Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Episode 43
Assassination of the Principality's Successor.
Aiden deeply contemplated the proposal Zeras had presented.
Conflict between the Empire and the Principality was inevitable. Their pursued doctrines and ideologies were simply too divergent.
It wasn't merely a religious issue—their fundamental values were diametrically opposed.
Moreover, the Principality was a place where demon-worshipping factions openly roamed. Aiden's sworn enemies. If they were destined to become adversaries eventually, nipping things in the bud seemed prudent.
He had been conscious of Kadak's existence and the sect's situation.
The former had resolved itself, and the latter appeared to be firmly under Zeras and Tegan's control, so there seemed little cause for concern.
This wasn't war, after all.
An assassination, as Zeras proposed, struck Aiden as the optimal approach.
After prolonged deliberation, he responded.
"It's certainly feasible."
Zeras grinned.
"I knew you'd agree."
"What's the operational headcount? A small team of elite operatives would be most effective."
Aiden estimated five or fewer would be ideal.
"Agreed. I've already organized a team of four—two second-tier Sanctus Executioners plus yourself."
Zeras sounded slightly regretful.
"The first-tier and highest-ranking members are stationed in the north. Can't mobilize them."
Aiden nodded solemnly.
"So the White Beast King's ascension is effectively confirmed."
"Indeed. Based on your report, the Empire dispatched a separate investigation team, but none returned alive."
Deploying their strongest forces north was absolutely the right decision. The White Beast King's southern advance must be prevented at all costs.
Aiden spoke impassively.
"Unavoidable, then. Still, those four should suffice."
To the public, even the lowest-ranking Sanctus members were considered monsters.
Having operatives from the organization's third-highest echelon constituted overwhelming firepower. With Aiden added to the mix, the team composition left little room for complaint.
Zeras smiled approvingly.
"Is this what the scripture meant by 'hero'? Your confidence practically radiates."
"Please refrain from mocking me."
Aiden shook his head before continuing calmly.
"No mockery intended. Just one piece of advice—constant success breeds complacency toward failure. Always remain vigilant."
"I'll bear that in mind."
Aiden had no intention of growing overconfident.
Zeras nodded and promptly shifted the atmosphere.
"Now then, let me introduce your team members."
As the carriage door opened, familiar faces awaited them.
Valkyrie Siron, a giant holy mage, and a man completely wrapped in bandages.
They were Sanctus members Aiden had briefly clashed with during minor incidents in the northern regions.
Siron beamed at Aiden.
"Delighted to meet again. This time, we'll truly get to showcase our skills. Valkyrie Siron, at your service."
"Paladin Aiden."
The massive holy mage inclined his head slightly.
"It's an honor to share this righteous cause with a hero I deeply respect. Holy Mage Jude, at your service."
After shaking hands, Aiden turned to the bandaged man who remained silent.
Siron spoke for him.
"His name's Gott, but just call him Bandages. Everyone does. He's our priest, but he can't speak—has no tongue."
A priest who couldn't recite prayers was unusual, but Aiden assumed alternative methods existed and let it pass.
The team composition was textbook: Paladin, Valkyrie, Holy Mage, High Priest.
Aiden nodded and looked back at Zeras.
"I'll get the operational details from them."
"Very well."
Zeras scanned the Sanctus members.
"Don't let territorial pride interfere just because an outsider's leading."
The giant mage Jude laughed and shook his head.
"Chief Advisor, the scriptures are being written from Aiden's perspective now. None of us want to be remembered as petty men. Ha ha."
As he said, the scriptures had begun documenting Aiden's story. If Paedona's scribes considered the prince's assassination a major event, this mission would surely be recorded too.
Stepping from the carriage, Aiden made a final request.
"Master, one last favor—ensure their trial is fair. Most merfolk have converted, and even the remainder show potential."
Zeras nodded slowly.
"Those who repent willingly shall find mercy in the Goddess' embrace. I merely follow divine will."
From this moment, Seirun was beyond Aiden's reach. He could only hope for a positive outcome.
After bowing, Aiden turned on his heel. His immediate destination was the inn once called "Mermaid's Tears."
The sign was nowhere to be seen—likely removed for rebranding.
While the Sanctus members assisted Zeras with escort preparations, Aiden bid farewell to his original companions.
The siblings and Yuron were heading north, while Yuriel and Yona would return to the sect.
Little Yupe, whom Sain had been watching, immediately rushed to Aiden upon seeing him.
The child burrowed into Aiden's armor, whimpering happily like a reunited pup.
Aiden patted Yupe's head before addressing the siblings.
"Deril, I have a question."
"Yes, ask anything, my lord."
"How much do you know about Kadak?"
Deril scratched his head awkwardly.
"Hmm... truthfully? Practically nothing. The old man never talked about himself."
Sain gave a similar response when asked the same question.
"Did Kadak ever mention anything specific? Your origins, why he took you in?"
Deril shook his head.
