Chapter 128
Later, I heard that Talis and Irei didn’t request any additional punishment. However, it seemed they made those odd ropes and papers hang in bundles on the offenders’ doorways.
It was said to be a common form of folk sorcery in Dongryeong. I had a vague idea about it—it was typically used to ward off harm in places like haunted houses where evil spirits or deaths occurred. In other words, just having those decorations up implied the location was cursed. Rumor had it that the families of the offenders were so humiliated that they fell ill from the shame.
“This is what they call retribution.”
Serige, who brought me the news, gave a bright smile and a thumbs-up. Reta and Rikase, who came along, were also beaming with joy.
In the garden basking in bright sunlight, the outdoor house with a pond as its backdrop offered a serenity that couldn’t be experienced in Seoryeong. It was a specially permitted place for the visitors who came to see me early in the morning.
“You have no idea how much we’ve suffered because of those guys. No matter what you say, it’s like talking to a wall. But now? This feels so refreshing. I knew they’d get what’s coming to them someday.”
“Didn’t the higher-ups try to stop them?”
“They did, they tried. But you see, the magic itself is beneficial, isn’t it? So, if they insist they were doing it with good intentions, there’s no argument.”
“They didn’t commit assault, extortion, or threats. There’s no strong justification to crack down on them.”
“The punishment they got this time is honestly because they almost hurt you. If you hadn’t been involved, it would have ended with just a warning.”
“I see.”
I felt glad I had provoked them. Ending up with just my hat being taken was a bit of a letdown.
‘I originally planned to report them after getting hurt.’
That way, the punishment would have been more severe, but it seemed it wasn’t a plan Epethes, my Guardian, could tolerate. Given that he stood by and let my face get exposed early on. When I glanced at him, Epethes, who was drinking tea nearby, chuckled.
“You’re not wrong, but I did help you, you know.”
“… I’m curious as to which part made you think that.”
“You weren’t planning to kill them, were you?”
“……”
Was he implying that if I got hurt, he would kill them? I gave him a shocked look, and he clicked his tongue as if I underestimated a Guardian’s instincts.
“It seems you still don’t realize that we’re bound by fate. TTo a Guardian, their contractor is like the Yeouiju to a dragon.”
“I don’t even know what that is.”
“Something precious that must never be lost. If you die, I die. And vice versa. So, you have to understand why I’m sensitive about your safety.”
Come to think of it, khan, Semeion’s Guardian, once said something similar. Something about having the right to protect his contractor’s life. At the time, I thought he was just emphasizing his responsibility as a Guardian, but I guess it had this kind of implication.
Sharing thoughts made sharing a lifespan not surprising. Without such mutual risks, Guardians wouldn’t have much reason to be committed to the contract.
“Speaking of which, what benefit does this contract offer to Guardians?”
“Well, the joy of spending time with your soulmate, perhaps?”
It was clear he had no intention of giving a real answer. My expression must have turned cold because Epethes laughed again. “It’s true,” he said, obviously lying.
As I sighed, I suddenly noticed how quiet it had become. Everyone who had been chatting excitedly just moments ago was now watching me and Epethes intently. As our eyes met, they all gave awkward smiles.
“Haha, we were just thinking it was such a beautiful sight…”
What exactly is beautiful about this?
“Prince Sei! I have something to say! Please accept this!”
Seizing the opportunity to switch topics, Rikase stepped forward with a determined look, holding something out to me. It was a letter folded in the Seoryeong style.
“What is this?”
“It’s my letter of repentance for my past sins and a vow of loyalty to you, Prince Sei!”
“……”
“I’ve put my sincere feelings into it! I hope you will read it!”
The more he insisted, the less I wanted to open it. The overly polite change in his tone was burdensome, and a letter of vow felt even more so. The slightly visible writing seemed to be in a dark reddish color, which made me even more uneasy.
‘Surely, it’s not written in blood…’
It seemed my instincts weren’t unfounded. Just as I reluctantly began to open it, feeling the piercing gaze from his earnest eyes, the letter suddenly caught fire and turned to ashes. Shocked, I turned to see Epethes, who had clearly caused this, smiling slyly.
“No matter how much it’s Clonne’s blood, it’s unsettling. It’s best to rewrite it with proper ink.”
“… Yes.”
Rikase, who looked devastated watching his letter burn, nodded quietly, clearly warned by Epethes’s stern look. It really had been written in blood. The realization dawned on Serige and Reta, who looked horrified as they turned to Rikase.
“Rikase? You mean!”
“You crazy fool, was it really written in blood?”
