When Karas called him over, Melmond had a rough idea of what he was going to say. He was about to enter the palace, where he would be completely exposed to the black potion. The palace was practically under the control of the King’s Heart. They could monitor Karas closely and increase the amount of the black potion.
The problem was that if they increased the amount, Melmond’s antidote would weaken in effectiveness. Therefore, an antidote needed to be found quickly. This made it impossible for Melmond to raise his head. They hadn’t even found a clue to the complete antidote yet. However, what came out of Karas’ mouth was unexpected.
“It’s not necessary anymore.”
After the casually thrown words, he slowly added the meant object:
“Antidote.”
Melmond didn’t immediately understand Karas’ intention. He wasn’t sure if “not necessary” meant a perfect antidote had been found, or if Karas was referring to the current one. Regardless, he couldn’t understand why the antidote was unnecessary. Melmond assumed it was the former and, knowing it was impolite, still asked:
“Your Majesty, but aren’t you going back to the palace now? They might try to increase the dosage of the black potion, which could be dangerous. With my current antidote, I don’t know how much it can counteract that.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“...”
“Your mission is over.”
Melmond gasped and looked straight at Karas.
What on earth did he mean by that? My mission is over?
“But Your Majesty, without a perfect antidote, you might be poisoned by them...”
As he spoke, a hopeful thought occurred to him, and he asked with anticipation:
“Could it be that you have found the antidote?”
“No.”
Melmond barely swallowed his disappointment. Then he noticed something strange. Karas had shown no interest from the beginning, and Ashler seemed calm. Melmond glanced at Ashler as if asking why.
Ashler, as if seeking permission, looked at Karas once and then gave a brief explanation:
“I’m thinking of using a different method instead of an antidote.”
“A different method?”
“We just need to get rid of the poison.”
Get rid of the poison...
“We will eliminate all those who possess the poison. Then there will be no need for it to be used.”
Melmond was at a loss for words, staring blankly at Ashler. Of course, he knew they would eventually have to fight against the King’s Heart. It would undoubtedly be a difficult and long struggle. But Ashler’s tone was calm, as if this had been planned for a long time and was something he was familiar with. Ashler added:
“Since it’s a fight we must face anyway, we obviously have to win, and the goal is to annihilate the enemy.”
Melmond had never heard the word obviously sound so unfamiliar. He suddenly realized how vast the difference was between those who had fought wars and himself, who had lived in peace. Melmond was worried just by the thought of fighting the King’s Heart, but they were already thinking about annihilation. In other words...
“If we don’t win, we will be the ones annihilated?”
When Melmond asked in a whisper, his voice barely audible, Ashler nodded with a calm gaze.
“Yes. They are the ones who have maintained their power by annihilating their opponents from the beginning.”
Melmond stared at Ashler silently for a moment. Whether it was because Ashler was accustomed to wars where death was always imminent or had simply prepared his mind for this a long time ago, Melmond couldn’t help but feel ashamed. While he trembled with fear, worrying about facing the King’s Heart, Ashler had already accepted the inevitable battle.
However, he still needed to adapt to the word annihilation. It’s difficult to uproot those who have held power for a long time with just determination. Especially since they had not only taken control of the palace but also gained the people’s support through the temples.
Of course, recently there had been people who grew rich through war, which threatened the King’s Heart, so the act of collecting money through temples had become more severe, and the opposition had grown. However, it’s not easy to just get rid of them. Rather, it’s easier to kill them.
Leading an army into battle and beheading them would be straightforward. The crucial element, however, was having a legitimate pretext. There needed to be a reason that everyone could agree with to justify such actions. Without such a solid pretext, the emperor—despite inheriting the power of the Dragon—would not gain widespread support. Instead, he would be labeled a tyrant, inciting fear and hatred. Melmond assumed the emperor was, of course, aware of this.
A war fought for legitimacy could take a long time. It might even take as long as conquering the continent. However, the longer the process, the more disadvantageous it would be for the emperor. The King’s Heart possessed the means to kill and manipulate him with the black potion.
With this thought, Melmond found himself unable to refrain from asking another question, despite having been told it was unnecessary. This time, he directed his question to Ashler:
“When His Majesty returns to the palace, they will immediately try to control him with the black potion. They’ll put it in everything he consumes. Then, His Majesty might end up doing exactly what they want...”
Ashler seemed to catch the hidden meaning and looked at Karas again before cautiously opening his mouth.
“We must end it before it comes to that.”
Before it comes to what?
Melmond wondered whether they truly intended to end it by only killing those close to the King’s Heart. But then Ashler added:
“Towards their self-destruction.”
“Their self-destruction?”
He didn’t understand and asked again, but this time there was no answer. Ashler just slightly lowered his head, his eyes darkened as if he didn’t know everything himself. It seemed Karas was the only one who knew the entire plan. Melmond automatically turned to look at him. He had known the prince was smart from the first time he saw him in exile.
Therefore, he wouldn’t have made reckless plans.
However, the current unease wasn’t due to worries about failure. Perhaps because he had inherited the power of the Dragon, Karas sometimes showed a cruelty that seemed inhuman. Melmond feared that this cruelty might become reality.
