Chapter 111: To firmly brace (3)

***

After Ruel finished writing the letter to Huan, he admired his handwriting with satisfaction.

First of all, the appointment time was set a week later.

“Send it to Huan.”

“Alright.”

Cassion went out with the letter.

“No, Leo.”

Leo, who was trying to touch his ring, noticed and put down his front paw.

—I was just watching. There is something sparkling on this body too.

Leo grabbed the jewelry on his collar, and spoke out as if he were expressing his injustice.

“Yeah, just go play with the spirits over there.”

—Did you see something white?

T/N : Leo means paper. 

“No, I have someone I need to contact.”

—I understand.

Leo took a seat next to Ruel and curled up with his body.

While Ruel had briefly mentioned it to Rie, he had told Banios to back out of the case concerning five years ago.

Banios had been busy since declaring his intention to succeed the throne.

Ruel ate the meat pie and infused mana into his ring.

“Your Highness, is it time for us to talk? It may take a bit longer.”

-Today is fine. I’ve been curious to hear why you told me to stay away from the incident five years ago.

The sound of paper being flipped could be heard.

-Before that, I have something to tell you first.

“Please speak.”

-The frequency with which the First Brother meets the ministers has increased, and his behavior is unusual.

“Yes, I will explain the reason as well.”

Ruel brought up the incident from five years ago to Banios, and he listened calmly.

“…So, Your Highness, I hope you continue to maintain a relationship with both Princes as you have been.”

-Lord Setiria…

Banios called him with a heavy tone.

It was a voice he had often heard from Tyson.

“You don’t need to finish that sentence. It’s not His Highness’s fault, nor is it something you caused.”

Banios was silent for a while and then finally opened his mouth.

-Did you say that His Majesty had moved?

“Yes, I heard it through the head of the Liobenez family. I hope to see His Majesty soon.”

-I, I thought you were kicked out by Carbena…

“Your Highness.”

-… I will approach my eldest brother, and in such a way carefully so as not to raise suspicion.

Huan was trying to attract Banios to take advantage of Adoris’ weakness.

-Also, I will check the approaching ministers and bring them to my side. I can’t burden you any more than this.

If Banios begins to build up his power, it will be seen externally as a three-way war.

The more the sides are divided, the more difficult it will be for the ministers to unite.

The more divided and scattered the more disadvantaged were the people on Huan’s side.

In fact, it’s not 1:1:1, but 2:1.

“Yes, I will assign the Liobenez family to assist you.”

It was Setiria, Shio, and Liobenez that remained neutral.

Since Shio was already a person of Huan, Liobenez had to stick with Banios.

‘That way, Huan will cling to Setiria even more.’

-I too will pretend to approach you.

“Yes, you should. There are many listening ears in the palace, so I will relay His Highness Adoris’ words.”

-I understand. When you come to the palace… I want you to see it in person.

“Yes, I’ll see you then.”

As the story neared its end, Ruel waited for Banios to cut off communication.

-I feel reassured because you are there.

The light on the ring disappeared.

Ruel inhaled breath and looked at Leo.

Leo clung to his arm as soon as communication was cut off, like a puppy begging to go for a walk.

—Are you going to your uncle now? Is that right?

“Yes.”

—This body also likes uncle. This body is also like magic knights.

Leo’s target was not Tyson but the magic knights.

How nice it would be to have something delicious given to you every time you visit.

“Let’s go.”

When Ruel got up, Leo immediately got down on the bed and rubbed his head.

Kuro kuru.

He looked at himself at the same time as if the spirits spread out in the room were about to move in large numbers.

“Follow me just a little bit.”

Ruel opened the door and went out.

Ttak.

As the sound of the cane echoed through the hallway, the servants stopped what they were. They were silent like ghosts and only looked at him.

‘Woa.’

The spirits were enough to catch up.

“Don’t worry about me, just do what you’re doing.”

Ruel waved his hand and walked towards where Tyson was.

While experimenting with black water, Ruel rented an entire training room to prepare for any possible danger.

Crunch.

While eating meat pie, Ruel watched the scene where Tyson created a barrier and Aris complemented it.

“Uncle.”

“What’s wrong?”

