SPMG Chapter 15

Posted by Elena, Released on August 2, 2025

The First Prince of the Ludenha Empire, Licht Glacies Ludenha, had awakened from his curse.

The news that came from the Magic Tower to the Imperial Palace quickly spread through the capital and across the entire empire.

The citizens, who had long awaited the prince’s awakening, raised their glasses in joyful celebration. The capital was filled with flowers and decorations in preparation to welcome him.

He had always been the one to stand at the forefront of battle against the black mages known as the Apostles. When news spread that he had been cursed, many shut their doors in sorrow and dressed in black as if in mourning.

Though some tried to stop them, saying he wasn’t dead yet, the gloom had only slightly lifted.

Years passed, and even the Archmage, Duke Meliz, couldn’t find a solution. Most people had begun to lose hope. And then, unexpectedly, the news came. A week had passed since, and the capital had become a place of daily celebration.

“The Apostle’s power must’ve weakened!”

“That’s right! His Highness’s overwhelming power must’ve overcome the curse!”

“Cheers! Let’s drink to that!”

“Cheers!!”

Enya raised her glass of orange juice high in imitation of her father, who was happily lifting his beer mug.

Since the news broke that the prince had awakened, her father—who ran a tavern—had been drinking so much it was hard to tell if he was celebrating or working.

But it wasn’t just her father. The fruit vendor next door, the cobbler across the street—everyone was smiling every day. Watching them lifted even Enya’s spirits.

“Hehe.”

She was only just past ten years old, but even Enya knew how great the prince was. She understood why her father was so happy. When the Apostles first appeared, it was commoners like her family who suffered most—especially those outside the capital.

Her father had a cousin who lived far away, so they’d heard the news quickly: outer villages were under attack, and local nobles weren’t protecting the people. Soon, the entire village where her cousin lived was wiped out.

Her father cried over drinks that night, just like when her mother had passed away.

“One more toast for His Highness!!”

“Let’s welcome him properly!!”

“Cheers again!!!”

The one who had ridden out to save the people, when they could do nothing but cry, was none other than Prince Licht and his knight order. Even commoners knew that the Emperor hadn’t wanted to send his son to the front lines.

But the prince had ignored the Emperor’s wishes to protect the people. Even young Enya knew this.

Now that he had awakened, Enya was so happy that she clinked her juice glass beside her father’s and drank deeply.

“Oh, right!”

She suddenly remembered—today she was supposed to pick wild raspberries with Emily on the hill.

“Dad! I’m going out with Emily!”

“Hahaha!”

“Ugh, seriously, Dad! Don’t drink too much!”

Her father, already drunk from drinking since early morning, didn’t seem to hear her. With a sigh, Enya grabbed her daily bag and ran outside.

The area near the market was still bustling, with people chatting or grabbing food from stalls even past lunchtime.

Emily’s house was about a five-minute walk away. Enya waited for a cart to pass, then hurried across the street.

“Ouch!”

Thump.

“Ah… my bag…”

A passerby suddenly bumped into her, and her bag fell, spilling its contents.

She wanted to yell at them, but the tall figure had already disappeared down the street. They wore a dark brown cloak pulled low—clearly a messenger in a hurry.

“Ugh! I can’t even chase them!”

Brushing dirt off her skirt, Enya picked up her things and slung her bag back on. Honestly, this wasn’t a big deal. She’d rolled around worse during play-fights.

And more importantly—

“His Highness is awake now!”

Soon, the prince would arrive in the capital, and the welcoming festival would be grand. If she was lucky, maybe she’d see him walking around.

Excitement lit up her face. Chanting “He’s awake!” like a magic spell, she ran off again, full of anticipation.

While the capital buzzed with festive cheer, the mood inside the Empress’s palace was frigid as ice.

The maids of the Empress’s court tiptoed silently, afraid her hysteria might flare up again.

Rumors had already spread that one maid had fainted under a whipping during the past week while attending to her meals.

Though no one dared say it aloud, everyone knew: the Empress was not pleased about the prince’s awakening.

One of the few people who could approach her, Lady Berenza, was now walking to the reception room with news from a courier.

When she entered, the Empress was sitting in a daze, holding a cold teacup.

Normally filled with sunlight, the room was now cloaked in gloom—heavy blackout curtains drawn tight at the Empress’s command.

“Your Majesty.”

“……”

“They say he arrived at the capital gate an hour ago.”

“I see.”

Grit. A sound of grinding teeth followed.

“So in the end, he survived and returned. Persistent bastard.”

Such words would’ve caused an uproar if anyone from the central palace had heard them. But as the mistress of this palace, Empress Ellicia had no need to watch her tongue here. No one would dare leak her words.

Her pale face trembled slightly as she sipped her tea.

Just when she thought it was over, everything fell apart at the last moment. A deep fury began to boil inside her.

“Another opportunity will come. We just need to wait for the right time.”

“I thought I had waited long enough.”

Her expression darkened. Lady Berenza quickly moved closer—fearing she might throw her teacup in another fit of rage. With the prince soon arriving at the palace, they couldn’t let her be seen in such disarray.

It was not the time to show her displeasure. And there wasn’t enough time for her to fix her appearance again. Lady Berenza cautiously soothed her.

“Your Majesty, it’s time to go.”

“Berenza.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

The Empress steadied her trembling hands and gently placed the teacup down.

“I must meet with my father soon.”

If only she had ended the First Prince then and there, things would’ve been much easier. But now, the situation had become more complicated. She began reviewing the situation.

The leader of the Apostles, Deus, was still missing, but his disciple had said it wouldn’t be long before he recovered.

That meant she would soon be able to use the Apostle faction again. She recalled the noble factions she had carefully cultivated and began revising her plan.

“I need to read the atmosphere carefully.”

Since the prince fell into slumber, Marquis Caion had consolidated support for Second Prince Kaiden. With Licht unconscious, it had been easy to sway nobles to their side.

“Now that the prince has awakened, there must be many in confusion.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll summon them to the Empress’s Palace shortly.”

“I can’t just sit back and watch it all unfold.”

The Empress thought of her gentle son, Second Prince Kaiden. Despite her efforts, Kaiden had shown little interest in becoming Crown Prince.

But power could change people. If he ascended from second prince to Crown Prince and then Emperor, he would come to understand why she had worked so hard.

“Where is Kaiden?”

“He left for the palace gate when he heard His Majesty was there.”

She laughed. Her son, running off ahead before the guest of honor even arrived. Who knew why—he was always like that, soft-hearted and impulsive.

“He even used to admire that brother of his.”

No matter. She could be the one to handle the cruelty and cold calculation. Thankfully, Kaiden was an obedient, good son.

A warm heart wasn’t a flaw in a ruler. Kaiden had the makings of a benevolent king. And if not, she would make him one. The Empress was prepared to do whatever it took for her son.