When Melmond remained silent, Karas—who had been looking elsewhere as if annoyed by the conversation—suddenly blurted out a name:
“Lil.”
As soon as he heard the name, all thoughts of the black potion vanished. Melmond quickly bowed his head with tense eyes. However, even after saying the name, Karas remained silent for a while. Only when Melmond couldn’t resist and looked up did Karas ask:
“Who is he?”
It was probably a simple question about Melmond’s relationship with the person. But Melmond’s heart sank. He glanced at Ashler, who also looked tense. It would be a sin to lie to the emperor. Even though he had vowed to hide Abel’s true identity, his heart trembled as he tried to speak. Nevertheless, he managed to bring out the prepared excuse:
“I came to find the antidote and happened to meet this person. Young Master Lil’s health is delicate, and their household is well-versed in herbal remedies. Luckily, our paths crossed.”
Thinking it would be an acceptable answer, he looked up—and his breath caught. He felt a chill down his spine when he saw those half-opened, hazy gray eyes. Moreover, the next question was clearly an interrogation:
“Why did the weak young master come to the battlefield?”
Melmond glanced at Ashler again. Unable to know what Abel might have said during his time with the emperor, fabricating a lie about the reason would likely lead to being exposed. Yet, telling the truth and revealing Abel’s identity would only invite disbelief. Caught in a dilemma, Melmond remained silent, prompting Ashler to step in and provide a clear explanation.
“It was because of Your Majesty.”
Melmond was taken aback and looked at Ashler. Could it be that he’s going to tell the truth?
Under Melmond’s surprised gaze and Karas’ sharp one, Ashler slowly continued:
“That person has great respect and loyalty towards Your Majesty. If it’s something that could help Your Majesty, he wanted to come to the battlefield regardless of his weak body. So it seems that Melmond had no choice but to accompany him. Of course, as a subject of Your Majesty.”
Isn’t that right? — Ashler’s eyes signaled. Melmond quickly nodded.
“Yes, it’s true. Young Master Lil is a loyal subject who is extremely concerned about Your Majesty and always thinks only of Your Majesty’s safety...”
It was mostly true. And it wasn’t a lie that Abel had shown worry for the prince, even in Karas’ presence. Fortunately, Karas accepted the answer. He responded with a single word:
“Indeed.”
Though the response seemed like an afterthought, both Ashler and Melmond were slightly surprised. To take for granted the existence of a subject who had rushed to the battlefield for his sake... The term “prince’s illness” came to mind—not as a meaningless phrase.
Ashler added:
“Young Master Lil is scheduled to depart tomorrow morning on a ship with Sir Melmond, so there’s nothing for Your Majesty to worry about.”
Until recently, the emperor had pretended not to care, so it was natural to expect his agreement. However, this time he questioned:
“Why?”
“Ah? Well, it’s because we originally arranged to travel by ship...”
“But that was the plan before he woke up.”
Ashler glanced at Melmond in confusion. Fortunately, Melmond stepped in and explained gently:
“Of course, he’s awake now, but his body has weakened due to injury, so it’s best to take him back home for recovery...”
“Is that what he wants?”
“Yes?”
“He came because of me.”
“Yes, well, that’s...”
“You said he likes me enough to die for me.”
I never said such a thing. But Melmond couldn’t possibly say that in front of the emperor. Still, it was best to send Abel away on the ship as soon as possible. If Abel were to learn the truth, he wouldn’t be able to handle the shock in his current condition.
Melmond added a reason in a hurry:
“Of course, Young Master Lil’s health is important, but... there are also rumors spreading among the soldiers about the appearance of a fairy. If he doesn’t return home soon, and the soldiers who come to see him fall in love with him, it could cause discord in their marriages and households when they return. Furthermore, it could even have a negative impact on the country... perhaps even the continent.”
It was nonsense—even Melmond himself couldn’t bear to hear it. Especially under the sympathetic gaze Ashler was giving him. Melmond tried to apologize and take it back—until he saw Karas’ eyes gleam darkly.
“Indeed,” Karas muttered.
“The country would be endangered.”
The emperor had accepted the nonsense. Melmond and Ashler's faces grew serious. The country truly did seem to be in danger now.
However, Karas, who had only caught the phrase “in love” from Melmond’s rambling, suddenly commanded as /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ though ready to chew through steel:
“Behead the traitors who spread rumors of fairies.”
Ashler immediately bowed his head, a chill running down his spine, while Melmond trembled without even lifting his eyes.
Was it just a slip of the tongue that might cost soldiers their lives...?
As he worried, Karas’ voice rang again:
“Depart at dawn.”
“Ah, yes, Your Majesty.”
“When no one is watching.”
“Yes.”
“Cover his face completely.”
“Y-Yes... Yes?”
Melmond was startled, his eyes wide. In contrast, Karas’ eyes narrowed.
“You think the country is endangered?”
His own words had turned to curse him. Melmond hastily promised to cover Lil’s face as much as possible. Only then did the oppressive atmosphere dissolve.
As Melmond stumbled away on trembling legs, Karas turned to Ashler and gave a final command:
“Summon everyone.”
