite his sturdy build, the goateed man still attempted to attack the protagonist.

01:03:04However, realizing the futility of the situation, he could only hurl a few empty threats before fleeing in disgrace.

01:03:09Afterward, the young woman finally realized that it was the protagonist who had saved her.

01:03:13Curious, he asked why she had been engaging in these duels.

01:03:16It turned out she was in desperate need of travel funds.

01:03:18She had come to the Imperial Capital for a special selection trial, but had failed to be chosen,

01:03:22leaving her without the fare to return home.

01:03:24The protagonist found this puzzling.

01:03:26Given the combat prowess she had just demonstrated, it seemed highly unlikely she would have been rejected from the selection.

01:03:31The young woman shared this sentiment.

01:03:33Upon investigating, the protagonist discovered she had been deliberately targeted,

01:03:36specifically because this year's examiner was the Lion Prince,

01:03:39a notorious lecher who had summoned her for a private audience beforehand.

01:03:42The protagonist cut her off, telling her there was no need to elaborate.

01:03:45He knew his Imperial brother's character all too well and had already guessed his nefarious intentions.

01:03:50The protagonist generously offered to cover her living expenses until the next selection trial and even promised to provide her

01:03:56with lodging,

01:03:56simply because he admired people who refused to take shortcuts in life.

01:03:59Unexpectedly, at that very moment, the goateed man returned with a group of cronies, seeking revenge.

01:04:04Just as the flame realm within the protagonist flared with a crimson glow, signaling his readiness to strike,

01:04:09he linked it with his armor realm, channeling their combined power to form a pair of flaming gauntlets.

01:04:13The protagonist then turned to the remaining attackers, silently challenging them to make their move.

01:04:17However, the young woman suddenly recognized one of the armored men as a knight.

01:04:21In the service of the Lion Prince, upon realizing his identity had been exposed,

01:04:25the knight immediately dropped to his knees and begged for mercy.

01:04:28It was only then that the young woman discovered the protagonist's true identity.

01:04:32He was the 13th Prince.

01:04:33Yet, he had never flaunted his status or used his authority to bully others.

01:04:36Seeing that the protagonist had no intention of pursuing the matter further,

01:04:40having never intended to resort to violence in the first place, the incident was finally laid to rest.

01:04:44Unexpectedly, a wild and uninhibited blonde-haired old man suddenly appeared nearby.

01:04:49He praised the protagonist, declaring that his looks and strength were both absolutely top-tier.

01:04:53The protagonist, in turn, recognized the golden gourd hanging by the old man's side.

01:04:57Its owner was none other than Prince Lehi.

01:04:59Decades ago, back when the current emperor had just ascended the throne

01:05:02and was still too young and inexperienced to rule effectively,

01:05:04the entire empire had plunged into chaos.

01:05:06At that time, Prince Lehi, acting as regent, wielded immense power

01:05:10and used an iron fist to ruthlessly suppress all unrest.

01:05:13Five years later, once the emperor had come of age,

01:05:15Prince Lehi voluntarily relinquished his authority and retreated to his own freedom,

01:05:19where he has lived in seclusion ever since.

01:05:21Grateful for his meritorious service as a mentor and aide,

01:05:24the emperor had bestowed upon him the title of Prince Lehi.

01:05:26As expected, the reason Prince Lehi had made this personal visit

01:05:29was to assess the character of his future grandson-in-law.

01:05:32After all, his granddaughter's lifelong happiness hinged on this match.

01:05:35If the protagonist failed to meet his exacting standards,

01:05:38even if the marriage had been decreed by the emperor himself,

01:05:40he would never consent to his granddaughter marrying him.

01:05:42No sooner had the words left his lips than the protagonist felt a sudden surge of pressure

01:05:46bearing down on him, much like the pressure he himself would exert upon enemies

01:05:49using the power of his demonic sword.

01:05:51Although the protagonist could have easily mustered his own strength

01:05:54to push back and overwhelm his opponent, he decided against it.

