On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 189

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Organization Collapsed on My First Day of Infiltration Episode 189

A New Sprout (2)

Dietrich Valdrain’s older brother.

Franz is a strong candidate for imperial succession.

Uniquely, the Valdrain Empire had no law of primogeniture.

Following the proclamation of the first emperor who was a third son, they had long maintained a competitive system among princes.

Therefore, sometimes the second son, sometimes the third son would become the next generation’s emperor.

However, there were many stories that this generation was somewhat different.

Franz.

A genius among genius mages who had already reached the 4th Circle at the age of twenty.

There were already rumors that he had reached the 5th Circle, and some said he would ascend to the 6th Circle, of which there were only three in this empire.

An existence receiving the emperor’s infinite trust based on such genius talent.

“It’s an honor to meet the renowned Teacher Ziel Steelheart like this.”

He ‘directly’ greeted Ziel.

Ziel responded with the etiquette he had read about in books.

“It’s an honor to meet His Imperial Highness Prince Franz Valdrain.”

Relio was nervous.

Of all people, a prince had come out to greet them.

This had tremendous significance.

To personally welcome someone with no prior connection like this, there had to be a good reason.

“Teacher Ziel Steelheart, I really wanted to see you once.”

“Me, sir?”

“Yes, Teacher Ziel Steelheart. I wondered what kind of wonderful performance you planned to receive an imperial invitation.”

“Yes. I did do it magnificently.”

Relio almost burst into tears and laughter simultaneously.

To dare speak like that in front of the First Prince.

But he couldn’t cry, and even less could he laugh.

“…You seem to lack humility somewhat?”

“I agreed about doing well enough to deserve praise.”

“…”

For a moment, the First Prince stared intently at Ziel, encountering this type of speech for the first time in his life.

Pfft.

Laughter flowed from Franz’s lips.

“Interesting. You must have the skill to back it up. Yes, you need that level of confidence to be interesting.”

This was dangerous.

For Franz to show interest.

‘Your Highness must return quickly.’

However, the mission Dietrich received from the emperor would take at least a month.

There was nothing that could be done in the meantime.

“I heard Teacher Ziel’s skills are remarkable. I’ll watch this imperial invitation performance carefully.”

“Yes. Understood.”

“And I’ve prepared a small favor, so I hope you’ll accept it without refusal.”

A favor?

“I intend to host Teacher Ziel and the Sword School first years, as well as other guests, at The Grand Arcana rather than The Iron Keep.”

The Grand Arcana!

It was the domain of the imperial mages and practically no different from First Prince Franz’s territory.

Franz didn’t directly exercise his influence over mages outside the imperial palace, but he held tremendous influence over magical matters within this imperial palace.

In other words.

‘Such scheming…’

He intended to place them under his influence.

At least for the duration of the imperial invitation performance.

“It’s only for 3 days, but it’s a favor born from wanting you to stay more comfortably.”

Relio thought.

This couldn’t be refused…

“Is this a favor that must be accepted?”

“What did you say?”

Relio imagined.

The scene of Ziel ascending the execution platform for the crime of insulting royalty.

“The performance is only once. The students need to approach it in peak condition. What I consider most important is familiarity.”

The students, unaware of this situation, were just holding their breath but were excited.

“It looks like Teacher and His Imperial Highness are having a long conversation.”

“Right. Isn’t Teacher getting another scouting offer or something?”

“Even if he gets one, he won’t go. Unless it’s an offer from His Imperial Majesty himself.”

“Hey, Teacher would refuse even that.”

Excitement and anticipation.

But if they had heard the conversation content, the students would have been horrified despite frequently experiencing Ziel’s usual behavior.

“This imperial palace itself is a place that creates tension for students. Therefore, I think the best method is to practice the performance and sleep at The Iron Keep, which they’ve already experienced as this semester’s practical training location.”

“Is that your reason for refusing my goodwill?”

“I appreciate your goodwill, but it’s not me who will be putting on the performance—it’s the students. As their teacher, I need to promise the best environment so the students can produce the best results.”

The subject of the refusal was Ziel, but the reason for that refusal lay with the students’ performance.

