Chapter 631
There was a famous saying that went, One wrong decision can turn everything upside down.
It really would not be a surprise if a nation was to fall into ruins like Boltis, especially considering the fact that the troubled forces at the moment were essentially from the Pallan Empire and the Heins Territory.
Of course, the likelihood was known to be low. Those who had carried the weight of a nation had absolutely no reason to take such a reckless gamble, and it would not be surprising if there was an international conference concerning this issue. However, the situation became headache-inducingly complicated because unwarranted truths, which did not need to be revealed, came to light because of Reina.
Well, who would have guessed that it would be her, who was digging up the corrupt nobles of the Pallan Empire, who would uncover those unwarranted truths?
Sullivan, having gone utterly insane upon learning about the attack on Illyna, sought to obliterate Boltis.
But regardless of Sullivan's thoughts, what remained to be clear was how Davey treated the people who saw the Heins Territory like any other estate and committed foolish acts. So even if protecting the Heins Territory meant the ruin of his positive reputation, Davey would still protect the estate and those who had followed him. Such was the reward for their loyalty to him.
Davey nonchalantly warped to the Pallan Empire and strolled leisurely around the massive ramparts. He then surrounded himself with hellfire as he walked along with Sullivan, who was deep in thought.
"Prince Davey, Sullivan said slowly, noticing the hellfire. Shall we try talking first?"
"Are we not talking already, Crown Prince Sullivan?"
Would you mind getting rid of those floating fireballs around you? Sullivan internally screamed as he started to break out in a cold sweat.
Davey was smiling at him thinly, but not even a sliver of kindness was in his smile.
"Prince Sullivan."
"I'm listening."
"The Pallan Empire has had a long-standing close covenant with the Heins Territory."
Though such a pact was not officially documented, their actions up to this point spoke volumes.
"The Pallan Empire doesnt seem that apologetic. You know, I'm quite fond of you all. It is beneficial for me if the Pallan Empire remains as the strongest empire for an extended period of time," Davey said. After all, it was generally good to make agreements with nations with common sense. "But doesn't it feel like you've been hit in the back of the head this time?"
"Calling it just one assassin is an understatement I guess."
"You shouldn't be the one to say that. Considering who that scumbag aimed for, you should know."
Trying to kill a nuisance was to attempt murder, and so an assassin could never be condoned in an official setting.
"That's why I've come to listen."
Guess you'll have to make up an excuse, Davey thought.
"Why are you telling me this?"
Davey snapped his fingers.
"Hell~fir..."
"Wait, wait, wait just a moment! First, I'd like to express my regret over the independence movement led by the Boltis Kingdom. To say that you, a prince, could not have foreseen this situation after declaring war and receiving their surrender sounds far-fetched."
"That doesn't mean I should accept what happened at the Heins Territory."
Sullivan quietly nodded.
"I will assist you so that the royal family of Boltis meets its end. But please lend me a hand in return."
"Hell..."
"Calm down, please. The discussion isn't over yet! This isn't necessarily bad for you!" Sullivan burst in alarm, stretching out his hands in a placating but panicked manner.
"Just quell the hellfire for a moment. Yes. An enemy of my enemy is an ally, isnt that so? After the death of Prince Rendos, there has been much talk in the Empire regarding your assassination. So I've asked Reina, the hero, to take this opportunity to shake them all down."
"You knew?"
"... Yes. It may sound ludicrous, but I found out later."
So why then did the rumors spread so fast?
"Hel..."
"So this is an opportunity!" Sullivan shouted as he dared to approach Davey a little closer.
He then took a quick and furtive glance around and whispered, "I'll handle the forces opposing me within the Pallan Empire, and you could address whatever remaining issues might arise. But there are limits to my ability to stop them. So even if I take care of everything, the unrest or the rumors will explode at some point. "
Of course such would be the case, since it wasnt just any ordinary matter. It was the murder of a prince, and Prince Rendos, despite his incompetent appearances, was still a prince of the most powerful empire, Pallan.
"Let's set aside Boltis. So it would be just the matter of handling the culprits who interfered with this situation," suggested Sullivan.
Sullivan could not help but flash a grin at Daveys question. "Oh, nothing much. A political betrothal between you, Prince Davey, and Illyna..."
"Hellfire." With the intentional chant, Daveys fireball spun wildly and soared.
* * *
"Sister! I'm here!!"
There were players from Eartha pitiful pair of siblings who started playing Alf Online but ended up victimized by the heinous deluge of the Illuminati.
Returning to the Heins Territory, the brother, nicknamed Hydro Citrus Soda, or Hydro for short, immediately rushed to find his sister. His expression was then filled with surprise upon seeing her being well enough and reading some books.
"Sister!" He called out to the girl, who was named Oxygen Bear Soup, or Oxygen for short.
"Ji-Hwan!" She exclaimed, quickly standing up to welcome him.
"Sister! Are you okay?! Are you in any pain? Are you hurt anywhere?!"
Such a display of care was normal since Hydro and Oxygen always showed genuine care and concern for one another, setting them apart from other siblings that were born to kill each other.
"Yeah, I'm fine, she assured. The holy man did most of the healing."
"Phew So we can leave now?"
"No. I plan to stay here for a while."
"But why"
Oxygen chuckled at Hydro's puzzled question. "This isnt just a game, right Hydro? Or should I say Ji-Hwan?"
"..."
"I'm scared too. It hurt so much, and it was scary. But I know that as much as there are bad people, there are also those who are like the holy man who saved and helped us. Would it be right to leave without properly thanking him?"
"I just want to be done with this damn game as soon as possible."
"Let's at least say thanks before we go."
Convinced by Oxygen, Hydro quietly nodded. "But I heard you went to find out something?"
"Ah... Yes. I did look into something, but I'm not sure how accurate it is."
"What did you investigate?"
The question triggered a complex expression on Hydros face. "Well... Someone asked me to find a person, and I honestly didnt know how I would possibly find them. But with your life on the line, I used some darker routes."
Concern dawned on Oxygens face. "Not that you..."
Well Since it was a request, I finally got an answer. Though it wasnt easy to search through the personnel roster of the Sacred Group.
Who on earth are you looking for that you had to dig into the Sacred Group?
I dont know either. The person is around twenty-three years old and goes by the name Shin Hyun-Ah. Within the group, they are simply listed as an employee.
Did you use our savings account for this?
"No, Hydro denied. Not from our savings. I funded it with the sale money from all my gear. And... What was it again? Neltarid? I was asked to figure something out about it too. I searched online, and you know what? It was kind of odd."
Despite several ridiculous incidents, like account deletions, the popularity of the game on Earth had not waned. Multiple streamers were still launching constantly, and various in-game contents were being utilized as a sport.
"Odd?"
"Theres a rising religion of some sort. It seems to be simultaneously cropping up in Korea, the USA, China, the UK, France, the Arab countries, among others... Well, I dont know."
Oxygen looked puzzled. "Hydro."
"Hmm?"
"Prince Davey Isn't he from here?"
"That seems to be the case."
"Then how does he know about someone from Earth?"
At that question, Hydro and Oxygen fell into a round of silence. But it didnt really last long because Oxygen eventually asked, "How does he even know so much about Earth?"
Her question left Hydro shrugging somewhat helplessly. "How would I know?"