Chapter 148. A Wise Life Behind Bars

Joshua, who arrived at "North Pole" before Yulian, managed to escape the ensuing commotion.

Perhaps it wasn't just because he was an 'Academy student.' Behind him loomed the enormous shadow of the 'Cryphart family'.

When Joshua heard that "Yulian" had been incarcerated, he couldn't help but feel a sense of schadenfreude and silently cheered in delight.

'That demon-like guy has finally done something!'

Amused by the turn of events, Joshua headed to the prison.

'If he begs me humbly... Haha, just the thought is delightful. Maybe I'll consider proposing his release.'

With such thoughts, he entered the prison but immediately sensed that the atmosphere inside was unusual.

Previously, he had visited the prison during a tour with the "Bayer Academy's" knight class, and back then, the atmosphere wasn't this calm.

What had once been a place filled with chilling hostility and tense gazes was now strangely quiet, with the criminals behaving like docile sheep.

'Why... are these guys acting like this?'

Initially puzzled, Joshua instinctively realized it.

The only thing that had changed from back then was a single incarceration.

Thus, it was clear that the hierarchy among them had been perfectly established. And at the top of that hierarchy was 'him'.

"Joshua, it's good to see you're looking well."

It was Yulian.

Even in the extreme cold of the northern prison, which was almost wild, he seemed unfazed by the chill.

He held a newspaper in his hands.

A way to catch up on the news from the capital, even if briefly.

"... Where did you get that newspaper, elder brother Yulian?"

In general, prisoners were not allowed any personal activities.

Yet, he was reading the newspaper as if it were the most natural thing.

"I requested it from the soldier guarding this place. Is there a problem, Joshua?"

"A... A problem? No, of course not, elder brother Yulian."

Reading the newspaper was an unspoken rule forbidden, but if the soldier himself had brought it, there wasn't much room for reprimand.

'The reason I came here... mostly out of curiosity.'

Joshua's real reason for coming here was simple curiosity.

'I wondered if that arrogant bastard might have gotten his nose knocked down a peg while in prison.'

He came to see it himself but felt only disappointed.

'He... seems to be doing even better than usual...?'

Unbothered by the severe cold, Yulian read the newspaper while holding a cup filled with a drink in his other hand.

The aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee was unmistakable.

If other inmates viewed such a scene, they would clamor with complaints of preferential treatment.

'... But no one's saying anything?'

The criminals, like stray dogs that had been disciplined, were silent.

"What is Felkhor doing now?"

Placing the cup down, Yulian turned and asked, not breaking his gaze from the newspaper.

In his every action was a sense of 'normalcy'.

I ask.

You answer.

Such confidence almost made Joshua forget that Yulian was behind bars.

"That bald man is waiting around the wall, saying he won't leave until you come out, elder brother."

"Is that so? I figured as much."

Rustle.

Yulian covered the newspaper and shifted his gaze this way.

Without pupils visible, his eyes might have seemed emotionless, yet it felt as though they were piercing right through him.

Joshua found himself uncomfortably short of breath.

"Is he really unaffected by this situation?"

Even though his entire career could collapse, Yulian seemed utterly unconcerned.

"So... what brings you here, Joshua?"

Joshua began weighing options in his mind.

If Yulian had no way out, he wouldn't be so relaxed.

Though Yulian was imprisoned now, Joshua instinctively felt it wouldn't be long before he would be free.

"I... I wanted to see if Brother Yulian needed anything."

'If you can't beat him, join him.'

This was a strategy Joshua learned in his short life.

"Something I need..."

Without much thought, almost sighing, Yulian glanced back at Joshua.

"You're surprisingly courteous."

"Wha... What do you mean?"

"I thought you might come to mock me. Or did you weigh your options in your head first?"

"How... How could I mock Brother Yulian?"

'What a monstrous guy.'

Though he thought so inwardly, Joshua couldn't express it.

"No worries. I'll likely be leaving soon anyway."

You'll be leaving soon?

Just when Joshua was about to ask what he meant, footsteps echoed from the entrance of the prison.

Well-disciplined individuals, notable for martial prowess even to a layman, appeared.

'Why are the "Wedge Knights" here?'

The most elite unit of Kaldrach.

But there was no mystery about their presence.

'They must be here to fetch Yulian.'

"Sir Yulian, prince Kaldrach requests your presence."

The 'Wedge Knights', mindful of the reputation and position Yulian had built, addressed him with respect.

Though he violated the law before Prince Kaldrach, it seemed even the Wedge Knights didn't believe his journey would end here.

"Right now? But I haven't finished my newspaper or my coffee."

Even summoned by Kaldrach, Yulian remained at ease.

To an outsider, it would seem as if Yulian were doing Kaldrach a favor by complying.

"Well, I suppose it's unreasonable to keep Prince Kaldrach waiting."

Smack!

After placing the newspaper on the bed, Yulian stood up.

***

To maintain psychological dominance, showing no signs of anxiety is crucial.

If one appears flustered, it only invites the other to underestimate them.

Essentially, if you intend to assert superiority, you must avoid being underestimated.

'In that regard, this 'slit-eye' poker face of mine really proves useful.'

Even now, as impatience simmered within, this trait kept its presence hidden.

"Sir Yulian, before setting off."