And that performance was being conducted at the Emperor’s invitation.

Though unintended, Franz’s logic had been completely demolished.

Even for himself as the First Prince, there was only one existence he could never go against—the justification granted by that being!

‘Ha, Teacher Ziel. Truly remarkable.’

It was truly perfect refutation!

‘I won’t play along with your political schemes.’

Teacher Ziel was someone who had already refused Prince Dietrich’s proposals multiple times.

This made it certain.

That unwavering determination that seemed like it would refuse proposals from even higher beings!

Though he had perfectly refuted it, it was essentially a ‘refusal.’

And it was a refusal of the First Prince’s proposal, no less.

Though it was packaged as goodwill, he was still refusing it?

“So you’re saying you’ll refuse my goodwill.”

“That’s correct.”

At Ziel’s calm answer, Franz felt a subtle anger.

On the other hand, he felt even greater interest than before.

He had definitely heard that Dietrich’s proposal had been refused.

If he had been trying to side with Dietrich, the anger would have been greater.

But why was it that…

Thinking that he was weighing both sides made him feel more interested instead.

“I understand. It’s an acceptable refusal. Rather, I was the one being rude.”

“Then what was it?”

“I was emphasizing the best results the students need to produce.”

“Interesting.”

He refused my proposal.

But the justification for the refusal is perfect.

He’s not the heir of a major family, nor is he something like a department head.

And from a family that has already fallen to ruin.

So though he had been refused, he didn’t let his pride get in the way.

“Then I’ll personally escort you to The Iron Keep. It would be good to chat on the way.”

“Understood.”

The justification for the refusal had been perfect.

So Franz thought no more about it.

“I heard you joined the Academy this year. I heard you achieved tremendous results after entering.”

“That’s correct.”

“Correct?”

“Everyone said so.”

Was he not being modest?

Or did he have confidence?

Either way, it didn’t matter.

Strangely, he didn’t seem arrogant.

“It comes from me.”

“…”

“I wonder what Teacher Ziel is talking about with His Highness?”

“I don’t know for sure, but if it’s someone he’s talking to for the first time, there’ll probably be several question marks.”

It was exactly as the students predicted.

“I thought the Academy was the best place to display my abilities and live my life.”

“Is there a reason?”

“Because it’s the Academy.”

“…”

But at the same time, he was also someone who made you want to keep asking questions.

“I heard your swordsmanship skills are also excellent—is it the Steelheart Family Secret Swordsmanship?”

“No.”

“Then did you learn it separately?”

“Oh, then where is that master now?”

It comes from me.

Franz gradually begins to get drawn into GL’s way of speaking.

“I wonder what kind of conversation Teacher Giel is having with His Highness the Prince?”

I don’t know for sure, but if it’s someone you’re talking to for the first time, there will probably be a lot of question marks.

It was exactly as the students had predicted.

“I’m curious why you entered the academy. With skills like that, it seems you could have chosen a different starting point.”

I thought the academy would be the best place for me to showcase my abilities and live my life.

“Is there a reason?”

“That’s because it’s an academy.”

The problem was that when she answered so calmly with such confidence, the prince couldn’t press further without losing face.

But he was also the kind of man who kept making you ask questions.

“I’ve heard your swordsmanship skills are also exceptional—is that the Steelheart family’s secret sword technique?”

No.

“Then did you learn it separately?”

That’s right.

“Oh, then where is that master now?”

“He’s dead.”

During the Imperial Family’s process of subjugating the assassination group.

Among the assassins who survived and were absorbed into Siren, there were no former instructors, so it’s probably certain.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Well… I asked something unnecessary.”

Ziel unintentionally making even the Prince feel sorry!

“I have many curiosities, so please understand.”

Ziel’s questioning began.

Usually when someone says this, they would just nod and say “I see” or ask a different type of question!

But he couldn’t honestly say that he was looking at him as talent and trying to recruit him, given his princely dignity.

“Is that so. My reputation has become quite remarkable.”

“That’s right.”

“That’s good news.”

“…”

As long as it wasn’t a situation where his past would be exposed.

