506
Chapter 506
"Thebea is in danger..."
Jonathan frowned with a serious expression as he repeated Zeke's words.
Zeke continued.
"The identity of the person I'm chasing is none other than the boss of the Nostra Family mafia. Someone whose true identity has never been revealed to the outside world."
He carefully spoke while looking at the shocked Jonathan.
"I... think they might be connected to the Thebean royal family."
Jonathan flinched at Zeke's words.
Just suggesting that the notorious mafia leader could be connected to the prestigious Thebean royal family could be considered a major crime.
Jonathan realized why Zeke hadn't officially requested a meeting with the Royal Guard.
'If there really is a connection between the Nostra Family and the Thebean royal family... Thebea' honor would be destroyed.'
Even if it were true, burying it would preserve the kingdom's honor.
Understanding Zeke's intention in seeking him out privately, Jonathan slowly nodded.
"I understand what you're saying. However, that doesn't mean I can decide to enter the palace based solely on your words."
Zeke nodded at those words.
"I expected you would say that."
Zeke nodded and reached into his clothes as he continued.
"I have evidence to show you, Young Master."
He pulled out a crystal ball.
Jonathan expressed doubt while looking at the crystal ball Zeke produced.
"What is this?"
Zeke silently operated the crystal ball.
The crystal ball began playing, showing the Nostra Family's secret base in Atlas' underground.
It had recorded everything - the horrific chimeras, the Fire Tribe summoned through ability users, and even conversations between Howard Draker and Nostra Family executives.
When all the contents recorded in the crystal ball finished playing, Jonathan's expression was frozen stiff.
"This is the unedited recording footage. I'll give you the crystal ball so your family's mages can verify whether it's been tampered with."
After handing the crystal ball to Jonathan, he continued.
"This was the Nostra Family's underground secret research facility beneath Atlas. There was a place like this under Draker... how can we be certain nothing like this exists beneath Thebea Palace?"
Cold sweat ran down Jonathan's forehead.
Thebea was a kingdom with long traditions and deep history.
And within the royal court lay densely packed, complex interests.
It wouldn't be strange if someone among the royal family or influential noble families had built such a place beneath the palace.
Especially since Thebea Palace itself was built on top of ancient ruins.
No one knows what lies in the maze-like palace underground.
That's why even Jonathan found it difficult to deny Zeke's words.
Zeke spoke while looking at Jonathan.
"I'll give you more time to think it over. Perhaps the Royal Guard has already noticed these issues and is seeking solutions."
He left the office, leaving behind the troubled Jonathan.
Left alone, Jonathan looked at the crystal ball Zeke had left and soon played the footage again to examine it.
The more he watched, the deeper his concerns grew.
'If such monsters exist beneath Thebea Palace, and they were released into the capital...?'
He didn't even want to imagine it.
Though he was patriotic as the heir of a prestigious Thebean family, Jonathan's deliberation was surprisingly brief.
The next morning, he immediately went to Zeke and answered that he would arrange a meeting with the Royal Guard at the palace.
On the surface, it would be under the pretense of seeking permission for Jeffrik and Arin's engagement, with him attending as guardian.
Zeke entered Thebea Palace right away by carriage along with Jonathan, Jeffrik, and Arin.
With House Solma's involvement, entry was possible without any special procedures.
Zeke gazed at Thebea Palace through the carriage window.
'Seeing Thebea Palace intact brings back memories.'
In his previous life, he only glimpsed the destroyed palace in passing while carrying out a mission in Thebea.
At that time, Thebea was the first of the Central Kingdoms that Abel's imperial army struck.
They calculated that if they took down Thebea, which led the Central Kingdom Alliance, the other kingdoms would surrender quickly.
Thebea couldn't stop Abel Draker's advancing army and surrendered within two days.
The renowned Thebean knights barely drew their swords before being captured and beheaded, as the Thebean king quickly declared surrender upon seeing the momentum of the imperial army.
The image of Thebea Palace, filled only with ashes and corpses, flashed through Zeke's mind.
Now the carriage carrying Zeke and his companions sped through the pristine palace grounds.
* * *
"Presenting Sir Zeke Draker, Knight of Salvation!"
Zeke entered Royal Guard Herman Solma's office, guided by an attendant.
Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man with graying hair and a stern expression.
He stood up and greeted Zeke formally as he entered.
"Sir Zeke Draker, pleased to meet you. I am Herman Solma, the Royal Guard of the Thebea Palace."
Looking at Herman who welcomed him, Zeke thought he resembled Jeffrik more than Jonathan.
His broad shoulders and solid build showed a knight-like appearance.
Zeke bowed his head in response to Herman's greeting.
"I am Zeke Draker. It is an honor to meet the esteemed Royal Guard."
"Welcome. Please excuse me for inviting you to my office, as I have duties to attend to."
The Royal Guard was both the closest protector of the king and a trusted advisor.
It was difficult to leave his post freely, as he had to be ready whenever the king called.
Understanding this situation well, Zeke shook his head at Herman's words.
"Not at all. Thank you for making time despite your busy schedule."
Herman nodded and guided Zeke to a small reception room next to the office.
It seemed this was where they usually received outside guests.
As Zeke took his seat, servants brought tea with proper, disciplined movements.
Herman spoke to Zeke.
"I heard Sir Zeke has a deep knowledge of tea. This is Thebea's traditional tea, though I'm not sure if it will suit your taste."
