Chapter 228: The Cheers are Back (2) |
“…?”
Ketlan frowned slightly at Kran’s appearance.
He had only heard about Kran but was seeing him for the first time. Yet, he looked oddly familiar.
“I’m sorry to ask this suddenly, but… have we met before?”
“Perhaps we have, Your Majesty.” Kran replied steadily.
After all, the prince of the Keortia Kingdom was no longer around.
But even after over ten years, the fact that Ketlan remembered him spoke volumes about what kind of person he was.
“I regret that I remember our meeting but not your name,” Ketlan admitted.
“Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Today, I represent Organization Ale as its acting leader, so there is no need to dwell on that,” Kran reassured him.
[But is it really okay for Kran to be here? Heint and Carson have seen him a few times, right?]
As Russell worried about this, Kran spoke up again.
“I currently work as the butler of the Chefran Mansion.”
Kran alternately looked at Carson, who was genuinely surprised, and Lucion, who was pretending to be surprised.
[Ah. It’s good to be shameless in situations like this.]
Russell finally chuckled.
Merely stating that he was the butler at the Chefran Mansion didn’t automatically link Chefran to Ale’s hideout.
“Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Carson Cronia,” Carson stated, his lips curling slightly.
“I’m Lucion Cronia, and I never anticipated our meeting to unfold in this manner,” Lucion said with a composed smile, his expression nearly impassive, leaving Kran surprised at his acting abilities.
Kran swiftly scanned the room, aiming to alleviate the tension, “It’s a great honor to speak with you.”
As Kran spoke the most natural words he could muster, Ketlan glanced at Lucion, clearly pleased.
“Indeed. Isn’t it incredible?” (Lucion)
In many ways, Lucion was remarkable.
No wonder he’d been wearing a hood at the banquet all this time.
“Yes. Although we have met before, it’s an honor to meet in this way.” (Kran)
Kran’s voice was sincere, filled with genuine emotion. He had long wished for an opportunity to officially meet Lucion.
Not hesitating, Kran expressed his concern, “You really should eat more,” observing that Lucion, despite resting, didn’t appear as healthy as he had hoped.
“I am eating a lot. Thank you for your concern,” Lucion replied, surprised that Kran would show such worry, almost frowning in disbelief.
“Mr. Kran, it’s a pleasure to meet you like this after only hearing your voice. I am Heint Tria,” Heint said, extending his hand to Kran.
“I can’t believe I encountered you at the auction, Mr. Kran.”
“I didn’t expect to meet like this either. I was really surprised,” Kran smoothly navigated the situation without showing any signs of embarrassment.
‘Really smooth.’
Lucion felt satisfied with Kran’s composure.
“Well, now that we’re all gathered here, let’s quickly discuss what we need to do, since we’re all busy people,” Ketlan interjected as the group settled in.
“My sister, Shaela Cronia, will be taking care of the overall guidance for the Magic Tower.”
Carson spoke up first.
“Does our sister know…?”
Lucion wanted to ask if everything was going smoothly, but he held back his words.
“Of course Shaela should know. Lucion. Since it’s not what you’re thinking, don’t worry.”
Shaela had already accepted the situation as expected and had asked Lucion not to come to the Magic Tower, but she couldn’t argue further after he expressed his desire for that choice.
Carson continued, “Right now, Shaela is carefully identifying those who possess items imbued with light without stirring up trouble among the rest.”
By excluding those with light-imbued items, they could compile a list of wizards who had already fallen victim to warlocks or were at risk of doing so.
“The imperial family holds internal information and the list about the Magic Tower, so please tell Lady Shaela to not overexert herself and to prioritize her well-being,” Ketlan instructed Carson.
Who would have imagined that the list intended for managing wizards during the tower’s construction would gain importance in this manner?
“Yes, I will convey that message,” Carson responded, and then Kran spoke up.
“The members of the organization in charge of combat are gathered near the magic tower in the east. They are currently dispersed to avoid attracting suspicion from the warlocks’ invincible eye.”
Seeing Ketlan nod in acknowledgement, Kran continued speaking.
