'Ah.'
The moment she saw the quill falling down on Count Florette, Sylvia's thoughts stopped. She regained consciousness only after hearing a scream ringing in her ears.
"Count!"
“Count!”
Randall and Auston shouted together. Sylvia, who had regained her senses, quickly blew the quill by blowing the wind.
“Wow, His Highness the Crown Prince has disappeared!”
It was only natural that the conference room immediately became a scene of chaos.
“And besides, isn’t the Duchess of Belfort a sorceress?”
“What? The Duchess of Belfort... the former Lady Florette?”
“Yes! Didn’t she use magic while struggling to prevent the Crown Prince from escaping?”
“She even used multiple magic spells at the same time.”
"Oh my God..."
The appearance of a new wizard has always been a matter of interest to people. Wizards themselves were not common. However, the fact that the Duchess of Belfort, who had been quiet until then, was a wizard was revealed through this incident. She was even said to have outstanding skills, capable of using multiple magics that even the most powerful wizard of the present age, Auston, could not do. It was rather strange that people were not excited. The more excellent wizards there were in Elvares, the more the authority of the kingdom increased. However, the story that shocked people the most was not David's plot or Sylvia's secret.
“...A peace conference?”
"Hmm..."
At someone's words, even those who had been spitting and talking about the recent commotion at the bar groaned in embarrassment and put down their glasses. An awkward silence fell around the table.
There was a stir among the people. Someone who had been eavesdropping on their conversation at the next table quietly moved to another table and spoke to the others.
“Hey, look. Do you know what I heard over there?”
“What is it?”
The story of the demon 'Lang', who chose to sacrifice his own life instead of his child, began to spread among the people behind the scenes. Of course, the story of where David had run away was also told without fail.
“Hey, over there. Get out of the way.”
The security guard carrying a bundle of papers on his back raised his voice and waved his hands. At that, the people gathered in front of the wall talking about the Crown Prince and the demon tribe were startled and stepped back. The security guard squeezed through the gap between the people, took out a piece of paper from the box on his back, and quickly stuck it on the wall. The people’s eyes were drawn to the contents written on the paper.
"Wanted: David de Kelmar Lochlen. This person is a traitor who has attempted to defile the kingdom and harm the King. Anyone who aids or conceals him will be severely punished, regardless of social status, gender, or age. The Duke of Belfort will personally be in charge of enforcing the punishment. Report to the nearest constable or royal knights immediately upon sighting. The reward for reporting: 1 gold."
'Let's see who will have the last laugh, Alyssa.'
He soon disappeared into the shadows of the alley. Soon after, the empty space was filled with the screams of people.
The moment she saw the quill falling down on Count Florette, Sylvia's thoughts stopped. She regained consciousness only after hearing a scream ringing in her ears.
"Count!"
“Count!”
Randall and Auston shouted together. Sylvia, who had regained her senses, quickly blew the quill by blowing the wind.
Crunch!
The quill that was falling on Count Florette crashed into the wall. The quill split in half with a loud noise.
Crunch!
At the same time, a sound like glass breaking overlapped. David, who took advantage of the momentary confusion and reached out to the magic stone to break it, was enveloped in white light and disappeared.
“Count, are you okay?”
“Count, are you okay?”
“Wow, His Highness the Crown Prince has disappeared!”
It was only natural that the conference room immediately became a scene of chaos.
***
Crown Prince David de Kelmar Lochlen conspired with the Demons to start a war. This shocking fact spread throughout the kingdom in an instant. People were shocked by the news that the Crown Prince, who had so loudly advocated the Demons' cruelty, had even incited a rebellion in Kelvetia. The thought that if the Duke of Belfort had not stopped him, tens of thousands of innocent lives might have been sacrificed sent shivers down the back of their necks.
“And besides, isn’t the Duchess of Belfort a sorceress?”
“What? The Duchess of Belfort... the former Lady Florette?”
“Yes! Didn’t she use magic while struggling to prevent the Crown Prince from escaping?”
“She even used multiple magic spells at the same time.”
"Oh my God..."
