ocean-life Chapter 222: Words to Share (2)
Chapter 222: Words to Share (2)
Chapter 222: Words to Share (2)
“Destruction...?”
Troy’s words were utterly shocking.
Indeed, destruction.
-The fools who follow the light have denied the existence of the holy relics, causing the light to fade and vanish.
“What exactly do you mean by these holy relics?” Lucion asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.
-It’s you.
“Excuse me...?” Lucion struggled to grasp the significance of Troy’s statement.
-Without you, darkness would dissipate, as would the light. Without the relics, I cease to exist, and so do the beings of light. If you die, or if the relics are corrupted and unable to function, the delicate balance we maintain would shatter completely, leading us to inevitable destruction.
Lucion felt a tingling sensation in his mouth for a moment.
This world was no different from being in Veronia’s grasp.
Was this destruction caused by Veronia, or was it a pulling back of the story from the previous world that he remembered?
Confirming that the red thread connecting him to Troy was still taut, Lucion decided to move forward.
“Yes. I will lend you my voice.”
At his reply, Troy’s expression softened.
“However, please grant me a favor.”
-Speak.
“Now is not the time to disclose everything. Nevast will soon summon me,” Lucion explained.
Nevast was deliberately pressuring Neubra.
At the same time, the anti-monarchist faction was rising, and the Neubra Kingdom was suffering from pressure coming at it from both the outside and within.
It was evident that Nevast would likely propose sending him, the saint, to the Empire under the guise of ‘justice’ to further their aims.
Quite audaciously.
“At that time, I will lend you my voice, Troy.”
-You are truly kind.
Troy stroked Lucion affectionately.
“I’m not kind. In the end, I’m just using Troy for my own benefit, aren’t I?”
-If you view it as ‘using,’ then perhaps the concept of ‘help’ ceases to exist. Your kindness shines through.
—That’s right! Lucion is so kind. Just like Uncle Troy!
As Bethel removed the hand covering Ratta’s ears, a cheerful voice was heard.
When Lucion glanced over, Ratta ran up to him and jumped into his arms.
It felt warm.
-You came to me when all were asleep, revealed the truth, and fulfilled my request, didn’t you?
Troy returned to his original size and placed his face on Lucion’s forehead.
-But your kindness makes me a bit, no, very sad.
—Why does being kind make you sad?
-Because I think that being kind to others carries a lot of hurt within. I don’t know how you feel about that, Ratta, but that’s my belief.
Troy explained as a faint light glowed from his forehead.
Russell and Bethel were taken aback, but Lucion just chuckled, feeling a ticklish sensation on his forehead.
-...?
Troy paused for a moment, looking at Lucion with wide eyes.
“What’s happening?” Lucion asked, noticing Troy’s perplexed expression.
-Is there a power within you that resists light? I tried to enhance the blessing I bestowed upon you, but it seems to repel it as if unwilling to accept.
“I possess a resistance to light that I am still developing,” Lucion admitted without hesitation.
-The reason the relics are drawn to you is that you represent the deepest darkness. I thought that was why, but now I see there’s a different reason.
Troy suddenly burst into a loud laugh.
-To be the deepest darkness yet not susceptible to light—that must have been appealing for the relics. It would be wonderful if I could not inadvertently harm you, even without my blessing.
“Do you not worry that I could become a threat?” Lucion asked.
-If that were the case, darkness wouldn’t have been drawn to you. Ratta wouldn’t have been born either.
‘Come to think of it, Ratta didn’t exist in the previous world. I still have the potential for a vessel, though.’
Lucion reflected as he looked at the cheerful Ratta wagging her tail in response to his gaze.
Troy leaned in once more, pressing his forehead against Lucion’s.
-Despite your resistance, I hope the relics do not harm you. Wherever you go, I wish to be of assistance.
Troy expressed as a gentle light emanated from their contact.
-May you be safe. May you be healthy. May you be happy.
Troy blessed Lucion.
* * *
Knock. Knock.
Lucion stood in front of Heint’s house and knocked on the door.
“I feel alive now.”
“You said you wouldn’t kill me last time. Was that genuine?” Lucion inquired.