One of the Wedge Knights offered something to him.

It was handcuffs.

"Oh dear, is it necessary to restrain my hands with the Wedge Knights present?"

"Nevertheless, any small chance of an incident occurring has to be considered."

"A small chance... Are you suggesting I might harm Prince Kaldrach?"

"Kuheum."

The Wedge who presented the handcuffs averted his eyes, clearing his throat as he faced Yulian's mocking smirk.

Strangely enough, these people seemed even more cautious around him than the royal guards.

They appeared to have witnessed Yulian's feats on the Northern Front firsthand.

"Shut up and hold out your hands! Do you even know your current predicament?"

However, another one, unlike the others, did not exercise caution when addressing 'Yulian'.

He appeared to be someone unfamiliar with Yulian's prowess.

"Hey, watch your mouth. It's Sir Yulian you're addressing."

"What does that matter to me? He broke into North Pole unauthorized, no matter his affiliation, and had the gall to defy Prince Kaldrach."

One of the Wedge Knights, speaking with vehemence, glared sharply at him.

"It doesn't matter whether he's the hero of the Northern Front or the Smiling Executioner of the Empire. He's just a crazy bastard who enjoys killing."

"Hey!"

Crash!

At the shout of another Wedge Knight who attempted to manage him, the brash one's collar was grabbed and he was pushed against a wall.

"There's been talk of dissatisfaction within the Wedge Knights lately."

"Ugh...!"

"If you're so pissed, just drop the Wedge insignia and get lost."

Suddenly, tension began to rise, threatening to explode at any moment.

I didn't intend to stir such turmoil, but it wasn't unwelcome.

I cautiously interjected.

"No need to fight over who puts handcuffs on me. As an unprecedented event, I understand the attraction."

Raising my hands, they gaped at me in disbelief.

"Who gets the honor of cuffing me?"

***

Leaving behind the brief uproar, I found myself en route to Kaldrach's office, handcuffed.

The path wasn't long.

Annoying was the clinking of the handcuffs, but there wasn't really much to complain about.

"Sir Yulian..."

"Damn those Wedge bastards. They didn't lift a finger when we were getting slaughtered..."

Outside, as I passed, the soldiers let out sighs of disappointment at the sight of me in handcuffs.

In turn, I noticed one of the Wedge Knights gritting his teeth, clearly affected by their gazes.

'There's a misalignment somewhere.'

It was merely speculation, but it appeared the Wedge Knights and the general soldiers of the Northern Front didn't get along.

Even with recent events worsening it, the situation wasn't surprising.

"Resentments run deep. Despite serving as companions guarding the Empire's frontlines."

To my words, the Wedge Knight named 'Derrick' turned briefly toward me.

"Keep your mouth shut, Yulian! You'll soon reach the prince's office, so you better restrain that sharp tongue of yours."

At another's remark, I shrugged lightly.

"That aside, might you know of the witch of the Blizzard Forest?"

"Didn't I tell you to shut up?"

"I'm the type who can't let a question go unanswered. I heard the witch learned savage techniques and resides here at North Pole's wall."

"... Would there be such a witch who mastered barbaric arts present here? You fool."

Despite the snarls from the Wedge, I chuckled softly.

'So, Kaldrach is secretly meeting her.'

Such a reaction confirmed it more than anything.

Without much delay, Kaldrach's office appeared before us.

While not overly ornate for an imperial prince, the large wooden door exuded an intimidating presence.

"Prince Kaldrach, we've brought Yulian!"

Upon a prompt to enter, a Wedge began opening the door.

Creak──!

With an uneasy sound, the interior came into view.

There were bookshelves and a desk, suitable for official work and not much else.

"You've arrived? It took a bit longer than I expected."

Kaldrach commented, examining the restraints on my hands.

"So, Yulian, how was the short stay at the Northern Front's prison? You've only ever thrown people in there, never ventured in yourself before, right?"

"It wasn't bad, empire's Sun, thanks to your grace, I assume."

"Haha, you still have a sharp tongue-even in such a state."

Kaldrach began laughing, referencing the sight of my handcuff-laden form, and I casually shrugged in response.

"Indeed, as you mentioned, being in 'such a state' is quite a shame. Who would believe me to be the 'Blind Eyes' Yulian?"

While curious about this guy, prioritizing 'a resolution' came first.

With a wide grin, I continued speaking.

"Nonetheless, it's understandable."

Kaldrach and the Wedge Knights all showed keen interest.

"With cumbersome restraints like these, should something unexpected occur, the Wedge Knights might be able to 'subdue' me."

After delivering a sweeping glance at Kaldrach and the Wedge Knights, the previously aggressive one grew a deep shade of red.

'At least he's quick-witted.'

Even with 'handcuffs', they couldn't stop me.

Below me, they couldn't even reach my feet. That's what my words implied.

Unable to hold back, he finally burst out.

"How dare you speak so insolently before Prince Kaldrach...!"

Whizz──!

In an instant, I reached out, grabbed the approaching bastard by the neck, twisted him, and toppled him to the ground.

Clink.

Simultaneously, the length of chain connecting my handcuffs was placed around his neck.

"Oops, seems like I made a slip of the tongue."

I declared with a smirk full of sarcasm.

"It's the same even with these handcuffs on."

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