Chapter 49: Bahat's State of Mind and the Krates Mountains

Chapter 49: Bahat's State of Mind and the Krates Mountains

As Bart watched Adrias leave, a secret magic was activated in his eyes.

'Always changing...'

In fact, even when Adrias and Bart made their wager, Bart had used magic to go unnoticed.

At that time, he had also noticed the existence of two mana repositories, but now it seemed like his body was completely empty as if there was nothing there.

'What are you hiding, Adrias Cromwell?'

There were many undisclosed Sins.

Therefore, Bart could only speculate that there were many unknown functions as well.

However, Bart had no intention of prying into Adrias's affairs.

Instead, he was even willing to hide the Sins that Adrias carried, even if he had the original sin.

'The Emperor has changed.'

The Emperor, who had been intelligent in his youth, gradually changed as he aged and held onto power.

The turning point was the incident that marked the end of Cain Cromwell.

Of course, it was a secret event that many were unaware of, but as someone who had observed from the sidelines, Bart couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment.

'To remain loyal to the Emperor even after witnessing such an event is foolish.'

There was no one who sincerely remained loyal to an Emperor who discarded his loyal subjects.

And that applied to Bart as well.

Rather, he felt a sense of guilt for not being able to protect Cain.

'That's why I secretly looked after Adrias and Amy all this time...'

He had secretly watched over them, away from the Emperor's influence.

Fortunately, his own abilities were remarkable, and his position as the Tower Master of Rodren allowed him to do so.

Thanks to that, his relationship with the Emperor had been deteriorating day by day, but as a member of the Alvan family, he had no need to bow down.

'And now, I've received proper repayment for it.'

Thanks to Adrias, his children were alive.

In fact, his power played a crucial role in resolving the recent terrorist incident.

Of course, the search for the mastermind was still ongoing, but the interrogation of Adrias and Vivianne had been swiftly concluded.

'Even if Adrias turns out to be suspicious...'

He had ultimately turned his back on his long-time friend.

Thanks to that, he was filled with regret, but to prevent any further regrets, he would assist Adrias from the shadows this time.

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After the conversation with Bart concluded, an assistant was waiting outside the room.

"I will escort you."

As I followed the assistant back to the first-floor hall, I saw Lucia and Vivianne still waiting there.

What on earth were they waiting for?

"Senpai, you received something strange."

Lucia's gaze was directed at the Galakshur hanging from my waist.

And then Vivianne's gaze also fell on my sword.

"...It's beautiful."

Did she find it appealing?

Regardless, I had no intention of giving her the Galakshur.

'Maybe I'll find her a sword as a token of gratitude later.'

It wouldn't hurt to find her a sword as a gesture of thanks.

It would also change her unfortunate fate, which was already partially altered.

With various sword materials coming to mind, I left the tower.

By the way, how long were these two going to follow me?

"Lucia."

"Yes, senpai?"

"Recently, while researching potions, I came across a clue."

"But why?"

"Can you look into it for me?"

Was it a sudden request?

Her eyes widened.

"Why all of a sudden? Besides, can't you just tell me about it?"

"Uh, it's just a vague lead, so it's not really meaningful."

It really didn't matter. The hint I was giving her was about her own antidote.

Even if it had no commercial value, it was still advantageous for her to indirectly know and conduct research. It wouldn't cost me any money or time.

"But if you can't produce it, then I can step in at that time."

Better safe than sorry.

And the other characters didn't have any direct involvement with politics.

So even among the nobles, it was impossible to know who belonged to the emperor's faction.

Originally, I couldn't have imagined that the Empire would gather sins like this.

Engrossed in various speculations and deductions, time quickly passed, and after 12 hours, I finally arrived at the territory I had aimed for.

'The train is also getting old.'

Despite the fact that it couldn't compete with the comfort and speed of carriages, there was no other choice since the sensation and speed of trains were unparalleled.

However, the real problem started now.

'The Krates Mountain Range is a demonic land. Most carriages will refuse to go there."

I decided to try negotiating with the carriage station near the train station to see how far they would take me.

But as expected, their reactions were as I anticipated.

"Sorry, but we don't go in that direction."

"Even if you offer more money, it's not worth risking our lives..."

Seeing that they were adamant about not going in that direction, I ended up buying a horse from the market.

Fortunately, as an aristocrat, I had learned the basics of horseback riding, so it was a relief.

According to the rough map I obtained, it would take about two days to reach the entrance of the mountain range.

And I didn't even know how much longer it would take to climb up the mountain.

There would probably be various magical creatures and monsters as well...

"This is ridiculous, really."

It's like digging a well when you're thirsty.

I was excited about the thought of sleeping rough after such a long time.

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A grand mansion located in the imperial capital.

Its owner was Jared Tyson, the top of the top five nobles on the continent, known as the head of the upper echelons of Jared Merchants, and the ruler of the capital's underworld.

Although he rarely visited the mansion due to his responsibilities at the top, for some reason, he had been residing there for the past few days.

"Huuk."

Jared exhaled a plume of smoke and a subordinate knelt before him, reporting.

"We received a message from the Academy."

"What kind of message?"

"They say the rat has come out of its hole."

"Huuh."

Jared took another long drag of the smoke and smiled.

"So, the rat that dared to ruin the offering to Lord Zepar has no fear, huh? Or perhaps we underestimated it?"

The offering to Lord Zepar had failed.

Furthermore, not only did the plan fail, but Pahyat Corbon, one of the elite officers of the sect, lost his life.

As a result, the sect's prestige suffered a significant blow, with the empire relentlessly searching for the instigators of the terror attacks.

"It's good that I was able to claim a portion of Muriel's stake in the absence of Pahyat, but..."

He couldn't show his joy openly.

In his current position, he had to be filled with anger as a member of the Zepar sect.

Through an informant hidden within the academy, Jared received information about two students who had suffered serious injuries on that day.

Although the academy seemed to be discreetly covering up the truth about the terror attacks, Jared knew that these two students were the main culprits behind the failed plan.

Of course, it was unlikely that only two students could have killed Pahyat, so there must have been unidentified accomplices.

Upon hearing Jared's furious voice, the servant lowered his head and replied.

"I will take immediate action."

"Yes. But let me hear it. Where is that rat heading?"

"According to the latest information, it is the Merteon Estate."

"Merteon?"

Jared couldn't hide his surprise at the unexpected name.

What business did that backwater place have?

Apart from being relatively close to the Krates Mountain Range, also known as the Devil's Land, Merteon was nothing more than a rural area.

Could it be going to the Krates Mountain Range?

But why?

"Why is that rat going to Merteon?"

"I apologize. I will investigate and find out."

"No, there's no use investigating."

It didn't matter if the rat went to Merteon or anywhere else.

That rat, Vivianne Velocan of the Knight Academy, and the unknown skilled individual...

"I will make sure the whole world knows what happens to those who dare to meddle with our sect. With their bones and flesh, I will surely offer them to Lord Zepar."