I Became the Youngest Prince in the Novel

TL/Editor: raei

Status: ongoing

Illustrations: none

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The Agnes Empire, which ruled the world, was home to countless nobles befitting its vast size.

These nobles formed numerous factions based on their beliefs and interests - the Imperial faction, the Neutral faction, the Noble faction, and many others - and acted accordingly.

Among these factions, the Noble faction led by Radiant House Arcline wielded the most formidable power and influence.

Unlike other Great Houses that kept their distance from other nobles in pursuit of dignity, Arcline actively drew nobles under their wing and led them. As a result, the current head of House Arcline reigned as the undisputed leader of the Noble faction.

Inside House Arcline's grand meeting hall-

"I'm sure everyone here has heard about the coronation ceremony taking place in a week?" asked the middle-aged man with an elegantly groomed brown beard who sat at the head of the table, addressing the Noble faction's leaders gathered before him.

His name was Lupelt Arcline, the head of Radiant House.

"Indeed. Now that the next emperor has been decided, shouldn't we begin making our moves as well?" replied a noble with a goatee seated beside him, nodding in agreement.

"Though it's somewhat troubling that the most difficult person to handle is becoming emperor... we have no choice in the matter."

Sixth Prince Zion Agnes was the last person the Noble faction wanted as emperor, which was why they had broken precedent to lend some support to Fifth Princess Diana. Yet despite this, Prince Zion had overwhelmed all other imperial candidates to claim the throne.

"It shouldn't matter too much. Whoever becomes emperor will find it difficult to ignore our voices."

While the emperor who ruled the empire wielded tremendous power, the nobles' influence was not insignificant. Those who wished to rule needed supporters beneath them - this was simply how things worked.

Because of this, a delicate balance of power had been maintained between emperor and nobles within the empire, though admittedly tilted in the emperor's favor.

"Prince Zion likely won't turn his back on all of us either. Doing so would make his reign quite troublesome."

The Noble faction simply needed to maximize their benefits while maintaining this balance of power.

Negotiation and transactions - these were how the Noble faction had pledged their loyalty to emperors until now, and they had no intention of changing their methods.

"Still, I'm worried," spoke up one noble who had remained silent until then, anxiety clear in his shifting gaze.

"Prince Zion is different from anyone we've ever dealt with before. Everyone here knows what he's accomplished so far."

He vividly remembered Prince Zion declaring war on the demon realm at the World Conference, and the scene of slaughter that followed still sent chills down his spine just thinking about it.

That mysterious charisma coupled with an unfathomable ominousness - it had firmly planted the thought in his mind that Prince Zion must never be crossed.

Several other nobles nodded in agreement, showing similar concerns.

However-

"There's no need to worry so much," Lupelt said, his smile unwavering despite the nobles' reactions.

"Not only do we control significant forces within the empire... Prince Zion won't want to cause problems during times like these."

The great war was approaching rapidly. Creating internal friction within the empire at such a time would be suicidal.

"If we make reasonable demands without crossing any lines, he'll likely grant most of them."

Of course, those demands would include turning a blind eye to the massive corruption they had engaged in and would continue to engage in.

"Just as the previous emperor did."

After tapping the round table a few times as if considering something, Lupelt continued:

"Hmm, I'm thinking we should make one additional demand this time to further cement our position. I welcome any suggestions."

"How about this?" The noble with the goatee beside him immediately spoke up, as if he had been waiting for this opening.

As he continued speaking, a strange light began to fill Lupelt's eyes.

---

The training grounds of Sinking Star Palace.

In the cloudless sky above-

CRACK! CRACKLE!

Countless lightning bolts were striking despite it being broad daylight.

The source of these bolts was-

"I treat practice like real combat! Don't blame me if you die!" Rain shouted fiercely as her spear unleashed an endless barrage.

True to her words, the lightning showed no restraint, each bolt powerful enough to split a small hill.

However-

"That's funny, I was about to say the same thing," Liushina replied, effortlessly avoiding every single bolt.

SCREECH!

With an unpleasant sound, thousands of red lines shot forth, shredding Rain's lightning without leaving a trace.

The blood lines continued extending toward Rain, still carrying excess power.

Just as they were about to reach the spear wielder-

"Did you forget you have two opponents?" Turzan suddenly appeared beside the witch with no warning, throwing a punch he had already charged to maximum power.

It seemed to be a perfect strike at her blind spot, his fist reaching just inches from Liushina's head with no resistance.

But at that moment-

"I think not."

With a chilling smile on her lips-

CRACK!

Dozens of Evil Hand arms burst from empty space, merging into one mass that collided with the giant's fist.

BOOM!

With a sound like heaven and earth being torn apart, Turzan was pushed back.