“I only wanted to show my determination and sincerity…”
“Are you out of your mind? Didn’t you think about how shocked Sei would be? I’m really embarrassed because of you!”
“Rikase, even I think this was a bit much…”
The surroundings grew rapidly noisy. Though it was a bit chaotic, watching the bustling scene surprisingly brought me peace. It reminded me of a time when I knew nothing.
“Sei.”
It was shortly afterward that I sensed someone approaching me. Turning my head, I saw Kalph and the other two Knights. A little further away, some members of the Elders’ Council and a few Hua people were standing as well.
Since I had been forewarned about this, I wasn’t overly surprised. Looking at their somewhat serious expressions, I excused myself from my seat. I could feel the concerned gazes of those who were anxious due to the sudden appearance of the high officials. Watching their rolling eyes following my movement, I couldn’t help but smile, despite the serious situation. It faded quickly, though.
The time for decisive action had not come for Rikase alone. The dwindling moments of peace were drawing to a close as well.
* * *
“There will be a meeting this afternoon.”
“Sei, you need to attend as well.”
I was calm when Kalph, having finished his admonishment, conveyed this. I had a rough idea of what the meeting would be about, and had accepted that there was no avoiding the situation, no matter what it entailed.
“We must stop the Demonic Beasts.”
The meeting’s subject, which was being conducted with us seated opposite each other, was exactly as I had anticipated.
“Their numbers are growing at an alarming rate even as we speak. They no longer hide in secrecy.”
“In Seoryeong, each nation declared all-out war against the Demonic Beasts a long time ago, and now there are reports of their appearance in Namryeong as well. If this continues, it’s only a matter of time before Dongryeong is in danger.”
The elders quickly recounted the events that had occurred while I was asleep. It was a reality I had been deliberately ignoring for the past few days. While I hadn’t expected to hear good news, the situation before me was as grave as ever. Hearing that the Aslan Empire had been turned into a war zone left me breathless.
“It has already been revealed that the Demonic Beasts has two High Priest. There may even be a third one by now. We must resolve this disastrous calamity before it grows any further.”
One fact I learned this time was that as the number of the Demonic Beasts increases, a ruler is born at certain intervals. The more High Priest-level members there are, the more rampant they are, and the Elders’ Council estimated that there could be at least several thousand Demonic Beast members by now. There was even a belief that if the number of High Priest exceeds five, they receive new powers from their god. The god referred to here was their origin, the Demon Lord Rinasus.
“But aren’t this land and the Demon Realm completely separated? No matter how derived their existence is, is it possible for the Demon Lord to interfere here?”
In response to my question, Redom, who was leading the meeting, nodded his head.
“That’s a very good point, Prince Sei. Naturally, such an event has never occurred before, so we have not been able to verify its authenticity. However, such claims would not be made lightly. It is possible that this incident may serve as a connection between the two worlds.”
“……”
The mere thought of connecting with the Demon Realm sent chills through my heart. Everyone’s expressions turned somber.
“To respond to this situation, we must first regain our strength. I believe we all know what’s most necessary for that.”
“……”
“The King must return.”
It was an expected conclusion, but nevertheless, no one spoke for a while. The prerequisites for the King’s return were not something anyone wanted to think about.
“The King is currently sealed. I’ve heard he is gravely injured. Exactly what condition is he in?”
Heona, who had been silently listening, addressed the unspoken concern. Instead of answering, Redom looked toward the Knights. Kalph, after a moment’s hesitation, began to speak.
“To avoid unnecessary panic, we’ve kept this matter confidential until now. But it seems the time has come to speak honestly. According to Aska, the King’s condition is so critical that it’s uncertain whether he can even be healed. He’s barely clinging to life.”
“What… How could that be…”
“In the worst-case scenario, it’s possible he might pass away the moment the seal is broken.”
The severity of the situation was far worse than anyone had anticipated. The already somber atmosphere grew even heavier as a pall of despair settled over the room.
“This is not the time to lose hope, everyone. Fortunately, the gods have left us with a final safeguard, have they not?”
Redom spoke again, drawing everyone’s attention. In that instant, all eyes turned toward me.
“The blood of the royal lineage is the most potent remedy we have. Prince Sei, you may be able to heal the King.”
I didn’t need to hear the rest to understand. This was the reason I’d been called to this meeting, even though I barely knew what was going on. Unable to bear their desperate and pleading gazes, I lowered my eyes. But, of course, avoiding their stares wouldn’t change reality.
“Please, go to the sealing grounds, Prince Sei. You are the only hope for our kind.”