Chapter 296

Chapter 296

The corners of Frochs composed eyes twitched. His face crackled with rage, and he looked back at Cadel.

Are you going to kill me here?

The entire restaurant was rented out, and Froch and Cadel were the only customers inside. The waiter and chef hadnt been seen since they served the knights outside. The knights Froch had brought in to escort him had been drugged and there was no telling what state they were in. Froch had every reason to be worried.

But there was no fear in his eyes, even in the face of a threat to his life. He was certain that Cadel could not kill him here.

Between Cadel and himself, there was a status difference, a diplomatic position, and Lumen that could not be ignored. That was what he believed, and in places like this, Frochs instincts tended to work pretty well for him.

It cant be, an Imperial Knight Commander assassinating a foreign honored guest. I cant imagine how Id clean up the mess. Besides, Your Grace probably has been spreading the word that hes meeting with me today. Im not that sloppy.

.

I only put the knights to sleep in case Your Grace was going to act as unhinged as he is now.

What do you have to gain by acting like this?

Cadel shook his head, as if he really couldnt be talked out of it, and slowly stood up from his seat and walked over to Froch.

Your Grace. You dont seem to realize that youve been targeted by the Shadow Envoy and that youre in danger. I dont know if its because youre strong-minded or if you havent gotten your bearings yet. I told you I dont have any intention of asking him to spare your life.

He was small for the commander of a knight order, and his demeanor was on the meek side. At first, Froch had wondered how Cadel could lead knights on the battlefield with such a body. He looked more like a strategist than a general. And that first impression hadnt changed, even now.

Or maybe you really believe in Lumen and have the audacity to do this? Because you think Lumen will protect you?

Approaching Cadel, he was like a snake with fangs bared. He was also like a seasoned bartender, teasing his audience with a smile. Certainly, he was a rare breed of human being among knights whose only values were strength and loyalty.

Staring into the ashen eyes that held as much killing intent as he could, Froch realized that his powers would not work on Cadel.

How could you think that. Oh, have you somehow forgotten the innocent people you killed to isolate Lumen?

What?

You killed Korver, Eric, Mary, and the merchants and servants. You abused your wife, too. Oh, and you even killed a cute little dog. Was her name Debbie?

These were not things a knight commander should know. Frochs eyes twitched hard. This was not the kind of information that could be learned by casual investigation.

Did Lumen tell you the whole story?

No, Your Grace. In a case like this, you might as well ask if Lumen knew everything. At least give the impression that you were trying to do it secretly, because thats the worst thing you can do.

Cadel couldnt kill Froch, but he had the means to do so. He also had the weakness to justify the means. He was making clear threats, and there was no way for Froch to escape from his leash.

A heavy wind blew against Frochs back as he unconsciously tried to take a step backward. He panicked as the wind seemed to immobilize him, until Cadel, who had closed the distance, lunged at him. His ashen eyes flashed dangerously with murderous intent.

There is no way Froch Dominic is coming to the banquet tomorrow.

Cadel cut off Lumens near-panicked anxiety simply. He looked straight at Lumen, who seemed to be mulling over what hed heard, unable to comprehend it, and continued.

Hes not going to be in your life anymore, so youre the one who shouldnt care, Lumen.

What in the world did you do?

I just blackmailed him.

Blackmail?

For what reason had Cadel come to see his father, a man hed never met, and blackmailed him? Several theories flashed through Lumens mind in that brief moment, none of them involving Cadel doing anything wrong, so instead of trying to dig deeper, Lumen let out a sharp intake of breath.

At least you didnt get yourself killed.

Me? You think Im a victim?

My father is worse than you think, Leader.

Well, I knew it when I saw him. Hes a world of difference from you.

Cadel patted the seat next to him, his voice husky. Lumen stiffened and plopped down on the bed.

Lumen, who had imagined all sorts of horrible things while he waited, seemed relieved to hear Cadels comment that nothing bad had happened to him.

Cadels sideways glance at Lumen made him chuckle softly. Then he turned to the blue eyes looking back at him and said.

No matter how much of a scumbag he is, hes still your father. Why dont you ask me what I did? I could have hurt him badly.

Hes a scumbag before hes a father, and I welcome Leader to kill him. The question is, what the hell did my father say that made Leader make that choice?

The reasons were many. Froch had tried to lure Lumen back into his clutches; he had tried to turn Lumen into a soulless sword after he had narrowly escaped in search of his dreams; he had tried to manipulate Lumen; he had tried to dodge paying for ruining Lumens life. There was plenty more to pay for, but Cadel had taken out one of the many reasons.

Hes trying to take you away from me.

Lumens anguish, Lumens careful choices, Lumens disregard for the presence of a valued comrade, and the fact that Froch was trying to take Lumen away from him. That was probably the biggest reason Cadel had dared to meet with Froch and threaten him.

As he thought about it, Lumens eyes twitched slightly. His lips twitched, about to say something, but then he averted his gaze. His usual relaxed, stoic demeanor was long gone.

How hard did I work to get you? I wouldnt give you to the Emperor even if he came and held a sword to my throat demanding you.

Lumen didnt know that Cadel knew the whole of his past, so it was better to keep it that way.

Not noticing Lumens ears, which were now red as if theyd been dipped in fire, Cadel playfully touched Lumens forearm with a playful look on his face. Lumen ducked his head as if to hide from Cadel and mumbled, covering his face with his hands.

For the first time ever, I want to thank my father.