Axel

Chapter 545: The Assassination of the Former Crown Prince

Added 2025-07-05 15:05:01 +0000 UTC

Charlot struck Mrs. Winnie unconscious with a swift knife hand. Fearing she might wake up and cause a commotion, he decisively sealed her inside the Book of Ages.

Upon learning Morgan’s whereabouts, Charlot wasted no time. He vanished from the room, left the prime minister's mansion, and boarded his carriage.

He merely said, “Take me back.” The coachman, well-practiced, guided the carriage toward the intended route. On the way, Charlot noticed Clair Bretagne slipping into another carriage in the same manner. Meanwhile, Ebner Soumet and Andreas Constantine stood guard nearby. Charlot signaled them to follow.

Although Ebner and Andreas were puzzled, they quickly caught up with Charlot. Clair Bretagne, however, was less fortunate. The carriage he had entered began heading back to the prime minister’s mansion. Unable to escape without being noticed, Clair had no choice but to remain inside, knowing the carriage’s original owner had likely met misfortune.

Thanks to the familiarity of the swiftstride horses, Charlot easily reached the residence of Viscount Soren. The property was tranquil, located just outside the city center—a quiet retreat amidst urban bustle.

Charlot alighted from the carriage, still maintaining the viscount's young visage. He entered the residence unimpeded. Ebner and Andreas followed, though their entry methods were far less legitimate.

Inside, Charlot was greeted by a loyal old butler, who smiled and asked, “How was the banquet this evening?”

Charlot ignored the question and instead asked, “Is Crown Prince Morgan asleep?”

The butler blinked in mild surprise. “Of course not,” he replied.

“His Highness never retires early. He’s currently playing Taculo cards, and from the look of it, he might stay up all night.”

Nodding faintly, Charlot made his way deeper into the residence. Here, in "his own home," there were no obstacles. Before long, he reached the room where the former Crown Prince was engrossed in his game.

Morgan Axel was uncharacteristically exuberant, a stark contrast to the last time Charlot had seen him. Confidence radiated from him as he slammed down a snake card and declared, “My card skills are impeccable! Ever since Charlot Mecklenburg created Taculo cards, I’ve mastered them. Though he’s an insufferable jester, his literary talent and flair for games are undeniably remarkable.”

Charlot sighed inwardly, thinking, We may have no personal grievances, but you must die.

What puzzled Charlot, however, was why Bretagne and his son had spared this former crown prince. Despite their familial ties, such a blatant political error was beyond reason.

Just as Charlot was about to make his move, a gunshot rang out.

Morgan Axel’s forehead bore a bullet hole, with red and white matter slowly seeping out. He turned his head slightly toward the source of the shot and murmured, “I told myself... I shouldn’t have returned to be emperor.”

The former crown prince collapsed lifelessly.

In a low voice, Ebner Soumet said, “Lord Wood Brandon ordered us to kill him!”

Recalling Charlot’s prior instructions to pin the blame on the former imperial chancellor, Ebner refrained from revealing himself further. Charlot, meanwhile, produced a stunning woman seemingly out of thin air. They exchanged a few whispered words before the woman vanished again.

Those who had been playing Taculo cards with Morgan turned pale as snow. Their fright only deepened when they saw Winnie Brandon appear. Their suspicions instantly evaporated, and they fled the scene in terror.

Charlot made no move to pursue them. These people were "valuable assets," essential for spreading word that it was Wood Brandon who orchestrated the assassination of the former crown prince.

In fact, Charlot was almost tempted to give them wings to fly across the city, shouting the news.

Charlot left the residence, with Ebner Soumet and Andreas close behind. Ten minutes later, they intercepted Clair Bretagne on the road.

Speaking in a hushed tone, Charlot said, “Let’s lie low at 221B Baker Street, Val-de-Vas District, for a few days and see how things unfold.”

Charlot worried that the assassination had gone too smoothly, suspecting potential complications.

If they remained hidden, they could intervene again if necessary. Charlot’s concerns stemmed from his overexposure to web novels. He couldn’t shake the thought of possibilities like killing a body double or Morgan reviving through some arcane method.

While returning to 221B Baker Street, Charlot “borrowed” goods from a bakery: dozens of loaves of dry bread, cheese, and drinks. He also “acquired” a snake card set from another home. Always mindful, he left payment—even overpaying seven to eight times the value, anticipating future inflation in war-stricken Strasbourg.

The four slipped into the sealed house at 221B Baker Street. By the next day, the streets were abuzz with the city patrol guards and the Royal Knights conducting house-to-house searches.

Ironically, their location—221B, a confiscated property—was never searched. No one would have guessed Charlot would brazenly return to his old home near the royal palace, the most dangerous place in Strasbourg.

Using the Infinite Mirror World, Charlot observed numerous households across the city. Despite staying indoors, he still gleaned ample information.

As rumors spread, chaos erupted: allegations surfaced that Wood Brandon had assassinated Morgan Axel to claim the throne. The scandal sent shockwaves across the empire.

Wood Brandon, incensed, locked himself away. However, under pressure from the Axel family, he maintained the fragile alliance. Meanwhile, the Royal Knights, commanded by the Axel family, combed the city for the assassin.

Charlot patiently waited several days to confirm Morgan’s death before preparing to return to Machubi with Clair, Ebner, and Andreas.

Just as they finalized their departure, alarming news arrived: Antonio had led his forces to besiege Strasbourg.

Overjoyed, Charlot instructed Clair Bretagne to contact his brother-in-law. They were ready to implement the initial plan—coordinating from within and without to seize Fars Empire’s capital.