Chapter 106: The Owner of the Letter (2)

Raion and Saliann Arenvatz looked at each other with solemn expressions.

“What do you mean it’s impossible? The throne of Canel is the seat that governs a nation. What could possibly be impossible there?”

“Do you truly believe it’s possible?”

Raion’s expression sharpened like a blade.

Seeing that reaction, Saliann was about to snap back as before but forced himself to calm down.

“How much do you know about Duke Alito and Queen Elina?”

“I know more than you think, Grandfather.”

Perhaps it was arrogance.

But Raion had seen the continent walk down the path of ruin.

And it was only thanks to the miracle of returning to the past after living a new life in another world that he was able to stand here again.

Of course, even to his grandfather Saliann Arenvatz, it was not something he could easily confess.

“Do you truly think that?”

“Their shadows are spread far deeper within the kingdom than you imagine. And I have no intention of changing that.”

“Then what is it that you wish to do?”

“I cannot tell you now.”

“Why can’t you say it?”

“…Because I will abandon this kingdom.”

“What!”

Saliann couldn’t help but be shocked by the unexpected answer.

“The Kingdom of Canel has already reached its end.”

“What do you mean, its end!”

“Do you even know what is happening in the other territories besides Arenvatz and its surroundings, Grandfather?”

“What on earth are you saying!”

To that question, Raion finally let out the truth he had been holding back.

“Duke Alito, together with Queen Elina, is rotting this nation from the inside. Outside the royal capital, people are starving to death because of them!”

“What nonsense is that…”

Duke Saliann Arenvatz, though not a military man, still ranked within the top ten of the kingdom’s hierarchy.

The northern neighboring territories had long pledged loyalty to him and continued their efforts for their people’s welfare.

Naturally, if atrocities were happening elsewhere, he couldn’t have been completely unaware.

“You fail to realize that those two have blinded and deafened everyone with their power. I’ve already deemed it too late and decided to abandon this nation.”

“Do you have proof!”

“Grandfather! Are you truly saying you don’t know?”

“……”

Did he still see Raion as too young?

At present, Saliann Arenvatz was concealing much.

Of course, Raion had already begun uncovering the darkness that had long rooted itself in the Kingdom of Canel ever since his return.

“Can you really keep saying you don’t know?”

“…Since when?”

“For quite some time now.”

“Then was that why you entered Taron’s Palace?”

“Yes. Though that wasn’t the only reason.”

“What method did you use?”

It was impossible for Saliann not to know about the filth tainting the kingdom’s underbelly.

Even King Laskan Canel was well aware of it.

That was why he had wished so desperately to pass the throne not to the princes born of Queen Elina but to Raion instead.

“I used the Eye of the Moon.”

At those words, Saliann’s expression stiffened.

He couldn’t help but question him.

“Do you even know what kind of place that is?”

“I know very well.”

“No wonder Patrick sent me a letter through the Eye of the Moon.”

Ever since entering the royal capital, Patrick had tried to stay away from the shadows.

So when a letter arrived through that channel, even Saliann had been puzzled.

“I merely used poison to suppress another poison.”

“You’ve changed… so much.”

There was no trace left of the boy Saliann once knew.

The Duke let out a deep sigh.

“You may think my judgment is wrong, Grandfather, but I have no intention of backing down.”

“So you mean to push forward no matter what.”

“The preparations for my plan are nearly complete.”

“Is that why you became a Sword Master? Still, mere strength alone can achieve nothing.”

Saliann knew better than anyone the cruel nature of power.

Because of that, his rival, Duke Alito Kright, had seized control of the Canel Kingdom’s authority as Chancellor.

“I only need your support when the time comes, Grandfather.”

“What kind of support do you mean? I am the commander defending the northern border. Don’t expect too much.”

To the north lay the Kingdom of Prios, which constantly eyed the southern Canel Kingdom.

But with Sword Master and iron-blooded warrior Saliann Arenvatz guarding the border, they couldn’t act recklessly.

Naturally, moving northern forces carelessly would only invite danger.

“That’s not the kind of help I mean. I only ask that you keep guarding the northern border as you always have.”

“Then what help are you referring to?”

“I’ll tell you later. For now, I must return.”

The sun had already climbed high into the sky.

It was nearly noon; his companions would be waiting for him at the guild.

“Won’t you at least stay for a meal?”

“No, thank you. Besides, there’s a spy Duke Alito planted among my party. I need to keep an eye on things.”

“A spy? You’re saying Duke Alito planted a spy among your companions?”

From Raion’s words alone, it sounded as though the Duke’s threat was already at his throat.

In that instant, murderous intent surged from Saliann’s entire body.

“They don’t yet know that I’ve noticed. I’m watching for now — they’re quite capable, so I’m testing them.”

“But that spy belongs to Duke Alito. Wouldn’t it be better to eliminate them before they act?”

“I’ll handle it myself. And Grandfather, you should hurry back to your territory as well.”

