novelnext Chapter 223: Words to Share (3)
Chapter 223: Words to Share (3)
“I have to admit, I was worried when I heard you were coming to see me. But hearing that it’s good news puts my mind at ease; I’m really glad.”
Despite his words, Ketlan didn’t smile. His expression was more like someone preparing for a significant shock.
“First, Your Majesty, brace yourself,” Lucion cautioned.
“But you mentioned it was good news,” Ketlan interjected.
“While it does offer an opportunity to exert pressure on Nevast, the news itself isn’t entirely favorable,” Lucion clarified.
Bethel clenched her hands tightly as she listened to Lucion.
Nevast, Neubra, the Hand of the Void—how on earth would Lucion navigate this chaotic situation?
Just witnessing it made Bethel feel unsettled, and she could only imagine how Lucion must feel.
[Cheer up, Lord Lucion.]
Bethel supported Lucion silently, hoping to keep him focused.
Lucion broached the subject of the Sea of Death.
“Let’s talk about the Sea of Death. May I?”
“Of course. I recall your statement: only a warlock can purify the Sea of Death,” Ketlan acknowledged.
“I’m contemplating enlisting warlocks for the task. When would be convenient for Your Majesty?” Lucion inquired casually, prompting Ketlan to ponder his schedule.
“Wait a moment. Are warlocks readily available?” Ketlan queried.
“No. I was lucky enough to come into contact with them.”
Lucion considered elaborating with a lengthy explanation about how darkness guided them, but thinking about Hume, who would be restless, so he simply explained, “I was lucky.”
‘Since the Great Light Temple is now under the emperor’s control, it’s easy to control them.’
Following the Great Light Temple bombing incident, the temple rejected Nevast’s hand and instead bowed to the imperial family.
“The sooner, the better, Your Majesty.”
“I...” Ketlan paused mid-sentence.
Even thinking about it again was incredible.
How long had it been since they talked about the Sea of Death?
He was overwhelmed by the speed of Hamel’s work.
If only the other ministers could perform as efficiently, Ketlan would have been eager to show his appreciation.
Ketlan spoke with determination.
“I will quickly contact the High Priest and arrange for the purification of the Sea of Death under the pretense of controlling the eastern sea, and I’ll ensure you work with a priest who is tight-lipped.” RΑ????ȎβËs
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Lucion’s voice was very bright.
He was already anticipating how promptly Ketlan, as the emperor, would address matters.
“I hope Your Majesty assigns individuals who can keep secrets. The public’s perception of warlocks is still rather negative.”
“Don’t worry about that; I am the Emperor.”
Ketlan’s voice was laced with pride.
That issue was now settled.
Lucion felt a surge of joy that he wanted to express, but he restrained his emotions and gradually transitioned to the main topic.
“Aren’t Your Majesty curious about the origin of those warlocks?”
“I’d be dishonest if I said I wasn’t curious,” Ketlan expressed his interest with a smile.
“They are from Nevast.”
“You mean a warlock who fled from Nevast? Then, in Nevast, many things...”
“No, Your Majesty. It’s a warlock who was raised in Nevast.”
“...”
The smile on Ketlan’s face faded like a wilting flower.
“What... what did you just say?”
“The warlocks who came to me were raised in Nevast and managed to escape.”
“Wait, why would they be raising warlocks in Nevast?”
At the mention of ‘escape,’ Ketlan’s expression contorted further.
He seemed to be suppressing a strong urge to shout nonsense.
“Your Majesty understands why.”
Lucion said and exhaled softly.
“That makes no sense!” Ketlan erupted.
Bang!
His fist struck the table.
Although his hand trembled, he swiftly regained composure.
“I apologize. I got carried away.”
True to his title, the Emperor swiftly regained his calm demeanor.
No one would suspect that he had been angry just a moment before. Ketlan appeared as composed as ever.
