novelraw Chapter 270
Chapter 270
Chapter 270. Remaining Whereabouts (2)
"Ugh..."
The day after burying the 'Demon God's Horn' alongside Kikubad in Ornn's estate.
As I opened my eyes in bed, what greeted me first was pain.
― Grrr...
The source of the pain wasn't the injuries from the battle with 'Kikubad', but the aftermath of 'Angelica' rampaging to destroy the house. At that time, due to 'Angelica' moving violently, my 'mana vein' became overloaded.
"Damn it. Just how much did she thrash around?"
People usually think that 'mana vein' is an organ solely for storing mana, but in truth, 'mana vein' is closer to muscle.
That's why when 'mana vein' is used excessively, one experiences pain similar to muscle aches.
'Maybe the issue was because I gave up a 'mana vein' in that incident before.'
At that time, it was the only method, so I don't particularly regret it.
"Ugh..."
No, seeing the pain engulf me, I couldn't help but feel regret.
As I groaned from the pain, Angelica, realizing it was partly her fault, approached cautiously.
"If you're so worried, you should have restrained yourself a bit."
After replying curtly to Angelica, who had approached, I put her into the shadows.
"Steward!"
Afterward, when I called for the steward, I heard hurried footsteps starting outside the door.
"You called, master?"
"Please inform Commander Ordwin that I might be late for work due to a special task today."
"... A special task, you say?"
The steward, who usually followed orders without a word, showed a brief expression of curiosity at the mention of a 'special task'.
But thinking it wasn't something he needed to question, he soon nodded.
"Understood."
Once the steward left, I lay back down on the bed.
"It feels like I'm going to die..."
Laying my body deeply into the pillow, I clicked my tongue at the unfamiliar sensation, different from the intense pains I was used to.
'Yesterday, I almost died for real.'
During the pain, I was numb to yesterday's events, but upon reflection, it wouldn't have been surprising if I had died back there as well.
No more will fear grip me in such a way again. The only thing that feels regretful is—
'I should have confirmed with my own eyes that the horn was completely buried.'
Judging by the burial location and the completely destroyed barrier of 'resonance stone', there's a high chance that the buried horn remains intact.
In the worst case.
'There's even the possibility that Kikubad survived and retrieved the horn.'
Hence, I must move to verify this now.
"Damn it."
Cursing, I forced myself out of bed. I desperately wanted to rest due to the pain emanating from the 'mana vein', but staying idle now could lead to unpredictable events.
'Of course, I won't go there personally.'
I'm not so foolish as to appear again at the scene of the incident.
I should utilize the cards I have at my disposal.
***
"The location where the horn is buried."
Upon hearing the information I passed on, Third Prince Kaldrach stroked his chin.
"If we exclude the horn in your possession, it implies it's one of the horns in Eulsis's possession, right?"
I nodded, acknowledging Kaldrach's question as an obvious fact.
"Yes, that's correct."
"I won't ask how you found that location. After all, removing the horn affects us both equally."
Under normal circumstances, it would be reasonable to be suspicious of information brought at such a timely moment, but Kaldrach extended tremendous trust towards me.
"However, the reason you brought this information to me is rather impudent."
"Is that so?"
"Of course."
Kaldrach nodded, then opened his mouth.
"What you want is for me to use my 'Wedge Knights' to excavate that site, correct?"
Quick to catch on.
"But utilizing Wedge Knights rather than personally going suggests your role in this mustn't be publicly disclosed."
Seeing how he quickly grasped this part as well, he didn't seem like just any prince.
"I'll play along with your scheme."
Though his words suggested he might reject it, Kaldrach gladly accepted the request.
Had it been the original 'Third Prince Kaldrach', he would've loathed being manipulated at someone's behest.
True to his moniker of the 'Iron-blooded Prince', he wouldn't hesitate to overturn the table and detain me with the Wedge Knights.
'He's matured.'
So this is why they call him the Iron-Blooded Prince?
"My goal is simply to eliminate Eulsis. That's all."
Hearing Kaldrach candidly express his desire to kill Eulsis, I responded with a tone of slight embarrassment.
"Didn't you claim it was for the empire's sake before?"
"There were too many eyes watching, hence those words."
With a sly grin, Kaldrach revealed his true intentions.
"The number of times I've died because of that bastard is countless."
Recalling the experiences endured as a 'repeater', Kaldrach shuddered in rage.
"More importantly, that bastard must die for Abisha to live."
When Kaldrach uttered the name 'Abisha', his expression turned more earnest than when he spoke of anything else.
This, undoubtedly, was the real reason.
"Then, it'd be best to act now. The sooner we deal with the 'Demon God's Horn', the better we can weaken Eulsis's power."
With those words, Kaldrach rose from his seat. He instructed the nearby 'Wedge Knights' to gather, indicating his intent to execute the task swiftly.
"Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention this."
"What is it?"
"There's a possibility that Kikubad is also buried at that location."
Kikubad.
At the mention of that name, Kaldrach briefly flinched.
In the original story, 'Kaldrach' wouldn't have any reason to fear 'Kikubad'. However, given the current circumstances, it's reasonable to assume there was some turbulence during these 'repeats'.
"Is he dead?"
"That would be ideal."
"Then he's likely alive."
With a bitter statement, Kaldrach left with the Wedge Knights.