“The mansion barrier…”

Before Ruel could finish his words, Tyson’s eyes shook greatly.

When Ruel turned his gaze and saw Aris, Aris pretended not to know anything and was only staring at the barrier.

He was so bad at hiding it.

Ruel lost the will to ask.

“I asked Tyson for a favor.”

Cassion said as he poured the tea.

“Why?”

“This is to ease Ruel-nim’s worries.”

“It’s not something I need to hear right now, is it?”

“Yes, I will tell you when it becomes more certain.”

“Okay.”

Ruel also didn’t want to increase the expense of the things he had to worry about anymore.

He blew his tea and looked at Tyson and Aris.

He could see how relieved they were.

‘It’s the same, it’s the same.’

Ruel turned his gaze to the center of the training ground.

There was a glass box in the center that held a rat inside it.

“Why is the rat there?”

Leo followed Ruel’s gaze and widened his eyes.

“I’m going to feed the rats black water to find a way to deal with it.”

Leo’s eyes looked lost.

Ruel didn’t want to bring him in, but Leo was a great purifier.

—Is, is this action absolutely necessary? If you feed it to rats, they get sick.

“Yes, it is absolutely necessary. There’s something I need to check.”

Only then did Leo see Ruel.

—I understand. This body believes in Ruel.

Ruel patted Leo and looked ahead.

“We’ll start now, so don’t be too nervous.”

Tyson, who said that, seemed the most nervous of them all.

He checked the shield and barrier around the glass box for the last time before dropping the black water.

Kuroo kuru!

The spirits were startled and immediately clung to Ruel’s back.

Ruel glanced at them and then turned his head back towards the rat.

The water had been added with an attractive scent, so it quickly responded.

The rat’s little bright red tongue lapped the black water and swallowed it.

Soon, the rat seemed to be possessed by something and aggressively drank the remaining black water.

There was even a hint of madness in its actions.

Squeak?

After making a cute sound, black things spewed out from its mouth.

It instantly attached itself to the rat’s body like armor.

The rat, which was struggling as if in pain, immediately rushed towards the glass box.

Quang!

It was definitely not a sound a rat could make.

The glass shards that broke at once flew out inside the barrier.

“Not only does it use a target as a host like a parasite, but it also significantly increases its aggression. It seems like there is no way to identify a friend.”

Tyson was surprised and opened his notebook and wrote something down.

Hiss!

The rat threw thick black liquid like a black-blooded man.

Bang!

The sound was loud, but it was blocked by a barrier.

Tyson’s expression hardened.

“It’s a different power from magic. It looks like the black liquid is moving freely, like a finger.”

“I think strength varies depending on body size. The attacks from the black-blooded men I encountered were not of that level.”

Ruel inhaled Breath while listening to Aris’s contradictory answer.

Ruel had felt it before, but it seemed that the person who became a black-blooded man instinctively recognized him as having dark attributes.

Even now, the mouse only looked at Ruel and rushed at him.

Bang! Bang!

The barrier shook slightly as the attacks continued over and over again.

Pop.

Suddenly the rat’s body expanded and immediately burst.

Ruel covered Leo’s eyes and made an unpleasant expression.

“It can’t stand the black water.”

“It seems that way.”

Ruel sipped his tea while listening to Tyson’s answer.

There was a reason why Red Ash used the water on people.

Saying that it was still too early to make conclusions.

Tyson slowly approached where the rat was.

The black water retained its original appearance next to the torn rat corpse.

“It seems like it goes back to normal once the host disappears.”

Only then did Tyson lift all the barriers and shields.

“It turns out that black water doesn’t just work for people. Now we have to find out whether it is only humans who become fully black-blooded men.”

Ruel rose from his seat with his words.

“I hope there is no worst outcome.”

The worst outcome that Tyson is talking about would be a situation where not only people, but also animals and monsters become dark beings.

“Was it helpful?”

“It definitely helped. Thank you, Ruel.”

Contrary to what he said, Tyson didn’t look like he had figured it out yet.

But it would be better than not seeing this process of turning black water into a black being.

“I’ll help you next time too.”

Ruel left the training ground together, promising their next meeting.

