Chapter 318

In the alley not far from the Agnus private mansion, Aisha was quietly looking down at Lucia, who had fallen unconscious due to shock. Aisha suddenly raised her headshed detected someone approaching from the end of the alley.

Aisha. The person revealed himself before long.

Joshua always looked unreal every time Aisha met him, but she bowed without hesitation.

I-I see the great

You dont have to do that now. Dont you already know Im not a dragon because of my letter?

Aishas eyes were filled with confusion.

Thank you for protecting my mother. To be honest, I wasnt planning on revealing my identity but it felt wrong to deceive my mothers savior. Joshua faintly smiled.

Its okay. Aisha shook her head.

Hmm? Joshua didnt expect her response.

I also received a favor. Aisha looked at the ground.

Joshua tilted his head in confusion. What are you talking about?

The elf forest, Aisha reminded him.

Oh, Evergrant Joshua nodded.

Aisha was technically a dark elf, but she and the other elves all came from the same roots. Thus, she bowed without hesitation.

Thank you for protecting my people.

Joshua smiled brightly at her, pleased that they had finally met each other without putting up facades after three years.

Thank you for protecting my mother, he responded in kind.

* * *

It had been a while since Cazes, Ranger, and Viper walked around the outskirts of Arcadia.

Where in the world are we going? Ranger grumbled.

Just a little further ahead, Cazes blankly said.

Youve already said that ten times! Ranger complained. Were not only in the opposite direction of the Agnus mansion but also the Imperial Palace. What is supposed to be in this kind of slum?

I definitely sensed it, Cazes said with confidence.

So what is it?! Ranger snapped. Do you really not understand that your damn intuition can make things irreversibly bad? What are you going to do if that crazy Marquis Arie finds the commanders traces before us? Logically, we should try to find something where the incident actually took place, so why are we running around in a place that has nothing to do with the ambush!

Youre focusing on the wrong thing, Cazes said, finally glancing back at Ranger.

What? Rangers eyes narrowed.

We should check on Lady Lucias safety first, not our commanders trail, Cazes calmly said. Ranger shut his mouth. You havent forgotten what the commander asked us to do on the day he left, right?

Ranger tried to say something, but he ended up heaving a long sigh.

Thats I sincerely hope your intuition isnt wrong because if things go south, Ill put an end to it even if I have to put you in a headlock this time.

Of course, Cazes confidently agreed. If it comes to that, go right ahead.

That was the end of their conversation for a while until Viper broke the silence.

There is a house in a place like this? Viper wondered with undisguised shock in his voice.

Its a house that the Agnus family owns, Cazes explained.

Rangers jaw dropped. They were on the outskirts of Arcadia, where people were barely seen, but an ordinary-looking, single-floor stone building stood ominously.

If this house is owned by none other than the Agnus family, then why is it in a place like this? he asked.

This is a house where the commander was going to live with his mother, Cazes recalled.

The unexpected story made Ranger and Viper noticeably stiffen as they remembered how their commander had been born.

Those sons of bitches, tormenting people because of their origins Ranger mumbled in frustration.

But he abruptly came to a halt. He wasnt the only one.

You also felt it this time, didn't you? Cazes asked.

Yes. Ranger nodded with a serious face.

I guess I wont get that headlock, Cazes remarked with a shrug.

I dont think that is the important issue here, Ranger grumbled.

Hmm Cazess eyes narrowed.

Didnt you say you felt the commanders energy? Ranger closed his eyes to detect energy, but frowned. This energy is like

The unpleasant energy was dark and icky, as if bugs were crawling around his body. There was only one energy on the continent like that.

Demonic power? Cazes said.

Its coming, Viper quietly mumbled.

A sudden metallic clang made the three scramble for their weapons. The buildings door slowly opened and a person came out from the building.

Rangers eyes widened.

Thats!

I I told you. Cazes trembled with excitement because he had met the person before.

No way Rangers and Vipers eyes also blazed with excitement.

The persons glowing black full plate armor was one-of-a-kind. He was definitely one of the beings that had disappeared along with their commander: the death knight, the top-class undead which was once considered a legend even among dark priests.

Cazes immediately darted forward.

Hey, Cazes! Ranger shouted in surprise.

In a flash, Cazes stood right before the death knight.

You crazy bastard, Ranger cursed, are you out of

Lady Lucia! Cazes yelled.

Rangers breath caught when he finally noticed the extraordinary-looking woman on the death knights shoulder. It looked like the woman was unconscious, her waterfall-like hair spilling down.

Thats the commander'smother? he blankly muttered.

Alive, Cazes said.

Who was he talking about? Since Cazes didnt mention the name, there was no way for Ranger to find out, but he noticed that when Cazes took Lucia from the death knight, his eyes were red.

Really alive! Cazes had looked nonchalant, but a tear rolled down his cheek then. At the same time, his small doubt changed into a solid conviction, igniting a fire inside him. Now was the time to change the whole plan.

* * *

In the imperial council chamber of the Avalon Empire, numerous nobles stood on both sides of a red carpet. The knights were positioned menacingly around the chamber as if they were trying to threaten the two people who had just entered. No doubt the atmosphere made the red carpet feel like a path of thorns for those two, but they walked across the carpet with confidence nonetheless.

Hes really the Black Lion!

