CH 244

There was no light inside the pitch-black darkness.

Darkness and static, stillness and silence, and death.

The life that had already been extinguished could not even be recognized.

The place that disgustingly reeked of blood and burnt skin was hell itself.

The price of treason was devastating, and the only result that returned to those who did not cooperate was death.

Trudge, trudge.

Inside the cave, which was filled with silence, the sound of a powerless gait echoed.

The owner of the footsteps was faintly revealed by the ray of light coming in from the entrance.

A boy who looked like a young Theon.

The boy walked slowly as his face twisted at the horrible image he faced.

“People of the Country of Pella…”

A crying voice flowed out of the boy’s mouth.

The appearance of the boy who, at best, seemed to be fifteen years old was pathetic.

The boy’s shoulders shook greatly as he looked at those who died by his stammering hands.

“It’s my fault for not stopping His Majesty. Innocent lives have been lost again.”

Ahhh!!

The gray eyes of the boy who was wailing as he looked at his surroundings turned blurry.

A shadow fell behind the boy who was hitting his chest, unable to control his emotions.

“Prince Hail… Stop and get up. What they want is not the Prince’s weak appearance. We have to leave here before the Stellen Kingdom finds us.”

“Jenon, our greed has killed countless people. How many bodies will we face…? It’s not even possible.”

“It’s not your fault.”

Hail’s silver eyes rolled in a steady motion through the ruined cave.

‘How old are you this year?’

‘Six… years old.’

‘It’s scary, isn’t it? Soon, the Knights of Pella will come. So you don’t have to worry anymore.’

‘I’m not scared! Prince Hail came to save us. My mother said so. The Prince will protect us…!’

The child, who had been twitching his cheeks just a while ago, had long lost his warmth.

He just went to get a bottle of water for the child to drink.

In the meantime, the people that were staying here in hiding were burned to death.

“He was only… Only six years old. He asked me to protect him.”

“…”

“He was just a child. An innocent child!”

“Please stop.”

“Countless people have lost their lives to protect me. I took away their lives and survived like this once again…’

Drip.

Jenon helped Hail, who had collapsed and blamed himself, in a fairly knightley manner.

Overflowing with emotions, Hail bit his trembling lips tightly and then opened his mouth.

“Who did this… to the people of Pella?”

“The second Prince of the Stellen Kingdom.”

“I won’t forgive him. Never.”

“You have to live to get revenge, too. So live. Hail Edea.”

“…”

He could tell by the tears that continuously flowed from his eyes.

How distressed Hail was about this situation.

How much responsibility he felt for the terrible things that have happened because of his father’s misdeeds.

The reality was extremely brutal for a young boy to face.

For a long time, Hail was unable to look away from those who had already turned to ashes.

Silently looking at Hail, who was drowning in melancholy, Jenon spoke in a calm voice.

“They are the people who gave their lives for the Country of Pella. Don’t make these noble sacrifices be for nothing.”

“I’m going to live and return to the Country of Pella. And I will pay them back. By all means.”

The faces of the two boys standing opposite each other were determined.

Although they were only young boys who had just lost their child-like traces, their eyes were filled with vengeance.

***

The deserted natural forest of the west palace.

The grass that surrounded the area made a rustling noise and created a serene atmosphere.

A sleepless night.

There was no better place for contemplation.

The wine he drank while having the moonlight as a friend was simply fantastic.

“This is a beautiful place.”

Eden swept up his hair, shining under the moonlight, and recited in a small voice.

“Long time no see.”

“?”

Eden, who was leaning against the crevice of the rock, raised his body at the unfamiliar voice coming from behind him.

Eden’s wary gaze turned to Luke and changed slightly.

“How is your wound?”

“It’s embarrassing for you to ask me that.”

“Looks like you’ve gotten a lot better. That’s a relief. I was quite worried…”

“Are the Knights this free? Seeing that you have time to worry about me.”

Eden shook the bottle he was holding with a bitter smile.

The sweet and spicy scent of the wine filled the tip of his nose pleasantly.

“What, do you want a sip, too?”

“It’s alright. I’m on duty.”

“You’re such a… boring man. Both in the old days and now.”

Eden tilted his head and pulled back the bottle he had handed to Luke.

Unable to understand what he meant, Luke’s eyes began to sway a little at Eden’s words.

“I’m just fulfilling my responsibilities.”

“Responsibilities… That’s right. Responsibility… is good.”

“I’ve taken too long. I need to finish patrolling. I’ll see you next time.”