Chapter 161

Chapter 161

"Im not Ash, but someone else. You knew that from the beginning, didnt you, Lucas?"

"..."

Lucas, who had been silent with a stern face for a while, slowly responded.

"I dont understand what you mean, my lord. Arent you Ash Born Hater Everblack, the third prince of the Everblack Empire?"

"Quit playing dumb."

I sighed and folded my arms.

"You know very well. I am a completely different person from the Ash youve served all your life."

Lucas had been Ashs exclusive bodyguard since he was very young.

And suddenly, I had taken possession of Ashs body.

Even though he might not know, everything from my behavior, way of speaking, and even trivial gestures would have changed completely.

But Lucas did not question me and continued to be by my side.

I too had let it pass without saying anything since Lucas showed me absolute loyalty.

We had an unspoken agreement that there was no need to break our current relationship.

But now, I was leaving for the capital.

I had to go without even knowing what kind of person the original Ash was, let alone understanding his family relationships.

This couldnt go on.

People in the capital would surely catch on.

So I just came out and honestly told Lucas. To ask about the original Ashs personality, and the human relationships in the capital.

Yet, despite that,

"No, my lord. You are undoubtedly the Prince Ash that I have served all my life."

Lucas kept saying this to the very end.

My eyes widened. Why is this guy playing dumb to the end? I thought we knew everything about each other?

And Lucas had a reason to say this.

"You told me in advance that day."

"What? When did I tell you in advance? What did I say?"

"On the night of the second day when we were surrounded by black spiders at the outpost. You called me and said this."

I had possessed this body on the third day of being surrounded by the black spider legion.

The night before that, one day before I took possession...

Ash had said to Lucas,

"Hey, guard. Starting tomorrow, I will act like a different person."

"...!"

"But no matter how I appear, or what I do, I am me. I am the Ash you have served all your life."

Repeating Ashs words verbatim, Lucas looked at me with unwavering eyes.

"Dont doubt me and continue to assist me as you have. Im asking you. ...Thats what you said."

"..."

"Though I didnt understand what you meant at the time, your behavior changed noticeably from the next day. As if you had become a different person."

Lucas faintly smiled, bowing his head slightly to me.

"But since you had told me in advance, my loyalty to you never wavered."

I was stunned, frozen by the unexpected truth.

So Ash... knew that I would possess his body?

How did he know that? And why did he willingly give his body to me?

Perhaps Ash was not simply a deranged prince, as I thought?

Lost in thought, Lucas cautiously called me.

"My lord?"

"Ah, yes, yes."

I swallowed dryly.

Theres no point in telling him now that Im a gamer from another world.

Ill just take the toss that Ash had thrown me.

"Thats right, as I said back then. From that day on, I lost all my memories. Ive only been pretending to be the prince since then."

Thankfully, Lucas immediately accepted this.

"Indeed, there were times when you didnt seem to know common knowledge. I had suspected as much..."

"Haha. Thanks to you subtly explaining things, Ive managed to get by."

"So how did you suddenly know so much about monsters and dungeons?"

"Um. That."

I vaguely dodged the question.

"I instinctively knew how to defeat the monsters after losing all my other memories. Perhaps the me before losing my memories used some special technique...?"

"..."

Though I thought it was nonsense as I spoke, Lucas seriously nodded, accepting it.

It seemed that, in this way, I managed to steer our relationship back on track, leaving behind the mystery of Ashs foreknowledge. But it was clear that Lucass unwavering loyalty was going to be a valuable asset in the dangerous game of Protect the Empire.

This damn kid, just how much does he trust me?

"Ahem! Anyway, Lucas. I would like to ask for your help."

I need to know about my relationships in the Imperial Court and understand my original habits.

"Wow."

Those rascals, doing things I didnt even order, trying to gain favor.

With a quiet smile, I passed through the gate and outside, and the soldiers on the wall saluted me in unison.

"Safe travels, Your Highness!"

Leaving behind the loud greeting of a thousand soldiers, I went to the airship.

All three airships had their engines running, and Reina Windwell was waiting for me in front of the Royal Special Ship Alcatraz.

Behind Reina stood four officers and fifty soldiers. They were the support troops that would remain in Crossroad.

Approaching, Reina flashed a big smile.

"Are you all ready, Your Highness?"

"Well, more or less."

I gestured to Lucas standing beside me.

"While Im away, Acting Commander of the Southern Front will be Lucas McGregor."

Reina and Lucass eyes met. A spark flew between the knight and the mage.

I spoke sternly.

"I expect full cooperation as support troops, Captain Reina."

"Of course, Your Highness. I will cooperate faithfully."

"I appreciate it. Oh, and..."

I whispered to Reina.

"Dont mess around or Ill kill you. Just stay focused on hunting the monsters."

"..."

"Captain Reina, you need to respond?"

Reina bowed her head deeply.

"Would I dare, Your Highness?"

Reina pointed to the open hatch of the Alcatraz.

"Please board. Well get you to the capital safely."

I looked back.

"See you soon."

To my party members, who looked at me with a mix of trust and concern, I grinned broadly.

"Ill bring back something tasty!"

Waving my hand, I boarded the Alcatraz.

Slowly the hatch closed, and an officer who looked like a knight guided me with a crisp attitude.

"Please, this way, Your Highness."

Fitting for a royal-exclusive airship, the ornately decorated interior had seats reserved for royalty.

I had never even ridden in a business class seat on Earths planes, yet here I was, enjoying luxury.

As I took my seat, the officer personally fastened my seatbelt.

Soon, a floating sensation filled me, and the airship ascended into the sky with the roar of its mighty engine.

Through the window next to my seat, I saw the faces of my party members and soldiers. They were saluting me to the very end.

Ill be back soon.

Thinking this, the airship sped up, and their faces quickly receded into the distance.

For the first time, I was leaving the city of Crossroad, where I had always stayed since falling into this world. I clenched my fists.

To be honest, I was a bit nervous.

Going to the capital, meeting the Emperor, clashing with my brother, convincing key figures.

And...

My fiance?!

...

The airship cut through the sky, heading north at a terrifying speed.

***

[STAGE 6 - CLEAR!]

[STAGE MVP - Reina Windwell(SSR) <Guest Character>]

[Level-up Characters]

- None

[Deceased or Injured Characters]

- None

[Acquired Items]

- Wyvern Legion Magic Stones: 274

- Trishula Magic Core(SR): 3

[Stage clear rewards have been distributed. Please check your inventory.]

- N-Grade Reward Box: 3

- R-Grade Reward Box: 3

>> Get Ready For The Next STAGE

>> [STAGE 7: The Return of Tang Ah]