Chapter 97
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 97
“Ha... haha.”
Norbeck stared at the lifeless corpse lying on the floor with hollow eyes.
It was difficult to recognize who it was, as the body had been charred black.
The nobles whispered among themselves, their faces contorted at the sight of the gruesome remains.
“Is that really Lord Godfrey?”
“He looks a bit smaller than I remember.”
“He probably shriveled up from the fire. Usually, bodies that burn to death...”
Thump!
Norbeck slammed his staff against the wall as if telling them to shut up.
The nobles fell silent all at once when they saw Norbeck’s hand, which was split open and bleeding from the force of the blow.
After a moment, Norbeck finally regained some semblance of composure, and a trembling voice escaped his lips.
“I... I must check for myself.”
“By all means.”
Lucian gave a casual shrug and gestured to the men guarding the body.
As the soldiers stepped back, Norbeck knelt and forced the corpse’s mouth open.
Though the body was burned beyond recognition, it wasn't so badly damaged that the position of the teeth would have changed.
“...!”
Upon checking the teeth, Norbeck collapsed in despair.
The chipped canine and the front teeth were unmistakably his son’s.
Lucian looked down at the slumped Norbeck and muttered, “Are you finished with your confirmation?”
In an instant, Norbeck’s face flushed a deep crimson.
A hatred powerful enough to swallow all his despair consumed his entire being.
“You dare! Gah!”
Whack!
Norbeck tried to lunge at Lucian but collapsed before he could take more than a few steps.
Felicia, who had been prepared, had struck him across the forehead with her scabbard.
“My Lord!”
“What is the meaning of—!”
“Are you all accomplices in this assassination attempt as well?”
The knights of House Calix froze in their tracks at the sound of Lucian’s cold voice.
Even if their lord was a traitor, they were bound by their oath of loyalty to serve him even at the cost of their lives.
However, the situation changed if it wasn't just simple treason, but involved a mage.
‘In the worst-case scenario, it won’t just end with me. My entire family, every member of my house, could be dragged away.’
‘It would be a mercy if we were simply executed. But if we’re taken to the capital and tortured endlessly without being allowed to die...’
The knights trembled as they imagined that horrific future.
The matter was far too heavy to end with just their own lives.
As if driving the final nail in the coffin, Lucian spoke to the hesitating knights.
“Those who have no connection to the mage, step back. A retainer cannot possibly know every plan of their lord. I understand your position.”
“....”
Faced with an ultimatum that doubled as a pardon, the knights released their grips on their swords with devastated expressions.
There is nothing more dishonorable for a knight than failing to protect their lord.
However, if they didn't accept this pardon, it wouldn't end with mere dishonor.
Once he confirmed the knights had stepped back, Lucian commanded his soldiers.
“Bind the traitor.”
*
The assassination attempt by House Calix, its failure, and the employment of an unauthorized mage—strictly forbidden by the Imperial Family.
Since neither was an incident that could be easily overlooked, the banquet was naturally suspended.
However, the suspension of the banquet did not mean the lords were dispersing.
‘Calix is finished. That brat of a Duke is going to take the position of Conqueror of the North.’
‘How will the aftermath be handled? What about the territories owned by Calix and the treatment of his allies?’
‘Change is beginning here in Asagrim. I have to stick as close as possible until I’m kicked out.’
The fall of Calix didn't just mean one faction was gone.
The aftershocks would inevitably affect the other lords, and the power structure would be reorganized.
Furthermore, with a mage involved, the Imperial Family’s sentence was still pending.
There was no reason to leave Asagrim, where one could immediately witness the rapidly shifting political landscape.
“I find it regrettable that the banquet ended early due to an unexpected accident. For those who wish to see more of the White Palace, I will provide guest rooms, so please stay as long as you like.”
Lucian had no intention of chasing the lords away.
In fact, he even provided a suitable pretext for them to stay longer.
‘It would be troublesome if they found out the power structure had changed much later and started complaining. If they have grievances, I’d rather they voice them here and now.’
As long as change occurred, it was natural for there to be winners and losers.
The important thing was whether they could accept that change or if they would resist it.
The former didn't matter, but for the latter, it was better to keep them within sight and identify them early.
That way, they wouldn't remain as sudden variables, and he could plan how to deal with them in advance.
“We must escort that mage to the capital immediately.”
As soon as the situation settled, Glen sought out Lucian and made a firm demand.
Unlike his usual rational self, his attitude was incredibly stubborn.
“Your Grace, surely you know? An unauthorized mage is a crime in and of itself.”
“Of course I know. However...”
“There are no ‘howevers.’ No exceptions can be made in matters involving mages, so please understand.”
“Even if it means the lives of the Blue Rose Knight Order and His Majesty’s elite soldiers are sacrificed?”
When Lucian snapped back, dropping his polite tone, Glen flinched.
For the first time, Lucian raised his voice at Glen.
“He is the only witness who can reveal the schemes Calix has been brewing. And yet, you want to escort him away immediately before we can even use him as a witness?”
“As I said, no exceptions can be made for matters involving mages.”
“Then how am I supposed to prove anything without a witness? If Calix comes up with a plausible excuse, how am I to expose his lies?”
“....”
“In the worst case, I could be branded as scum who framed a rival to eliminate them. Surely you know this, Sir Glen.”
Any other crime might be different, but this was a capital offense that could lead to the destruction of a house.