Isnt that girl standing next to him the famous heaven-sent genius?

Then was the rumor true? The one about how the Hero Kings strategist is managing the Pontier Merchant Group in secret.

Its crazy

The nobles murmured among themselves, their voices gradually getting louder. Although everyone was talking about different topics, they all wanted to ask the same question, which was:

But why did they come here voluntarily?

They must have gotten tired or

Cut it out. You dont seriously believe that groundless rumor, do you?

Even while the nobles talked among themselves, Cain and Icarus walked forward without hesitation. Soon, they stood right before the top seats, where the three princes were sitting.

Kisers eyes turned cold. Youre

Were here to deliver our masters message, Cain quietly announced.Upttdated from n(0)/v/lbIn/.(co/m

The people who had been watching him stared wide-eyed, because, as far as they knew, there was only one person who Cain de Harry, the Black Lion, would call master.

Do you have a new master or something? How dare a traitor try this after he defied the imperial order and the draft?! the hot-tempered Kaizen viciously growled.

It was obvious how I was going to be used, but Im not a dispensable tool for your civil war, Your Highness, Cain said.

Ha, I thought you might be trying to atone for your crime since you shamelessly returned voluntarily. However, youre giving me such bull** Kaizen narrowed his eyes.

Whether in the past, present, or future Cain said, enunciating every word. ...I have only had one master.

You crazy bastard! Kaizen sprang up from his seat, unable to hold back his anger.

However, Kiser suddenly interrupted

Is Joshua Sanders really in Arcadia? he said, uttering the forbidden word.

I can actually show him to you, Cain confidently answered. He had the legendary doppelganger on his side, after all.

Then Kiser continued before the nobles could start talking among themselves again, Dont you think Joshua needs to present himself here then? I believe the incident that occurred among us cant be taken lightly

Cain nodded. My master will show up soon. Hell make an appearance a week later in the colosseum where Berches Bloody Battle will take place.

Hes going to prove hes innocent using his skills? Kaizen interrupted. Joshua Sanderss biggest crime is his close involvement with the undead, and everyone in the Empire knows about it. So how dare

Are only the members of the Imperial Family allowed to practice black magic? Cain quietly asked.

Kaizens fervent speech stopped.

What?

I dont think the Imperial Family has made an official announcement to forbid that yet. Cain looked at Kaiser, the last of the princes seated in the top seats. Cain was poking the beehive that no one in this place had so far dared to.

You bastard Kaizen growled.

I and my master only wish to straighten out the misunderstanding. Of course, in the eyes of the Imperial Family, my crime would be assisting the traitor Joshua Sanders. Cains eyes shone. If my master is exonerated, then I would be exonerated too.

Lets do that, someone else unexpectedly interrupted.

Kiser turned back and realized who had just spoken.

Duke Tremblin? he gaped.

Your Highness, you havent forgotten the current situation of the Empire, have you? Tremblin asked.

Thats

If Joshua Sanders is alive and we could straighten out that misunderstanding, wouldnt that be the best news for the Empire? Tremblin shrugged. Kiser was rendered speechless. Once the next emperor is chosen and our civil war ends, the two other empires and the numerous kingdoms wont leave us alone anymore; the only reason they left us alone so far is that weve been crumbling on our own. The moment we try to rise again, theyll try to make sure we fall again.

Im on the same page, brothers, Kaiser immediately added. Wouldnt it be good if Duke Tremblin and the famous Hero King assisted us? Then the Avalon Empire will be able to rise high once again.

Silence fell upon the chamber as everyone was busy calculating the benefits and losses inside their heads.

Yes, if he truly wants to help the Avalon Empire, its perfect. Kaiser smiled slyly in his mind.

As long as Joshua lived in this world, he would never be able to defy Kaiser because Kaiser had the valuable seal that symbolized the Emperor of Avalon.

Ha, hahaha Kaiser quietly chuckled, unable to hold down his laughter.

But there was one thing that even Kaiser didnt know about.

Meanwhile, Tremblin, another person who was deep in thought, quietly looked outside the window of the chamber.

* * *

I want to ask you a question, Tremblin said.

Joshua was about to leave, but he came to a halt.

Ask.

I dont want this country to fall nor this tiring civil war to continue, Tremblin said with a serious voice.

Joshua shrugged. Then you should have stayed in the palace.

His Majesty was my priority. Tremblin met Joshuas eyes.

Does it mean youve given up now? Joshua asked.

It has already been three years, Tremblin bitterly explained, and during that time, the Empire has irreversibly declined. Even if His Majesty is alive, whats the point in finding him if he doesnt have a home to return to? Besides, I still have a deep love for my country. While I searched for His Majesty, I kept my eyes and ears on the Avalon Empire. So answer me carefully since my choice will differ depending on your answer.

Joshua smiled faintly. I assume you already met the Fourth Prince.

Thats not an answer to my question, Tremblin irately returned.

Youve also seen the Emperors seal, Joshua guessed.

That was when Tremblin froze up.

How do you?

Kaisers seal is not the real one, Joshua calmly answered.

Wh-What? Tremblin asked, baffled. Joshuas smile deepened.

The real one is

Tremblins eyes bulged in shock, threatening to pop out any moment because Joshua was pulling out something that Tremblin was very familiar with.

...here.

Chapter end