He had set aside the entire day to prepare for an unexpected incident, but it ended smoother than expected.

‘I still have time, so I guess I should go back and take care of some work. I’m also thinking about what to do next.’

“Ruel.”

Tyson paused Ruel as he was about to go to his room.

“Yes?”

“How about a short walk?”

—This body will go too!

Leo looked at Tyson, wagging his tail.

Although he didn’t know what he was trying to say, Tyson looked apologetic at the sight of Leo, who seemed to be following along right away.

“I want to talk to Ruel alone. Could the spirit lend him to me just for today?”

“I’ll ask, how long is it?”

Ruel relayed his words on behalf of Leo.

Tyson thought for a moment and spread out all his fingers.

“It only takes about 10 minutes.”

Leo was shocked for a moment, but then reluctantly nodded his head with a sullen expression on his face.

—I understand. This body will allow it with a big heart.

Ruel sent Leo back with Cassion first.

“Then I’ll be at the training ground, so please stop by later.”

Aris quickly retreated.

Tyson and Ruel’s feet moved slowly.

“What are you sending Leo away to talk about?”

Tyson blocked the sound by placing a barrier around him before bringing up the subject.

“Didn’t you say last time that it seemed like the Red Ash was trying to remove the seal with black water? And I asked if that was possible.”

“It was possible.”

There was a reason why Leo was sent.

His words were too serious for the light-mouthed spirit to hear.

“Today, as I saw the process of creating a black-blooded man using black water, I remembered what you asked.”

Tyson fiddled with his hem.

“Do you remember how I said that the Corruption made it possible to do all kinds of bad things?”

“I remember.”

“Corruption can break the seal. However, since it is not a normal method but rather a forced opening of a closed door, a very large amount of corruption is required.”

Tyson made eye contact with Ruel.

“Ruel, to be honest, I couldn’t find any seals on your body.”

“…”

“This means it is not magic. It means that wizards have gone beyond what humans can do.”

Something that humans cannot do.

“… Or maybe the seal isn’t on your body.”

Ruel made a subtle expression at his ambiguous words and then calmly asked.

He decided to put off what he couldn’t figure out right away.

“When I was young, I heard that I had a guardian named Irian. Does uncle know him?”

“I know. He was one of those who called themselves guardians and came to protect you. My brother took them for granted.”

“Uncle, please tell me what you know. I’m ready to hear whatever it is.”

Tyson shook his head with an apologetic look on his face.

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you what you’re curious about. I don’t know what a guardian is, and this is the first time I’ve heard there’s a seal in your body.”

Tyson pointed to the back of his hand.

He was not a direct relative.

“Maybe I couldn’t hear it because I wasn’t in the direct line, but I know this one thing.”

Tyson stopped for a moment and held Ruel’s hand.

“Ever since the day you were born, my brother has always said that we should break off this bitter relationship. He always did his best not to hand any of the burden over to you, Ruel.”

He carefully patted the back of Ruel’s hand.

“He didn’t tell me anything. As if you shouldn’t know that.”

Like Billo, he seemed to want to protect Tyson.

“Now I think I know why my brother hid that fact.”

Tyson looked at the sky. A slightly muffled voice was heard.

“… He was trying to protect me from the Red Ash.”

Tyson turned his head and was smiling.

He seemed strong-willed.

“Ruel.”

“Yes.”

“I’m not going to say I can’t. I’m going to find a way to deal with black water.”

Instead of acting guilty like his previous behavior, he was determined to act like a real uncle.

***

4 days later.

The carriage embossed with Setiria’s emblem moved.

In response to Huan’s reply, ‘I want to meet you as soon as possible,’ the date was pushed forward earlier than planned.

The place they decided to meet him was ‘Hian’ village, which ironically was the place where Ruel was found after suffering a carriage accident.

It is said that the decision was made to go there considering Ruel’s physical condition, but in reality, the distance between Hian Village and the castle was not very far.

When Ruel first confirmed the location in the letter, he burst out laughing.

Isn’t his intention to embarrass himself too blatant?

“Are you okay?”

The closer they got to Hian Village, the more Cassion expression hardened.

“It’s okay, so stop asking.”

