Chapter 99
Reserfield sorted through the situation step by step.
‘By the time I reached the terrace, the intruder had already appeared.’
Given the timing, it was impossible for Maya Pendragon to have gone to the secret archive.
However, that brilliant white light was not the power of an ordinary person.
No matter how strong a swordsman is, it’s impossible to radiate aura so magnificently.
‘The monster that was defeated is also different from the usual ones.’
Though this type of monster wasn’t commonly seen in the capital, Reserfield had knowledge of it. Its size and the damage it inflicted were overwhelming. Even if Graham had been there from the start, he wouldn’t have been able to defeat it.
There were few people capable of taking down such a formidable monster without casualties. Anyone with enough strength to face such a creature would have to be of dragon blood.
When it comes to white light, the first thing that comes to mind is Pendragon, though Maya denied it.
It could be a lie, but Reserfield kept his options open.
‘If she’s not lying…’
There was only one other possibility left.
The bloodline of House Bayarden.
Specifically, Tristan Bayarden, the grand duke, who had remained in hiding for a long time. The timing fit perfectly.
The missing ledger was also quite telling.
That ledger contained records regarding the death of the former Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Bayarden.
‘It would’ve been a good tool to use against Count Baker.’
Tch. Reserfield wasn’t pleased with how things were unfolding. He furrowed his brow.
Tristan could have stolen the ledger on his way out and helped the Grand Duchess as well.
‘I’ll have to confirm whether it’s a lie myself.’
He didn’t entirely believe Serene Baker’s words. If the intruder and the person who defeated the wolf monster were two different individuals, then it was essentially proof that Maya Pendragon had awakened.
Bringing someone from the Pendragon bloodline to his side would earn him enormous support from the citizens.
Reserfield’s determination to make Maya Pendragon his person grew stronger.
‘It reminds me of the time I plotted to kill my brother.’
How long had he acted as though he had no interest in the throne, slowly breaking down the suspicions and wariness of the first prince, Gallian?
‘Compared to that, this is nothing.’
Reserfield’s lips stretched into a wide grin, and his sharp green eyes sparkled with twisted desire.
‘…I’ll need to confirm whether the intruder is indeed from Bayarden.’
How dare someone intrude into his domain.
The secret archive had a magical device installed that recorded the image of anyone who entered. Though it would be a hassle to contact the magic tower, it was better to be cautious.
“You called for me, Your Majesty.”
Just as he was thinking, the lord of the magic tower, whom Reserfield had summoned, entered his office.
“What about him?”
Reserfield frowned when he saw an unfamiliar face standing behind the tower lord. He disliked subordinates who acted on their own outside of his orders. His words were law, after all.
“This is Kendrick, Your Majesty. He was the one who helped subdue the white snake monster last time and brought back materials for research. I thought he might be of help again.”
“Kendrick Arkisia, at your service, Your Majesty, the great Emperor.”
Regardless of his reputation, Kendrick had to bow before this man, the ruler of the empire. There weren’t many days left where he would need to do this.
Hiding his irritation, Kendrick smiled faintly.
‘Now that I’m in the capital, I should go see Maya.’
A sweet smile crossed his face despite the thoughts running through his head.
***
Doshen returned at dawn.
The time he spent in the palace had been extended due to additional inspections, checking for any more monsters lurking in the palace after the wolf incident. This kept him at the palace longer, even after the banquet ended.
Maya’s disappearance had been overshadowed by the fear-stricken nobles, allowing the matter to go unnoticed for the time being. However, Doshen had to bring back an imperial letter from the emperor himself.
The emperor demanded an explanation for Maya’s sudden disappearance from the banquet he had personally hosted.
Officially, that was the reason.
“You acted recklessly. To have left your position like that… What are we to do now?”
Doshen grumbled, having waited for Maya at the terrace only for her to completely vanish from the banquet.
“More importantly, there’s something I need to talk to you about, Doshen,” Tristan naturally shifted the topic.
“What could possibly be more important than the Grand Duchess’s reputation and the emperor’s letter, my lord?”
Doshen frowned.
Tristan, who had entered the office with a bag, opened the ledger and handed it over.
“Did you think I would just let this slide if you changed the subject—”
Doshen, who was about to get angry, suddenly stopped speaking.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.