Chapter 130: The gate was opened (2)
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Ruel opened his eyes again.
The things hanging around his arms were reduced to two.
He turned his head at the sound of Leos snoring and the sound of a sword being wiped.
Have you woken up? Its still far from morning, so you can go back to sleep, Cassion said.
Did Fran go? Ruel asked.
Yes, after checking and confirming your stable condition, Fran left with various things.
After answering, Cassion stopped cleaning his sword and looked at Ruel.
Cassion hadnt been able to inquire about the situation since Ruel had taken a stabilizer and fallen back asleep after the examination.
I cant tell you about this, Ruel said first.
Cassion pointed to his own heart with a calm expression.
Do you know this? When your heart stopped, so did mine. Of course, I managed to hold on for a moment.
Your heart stopped and you held on? Youre a monster.
Ruel frowned at the unbelievable statement.
Hows Noah?
Hes fine.
After the response, Cassions expression twisted slightly.
Honestly, I really didnt expect our hearts to stop together. It was one of the most terrifying experiences in my life.
I think my heart stopped because I figured something out.
What do you mean by that?
I dont know exactly either. My heart stopped because I found out something I shouldnt have known, and I guess I survived thanks to the power of recovery. So, you shouldnt know about it, Ruel explained.
Cassion didnt have the power of recovery.
If his heart stopped, he would definitely die.
I understand, Cassion stepped back as he seemed to have understood enough.
But still with a face full of dissatisfaction, he called out to Ruel.
Ruel-nim.
Speak, Ruel replied.
Are you okay?
Oh, Im used to this kind of thing now, Ruel said nonchalantly as usual, but Cassion could see Ruels irritation that was briefly revealed.
Is it related to you, Ruel-nim?
Yes, what about Uncle and Aris?
They went out for a moment. Fran said your condition had stabilized, so they should be fine, Cassion said.
Thats good. Im sure Uncle was worried a lot, Ruel replied.
He was worried, Cassion confirmed.
Ruel turned his head towards the window where the sun had not yet risen.
Cassion.
Yes.
Sorry.
!
Cassion froze at the unexpected apology.
He hesitated several times, wondering if he should ask Ruel to repeat himself, doubting what he had just heard.
Ganien asked me to thank you for letting him know the weakness of the black-blooded man, Ruel quickly changed the subject.
Cassion chuckled and smirked, realizing that Ganien wouldnt normally express gratitude in such a manner. RêAd lateSt chapters at novelhall.com Only
It must have been quite embarrassing for him to admit it.
Thank you. It was a good catch, Cassion said.
I didnt say it to make you feel good, Ruel snapped.
Yes, I understand, Cassion resumed wiping his sword, barely able to contain his laughter.
He wanted to see Ruel embarrassed.
But then Cassions hand stopped again for a moment.
He remembered a fact that he needed to tell Ruel.
Ah Ruel-nim, I have something to tell you.
What is it? Ruel asked, his voice tinged with annoyance due to Cassions constant laughter.
Yesterday, Ganien contacted me urgently, Cassion continued.
Ruel turned to look at Cassion again. The word urgently caught his attention.
What did he say? Ruel inquired.
He said that the gates of the Tonisk Empire have opened, Cassion replied.
What? Ruel was taken aback.
They say that a group of supposed soldiers came out, and when they were spotted, they suddenly disappeared, and in their place were traces of magic.
Did they use warp magic like Uncle?
Warp magic required a large amount of mana.
Tyson now used it comfortably after crossing the wall, but it was difficult before.
Ruel clenched and unclenched his fist.
However, the Tonisk Empires gates had indeed opened.
Where could those suspected soldiers have gone?
Ruel asked after inhaling Breath.
But the gates didnt open after that?
No, they didnt, Cassion confirmed.
Cassion.
Yes, please speak.
How many people are there who have reached Uncles level at such a young age?
I can count them on one hand, Cassion replied.
Tuk-tuk.
Ruel started tapping his thigh.
The opponent was the Tonisk Empire.
Given the name Empire, there must be someone who had reached Uncles level.
However, Ruel was puzzled as to why the Tonisk Empire had moved at this ambiguous time.
The news of Leponia and the Cyronian Kingdom forming an alliance, and the rumor that the Kran Kingdom had sent an envoy to Leponia, must have reached them.
There was deep animosity between the Tonisk Empire and the three kingdoms, so the fact that the Tonisk Empire was making a move now only seemed like a provocation to the alliance.
If they really wanted to make a move, they should have done so before Leponia and Cyronian formed an alliance.
That fox is always cute.
Banios playfully extended his fidgeting hand, coughed awkwardly, and crossed his arms again, spitting out a fake cough under Ruels gaze.
You dont have to get up so suddenly. Its not like weve only met once or twice, and the time has passed for us to show courtesy.
