Chapter 257: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing |
Yones swallowed hard.
“I-I thought identifying the culprit should come first. So, we determined that Neubra was responsible and…”
“That’s right. Officially designating Neubra as the perpetrator happened a month ago. Nevast had already identified the culprit, and naturally, the next step should have been resolving the issue, correct? Yet, amusingly enough, as a Saint, I have never officially received any of the matters outlined in this document from the temple—or rather, from Nevast. Why is that?”
“T-That is… That is…”
Under Lucion’s relentless questioning, Yones stumbled over his words.
“Well, we were gathering evidence.”
His reasoning was starting to unravel. At this rate, even his mind might be overheating from the pressure.
Lucion decided it was time to wrap things up. He had just found the leverage he needed to confront Nevast head-on.
“Very well. Then, kindly present the evidence you claim to have gathered.”
“…”
Yones’ eyes widened in realization.
He had let his guard down and made a critical misstep.
Pfft.
Norvion didn’t bother hiding his chuckle.
“Do you not have any?”
Lucion’s words carried the weight of a final warning. Yones’ frustration surged, his anxiety mixing with the simmering anger he felt toward Norvion, who had just scoffed at him moments ago.
“Saint! How can you not see the truth right in front of you? If we let those who follow the darkness slip away now—”
“Yones.”
Lucion’s voice was cold as he cut him off, deliberately omitting any honorifics.
Yones fell silent immediately.
“I did not come here to soothe a child throwing a tantrum. You are representing Nevast, so instead of raising your voice, present the evidence calmly.”
“Well, this is unexpected. I didn’t even get a chance to explain myself,” Norvion remarked, clicking his tongue in amusement.
“Explain yourself? Explain? After colluding with warlocks and causing countless deaths, you still dare to speak so shamelessly?”
Yones snapped back angrily.
[He’s a crafty one. He knows exactly when to strike and when to retreat.]
Russell didn’t particularly like Norvion either, but at that moment, he was reminded that the man was a king.
He knew how to rattle Yones at the perfect moment—just as he had done with countless nobles before.
“Silence.”
Lucion poured cold water on the escalating tension.
Yones, who had half-risen from his chair, bit his lip before protesting.
“He deliberately provoked me! He targeted me without reason—”
“This is my final question. Do you have evidence, or do you not?”
Under Lucion’s piercing gaze, Yones inhaled sharply, unable to continue speaking.
The pressure was suffocating.
“…”
“Very well. This situation is absurd. The accuser speaks without any evidence, relying only on words. I will make my judgment today based solely on the facts presented before me. Keep this in mind.”
“P-Please, Saint! I beg you, give me a chance!”
“Nevast, the accuser, has failed to present any evidence. Therefore, I see no connection between the Kingdom of Neubra and the warlock organization, the Hand of the Void. That is all.”
With that, Lucion stood from his seat.
Yones hurriedly followed suit.
[That was the right call, Lucion. I know it’s frustrating, but this way, you can put pressure on Nevast while also making use of Neubra.]
Russell lightly patted Lucion on the shoulder.
“A wise judgment. I appreciate it,” Norvion said, his tone laced with amusement.
Lucion clenched his teeth at Norvion’s expression of gratitude. He hadn’t made this decision to receive such praise.
“That bastard.”
For a moment, Shaela’s voice rang in his ears, and he felt heat rise along his back, but he remained composed.
“Save your thanks. I merely made a fair assessment based on the facts at hand. As long as I stay impartial, I doubt anyone will find cause to criticize me, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Saint…”
“Enough. I have nothing more to say.”
Lucion cut Yones off without hesitation.
“The decision has been made, and I have no intention of reversing it. If you’re so fearful of this ‘first servant’ you mentioned, Ravid Bahal, I can deliver the message myself.”
“S-Saint, are you saying you will come to Nevast?”
“Why? Am I not allowed to go there?”
A smirk played on Lucion’s lips.
“Or is Nevast rejecting me?”
“N-No, of course not.”
Yones fumbled over his words. After all, how could anyone deny a Saint?
“There’s no need for them to come to the Empire—I will go myself. I recall that they once attempted to invite me. So, I will be going.”
“W-Well, this decision…”
“I’m simply going to visit the divine beast residing in Nevast. Surely, I should at least pay my respects, shouldn’t I?”
Lucion smiled benevolently, knowing full well that no one could stop him.
“Or is there some reason I shouldn’t go? Ah, but of course, that couldn’t possibly be the case.”
“Yes… O-Of course not.”
“Then wait outside. I have something to discuss with His Majesty.”
“Discuss? About what?”
Suspicion flickered in Yones’ expression.
Lucion chuckled at his predictable reaction.
“Lord Yones.”
“Yes, Saint?”
“You keep addressing me as ‘Saint’ with your mouth, but your eyes tell a different story. I’ve overlooked it a few times, but don’t push your luck.”
At Lucion’s sharp words, Yones’ eyes widened in shock.
Did he really just say that? Had he heard correctly?
“You call me ‘Saint’ with your lips, yet insult me with your gaze—do you truly believe that’s acceptable?”
Lucion made no effort to hide his displeasure.
“It’s rather absurd to summon me here in the name of fairness while doubting me. If that wasn’t your true intention, then was there another reason for calling me?”
Yones found it increasingly difficult to speak, feeling as though he was being drawn deeper into Lucion’s grasp.
That gaze—piercing, as if seeing right through him—why did it make him feel so small?
When Lucion mentioned ‘another reason’ just now, his heart nearly stopped.
Did he truly know?
“I… It was due to my own shortcomings that this situation arose. Please, I ask for your great generosity in overlooking this matter.”
Yones, conscious of Norvion’s ever-present smirk, bowed his head toward Lucion. He knew better than to say anything reckless in front of the Saint.