“The light-imbued items are prepared, and as long as we know the entrance to the Magic Tower, we can launch the attack at any time.”
The vanguard of the organization, Ale, was to be led by the Reint Mercenary Corps.
“The 8th Order of the Knights is fully prepared. While I am the captain and should lead, as the only one with the power of light in the assault team, I seek permission to stand by Lucion’s side. May I have your consent, Your Majesty?” Heint humbly requested.
The priests could not accompany them on this operation due to the unique light that flowed through them, which would provoke a sensitive response from the warlocks in the Magic Tower.
“I grant you permission, Sir Heint. While the raid is important, the protection of the Saint is equally crucial.”
After all, the most powerful beings to oppose the warlocks were those blessed by the light, and Ketlan nodded in agreement.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I will take command,” Carson spoke up.
Although he desired to remain close to Lucion, either he or Heint had to lead, and practically, it made more sense for Heint to be at Lucion’s side.
“Your Majesty, I apologize, but could you clarify who we can kill?” Kran asked, thinking of the assassins, including Quate, who would be in the rear.
“Don’t worry about that. The 8th Order of the Knights will lead the charge. Anyone who attacks knowing they face knights of the Tesla Empire can be dealt with. I will bear full responsibility for any repercussions. I urge you all to proceed without hesitation,” assured Ketlan.
Turning to Lucion, Ketlan outlined, “The success of this assault hinges on two conditions: freeing the Magic Tower from the Hand of the Void and ensuring your safe return as the Saint.”
Lucion didn’t show any expression.
He already knew this, but having always been protected, he felt a subtle pressure gripping his throat.
Yet, Ketlan discerned a glint of anger in Lucion’s eyes.
“Does Lord Lucion know?”
“What do you mean, Your Majesty?”
“Just by existing, you instill hope and pride in others.”
“I’m not that great of a person, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, I know better than anyone that being special doesn’t always bring good things,” Ketlan replied.
The Emperor of the Empire.
The ruler of the strongest nation in this world.
Where could there be a more special existence than that?
“But your specialness is different.”
“Different?” Lucion asked, bewildered by the unfamiliar words.
“You are a beacon of hope, aren’t you? You are not blessed by the light, nor are you rejected by it.”
“Why does that make me a beacon of hope?” Lucion asked sincerely.
Ketlan chuckled at Lucion’s genuine confusion.
Kran and Carson were dying to speak, and Heint looked at Lucion in surprise.
“Have you not shattered the stereotype that only those deemed special can be extraordinary?” Ketlan asked calmly.
“But I am a Cronia. Is that not special in itself?”
“Indeed, as the youngest son of the Cronia family, you are undoubtedly special. However, to the public, that status does not set you apart.”
“Pardon…?”
“Is it not merely a predetermined class? When people see you, they view you as just another noble.”
Following Ketlan’s insight, Russell’s lips curled slightly.
‘Ah, I see now.’
Lucion reconsidered the idea of specialness.
An emperor exists, as do nobles.
That specialness, being so commonplace, no longer felt special; it had simply become another separate existence.
“You were not born a Saint or even a priest. Despite your light allergy, you received the divine beast’s blessing.”
A new kind of specialness, one that had not been found before.
It was not a preordained status from birth, nor was it a specialness that adhered to any predetermined path.
“In itself, people already hold onto hope. They wonder if they too can become special someday.”
“Isn’t that kind of hope dangerous?” Lucion frowned slightly as he asked.
After all, they were in a class-based society.
“I do not intend to go against the flow of the times. You may not understand how I feel, but the ones who truly lead this empire are not me; they are the people.”
Ketlan looked at Lucion and then slowly gazed at the others.
“Though I don’t believe anything will happen immediately because of your specialness, I hope that the changes you will bring about with this specialness will be positive,” Ketlan declared.
He envisioned an empire where, regardless of their status, capable individuals could find their rightful places.
“So you must live for the empire I wish to see.”
‘It’s something special… that gives hope.’
Lucion fiddled with his fingers.
Until now, his specialness had only brought him pain.
But the specialness Ketlan described was different.