The appearance of a new wizard has always been a matter of interest to people. Wizards themselves were not common. However, the fact that the Duchess of Belfort, who had been quiet until then, was a wizard was revealed through this incident. She was even said to have outstanding skills, capable of using multiple magics that even the most powerful wizard of the present age, Auston, could not do. It was rather strange that people were not excited. The more excellent wizards there were in Elvares, the more the authority of the kingdom increased. However, the story that shocked people the most was not David's plot or Sylvia's secret.
“...A peace conference?”
"Hmm..."
At someone's words, even those who had been spitting and talking about the recent commotion at the bar groaned in embarrassment and put down their glasses. An awkward silence fell around the table.
The Demon's proposal for a peace conference. This was the one that shocked the people the most out of all the commotions. In fact, people's reactions were natural. Most of the fights were caused by the Demons' eyes rolling around after smelling a human, and countless humans lost their loved ones as a result. Even though the proposal for a peace conference was first made by them, most human still could not shake off their resistance.
“I disagree.”
At that moment, someone took his hand off his glass and spoke firmly. The man, who seemed to be slightly red-faced but sensible, snorted and slammed the table.
“Can a demon hold back its killing intent? I’d rather believe someone who says he’s safe even after shaking a piece of meat in front of a wild beast.”
"That's right."
“Peace talks? They’re just trying to make a fool of themselves because they think we’ll lose if we go out to conquer Kelvetia.”
“To be frank, if those guys thought they were going to win the war, would they have even brought up the idea of talks? I don’t think so.”
Those who thought the same as the man nodded and agreed. They soon became excited and began to talk passionately about how much the demons had taken from humans. However, some had opposing opinions. One of them, who had been watching the situation, cautiously began to speak.
“But he said he came here wearing the restraints himself...”
“In the first place, we are just ordinary soldiers, except for a few magicians or knights who can use swordsmanship. I think the Demons are far superior in terms of power.”
“Haven’t we even heard that the demon who actually brought the meeting request has caused a commotion yet? If he had been planning to make a fuss, he would have pretended to put on the restraints and gone for His Majesty’s neck first.”
At first, they were simply talking about rumors and such, but soon they were arguing about whether or not they should accept the request for peace talks. Then, someone who had been quietly drinking at the corner of the table hesitated and then quietly spoke.
“...It’s not a very certain story, though.”
It was a small voice, but the tone was meaningful. Those who had been arguing reflexively stopped moving and looked at the man. The man coughed a few times in confusion as if he was flustered by the sudden attention of so many people, and then continued speaking.
“A distant relative of mine lives in the Duchy of Belfort, and he heard strange things...”
“What is the rumor?”
“Well, a little beggar kid is living on the same street. He goes around claiming that some demon saved his life.”
“Nonsense.”
“A demon encounters a human and just lets them go without lifting a finger? You little punk.”
Those who had insisted that the peace talks should not be accepted immediately burst into laughter at the man's hesitant remark. Even those who had insisted that the peace talks should be accepted looked quite unsatisfied. When it seemed as if his words were being dismissed as lies, the man became enraged and raised his voice a little louder.
“No, even so, can’t you tell the difference between what I’m talking nonsense and what I’m not? In fact, there was even a story that the Duke of Belfort held a secret funeral sometime after that incident.”
“What? Then, surely you really...”
“I disagree.”
At that moment, someone took his hand off his glass and spoke firmly. The man, who seemed to be slightly red-faced but sensible, snorted and slammed the table.
“Can a demon hold back its killing intent? I’d rather believe someone who says he’s safe even after shaking a piece of meat in front of a wild beast.”
"That's right."
“Peace talks? They’re just trying to make a fool of themselves because they think we’ll lose if we go out to conquer Kelvetia.”
“To be frank, if those guys thought they were going to win the war, would they have even brought up the idea of talks? I don’t think so.”
Those who thought the same as the man nodded and agreed. They soon became excited and began to talk passionately about how much the demons had taken from humans. However, some had opposing opinions. One of them, who had been watching the situation, cautiously began to speak.
“But he said he came here wearing the restraints himself...”
“In the first place, we are just ordinary soldiers, except for a few magicians or knights who can use swordsmanship. I think the Demons are far superior in terms of power.”