***
"Go find Yulian."
Upon waking up, being told that by the 'Black Knight', Uruhar headed straight to 'Blind Eyes'.
'Ah.'
In the process, Uruhar neglected to attach the 'Imperial Knights' crest to his chest.
Upon seeing the insignia he had absentmindedly grabbed, a storm of emotions coursed through Uruhar.
'I'm displeased.'
When he first received this insignia from the imperial family, Uruhar's heart raced, preventing him from sleeping.
But as time passed, he began to ponder constantly about the value the 'Imperial Knights' insignia held.
'I should quit.'
Some may point fingers, calling him a coward who fled unable to bear the burden of the 'Imperial Knights'.
Still, it didn't matter.
For now, Uruhar's only intent is to send off the 'Black Knight' on his final path.
With such thoughts in mind, upon entering the building of 'Blind Eyes', a nobleman greeted Uruhar.
"What brings an Imperial Knight here?"
A slightly irritated noble.
Delving into the memories from the cult gatherings, it became clear the noble before him was named 'Pintel Obradin'.
"Nice to see you again, Sir Pintel. I'm here due to a matter with 'Blind Eyes'..."
"So, why are you here regarding Blind Eyes?"
Blatant hostility clearly visible.
Though 'Imperial Knights' aren't exactly on amicable terms with nobles, it wasn't as if they were hated this much either.
That's why Uruhar was rather taken aback by Pintel's unprovoked hostility.
"Well, I came to see Yulian."
Before Uruhar could question why Pintel was present, he stated his purpose.
Thinking revealing the purpose swiftly might dispel this hostility.
"Yulian? You mean to meet him?"
Yet, contrary to expectations, Pintel's hostility only intensified.
"For what purpose would an Imperial Knight like you meet Sir Yulian?"
"... It's personal."
"Personal, huh."
With a displeased face, Pintel glanced at Lazlot standing beside him.
"I'm sorry, but Sir Uruhar, Sir Yulian isn't currently here."
"Then when will he return?"
"I think he might not return today."
As a disciple of 'Blind Eyes' cast suspicious looks his way, Uruhar thought inwardly.
'What?'
Had he done something wrong? No, on second thought, it likely has to do with his position as a 'Imperial Knight'.
After all, an 'Imperial Knight' visiting an individual personally often signifies a 'summons' or 'punishment'.
Moreover, recently, Yulian had been imprisoned by the command of 'Eulsis', after all.
'... No way.'
Switching glances between Lazlot and Pintel, Uruhar pondered.
'Are they working for Yulian?'
Working for that eccentric? It's utterly absurd.
Someone who kills without hesitation, someone who works for personal greed rather than the 'Empire'.
Granted, most nobles shared these tendencies, but in Yulian's case, his desire for self-confirmation was immense.
"Working for such an eccentric...."
Uruhar, unable to comprehend, unwittingly muttered aloud.
"What!?"
Pintel reacted most strongly to Uruhar's inadvertent remark.
Clutching his magic staff, Pintel approached Uruhar slowly.
"What did you just say? Did you just call Sir Yulian an eccentric?"
Filled with redness and rage, Pintel fumed.
"Yes."
Typically, Uruhar might've immediately apologized for his slip of the tongue, but at the mention of 'Yulian', he couldn't help but get aggravated.
The only human trusted by the Black Knight who lives in shadows. The thought of having such an eccentric align with him was still deeply troubling.
"He's far beyond someone like you could ever comprehend."
"Well, I'm relieved I can't understand the thoughts of such an eccentric."
Despite Pintel's statement, Uruhar's demeanor remained unfaltered. Watching those two, Lazlot showed a pained expression.
"Ex, excuse me..."
If possible, do it outside rather than here.
Such words hovered on the tip of his tongue, but how could a mere citizen like himself suggest such a thing to the 'Archbishop' and 'Imperial Knight'?
"Judging by how shortsighted you are, it seems the one you serve is no better than you."
With trembling fury, Pintel spat out words that crossed the line. Lazlot stared at him in shock.
It was well known who Uruhar—an Imperial Knight—served. Which meant that statement could be considered a crime of lèse-majesté.
"The one I serve is nothing like Yulian. He's someone who thinks more deeply of the Empire than even the imperial family. And you—someone like you—dare to pass judgment on him?"
Lazlot sighed in relief.
Since there had been no direct mention of the imperial family, it looked like Pintel wouldn't be dragged off for blasphemy.
But still...
Who exactly is Uruhar, an Imperial Knight, serving if it's not a member of the imperial family? The question lingered in Lazlot's mind.
At that moment, the only person who could defuse the situation entered the room.
Sir Yulian!
Yulian had just returned from a brief errand.
Pintel and Uruhar—two titans—were at each other's throats, yet the man with half-lidded eyes only smirked faintly.
That composed expression was all Lazlot needed to breathe a sigh of relief. Surely, everything would settle now.
"You're the one who presumptuously passed judgment on others! How dare you speak of Sir Yulian with that pitiful excuse for knowledge...!"
"You're the one who started it, Sir Pintel!"
As the two hurled accusations, Yulian thought to himself,
... I already feel like I'm dying here.
What the hell are these bastards doing now?
Clacky's Corner:
Fighting each other not knowing that they both serve the same person.