Chapter 88
“Your Majesty, it’s been a while since my last greeting.”
The Empress turned her head at the familiar, yet unwelcome, voice. Marquis Pegimul walked into the rose greenhouse that the Empress cherished. The air from outside, which followed him in, diluted the lingering fragrance of the roses.
The slender Pegimul Marquis, with his pale purple hair tied in a single strand, looked more like a scholar than the head of a noble family. The three maids who had been attending the Empress bowed lightly and then left the rose garden on their own. This happened naturally, without the Empress giving any orders.
Once the greenhouse door closed, leaving them alone, the Empress spoke first.
“It’s been a while, Brother.”
“Your Majesty, who ruined the imminent Crown Prince’s appointment ceremony, how have you been these past days?”
Unlike his earlier polite demeanor, Marquis Pegimul sneered without hesitation. It was hardly the attitude expected when addressing the Empress of the Empire.
When alone with the Empress, he dropped his mask. Even his children, Fortio and Shabia, had never seen this side of him.
“I’ve been well, thanks to your concern. What brings you here?”
“Since His Majesty the Emperor has moved, I must act as well to maintain balance, shouldn’t I?”
“If this is about presenting the Sword of Cantio to the Fourth Prince, then you’ve made a pointless journey.”
“People are already calling that sword the ‘New Crown Prince’s Sword.’”
The Empress turned her back to Marquis Pegimul. She snipped off the misaligned rose branches with the scissors in her hand. The pruned stems fell to the floor lifelessly.
“You must have heard the rumors that the Monster Forest isn’t as calm as it used to be.”
“Are you saying the Sword of Cantio is related to that?”
“They say the monsters’ awakening cycle has accelerated. If this isn’t temporary, the Arcas family will soon face their limit.”
“Are you implying that the Emperor intends the Fourth Prince to be responsible for the monster hunting?”
“The Sword of Emperor Cantio is specialized for hunting monsters. It has Dragon magic embedded in it.”
The difference in information led them to different conclusions.
“It seems a suitable sword for the leader of the monster hunting team. If the Fourth Prince achieves glory and returns, things will become more complicated.”
“He won’t even have a chance to leave. Kazar will soon be involved in the incident. The leader of the hunting party will have to be selected differently.”
“You mean the incident with Princess Mahel? Do you think she’ll act as Your Majesty wishes?”
“Cleverly enough, she’s already in motion.”
The Empress lightly tapped the fully bloomed rose with her fingertip. The thorny stem shivered ominously.
“This time, Your Majesty’s wish might come true.”
“Do you know what I wish for?”
“To take revenge on King Valua?”
The Empress turned to look at Marquis Pegimul.
“I will see Princess Mahel’s head sent to me. I’ll relish that man’s screams, and in the end, I’ll kill everything alive in that land, leaving no trace—just as he did to my family. For that, Regis must become Emperor.”
The Empress’s desire for revenge had long bordered on madness. As she imagined the moment, she fixed her gaze on Marquis Pegimul.
Even in her cold, piercing stare, he didn’t lose his smile.
“I believe you have something you wish to ask, Brother.”
“Why did Prince Regis go to Aden?”
“That is imperial business.”
The Empress drew a line.
“Your answer makes me want to abandon the so-called illustrious affairs of the royal family.”
A crooked smirk appeared at the corner of her mouth. The grotesque man before her wasn’t someone who would give up on invested time and wealth. This was mere whining.
“You know the royal family has many secrets. It’s a pity I can’t tell you, even if I wanted to. Had there been no oath of secrecy, I would have shared it.”
The Empress smiled faintly. Pegimul knew well that whenever he wanted an answer, she’d hide behind the ‘oath of secrecy.’ Yet he could do nothing but fall for it each time.
“If you care, could you investigate why Lady Spes was given the royal villa? It will soon be reorganized, but we need to check how much the Emperor knows.”
“It’s been years since I faced Your Majesty outside of official settings.”
The Marquis stepped closer, clutching a rose he had just pruned. The flower separated from the stem and dropped to the floor.
“I trust you will show your usefulness.”
Marquis Pegimul bowed with exaggerated formality.
“Thank you for your precious time. I shall take my leave. Have a peaceful evening.”
Once he left the greenhouse and the door closed, the Empress crushed the fallen rose with her foot.
The royal villa was surrounded by orange jasmine. The three-story building had eight guest rooms, a reception room, a dining hall, and even a small banquet hall. The annex had separate quarters for servants and soldiers. Though not as luxurious as the royal palace or a duke’s mansion, it had a refined elegance.
