Chapter 120
The retainer tightly shut his eyes and shouted.
“I… I don’t want to die miserably in a place like this. I’m going back!”
The retainer spun around. Dylan glared at his back as if he would kill him, gripping the sheath at his waist.
At the same time as the chilling sound of a sword being drawn, the sound of footsteps echoed, and the retainer froze in place.
“Ugh.”
Looking down, he saw the sword piercing through his own abdomen.
“Your Majesty…”
As Dylan drew the sword, the retainer collapsed forward. With a thud, blood splattered across the floor of the imperial palace.
The other retainers, witnessing the death, exhaled and tightly closed their eyes. Blood from the fallen retainer soaked Dylan’s shoes.
“Is there anyone else dissatisfied with my words?”
Dylan panted heavily as he asked. The retainers exchanged glances and bowed their heads.
“No, Your Majesty.”
Satisfied with their response, Dylan sheathed his sword. His sharp gaze turned toward Diana and Yuricien visible through the window.
“They desire my downfall… How dare they… ungrateful.”
His eyes, clouded with madness, slowly swept over the crowd filling the front of the palace. The line of people stretched far beyond, each holding weapons and glaring at the castle.
“…Does no one wish for my survival?”
Dylan muttered to himself. The retainers glanced at him and answered with silence.
“…Is that so.”
Suddenly, Dylan burst into a maniacal laugh. Through his torn lips, yellowed teeth were revealed. He turned around without hesitation, muttering to himself.
“In that case, I have no reason to remain either.”
“Your Majesty…”
As the retainers tried to follow, Dylan stopped them.
“Do not follow me.”
With those words, he strode into the emperor’s chamber.
“Mother, where are you going?”
Eldin asked, watching Everett adjust her outfit. Beside her stood Kaiden, neatly dressed.
His red pupils quietly observed Eldin.
Receiving no reply, Eldin blinked and tilted his head. At the same time, a smile appeared on Everett’s lips.
“I just thought of something wonderful.”
Everett stepped forward, grabbed Eldin’s shoulder, and called out to Molek in the air.
“You called?”
Molek appeared midair, looking flustered as if he had been interrupted from something.
“Molek, go to Silin immediately and tell her to dress Eldin. The concept… perhaps as a savior appearing at the edge of destruction.”
“Eh?”
Eldin looked up at Everett, confused, but she just smiled as if enjoying her own imaginative idea.
“Hm… understood. Anything else to convey?”
“Within one hour. After that, the effect will diminish. I think that much instruction will be enough.”
Though Molek didn’t fully understand, he immediately went to carry out the order.
Not long after, Silin hurried down from the second floor and grabbed Eldin’s wrist.
“Milady! There’s no time!”
“Huh?”
Silin gestured at Everett, then took Eldin back upstairs. Kaiden, curious, approached behind them.
“What are the two of them scheming? I want in too.”
“Getting involved in women’s affairs? But you will participate in this play anyway.”
Everett whispered the upcoming plan into Kaiden’s ear. Hearing it, Kaiden burst out laughing.
“You are always incredible. The reaction will definitely be good. Did you tell our son?”
“Unfortunately, our Fel is the protagonist of the play, so it’s a secret.”
Everett giggled softly. Then Kaiden, struck by a good idea, asked her,
“How about we take this play to the next level?”
“Hm? How?”
“Humans are easily swayed by others’ words. Many here follow Eldin. Wouldn’t someone named Liam be suitable for this?”
Everett’s eyes widened as she instantly understood Kaiden’s plan. She laughed loudly and grabbed his shoulder.
“You’ve still got the skill of a strategist. I’m hit.”
“Glad you think so,” Kaiden said, bowing dramatically.
“Then let’s go find this Liam.”
Everett and Kaiden disappeared from the lobby.
Meanwhile, Eldin, now upstairs, asked Silin what was happening. Silin looked too flustered to respond.
“Milady, put this on your face first.”
Silin laid Eldin down and placed a cold ice towel on her face.