If the northern commander stayed away too long, Duke Alito might catch on.

Of course, since Saliann had come all the way to Chelon to meet Raion, the schedule had already been pushed forward.

“That’s true. Then, are you returning to Kanas now?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I’ve heard many rumors coming from Kanas lately. Are those your doing, by any chance?”

They were rumors brought by traveling merchants.

Because of that, many others were already saying they planned to head for Kanas themselves.

However, because the Clamen Mountains were crawling with monsters, no one could move about easily.

“Hehe…”

“Why are you laughing?”

“I just find it impressive that the rumors have even reached the Arenvatz Territory.”

“So it was your doing.”

“I’m steadily laying the groundwork. So please, just wait a little longer.”

Raion moved the sword sheath in his hand to his waist.

Then he approached his grandfather, Saliann Arenvatz, and embraced him.

“Grandfather, please wait for me just a little longer.”

“Oh ho… you brat.”

With those final words, Raion left the lord’s mansion.

As the sun climbed to its peak, Raion’s companions were having lunch at the Adventurer’s Guild.

“It seems the Master is quite late.”

At Howard’s question, Cayman, who was eating meat, replied.

“He went to the lord’s mansion, so he’s probably being kept there for one reason or another.”

“Well, they must be trying to recruit an S-rank adventurer who’s also a Sword Master.”

“If the Master decides to stay here, what should we do?”

This time, Aizel was the one who asked.

It was a difficult question to answer.

“Shouldn’t we follow whatever decision the Master makes?”

“Well, that’s true, but still…”

Each of them had chosen to follow Raion — to train under him while adventuring together.

If they suddenly settled down, it wouldn’t be any different from their time in Praizen.

The conversation turned noisy for a moment before Dejir, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.

“What kind of decision do you think Raion will make?”

“No idea.”

“He’s a man who follows his instincts.”

“Right. It’s impossible to predict him.”

As the conversation continued, the door opened and Raion entered.

“Were you all gossiping about me?”

“Master!”

“Raion!”

The five of them immediately stood and approached him.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“Not at all.”

“Looks like you were in the middle of eating.”

“Have you eaten, Master?”

“I’m not really in the mood. We’re departing after the meal, so get ready.”

“Departing? To where?”

At Cayman’s question, Raion glanced briefly at Dejir before answering.

“We’ll head out through the west gate first. I’ll tell you the destination once we’ve left. Finish your meal.”

With that, Raion returned to his room.

It didn’t take long.

After tidying up, everyone moved busily, left the guild, and made their way toward the west gate.

Once they had completely passed through the west gate of Chelon Castle, they were close to the forest.

“Where are we going?”

Unable to suppress his curiosity, Cayman asked.

“There’s something we need to deal with before I tell you our destination.”

“What is it?”

“Dejir.”

“Yes?”

At that moment, everyone’s eyes turned to Dejir.

He looked startled, having no idea what was going on.

“Me?”

“You’re not just any adventurer, are you? Sir Dejir Malon of the Black Lion Order, under the Chancellor of the Canel Kingdom.”

Dejir’s expression froze, and he instinctively jumped back as if repelled.

Slash!

“How did you…!”

“Did you save Cayman to win my trust? You must’ve thought I wouldn’t notice.”

Raion had struck the mark exactly.

Dejir’s face darkened even further.

“……”

“What did Duke Alito Kright promise you to make you approach me? Wealth? Power?”

He had even named the man behind it.

Dejir’s expression hardened even more; he didn’t know what to say.

Shiiing…

In that moment, Raion drew his sword from its sheath at his waist.

Dejir considered drawing his own, but the opponent before him was a Sword Master.

Even if he ignored the four others standing around, he couldn’t hope to take Raion alone.

“Since when did you know?”

“From the very beginning.”

“But, Raion… are you saying the fact that I’m from the Black Lion Order is a problem?”

On the surface, there seemed to be no issue.

Naturally, Dejir couldn’t understand why Raion was reacting so sharply.

“A problem…? What if I told you I’m not Raion Dragonia, but Raion Canel?”

“…Canel? Don’t tell me… you mean that Canel…!”

Only one “Canel” came to Dejir’s mind.

And when combined with the name “Raion,” there could only be one man it referred to.

“Do you realize who I am now?”

“Are you truly Prince Raion?”

“And if I am? Can you now guess the connection between us?”

Anyone who knew the affairs of the royal family knew about the relationship between the Third Prince and Duke Alito.

Naturally, Dejir understood at once how dire his situation had become.

“You’re going to take my life, aren’t you?”

His opponent was a Sword Master.

Moreover, the adventurers around him possessed skills on par with his own.

No matter how skilled he was, escaping would be impossible.

“That depends on you.”

“So there is a way for me to live?”

“I’ll offer you a deal. Leave the Black Lion Order and come under my command.”

“You’re asking me to become the prince’s knight?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep