Chapter 200: To the Kingdom of Keortia

Chapter 200: To the Kingdom of Keortia

Lucion, however, suppressed his laughter and addressed Owen with more formality.

“Many seek an audience with me. Nevertheless, as a member of the Cronia family and a saint, I am inclined to avoid entanglements in political affairs. I hope you can understand and respect my position.”

“I see. I merely wanted to extend an invitation for tea, so there’s no need to take it too seriously.”

Oh, please stop.

Owen seemed to be fed up with Lucion’s repeated words and actions, as if those words were going to come out at any moment.

Lucion glanced at Carson.

Carson hesitated under Lucion’s pleading gaze but soon let out a sigh, relaxing his shoulders.

“Your Highness. Then I shall take my leave.”

“Oh, are you? Thank you.”

Owen smiled broadly at Carson’s now obedient retreat, quite different from his attitude a moment ago.

He seemed to suddenly think that things were going well.

But he was mistaken.

‘My brother must leave for me to use black magic.’

Lucion was going to take advantage of Owen’s plan.

It wouldn’t matter if he added another sin to the one he was already going to be blamed for by poisoning a saint.

No, Lucion needs to break the line between him and Neubra.

There must surely be someone around Owen who connects him to Neubra, a close aide or such.

[Lucion, I’m not sure of your intentions, but proceed with your plan. Whatever it may be, act upon it.]

Russell encouraged Lucion unlike his usual self.

It was quite amusing, but Lucion asked Owen as if nothing was wrong.

“Where would you prefer, Your Highness?”

“I think this place is fine.”

Owen pointed awkwardly at the table that still had remnants of the meal on it, clearly eager to leave.

“Please guide me to an appropriate location.”

* * *

In the reception room, the desserts Owen had brought were beautifully arranged on the table.

—Wow! Ratta wants all of that!

Ratta’s mouth watered.

[You can’t have any, Ratta.]

—Why not? Ratta really wants some.

Ratta glanced at Bethel.

[It might be poisoned.]

—Whoa, poison! Lucion! Don’t eat it!

Wide-eyed and alarmed, Ratta turned to Lucion.

‘I know. And I won’t eat it.’

Lucion patted Ratta’s head, reassuring her not to worry.

“It’s hot.”

Interestingly, it was Owen’s servant who poured the tea.

He used his past rudeness towards Lucion as an excuse to serve him.

‘Well, that’s quite something. How can he be so brazen with someone he’s trying to poison?’

Lucion looked at the servant.

“Please excuse me. I am feeling a bit uncomfortable.”

“Leave us.”

Having achieved what he wanted, Owen sent out his servant as Lucion had hoped.

“What is it you wish to discuss?”

At Lucion’s question, Owen smiled brightly.

“Don’t be so formal. I didn’t come to make any demands; I just wanted to have a conversation.”

“My apologies, Your Highness. Lately, there have been so many people seeking favors from me.”

“I understand. It is indeed bothersome when those pesky insects cling to you once you have power; it can be quite irritating, can’t it?”

“No, rather than finding it bothersome or irritating, I feel a pang of regret and sorrow for not being able to fulfill their requests.”

Lucion had no intention of accommodating Owen’s sentiments; he hoped the conversation would wrap up quickly.

After all, his neck was destined to be severed—why bother appeasing him?

No matter how much Owen tried to mask his emotions, the anger in his eyes was almost palpable.

Lucion turned his gaze away, blowing on his hot tea as if to dismiss the tension.

[Hahaha! Oh, this is too amusing!]

Russell observed Owen intently, as if watching a thrilling match.

“How does it feel to be a saint?”

“It is an honorable position.”

“Do you not aspire for something greater?”

“Unfortunately, I do not.”

For some reason, Lucion responded firmly and succinctly to Owen’s probing questions, almost as if he was dismissing them outright.

“Then, is there nothing you desire?”

There was a hint of irritation in Owen’s voice.

“I simply wish to return home and rest comfortably in my bed.”