Your Highness, I am someone who knows courtesy. I am deeply sorry for greeting you in this state.
Despite being the one to apologize, Ruels expression was very stern.
Banios, who knew that this was an insult to himself, smiled and said.
I did apologize in advance, didnt I? Sorry about that.
Did something urgent come up for you to come here personally?
Do I have to come only if its urgent? Thats disappointing.
Even though you havent officially inherited the throne yet, isnt it a busy time for you?
Ruel looked behind Banios as he spoke.
He followed Ruels gaze and replied, Ah, your butler has left for a moment. He must be busy.
Cassion was always busy, but it was frustrating to see the Crown Prince, who should be even busier, sitting idly.
What do you have to say to me, Your Highness?
Whats so urgent? Im not busy at all, so take your time. I came to Setiria before, but I couldnt properly tour around and had to leave, which was very regrettable.
Did you come to Setiria for refuge?
Becoming a crown prince from a prince, the amount of things to learn would be overwhelming.
If Banios, who had come out of a web novel as a work addict, was like this, how much more would there be to learn?
Banios avoided eye contact.
You dont need to worry at all. I brought my butler, and I can do everything well on my own. Of course, theres no need for formal greetings. Just relax.
It seemed like he didnt just come for refuge. Banioss behavior seemed suspicious.
Your Highness, are you really not busy? If thats the case, may I ask Prince Adoris?
Lord Setiria.
Banios urgently called Ruel, then opened his mouth more seriously than ever.
So, this is a territory visit. Its natural for me to look around since its the land Ill be ruling. Ill make sure you dont feel uncomfortable.
Ruel let out a light sigh.
It seemed like Banios was planning to stay for a while.
Although some of the information directed to Banios through Astell was hidden, there was no fear of being caught because he trusted Cassion to handle the aftermath well.
How long do you plan to stay?
Ill leave soon, so dont worry. If not for this opportunity, when else could I tour around Leponia?
Has His Majesty approved this?
Of course.
Banios responded cheerfully, which annoyed Ruel slightly.
Laughing shamelessly at someone elses house.
Ruel didnt like talking back, but since Banios was a prince, he decided to turn and politely decline.
Im not sure if theres a suitable room for Your Highness. Any place would be more humble than the royal palace.
I didnt grow up as sheltered as you think. As long as theres a place to lie down, its enough, so dont worry about it.
His attempt didnt work at all.
After inhaling Breath, Ruel just spoke as usual.
I feel uncomfortable.
Im not uncomfortable.
Your Highness, I am telling you that I am uncomfortable.
The diplomatic delegation from the Kingdom of Kran will arrive soon. I dont know what the outcome will be, but it will be interesting.
Banios completely changed the subject.
Ruel had no choice but to move on from a topic that couldnt be ignored.
So soon?
A meeting was held a few days ago due to the news that the gate of the Tonisk Empire had opened. I assume there was a similar meeting on the Kran side as well.
What kind of proposal do you think Kran will make to the Cyronian Kingdom?
Honestly, the relationship between the two countries is not good, but I heard they are leaning towards sending a diplomatic delegation.
Is that so?
Ruel frowned slightly.
Kran Kingdom had sent a diplomatic delegation.
The fact that the Kran Kingdom was sending an envoy hinted at a potential alliance.
No matter how you look at it, the timing of the Tonisk Empire opening the gate is convenient.
It almost seems like they are pushing for an alliance.
Ruel felt uneasy about this fact.
I have reported to the landlord, so I will be leaving now. Ive said it before, but please treat me as if Im not here and make yourself comfortable.
Banios stood up, glanced at Leo, and then something came to his mind and he opened his mouth.
That guy, Kron, you gave me was remarkably good at sniffing out the Red Ash. I think well be able to take out the rest of them sooner than expected. Now, get some rest.
Banios smiled and walked out again.
After confirming that he had left, Ruel opened his mouth.
Cassion.
Yes.
For what purpose did Prince Banios come?
First of all, inspection of the territory seems to be the top priority.
Empty-handed? Ruel subtly inquired.
Cassion shook his head and replied, Prince Banios provided me with a sum of gold to cover expenses.
As expected.
Ruels lips curved up.
He would continue to welcome him with open arms since they would be seeing each other often from now on.
While Prince Banios is staying here, treat him as a special guest. But, regardless of that, keep an eye on him.
Understood.
Cassion waited without fading into the shadows.
Also, find out who is coming as an envoy from the Kran Kingdom and what their intentions are.
They have already started moving.
Ruel smiled contentedly at Cassions response.
Then, continue with the preparations for breakfast.
Of course.
Ruel watched Cassion disappear, continuing to contemplate the relationship between the Kran Kingdom and the Tonisk Empire.
Author's Thoughts
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