Chapter 144: Everything was a lie (1)

‘What’s missing?’

Ruel went to kitchen while thinking for the missing puzzle piece

“My Lord?” He ran into Astell, who was just coming out of the kitchen.

“Thank goodness. I’m not too late.”

Astell smiled in response to Ruel’s smile, “Are you here for some cocoa?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Two cups, right?” 

“Exactly.” 

“Come in. It’s warmer here than the hallway.” Astell opened the door and waited for Ruel. 

—There always seemed to be a sweet smell coming from Astell

Leo rubbed his head against Astell’s leg and followed Ruel.

“Are you feeling okay?” 

“You also came to my room yesterday.”

“You don’t look as well as you did yesterday.” 

“That’s why I came for cocoa.” Seeing Ruel’s indifferent expression, Astell decided not to ask further. 

“The Lord will always do well.”

Instead, she carefully encouraged Ruel.

“…?” At Astell’s words, Ruel looked at her with a puzzled look.

“I don’t know what you’re going through, but I’m always here to support you, my lord.” 

“Ok, thanks.” Ruel waited patiently, showing a faint smile.

Since his body couldn’t move freely, he had to use his head at least.

More than others.

That’s why he needed something sweet today.

***

‘Medeas Tehel, a man of Adea Kran, was an executive of the Red Ash and a citizen of the Tonisk Empire. Technically, his mother was Kran, so he was half-blood.’

Ruel gently stroked Leo’s smooth fur and tasted the sweetness in his mouth.

‘However, the issue is that there is still no evidence that Adea Kran is one of the Red Ash.’ 

Medeas Tehel was an executive. 

Even though Adea claimed to be a prince, some evidence should have been revealed. 

‘The gates of the Tonisk Empire have opened twice.’ 

Once before Kran sent an envoy to Leponia. And once before Kran sent an envoy to Cyronian. 

‘Is this just a simple coincidence?’

Ruel took a deep breath. 

‘When the gates of the Tonisk Empire first opened, those presumed to be soldiers suddenly disappeared from the scene. Although it is not exact where they disappeared, traces of black magic were visible.’

But the second time was different. Soldiers moved as if they were really going to attack Cyronian. What was the reason? 

What was most incomprehensible was the behavior of Treitol Kran, the second prince of Kran. 

Neutral zone. 

‘Why did Treitol come to the neutral zone?’ 

Without any gain, it was too strange to visit the neutral zone just to see it. 

—Ruel, Ruel. As Cassion says, there are many stars!

Leo stopped licking his cocoa and looked at the sky.

Ruel instinctively gazed at the sky as well. 

The densely packed stars emitted different lights with each blink.

“Ha,” Ruel exhaled. 

His fingers grew numb, the cold air biting at his skin. He had forgotten to wear gloves despite being fully armed.

Leo grabbed Ruel’s hand with his short front paw. 

—This body loves drinking cocoa while looking at the stars. It tastes different from just drinking it. 

“How is it different?” Ruel asked with a smile. He felt like Leo could become a food critic at this rate. 

—The twinkling of the stars feels like it’s entering this body’ mouth! That’s why this body drinks cocoa after looking at the sky!

“That’s a nice way of putting it.”

—Try drinking it like this body, Ruel.

Ruel patted Leo’s head and reached for the cocoa he had set aside.

When Leo touched it lightly, the slightly cooled cocoa became warm enough to enjoy. 

He looked up at the sky and drank the cocoa.

—How is it? Doesn’t it taste better?

Leo stood leaning on Ruel’s body with both paws. 

With so many stars in the sky, Leo’s eyes seemed to sparkle particularly brightly today. 

“It’s delicious.” 

—Hehe. This body thought so! This body has discovered something new.

Knowing all along, Ruel pretended not to know and brought the cup to his lips. 

‘Drinking inside and drinking outside are different,so I prefer drinking outside…’

Ruel paused for a moment. 

‘…!’

The opening of the Tonisk Empire’s gates seemed similar, but each situation was different. 

‘Why didn’t I think of this simple thing?’

The relationships between Leponia and Kran, and Cyronian and Kran, were different.

When was peace most desired? 

It was when the enemy appeared.

The Tonisk Empire’s move to invite an alliance was not as simple as one might think.

If the Tonisk Empire and Kran were on the same side, how could they easily conquer both countries?

‘Alliance.’

The corners of Ruel’s mouth rose.

An alliance was the perfect moment to strike unexpectedly. If both countries were eliminated, those who would criticize them would also disappear.

“When the Tonisk Empire collapsed, they extended a hand to us first to form an alliance and then stabbed us in the back.”

Ruel recalled Ganien’s words. 

The Kran Kingdom was already a country with a history of war. They had tried it once, so why couldn’t they try it again? 

Ruel now realized the frustration that had been bothering him all along. It was all about the actions of the Tonisk Empire. The empire was a country that even three nations couldn’t defeat together.

‘Why go through all this trouble? Why bring Kran into it?’

Of course, an empire was an empire because it was powerful. There was no reason to go through all of this. 

‘It’s like a fox wearing a tiger’s skin to play the role of a king.’

Ruel pursed his lips, then stopped.

‘Wait a minute…’

—Pat this body.

When Ruel’s hand disappeared, Leo looked at him and tapped his hand with his tail.

—Drinking cocoa tastes even better when Ruel pets this body while looking at the stars.

Ruel continued to stroke Leo, his face displaying a fascinated expression. 

‘What happens if the premise changes?’ 

What if the Tonisk Empire didn’t collapse but was destroyed for some reason?

‘Is that even possible?’ Ruel chuckled. 

They would fit better with the puzzle pieces, but at the same time, new obstacles would arise.