“I don’t lie. Yes, that’s true. I see no reason to harm you now,” Heint confirmed.
“Why?” Lucion asked, genuinely curious.
“I may not know who you truly are, but I trust you nonetheless,” Heint explained, pointing to his eyes. “I’ve observed your sincere actions towards me, His Majesty, and the Empire.”
“Are you being honest?” Lucion probed.
“Yes, I trust you,” Heint affirmed.
Heint didn’t blink, his gaze steady. Lucion almost felt tempted, as if he might drop the mask at that moment.
“Let’s go meet His Majesty. Can we see him now?”
Heint chuckled at Lucion’s flustered demeanor.
Russell also poked Lucion and giggled.
When Lucion turned his gaze away, he locked eyes with Bethel, who looked quite pleased.
‘This is so weird.’
Lucion felt a tingling unease all over his body; the situation was entirely unfamiliar to him.
* * *
Heint used his connections to inform the Emperor of Lucion’s arrival, smoothly passing through the crowds.
As usual, no one stopped Heint despite his noisy movements.
Before reaching the Imperial Palace, Lucion parted ways and headed to the place where he had met Ketlan before.
A few knights were standing by the door, and as soon as they saw him, they stepped aside.
“Your Majesty.”
Lucion bowed his head to Ketlan, feeling more at ease than before.
—Uncle Emperor!
Ratta wagged her tail, hanging from the edge of Lucion’s shadow as she looked toward Ketlan.
“I was just about to summon you. I wanted to commend you,” Ketlan smiled at Lucion, gesturing for him to sit.
‘What?’
Lucion was slightly surprised as soon as he sat down.
Although the chair looked just like the last one, it was different.
Previously rated 3 out of 5, this one seemed closer to perfection.
Did Ketlan change it knowing that he would come back here?
Regardless, Lucion found it satisfying.
“Thanks to the information you provided, I’ve been able to mobilize the anti-monarchist faction in Neubra.”
“Oh, I heard about that from Sir Heint.”
“I don’t know how you’ll take this, but I have no desire for war. If possible, I’d prefer to avoid it. The land is already vast, and the Empire’s stature doesn’t need to be upheld through war.”
“I share your sentiment. War would bring more harm than good,” Lucion agreed.
[Those with much at stake often suffer the most.]
Russell chimed in, agreeing.
“I’m pleased to hear we are aligned. However, unlike you, I’m prepared to wage war for the Empire’s sake. I hope you understand,” Ketlan spoke apologetically, fiddling with his teacup.
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you.”
Only then did Ketlan smile again, taking a sip of his tea.
“If you’re worried about the anti-monarchist faction in Neubra, there’s no need. They don’t want to reveal all the atrocities committed by Neubra either.”
Ketlan was saying that he had the upper hand over the anti-monarchists.
However, his expression while saying this was not entirely bright.
“Currently, Your Majesty’s primary concern is Nevast, correct?” Lucion inquired.
“Indeed.”
An expectant glint appeared in Ketlan’s eyes.
“Nevast has provoked Neubra, providing the anti-monarchists with an opening. Yet, their ambitions seem limited,” Ketlan remarked.
This was expected.
They were the ones who stood up to criticize the current King of Neubra, so all the blame should be pointed at him, not the kingdom of Neubra itself.
“The anti-monarchists likely aim to retain royal authority while toppling the current regime,” Lucion deduced.
“The current King of Neubra must be deposed quickly. He’s proving more resilient than expected, causing a headache,” Ketlan frowned.
Since it was best to use the enemy’s hand to gain an advantage, he wanted the current Neubra king to be overthrown by the hands of the anti-monarchy faction as soon as possible.
“Your Majesty, I bring you some good news.”
“Good news, you say?” Ketlan’s interest was piqued.
“It would have been preferable for Your Majesty to hear it from Sir Heint first, but I rushed to convey it in person,” Lucion stated calmly, though his heart raced.
This was a crucial moment.
With the Empire’s might at his disposal, Lucion aimed to deftly manipulate the forces of the Empire, Neubra, and Nevast to his advantage, all of which had broken free from the Hand of the Void.