“Is that truly all you wish for?”

“Oh, there is one more thing.”

Finally, Owen’s face lit up with a broad smile.

“It’s fine. We’re here for him.”

“A curse isn’t merely brute force. It’s Lucion, so it’s acceptable!”

“Yes, the original name itself is different. The restraint of power, absolute obedience. And...”

“Shh! Be quiet! Do you want Lucion to suffer again because of that guy? He was lucky to survive because of that kind human last time, but who knows what will happen this time!”

“...I’m sorry. I got too excited. I was just happy to be talking with Lucion.”

The darkness revealed itself, shaking in unison towards one another.

Lucion felt the same way; he had no desire to call upon the King of Darkness and thus didn’t ask.

What astonished Lucion was the potency of the curse, a form of black magic, far exceeding his initial expectations.

[...Ah. It’s truly frustrating that I can’t document this. Such a remarkable discovery. I must find a way to record it...!]

Russell lamented.

While mana had evolved into magic and spells as tools for humans, light had been learned and mastered under the teachings of divine beasts. Darkness, on the other hand, lacked that knowledge.

Could it be that black magic emerged from direct knowledge imparted by darkness?

“So, what’s the next step?”

Russell appeared enthusiastic, but Lucion was eager to implant the curse onto Owen as soon as possible.

The curse was a magic that was difficult for even warlocks to understand, and it was also difficult to lift.

‘Teacher, can you see that?’

A black ring spun around Owen’s head.

Lucion glanced at Ratta.

Her eyes were spinning in circles.

‘Ratta can see it, huh?’

“Tell him in a commanding manner. It should be very easy for Lucion, right?”

“Ah. We will safeguard this curse. Ensure it remains concealed.”

The darkness chuckled joyfully.

“Thank you. Please continue to do so.”

Knowing the darkness would safeguard the curse brought relief.

“Be careful, young master.”

After Hume disappeared back beyond the window, Lucion spoke inwardly as darkness had instructed.

‘The poisoned tea you tried to feed me, Owen, will be fed directly to the person who connects you and the Kingdom of Neubra.’

The black ring halted its movement, transforming into letters.

[A cup of poison meant to end a life, given by a friend.]

A black star appeared on Owen’s left cheek.

In that moment, Lucion experienced a sudden sharp pain, his face contorting in discomfort.

‘This hurts a bit, doesn’t it?’

“It worked! It worked!”

“See? It’s really easy, right? Different from before, isn’t it?”

“No, Lucion, look at him. He is in pain. It seems he’s still not ready.”

[What on earth did you teach Lucion? Is this really right?]

Russell immediately protested.

“It’s okay. It’s just a slight ache in my chest.”

[Are you really okay?]

“I’m truly fine.”

Lucion turned away from Russell’s doubting gaze and bowed his head toward the darkness.

“Thank you for your guidance.”

“I hope we can talk more next time.”

With a small wish, the darkness spoke and then vanished.

Would remaining with him for too long invite that guy back?

Pushing aside the thought, Lucion directed his attention to Owen.

Just as the glimmer of darkness in Owen’s eyes began to dim, Lucion took a sip of the tea.

Gulp.

The sound of tea sliding down his throat caused Owen’s eyes to widen briefly.

[He’s been deceived, no doubt about it.]

Russell laughed as he looked at Owen.

Lucion wanted to laugh along, but now wasn’t the time.

He held a dessert in his hand.

An apple tart.

Though the crust was crispy, it didn’t quite suit his taste.

Macarons remained his favorite.

Crunch.

The sound caught Ratta’s attention.

—It looks delicious. Ratta will eat anything, without exception. Ratta thoroughly enjoys everything.

Lucion chuckled as he watched Ratta swallow her saliva.

Then, he turned his gaze to Owen.

Look.

I’m consuming the poison you had a poison mage tamper with.

“It’s really delicious!”

Lucion gave Owen a final, satisfied stamp of approval.

‘What do you think? Are you satisfied?’