I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 267
“How surprising to meet you here.”
He made his eyes into crescent shapes, but his blue eyes were cold.
“Oh? You changed your hair and eye color to match mine? Have you finally decided to marry me?”
His lips curved into a smile, but his tone was icy. I could sense a faint air of hostility.
“Surely not? Your Majesty is not to my taste.”
“Then why has the noble Euel come here…?”
The Southern Emperor tilted his head as if thinking, before clapping his hands, as if he had figured it out.
“Ah, did you come here to steal a treasure while I’m not around?”
I stayed silent, and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Did you think I wouldn’t know you’d come here, Euel?”
“No, I expected you to know.”
The Northern Empire’s palace is much like Tess’s body. I had assumed the Southern Emperor, blessed by God because of Tess, would be able to guess that much.
It seems he can’t see souls, though.
I lowered the pack on my back and took out the sacred white sword.
* * *
Whoooosh—
After returning to Prete Castle, I saw the Southern Empire’s army advancing in waves. The mountains were almost completely destroyed, so they probably didn’t need the mirror.
When I reached the watchtower, Panet reported the situation with a grim expression.
“I expected this, but there are many more than anticipated. Even though the Grand Wizard cast the attack spells, this is the situation.”
There were so many soldiers that it looked as though none of the magic had worked on them.
The Southern Emperor must have been feeling anxious.
According to Euel, he probably thought he could defeat us quickly, but it didn’t go as planned, and his body isn’t in top shape.
The time limit on the power he obtained by paying the price to Lux has probably expired, so he must be close to losing his mind.
“I permit the use of fragments from the Kirapt’s heart.”
Some of the fragments of the Kirapt’s heart had been taken by Euel.
“I’m going to Bald Castle.”
“Your Majesty personally?”
“Yes. I summoned the monsters, so I should go myself.”
“What about the escort—”
“—They’ll be a hindrance.”
Panet nodded, and no further suggestions were made. The staff, including Panet, didn’t know that I had made a pact with the devil.
“I’ll destroy the mirror myself.”
“Your Majesty!”
“Then who else would go?”
“That could be handled by sending a separate team.”
“Do you think they have a high chance of finding the mirror, Panet?”
Panet fell silent again.
“To destroy the mirror, we must move quickly. Otherwise, they’ll notice.”
“However, Your Majesty—”
“Euel went alone, so why can’t I?”
“Your Majesty, the life of Lady Hardland and Your Majesty’s life are of different weight.”
Panet responded with a heavy voice.
“Of course.”
When I smiled, he visibly sighed in relief.
“Because Euel’s life is much more valuable.”
But it seemed like that wasn’t the answer he had expected, as Panet flinched again, and I laughed.
“I’ve been trying my best to hold back from following Euel to Glia. If I don’t do something, I feel like I’ll go crazy. I think it’s about time the general makes some concessions.”
I trust Euel.
But if, just if, something happens to you…
This meaningless world…
For a moment, I imagined the countless crowds outside the castle being crushed by something, twisted and bent. If that were to happen, the dry earth would soak with blood, and no dust would rise.
My insides churn. Whether it’s from nausea or excitement, I couldn’t tell. I just felt strange.
Yes, Euel. Your magic inside me is so calm that it allows me to stand here.
“I understand. But you must return without injury.”
I gave a slight nod in response.
“We won’t have much time.”
“I understand. For now, I’ll go to Bald Castle. General, keep those troops at bay until I return.”
“Understood.”
The old General gave a determined response as I left him behind and picked up the two mirrors. Then, I headed for the upper part of Holen, where the monsters roamed, specifically to Maren.
Among ancient trees that could be hundreds of years old and strange, unidentified plants, I could see the monsters wandering about.
There’s a layer of monsters on the border of the Northern Empire, and it’s unclear whether they were placed there to protect the Northern Empire or to isolate it.
For a long time, humans have had to fight to keep them from descending on the villages… Perhaps this is the reason for the isolation?
“You, come here.”
First, I infused magic into the mirror leading to Glia, then called over one of the larger monsters. It probably couldn’t understand my words, but it came toward me.
It must have sensed my will.
The monsters around gathered, and I pushed them into the mirror. Now, not just the palace but the capital of the Southern Empire would soon be in turmoil.
“Yes. You, you. Get in there too.”
After sending nearly a hundred monsters into the mirror, I moved on. It was time to find the monsters I’d send to Bald Castle.
The damp and dark forest had a heavy, humid air settled low. I pushed past the sticky plants that clung to my ankles and continued walking.
The monsters that I feel strong discomfort from or lose control around don’t attack me.
“As they grow in number… yes, they need to die.”
I led the monsters, who were heading toward their deaths, into the mirror. It was the path to Bald Castle.
Suddenly, I realized that Euel must have used a similar path to travel to another dimension.
“What must that have felt like…?”
After sending hundreds of monsters through, I followed them. Retrieving the mirror could wait until I came back.
“This feels strange.”
Very strange.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