Who destroyed the strongest Tonisk Empire, and why did the Tonisk Empire’s people spread within the Kran Kingdom?

Just when he thought his frustration had been relieved, it brought him more questions.

‘I need more information, vital information.’

Ruel sipped his cocoa again.

The shadows that had gone to Kran should have brought back anything they could gather.

***

“I think the growth of the disease was a temporary phenomenon. I’m relieved.”

Fran said with a big smile.

Leo, who was crouching, got up and ran towards Ruel.

—Doesn’t it hurt anymore? Thank goodness.

Ruel patted Leo, who was hugging him tightly, and asked Fran.

“Has the requirement of absolute stability been resolved?”

“I heard you went out briefly yesterday.”

“It seems like you have someone in the mansion,” Ruel mentioned, realizing that news of his movements within the mansion had spread quickly.

Fran chuckled softly, covering her mouth. “I have more than one pair of eyes. I witnessed firsthand how everyone worried about you every time you moved.”

“You saw that?” Ruel furrowed his brow, feeling slightly overwhelmed. 

While it was heartwarming to see the servants’ concern, he didn’t want to appear too dependent. 

It felt like being a baby bird surrounded by numerous mother birds.

Fran laughed even harder than before, but stopped abruptly at the sound of Tierra’s call and spoke calmly, “As you know, I am the only doctor in this mansion. Even if I don’t want to, I hear everything.” 

“It’s good to have multiple sources of information.”

“They all did it out of their affection for you, Mr. Ruel. I hope you don’t find it unpleasant,” Fran said.

“Who said anything about being offended? It’s just… a little strange,” Ruel replied, averting his gaze slightly and scratching his cheek.

Fran’s eyes widened momentarily, and then she regarded Ruel with an intrigued expression.

“Why?” Ruel inquired, aware of Fran’s curious gaze.

She laughed bashfully and stood up.

“It’s nothing. Anyway, considering the severity of the situation, your recovery is remarkably fast. You can start moving around now, but as always, don’t push yourself too hard,” Fran said.

“I know. I won’t push myself.”

“Mr. Ruel.” Fran leaned back and spoke, conscious of the stares around her.

“Speak.”

“You always say the same thing, ‘It’s okay. I won’t push myself.’ We all know that’s the most unreliable thing you can say. I knew it for sure this time.”

“Who said that?” Ruel’s gaze instinctively turned to Cassion, who shrugged his shoulders.

“Mr. Ruel,” Fran called out to him again, her brows slightly furrowed, uncertain of what she would say next. “I will ensure that the events of last time do not repeat themselves.”

Fran wiped the smile off her face, regret reflecting in her eyes.

“I heard that you are going as a representative of the Kran Kingdom delegation. Tierra and I also want to accompany you on this journey.”

“Fran.”

“I know I may not be capable, but please allow me to join you on this journey.”

“I have never considered you as incapable,” Ruel spoke sincerely, causing Fran to tightly seal her lips. Ruel had heard through Cassion about how heavily she blamed herself for the recent events.

“Regardless, no. This trip is far more dangerous than you realize.”

“I think Fran should come with us this time.” Cassion, who had been silently listening to the story, spoke up.

—This body also thinks Fran should go. What if you collapse suddenly like last time, this body, this body, is too scared.

Leo rubbed his face against Ruel’s body.

Ruel patted Leo and glared at Cassion.

Cassion said what he wanted to say despite Ruel’s gaze.

“I understand that you said those words for Fran’s sake, Ruel-nim, but you need Fran.”

“I feel the same way,” Fran quickly added. “Your current physical condition has too many variables. Instead of relying on an external doctor who may not fully understand the situation, I believe it’s better if I accompany you, Mr. Ruel.”

Caught in Fran’s earnest gaze, Ruel fell into deep thought before speaking. “I will consider it. I need some time to think.” It was not a decision he would make lightly; it required careful consideration.

“Understood. Please take your time and give us an answer,” Fran replied, her face brightening at the fact that Ruel didn’t outright refuse.

She left with Tierra, leaving Cassion standing behind. Ruel spoke first, breaking the silence. “You know why I don’t want to take Fran with us.”

“Yes, I know. That’s why I thought about it carefully and told you,” Cassion replied. 

“What if something happens to Fran?” 

Ruel was referring to the worst-case scenario, and Cassion didn’t understand why he always dwelled on that possibility. Cassion, suppressing his frustration, spoke. “Why do you always prioritize others over yourself, Ruel-nim?”

“I’m already a target, but Fran is different.”

Ruel’s words, considering himself as the obvious risk, momentarily angered Cassion. 

Cassion calmly assessed the situation. 

In other matters, he would have been fine, but not when it came to Ruel’s own people, the people he had always considered his own.

It was the butler’s job to keep his master in line.

“I will also make sure to protect Fran at all costs, so please allow it.” Cassion refused Ruel’s command, feeling his heart tighten.

—Ruel, this body will protect Fran as well. Fran is necessary for you, Ruel. 

When Leo joined in, Ruel’s heart wavered. 

“I’ll think about it.” 

It was a matter that required time for Ruel, at least in his perspective. 

“I’ll let you know later.” 

“Understood. Then I will take my leave.” 

Ruel had made significant concessions, so Cassion didn’t press any further and left. As soon as Cassion left, Ruel inhaled Breath. 

He had planned to go to Tyson, but upon receiving a message from Ganien, it seemed he needed to leave. 

—Ruel, Ruel. 

Leo, hugging one of the spirits, looked at Ruel. 

—This body thought Aris was the most cautious person, but it seems this body was mistaken. 

Leo held Ruel’s hand.

Author's Thoughts

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read