"Whenever we asked, he'd deftly dodge the question."
Sain likely faced the same—she hadn't even known she was a half-elf.
Sain added,
"When Master left, he simply said to follow the hero. Those were his last words before vanishing."
They didn't even know his destination.
Aiden nodded.
"My lord, why this sudden interest?"
"No particular reason."
He swiftly changed the subject.
"More importantly, don't waste time—acquire as much as possible before returning."
"Of course. I'm prepared to sweat blood for this."
Yuron also answered energetically with a smile.
"We'll astonish you."
Aiden gave them an encouraging pat on the back before approaching Yuriel.
Having fully abandoned her male disguise, her restored beauty was breathtaking.
Yet her eyes clouded with concern as she studied Aiden.
"...You never rest, do you? Wherever you're going next must be perilous."
"It'll be fine."
Shadows flickered across Yuriel's face, though she knew she couldn't stop him. She took a step closer.
With delicate fingers, she traced the scar on Aiden's cheek—faded considerably thanks to her periodic treatments.
"Don't get hurt."
Yuron and Deril sensed her gaze held more than a saintess' concern for a patient. They found themselves averting their eyes.
Aiden nodded.
"I'll try."
Yuriel produced a small case from her robes containing ointment.
"Apply this properly."
"Unnecessary."
"Doctor's orders."
Aiden stared at her before relenting.
"Understood."
"Take this too. It'll help."
She removed a tiny ring set with a gemstone from her ring finger and offered it.
Aiden accepted the gift without refusal.
Then he gestured toward Yona.
"Please watch over Yona and Seirun carefully."
While the sect would provide separate education to help converted merfolk adapt to imperial life, their approach likely wouldn't be systematic.
But with a saintess personally involved, the sect would surely demonstrate more sincerity.
Yuriel nodded.
"I'll see it through to the end, so don't worry too much."
"Thank you. Then I must take my leave."
Yuriel nearly repeated her caution to be careful, but instead offered only a graceful smile as she saw him off.
She wanted to leave him with a bright impression.
The others waved.
"My lord, stay safe!"
"Next time we meet, I'll be even more capable!"
"Safe travels, Paladin."
Aiden acknowledged them before exiting the inn. Four massive warhorses pulled a black carriage through Ilyas' gates, charging across golden reed fields.
The crimson guillotine emblem adorning its dark surface symbolized the Sanctus Executioners—deterring all approach.
Bandits and mountain thieves never attacked. Anyone with that level of audacity would've chosen different livelihoods.
Their destination lay east.
Inside, Aiden listened as the Sanctus members outlined their basic plan.
"For operational efficiency, I'll adopt informal speech from now on. Any objections?"
Siron quickly shook her head. Bandages silently stared.
Holy Mage Jude smiled.
"Why would we object? Proceed as you see fit."
Aiden unfolded a map indicating eastern woodlands.
The Giant's Forest—this vast wetland covering the continent's eastern reaches was literally the domain of giants.
Beyond it lay the Principality.
"Our staging point is Count Karshua's eastern territory. We'll stable the carriage there and proceed on horseback."
The forest terrain prohibited carriage travel.
But currently, they had no choice but to utilize this troublesome route.
Even pushing their horses hard, reaching the east would take considerable time—unacceptable stamina expenditure for a mission demanding peak condition.
They needed rest stops, and the Sanctus members agreed.
Siron stared intently at the marked forest.
"Giants are exceptional warriors. We should avoid confrontation if possible, though I'd love to test myself against one."
Hunger flashed in Siron's eyes. Aiden could guess her thoughts.
"We avoid unnecessary combat until reaching the Principality."
At Aiden's firm tone, Siron seemed slightly deflated but quickly nodded.
"...This isn't a pleasure trip."
That said, combat opportunities might arise regardless.
Battle-hungry giants possessed an uncanny ability to sense strong opponents. A force like theirs would inevitably draw attention.
Any encounter would become a death match—only ending when one side fell.
Jude adopted a graver expression.
"Sir Aiden, our true concern may not be the giants."
As the forest's apex predators, nothing stronger should exist.
Aiden gave him a questioning look.
"Meaning?"
Jude spoke heavily.
"According to reconnaissance, all giants within dozens of kilometers from the forest edge nearest the Principality were massacred. The 'Gadora' tribe was completely exterminated—just three days ago."
Inter-tribal conflict? The thought briefly crossed Aiden's mind, but Jude had implied the threat wasn't giants.
Something new had entered the forest.
Aiden asked calmly.
"Species identified?"
"No visual confirmation. But every giant corpse had its liver removed."
Suddenly, Aiden's eyes wavered.
"...Other clues?"
"At most, some silver hairs and... fox fur. Doesn't match any known species."
Aiden's expression twisted further.
Jude and Siron grew visibly unsettled by his reaction.
"S-Sir Aiden?"
Swallowing his surging emotions, Aiden...