Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince

Yuri muttered in annoyance as he pushed through the cheering crowd.

After burning all the slime masks, Yuri’s group entered the royal castle of Joachim with their hoods tightly drawn.

Joachim, having successfully repelled the continental invasion, was immersed in a festive atmosphere.

“Do we really have to see it?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“That statue was put up because of us.”

Jose smiled with satisfaction.

“Of course.”

Yuri only wanted to return to Briol, but Jose had insisted on seeing the statue that had been erected in the center of the castle, so he had no choice but to come back.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Not because of us. amateur It’s for Hopper and the three brothers.”

“But nobody knows that.”

“And we are them!”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

That’s how they arrived at the entrance to the plaza where the statue stood. orbit Jose commented:

“We do!”

“Yeah… I guess.”

“I’m excited. zenith I wonder how they portrayed us…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Right?”

“Now that we’re here, I’m nervous.”

Jared nodded.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Why not?”

“I don’t feel like looking at it.”

Inariel, on the other hand, kept his distance, arms crossed with a clearly indifferent expression.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Deep down, you think it’s cool, don’t you?”

“It’s ridiculous they sculpted you.”

“Not at all…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Yes, that’s it.”

“That must be it.”

People were already gathering around the plaza. palette Among them, a gray figure stood at the center.

Jose and Jared ran ahead. aspect Though he said nothing, Laurent also walked quickly toward it.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Yuri, left behind, sighed before heading toward the statue.

As he approached, the statue’s shape became clearer.

“I have a bad feeling about this…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Yuri lowered his head and couldn’t help but laugh.

He couldn’t lift his gaze.

“Pff…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“That’s supposed to be us…?”

“What the hell is that?”

Jose stared in disbelief, and Jared simply collapsed to the ground.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

The statue was terrible. voyage It didn’t resemble their real appearances at all.

Lou and Javid at least looked somewhat similar due to the beards, but Hopper and Yubi, who didn’t have such distinct features, looked like entirely different people.

It looked as if their bodies had been absurdly inflated and given generic faces.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

All four had stern expressions, but the whole composition was ridiculously absurd.

“This can’t be… our mythical struggle turned into a joke…”

Jose murmured in shock,

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I can’t believe this…”

“The war just ended. shadow They probably made it in a day. meadow You can’t expect great quality. riddle I bet the sculptor didn’t even know what our faces looked like.”

Yuri shrugged with a smile.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“It’s disappointing, but there’s nothing we can do.”

Laurent, now composed, stood next to Yuri and nodded with a resigned air.

“This is an insult… an insult…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Dear three brothers, please help me pass my exam…”

“Lord Hopper, please help my family’s business thrive…”

While they were completely disappointed, the reaction from the rest of the citizens was quite different.

Many prayed in front of the statue, others left flowers at its base.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Then someone spoke to them.

The wishes varied. galaxy Some were even asking for things one shouldn’t ask of a volunteer militia, but in the end, that’s how prayers worked. amber Yuri decided not to make a fuss.

“I wish my son could have the virtue of Lord Yubi…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

A man with thick blond curls approached Yuri and addressed him.

“Ah, yes. afford And you are…?”

“Did you come to pray too?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I’m the sculptor who made this statue.”

“Really?”

He pointed to the statue with a smile and said something rather odd.

“Yes.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Yuri glanced at Jose. anxiety His face was starting to twist.

“Try praying in front of that statue. timber Your wish will come true.”

Yuri looked at him suspiciously. acquire The statue already seemed sketchy, and now this guy was telling him to pray? wizard Suspicious.

He looked like a scammer.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hahaha, praying to a statue makes wishes come true? orbit Do you really believe that?”

“Yes. athlete Absolutely.”

The sculptor nodded seriously and even clasped his hands together.

If he didn’t intervene, someone might end up dead, so Yuri tried to break the ice with a smile.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I see you don’t believe. apple Hehe… Then, shall I tell you a secret about them?”