[You deserve to enjoy it. Go ahead, Lucion. You know why Troy chose you, right?]
Russell said, patting Lucion on the shoulder.
[Who else could fulfill the role of the Saint if not you, especially since you’re the only one who can communicate with Troy?]
‘But you were against it at first.’
[Well, yeah, it’s hard to deny that I opposed it initially. But now, there’s no one else but you, Lucion. So stand tall and proud.]
Ketlan looked at Lucion again. He saw hesitation in his eyes. It seemed like he was questioning whether he deserved it.
“There must be a reason the divine beast chose you, Lucion.”
Carson could no longer hold back his words.
There was no such thing as a random choice in the world.
“That’s right! Lord Lucion is more suited to be a Saint than anyone else!” Kran chimed in, raising his voice in agreement.
Even though Lucion was a warlock, the side of him he had shown was undeniably that of a true Saint.
Can darkness truly be that beautiful?
It shone with a deep light like a setting sun, yet remained calm like the stars.
In that moment, the tranquility he felt was gentle and warm, leading him to think that one doesn’t have to follow the light to become a Saint.
“Therefore, your most important mission is to survive and return. Use any means necessary,” Ketlan stated firmly.
“I will do what is… within my power,” Lucion replied, feeling an inexplicable warmth.
“I will stand by my word, and I will not repeat the mistakes of the past.”
Heint looked at Ketlan with a steadfast demeanor.
He had written countless reports about the events that happened in the East, yet the sense of despair lingered more than the details he recorded.
As the captain of the knights, he had failed to protect Lucion.
“I believe you all will do well,” Ketlan smiled, distributing the copies of the map he had brought with him to the group.
“This is the current layout of the Magic Tower. Memorize it now.”
That map should not fall into the hands of others; however, Ketlan trusted them all enough to share this confidential information.
Lucion stared intently at the multi-page map before him.
‘I can’t even read a map.’
At that moment, he heard Russell’s voice.
[Hume should have been here.]
‘Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.’ Lucion responded, stealing a glance at Russell.
With a self-assured grin, Russell playfully pointed at himself.
[But don’t worry, the unfortunate genius is here.]
Lucion leaned slightly to the right so Russell could see better and waited quietly.
‘The unfortunate genius warlock.’
Looking back now, there was a reason Russell often referred to himself as ‘unfortunate.’
‘I thought it was just his boastful way of talking, but now I realize how serious he was.’
Lucion felt a wave of guilt wash over him.
In this repeating world, Russell had used black magic at a great cost to save himself.
But Russell was not a living person.
Was that why he called himself unfortunate? Or was it because he had failed to save himself so many times?
‘I wish my teacher were… still alive.’
Lucion entertained an impossible wish for just a moment.
[Lucion. You need to memorize it first. Stop daydreaming and look at the map.]
Russell poked Lucion, who was lost in thought, and pointed at the map.
“If you don’t understand it, I’ll help you,” Heint chuckled at Lucion’s rare look of confusion.
This was probably the first time Lucion had seen a map.
“I’ll teach him, so you just take care of your own stuff,” Carson scoffed.
Heint, familiar with Carson’s tendencies, couldn’t help but shake his head at how Carson twisted genuine intentions into self-criticism.
“Wow. People without siblings really have it hard, huh?”
“Sir Heint.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Heint turned at the sound of Ketlan’s amused voice.
“Lord Carson is an odd one. Most people think it’s better to have a younger sibling, or even better, to have none at all, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“Is that really the case?”
“But if you have a younger sibling like Lucion, it’s not so strange to act like that.”
Ketlan fully understood why Carson was behaving that way, having heard countless compliments about Lucion from Novio.
As the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward, Lucion sought an escape by looking at Kran.
Kran’s eyes sparkled with a desire to join the conversation, which made Lucion feel an overwhelming urge to leave.
But he forced himself to look down at the map instead.
‘Memorize it. That’s what matters.’
[Jeez, that sounds good, doesn’t it, Lucion?]
Russell’s teasing laughter drew Lucion’s attention back, making him focus even harder on the map.