Chapter 006: Winning Over Them?

Francis’s expression also turned extremely ugly, but as he was after all part of the Crown Prince’s faction, he couldn’t say much and could only frown in frustration.
When the situation stabilized again, the Crown Prince glanced at Anthony and said indifferently, “Lord Anthony, I wonder what brings you here again?”
Anthony smiled and replied, “Actually, it’s nothing serious. But I sensed that some reckless individuals were about to attack Prince Fischer. Prince Fischer is my pope’s adopted son, so of course I had to come and check things out.”
“I see…” The Crown Prince looked surprised. “So someone tried to attack my brother? Who could be that bold! If I find out who it is, I’ll destroy their entire family!”
At these words, the Crown Prince swung his long sword sharply, and with a loud crash, a blast of combat energy struck the ground, creating a deep pit. This move clearly showed that the Crown Prince was highly skilled in combat.
Then, he glanced around with a concerned expression and asked, “So, where’s my brother? How is he now?”
His behavior seemed as if he wasn’t the one who sent those people earlier…
Du Fan snorted and muttered, “A thick-skinned and heartless guy…”
Prince Fischer sneered beside Du Fan and said, “Du Fan, I completely agree with your assessment… He’s just that kind of person—thinking he’s smart. Hmph, thinking he’s outsmarted everyone? He’s almost bringing shame to the royal family!”
Though he said that, Prince Fischer still shook his head, gave a gesture to the court mages around him, and after they cleared a path, he slowly stepped forward, stood in front of the crowd, and gave the Crown Prince a deep look before saying, “Elder brother… It’s been so long!”
When the Crown Prince saw Prince Fischer emerging from the crowd, unharmed, his face suddenly showed relief. He said, “Brother, I’m glad you’re fine. I was worried that those who attacked you might have hurt you even slightly! But don’t worry. Since I’m in charge of the imperial guards, I’ll definitely uncover the truth and bring justice to you.”
Yet, Du Fan still noticed the hint of helplessness in the Crown Prince’s eyes.

Hearing the words of the eldest prince, Prince Fischer merely sneered and said, “Elder brother… I will naturally investigate things to find out what’s really going on. If I can figure it out, there’s no need to trouble you. Also, in the future, please keep your men in check. Otherwise, people might think it’s you who’s targeting me! It’s not good to be misunderstood!”
The eldest prince laughed heartily and said, “My dear brother, you’re teasing me again!”
Prince Fischer replied calmly, “I wouldn’t dare!”
Upon hearing this, anger flashed in the eldest prince’s eyes. Though he couldn’t kill his brother in front of the Holy Church, he knew well that his shrewd brother wouldn’t go to war with him now…
With that thought, the eldest prince sneered inwardly before slowly reaching behind him and making a gesture!
Then a loud shout came from among the secret guards: “Dare you! Fischer… How dare you speak to your elder brother like this? Don’t you know that just for this, I can have your father charge you with treason?”
As these words were spoken, the secret guards stepped aside, revealing a man on a horse emerging.
This man resembled Prince Fischer only to some extent. Though he was also clad in armor, it couldn’t hide his bulky figure. His once handsome appearance was now ruined by his obesity, making him look like a fat pig.
This fat pig rode on his horse, holding a spiked club, and pointed at Prince Fischer, saying slowly, “Fischer, your audacity is growing by the day!”
Prince Fischer glanced at him with a hint of mockery in his eyes, but still bowed slightly and said, “Second brother…”
This pig-like knight was none other than the second son of the current emperor, the Second Prince.
It seemed the Second Prince had always known his chances of inheriting the throne were zero, so he had no interest in it at all. He only wanted to be a comfortable prince, which was why he had always sided with the eldest prince.
The Second Prince appearing now was obviously under the eldest prince’s orders. Seeing Prince Fischer bowing before him, he couldn’t help but sneer inwardly—So even you, you little scoundrel, can look this humbled!?
He stared at Prince Fischer and waved his spiked club, saying disdainfully, “Fischer, aren’t you going to apologize to your elder brother?”

