Chapter 78
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: The Hunt (3)
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4.
The hunt was over, but there was still work to be done.
Namely, disposing of the bodies.
If left alone, wild animals would eventually pick them apart, but there was no guarantee they wouldn't be discovered.
Therefore, the evidence had to be completely destroyed.
Karron had been wondering how to handle the corpses, but the solution, surprisingly, was close at hand.
Gnome, if you would.
At Nerias gesture, the ground moved on its own, swiftly swallowing the knights bodies.
Karron let out a small gasp of admiration as he witnessed spirit arts for the first time in a while.
Spirits are handy, aren't they?
No need to cast any spells; a simple request was enough for them to carry out the task.
How convenient could they be?
After dealing with the bodies with the help of the spirit, Neria bowed her head to Karron in gratitude.
I dont know how I can ever repay this kindness. To think you went this far because of me
Hearing her words, Guillotine spoke with amusement.
-Looks like the elf has it all wrong. The master just killed them because he wanted to. So why is she thanking him? Ill never understand.
Karron casually ignored Guillotines comment and waved his hand at Neria.
Like I said in the carriage, I didnt do it for you. I just despise slave hunters.
The memories of his past life remained mostly as nightmares.
The horrific memories of living as a slave.
Those hellish days of being treated as less than human sometimes appeared in his dreams, tormenting him.
Karron looked at Neria and offered a faint smile.
I was actually thinking of killing that Cobbler fellow, too. Every last one of those slave traders deserves to die.
Is it because of justice?
I dont believe in things like justice.
He sheathed Guillotine again.
Then he continued in a low voice.
Justice doesnt put food on the table, does it? Same goes for chivalry. Neria, the men you just buried were knights. Do you really think they possessed any chivalry?
A noble stance of protecting the weak and never backing down from an enemy.
All of that is called chivalry.
Chivalry is intrinsically linked to justice.
But how many of them actually uphold it?
That was why Karron didnt believe in justice. Thus, justice could never be his reason for acting.
Just as you ran into them on the road, they ran into me. The only difference is that you were robbed of your freedom, and they were robbed of their lives. This isnt about justice or anything like that Should I call it revenge? Yeah, something like that.
The anger he had suppressed for so long was only now beginning to surface.
After being gifted a second life through reincarnation, the first promise he made to himself was a simple one.
In this life, he would live doing whatever he wanted.
This incident was an extension of that promise.
He felt the urge to turn that city, where slaves were openly traded, upside down, and he was simply acting on that impulse.
Karron stretched lightly and said to Neria.
Now that theyre all neatly buried, lets head back to the carriage and rest. Well have a visitor soon. Ah, Neria. What did you do with the commanders body that was by the carriage?
You didnt give any specific instructions, so I buried him properly, just like we did now.
Good work. Lady Poina will be pleased.
He wasnt sure if it was just his imagination, but Nerias expression seemed much brighter than before.
The hatred that had been faintly visible on her face was no longer there.
Was it because her revenge had been fulfilled?
Her face was undoubtedly much more pleasant to look at now.
I need to move quickly.
Since all the knights had been buried, it would be difficult for anyone to notice immediately.
But as time passed, it was inevitable that someone would realize something was wrong.
From now on, it was a race against time.
It seems Kalligo has caught on to what Im planning
Kalligo probably didn't have enough influence to move the Shion Kingdom on its own, so what mattered was Peil's decision.
Did Peil actually agree to the request?
Even for the Leston Ducal Family, influencing another kingdom was an act bordering on treason.
It was an action that could create enormous repercussions, potentially giving their political opponents a pretext to attack.
Of course, if Peil didn't consent, he could just switch to a different plan.
Still, it would be much easier if Father helped.
As Karron walked, mulling over various scenarios
Vwooom.
The crystal orb in his pocket vibrated.
It was Poina.
Ah, Young Master Karron. Can you hear me?
Yes.
Our reinforcements will be arriving shortly. Did something happen?
Ive eliminated all the escort knights in the forest.
At his words, Poina fell silent for a moment before sighing.
So youve stirred up trouble again. You could have just left them be, you know. If theyd come to Thebe, I would have dealt with them myself. I have quite a few grievances with them, you see.
To Poina, Marquis Leandro and his men were demons who traded her kin.
