Chapter 128

Chapter 128

It has been a considerable amount of time, Your Highness. I never anticipated encountering you under these circumstances.

Indeed, the sentiment is mutual.

The setting was dawn, shrouded in thick mist. Allowing the hoot of an owl from somewhere to drift into his ears, Raciel wore a smirk as he confronted Demian.

Subsequently, he brushed away the cobwebs that had ensnared his hair.

Oh, a spider. Oh, a bug.

The disarray wasnt limited to his hair. His neck and sections of his attire bore the signs of a struggle. Cobwebs were an expected nuisance, and his entire body bore the marks of soil and the residue of crushed moss. This was the result of him maneuvering through a narrow and dimly lit cave in preparation for an ambush.

Nevertheless, how did you come to know about the cave in the midst of the hill? Demian inquired.

Raciel shrugged nonchalantly.

Just happened to stumble upon it.

By chance, you say?

Yeah. I was tailing Javillon, and I overheard some soldiers chatting about a perfect spot to desert. They clammed up pretty fast when our eyes locked.

Of course, it was a blatant fabrication.

The soldiers conversation was pure nonsense. In reality, he had learned about the cave from reading the novel Devil Sword Emperor.

In the novel led by Javillon, the Anbouaz waged a great war against the empire. In the early days of that war, a significant battle took place in this area.

Demian had participated in that battle as a mercenary for the empire. Toward the end of the intense conflict, the entire mercenary force had been abandoned by the regular army.

They were essentially used as expendable pawns. Consequently, Demian and the mercenary captain were stranded behind enemy lines.

Thats when Demian and the mercenary captain happened upon the cave in the middle of the hill.

Thanks to it, they managed to hide safely and escape the battlefield without losing their lives.

It was said to be the far-left hill of the three prominent ones in front of Balua Fortress.

Raciel recalled that scene.

He had contemplated using the cave and devised a plan. He measured the angles and deceived Javillon.

He claimed he needed to pray, lest the treatments effects wane, a ruse that thoroughly terrified Javillon.

It had worked.

Javillon appeared somewhat suspicious initially, but in the end, he bought it.

He willingly set up a prayer spot on top of the hill, and as soon as the full moon graced the night sky, he attempted his escape through the cave.

Thanks to it, he could reunite with Demian and Gardin.

But Gardin?

Yes, Your Highness?

Arent you glad to see me?

I am glad?

Then why do you look at me like that? Like youve seen a ghost.

Gardins face had indeed turned pale, and his expression resembled sheer terror.

Am I frightening?

Raciel tilted his head. Gardin shook his head frantically.

No, its not that

Then what?

He took a step closer. Gardin, startled, retreated two steps.

Ah, aah, spiders!

And you have bugs on your shoulder!

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Ugh, aaaaah!

Hush.

..Sorry.

So, youre afraid of bugs?

Gardin lowered his head in embarrassment. It appeared to be the case. Raciel furrowed his brow and brushed off his clothes.

Do you think I enjoy being in such a state? The cave is so damp and cramped.

Is that so?

Yeah. I wondered why you didnt come out.

Eek.

I had planned to catch one when it emerged. Theyre quite a potent remedy.

Anyway, its a stroke of luck that the plan worked out perfectly, and we managed to reunite as intended.

He genuinely meant it. It was indeed a stroke of good fortune.

Was it just yesterday?

There was a time when Javillon had a brief encounter with the rebel leaders. He had a moment of solitude during that encounter, which he seized to his advantage.

He penned a message and entrusted it to a small bird. The message contained todays escape plan and the rendezvous point. He dispatched it to Gardin.

The group enjoyed a leisurely rest within the rock crevice. They nibbled on bread and jerky.

They admired the blue sky and white clouds visible through the gap in the rocks.

Aside from the fact that the formidable forces of the kingdom and the rebels faced each other on both sides, it felt almost like a picnic.

However, that happiness was short-lived. Before the sun reached its zenith, a loud cry erupted from the rebel camp to the west.

Come out Rihaaan-!

!

The shout, which jolted them from the brink of a nap, was deafening. It resonated across the plain like a chorus of hundreds of elephants or as if someone had cranked their headphones to max volume while listening to the radio.

Moreover, it was an unmistakable voice.

Javillon?

They recognized it instantly. Their drowsiness dissipated. Another thunderous cry from Javillon reverberated.

I know youre hiding nearby! Not one of our horses is missing! You couldnt have gone far on foot with just your two loyal men! You wouldnt have slipped past my armys surveillance at that pace!

He was well-informed.

It sent shivers down their spines. But the shout that truly sent a chill through them was yet to come.

So you must be concealed somewhere on this plain right now! Betraying my trust! Like a rat! Crouched and eavesdropping on my words! Isnt that right!

He was indeed not to be underestimated. Raciel felt the hairs on his arms stand on end.

Javillons furious shout, infused with his unique mana as the Swordmaster, persisted.

So, come forward! Ive always treated you with sincerity! It was you who first betrayed my trust! But! I still want to treat you sincerely! Show yourself! Ill forgive you this once! I promise not to take your life over this! I swear!

A promise.

Forgiveness.

Raciel remained silent, feeling the tension in the eyes of Gardin and Demian fixed on him.

Suddenly, he recalled the contents of the novel Devil Sword Emperor. He remembered the kind of promise and forgiveness Javillon often spoke of in the story.

Right. Hell keep his promise. He wont kill me. Hell probably leave me alive but incapacitated.

Perhaps he would sever both legs, leaving only the hands capable of treating his migraines.

In that way, Javillons notion of forgiveness would ensure Raciel could never escape again.

Once more, he felt a slight chill. Meanwhile, Javillons menacing shouts persisted.

Come out! Ill give you a chance! Reveal yourself by the count of three!

Your Highness?

Gardin asked with evident unease.

Raciel nodded.

After all, Javillon is just blustering. He doesnt actually know their whereabouts. Hes merely making threats.

Three!

Javillons resounding shout reverberated. Raciel smirked at Gardin.

Dont fret. Hes all talk, he cant really harm us.

Raciel was confident.

Considering that Javillon had been bellowing across the plains, the royal army at the fortress must have heard him too.

Theyd likely be on high alert, preparing for contingencies.

Two!

If he mobilizes his forces, the kingdoms army will react immediately. They might end up in an unintended battle. So, even though Javillon talks big, he cant act recklessly.

Raciel was certain. This was the position he had chosen, relying on that fact. It felt reassuring.

One!

Javillons shout dripped with animosity. But there was no need for concern. Silence ensued, just as expected.

He was bluffing.

The assumption was correct. Raciel grinned. However, that elation dissipated when thousands of flaming arrows suddenly descended upon the plain.

Whooosh!

In an instant, the autumn-yellowed reeds and grasses of the plains, along with the sun-baked hay piles, were engulfed in flames.

The fire rapidly spread in all directions. Soon, a fierce blaze devoured the entire plain.

Of course, the area where the group was concealed was no exception!

That lunatic.

In that moment, Raciel realized two things. One, Javillon was even more unhinged than he had thought. And the other

Maybe today, right here, I might have to confront him.

This sudden premonition made his heart pound with vivid and intense urgency.

(To be Continued)

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