Prince Fische smiled slightly and said, “Whether this apology should be given or not for now is aside, but second brother, I do want to ask you a question. Why was I attacked here, while you and first brother appeared fully armed with so many people? Judging from the number of these secret guards, there must be over a thousand of them, right? First brother, why didn’t you keep these secret guards in the palace and bring them all out? Also… looking at the number of flags behind, it seems the Imperial City Guard has also brought tens of thousands of troops. It seems my two brothers really care about me and have brought so many people to save me out of concern for my safety!”
The second prince was stunned and momentarily speechless. He glanced at the first prince, not knowing how to continue.
The first prince cursed him in his heart for being foolish but still smiled and said, “Brother, to be honest, I really didn’t know you were here. I only sensed a presence of a Saint-level aura outside the capital. Since I am in charge of the Imperial City Guard, I naturally had to come and check it out.”
Prince Fische smiled slightly and said, “I see.”
The first prince also smiled faintly. He looked around again and said, “Where is Alva? If I remember correctly, Alva should be protecting you closely. Why can’t I see him now? It seems he’s neglecting his duties. When I return, I must ask our father to punish him for his negligence!”
Prince Fische shook his head and said, “Alva is still alive, but he’s in danger right now as he tried to save me.”
The first prince sighed and said, “I see…” Then he glanced at Prince Fische again. “But brother, if I remember correctly, you can’t use magic or combat energy. How did you manage to escape on your own?”
A strange glint appeared in Prince Fische’s eyes, but he still pointed at Du Fan behind him and said, “I owe this to Lord Du Fan… If not for him, I would likely have died right there.”
“I see,” the first prince nodded. “Du Fan? Is he the one who killed Aldas? Truly, heroes often emerge from youth!”
At that moment, the first prince’s gaze fell on Du Fan.
Du Fan smiled bitterly in his heart and said, “I dare not.”
The first prince laughed heartily and said, “You saved my brother, so I really want to thank you. But I don’t have anything valuable with me right now. Well… this Sacred Radiance Staff is quite good, so I’ll give it to you…”

With that said, the crown prince pointed slightly at the Holy Radiance Staff still embedded in the ground. Instantly, the sacred artifact flew up and landed in Du Fan’s presence. Du Fan sighed, met the crown prince’s gaze, and could only force a bitter smile as he said, “Then I have no choice but to obey!” How could he refuse under these circumstances? And how could he even think of refusing? But having such a sacred artifact in his hands would surely bring great trouble! After all, his strength was only at level five. If others learned that a level-five mage possessed a sacred artifact like the Holy Radiance Staff, wouldn’t they try to seize it? It seemed the crown prince was likely aware of Du Fan’s earlier solo fight against Ampere. Since he couldn’t simply eliminate Du Fan, he had to resort to this method! This was what they meant by “a man without fault bears the blame for possessing treasure”… Seeing Du Fan put away the sacred artifact, a hint of sarcasm appeared in the crown prince’s eyes. He was about to say something when someone rushed over to him and whispered something in his ear. In an instant, the crown prince’s expression became very strange, but he still nodded and said, “I understand.” Then, he gave Anthony a deep look and said, “Lord Anthony, the Holy Temple Knights of your Sacred Church have arrived. It seems I no longer have anything to do here. I leave my younger brother’s safety in your hands…” With that, the crown prince waved his hand sharply and said, “Let’s withdraw!” Immediately, his army retreated like a tide. At the back of the group, the crown prince suddenly turned to look at Du Fan and said, “I truly admire young heroes like Master Du Fan! If I have time, I will definitely visit Duke Green’s residence… Well then, everyone… please go!” After saying this, the crown prince waved his riding crop and joined the knights. In no time, the once-large group of cavalry had vanished completely. Du Fan watched the crown prince’s retreating figure, pondering his last words, and suddenly felt a bitter smile in his heart. Could it be that the crown prince also intended to win him over?