Ruel looked through his window and stroked Leo’s fur.

It’s not a lie, it really didn’t matter.

Ruel was about to bite his Breath when he suddenly noticed that the carriage had halted.

“What’s going on?”

“It looks like there was a carriage accident.”

‘… Carriage accident? Why now?’

“I think we can just ignore it and pass by.”

Cassion hit the carriage wall.

At the signal, the carriage started moving again.

Knock.

Aris knocked on the window.

When Ruel opened the window slightly, Aris was next to him and told him the situation.

“It looks like there was a minor carriage accident. It’s not serious enough to help.”

“Okay.”

Ruel saw the carriage that had been in an accident.

In the new carriage, there were no traces that could have been the cause of the fall.

He immediately closed the window and raised the corners of his mouth.

‘You’re leaving that damn thing. Why don’t you just tell me?’

Perhaps because he was trying to relive the trauma that Ruel Setiria had. He couldn’t help staring at the entire scene of the carriage accident.

Instead of words, Cassion was asking if he was okay with his eyes.

He was fine.

Now that he knows what his enemy wants, he must return the favor.

Ruel smiled suspiciously and patted Leo.

***

Huan must have rented the entire store and the entire area, so there wasn’t a single person in sight other than the employees.

“There are no enemies.”

Cassion supported Ruel and spoke softly.

“Okay.”

Red Ash, like himself came, but I guess he didn’t bring them with him just to make himself look good.

Ttak.

The sound of a cane broke the silence.

Haa.

White steam rose along with Ruel’s exhaled breath.

In this town.

Here.

Ruel Setiria lost everything and survived.

And he survived only to come back. 

Ruel thought of nothing more.

It was too early for him to become sentimental.

He himself had to become a sharp sword before his enemies.

He had to become a performer to deceive his enemies.

“Let’s go in.”

Ruel walked into the store with a smile on his face.

***

The first thing that welcomed Ruel was food laid out on a long table.

Then, Huan smiled and welcomed Ruel.

—… Huh! This body is in shock! This body dreamed a while ago similar to an ocean of food!

Leo’s eyes sparkled as he looked at the food.

Even if Ruel tried to stop him, he was ready to eat it.

“Wasn’t it difficult to get here?”

Huan asked softly.

“No. Thanks to your consideration, I came here comfortably.”

“I should have asked you in advance what you liked, but I was so anxious to meet you that I forgot to ask, so I prepared the best things in this town.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Oh, no, please sit down first. Don’t worry, I have prepared separate seats for the butlers and knights you brought.”

Huan took care of Ruel to the extent that anyone would think he was a butler rather than a prince.

Ruel handed over his cloak to Cassion and walked to the location Huan guided him to.

“Sit down first.”

As Cassion followed Ruel, Huan looked at Cassion with a sideways glance.

“I have something to tell you, so why don’t you just send the butler away?”

Despite Huan’s roundabout discussion, he didn’t hide his unpleased expression.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I need a butler, so please allow him to stay by my side.”

“Tell me why.”

For a moment, Huan’s brow twitched, but he naturally hid his anger.

“At the banquet before.”

Ruel choked out his words.

Huan’s eyes became slightly harsh.

Since the words were deliberately brought up to recall the shame from the last banquet, Ruel continued his next words in a good mood.

“I once told Your Highness that I cannot eat food recklessly.”

“I remember.”

“I’m telling you that my butler is the only one who knows what food I can eat, so he needs to be around.”

Huan calmed his stomach by drinking water before his eyes.

“I understand. Let the butler choose what food you can eat.”

“Thank you for your generous generosity.”

Huan rang the bell and made the servant come back.

When Ruel saw Cassion, he bent down and picked out the food one by one.

‘Ah, that’s fun.’

Ruel looked at Huan’s expression, who was suppressing his anger while inhaling Breath.

It was so funny that the prepared foods disappeared one by one, the time took, and most of all, he couldn’t take back the words he had said.

“Your Highness.”

Ruel broke the silence midway and opened his mouth.

He would be bored waiting, so he wanted to start with an interesting topic.

“I witnessed a carriage accident on my way.”

Author's Thoughts

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read