Chapter 166

Chapter 166

Sniff sniff. Beric circled around Xiaoshi, constantly sniffing him. Was it the ragged clothes or the improperly washed body that was the problem? Xiaoshi silently looked down at his pitch-black hands.

At that moment, Ian entered the room and clicked his tongue.

What are you, a dog? Why are you sniffing him like that?

He smells like yukhoe. The scent of fresh meat. Its nice.

Mini, who had followed behind, set down clean clothes and informed them. Both the top and bottom were a solid black color without any patterns. It was the perfect outfit for taking advantage of the darkness.

The bath is ready.

Alright. Thank you.

If you need anything else, just call for me again. Well then.

If he were to be arrested as an assassin, he would certainly be stripped bare, so he couldnt look shabby and give away that he was a slave. Ian sat in front of him and unfolded a piece of paper.

Can you read?

No, I cant.

Me too, me too!

Then engrave it firmly in your memory.

Ian sat in front of him and unfolded the paper. Even ordinary people often get lost when entering the palace for the first time. However, for someone who had spent half his life in a prison, reaching the Imperial Palace, and even Gales residence, was quite a difficult task.

This is roughly the entrance. Youll be dropped off here, so keep the wall on your left and go straight in, passing through the largest door. After going through the garden, its the third room in the second corridor. Thats the reception room closest to the target.

Beric, who had been listening beside them, wore a look of astonishment. As if he had heard a complex chemical formula that he couldnt understand at all. At first, he had said he could go himself, but now he seemed utterly repulsed, as if he had given up completely.

This wont work. Its impossible.

Beric, I know. Thats why I chose someone else.

Xia, can you really do this? Seriously?

Xiaoshi glanced at Beric with an indifferent gaze, then nodded.

I understand.

Recite what I told you.

He accurately remembered what he had heard without a single discrepancy. A satisfied smile appeared on Ians lips, and Beric clapped his hands as if in admiration. Getting such a reaction for something trivial. Xiaoshi just lowered his eyes, feeling unnecessarily embarrassed.

Remember well what Im about to say now, too.

***

Xiaoshi tightened his mask. On the night when the full moon rose and set again. The scenery of the unfamiliar palace was so beautiful that even the darkness couldnt conceal it.

So this is the kind of world that exists, he marveled briefly. Recalling his masters words, he concealed his presence while keeping the wall on his left.

Tap tap!

The sound of footsteps seemed particularly loud, but it must be his imagination. He could instinctively tell. That he was now embroiled in something immense. Not only would his life change, but he was also standing at a turning point in history.

But whats the problem with that?

Know but dont care. Fulfilling the given orders was the only fate of a slave. Invisible shackles tend to be heavier. The imprint of slavery that had continued from his parents, no, even before that, seemed to be engraved on his soul. Although he himself wasnt aware of it.

Creak.

Xiaoshi slowly opened the largest door. There was a latch, but it wasnt locked. In the vast space, the only presence he felt was his own. It was late at night, so the absence of servants was understandable, but not a single guard was in sight.

Everything has been arranged, so walk in with confidence.

His masters words made Xiaoshi take a step. While passing through the garden and entering the corridor. He simply walked without concealing his presence, but he couldnt encounter anyone. As if welcoming an intruder.

Swoosh.

Gasp!

As he entered the corridor, a servant spotted him from afar. Xiaoshi reflexively grasped his sword, but she disappeared into the darkness, holding her breath as if she had seen something she shouldnt have.

At this point, a chuckle escaped his lips. Although he had considered it a peculiar mission, to think it would be to this extent. He felt he understood why his master had chosen him.

The third room. Open the door closest to the window in the reception room, and that will be the targets bedchamber. Go and stab the pillow with your sword.

Xiaoshi completely let go of his murderous intent and simply walked towards his destination. Something glinted in the pitch-black darkness. Xiaoshi unconsciously turned his head to the side and soon encountered a perplexed individual.

A child? In a place like this?

The servants hesitated at the sight of the blood pooling on the floor, but soon realized it wasnt Gales and felt relieved. The guards restrained Xiaoshi, and just as the servants were about to move in unison to tidy up the room.

Your Highness?

The head servant softly called out to Gale. As Gale turned his head with a puzzled frown, the other servants and guards also flinched in surprise.

Your Highness!

Your Highness Gale!

How did this-

Bring a doctor! A doctor!

What was this fuss about? The moment Gale tried to speak.

He could feel the unpleasant sensation of something flowing down his face. Eyes, nose, mouth, ears. Blood was flowing from every orifice. To the point where it would be more accurate to say it was gushing out rather than flowing.

Cough-!

Your Highness!

There was no pain. But it was agonizing to breathe due to the regurgitating blood. As Gale collapsed forward, chaos erupted. Even the guards restraining Xiaoshi rushed to examine Gale.

You! What have you done?

I didnt do it.

You demon!

I didnt do it.

Slap!

The guard struck Xiaoshis cheek. His head violently turned to the side, but his posture remained unperturbed. Gale raised his hand to restrain his subordinates, but the command didnt come out as a sound due to the blood constantly pouring from his throat.

Slap! Slap!

Xiaoshi silently endured the beating and observed Gale.

So he was a prince. The Emperors son. Now that the lights were on, he didnt look old enough to have a child. Well, those in high positions were said to have political marriages from a young age.

Your Highness Gale! The doctor is here!

Oh my, heavens! What is going on?

An assassin broke in. Hurry and stop the bleeding-

Your Highness, please raise your head! Are there any lacerations?

It suddenly started pouring out.

It could be poison. Just a moment, step aside! Head servant! Warm water and clean cloth!

Gale seemed to be in his right mind, obediently raising his head as instructed by the doctor. Looking at the brilliantly sparkling chandelier, Ians golden hair came to mind.

Is this Ians doing?

Suddenly bleeding without any premonitory symptoms. This was impossible unless it was poison, some sort of sorcery, or magic. Moreover, he was only bleeding without any pain. It wasnt a typical case.

Besides, in the current situation, if I were truly in danger, Ian would be the one in the most trouble. That couldnt be.

Ian wasnt someone who would take risks even if he had to bear losses. How well did he walk the line between Mariv and Gale? There was nothing to gain from making Gale bleed in this situation.

Your Highness, can you speak?

Inform them.

Pardon?

He didnt know what had happened, but yes, it was good. He had wanted to draw blood, and it had turned out well. Whatever the case, a dramatic element was always necessary in a play.

Inform them that an assassin has entered my residence. Let the entire Imperial Palace know.

Ah, understood!

He would figure out this strange phenomenon in due time. Before that, since the signal flare had been set off, he would run first. The sooner he moved, the more he could stay ahead of his opponent.

Also, inform them.

To the faction that followed him.

Tell them that there is someone in the Imperial Palace who seeks to harm me, so they should all enter the palace armed.