Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Despite the increase in unconscious patients, Dr. Ninnias seemed rather elated.

Its truly tiresome when they keep struggling while on the verge of death. Its much better when they lie still like this.

He chuckled and started to apply mashed herbs onto Calmens now noticeably swollen face.

In contrast, both Commander Masain and Lieutenant Kurt were visibly nervous as they gauged Seongjins mood.

Seongjin, who had suddenly knocked out a palace knight in one punch, now felt strangely unfamiliar to them.

Although he did do something deserving of punishment, Your Highness

One couldve been more gentle that face is, ahem, is quite something!

Why are they acting like this? I sacrificed my own fist to save a pitiable creature.

Especially Sir Masain, whats up with that look in his eyes?

Hes the type who wouldve been the first to throw Calmen in jail for blasphemy!

Amidst this, Seongjins group received an unexpected visitor looking for the patients.

The commander of the Paladin Order of Saint Aurelion, Katrina, arrived with her lieutenant Francis in haste.

Commander Bruno.

She gazed at the commander lying in the bed, his appearance so altered it seemed unbelievable. Katrina soon approached him with a somber face and carefully laid her hand on his shoulder, channeling a faintly glowing holy power into him.

Known for her indifferent attitude towards anyone other than the Holy Emperor, and nicknamed The Iron Shield of the Holy Emperor, it was unprecedented to see Katrina pouring her divine power so earnestly.

Holy power isnt very effective against the Gray Plague.

Despite Dr. Ninnias warning, Katrina couldnt easily remove her hand from the commander.

Looking at her with a somewhat sullen expression, Francis muttered to Seongjin.

So thats the unlucky commoner who became a knight commander. I heard he fought side by side with our commander. They had a complex relationship, according to her.

Seongjins confusion deepened.

Complex relationship?

Well, considering Katrinas current reaction, it does make sense.

But why hadnt she searched for Commander Bruno even when he was in such a state?

Could this be related to the Holy Emperors indifference towards him?

Anyways, its not my place to know. Its all meaningless past relationships now. Yet to worry about our commander like this

*Sigh*

Seongjin, lost in thought, abruptly raised his head at the soft sound.

You crazy fighting dog, do you even want to be jealous of a critically ill person?

Just then, by chance, his eyes met with Katrinas, who happened to be looking in his direction.

Seongjin awkwardly turned his head.

Is it just my imagination? Why is she looking at me so desperately, as if Im the only hope? Of course, that cant be the case

But that feeling wasnt mistaken.

Katrina, who had turned her body away from the bed, slowly approached Seongjin with an expression of unprecedented urgency.

Your Highness, I beg you. Please help Commander Bruno.

?

How am I supposed to help?

While Seongjin was puzzled, Katrina laid her hand respectfully on the breastplate of her light armor and bowed her head!

There is no one who has served Delcross with as much sincerity as him. His loyalty to the imperial family is unparalleled. Please, Your Highness, bestow mercy upon him.

In his bewilderment, Seongjins mind raced.

Surely she wasnt asking Morres to directly heal the man, who had no divine energy to speak of. The only possibility seemed to be

Are you asking me to personally request my father to help him?

Katrina didnt respond, but her head lowered even more, indicating that he was correct.

Why dont you ask directly?

Seongjin genuinely wondered as he posed the question.

She had been assisting the Holy Emperor for a long time, serving as his most trusted right hand.

Yet, Katrina shook her head.

That wont be sufficient.

Insufficient?

Yes, Your Highness. Just because someone has a desperate wish, it doesnt mean His Majesty can help everyone unconditionally.

For a moment, a thought crossed Seongjins mind.

Morres.

The Holy Emperor cut him off, speaking in a firm tone.

Theres no need for you to tell me that persons name.

I have no reason to recognize his face, either.

Seongjin blinked.

Ah, is that the purpose of the blindfold? I dont fully understand the meaning.

Dont you understand?

Actually, I dont.

When asked, Why do you not see? he replied, Thus, I do not pre-judge the direction in which my staff points.'

Yes?

When Seongjin stared blankly at the Holy Emperors face, the corners of his lips slightly lifted.

It seems you havent yet considered reading The Introduction to Theology.'

Seongjin turned his head awkwardly.

Ah, was that a reference from a book?

Um, Ive been making an effort to read it.

Meaning, hed only opened the preface.

Hed been discouraged by the small, densely packed characters that were barely legible even with a magnifying glass and had immediately closed the book.

I see. Then its settled.

He had thought he would be scolded more for not studying, but surprisingly, the Holy Emperor didnt seem to mind much as he nodded his head. Then he slowly extended one hand forward and directed,

Bring him here.

The knights, who had been only moving their eyeballs until then, began to hesitantly move only after receiving a cue from Seongjin.

Soon after, the medium carrying Commander Bruno was placed in front of the Holy Emperor, who gently touched the commanders chest as if measuring something. Seongjin clearly saw the corners of his mouth slightly twist for a moment.

Why? He suddenly thought of the harsh expression that Katrina had initially shown toward the commander.

Caught in a strange mood, Seongjin observed as the Holy Emperor softly sighed and opened his mouth.

Is he important to you?

It felt as if some sort of ritual was beginning.

Even though he didnt know what specific steps were needed, Seongjin thought that he had to affirm the question in order to proceed to the next step.

After a moment of contemplation, Seongjin answered, He is someone who will be important to me.

Immediately, the next question followed.

Is it right to save him?

The answer to that question was easy.

He is a person of worth, but has undergone undue hardship. Therefore, it is only right to save him.

Then the third question was promptly thrown at him.

Can you bear the consequences of that decision?

The weight of this question felt somewhat different from the previous ones, so Seongjin couldnt immediately respond and took a moment to think.

Is it possible for one person to completely bear another persons life and future?

No, thats not what it means. This is closer to a procedure that must be followed. Dont overthink it.

Seongjin quickly organized his thoughts and nodded.

After all, if the plan to help Bruno succeeds, he was prepared to take responsibility for Brunos well-being and even his welfare.

His past is due to my mistake, so his future will also be my responsibility.

It was at that moment.

Both the Holy emperor and Katrina simultaneously showed faint smiles on their faces, as if they were twins.

Seongjin suddenly realized.

Katrina Belphein. She was known as the Holy Emperors strongest shield, but in fact, she might be closer to being his mirror.

Very well, Morres.

The Holy Emperors calm voice continued.

From now on, he will wholly belong to your karma.

With that declaration,

A dazzling white light burst forth from the Holy Emperors fingertips.

Okay, I have no idea what's going on in this chapter...