“Nevast is a holy nation. It is home to divine beasts and ruled by those blessed by the light. How could they be associated with warlocks?”
“Your Majesty, this is indeed happening.”
Showing too much power could instill fear in others, including Ketlan.
“I don’t know what you’re planning. I do not doubt you, nor do I harbor any suspicions. If I did, I would not be standing before you now,” Ketlan reassured a visibly anxious Lucion.
“I...”
Lucion hesitated, his words caught in his throat.
Once he uttered these words, there might be no turning back.
But to achieve what he wanted, he had to do this.
As his heart wavered and fluttered, Ratta spoke up.
—From Ratta’s perspective, Uncle Emperor is super nice! So don’t worry, Lucion.
It was strangely comforting, and Lucion felt the fear that had been tightening around his chest dissipate quickly.
“I... I will obtain a handwritten document containing the confession of the Neubra King using black magic.”
“You...? Isn’t that too dangerous?”
Ketlan’s reaction was unexpected; instead of being alarmed or looking at him coldly, he showed genuine concern for Lucion.
Feeling grateful for Ketlan’s genuine worry, Lucion explained his plan further.
“Without sacrifice, we can not only overthrow the current Neubra King but also obtain a confession, which will force him to propose a deal to avoid punishment.”
“But you are putting yourself at risk. I do not wish to lose you.”
“If Your Majesty accepts the deal, we can make him a puppet. This way, we can deceive Nevast, uncover the truth, and at the same time put shackles on the anti-monarchists.”
The unfolding situation was putting pressure on both the current king of Neubra and the anti-monarchists.
Moreover, if it was indeed possible to seize the throne without any sacrifices, would the anti-monarchists refuse such a deal?
They must have already reached an agreement with the Empire to end the war.
“After that, I will leave the handling of the current king of Neubra in Your Majesty’s hands.”
Lucion was delighted to finally be able to carry out the end of Norvion Neubra, the King of Neubra, whom he had imagined countless times.
He thought that a quiet, very quiet death, losing his dignity as a king and pathetically clinging to him, would be the most fitting end for that man.
“No. His end will belong to you.”
Ketlan readily agreed to pass the responsibility for Norvion’s fate to Lucion, as he sensed the underlying anger in his words.
“I promise this as an emperor.”
“Thank you... Your Majesty.”
“Hamel, will you tell me what you wish for?”
Ketlan spoke gently.
“I am satisfied with just changing the King of Neubra and revealing the terrible truth of Nevast, so that those blessed with light can also know that they are just human beings like us.”
If Neubra changes and Nevast collapses.
The ending of the previous world will change.
And perhaps the future will change as well.
“...Ha.”
Ketlan sighed as if he had expected this.
How could he not have seen it coming?
If the plan succeeded, it was only natural that the King of Neubra would be replaced, and the privileges Nevast had would disappear.
It was all a natural course of events.
“Do you have a preference—North, East, West, South, or Central?”
“Pardon?” Lucion was surprised by the sudden question.
“Where would you like to be?” Ketlan repeated, smiling.
‘What is he planning to give me?’
Perhaps he was feeling sorry for him and wanted to provide him with a place to live.
His home was Cronia, and he loved the West where Cronia was located.
However, since most of the West was already under Cronia’s control, Lucion thought it might be beautiful if the Sea of Death returned to normal.
“I suppose... the East,” Lucion replied.
“Do you like high places?”
“Yes, I—I do.”
“I see. Look forward to it. Oh, I’ll try to add more to the part you wanted.”
Though Lucion didn’t understand what he meant by adding something, there were still pressing matters that needed his approval amidst the warm atmosphere.
“Your Majesty.”
“Proceed,” Ketlan replied.
“I regret to inform you, there is one more issue,” Lucion continued.
“...?”
“The abandoned Hand of the Void is now heading towards the Magic Tower.”
“This is crazy!”
Bang!
Ketlan slammed his hand on the table again.