Chapter 125

Chapter 125

[Yi-seos POV]

In other worlds, isnt it important for a saintess to have some romantic tension with charming secondary male leads?

Of course, my mind is filled only with thoughts of saving the world, but how can one not be swayed when surrounded by numerous male leads, each whispering words of love?

-I engaged a woman I do not desire for the sake of the throne. But the true owner of my heart is you, the noble saintess.

Prince Leonard of Rohan.

Though he has a flirtatious nature, he ultimately becomes irresistibly captivated by the saintess. Hes an attractive, ambitious character who will forsake a beautiful queen for the saintess.

-Strange, isnt it? The free winds lead my soul, but in the end, I always find myself returning to you.

The wandering knight, Fernand.

A romantic swordsman, currently creating a love epic across the continent. Hes seen as a frivolous playboy destined to follow the saintess.

-I cannot leave Delcross, worried about your safety. From now on, my duty is not to fight the sea monsters, but to protect the saintess.

Prince Logan, the genius paladin.

A cool, calm beauty, who would give everything for his beloved saintess a sucker, perhaps?

Wait a minute, sucker might be a bit too much, dont you think?

If you capture his heart, youll receive the most devoted love. What, dont you like him?

Ah, thats a contrarian statement again. Remember! These days, male leads who are cruel to everyone else but kind to the female lead are popular!

Hes very handsome though?

Of course, appearance is the most important plausibility.

And in this novel, theres even a hidden secondary male lead.

-Everyone has rejected me. My royal father and mother abandoned me long ago. But you, youre the only one who truly sees me.

Prince Morres, the overweight troublemaker.

Recently, hes undergone a transformation after deciding to mend his ways and train his body. However, unable to overcome the emotional scars from childhood, hes drawn to the saintesss warmth like a chick to its mother

Whats this now? This underdeveloped kid? Isnt saving the world enough, now I have to take care of a baby bird too?

So, its about the face

Okay. Noted!

Yes, in romance fantasy, the most important thing is ultimately the appearance.

A fools actions are seen as folly, but when a charming man does the same, it becomes a poignant appeal to maternal instincts.

Ah, I am such a slave to appearances, alas!

Ah, if you happen to capture his heart, theres something you should be careful about.

Something to be careful about?

Yes. This prince has his peculiarities. If handled incorrectly, the world within the novel could face the worst bad ending.

Ah! So theres a reason hes a hidden character? What should I watch out for?

Well, the thing is, he actually is

* * *

Seongjin blinked his eyes.

What is this now

After finishing his morning training and starting his work at the Monster Special Task Force office with a refreshed feeling, that unpleasant guy he thought hed never see again had brazenly shown up at the task force office.

Orden Siegmund, with a stoic face, bowed his head slightly, showing the bare minimum of courtesy.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Still as stiff-necked as ever.

Well then.

!

Still, seeing his flustered face was somewhat amusing.

Seongjin, with a smirk, asked,

But what brings you to our department?

Orden soon composed himself and spoke with a calm face.

Actually, Ive come to report a grievance to the Monster Special Task Force.

Weve only recently been able to track down the distributors and obtain these, the original ingredients of the tea.

Seongjin, feeling a strange premonition, closely examined the objects.

Although they were flat and dried, these were clearly not herbs but rather.

Hey, demon lord. Doesnt this look familiar?

[Yeah? Its actually the dried seed of Lophellum!]

What? Where did this come from?

As Seongjin looked at Orden with newfound surprise, Orden seemed to sense something ominous and shivered.

So? Youre saying this tea suddenly flooded the territory, causing severe harm to its people. But why do you suspect that corrupt elements are involved in its distribution?

Responding to Seongjins question, Orden and Herman exchanged a glance, remaining silent for a moment.

But then, as if making up his mind, Orden let out a sigh and placed a small medallion on the table. It was a small, red-tinted medallion with a crudely engraved spider symbol on it.

This is a mark of the Dark Cult, found during our investigation of the distributors.

As Seongjin picked up the medallion, Herman added to the explanation.

In the process of investigating Milo Trading, we frequently encountered this mark. Its clear that Milo Trading is connected to the remnants of the Dark Cult.

This means the force spreading the seeds of Lophellum in the Empire is also linked to Milo Trading. The trail of the Dark Cult, which had disappeared after Priest Heiz, has resurfaced.

The Dileraria butterflies seen near the Siegmund territory by Logan might not be entirely unrelated to them either!

I thought he was just a troublemaker, but turns out, this guy is a goldmine.

As Seongjin grinned, Orden jolted in surprise, then scowled disdainfully.

But what does it matter? To Seongjin, Orden no longer seemed like a brash, arrogant youngster but rather a plump lamb, innocently awaiting its turn at the table.

Alright, the Monster Special Task Force will assist in this matter.

Seongjin smiled contentedly.

But just like that?

Yes?

As the two men looked bewildered, Seongjin explained calmly.

As you know, our department is short-staffed, and were already overwhelmed with investigating the Grey Plague. Even so, were stepping up for the Siegmund territory.

Of course, were doing this for the Empires citizens, so were not asking for a labor fee. But at least, the expenses for our departments activities should be covered by you, right?

Orden, looking stunned, nodded.

Yes, thats only fair.

And lets make one thing clear,

Seongjin said, looking him in the eye.

Ill let this go this time. You owe me for this one.

Whenever the time comes, in whatever form, youll have to repay this debt to me. Understand?

Ordens pupils quivered slightly.

Of course As soon as this matter is resolved, I will find a way to compensate you

No, thats not it. Thats just another debt that will arise after the resolution. We need to settle this one now.

?

Dont you get it? Im keeping quiet about the Siegmund familys collusion with the Dark Cult. Im hiding your familys misdeeds from the heresy tribunal. Surely, you arent planning to just let this favor slide?

There seemed to be a draining of color from the Eldest Young Masters face.

Given the gravity of the situation, both men appeared shocked and out of sorts. Hence, not only Herman but even Orden failed to notice the whispers of the task force members behind them.

Wow Creepy. I didnt see that coming from His Highness Morres. Hes really good at playing it cool. Did you see? His expression didnt change at all.

Jibril-nim, we should refrain from disrespectful remarks.

But, sir Masain, wasnt His Highness just deliberating on how to send an investigation team to the Siegmund territory? This seems like a good opportunity, so why is he now pressuring the Eldest Young Master like this?

His Highness must have his reasons. We just follow his lead.

Hmm hmm. I I knew it all along. His Highnesss potential is truly remarkable.

Dame Sharon? Youre not implying that this potential is about being a con artist, are you?