Servants managing the villa returned to the royal household after ownership transferred to Eluana. The temporary staff the Empress had hurriedly hired were also sent back. Therefore, management of the spacious villa fell to Anne and Ring for the time being.
Though it could have been a heavy burden, they moved efficiently without showing fatigue. Eluana, who had tried to help, only put down the mop after being scolded by Ring.
Eluana stretched out on the bed in the villa’s best room on the third floor. Following the velvet curtains with her gaze, she saw a ceiling mural depicting the silver dragon Floss. Each scale shimmered in silver thread.
“This is my home…”
“I want to show Louis.”
The duke’s mansion did exist, but that belonged to Duke Spes. This villa, however, belonged solely to Eluana. With her house in Aden, she now owned two residences.
“I wonder if he’s doing well.”
Ring, arranging items brought from the duke’s mansion, spoke.
“He’s fine. You want to see him, don’t you?”
“I do. I worry about him too.”
“The Duke feels the same about you, I’m sure.”
Eluana smiled awkwardly. She had been caught up in incidents nearly every day.
“That’s true.”
Yet, the Duke had never refused or discouraged her requests.
“The Duke only smiles when he’s with you. Right now, he’s probably frowning.”
Ring mimicked the expressionless Duke Spes, causing Eluana to laugh. She knew well that he only revealed a different side when with her.
“This time, I’ll save the kids without causing trouble.”
“Of course. You mustn’t get hurt.”
Ring was firm.
“That’s why I’m being careful.”
Kazar and Rhine had gone with a few knights to check on a situation. Eluana was left behind but didn’t protest, knowing she might be in the way.
Eluana raised herself slightly and asked, “Do you think Kazar will be late?”
“You want to see him already, don’t you?”
Ring clasped her hands, eyes sparkling.
“No. It’s just a contract.”
“At first, everyone reacts that way.”
“No, really.”
“What about lunch? I can make something simple, though it might be insufficient for you.”
Eluana’s gaze wandered out the window.
“Let’s eat outside.”
It wasn’t to cause trouble; it was simply because they needed to eat.
“I’ll tell Mr. Sing to prepare for going out.”
Anne entered the room, hearing Ring’s words.
“You’re going out? The Prince told us to stay at the villa for safety.”
“Yes, but he didn’t say to starve. We need to eat.”
Anne gave a worried look, and Ring carefully explained her logic.
“We aren’t blocking your path; we ensure you can go safely where you wish.”
Anne thought it sounded strange, yet impressively clever.
Kairon’s laboratory was located on an island in the middle of Lake Bayon, at the southern end of Spes territory. The lake was vast, and multiple protective spells prevented travel by boat. One had to fly, walk on water, or swim like a fish to reach it.
Yet, people occasionally attempted to reach Kairon’s lab. Five mercenaries, chasing one big shot at life, were among them.
“Today will be the turning point of our lives. We stop the evil wizard’s plan and ensure the empire’s safety.”
Their leader declared solemnly, gazing at the island in the lake.
The mercenaries looked determined as well. To any observer, they might appear as heroes ready to sacrifice their lives for the Empire. But in truth, they were simply thieves raiding a wizard’s lab.
Through a magical telescope, they saw Kairon flying into the opposite sky and deployed their boat—a magical vessel skimming above the water.
They had invested all their funds into today’s mission, with the boat being the biggest expense. Crossing the lake swiftly, they stepped onto the island.
“This is too easy. Are we in the right place?”
One asked, surveying the surroundings.
The island resembled paradise, with small trees and beautiful flowers forming gardens.
“Wasn’t it supposed to be a long birch forest?”
“Isn’t this the island?”
The leader reassured them, “There’s only one island in Lake Bayon.”
Something felt off, but the garden looked like a playground for children, complete with slides, seesaws, and jungle gyms. The surrounding pink flowers exuded a fragrance they had never smelled before.
“Is this a trick to relax us? Take the antidote. It could be a sleep or anesthetic scent.”
They all took the antidote, their resolve sharpening.
“From now on, speed is everything. Complete the mission and leave before the evil wizard notices.”
Unaware that the island was magically designed by Kairon and that she knew of their intrusion, the mercenaries advanced courageously.
“Move off the main path. Activate the stealth artifacts.”
They activated necklaces that allowed only wearers to see and communicate with each other.
“Mission start.”
The mercenaries moved as one. Passing a sand castle, they sensed a presence. Soon, a child’s laughter reached them.
“Kya-reuk!”