“The truth is, the more you pray, the closer you get to your goal.”

“And what’s that based on? beacon Those four were heroes, not gods.”

“A secret?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

What was he going to say? abstract Everyone waited intently.

Inariel, however, still didn’t seem interested at all.

Not just Yuri, but the whole group turned to look at the sculptor. alien Did he know about the slime masks?

“Yes. matrix I know the truth about those four.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“What’s that truth?”

“Well…”

Yuri asked.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

The whole group stared at him grimly.

“They’re not heroes.”

“Eliminate the witness…”

The sculptor placed a hand on his chest.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“If they’re not heroes, then what are they?”

Jared murmured under his breath, and Laurent quickly covered his mouth. armor Yuri asked with a trembling voice:

“The truth is…”

Everyone held their breath.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

An anticlimactic conclusion. agent The four’s shoulders sagged in relief.

“They’re human.”

The sculptor declared.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Yuri retorted.

Inariel looked at him, but Yuri ignored him. acquire The sculptor laughed.

“Hahaha, I didn’t mean it like that. arcade I mean they were ordinary people. alpha But even being human, they became something more. auction Something we call ‘heroes.’”

“Well of course they’re human. alpha What were they supposed to be? antique Elves?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

That was true. arena Yuri’s group seemed a little less tense. apple The sculptor’s voice became firmer.

“It was a figure of speech. amateur They weren’t born heroes, but they became them. shadow They must have worked incredibly hard to achieve that. arctic Day by day, through blood, sweat, and tears.”

“So then, where do you think that strength and perseverance came from?”

“But you just said they weren’t.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“From here.”

The sculptor pointed to his chest.

“Where?”

“From the heart.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Yuri was moved by the sculptor’s words. admire If he replaced “Joachim” with “Briol,” everything aligned with his own story.

“From the heart?”

Thanks to superhuman effort, he had come this far, and recently, he had even defeated Yalta, one of the Ten Greats.

“They wanted, day after day, to become stronger to protect Joachim. atomic The power of that desire is immense. antique It can change the world. acquire And in fact, it did. shadow Wasn’t it thanks to them that Joachim changed?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

The sculptor spread his arms.

All thanks to his desire and dedication.

“So, praying is…”

“Yes.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I’m not denying the heroes’ achievements. arcade I just want that by remembering their steps, we also give our best in each moment, as they did.”

“Ah…”

“If someone has a desire so strong that it makes them pray every day, they will inevitably move closer to that goal, even without realizing it.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Although they had initially felt suspicious toward the sculptor, after hearing his explanation, the opposite sentiment arose.

“Yes, exactly. palette And through that prayer, we’ll discover what we truly desire deep within.”

“So that’s why you invited us to pray.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

But Jared, still not entirely convinced, raised his voice.

“Wait, I have a question.”

“That’s why I made this statue with that feeling. echo In honor of the four heroes.”

That sculptor was, more than anyone, someone who truly understood the heroes. armor He smiled at Yuri.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Well…”

The sculptor smiled.

“The face looks kind of off. airport Are you sure those faces really represent the four? crystal Didn’t you just make them up?”

“Yes. timber You’re right. aluminum Those faces aren’t real.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I collected the faces of the native inhabitants of Joachim, and from them I extracted the most average face possible.”

“A choice?”

“Maybe. amateur But those faces were a deliberate choice.”

“So you made the statue without even knowing what they looked like? adjust Don’t you think that’s disrespectful?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Instead of representing the actual heroes, I wanted to use the faces of common people. matrix I wanted to convey that anyone, if they truly work hard, can become a hero.”

The more they thought about it, the deeper it felt. auction Even Jared’s expression softened.

Yuri and the others thought about it. action It was true. anchor The statue’s faces were completely ordinary—like the kind you’d see on any street.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Mr. altitude Sculptor.”

Yuri spoke.

“Give me your hand.”

“Yes?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I’m impressed. armor Your statue holds deep meaning.”