"I'm... being pushed back?" Mild surprise flickered in his eyes.

"Hah!"

Meanwhile, Rain had avoided all the blood lines and charged straight at Liushina, thrusting her spear in a direct attack.

Liushina glanced at her, reaching out with a hand now stained crimson to catch the incoming spear.

BOOM!

Another massive explosion rang out.

'They've definitely improved,' Zion thought as he watched Liushina's practice match.

Even in just a sparring match, the fact that she could maintain the upper hand while facing two members of the hero's party at once showed she was truly approaching her final form.

While this was good news for Zion, one thing concerned him.

'Is the backlash starting to surface?'

Something dark red was slowly growing stronger in the depths of Liushina's eyes.

Zion knew that the more that thing grew, the more it would eat away at Liushina's reason until she became nothing but a monster driven only by slaughter.

'Might need to suppress it preemptively.'

Just then-

"Master, how about a round with me? It's been a while," Liushina asked cheerfully, having finished her match as she turned to look at Zion.

Everyone's attention naturally shifted to Zion, their gazes filled with anticipation at the prospect of seeing him fight.

Though he would normally decline regardless of such expectations, today he was about to accept when-

"Your Highness." Fredo entered the training grounds, breaking through the noise-canceling and vision-blocking magic barriers as he bowed to Zion.

"What is it?"

"The head of House Arcline wishes to see you."

"Arcline..." Zion murmured softly before giving a slight smile.

"Send him to the reception room."

---

Radiant House Arcline.

True to their name, the Arclines wielded the power of light.

Neither magic nor holy power, but a mysterious light power passed down only through Arcline bloodline.

In the past, this unique power had led to them being called the strongest of the Five Great Houses, but as generations passed their bloodline had thinned. Their power had diminished until now they ranked at the bottom in martial might alongside Silent House.

When power diminishes, a house's standing naturally falls with it.

To revive their house, the previous head of Arcline had made one decisive move.

'That was rebuilding the Noble faction with Arcline at its head.'

With this thought, Zion silently watched the current head of Radiant House drinking coffee before him, his expression unreadable.

"The coffee's aroma is exceptional. Surely the finest I've ever tasted."

Lupelt's face showed genuine satisfaction, matching his words.

Instead of playing along, Zion simply asked:

"Why did you come to see me?"

"Haha, so it's true you prefer getting straight to the point."

As if organizing his thoughts, Lupelt briefly studied his coffee cup before continuing:

"First, congratulations on your coronation. In just a few days you'll officially ascend to the throne."

Zion merely nodded in response.

Looking at him with a strange smile, Lupelt continued in a more secretive tone:

"But Prince Zion, do you know? While the emperor is the world's ruler, he cannot rule alone."

"You're saying he needs people to support him?"

"Exactly. Just as a master needs many servants to attend him. Sometimes the master must show respect to his servants."

Zion watched Arcline's head with unreadable eyes before quietly responding:

"And if the master doesn't respect his servants?"

"Then the servants will leave, and the master will have to do everything alone. Most likely..."

Lupelt's eyes narrowed.

"He'll find it very difficult to protect his territory."

The great war.

He was using the great war to pressure Zion.

"What do you want?"

Zion's eyes remained unreadable as he questioned Lupelt.

Growing more confident at Zion's response, the house head slowly continued:

"Our desires are modest. Just turn a blind eye to our activities, as the previous emperor did. Do this and our loyalty will be yours forever."

Setting down his cup, Lupelt looked at Zion again as if remembering something:

"Ah yes, shouldn't you be considering marriage soon?"

"And?"

"I have a daughter. Not only is she quite beautiful, but she was raised with the finest education in all proper etiquette from childhood. I believe she would make a fitting empress."

"..."

"Of course, I'm not saying you can't take other empresses. For an emperor who must balance the entire empire, having multiple empresses is almost destiny. I simply wish for my daughter to be among them. And..."

"And?"

"I would like you to announce this publicly right after the coronation ceremony. I don't believe this is an unreasonable request."

After silently sipping his tea for a moment, Zion quietly responded:

"...I'll consider it."

'Success.'

Lupelt smiled inwardly.

Such words from Prince Zion's mouth were essentially acceptance.

"Then I look forward to seeing you at the coronation."

Lupelt bowed deeply to Zion, who continued drinking his coffee without another word, then rose and left the reception room.

An obvious smile now adorned his face, as if there was no longer any need to hide it.

But because of this, Lupelt failed to notice.

"Yes, I'll definitely see you at the coronation."

That the same smile played across Zion's lips as he watched Lupelt's retreating back.

And several days later-

ROAR!

Amid countless people gathered from around the world and cheers loud enough to burst eardrums-

The coronation ceremony finally began.

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