Zeke picked up the teacup, savored the aroma, and took a sip.
Then he slowly nodded.
"The subtle and clear fragrance truly captures Thebea's essence."
Pleased with Zeke's response, Herman showed a faint smile.
After drinking more tea and setting down his cup, Zeke looked at Herman and spoke again.
"Do you know why I've come to see the Head of the Family?"
Herman nodded affirmatively and spoke.
"I understand you've come as Jeffrik's guardian."
"Correct. As the leader of the Black Sword Knights and Jeffrik's guardian, I've come to seek your permission regarding his engagement to Arin."
"I grant permission."
Herman gave his approval immediately after Zeke finished speaking.
Zeke showed a slightly surprised expression at Herman's prompt response.
He had expected Herman Solma to be more strict and stubborn than Jonathan.
But Herman unexpectedly gave his permission easily.
"I didn't expect you to grant permission so easily."
"Truth be told, I had already made up my mind when Jonathan first told me. After hearing that Jeffrik had become a knight equal to Jonathan in skill, I had many thoughts."
Herman paused briefly to gather his thoughts before continuing.
"I realized belatedly that what worked for Jonathan might not work for Jeffrik. Jeffrik had his own suitable path, but the Solma family had missed that."
Herman readily admitted that the Solma family's strict education method had actually harmed Jeffrik.
Zeke carefully observed Herman's eyes and voice to judge his sincerity.
'That's... genuine.'
It's never easy for a family leader to admit their mistakes.
Just as Jonathan didn't hesitate to apologize to Zeke, Herman also seemed to possess the family's strictness without being consumed by it.
Seeing Herman readily admit his mistakes, Zeke felt he could trust him like Jonathan.
"Head of the Family."
When Herman looked at Zeke after being called, he met his eyes and slowly spoke.
"My reason for coming here isn't just about Jeffrik's engagement."
Herman spoke in a slightly lowered voice.
"I thought as much. It's hard to believe the Knight of Salvation, renowned across the continent, would visit just for my son's engagement."
"It seems you haven't heard the details from Lord Jonathan."
Herman nodded.
"He said I should hear it directly from you."
Zeke spoke slowly with calm eyes.
"I've come to find an enemy hiding in the Thebea Palace."
Herman furrowed his brow at his words.
"An enemy of yours in the palace. A noble of Thebea? Or royalty?"
"No one knows the true identity of the enemy I seek. They could be Thebea royalty, nobility, or something else entirely."
Zeke continued speaking while looking at Herman, who had a puzzled expression.
"At first, I even considered the possibility that Lord Herman might be connected to the enemy I'm searching for. However, after meeting and talking with you in person, I believe you're someone I should ask for help."
"Hmm, when you put it that way, I'm even more curious about the enemy's identity. Plus, the fact that such a being is in the Thebean Palace... it's hard to believe."
"The identity of this person will be even harder to believe. The enemy I'm looking for is none other than the overall boss of the Nostra Family."
Herman's eyes widened at Zeke's words.
"Rather than explaining, it would be faster for you to see it with your own eyes."
He took out a crystal ball from his pocket and placed it in front of Herman.
Soon, the recorded footage that Jonathan had seen unfolded before Herman as well.
* * *
WOOOONG!
Red light rippled from the thick sarcophagus covered in dark red bloodstones.
When the red light from the bloodstones disappeared, the lid of the thick sarcophagus opened, and black energy surged out from within.
TSSS! TSSS! TSSS! TSSS!
The black energy that burst forth gathered and formed the shape of a figure wearing a black robe.
Once it took complete form, red eyes glowed from within the black robe.
Harvey West, the Priest of the Abyss, had revealed himself.
Apostles wearing black robes gathered around the manifested priest.
They had been guarding him while he was in the sarcophagus for treatment after expending too much power during the second baptism.
The priest spoke to the apostles.
[What happened to Abel Draker?]
One of the apostles stepped forward and answered.
"Master Germain appeared as planned."
The priest nodded at the apostle's words.
[What is Abel Draker's condition?]
"There's been a bit of a problem."
The apostle continued slowly.
"Zeke Draker threw an adamantium dagger at the end, and it seems it pierced near the heart, putting him in quite a dangerous state."
The priest frowned at the apostle's words.
[Zeke Draker... that one interferes with us again.]
The apostle spoke again.
"Moreover, somehow he discovered the traces Master Germain left behind and entered the Thebean royal palace."
RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE!
The priest raised his energy in anger upon hearing the apostle's words.
[If Zeke Draker finds Master Germain and kills Abel Draker, everything will be for nothing. We need a way to divert his attention immediately.]
The priest, his eyes glowing ominously, thought for a moment before speaking to the apostle.
[We have no choice. Though it's earlier than planned, start summoning the Demon Realm Princesses.]
The apostle looked up in surprise.
"The Demon Realm Princesses?"
The priest's eyes flashed.
[Once they learn that Anastasia is in Zeke Draker's hands, they will attack his camp on their own. When that happens, Zeke Draker won't be able to stay in the Thebean royal palace either. We'll use that opportunity to extract Abel from Thebea.]
The apostles bowed their heads at his command.
"Understood!"
As they answered, the apostles' bodies dispersed into black mist.
The eyes of the priest, now alone, flashed with red light.
'When the King in Yellow descends, everything will change.'