01:05:57After all, he might one day have to address this man as grandfather,

01:05:59and it would be unseemly to publicly humiliate him.

01:06:02The protagonist deliberately restrained his power, fighting Prince Lehi to a perfect stalemate.

01:06:06Yet, given Prince Lehi's caliber, a man of such legendary stature,

01:06:10he naturally perceived the protagonist's deliberate restraint.

01:06:12Thus, he graciously conceded defeat, acknowledged the protagonist's character,

01:06:16and agreed to entrust his beloved granddaughter to his care.

01:06:18As a betrothal gift and a bonus cheat ability to boot,

01:06:21he presented the protagonist with a ring that possessed a sentient consciousness of its own.

01:06:25The protagonist's consciousness was instantly transported to a vast, lush grassland,

01:06:28where a golden ox suddenly materialized and charged straight at him.

01:06:32However, the protagonist effortlessly dispelled the creature using the power of his demonic sword.

01:06:36In doing so, the protagonist's own light-attribute powers received a significant boost.

01:06:40The golden ox, which identified itself as by Meng, then pledged its allegiance to the protagonist.

01:06:45Witnessing the protagonist's ability to turn stone into gold by instantly taming by Meng a feat even he,

01:06:50Prince Lehi, had failed to accomplish, the old man was left utterly astonished.

01:06:53With the emperor now moving to depose the rebellious crown prince,

01:06:56and the protagonist having secured the backing of the four ancient sages,

01:06:59his part of victory and the ultimate seizure of power appeared virtually inevitable.

01:07:03For as the protagonist successfully gathered the four great techniques,

01:07:05his consciousness was drawn into a mysterious realm.

01:07:08The four sages rejoiced at the opportunity to reunite once more,

01:07:11their last gathering having taken place back in the Silver Age,

01:07:14under the stewardship of a master just like him.

01:07:16Endowed with extraordinary talent and boasting an impressive level of 255,

01:07:20he successfully recruited the four of them and even helped them regain their lost powers.

01:07:24Snapping back to reality, the protagonist's consciousness suddenly returned to the present moment.

01:07:28He initially thought the entire experience had been a mere hallucination,

01:07:32but to his surprise, everyone around him had heard it all.

01:07:34They interpreted it as a sign that the gods above held high expectations for him.

01:07:38The robust protagonist immediately instructed his maid, Sadie, to distribute treats to the crowd.

01:07:42For solitary joy pales in comparison to share joy,

01:07:45and sharing one's good fortune with a common focus, after all, a noble's duty.

01:07:48Those who perform this duty begrudgingly are third-rate nobles.

01:07:51Those who do so only under duress are second-rate nobles.

01:07:54But those who fulfill it as a matter of course, as a natural obligation, are truly first-rate nobles.

01:07:58Suddenly, the young girl declared that she would refuse the protagonist's assistance.

01:08:02She had resolved to become his knight, vowing to hone her skills through her own efforts

01:08:05until she was worthy to stand by his side, a declaration that was instantly met with a magical rebuke.

01:08:10While accepting aid only to grow complacent is indeed reprehensible,

01:08:14stubbornly refusing aid altogether is the mark of a second-rate knight.

01:08:17If one aspires to be a first-rate knight, one must not view receiving assistance as a source of shame.

01:08:21One need only repay one's liege with even more outstanding performance.

01:08:25Even Prince Lehi was impressed by the protagonist,

01:08:27marveling that he had managed to cultivate such a promising subordinate

01:08:30with nothing more than a few well-chosen words.

01:08:32The emperor suddenly appeared, declaring that the protagonist's excellence had been proven,

01:08:36which was precisely why he had arranged for him to marry his imperial uncle's granddaughter.

01:08:40Just to be safe, the protagonist immediately activated his power of the titan.

01:08:44Fortunately, the onlookers harbored no malicious intent.

01:08:47Although the emperor chided him for making a mountain out of a molehill,

01:08:50the protagonist's composure nonetheless astonished Prince Lehi.