“No, Silin, wait—”
“You can’t speak while doing this!”
Silin snapped sharply. Eldin, having never seen her like this, closed her mouth and obeyed.
Silin rummaged through a wardrobe for an outfit pre-selected for Eldin. A white dress suitable for a savior concept hung on a hanger.
“Milady, now come sit here!”
Eldin got up from the bed and moved to the dressing table.
“Keep your eyes closed.”
Feeling Silin’s hands on her hair, Eldin complied.
Meanwhile, Molek conveyed the message to Fernan, seating him in a chair.
“There’s no time to waste! Don’t you realize we need to find a wedding venue immediately?”
Fernan fidgeted as if ready to leave, prompting Molek to shout in alarm.
“Master, please sit still!”
“Molek, don’t you understand the gravity of the situation?”
“It’s serious, but if you leave like this, my life becomes even more serious.”
Recalling Silin’s glare, Molek shivered.
“Lilit is on her way, so wait.”
“Lilit?”
Hearing the name after so long, Fernan’s eyes widened. It had been decades since she last appeared.
“Why is Lilit coming here? Could she have learned about the wedding?”
Fernan asked excitedly. Lilit, as the manager of succubi, knew everything about human dreams.
“Certainly, if it’s Lilit, she’ll know all about the wedding humans desire.”
Excited at the thought of planning the wedding, Fernan got up and began pacing the office. Molek, trembling, shouted,
“Ah! Sit still already!”
The loud voice reached Eldin’s room, startling her.
“Silin, did you hear that? Molek’s voice…”
“Milady, don’t move. If you do, we’ll start over.”
Silin spoke sharply. Eldin kept her mouth shut and turned back.
Startled by Molek’s voice, Fernan sheepishly scratched the back of his head and sat.
“Fine, I’ll sit. Sitting’s fine.”
As he sat, the large office window opened and bats flew in.
Dozens of bats circled Fernan and Molek before gathering in the center of the office. Gradually, they formed into a human shape, revealing a woman.
“Why are you always in such a ridiculous state?”
Lilit frowned as she asked.
“Ridiculous? I think I look fine.”
Fernan adjusted his bangs. Lilit stared at him incredulously, then covered her mouth with a fan and exclaimed,
“Oh my, when did your ego grow so much? Is it because of that woman everyone talks about?”
“…Is it really that bad?”
“Yes. The worst. Absolutely terrible.”
Lilit scrutinized Fernan’s face, frowning.
“Your skin is unkempt, your hair too long and in your eyes, your lips aren’t red… what exactly do you think is okay?”
Truly curious, she asked in an exaggerated voice. Molek, oblivious, added teasingly,
“A demon who doesn’t even hold a wedding or dress properly. Master, you really wouldn’t have any excuses if you got broken off. Hahaha!”
Lilit glared at Molek coldly, then asked Fernan again,
“Why do you still keep such an idiot around?”
“Uhm… if it’s not too much trouble, could you style me? And tell me about the wedding too.”
“Money?”
As soon as Lilit finished speaking, Fernan handed her a chest full of gold. Seeing the contents, Lilit smiled brightly and approached him.
“I’ll provide the best service, sir.”
She pulled scissors from the air and began trimming Fernan’s hair.
“Why have the former Duke and Duchess come here…?”
Surprised by the unexpected guests, Liam clasped his hands together. Behind him, Lucy watched intently.
“We came because we have a request for you.”
“A… request for me?”
Liam’s eyes darted anxiously. But after hearing the plan from Everett and Kaiden, he clenched his fists, burning with motivation.
“Thank you for entrusting me with such an important task! I’ll accomplish it!”
Lucy, having heard the plan, clenched her fists alongside him.
“Good. That part is yours. Prepare within forty minutes and gather in the center of this village. All residents will then be moved to the capital.”
Kaiden patted Liam’s shoulder, signaling his trust.
Liam looked at Lucy and asked,
“Can you gather all the residents immediately?”
“Yes! Leave it to me!”
Lucy ran quickly to alert the other villagers.