“Then I’ll assume you understand. Prepare to depart for Nevast immediately.”
At Lucion’s natural yet commanding tone, Yones bit his lip before finally replying, “Understood. I’ll wait outside.”
As soon as Yones stepped back, Norvion spoke up.
“So, what is it you wanted to say to me?”
“You piece of trash.”
Lucion smiled as he hurled the insult.
Bethel froze in place, her mouth slightly agape.
“W-What did you just say?”
Norvion was genuinely taken aback. He had never imagined being cursed at so directly.
But Lucion paid him no mind and, lowering his voice so no one outside could hear, continued speaking.
“There was a time when I wanted to cut off your head. But seeing you now—a pathetic, toothless piece of garbage—that desire is gone. I’m more worried that my hands would get dirty touching filth like you.”
“Watch your words. Right now—”
“Is there anything I should be careful about saying in front of you?” Lucion cut him off, tilting his head mockingly. “Look at you, furrowing your brows like some self-important king. What? You want me to applaud you?”
“Lucion. Right now—”
“You think this is a slip of the tongue? Why would it be? Not after what you did to me. This is as polite as I’m going to get, so get a grip. Don’t act like a fool.”
Lucion stepped closer to Norvion and quietly extended his hand.
Norvion’s guards did nothing to stop him.
They weren’t protecting him—they were watching him.
In that case…
“You think my words would be kind after what you did? A mere child, surrounded by dozens of knights, barely surviving for a day—no, just a few hours—after being mercilessly trampled?”
Slap.
Lucion lightly slapped Norvion’s cheek.
—Hop!
Ratta gasped, while Troy blinked in shock.
—Ratta knows the king is a very important person! W-Wait, is Lucion someone even higher than the king?
-That’s not the case.
Troy corrected Ratta’s misunderstanding, though he, too, was taken aback. Was this really okay?
“…Are you out of your mind?” Norvion belatedly stood up, glaring at Lucion in disbelief.
“If you had gone through what I did, you wouldn’t be sane either. You’d be begging for your life, your heavy head already beneath my feet.”
A surge of rage made the veins in Lucion’s neck stand out, but he forced himself to swallow it down.
That bastard was still useful.
“Getting dramatic over a mere slap, huh?”
Lucion smirked, stepping even closer.
“I’m standing right in front of you, yet you can’t do anything. How tragic. My condolences.”
Slap.
He struck Norvion’s cheek again.
“Let’s meet again, you piece of trash.”
Lucion turned away, watching Norvion’s face flush red with anger. Even if he felt wronged, he wouldn’t dare scream.
Ben must have given him strict orders.
[Lucion, seriously, you… you…]
Russell hesitated, unsure whether to laugh or be exasperated.
Who in the world would dare lay a hand on a king’s face?
Even if Norvion wasn’t currently ruling, how many people would have the audacity to do such a thing?
“…”
Lucion’s eyes met Shaela’s.
“I didn’t think I’d see the day you’d be surprised…”
“Wait a second.”
Shaela grabbed Lucion’s shoulder lightly, then strode over to Norvion and, without warning, kicked him hard.
Thud!
[…!]
Even Bethel’s eyes widened in shock.
“…Kuhk.”
Norvion, hit in the abdomen, fell to the ground, clutching his stomach.
“I swore that if I ever saw you again, I’d gouge out both your eyes, make you despair, and then tear you apart piece by piece—starting with your fingers.”
Shaela restrained her murderous intent, keeping her voice low. But the overwhelming anger in her was undeniable.
Spit.
She spat on Norvion’s face, then ground her heel into his fingers.
“I’m holding back because Lucion is holding back. Watch yourself, Norvion.”
Ignoring his pained groans, Shaela turned back to Lucion. Ironically, Lucion looked the most surprised.
[These siblings… really are just alike.]
At that moment, Russell finally understood why Lucion had been so concerned about Shaela.
[Seriously. She takes it even further than he does.]
Bethel, still in shock, stared at Lucion and Shaela with wide eyes.
“You did great. Really great, Lucion!”
Shaela ruffled his hair so roughly it turned into a complete mess, as if all her rage had disappeared.
—That’s right! Even Ratta thinks Lucion did well!
Ratta’s previously frozen expression finally softened.
“I was totally surprised!”
Shaela looked at Lucion with nothing but pride in her eyes.
—Yeah! Ratta was surprised too!
Ratta stretched her body, grabbed the hem of Lucion’s clothes, and quickly leaped up, clinging onto him. In a hurry, she climbed onto his shoulder and rubbed her face against his.
“You’ve gotten so strong. Really. It makes me feel foolish for ever worrying.”
There was a faint tremor in Shaela’s voice, as if she were holding back tears.
Lucion had truly grown.
The once-fragile boy she had known hadn’t just stood his ground against a king and a high priest—he had completely dominated them.
Only now did Shaela understand why Carson hadn’t followed them.
“I told you something surprising would happen, didn’t I?” Lucion grinned.
“Let’s go.”
“Okay.”
Lucion stepped outside the building and locked eyes with Heint.
“I heard everything. Your tongue didn’t run away after all.”
He was exactly the same as when he was Hamel.
“Next is your turn, brother.”
Lucion lowered his voice as he spoke, not forgetting the fact that he had been stabbed in the back.
“Sir Heint. Where is Yones now?”
“Over there.”
Heint swallowed dryly and pointed toward the direction where the high priest had gone after stepping outside.
Yones stood speaking with a group of priests.
With unwavering confidence, Lucion strode toward them.
Troy reflected the light onto him, making for a perfectly commanding entrance.
As Lucion stopped before the Nevast priests, they hesitated only briefly before bowing their heads in unison.
“I will be traveling to Nevast with you. I look forward to our journey together.”
Lucion offered them a slight smile.