Chapter 289
“I know of them, but… what does that have to do with anything?”
Ysaris searched her memory. Mukeon—a name she’d only seen once in documents years ago. After losing her memory and returning to Uzephia, Kazhan had provided dossiers on the nobility. Penesir Blake’s maiden name was listed there, Mukeon.
“You wouldn’t know how the Mukeons earned their marquisate, of course.”
“No. Only that they’re called the imperial family’s ‘hidden blade.’ If the Blakes are Tennilath’s public right hand, the Mukeons are the shadow, correct?”
A marquis house handling the royal family’s dirty work. That vague description was all Ysaris had—though recalling Temisian’s mentions of poisonings, she guessed their specialty was assassination.
“You know just enough.”
Penesir smiled.
“Though you really shouldn’t know more… but as His Majesty’s regent, I thought I’d ask.”
“Get to the point. What about the Mukeons can help me?”
Ysaris frowned, impatient with the circling conversation. When Kazhan’s life hung in the balance, she had no tolerance for riddles.
Recognizing her mood, Penesir nervously toyed with her teacup. It was she who needed steadiness—not Ysaris. After a fortifying sip, she finally answered.
“My apologies. What I’m about to reveal is a secret meant for the grave. I… unwittingly dragged out the preamble. Please understand.”
“…If it’s that sensitive, take your time.”
Despite granting patience, Ysaris’s curiosity only grew. Mimicking Penesir, she sipped her tea as the duchess spoke slowly.
“We Mukeons are a bloodline clan. One with a rather dangerous ability—though outsiders can never know.”
“Is it… mind-related?”
Ysaris nearly shot to her feet. The person she’d scoured the continent for was right here—it seemed too convenient.
Fate proved half-kind. Penesir’s ambiguous smile confirmed only partial correctness.
“Yes and no. Frankly, I don’t even know if it can help His Majesty. My coming here is half a gamble.”
“What exactly is this ability?”
At Ysaris’s frustrated question, Penesir exhaled, her face twisting as if forcing out forbidden words.
“We infiltrate dreams. More precisely, manipulate them. Through this, we extract information… or implant trauma.”
A hollow laugh.
“Fitting for a house balancing espionage and assassination.”
The Mukeons had long lurked in the underworld. Their pact with Tennilath granted them titles and sunlight—but their past and power remained buried.
Even Temisian didn’t know.
“So you can enter Kazhan’s consciousness?”
Ysaris’s voice brightened.
“If only it were that simple.”
Penesir winced.
“The target must already be dreaming. And the risks… our clan rarely uses this ability.”
“Risks?”
Ysaris’s brow rose—hope given, then snatched away. Penesir hurried to explain:
“If the dreamer resists, the invader’s mind can shatter. Worse… sometimes, you can’t wake up.”
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