“Haven’t we even heard that the demon who actually brought the meeting request has caused a commotion yet? If he had been planning to make a fuss, he would have pretended to put on the restraints and gone for His Majesty’s neck first.”
At first, they were simply talking about rumors and such, but soon they were arguing about whether or not they should accept the request for peace talks. Then, someone who had been quietly drinking at the corner of the table hesitated and then quietly spoke.
“...It’s not a very certain story, though.”
It was a small voice, but the tone was meaningful. Those who had been arguing reflexively stopped moving and looked at the man. The man coughed a few times in confusion as if he was flustered by the sudden attention of so many people, and then continued speaking.
“A distant relative of mine lives in the Duchy of Belfort, and he heard strange things...”
“What is the rumor?”
“Well, a little beggar kid is living on the same street. He goes around claiming that some demon saved his life.”
“Nonsense.”
“A demon encounters a human and just lets them go without lifting a finger? You little punk.”
Those who had insisted that the peace talks should not be accepted immediately burst into laughter at the man's hesitant remark. Even those who had insisted that the peace talks should be accepted looked quite unsatisfied. When it seemed as if his words were being dismissed as lies, the man became enraged and raised his voice a little louder.
“No, even so, can’t you tell the difference between what I’m talking nonsense and what I’m not? In fact, there was even a story that the Duke of Belfort held a secret funeral sometime after that incident.”
“What? Then, surely you really...”
There was a stir among the people. Someone who had been eavesdropping on their conversation at the next table quietly moved to another table and spoke to the others.
“Hey, look. Do you know what I heard over there?”
“What is it?”
The story of the demon 'Lang', who chose to sacrifice his own life instead of his child, began to spread among the people behind the scenes. Of course, the story of where David had run away was also told without fail.
“Hey, over there. Get out of the way.”
The security guard carrying a bundle of papers on his back raised his voice and waved his hands. At that, the people gathered in front of the wall talking about the Crown Prince and the demon tribe were startled and stepped back. The security guard squeezed through the gap between the people, took out a piece of paper from the box on his back, and quickly stuck it on the wall. The people’s eyes were drawn to the contents written on the paper.
"Wanted: David de Kelmar Lochlen. This person is a traitor who has attempted to defile the kingdom and harm the King. Anyone who aids or conceals him will be severely punished, regardless of social status, gender, or age. The Duke of Belfort will personally be in charge of enforcing the punishment. Report to the nearest constable or royal knights immediately upon sighting. The reward for reporting: 1 gold."
The constables quickly moved to place more papers in other places. Those who were left behind gathered around the papers and chattered. Attached to the bottom of the information about the reward was a copy of the letter David had sent to Baynas.
“This is His Highness the Crown Prince. I think this is the first time I’ve seen his face.”
“The Crown Prince, now he’s just a traitor! He conspired with the Demon Tribe to start a war to raise his own name!”
“That’s right, that’s right.”
“It’s not the demons, but these guys that should be hung first.”
The evidence that David was plotting a scheme was so clear that the people were all angry. They did not look upon the demons favorably or pitifully. The fact that a person of the position of Crown Prince would sacrifice the people for his own fame was even more infuriating.
“This is His Highness the Crown Prince. I think this is the first time I’ve seen his face.”
“The Crown Prince, now he’s just a traitor! He conspired with the Demon Tribe to start a war to raise his own name!”
“That’s right, that’s right.”
“It’s not the demons, but these guys that should be hung first.”
The evidence that David was plotting a scheme was so clear that the people were all angry. They did not look upon the demons favorably or pitifully. The fact that a person of the position of Crown Prince would sacrifice the people for his own fame was even more infuriating.
After that, the people continued to spit and throw stones at David’s face on the paper, expressing their anger for a long time, and only returned to their homes at night.
Deep in the night. The streets were as quiet as a mouse as if they had never been noisy before. Then, a strange noise rang out. A white hand ripped off the paper, barely visible in the darkness. David, wearing an old cloak and a hood pulled down deeply, gritted his teeth at the sight of the paper, which was all torn and crumpled.
'Even if I ran away, I should have killed that bastard Roberich before I came back.'
The copy of the letter David sent to Baynas, along with Roberich’s confession, made David’s guilt an undeniable truth. His jaw clenched. The paper he was holding in his hand crumpled into a mess and made a sound.
