The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]

One Elven Prince certainly had a lot to pray for. But between twins, some things just had to be shared.

Like how the alleged Elven Crown Prince back in Lumira Galaxy ought to pray for the smooth success of his own carefully laid plans.

Prince Eren lounged comfortably behind his desk, one arm draped over the armrest as if the day itself had decided to behave. The ambient light of Lumira filtered through tall windows, catching on polished surfaces and making everything look far more agreeable than it had any right to be.

Across from him, his aide stood with impeccable posture.

”Your Highness,” Bram said, bowing as he presented the report. ”I have received updates regarding Prince Elior’s remaining schedule.”

”Oh?” Eren replied, tilting his head slightly. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes, the kind that suggested he had been waiting for this. ”Did they change it?”

”Yes, Your Highness.” Bram did not straighten. ”It is exactly as you predicted. Adjustments were made because of that particular booth.”

Eren hummed, clearly pleased.

Bram continued evenly, as though reporting something mundane rather than a disruption affecting an entire imperial event. ”The organizers found it increasingly difficult to maintain crowd control around the area. With the number of attendees lining up, moving an entire entourage along with a full security detail has become... impractical.”

”I see,” Eren said lightly. He tapped a finger against the desk once. ”And the rumors?”

Bram paused only briefly. ”They have been verified, Your Highness. Discussions regarding spiritual relics originating from that booth are spreading rapidly. Interest appears to be escalating rather than waning.”

At that, Eren laughed.

At first, it was a low chuckle, restrained and almost polite. Then it grew, deepening into something sharper. Of course, it sounded pleasant to his own ears. But nonetheless, the sound filled the room, carrying with it the unmistakable satisfaction of someone who believed the board had finally aligned in his favor.

”Good,” he said at last, wiping an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye. ”Very good. The more relics they have, the better.”

He leaned back further, gaze drifting upward as if imagining something delightful. ”With how long it’s been,” he added casually, ”just how famished do you think they are by now?”

Eren smirked at his own words.

He hadn’t thought he would be able to enact this plan, since it had been experimental when they first tried it. But who would have known he was right to assume that if anyone could succeed, it would be his twin.

Tenacious to a fault. And annoyingly stubborn enough to survive anything.

Of course, Eren had never liked how Elior had escaped like a rat, vanishing for so long and refusing to die when it would have been convenient. But in hindsight, that very escape had kept him alive. Kept all of them alive.

Eren had wanted to study what his twin had done differently. If he could isolate the variables, then he’d be able to replicate the success across the other subjects.

But alas, time hadn’t been kind enough to allow that luxury. With the unexpected arrival of the perfect opportunity, they couldn’t possibly miss the moment for further study.

After all, if this succeeded, then there really wouldn’t be much need for the other subjects.

So, considering all this, he decided he didn’t really resent Elior for escaping.

In fact, Eren thought, he should be grateful his twin had lasted this long.

After all, if not him, then who could possibly serve as a better carrier?

Better yet, who could possibly be a more perfect scapegoat?

Eren waved a hand lazily.

Bram straightened at once, awaiting instruction.

”Prepare the trigger,” Eren said with an amused chuckle, eyes gleaming. ”Everyone ought to witness the unboxing of our most thoughtful present.”

__

And what a present it was.

In fact, it was such an interesting gift that one little chipmunk couldn’t help but unbox it far too early, much to the collective horror of everyone present.

Thankfully, there weren’t many people around at the moment. Because if the others had learned what Luca had uncovered, then who exactly would be left to manage the Empire’s most important offices? They had only just returned. Losing all of them in one fell swoop would have been nothing short of catastrophic for the staff who had already begun to fret.

But how had things even reached this point?

Well, it all happened right in the middle of Prince Elior desperately scrambling to explain himself.

”There has never been anyone else!” he blurted out, dropping to his knees so fast Rahil nearly flinched. ”It has always been you. Always! That message was even meant for you!”

Heck, the Elven Prince imagined he’d send the message to her when this expo was over, and he had dealt with whatever Eren was planning. Or in the worst-case scenario, he’d send it after his demise.

After he took that video of them, he figured he would set a verification for it. He’d confirm he was fine every day and adjust the date. But if one day he couldn’t verify his existence, it will be sent to his fiancée automatically.

But what verification?

Who would have thought the entire plan would crumble the very day he came up with it?

Moreover, who cared about getting better when he’d already hurt the reason he wanted to even get better?

The Elven Prince wanted to bow even lower, but he didn’t want to break eye contact. He didn’t want her thinking he was hiding his eyes, his expressions, his emotions. He wanted her to see.

It had already come to this point, and unfortunately, all he could offer at the moment was his utmost sincerity.

In front of him, Princess Kira stood rigid.

Her red hair scattered wildly around her shoulders, blazing like open flame as her anger surged. It looked almost alive, each strand trembling with restrained violence.

Now this was a matter of perspective. Because Rahil was absolutely convinced she was seconds away from gutting them both and possibly rearranging the furniture afterward.

But Prince Elior saw something else entirely.

To him, she looked like she was on the verge of crying. So many unshed tears, but even now, she refused to allow herself to do so.

”I meant everything I said earlier,” Elior said quickly, voice breaking despite his effort to remain composed. ”When I said I wanted to see you, I meant it. That is why I came.”

”Yes, I knew I couldn’t really meet you, but I just wanted a glimpse. Just a glimpse. But I got greedy.”

”I know this really isn’t ideal, and who am I to have any credibility at the moment, but I really meant it when I said I wanted us to have a future together. That I would do whatever it takes to make it happen!”

He had so many things he wanted to say.

While he wanted to blame Eren for everything, this wasn’t simply the fault of his brother.

But then his already small world constricted because while he expected her reaction to be intense, imagination could never really mimic the real thing.

So he didn’t expect his world to crumble with just one word.

”Liar!”