Chapter 324

Chapter 324

Lucas regained consciousness several days later.

The towering physician who had been nursing Lucas exclaimed with choked emotion,

"Sir! Youre awake!"

"Mason... Uncle?"

Struggling, Lucas lifted his body wrapped in bandages.

He was in the McGregor family mansion. Although it felt unfamiliar, having not been home for so long, he couldnt make sense of his current situation.

"How did I get here...?"

His memory was fuzzy due to the aftermath of transforming into a beast.

He had failed his mission, exposed his betrayal to Ash, and should have been executed.

How was he still alive... and back in his childhood home?

"Prince Ash sent someone to bring you here! Your injuries have mostly healed, but you were unconscious for days. We were so worried..."

Mason sobbed, his large frame ill-fitting for such emotion. Lucas, blinking vacantly, hastily inquired.

"Was there any other message?!"

"Ah, yes, there is a letter from Prince Ash here."

Lucas hastily read the letter Mason handed him. The message was simple.

- Get lost. Forever.

"..."

Lucas tightly closed his eyes, carefully folding the letter and tucking it into his pocket.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he turned his head toward Mason.

"How did you, Uncle Mason...?"

He had failed to assassinate Ash. It wouldnt have been surprising if Fernandez had killed off everyone from the McGregor family who had been held hostage.

"Prince Fernandez has released all of us!"

"Even though I failed...?"

"Here, this is a letter from Prince Fernandez. Please read it."

As Lucas unfolded the letter, it read,

- Your years of loyalty have become meaningless with this missions failure.

- However, acknowledging your past service, I will spare your family and settle half of your remaining debts.

- I still value your skills. If you wish to pay off the rest of your debts...

Crumple.

Lucas angrily balled up the letter, eventually tearing it to shreds. A startled Mason nervously asked,

"What will you do now, Sir?"

"...I have to live."

Lucas cracked a smile, pulling at his dry lips.

The smile of the boy who once resembled an innocent puppy had somehow,

"Even if the world ends, people have to go on living."

Transformed a bit, into that of a wolf.

***

Lucas liquidated the McGregor family mansion and estate.

Even after selling everything, including the familys treasured swords and secret martial arts manuscripts, he was still short on funds to pay off his debts.

The last day, as they were taking down the sign of the martial arts dojo, the family servants and loyalists all burst into tears. Lucas hugged each of them one by one.

"Im sorry for all the trouble Ive caused. Take care, everyone."

After forcefully sending everyone away, including Mason who wanted to stay,

Having sold every last thing he owned to finally settle his debts,

Lucas was left with nothing.

Now, all that remained in his hand was the hilt of a broken sword. The sword Ash had given him was now woefully incomplete, left only with its handle.

"..."

Lucas silently looked down at the sword handle, pocketed it, and started walking.

He had nothing more to lose.

He already knew where he had to go.

***

"Youve got quite the nerve."

In Ashs private quarters.

It was broad daylight, yet the room was dim, heavy curtains drawn. Ash was seated on a chair, sipping poison from a glass.

The ashtray next to him was filled with crushed cigarette butts.

"How do you dare to show your face in front of me again, you traitor?"

Ash looked at Lucas with eyes that were too jaded for a fifteen-year-old, as though he were an old man whose soul had aged to its very core.

Thud.

Serenade looked at Ashs gaunt face through her teary eyes, and then she sensed the smell of alcohol and tobacco emanating from him.

Unsure of what to say, Serenade cautiously spoke.

"My Lord, I completely understand your sorrow, but alcohol and tobacco are harmful to your health."

"Sorry, Serenade, but I didnt come here to listen to your nagging."

"Please, come inside. I will make some warm tea. If theres anything I can do to comfort you..."

"I dont need your comfort."

Ash coldly spat out the words and gave a slight nod.

"Give me money. I need it."

"Money... you say?"

"Youre the heir of a merchant family. You should have some funds. Hand it over."

Ash arrogantly gestured, a malicious smile ill-suited to his petite face.

"And bring me a bottle of good liquor, if you have any."

"..."

Serenade looked crestfallen.

Nonetheless, she went back into her house and returned a few minutes later carrying a small chest and a bottle of alcohol.

"In this chest are treasures that Ive collected since childhood. I had been saving them for our marriage, and this alcohol is"

Ash snatched the chest and bottle from Serenades hands without hearing her out.

He briefly opened the chest to confirm it was full of jewels, then turned around.

"Thanks. Ill put it to good use."

"Ah..."

"Have this much ready for the next time I visit, got it?"

Serenade watched Ashs retreating back, lost in bewilderment.

Breaking into a sweat, Lucas, who had been observing this, bowed to Serenade and hurriedly followed Ash.

As Ash got back into the carriage, Serenade called out, choking back tears.

"My Lord!"

"..."

"If it can ease your pain, be it money or alcohol, Ill have it all ready for you. So please..."

Serenade forced a miserable smile, struggling to hold back her tears.

"Dont hurt yourself too much. That would only pain me more."

"..."

"You can come back anytime, my Lord. Ill be waiting. Here, forever."

Ash silently boarded the carriage and set off.

The Silver Winters residence quickly receded into the distance. Serenade stood there, barefoot, gently waving her hand.

Once Serenade was out of sight, Ash finally spoke.

"Isnt it incredible?"

"What?"

"First love. Youd think Id have gotten used to it by now, but it still wrenches my heart."

Ash opened the chest that Serenade had given him.

Each jewel had been lovingly collected in preparation for their marriage, glittering brilliantly.

"I shouldve gotten used to this sort of thing by now... but damn."

With a bitter smile, Ash closed the chest and looked out the window with heavy eyes.

After a long silence, Ash spoke again in a cold voice.

"I need more money, and... more connections."

Lucas didnt ask.

Why he needed the money. Why he needed the connections.

What this behavior from Ash was all for.

"Given that I dont have a damn thing to start with, theres no other way. This time, too..."

Lucas merely thought to himself.

About this young man, whose smile seemed so fragile that it could break at any moment.

"Shall I become the Empires biggest good-for-nothing rascal?"

Even enveloped in darkness, it seemed to still emit light.

Just like a backlight.

***

Eight years had passed.

Ash and Lucas had reached the Crossroad.

And so, the final game began.