It wasn't strange for her to despise them.
I know what you're thinking, Young Master. You intend to turn that trashy city upside down, don't you?
Are you going to try and stop me?
Oh, of course not. For me, it feels like you're scratching an itch I couldn't reach. Thats why Ive sent some reliable reinforcements especially for you. Think of it as my gift, and feel free to use them as you wish! Theyre probably the person you need most in this situation.
The way Poina said it made him uneasy.
The person he needed most in this situation?
Was there someone like that in Kalligo?
But before Karron could ask, Poina quickly finished what she had to say.
Well then, I wish you a successful conclusion to your work. I'll be watching the fireworks from Thebe. Please make it a grand display.
And with that, the call ended.
The communication orb went silent. Karron frowned as he looked down at it.
This is unsettling.
The word gift only made him more anxious.
He had to get back to the carriage quickly.
He would find out soon enough.
Whether Poina had sent a gift or a bomb.
Karron pocketed the communication orb and quickened his pace.
5.
When Karron and Neria arrived where the carriage was parked, the gift Poina had mentioned had already been delivered.
In front of the still brightly burning campfire, a black-haired man was squatting, warming himself by the fire.
Behind him, a knight in full armor was looking down at the man with a pathetic expression.
That gift you mentioned is
The names Rebellio, a gift of a man.
Shut up.
Its been a while, and youre still as harsh as ever, little brother.
Karron sighed deeply and looked at the man warming himself by the fire, Rebellio.
Why is someone as important as yourself, who should be in the Imperial Palace, out here again?
Oh, I ran away from home the day before yesterday!
Proud of yourself, Prince?
Hey, Im a victim here too, you know. Do you have any idea how hectic things have been for me at the palace? I ran away to get some rest in Thebe, but then my sister told me to go help you! Im the real victim here.
The Sixth Prince, Rebellio, poked at the campfire with the wand in his hand and let out a deep sigh.
Karron shook his head as he watched Rebellio use his wand as a fire poker. He then turned his gaze to Sir Mason, who stood behind Rebellio, and bowed his head in greeting.
Youre still going through a lot, Sir Mason.
Sir Mason gave a slight nod in response.
Im used to it now. Youd get used to it too if you spent over a decade with the Sixth Prince.
Wow, I think Id bite my tongue and die before then.
He has a good heart. His heart, at least, is good. In any case, you seem to have made a great achievement?
Mason looked Karron up and down and let out a small sound of admiration.
The boy he had known four years ago had grown into a robust young man.
He used to be shorter than Rebellio, but now he was much taller.
Moreover, Karrons growth didnt seem to be limited to his physique.
Youve already reached the cusp of the 6-star level. A truly remarkable achievement.
Its nothing special.
Too much modesty can be a poison right, I suppose you never intended to be modest in the first place.
After exchanging brief pleasantries with Mason, Karron gestured to Neria, who was watching their meeting from a distance.
Neria approached cautiously.
No need to be on guard. Theyre here to help us.
Oh! Ive never seen this elf before.
Then what about Lady Poina?
A being like my sister couldnt possibly be an elf.
Spouting such nonsense with a straight face was a talent in itself.
Karron sighed once more before introducing Rebellio to Neria.
This is Rebellio.
A pleasure to meet you, wise kin of the forest. My name is Rebellio. As for who I am
Hes the Sixth Prince of the Empire.
Hey, it only counts if I introduce myself!
The moment the word prince left Karrons lips, Neria took a step back.
A royal? Why is a member of the royal family all the way out here?
Rebellio bowed respectfully and said.
Upon hearing the outrageous news that the people of the forest were being captured as slaves in the lands ruled by my father, His Majesty, I rushed here at once
Hes only here because his sister told him to come. Hes Lady Poinas sworn brother.
Ah, with Lady Poina Its a pleasure to meet you. My name is Neria.
Defeated by Karron's continuous interruptions, Rebellio shook his head.
Then he bowed to Neria once more.
On behalf of the Empire, I apologize. The failure to prevent slaves from being traded in an Imperial city is entirely the fault of the Imperial Family.
It was a formal apology.
But Karron, who was watching from the side, threw in a comment.
Youre the one who called His Majesty the Emperor a scarecrow.
Youuu scoundrel! How dare you insult my father, His Majesty? Sir Mason!