There was no way Norbeck would obediently admit to his crimes and confess.
Furthermore, Lucian was the mortal enemy who had killed Norbeck’s heir.
To spite Lucian, Norbeck would likely throw away all dignity and attack with everything he had.
“I’ve managed to gain the upper hand in terms of justification, but what happens if I’m left stammering because I can’t properly respond to his pathetic excuses? Those who scattered will gather again, and they might even risk war while claiming they were wronged.”
“....”
“With that mage’s testimony, Calix will crumble without being able to do a thing. And yet, you say you’ll take him right now? Do you truly intend to sacrifice the lives of the Blue Rose Knights and the elite soldiers in a war?”
Faced with such logical arguments, Glen could say nothing.
As Lucian said, this was a time when flexibility was needed.
Too much was at stake on that mage’s words to stick rigidly to protocol.
“Please send word to His Majesty the Emperor. Since His Majesty is the one who sets all the rules, shouldn't we hear his opinion? If His Majesty hears the circumstances and still commands us to stick to the rules, I will obey immediately.”
“That is...”
Glen started to say something but closed his mouth.
Strangely, his expression was more serious than before.
Lucian couldn't figure out what the problem was.
‘Did the magical artifact break? If so, he could just tell me...’
Suddenly, a possibility flashed through Lucian’s mind.
There was only one situation where it would be difficult to contact the Emperor despite the magical artifacts being functional.
“Has something happened to His Majesty the Emperor?”
“No!”
Glen denied Lucian’s words in a panic, but his reaction alone told the story.
Something was definitely wrong with the Emperor’s health.
‘He probably hasn't died or collapsed. If he had, there would have been an open uproar. It seems he can still perform public duties, but his health is deteriorating.’
The reason for hesitating to contact him was likely for his mental stability or to avoid interfering with his treatment.
The more frequent the reports that required his attention, the worse the impact on the Emperor’s body.
Of course, since they couldn't reveal that the Emperor’s health was failing, they wouldn't admit it.
“Fine. I will report to His Majesty in two days. However, if His Majesty commands that the mage be brought to him immediately...”
“Then I will hand him over without delay. I swear it.”
“I shall trust Your Grace’s oath.”
Glen maintained his composure as if nothing were wrong and walked out.
Left alone, Lucian leaned back in his chair with a bitter smile.
‘I’ve succeeded in keeping that guy’s lifeline attached for now.’
He had worried that the Emperor might command the mage be brought in immediately without giving any leeway, but fortunately, things worked out.
He had even gained two extra days thanks to the Emperor’s unexpected health issues.
‘Now it all depends on how well the other guy does his job.’
Lucian thought of the man he had sent out before Glen arrived.
Since he had set the stage perfectly, surely he wouldn't fail.
*
In the underground prison, Norbeck stared into space with bloodshot eyes.
Though it was empty air, Lucian’s face was vividly etched before him as if he could reach out and grab it.
“I will kill you... I will kill you no matter what!”
The devil who had suddenly appeared in the North, stolen the name of Grimaldi, twisted his grand plans, and even taken his child.
As long as that man lived, Norbeck could not bring himself to die.
He felt he could only find peace if he dragged Lucian down to the afterlife with him.
‘I don't care about the grand plan or anything else anymore. If only I can drag that bastard to hell...!’
He didn't know how, and he had no plan.
All he had was a hatred that surged endlessly from deep within his gut.
In a way, he had fled into hatred, unable to face reality.
It was while Norbeck was continuing his meaningless rage inside the cell.
“Norbeck Calix. You’ve become quite the pathetic sight. I wondered if you had some grand plan, but to think you’d fall so miserably.”
A mocking voice drifted in from outside.
Norbeck thought it was a guard teasing him, but he soon realized it was someone he had never seen before.
Seeing the man wearing a deep black hood and a mask, it was clear he was an outsider who had sneaked in.
“Who are you? How did you get in here?”
“Let’s just say I’m someone who hates Valdek. And how I got here shouldn't be your concern, should it?”
Clink.
“...!”
The man in the black hood pulled a ring of keys from his chest.
Norbeck’s eyes widened at the sight of the ring, which was identical to the one the guard carried.
“That’s...!”
“Shh. Be quiet.”
Clack, clack.
The man tried the keys in the lock one by one.
The first four or five failed, but he found the right one on the sixth attempt.
Click.
“Got it!”
The man cheered softly, then approached Norbeck to try the keys on his shackles.
After several attempts, he found the matching key again.
Norbeck fumbled with his freed arms and legs with a dazed expression.
“Can you move? If not, I’ll leave you here.”
“...Foolish boy. I may be old, but I haven't been tortured yet. Of course I can move.”
“Then follow me. The guard will be back soon, so hurry.”
Norbeck frowned at the commanding tone.
To think a mere youth was barking orders at him like a subordinate.
Norbeck suddenly realized he was feeling offended and let out a short laugh.
‘How ridiculous. Do I still have pride left?’
He was in no position to care about pride.
It had been only a few minutes since he swore he would sell his soul if it meant getting revenge on Lucian.
‘Fine. If I can sell this measly pride instead of my soul, I’ll sell as much as you want.’
Revenge was what mattered, not pride.
If he tried to cling to his pride now, he would lose even this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Norbeck pushed aside all his questions and followed the masked man.
He did not doubt for a second that all of this was a godsend and a stroke of divine luck.