Book 5: Chapter 98: The Scapegoat Has Appeared

Book 5: Chapter 98: The Scapegoat Has Appeared

“Don’t go thinking that I’ll back down so easily,” Elder Grez warned, his gaze turning frosty. Veyle trembled in fear, shrinking back like a frightened quail.

While Elder Grez was generally known for his amiable nature throughout the Holy Dragon Empire, one could not ignore the fact that he was the Third Divine Elder, a supreme saint-level expert. Only a select few in the empire were considered his equals.

As the seriousness in Elder Grez’s expression deepened, Veyle felt a chill run down her spine. It was as if she was standing in the frozen ice plains of the far north or facing the disapproving gaze of the Pope from her childhood when she kicked another kid in the rear. The intensity could almost shatter her soul.

“Bring Hermand here,” Grez ordered.

Hermand was an exceptionally rare diviner in the Holy Dragon Empire. Although Elder Grez was reluctant to bother him with this, he had grown weary of the constant lies from these young participants.Findd new stories on nov/e(l)bin(.)com

All they talked about was the eighth prince, but before coming here, Elder Grez had personally visited the prince, only to find him fighting with a dog in the confinement room. And to make matters worse, the prince was losing!

If someone like Prince Yeager could eliminate over ten thousand participants in this manner, Elder Grez was willing to let someone piss on his head.

Before long, a white-haired man arrived at the hall and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Third Divine Elder.”

Elder Grez stroked his beard and nodded. “I believe you’ve heard everything, yes?”

“Yes, I heard it all on my way here.”

“Can you perform a reading?”

Hermand glanced at Veyle, his wise gaze seemingly all-knowing. “As long as this girl has had contact with the mastermind behind the scenes and the mastermind’s strength doesn’t exceed the Saint Realm, I’ll be able to uncover the mastermind’s entire lineage.”

“Very well.” Elder Grez clapped his hands with satisfaction. Finally, after all this time, he had received some good news. “There’s no time to waste, let’s begin.”

“Of course.” Hermand turned to Veyle and smiled. “Please show me your hand, little girl.”

“N-No... I refuse!” Veyle struggled desperately. Although she had no idea where Lilith’s confidence in openly showing contempt toward the Holy Dragon Empire came from, Veyle knew that Lilith was definitely not a saint-level expert since she was a fellow participant. If this old man really found out about Lilith through his divination, Veyle knew she would be in serious trouble too.

The very thought of the Pope discovering her enormous debt of more than ten thousand gold coins left Veyle feeling hopeless. She might as well die right then and there.

Simultaneously, the parchment above Veyle’s head was dripping crimson liquid. It emitted a shrill scream before inexplicably combusting, turning to ashes in the flames.

“What is going on?”

Elder Grez was shocked. He swiftly appeared by Hermand’s side, cradling his blood-soaked body. He quickly channeled magic power into Hermand, protecting his vital organs.

Elder Grez assessed Hermand’s injuries and discovered that most of the blood on his body came from superficial wounds. While his physical injuries were not severe, it was evident that Hermand’s soul had endured a significant blow, as he displayed signs of emotional distress.

Moreover, the sacred eyes that Hermand’s exceptional divination skill relied upon had disappeared. Only two empty, bloody sockets remained in their place.

“What have you done?” Elder Grez glared at Veyle, his rage akin to a lion’s as a rare murderous intent erupted from him.

“H-Huh...?” Veyle stared at Hermand in terror, her face pale with fear. She waved her hands frantically. “No... It wasn’t me, I didn’t do anything!”

“Shameless little thief! How dare you continue to spout lies!”

“No... It wasn’t her.”

Hermand weakly grasped Elder Grez’s sleeve as he struggled to speak. “I... s-saw... a dragon!”

“WHAT?” Elder Grez was horrified. How could a legendary dragon be involved in a simple poisoning case?

“Are you sure?”

“Y-Yes.... It was a golden-colored dragon pupil. I took only one look at it and was forced to sacrifice both of my eyes just to save my life.”

“Are you saying that this poisoning case was orchestrated by a dragon?”

Elder Grez struggled to wrap his head around it. If there was indeed a dissatisfied dragon in regards to the Great Celestial Rite, why wouldn’t it just come forward and express its discontent? The Holy Dragon Empire would surely comply with its wishes as dragons were held in high regard as totems.

Yet, it resorted to such a despicable act as poisoning, using the most vulgar laxative. Whoever was behind this couldn’t possibly be a clown sent by the dragon race, could they?

“Elder, don’t forget...” Hermand suddenly interjected.