But Sir Mason simply walked over to the carriage without a word, picked up some firewood, and tossed it into the campfire.
A complete dismissal.
Rebellio stared blankly at the unresponsive Sir Mason before nodding and saying.
Youre right. My father, His Majesty, is a scarecrow. But Karron, as a member of the Imperial Family representing the Empire, its right for me to apologize for this.
Do as you wish.
Karron nodded.
In the four years that had passed since his time at the Azure Sea Castle, much had changed within the Empire.
The biggest change was the standing of the Sixth Prince before him, Rebellio.
Four years ago, Rebellio was the outcast of the Imperial Family, a prince who was expected to be insulted by his siblings.
But after the Leston Ducal Family officially became his sponsor, Rebellios status changed overnight.
Now, there was no one in the Imperial Palace who could afford to ignore him.
Rebellio had violated the treaty with the Leston Ducal Family, which stipulated that royals after the Evil Emperor were forbidden from learning magic, but the party to that treaty, the Leston Ducal Family itself, was sponsoring him.
Thanks to that, Rebellio was now freely visiting the Imperial Magic Tower to learn magic, or so he had heard.
He does seem a bit more like a royal now, though.
Karron let out a soft breath as he watched Rebellio offer a sincere apology to Neria.
I will do everything in my power to ensure that you, Lady Neria, can return safely to the Southern Great Forest. This is my promise as the Sixth Prince of the Empire. And most importantly,
Rebellio paused and looked at Karron.
Then, with a slightly hardened expression, he opened his mouth.
I will ensure that all those involved in this incident are held accountable for their crimes.
His words were serious, devoid of any playfulness.
At his declaration, Neria quietly nodded.
Ill trust you.
She said this while looking at Karron.
The man who had avenged her without asking for anything in return.
She didnt want to trust all humans.
After all, it was humans who had created her humiliating memories.
But Karron Leston, this man she could trust.
The pure mana emanating from his body, and the faint aura of her mother, the World Tree.
They naturally brought peace to her heart.
My sister gave me a teleport scroll for Lady Neria to use.
Rebellio took a piece of high-quality parchment from his coat and handed it to Neria.
It was a parchment inscribed with a complex diagram.
A teleport scroll that only an archmage could create.
If you use this scroll, you will be transported directly to my sister. Please stay in Thebe until we have completely resolved the situation.
Neria held the scroll and slowly turned around. She spoke to Karron.
Then, Ill go on ahead and wait for you.
Karron smiled and nodded.
If we get the chance, lets see each other again.
You have to come. You must.
She whispered in a small voice, then gently tore the scroll.
Fwaaaaaa-!
The teleportation magic imbued in the scroll activated, and soon, Nerias form vanished without a trace.
After confirming that the magic had worked successfully, Rebellio sat down in a chair by the campfire and spoke.
So, what happened to the escort knights? I heard there were knights who left Leven with you.
The chair youre sitting in is the one their leader was sitting in.
So where did they go?
Where do you think? I sent them all to hell.
You killed them all?
Neria said she buried the bodies somewhere around here earlier. They might be right under your feet, Prince.
Rebellio looked around at the ground with a trembling expression. Then he lightly waved the wand in his hand.
Shhhk.
A light flowed from the tip of the wand and seeped into the ground. Only then did Rebellio let out a sigh of relief.
Phew, theyre not here.
Coward.
Im the one whos perfectly normal. Youre the abnormal one. Got it?
Rebellio glared at Karron.
It was his first time seeing the guy in four years, but he still seemed to have a screw loose.
Although, one could say that was part of Karrons charm.
Id like to catch up on the last four years, but lets save that for later Actually, I rushed here as soon as I heard you were starting a rebellion. Why are you having all the fun by yourself? Lets do fun things together. Ive already come up with a name for this operation.
Rebellio took a sip of water from his canteen and grinned brightly.
The Dukes Grandson and the Sixth Princes Merry Rebellion.
Sigh.
The twist is that its a real rebellion.
You want me to start a rebellion with my fist in your mouth?
At Karrons threat, Rebellio cleared his throat a few times.
So, my plan is
A moment later.
After hearing the plan that came from Rebellios mouth, Karron stroked his chin and said.
Not bad.
Perhaps Poina had sent just the right reinforcement after all.