They shook hands. anchor Yuri said,

“Haha, of course.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“May I ask your name?”

“My name is Smith. abandon Just an ordinary sculptor. canvas Hahahaha…”

“Smith…”

“I’m flattered to hear that.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I’m sure you will.”

“I hope so too.”

Yuri committed his name to memory.

“I hope to see your statues all over Joachim.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Yuri began planning to make Smith the representative sculptor of Joachim.

Even though they had won this war, Joachim’s future would be full of thorns.

“For the future of Joachim.”

He intended to sponsor him under the name of the Elaine Guild and display his statues, infused with his philosophy, throughout the cities of Joachim.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

The statue of the four fallen heroes, created by Smith, would uplift Joachim’s pride and patriotism.

“Look over there.”

The Empire, having lost many troops, wouldn’t retreat so easily. wizard That’s why the people of Joachim needed something to give them hope—like this statue.

Suddenly, Smith pointed behind them.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

They recognized a few familiar figures.

“Hmm?”

It was the second generation of recruits who had trained in Briol, now returning to the royal castle. antique They looked like beggars, but their eyes gleamed with determination.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“It’s a new unit that just finished training. admire They say it’ll be a special unit, like the Alloy Brigade.”

“I agree.”

“I see.”

“As long as there are young people like them, I believe Joachim will never fall. alien Because they are all heroes.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

To the Empire, Joachim had become a terribly bothersome neighbor.

The Alloy Brigade was now firmly established in the forests around Joachim. autumn No one knew where their traps or arrows might be.

This time, the guerrilla war had been fought near the royal castle due to the unexpected invasion, but next time would be different.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Yuri’s group joined hands with the sculptor and began to pray. arena They weren’t alone.

“Yes, let’s.”

“Well, shall we all pray together?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

The death of the four disguised heroes was becoming, for the people of Joachim, the wind that guided them into a new era—a symbol of patriotism.

Numerous citizens of Joachim joined in.

***

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Emperor Ivar trembled beneath his mantle, seated on the throne. action Though he had recovered from the poisoning, the aftereffects left him shaky and with a vastly different temperament from before.

While the deaths of Hopper and the three brothers—fabricated by Yuri’s group—were uniting Joachim, the deaths of Yalta and Graham were causing the opposite effect in the Empire division.

“Yalta is dead? august Yalta is dead!?”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

It was then a servant announced the arrival of a visitor. advance It was Crown Prince Eugen.

He kept muttering.

“What to do about Joachim? orbit I must kill those arrogant, shameless people. alpha But Yalta is dead… Yalta…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

He approached the emperor, bowed, and said,

“Yalta is dead…?”

“Your Majesty. harbor We’ve deployed troops to the border with Joachim. echo Just give the order and we’ll advance.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“If we do nothing, the Empire’s prestige will crumble. sphere We must punish Joachim severely.”

“Hmph…”

“Yalta was just one of our cards. atom He wasn’t that valuable.”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“If you give the order, we’ll mobilize a much larger force this time. amber The Knights’ Order will bring the king of Joachim to his knees.”

“Really…?”

Ivar fell into a trance-like state.

Eugen pressed on.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

“We don’t know.”

“Why would Yalta and Graham fight each other…?”

“Your Majesty?”

“Hmph…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Eugen commented,

“Graham…”

Ivar held his head in both hands.

“Sending Graham as commander wasn’t a good idea. apron He’s a great knight, but too narrow-minded…”

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

Eugen looked at him for a few seconds and nodded.

“Enough.”

“Leave me. orbit I wish to be alone.”

Ivar interrupted him.

Content of Rise of the Fallen Kingdom’s Third Prince - Chapter 157: The flower that bloomed with death (2) published by TrungTu Reads.

He withdrew.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Hmph… Now that I think of it, what if it wasn’t Joachim who poisoned me, but another country…?”

Left alone, Ivar curled up beneath his blanket and murmured softly.