novelzi Chapter 149
Chapter 149
Chapter 149 – Poison Master Raven (2)
The question I really wanted to ask was,
‘Is Raven still alive?’
Considering he attempted suicide, it wouldn’t be surprising if he was already dead.
Furthermore, there was a possibility that the Empire had taken additional measures.
‘Given the circumstances, it’s clear that the Emperor ordered Panella to be stolen as the 10-year promise at the Poison Palace was nearing its end.’
From the Emperor’s perspective, simply letting Raven go would have felt unsettling. That was just the kind of man he was.
On the other hand, if this were true, Raven was likely not a traitor.
‘Of course, I can’t be certain until I confirm it with my own eyes......’
However, Nella met my question with an unexpected answer.
“Would you like to meet him?”
“......What did you just say?”
“Do you still not understand why I emphasized ‘trust’ so much before our deal?”
Nella said this as she looked me straight in the eye.
“I want you to meet Master.”
This wasn’t something I needed to deliberate over.
“When?”
“As soon as possible.”
“In that case, next week at the earliest......”
Before I could finish my sentence, she interrupted.
“But you have to go yourself. As I mentioned, Master is in no condition to travel such a long distance.”
“......You mean......?”
At my question, Nella nodded.
“Yes. Come with me to the Empire.”
“......!”
My eyes widened.
The Empire.
Of course, I’d have to return there someday. But to recklessly plunge into enemy territory in my current state?
I’d die a dog’s death.
“There’s no need to worry.”
Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Nella quickly added further explanation.
“As I said, Master was chased into the wilderness in a completely broken state. He’s living in a remote region which, though under the Empire’s jurisdiction, is far removed from the Emperor’s influence. A secluded borderland where hardly anyone lives.”
“......You didn’t mention this before.”
“It’s not that I didn’t; I couldn’t. I wasn’t sure about you yet.”
“......”
In summary, it was Imperial land, but an area where the Emperor’s influence was minimal.
“You mentioned needing a recipe for mana pills, right? If you agree to meet my master, I’ll share the best recipe I know.”
“......!”
I had handed over all the mana refinement techniques I’d acquired as spoils of war to Raven because no one could surpass him in that field.
A genius among geniuses, Raven dismantled, analyzed, and reinterpreted all the refinement methods, selectively extracting their strengths.
He distributed the refined techniques freely to his comrades. Thanks to that, the Eastern Army I led was unmatched when it came to mana.
Nella was Raven’s disciple, inheriting all his knowledge.
“......Fine. Let me know once the date is set. I’ll go immediately.”
This was a deal I couldn’t refuse, given my urgent need to consolidate power.
After wrapping up my conversation with Nella, I went looking for Erina. Coincidentally, she was with the children.
“Is it okay for the princess to wander around so freely?”
“And what about you, Prince? You’re out and about just fine, so why not me?”
Winley replied with a cheeky grin as our eyes met. Since the change in the throne, she had become much freer.
If the previous king, Melio II, were still in power, she wouldn’t have been able to leave the palace.
“What brings you here?”
For the record, this was Erina’s temporary residence. The owner of the room asked me.
“I received a request from Marquis Laksir.”
“A request?”
“He wants me to bring you to a ball he’s hosting.”
“......?”
Erina tilted her head in confusion.
“It’s a sort of social gathering. Nobles come together to chat, eat, and dance......”
“That, I know. I mean...... I’m aware, Your Highness.”
“Ah.”
Winley, who had been explaining on her behalf, made a sheepish face.
“......”
Watching this exchange with a peculiar expression, I opened my mouth again.
“......I’m asking out of courtesy because I made a promise, but personally, I think it’s better to decline.”
“Why?”
“It’s been a long time, and your appearance may have changed, but there might still be people who recognize the Swordsman of Slaughter.”
Like Marquis Laksir, for example. This reminded me of something I was curious about.
“Have you met Marquis Laksir before?”
“Yes. I made a deal with him at the Black Swan.”
As expected.
Bang!
“I’m here!”
“......!”
The door burst open.
At the same time, the children’s faces lit up with delight.
“Lady May!”
“Big Sis!”
Even Winley beamed as she stood up from her seat.
“Eek!”
“......!”
May tripped over her own feet and nearly fell to the ground. Jan instinctively sprang forward. If he could just catch her—
“......Careful.”
“......!”
But someone else moved faster than Jan. Milon had already used mana to suspend May in midair.
“Hehe.”
“I really can’t take my eyes off you, can I?”
Mylon sighed. Still, his face was brimming with joy. It was as if just seeing her stand on two legs was a miracle.
“It’s still awkward.”
It was the same for May, who laughed sheepishly. Still, her expression was infinitely bright.
She had spent years confined to a wheelchair. Her muscles were stiff, and her legs ached but May still found joy in the pain.
“You look even prettier when you’re lively! Forget Ancelot; you should go to the ball instead.”
Winley teased.
“Oh, come on. I’m too old for balls. I should be thinking about marriage instead.”
“Do noble ladies not go to balls? Besides, it’s even more important for women looking to marry to show their face at balls. You have to find a good match.”
“My, listen to this little princess. You talk like you’re experienced, when you’re just a kid!”
“Do I have to experience it to know?”
The two laughed and joked like sisters.
“When you’re fully recovered, you should definitely attend a ball. Everyone will be amazed.”
“Alright. How about this big sister of yours graces the ballroom with her presence? I’ll turn it upside down!”
“Kyaa! That’s the spirit. You’re so cool, Sis!”
As Winley cheered, May raised her chin dramatically and laughed arrogantly.
“Ha-ha-ha. But this time, I think I’ll let someone else have that honor.”
“Huh?”
“I mean Marquis Laksir’s ball. There’s a beauty who’ll satisfy my vicarious desires in my stead.”
Winley tilted her head in confusion.
“Who are you talking about?”
“Introducing her now!”
May stepped aside with a dramatic flourish.
“Ta-da!”
A stunning woman emerged from the shadows.
“Gasp!”
Kirian covered his mouth in shock.
“......!”
Even Jan, usually reserved, widened his eyes in disbelief.
“My goodness......”
Harun and Winley were equally astounded.
“......This is uncomfortable.”
Of course, the woman herself frowned deeply.
She looked like a goddess descended from the heavens. Dark hair and black dress, an unparalleled beauty who could turn the kingdom upside down.
‘I know she’s half-elf, but she’s just...... Stunning.’
Winley thought, still reeling from the sight. The woman was none other than Erina. A true testament to her elven heritage, she exuded an otherworldly beauty.
But knowing who she was, Winley couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
“So, you’ve decided to attend the ball?”
Erina nodded silently. Jan furrowed his brows thoughtfully.
“If she goes to the ball with that face, other men won’t leave her alone...... Will that be alright?”
“......!”
Everyone flinched.
They weren’t worried about Erina, but for those men. If the ‘Swordsman of Slaughter’ decided to react violently, it could lead to disaster.
“If you’re worried about other men, don’t be! Erina will be attending with a partner.”
“P-Partner? You don’t mean......?”
As if on cue, someone entered the room right then.
“......!”
This new arrival rivaled even Erina in beauty, a breathtaking girl—
No, boy.
—Stepped into the light.
“Ancelot?”
At the mention of his name, Ancelot grinned mischievously.
“Shall we go and turn the Hart Kingdom’s ballroom upside down?”
* * *