Chapter 138: The Rightful Heir, III

While he was furious at the sudden ambush, Kiro was also impressed that he didn't sense the enemy, not even when he was right behind him. He didn't let out any bloodlust, he only assumed he was just another customer in the room. The only thing that gave him away was the poison dart that he took out, which Kiro saw through vibrations.

The assassins of the Underworld were very outstanding in his eyes, he hoped they'd drop the skill so he could pass it on to Nikolai. That would make their group more overpowered and more likely to be hired as mercenaries. But he didn't put too much hopes in that, as much as he got a useless flute, nothing else he killed here dropped any items.

When he turned around, imitating the ones he entered with, he was greeted by another sight that he didn't quite like. Every being had their heads on the ground, showing respect and gratitude to the King that came back for them.

"Who dared—burp" Hubris attempted to speak, but he was still very much out of his mind. The burp came out loud and smelled terrible, which was an immediate impediment to his speech.

It was a funny moment, but nobody laughed. The seriousness of Kiro's last words made everyone in the pub freeze and forget to even greet their King. They were surprised by more than one thing, so their brains couldn't process the information fast enough.

"Belial, who was it?" Kiro's words rang throughout the establishment, they came out cold and poisonous.

"S-sire. I—it wasn't me. I have no idea. I don't know." He said his head downcast, not daring to look him in the eye. While he knew Kiro wasn't his King, he feared him as such, he couldn't even begin to imagine how amazing of a person he was.

"Someone in your group is a rat, and you don't even know? I thought you were smart, I thought you could use your brains, but I guess not. Or was it in fact you, are you the rat?"

"N-n-never Sire. I'd never betray my people for a King that cares little of whether I'm dead or alive. I'll do everything in my power to find out who was it, I swear, I swear I will and I'll bring them to you."

"You've done enough." Kiro spat, disgusted. He knew there were spies but he didn't think word would get out so soon, before they even had to enact their plan.

It made him especially furious because he thought they wanted freedom, all of them, but every revolution had those few individuals whom didn't want the status quo to change. They'll always be the burden that drags everyone down with them.

By morning, the whole kingdom had already heard the news. Those who had been waiting took to the streets and the wilds, with their king by their side, they were confident that they could topple the current cruel ruler.

"We have to go now and help them." Hubris said getting up from his drunken sleep, he didn't need to be filled in as he remembered everything.

"Hold your horses, we have scouts. They're working tirelessly to bring us information. Information is the most crucial thing in a war." Kiro reprimanded.

Hubris had already jumped forward, ready to leave their base and go to battle, Kiro jumped in front of him with his arms wide open. He was prepared to pin him down if he had to, he wasn't going to let his mount walk into his death.

"But, I can't just let them be murdered like this."

"You're not. You can't just waltz in there and expect to win without a plan. Casualties are inevitable in a war. This is something you need to win, there aren't do overs." He could see that Hubris was not quite convinced, "do you trust me?" He asked, playing on the sentimental side since the logical one wasn't working.

"But..."

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course, I'm offended you have to ask."

"Then let's wait and prepare."

He quit being stubborn and followed orders. They didn't really have a map for the terrain, they had to wait for the spectres to return. All they could do right now, was fight it out. So they did.