Rather, he judged it would help him settle well as an Academy instructor.

If his purpose had been to avoid fame, Ziel’s actions would have been very different.

“Don’t you have any curiosities about me, Teacher Ziel?”

“I don’t.”

“Ah. Something just came to mind.”

“Oh.”

“Do you often fight with His Imperial Highness Prince Dietrich Valdrain?”

“…?”

What kind of question is this.

“Among my students, there’s one who often bickers with his elder brothers. He’s also a student who wants to gain his brothers’ recognition.”

Ziel was quite serious.

“I’ve heard that siblings generally fight often. I’m curious if Your Highness does the same with your brother.”

“…”

Franz recalled old memories at this unexpected topic.

It wasn’t a particularly rude question either.

Just because they’re royalty doesn’t make sibling relationships special.

Rather, when they were young, it seems he got along quite well with Dietrich.

After being summoned by the Emperor, that is, his father, and being told to maintain responsibility and attitude as a successor from then on, things became a bit different.

Of course, even now there was nothing awkward.

However, at some point, Dietrich began to be perceived as a competitor rather than a brother.

The succession structure.

“Is that so.”

“Do you think all sibling relationships are either close or involve fighting each other?”

“Hmm.”

This was completely different from today’s purpose.

“I hope His Highness Franz Valdrain can also get along well.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Thud, Franz stopped walking.

Ziel tilted his head at that sight.

“I mean it in a good way.”

“Yes. It’s good when siblings get along well. The student I mentioned earlier also improved in skill after resolving misunderstandings through the Exchange Tournament.”

“His Imperial Highness Prince Franz Valdrain will also become like that.”

“…”

What could this mean.

Skill improvement?

‘Is he telling me to… look at Dietrich again?’

He did answer that they were distant.

So is he giving ‘advice’ based on that?

He probably wouldn’t say such things without any reason.

It was completely different from today’s purpose.

“I hope Your Highness Franz Waldrain will also get along well with everyone.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Franz stopped abruptly in his tracks.

Jiel tilted her head at the sight.

I mean that in a good way.

“In a good way?”

“Yes. It’s good when brothers get along well. The student I mentioned earlier also improved after clearing up misunderstandings through the exchange match.”

“My skills…”

“His Highness Prince Franz Waldrain will become that way as well.”

Franz was lost in thought.

What could it mean?

Your skills are improving?

“Are you saying… to see Dietrich again?”

I did give an answer that was rather lukewarm.

So that’s why you’re saying that and offering “advice”?

‘This teacher… is no ordinary person.’

You surely wouldn’t say something like this without any reason.

To get along well with Dietrich.

If you knew even a little about the succession structure, you couldn’t say such words.

Yet he still said it…

‘This is advice with substance. I must take it to heart.’

No matter how much I thought about it, in this situation, especially as advice to give to a prince, it wasn’t appropriate!

That’s how I reached that conclusion.

A prince, especially the First Prince who must constantly engage in power struggles, can fall into such misunderstandings.

“I sincerely thank you for the advice, Teacher Ziel.”

Knowing your enemy is the most basic of basics.

Hiding his sword, he approaches his younger brother to grow close again.

Then it might become much easier than planting people to understand his brother’s intentions like now.

Why hadn’t he realized such an obvious fact!

It felt like he had gained enlightenment.

‘I think I understand why Dietrich was so obsessed and made that proposal. Also why the Family Heads of the Great Lord families want this.’

Franz kept expressing his admiration!

Meanwhile, they had arrived at The Iron Keep before he knew it.

‘How regrettable.’

He was genuinely disappointed.

He was also genuinely envious.

Such natural and dignified advice.

Wasn’t that right?

Using students as an excuse to bring up brotherhood, then offering advice to ‘get close to your enemy.’

“Well then, rest comfortably, Teacher Ziel.”

“Thank you for the escort, Your Highness Franz Valdrain. Please rest well.”

As the castle gate of The Iron Keep opened, Franz watched Ziel and the students enter inside and made a resolution.

‘I will definitely make him my ally.’

It was the moment a new icon of rejection began to sprout.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————