I Became the Villain's Master - Chapter 132
Chapter 132
‘No!’
Kiris reached out, his hand outstretched—
Fwhoosh—
The world shifted. That was Noctis’s last memory.
* * *
Tap, tap—
“Sir Noctis?”
Noctis startled awake. Rosette stood before him, her expression etched with concern.
“Are you alright? You look pale.”
“…It’s nothing. I must have dozed off.”
The tingling sensation in his fingertips lingered. After briefly struggling in the mire of his memories, Noctis rose with difficulty. Everything had felt so real: the magic hurled at him, the bone-deep agony of his depleted divine power.
‘A past life…?’
He didn’t want to see the horrific fate of the priests again. Noctis believed the sudden resurgence of these memories was a divine warning.
“Are you alright, Lady Rosette?”
“Yes. I’ve communed with the divine.”
“…Indeed. I was surprised when you vanished with the relic.”
“Really? How long was I gone?”
“Not long.”
Noctis’s gaze fell upon the book in Rosette’s hands.
“That book…”
“Oh! Uh… how did this get in my hands?”
Rosette shook her head, her eyes wide with confusion.
“I… I really didn’t steal it. I just woke up holding it!”
“It’s alright. All things are the will of the divine. It seems the relic has accepted you.”
Noctis replied with a smile. Rosette, relieved, returned the relic to its place.
“It seems this relic is used to commune with the divine.”
“I’m not certain of its purpose, but perhaps you are right. Didn’t you meet God, Lady Rosette?”
Noctis recalled a now-hazy memory of receiving a divine message while using this relic. He vaguely sensed that he had sacrificed his soul to save the world. But that was just a dream. If he couldn’t protect this world, he was prepared to make the same sacrifice. With this resolve, Noctis extended his hand to Rosette.
“Lady Rosette, I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise, Sir Noctis.”
Rosette, favored by the God Moreus. And this time, unlike in his dream, Kiris hadn’t sided with the demons. He was seeking an alliance with the temple.
‘This time will be different.’
Noctis met Rosette’s gaze with a gentle smile.
* * *
Chaos deepened within the Empire. Mysterious deaths occurred, and monster attacks on villages became more frequent. Many theories arose, whispering of the Empire’s impending doom and questioning the current Emperor’s competence.
Today was the regular aristocratic council meeting. An unusual tension hung in the air as the heads of each noble house gathered. Duke Eckart, who had recently declared political neutrality, observed the heated exchange between the noble and imperial factions.
“Your Majesty, someone must be conspiring against the Empire, colluding with demons. We must quickly identify and eliminate the source of this threat!”
“Indeed. We’ve received numerous reports of attacks on imperial citizens, including herb merchants. How can our people live in such fear?”
“Such harsh words. Are you blaming His Majesty? These incidents only prove the incompetence of the temple and the Magic Tower.”
“How dare you…!”
The meeting grew more heated than usual as conflicting interests clashed. Cedric, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. Cedric, who had seamlessly ascended to the throne immediately following the previous Emperor’s death.
“I’ve heard your concerns. The temple and the Magic Tower are more concerned with wielding influence than with using their power.”
Therefore, he will resolve this matter. Cedric’s words hung in the air, silencing the nobles. His overflowing confidence and unwavering gaze conveyed his firm resolve.
“Duke Eckart, what are your thoughts? Do you believe I’m capable?”
Cedric’s gaze, laced with a sardonic smile, fixed on Duke Eckart. The Duke, his expression hardening, slowly replied.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I believe you are capable of anything.”
Since declaring neutrality, Duke Eckart had been closely observing Cedric’s every move. The Emperor’s sudden death had sent shockwaves through the nobility. The Empire was already in turmoil, and now the throne was vacant. Yet, Cedric’s ascension had been remarkably smooth.
‘Something is amiss.’ Duke Eckart was discreetly leveraging his family’s influence to uncover clues surrounding the Emperor’s death. The circumstances were far too suspicious.
“I see. Let us conclude today’s meeting.”
Cedric rose from his seat, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The nobles also rose, offering their respects.
★ support nana on ko-fi!
≪ Discord ≫
≪ Novel Updates ≫
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