01:08:53It seemed inevitable that he would prove to be the most outstanding of all the princes.

01:08:56The emperor did not deny this fact, which explained why he had bestowed upon him the title of Prince of

01:09:01Leisure.

01:09:01The protagonist's leisurely endeavors were now poised to begin in earnest.

01:09:04After all, for his very first campaign, he had decided to venture forth entirely on his own.

01:09:09The crowd looked on in disbelief.

01:09:10In the past, such expeditions had always required a complex, multi-layered support structure.

01:09:14Yet, if it was asterisk 13th Prince asterisk undertaking the task, it suddenly made perfect sense.

01:09:19Noticing that all eyes were fixed upon him, the protagonist instantly grasped the emperor's true intent.

01:09:23Such an arrangement would be far more conducive to ensuring the emperor's safety.

01:09:27The emperor, too, was pleased with this outcome.

01:09:29He then turned to Prince Lehi and explained the deeper meaning behind his earlier remarks.

01:09:33Specifically, his decision to spare his eldest brother's life by commuting his sentence to life imprisonment.

01:09:37Yet, the crown prince stubbornly insisted on executing the eldest prince.

01:09:41This left the emperor utterly disheartened, and upon hearing the account, Prince Lehi felt a chill run down his spine

01:09:46as well.

01:09:46If such a man were ever to ascend the throne, he would undoubtedly launch a bloody purge of his own

01:09:51kin.

01:09:51The first to fall would surely be the fourth, eighth, and thirteenth princes.

01:09:54The crown prince was narrow-minded and cruel by nature.

01:09:57His becoming emperor could only spell disaster.

01:09:59Yet, for all that, the emperor had not yet decided whom to appoint as the new crown prince.

01:10:03Prince Lehi was left speechless.

01:10:05Failing to designate a successor in advance meant that if the emperor were to suddenly pass away, the nation would

01:10:10instantly fragment.

01:10:11However, announcing a successor right now would only spark needless strife.

01:10:14The protagonist suggested a compromise.

01:10:16The emperor could simply leave behind a sealed written decree, publicly declaring that the rightful successor was named within it.

01:10:22The imperial uncle, however, fear this would be too precarious.

01:10:25Once the emperor passed away, anyone could easily seize or tamper with a mere written decree.

01:10:29Consequently, the protagonist proposed concealing the decree within the emperor's own body, perhaps by engraving the text onto a dental

01:10:35prosthetic or by employing magic.

01:10:37As long as the decree remained physically with the emperor, there would be no fear of it being swapped or

01:10:41stolen.

01:10:41Thus, the emperor dismissed all his attendants, retaining only a single liaison officer specifically appointed for such sensitive matters, a

01:10:48man said to be both deaf and mute, as well as illiterate.

01:10:50The emperor decided to heed his advice.

01:10:52The protagonist then went on to suggest that the emperor should reclaim all military authority, whether currently held by the

01:10:57fourth prince or by the protagonist himself, to prevent any insubordinate individual who happened to command troops from defying the

01:11:03emperor's final decree and forcibly seizing the throne.

01:11:05The emperor chose to accept his counsel as well.

01:11:08Next came the question of how to formally depose the crown prince.

01:11:11The emperor appeared visibly conflicted.

01:11:13Adopting the stance of the minister of justice, the protagonist argued that both the appointment and the removal of a

01:11:17crown prince fell solely within the emperor's prerogative and no one else had the right to interfere.

01:11:22However, the crown prince was, after all, distinct from the eldest prince.

01:11:25He had not committed any overt, actionable crimes.

01:11:27Therefore, the protagonist suggested that after being deposed, the crown prince could be permitted to retain his title as a

01:11:33prince.

01:11:33To help the crown prince accept the reality of his situation, the protagonist proposed handling the matter through a symbolic

01:11:38designation, for instance, by bestowing a title with a specific connotation, such as prince jong, meaning stop or the end,

01:11:44to signify that his part of the throne had reached its conclusion.

