CH 241

“I thought it was strange when I heard that Estian had accepted an empress. But after the incident at the casino—Yuliana’s control over the water vanishing in an instant—it began to make sense.”

Richard replayed that incident in his mind. The moment Yuliana had drawn on her witch powers, a clear sound he’d never experienced before had rung out. It lasted but a fleeting second, but it was so entrancing that it had made him forget to cast his magic. Later that night, Richard had returned to investigate the water sources in the casino and around the capital. The results were unbelievable.

“All of it is…” Every droplet of water had been transmuted. It wasn’t limited to the casino. It extended throughout the capital… No, practically the entirety of the empire’s water had been affected by this split second change originating from the capital. It likely went unnoticed by most people in the empire. Only a select perceptive few might’ve thought the water that day was particularly tasty, and the gardeners tending the gardens might’ve noticed the plants that were watered looked exceptionally vibrant.

He had his suspicions about Cecile, but now he was certain. The empress possessed the power of a witch—power that some called extraordinary, while others called terrible. The archmage had failed to notice it until now because her powers were simply too vast. It was like trying to find a drop of water in the ocean. There was only one question that stumped him. With a power so overwhelming, it had to be that of the Archwitch. How could Cecile, who wasn’t even a successor candidate, wield such powers?

“Who could you be?” he wondered aloud.

Cecile flinched at his question. When Richard narrowed his eyes into a slit, she was reminded of what sort of person she was facing: Chief of all mages. He was the master of the Mage Tower and a man who’d lived in this world for generations.

“I like the things that make me wonder. That’s why I am so fond of Estian,” he continued.

Richard’s predilection for the strange stoked his curiosity and liking of Estian, the man who survived after consuming Eugendiph’s blood. After all, the emperor was a man who’d turned into a monster, regained his human form, and now lived each day suppressing that power while retaining his sanity.

“But now I like you better. I really want to know everything.”

Richard’s deepened voice made Cecile chew on her lip. His looks had never stood out to her because Estian was too attractive. Still, if her husband was a handsome man, then the archmage was a beautiful person. And at this moment, that beauty of his was a dangerous weapon. Alluring red lips set against pale skin, flowing hair of a striking silver, and an arrestingly sensual voice.

Cecile swallowed dryly at the sudden change in his atmosphere. Richard flashed a fleeting smile, before suddenly releasing Cecile’s face. Instead, he caught her hand and gave it a tug. She instantly tumbled forward towards him even though he’d only put in a little strength. Suddenly, their faces were inches apart. They were close enough that they were almost touching.

“Did you know? While it wouldn’t be easy to defeat Estian…” Richard whispered seductively, as his breath tickled Cecile’s ear, “I think I could manage to take you and run forever.”

Cecile fixed a steady gaze on him and said, “Richard.”

“Yes?” He was looking forward to what would come out of her mouth next. He didn’t have to wait for long.

“Do you have a death wish?”

“Sorry?” The unexpected question left him befuddled. Had he heard her correctly? But then… Smack! Suddenly, the water that had splashed all around them reformed into a ball and shot straight towards his face, smacking him across the cheek.

“Are you looking to breathe your last breath?”

Smack! Smack!

“Do you wish for eternal sleep?”

Smack! Smack! Smack!

The sound of a barrage of water balls connecting against his cheeks was added onto the echoes generated from Estian and Ruin’s fights.