Chapter 140: Poison Cleared
Belatedly, Cillian Forrest realized he was being ignored.
’Maybe I shouldn’t have sent her so many contacts all at once.’
’Especially since they were the potential matches I prepared for her before.’
Cillian Forrest stared at the closed door for a moment, then turned to handle his military duties.
But a moment later, Sophie Wexler ran out of her room, communicator in hand, a shocked expression on her face.
"Th-th-this... isn’t this a bit too much?" Sophie Wexler swallowed hard, staring at the Star Coins Evan Adler had transferred to her account.
Cillian Forrest lowered his gaze and saw a long string of numbers displayed.
God knows how shocked Sophie Wexler was when she saw that string of numbers!
She counted it several times, back and forth.
Eight figures!
And this was just the initial soothing fee. There would be more to come. In fact, according to Evan Adler, it wouldn’t just be Star Coins, but Crystal Stones as well.
Sophie Wexler was genuinely blown away by this display of wealth.
"It’s fine," Cillian Forrest said, looking away from the screen. "You’re worth that much."
As The Empire’s only 3S-Level Healer-class, the fee for her services could not possibly be low.
Seeing Sophie Wexler’s still-troubled expression, Cillian Forrest said nonchalantly, "They have plenty of money."
’So there’s no need to worry about them. If they can offer this amount, they definitely believe Sophie Wexler is worth it.’
Upon hearing this, Sophie Wexler was speechless.
’Alright, so this is the world of the rich.’
"I understand."
Over the next few days, Sophie Wexler contacted Evan Adler and the others, helping them soothe their turbulent spiritual power.
She even met other people through Evan Adler and his group—to be precise, soldiers whose Spiritual Seas were tainted with toxins.
Their toxin levels weren’t as high as Cillian Forrest’s and weren’t difficult to clear, so Sophie Wexler helped them all as well.
These past few days, she lived a fulfilling life, constantly depleting her spiritual power, letting it grow back, depleting it again, and letting it grow back again in a repeating cycle.
On this day, Cillian Forrest left early. Before heading out, he told Sophie Wexler, "I have something to take care of. I might not be back for the next two days, so be careful."
Sophie Wexler nodded. "Okay, I will. You should get going."
Cillian Forrest glanced at Sophie Wexler one more time before turning to leave.
’Once the business of the next two days is finished, the overall situation should be settled. Those people won’t be able to cause trouble for much longer.’
Within the Imperial Palace, His Majesty had convened a meeting. The Generals from every military district were present, along with the five elders from the Council of Elders and representatives from other royal institutions. Also in attendance were Shawn Thorne and Shane Thorne.
Cillian Forrest sat in the seat of honor just below His Majesty, his fingertips tapping lightly on the armrest as he watched the people below, each with a different expression.
The man on the main throne spoke in a deep voice, "I am sure you all know why I have summoned you here today."
"Since my ascension to the throne, I have yet to name a successor to the imperial throne of The Empire."
"As you can see, my health has been failing in recent years. That is why I have gathered you all today—to decide on an heir."
As his words fell, the entire conference room became utterly silent. For a moment, everyone’s expression was a mixture of different emotions.
They had, of course, known what this meeting was about before they arrived. But as they looked at the man on the throne, then at the Little Prince beside him, their gazes ultimately landed on Cillian Forrest.
For some time before this, Shane Thorne had been in frequent contact with various factions, making significant moves. That was precisely when Cillian Forrest had been missing and out of contact.
Shane Thorne scanned the people around him. Several of them shot him looks of approval, and a wave of arrogance swelled in his heart. He felt as if victory was already within his grasp.
’It was all thanks to the period when Cillian Forrest was gone. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish so much.’
’It’s just a shame that all the people I planted in The First Corps were rooted out.’
’Failing to be matched with the 3S-Level Healer-class two days ago did set me back a bit, but I managed to persuade Felix York.’
’Several leaders from the subordinate stars are on very good terms with Felix York. As long as Felix sides with me, I’m confident I can win this.’
At that moment, a member of the Council of Elders spoke up. "In that case, as per imperial tradition, we shall conduct an examination of the two candidates. This will cover their knowledge of imperial law, their handling of state affairs... their personal abilities, and their spiritual power, among other aspects."
The Council of Elders then listed the many items to be assessed.
Upon hearing this, His Majesty gave the order: "Begin."
The process was incredibly convoluted. As time ticked by, second by second, every person present wore a solemn expression.
Listening to the items one by one, everyone’s mind was filled with different thoughts.
Normally, the throne of The Empire is hereditary. This kind of election usually only happens when the Royal Family has two or more princes.
However, His Majesty only has one child, Shawn Thorne. In other words, Shawn Thorne should have been the undisputed heir.
But because he was poisoned by a Starbug in his youth and has a frail constitution, a chorus of voices arose, arguing that he was not fit to take on such a great responsibility and strongly demanding that a branch of the Royal Family be allowed to join the election.
And that is the reason for the scene unfolding now.
Shawn Thorne, too, had shed his usual playful demeanor, his face serious. Compared to Shane Thorne, he indeed didn’t seem to have the upper hand.
But Shawn Thorne knew how much effort he had put in for this moment. Although he usually joked around, it was because he didn’t want his father, the Emperor, or the caring members of the Council of Elders to be under constant stress.
He often snuck out to see Cillian Forrest because Cillian was the only one who didn’t treat him like a weak, poisoned prince. With him, Shawn could receive the rigorous training befitting an heir.
How could someone who grew up in the Royal Family, facing so much deceit and intrigue every day, truly be like an ordinary child?
Shawn Thorne knew what he carried on his shoulders, so he could only work twice as hard to be worthy of his station and live up to his father’s expectations.
After the entire examination, the crowd was somewhat surprised by Shawn Thorne’s performance. They hadn’t expected him to be so capable.
And, in a place unseen by the others, Shawn Thorne winked at Cillian Forrest, his expression clearly saying, ’Wasn’t I great? Praise me.’
For the first time during the whole affair, he showed a hint of his youthful spirit.
Judging by everyone’s reactions, it was clear that Shawn Thorne had done very well, not losing out in the slightest. Cillian Forrest gave him a rare, approving glance.
"The final item: a spiritual power test," announced a member of the Council of Elders.
An expression of absolute confidence instantly appeared on Shane Thorne’s face.
’So what if Shawn Thorne’s Level is high? He still has to use a large portion of his spiritual power to suppress the toxin.’
When Shane Thorne finished his test, he was, without a doubt, 3S-Level.
When it was Shawn Thorne’s turn, Shane Thorne’s confident expression began to crack as he saw the test data. "How is this possible!"
The others were shocked as well.
’Weren’t we told that the Little Prince has to use a large portion of his spiritual power just to suppress the Starbug toxin?’
’How could his level still be so high?’
At this moment, a voice slowly drifted over.
"I forgot to inform you all," Cillian Forrest said unhurriedly from his seat, "the Little Prince’s Starbug toxin has already been cleared."