CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 681: Because Of Me

Princess Vaelra maintained her composure upon hearing Asher’s words, understanding that their relationship was merely that of acquaintances, much like his association with Darissa Camber, the sole heiress of a Marquis Noble Household. That connection, too, was strictly formal.

"My apologies for overstepping, Tenth Sun," she expressed immediately, her voice steady and devoid of any hint of arrogance.

Asher paused for a moment before nodding. He recognized that their current deference stemmed solely from addressing him. Had it been someone else, they might have readily leveraged their royal status to extract information without reservation.

A heavy sigh escaped Asher as he placed his glass down. Ultimately, these were children concerned about their families, yet paradoxically, they hesitated to undertake missions to check on them. Instead, they sought information from their perceived adversary, a detail that spoke volumes about their situation.

‘It appears even the Emperor’s own offspring are wary of him,’ Asher mused, reaching this conclusion as the most logical. He surmised that their reluctance to return home likely stemmed from a fear of facing their father’s potential aggression or frustration directed at them.

As Prince Vaelric and Princess Vaelra, they possessed an intimate understanding of their father, the Emperor, surpassing any external rumors or observations.

"I shall share what you wish to know, simply because I am in a favorable mood. Otherwise, I would have demanded compensation merely for this information," Asher stated casually, crossing his legs in preparation to speak.

"We are grateful, Tenth Sun," Prince Vaelric responded, his voice firm as he acknowledged the offering.

"However, how can you be certain that what I tell you is the truth and not a fabrication designed to deceive you both?" Asher inquired, genuinely curious about their willingness to blindly trust his words without verification.

"While we may not be friends, Tenth Sun, we have a certain understanding of your character," the Princess replied, a faint smile gracing her lips, her conviction in her judgment apparent.

"Furthermore, your asking such a question implies you intend to be truthful. One planning deceit would not voice such a query," the Prince added, bolstering her point with his own logic.

Asher remained silent for a beat, then declared, "You may proceed with your first question." His tone reverted to its characteristic indifference as he yielded the floor.

"Is our father, the Emperor, still alive?" Prince Vaelric posed the question, the most crucial one for him and his sister, weighing heavily on their minds.

Rumors had offered no confirmation regarding their father’s status, though they had at least ascertained Duke Azaron’s well-being. Had the Duke not been alive and well, Asher would not have returned to the Star Academy, and the Ninth Sun, Thalric, would have already departed for the Wargrave territory.

"He is alive and in perfect health," Asher answered without hesitation. Although he had not personally seen the Emperor, the monarch would not be arranging a meeting if he were on his deathbed or gravely injured. Moreover, as the Emperor, he undoubtedly had Crownstar Life Rank healers readily available.

Upon hearing Asher’s confirmation, the Royal Twins exhaled in unison, as if a tremendous burden had been lifted from their shoulders.

"If it is not a secret, may we know the cause of the war?" Princess Vaelra inquired delicately, conscious that the information might be sensitive or deliberately withheld.

"It was because of me," Asher stated plainly. "I am the reason the war began," he added, his voice calm as if recounting an insignificant detail.

The Royal Twins sat, momentarily stunned, their minds racing to grasp how Asher, supposedly on a mission, could have been the catalyst for a war within the Empire.

Observing their bewilderment, Asher began his explanation. He recounted the events chronologically, detailing the Emperor’s Mind Manipulation ability, the subsequent battles and their outcomes, the widespread use of artifacts by Noble Households to scrutinize their minds, and finally, the former Emperor’s intervention to protect the current one.

Asher omitted nothing, for there was truly nothing to conceal. He made it unequivocally clear that the Emperor’s image had been severely damaged, his reputation tarnished in a manner that would prove exceptionally difficult to repair.

"This morning, prior to my return, a meeting was convened at the Wargrave Estate, gathering all Noble Households and the Emperor. The agenda was unknown to me, and frankly, irrelevant to my immediate concerns, so I departed without seeking details," Asher stated, concluding his explanation. He proceeded to pour himself another glass of juice, draining it as if his throat were parched from the discussion.

Vaelra and Vaelric listened, utterly dumbfounded, struggling to process his words. The gravity of the situation prevented them from questioning whether Asher was jesting; his demeanor had never suggested a capacity for lightheartedness, especially on matters of such significance.

Prince Vaelric, his composure visibly faltering, reached for a glass of wine, perhaps seeking solace from the weight of Asher's revelation.

Asher remained silent, his gaze fixed upon the Royal Twins. He had often pondered if either of them, or perhaps both, possessed a latent second or even third ability. After all, both the current Emperor and the former Emperor exhibited unique second abilities, hinting at an evolving royal bloodline.

However, Asher understood that mere observation or direct inquiry would not yield the answers he sought. He knew they wouldn't confide in him easily.

"Do you have any questions?" Asher finally inquired, his voice slicing through the palpable silence and shock that had enveloped the room.

Vaelra and Vaelric offered no response. They genuinely had no further questions. Asher's account was too comprehensive, leaving no room for doubt and only the stark reality to confront.

‘So, even Father was defeated by the Duke of the Wargraves and had to be rescued by Grandpa,’ Prince Vaelric mused inwardly, the profound realization dawning upon him.

"Thank you for your time, Tenth Sun. I shall not forget this kindness," Princess Vaelra declared, rising from her seat. Her intention was clear: to retreat to her chambers and process the information received.

Prince Vaelric also stood. Asher simply nodded and escorted them to the door. Princess Vaelra exited swiftly, clearly eager to leave. Prince Vaelric, however, paused at the threshold, turning back to Asher.

"How does one become your friend, Tenth Sun?" he asked, his tone remarkably sincere, conveying a genuine desire to know.

Asher paused, taken aback by the unexpected question. Nevertheless, his response came without hesitation. "I don't have specific requirements for friendship, but if I were to have one, I suppose it would be having good character, or being a good person in general," he replied with his usual calm.

The Prince remained silent for a moment before nodding. He then closed the door behind him, his voice trailing off, "Thank you for your time, Tenth Sun."

Had the former Emperor, Cyrvexis Lux Vanthelmor, witnessed his grandson's current state, he would undoubtedly have been beaming. He might have even proposed that Emperor Zolthemir abdicate in favor of his remarkably capable grandson.

Asher, for his part, simply shook his head and returned to his living room. He resumed his relaxed posture, sipping his juice, his expression reverting to its characteristic tranquil indifference.

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