“Who’s there?”
At that moment, the police officers on night patrol heard the sound and raised their lanterns high. David stiffened his shoulders and quickly ran deep into the alley before the light reached him. He avoided the police officers and walked, his eyes glaring fiercely.
'At this rate, let alone revenge, I guess I'll just be able to protect myself for now.'
Since he had left behind the magic circle data leading to Kelvetia, it was impossible to escape there. Furthermore, due to Roberich’s testimony, all the dark bugs’ hideouts that David knew of were raided. So after the people left, David took a risk and tried to approach the hideouts that were close to the ruins. However, he could not find the scattered dark bugs.
'Even if I ran away, I should have killed that bastard Roberich before I came back.'
The copy of the letter David sent to Baynas, along with Roberich’s confession, made David’s guilt an undeniable truth. His jaw clenched. The paper he was holding in his hand crumpled into a mess and made a sound.
“Who’s there?”
At that moment, the police officers on night patrol heard the sound and raised their lanterns high. David stiffened his shoulders and quickly ran deep into the alley before the light reached him. He avoided the police officers and walked, his eyes glaring fiercely.
'At this rate, let alone revenge, I guess I'll just be able to protect myself for now.'
Since he had left behind the magic circle data leading to Kelvetia, it was impossible to escape there. Furthermore, due to Roberich’s testimony, all the dark bugs’ hideouts that David knew of were raided. So after the people left, David took a risk and tried to approach the hideouts that were close to the ruins. However, he could not find the scattered dark bugs.
'With Baynas Perun dead and the pacifist demons in power, the Dark Bugs are now nothing more than a broken string. If I want to have even a chance at recovery, I must somehow find them and cooperate with them.'
But how?
But how?
At the moment, David was having a hard time avoiding the eyes of people who were scattered everywhere. If this continued, he might die of exhaustion before being noticed by someone. In the midst of all this, he was told to search for the dark bugs scattered throughout the kingdom alone?
It was nonsense.
'...No.'
David suddenly stopped walking as he remembered something. He stood there blankly with his eyes wide open, muttering to himself.
'...No.'
David suddenly stopped walking as he remembered something. He stood there blankly with his eyes wide open, muttering to himself.
If he can’t find them...
“...I can just call them over here.”
There was a cruelty-like madness in his purple eyes. David, with a hardened face, left the alley and looked around. Then as if by chance, a man walking down the street, who was very drunk, caught his eye. At the same time that David’s eyes bloomed red, the man’s shadow rose into the air, covered his master’s mouth, and bit his neck.
“...!”
The struggling man soon lost his life. David threw him down in the middle of the street, avoiding the eyes of the police officers, and began to write on the ground in large letters with his blood.
“...I can just call them over here.”
There was a cruelty-like madness in his purple eyes. David, with a hardened face, left the alley and looked around. Then as if by chance, a man walking down the street, who was very drunk, caught his eye. At the same time that David’s eyes bloomed red, the man’s shadow rose into the air, covered his master’s mouth, and bit his neck.
“...!”
The struggling man soon lost his life. David threw him down in the middle of the street, avoiding the eyes of the police officers, and began to write on the ground in large letters with his blood.
"When the first snow falls at the entrance to Belfort, a festival of blood and pleasure will begin. - David de Kelmar Lochlen."
After finishing the writing, David took a deep breath and got up. His face, looking down at the words written in blood, was eerily cold. This was David's summons to the dark bugs and an invitation to Randall and Sylvia. The dark bugs, who had lost their base and were scattered, would have realized that if they had a head, the only way to recover was to unite around David.
Since he had done this much, even if he tried to silence the witnesses, the content of his writing would soon spread throughout the country. And it would also reach the ears of the dark bugs who were cleverly hiding among the people.
A faint ray of light began to creep in from the other side of the street. David raised the corners of his mouth in satisfaction as he watched the light make his writing sparkle. His purple eyes were bloodshot.
'Let's see who will have the last laugh, Alyssa.'
He soon disappeared into the shadows of the alley. Soon after, the empty space was filled with the screams of people.
The New Series, God Bless Your Ruin is out now! You can check it HERE!
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment