147 Nils Breaks Out! (1/2)
”Therefore, I conclude that house Kracht is the real mastermind behind the assassination. Knowing that Elmar would eventually strike, they chose to deal the first blow.
Which then raises the question. Was Wolfgang so desperate that for the sake of striking back at the imperial family, he would sacrifice his house's number one talent?
I don't think so.”
Again, Adelar grasped the core issue. With the shocking talent he displayed, ”Anselm” represented house Kracht's future and once paired with the baptized Iliana, they could bring the Kracht to an era of splendor. No sane man would be willing to give up such a gem for that level of benefit.
”Meaning…”
”Meaning the dead boy is fake. The real Anselm still breathes, hidden somewhere, most likely being trained in the shadows to keep his life safe while bidding his time for his ascension and return.”
Adelar concluded, causing Nils' eyes to brighten with a mixture of hope and expectations.
However, there was still something left to verify.
”Why are you telling me all this? With Elmar out of the picture, you're the one that stands to benefit the most.”
The Holy Flame Empire followed strict agnatic primogeniture. The eldest son was heir to the throne, and if he died, the next oldest male prince would replace him. In the rare case that the crown prince was deposed due to heavy misconduct, the second prince still replaced him.
Therefore, Adelar would soon become the new crown prince. And it stood to reason that any truth that benefitted Elmar should have been buried by him. Hence, Nils couldn't understand why he was sharing his insight with her.
Adelar's smile remained unchanged.
”The competition for the throne is a family matter, though Elmar is my rival, he's, first and foremost, the eldest prince. His prestige is the imperial family's prestige. Its loss, ours.
My selfish motive is to use you to pull the truth out of Wolfgang's mouth, punish the Kracht, and save the imperial family's face. However, I can only do it if you're willing to help me.
If you are, I will help you escape confinement, and sneak out of the imperial palace to interrogate Wolfgang.
Are you?”
Hearing Adelar's offer, Nils floundered. Not because she wanted to help him clear charges. No, ultimately this whole thing began because Elmar was too greedy and wouldn't leave the Kracht any way out.
He only had himself to blame, and perhaps confinement would help him turn over a new leaf. At least, she hoped so.
Whether to escape the palace or not was the real source of her inner struggle. If she did, there was a slim hope she could find the truth about Anselm. However, what would happen when her father realized her disappearance?
Would she be back by then?
If she weren't, what would he do?
Those were questions that needed solid answers before she dared escape.
”By the way, the Prosperous Wind Third Prince will soon set out to claim your hand. Father has no way to stop this. In a few months at best, you will be a princess consort of the Prosperous Wind Empire.”
With the recent events, Nils had almost forgotten that reality.
”Therefore, regardless of what you want to do, you have to do it now. You need to take the risk at this very instant. There will be no other opportunity because I won't risk offering you one past today.”
Though mild, Adelar's words left no room for negotiations.
If she refused today, then this was it. Throughout this life, she would never meet him again.
”The last chance…
…Agreed!”
The conviction within her eyes convinced Adelar that his plan could carry on unhindered.
”Good, I will try to keep your disappearance a secret for as long as possible. Hopefully, you will be back before anyone notices.”
Adelar then stood up and extended his hand toward Nils.
”Come, let's leave this place.”
Nils looked at Adelar's hands with confusion, not sure whether he was jesting or not. However, the seriousness within his gaze seemed to indicate otherwise.
”Just like that?”
”Just like that.”
Though still hesitant, Nils took his hand. Without any artifice, Adelar carried her outside, locking the door behind them, and leading her past the guards who seemed completely unaware of their presence.
In that manner, he brought her to the imperial palaces' exit. Nils' eyes were full of fright, from the Cold Quarter to the exit, there were at least dozens of miles. However, she could swear that Adelar only took nine steps to carry her over there.
”Could he be…a space attribute user?”
Space was one of the rarest attributes. Its users often finding themselves in the Great Void Empire's Space Temple. In the Holy Flame Empire, one hand was enough to count all the space attribute users.