01:11:47Yet, the emperor's written drafts were riddled with errors and grammatical mistakes.

01:11:50His prose was convoluted and rambling utterly incoherent.

01:11:54The emperor felt helpless.

01:11:55After all, stripping the crown prince of his title was likely an ordeal even more painful to him than having

01:12:00the prince executed.

01:12:00The protagonist then offered a final suggestion.

01:12:03Perhaps the content of the decree could simply be preserved exactly as it was originally written.

01:12:07Perhaps his majesty's painstaking efforts could be conveyed to his imperial brother.

01:12:11If the prince could only understand and accept them, he might continue to serve the nation in his capacity as

01:12:15a prince.

01:12:15Yet, the more the protagonist spoke, the more anguished the emperor felt how wonderful it would have been had the

01:12:20protagonist been born sooner.

01:12:21Unexpectedly, upon reading the message, the courier displayed a look of alarm.

01:12:25Realizing he had been spotted by the protagonist, the courier immediately attempted to flee.

01:12:29However, his escape was futile.

01:12:30The protagonist moved swiftly to subdue him.

01:12:33The protagonist recommended that the man be executed on the spot.

01:12:35To feign illiteracy while holding a high-ranking office was, in essence, an act of betrayal against one's sovereign.

01:12:40Although an investigation might unmask the mastermind behind the scenes, thereby eliminating future threats,

01:12:45it was feared that doing so would inevitably implicate yet another imperial prince.

01:12:49Unwilling to stir up further trouble, the emperor acceded to the protagonist's proposal.

01:12:53Afterward, the prime minister personally intervened to handle the matter in secret.

01:12:57He could not help but marvel at the thirteenth prince's exceptional brilliance.

01:13:00It was as if the young man could read the very hearts of others.

01:13:03The prince was, in fact, the reincarnation of the secondary sages from the Silver Age figures who had lent their

01:13:08power to the emperor of that era.

01:13:09Now that the protagonist had inherited that same power, the prime minister looked on with anticipation,

01:13:13wondering if asterisk he asterisk might be the one to usher in a golden age that would surpass even the

01:13:18glories of the Silver Age.

01:13:19Later, the protagonist visited the crown prince's residence and mentioned that the emperor intended to take the crown prince along

01:13:25on his annual summer retreat to the north this year.

01:13:27In previous years, the emperor had always gone on retreat alone, entrusting the handling of state affairs to the crown

01:13:32prince during his absence,

01:13:33a strategy designed to allow the prince to gradually assume control of the government and forge a working partnership with

01:13:38the court officials.

01:13:39However, the protagonist knew better than anyone the true reason behind this year's change in protocol.

01:13:44He revealed that the emperor had subtly hinted at his true intention to personally impart the essence of statecraft to

01:13:50his second imperial brother this year.

01:13:51Through the power of persuasion, the protagonist attempted to make the crown prince understand the emperor's sincere and benevolent intentions.

01:13:58Alas, the crown prince made it abundantly clear that he remained resentful and unyielding.

01:14:02Consequently, that very evening, a mysterious woman appeared to deliver a secret tip-off.

01:14:06The crown prince was planning to launch a coup d'etat that very night, intending to force the emperor to

01:14:10abdicate.

01:14:10It was a desperate gambit.

01:14:11The emperor had moved to strip the crown prince of his title, prompting the prince to stage a rebellion and

01:14:16storm the palace in a bid to purge the court of his political rivals.

01:14:19The protagonist, however, had failed to anticipate one crucial detail.

01:14:22The crown prince, in his haste to flee during the ensuing chaos, had chosen to take along the very tutor

01:14:26who had recently been teaching him foreign languages, a woman named Olivia.

01:14:30What the prince did not realize was that this tutor was, in fact, the daughter of Stuart Chen, the head

01:14:34steward of the first prince's household, and a house-born servant raised within that very estate.

01:14:38In other words, these were children born to the prince's attendants, and, shaped by their environment, such children were far

01:14:43more inclined to pledge absolute loyalty to their own prince.

01:14:46She knew that the protagonist had once endeavored to devise a way to spare the first prince's life, yet the

01:14:51crown prince, casting aside all familial ties, had ruthlessly struck the fatal blow.

01:14:55This entanglement ultimately implicated her father as well.

01:14:58Driven by a desire for revenge, she deliberately sought to get close to the crown prince.

01:15:02To her surprise, the crown prince revealed, right there in front of her, that as long as the official decree

01:15:06stripping her of the title had not yet been publicly announced, she still possessed the authority to mobilize troops and

01:15:11seize control of the royal palace.

01:15:13The crown prince intended to stage a forceful coup, compelling the emperor to abdicate and retire as the emperor emeritus,

01:15:19allowing him to live out his remaining years in peace.

01:15:21Upon learning that Olivia had previously served by her father's side, assisting him in managing administrative affairs, the male lead

01:15:27decided to take her in and allow her to continue her duties within his own household.

01:15:31Her benefits and treatment remained exactly as they had been before, and she would no longer be required to make

01:15:35personal sacrifices.

01:15:37The male lead offered this sanctuary solely out of respect for her unwavering loyalty, specifically, her steadfast determination to avenge

01:15:43her former master even after his death.

01:15:45As she accepted this arrangement with deep gratitude, the male lead's core attributes increased once again.

01:15:49Subsequently, the male lead prepared to venture out alone.

01:15:52A simple-minded maidservant might have worried that it was too dangerous for her master to go out unaccompanied.

01:15:57A clever maidservant, however, would dutifully remain at home, offering prayers for her master's safe return.

01:16:02Since the crown prince intended to exercise her military authority, she could only call upon a single unit, the thousand

01:16:07-strong garrison permanently stationed in the province of Wu.

01:16:10The soldiers within this unit had been rigorously trained to render unconditional obedience to any superior officer holding legitimate command

01:16:17authority.

01:16:17Consequently, the crown prince launched into a rousing, indoctrination-style speech.

01:16:22In essence, she argued that the emperor was incompetent, that treacherous ministers ran rampant, and that she, the crown prince,

01:16:27must intervene to save the nation and purge the court of corruption.

01:16:30Unexpectedly, however, the male lead suddenly appeared to intervene.

01:16:33Turn back now, he pleaded.

01:16:35Outside these walls lies nothing but hostility and peril.

01:16:38It is not too late to stop.

01:16:39You can still walk away from this.

01:16:41But if you take even one more step forward, your only destination will be the abyss.

01:16:45Yet, the crown prince had no intention of sitting idly by and awaiting her doom.

01:16:49The male lead looked on with sorrow.

01:16:50Had she truly not even bothered to read the emperor's decree stripping her of the title?

01:16:54Had she failed to perceive, even in the slightest, the anguish and heavy burden of responsibility that her father had

01:16:59poured into that document?

01:17:00The very reason her actions had never been publicly exposed and why she had not yet faced punishment was precisely

01:17:05because her father had sought to preserve her life, striving with all his might to carve out a path of

01:17:09survival for her.

01:17:10But the crown prince could not accept the fate of being demoted to a mere prince.

01:17:13She had held the title of crown prince for over 30 years.

01:17:16She had fully expected that, one day, she would ascend the throne and rule the nation.

01:17:19To be told now, after all that time, that she had waited in vain was a reality the crown prince

01:17:24simply could not accept.

01:17:25In his arrogance, the crown prince deemed the emperor to be senile and incompetent.

01:17:29A chasm had opened between their values, making any reconciliation impossible.

01:17:33Consequently, the protagonist, the emperor's younger brother, was branded a rebel, and the crown prince issued orders for his capture.

01:17:38Unwilling to drag the army into a fratricidal power struggle, yet needing to defend himself at every turn, the protagonist

01:17:44found himself fighting a thousand foes single-handedly, a perilous situation from which he nonetheless emerged unscathed.

01:17:49Suddenly, the four great familiars, his summoned beasts, responded to his silent call.

01:17:53None of those present had ever witnessed such a spectacle.

01:17:55A single blast of fiery breath from Bahamut left the entire enemy force utterly helpless.

01:18:00The protagonist intervened just in time to halt the attack, shouting,

01:18:03That's enough.

01:18:04He had no desire to cause any fatalities.

01:18:06Seeing the soldiers completely incapacitated and the crown prince standing there looking utterly dumbfounded,

01:18:11the protagonist still chose not to take his brother's life.

01:18:13The emperor, he reasoned, would surely never wish to see his own sons slaughter one another.

01:18:18However, his forbearance extended only to not striking the fatal blow himself.

01:18:21He would not, and could not, prevent his elder brother from taking his own life.

01:18:25To personally execute the crown prince, every single one of the prince's family members and subordinates would be implicated in

01:18:31the crime of treason and sentenced to death by association.

01:18:34Yet, if the crown prince possessed even a shred of sense, his death could be framed as an act of

01:18:38sudden repentance, a decision to atone for his sins by taking his own life just as he was about to

01:18:42launch his rebellion.

01:18:43In short, those were the only two options left to him.

01:18:46Commit suicide to pave the way for the eldest son's succession, or drag everyone down to hell with him.

01:18:50But the crown prince had already descended into madness.

01:18:53He continued to issue frantic orders for his subordinates to seize the protagonist, refusing to abandon his delusional quest to

01:18:59usurp the throne.

01:18:59What he failed to anticipate, however, was the sudden, tacit betrayal of his own men, or rather, their decision to

01:19:05make the asterisk-only asterisk-correct choice available to them.

01:19:07They would follow the crown prince no longer.

01:19:09Even in such a dire situation, the protagonist still showed concern for the well-being of his brother's family and

01:19:14subordinates.

01:19:15Yet, the crown prince responded with nothing but pathetic, unbridled rage.

01:19:18As it turned out, two of the subordinates had long harbored deep resentment toward the crown prince.

01:19:23Years ago, during the operation to unseal the demonic sword asterisk-leviathan asterisk, 120 people had perished within the confines

01:19:30of the artifact among them, the very kith and kin of these two men.

01:19:32The protagonist, recognizing their burning desire for vengeance, had tacitly allowed one of them, Olivia, to strike the blow that

01:19:38avenged her father.

01:19:39Ultimately, thanks to the protagonist's efforts, the entire rebellion was quelled with a loss of only a single life.

01:19:44The protagonist would subsequently announce to the world that the crown prince, just as he was about to launch his

01:19:49coup, had been heroically intercepted by a loyal retainer who sacrificed their own life to stop him, an act that

01:19:53caused the crown prince to experience a sudden, profound epiphany, leading him to choose to take his own life as

01:19:58the ultimate act of atonement.

01:19:59Furthermore, the informants and Jia Chen would receive commendations, the others involved would face no further repercussions.

01:20:05Additionally, a recommendation would be made to the emperor to designate the eldest son as the heir to the noble

01:20:10title.

01:20:11With the two great generals swearing their allegiance, the protagonist's core attributes saw a substantial boost proving, indeed, that true

01:20:17talent is a treasure beyond compare.

01:20:18It was a pity, however, that the crown prince failed to grasp this fundamental truth, nor did he realize that

01:20:23his every move remained utterly transparent to the emperor's network of spies.

01:20:26As the two princes who had vied for power vanished from the world stage, the nation entered a new era

01:20:31of unprecedented prosperity.

01:20:32Three years later, the protagonist turned 18.

01:20:35Hey, who are you?

01:20:36It turned out that today marked a formal ceremony to remove his fiancée from her family's registry.

01:20:40From this day forward, she would officially become the protagonist's wife.

01:20:43After conversing with the emperor, Prince Lai came to a realization.

01:20:46The next emperor would emerge from among three specific princes, the fourth prince, the eighth prince, and the thirteenth prince,

01:20:51the very one upon whom Prince Lai had pinned his highest hopes.

01:20:54Ah.

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