Chapter 194: The Emperor, Ketlan Tesla

Chapter 194: The Emperor, Ketlan Tesla

―Lucion, my heart is racing so fast right now! I can even hear it pounding in my ears.

Ratta looked at Lucion with wide eyes.

Honestly, what Ratta said was true – it was a bit scary.

After witnessing firsthand just how intimidating Carson could be, Lucion couldn’t help but feel a bit scared.

But Lucion tried hard not to show any fear.

If he appeared weak, he would only be prey for Carson.

[Lord Lucion, I believe it would be wise to refrain from provoking Carson any further.]

Bethel, who was observing the situation, also cautioned Lucion.

In the first place, Carson was a person with a different temperament from Heint to keep in check.

Carson chuckled.

“I don’t like deals.”

‘I know.’

Lucion answered in his heart.

“I also dislike people attempting to outsmart me.”

‘I know that too.’

Lucion tensed up.

“That’s enough.”

Carson issued a warning.

Even though Carson didn’t have a weapon in hand, there was an undeniable sense of threat emanating from him.

[Lucion, it might be best to stop here.]

Even Russell chimed in, emphasizing that continuing to provoke Carson would not benefit Lucion in any way.

Furthermore, Lucion was well aware that Carson was not the type to engage in conversation with those he considered enemies.

“How long do you plan on sparing my life?”

But Lucion didn’t simply back down.

“Until you betray Heint and the Empire, or until I find you suspicious.”

“You’re quite generous with that.”

“Indeed. My patience knows no bounds.”

Carson maintained a calm smile.

Lucion licked his lips and continued speaking.

He had come a long way from struggling to express himself. Significant progress had been made.

“You most likely burned the corpses of the Neubra and Cronia soldiers to prevent the creation of undying soldiers, didn’t you?”

“I did. It’s standard procedure.”

“But that’s not enough.”

“Not enough?”

“Death is not the end. How many lives do you think were lost in the battle between Cronia and Neubra at the frontier? And with each death, the Warlock gained an advantage.”

A crease formed between Carson’s eyebrows, indicating that he had some idea of what Lucion was referring to.

“Cronia provided enough compensation to break down the frontier’s wall, which they were so proud of.”

“What?”

Carson reacted as if he’d been punched in the forehead.

Lucion’s mask turned yellow.

“I got rid of it, and you stabbed me for it.”

“What are you talking about, there was nothing there...”

“Of course there was nothing there. Nothing but knights from Cronia and soldiers from the Kingdom of Neubra.”

Lucion pointed towards his eyes.

“Just because you can’t see anything doesn’t mean there’s nothing there.”

His finger shifted from his eyes to his head.

“Think about it. Why would the Kingdom of Neubra be so eager to charge at a massive, impregnable wall?”

Neubra Kingdom.

Hand of the Void.

A fortress wall on the frontier.

And himself, the variable that triggered it all.

No matter how composed Carson was, it was a story that could shake him.

‘Because it’s true, more than anything.’

Lucion wanted to share this truth with Carson, not as someone hidden behind a mask, but as a brother standing before him.

He wanted to prove that he had become strong, to show that he was no longer just someone to be protected.

[That day will definitely come, Lord Lucion.]

Bethel comforted him with gentle words.

“So, you’re implying that Cronia brought this upon themselves?”

Carson’s brow furrowed.

[He seems shaken.]

Russell said, observing the change in Carson’s emotions.

“Yes, the measures taken to safeguard the frontier have now turned against us.”

“That word now...”

“Because you were unaware.”

“What?”

“You had no knowledge of the Warlock, which led to the predicament you find yourself in. So, who do you think is responsible for this ignorance?”

Lucion looked at Heint, who was hesitant, and clearly informed Bethel.

Possess me and kill Twilo.

[I appreciate your concern for me. I am grateful, but I don’t want you to sacrifice yourself for my revenge.]

Bethel was sincere.

She was filled with happiness and joy.

[I also desire the happiness that you seek, my lord.]

Death was a concept associated with darkness.

Taking another person’s life was considered a blasphemy against darkness, and the more a warlock killed, the more corrupted they became.

Still, Lucion had offered to take up the sword for her sake.

Why shouldn’t she be pleased?

He was her precious and caring master.

[So, it must never happen that you fall into corruption. Remember? My wish is your wish, Lord Lucion.]

‘Okay.’

Lucion wanted to listen to Bethel’s wishes.

“I apologize, but I cannot fulfill that request, especially not in this case.”

Heint finished his thoughts and spoke cautiously.

He couldn’t see Hamel’s expression behind the mask, but he continued.

“It’s especially not possible if, as you said, he is the central traitor among the traitors. He must die by the sword of the Empire.”

‘Bethel. Don’t worry about me, just tell me your opinion. Do you agree with that?’

Lucion was ready to oppose it if Bethel disagreed.

[I agree. I hope he dies as a traitor and a monster in front of everyone, stealing away the future of many. That way, he will be forever remembered as a vile bastard.]

“Alright. Then is it okay if I have a moment alone with him after killing him?”

Lucion changed direction.

If Twilo, who was alive, died as a traitor and monster as Bethel hoped, then Twilo, who had become a ghost, must end at Bethel’s hands.

Heint nodded with relief.

“Yes, that will be fine.”

“I was originally going to meet the Emperor today, but something else has come into my hands,” Lucion said as he handed over a letter containing the information about the Fourth Prince, Owen Tesla, being a traitor.

This was both a warning and the reason why the Emperor had no choice but to meet him.

“Heint, deliver this letter to the Emperor. Only the Emperor must see it. Otherwise, I can’t

guarantee whose head will roll.”

With Carson now returning, it was time to leave the central region and meet the Emperor.

Lucion thought about introducing the organization then.

Now that the organization had grown to a size incomparable to the past, it was necessary to establish a solid presence within the empire.

“Ah, of course, it’s the Emperor who wields the sword, not me.”

Lucion issued a reminder that had almost slipped his mind as he turned around.

“Very well.”

Lucion strode forward briskly.

Carson snorted at the sight.

It was evident that he had lost track of the conversation.

However, Carson deliberately chose not to inform Heint about it.

It would be more fun that way.

“Carson.”

“Why?”

“Did you really see Hamel across the frontier?”

“You think I merely saw him? I stabbed him. I missed it, though.”

“Anyway, you saw him, right? If he dies, the empire will suffer tremendous losses.”

“I know, so stop talking.”

“By the way, why did you come this way? The main entrance is not here, is it? Where did the knights go?”

“I sent them to the mansion to rest, and I was on my way to buy macarons for Lucion. This way was a shortcut from that shop.”

Heint let out a laugh at those words.

“A shop open for business at this hour, and not even an inn?”

“Money solved it.”

“You’re always so consistent.”

“Did you get beaten up by Shaela?”

“Well, how did you... Dammit. I didn’t expect the Knights of Cronia to be so loose-tongued!”

“You should have been beaten up more. It seems Shaela was in a good mood after seeing Lucion.”

Heint was taken aback, and Carson sneered at him as he walked towards the mansion.

“Hey, Carson.”

Heint followed Carson and called out to him, but he showed no reaction.

“I told Lucion. Nevast is targeting Lucion.”

Only then did Carson turn around with a stiff expression, biting his lip.

“Lucion should know too. I understand why you’re trying to keep it hidden, but no matter how much I think about it, this isn’t right.”

“...”

Carson remained silent, raised his middle finger to Heint, and continued walking toward the mansion.

“Damn bastard.”

Heint muttered as he followed behind.