I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 258

General Panet responded firmly, and I relayed the latest updates about Weathering.

“The Senior Wizard said that it’s difficult to predict when the tools will be completed. However, he did promise to finish them as quickly as possible.”

Just before I left, Weathering had waved me off with a gesture, as if urging me to go. He seemed to have resolved everything in the Fairy Realm, and appeared lighter, so I refrained from asking any more questions and made my way here.

Our plan begins with Weathering completing the mirror.

Once the mirror that can move soldiers is finished, we’ll break the mirror of the Southern Empire’s army, while simultaneously using the mirror to head towards Glia, the capital of the Southern Empire.

We’ll strike directly at the heart of their country.

Only Tess knew this part: he planned to send monsters to the capital of the Southern Empire. If we stir up chaos with not only the enemy army but also the monsters, the enemy will have no choice but to retreat to their homeland.

Of course, our primary objective is to capture the capital of the Southern Empire. If we succeed in occupying the capital, the Southern Emperor will have no choice but to come to the negotiating table.

But if that doesn’t happen…

I’ll simply kill the Southern Emperor.

I can feel the sensation of the sword, which I held like a treasure. It felt as if the sword were alive and breathing.

No matter who becomes the next Emperor, if they’re not truly foolish, they won’t want to continue this war.

What we need is time.

Time until Weathering finishes the mirror.

“It’s crucial to conserve as much strength as possible until Blest arrives.”

“Yes. Has there been any movement from the Southern Empire?”

“The Southern Emperor has less support within his homeland compared to His Majesty. But he’s been away from his throne for so long…”

General Panet trailed off with a smile.

“You’re saying there might be some noise?”

“Yes. This part has required a lot of effort from the Chancellor.”

The fact that the Chancellor had worked to stir up division within the Southern Empire was impressive. Considering his rise from having no power, it was a relief that the sage was on our side.

“I’ll wait here until His Majesty arrives.”

“Aren’t you tired, having come all the way from Alin?”

“I’m fine.”

General Panet nodded and left the tower, while I remained in place, staying there until the fighting ended.

Though I acted casually in front of General Panet, I couldn’t help but worry about Tess. Even though neither of them could kill the other, it was clear that one of them would be gravely wounded, and he had mentioned that pain would still be a factor.

Crash! A frighteningly loud lightning strike was followed immediately by a massive wave of water rising high.

Good heavens, could that be the waters of the Senn River?

“Te…”

I was about to shout encouragement to him, but I held my tongue, afraid it might disrupt his focus.

Although I had arrived at midday, Tess returned as the sun began to set.

“Euseniel.”

He came to meet me at the tower.

“Tess.”

“I heard from Panet. Euseniel arrived.”

It seemed that Tess was fully focused on the Southern Emperor, as he didn’t notice me coming in.

I opened my arms as he approached, and I embraced him just as eagerly. There were knights guarding the tower, but I didn’t mind.

Well, I was a little aware of them, but all I could focus on was being in Tess’s arms.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

Tess smelled like earth, water, a hint of smoke, and his signature sweet scent.

We walked hand in hand toward the bedroom.

“Are you hurt?”

“Ung.”

As soon as the bedroom door closed, Tess pulled me into his arms again, burying his face in my neck and murmuring softly.

“Does this happen the whole time I was gone?”

“Once every… three days or so?”

“You fought several times. And to fight for so long… weren’t you tired?”

“Now, it feels like we’re both fighting out of stubbornness.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Tess nuzzled my neck as he answered, his nose brushing against me.

“At first, it was a way to relieve stress. It was fun teasing that bastard.”

Ah… just like the devil?

While the Southern Emperor could only insult with words like ‘lowly and filthy devil,’ Tess would calmly and almost leisurely poke at his opponent’s weaknesses.

Suddenly, I felt a little sorry for the Southern Emperor.

“But now, that fun is gone, and I’m just bored.”

I gently patted his broad back, and Tess let out a deep sigh, almost like the growl of a large beast.

“Most of all, it was hardest without you, Euseniel…”

The soft, plush feeling of his touch on my neck sent a shiver down my spine.

I slipped my fingers into his silky hair and scratched his scalp gently, making him moan immediately.

“Euseniel, ah.”

His hands, which were holding my waist, tightened for a moment, and his fingers slid under my shirt. His familiar, soft palms rubbed my back in slow circles, and my body gradually heated up.

“Euseniel.”

Tess lifted his head, and his black eyes were clear. Half-open, his red lips revealed a moist tongue.

“Let’s wash together.”

His soft voice whispered.

“Since you’ve come a long way, let’s wash.”

He seemed relaxed, but there was urgency in his fingers as he removed his coat and shirt. He slowly approached me, undoing my cloak tie, and then lifted me up to carry me to the bathroom.

As soon as we entered the bathroom, he quickly stripped off his pants with no hesitation and pulled me, who was still dressed, into his arms.

“Euseniel, my Euseniel.”

His voice was mixed with the sound of water flowing, almost like a song.

“Did you enjoy the trip? Hmm?”

“Do you think I would have enjoyed it?”

“I think Euseniel would’ve enjoyed it.”

Tess hugged me tightly, kissing my cheek with soft, smacking sounds.