I Am a Ruined Noble of a Ruined Kingdom

Chapter 23: Two Overgrown Children (3)

Thump, thump, thump!

"Hah... Kkahahahahaha!"

Troff Fayta's wild laughter dominated the space. He abandoned even the dignity he had built up, clutching his stomach like a child watching a funny play.

Just as the moisture that moistened his throat was about to disappear, his eyes shone fiercely.

"The Fayta Duke family will be ruined? Lorian Fayta's legacy, of all things? Impossible! Even if the Eld Empire perishes, the Fayta family will continue its lineage!"

He spoke nervously, like a man who had lost his mind, and his appearance seemed close to religious faith. It was as if he was taking the threat that the Fayta Duke family would be ruined as close to religious heresy.

While I was embarrassed, Troff Fayta, who had regained his composure, crossed his legs and said.

"Lorian Fayta's darkness is deep... Our long-cherished desire is only for 'that person' who will be resurrected in the end times."

"That person to be resurrected? Are you saying that the first head, Lorian Fayta, will dust herself off in her grave and rise up?"

The Emperor's gaze towards Troff Fayta was no different from that of looking at a mental patient. I only faintly guessed that the Emperor, who could read emotions, would be seeing all the words as true.

"Kheuheuh, what do you think? We're just a setup to meet that person... The fun ends here. If you want more conversation, feel free to poke my eyes out or castrate me. You'll only hear screams."

You didn't need to have the same ability as the Emperor to know that his words were true. In fact, the Emperor was just glaring and couldn't find a suitable ending.

I judged that it was better to retreat at this point.

"Your Majesty, Lorian Fayta also doesn't have time to talk to a great man worthy of being cursed in his coffin. Let's stop here today."

Now, he didn't easily react to the insulting remarks about Lorian Fayta either. The Emperor also saw that and nodded, lifting his heavy buttocks.

The imperial investigators would still remain in the room and constantly interrogate him, but there would be no gains.

"He's not giving us a justification after all."

The Emperor muttered to himself as he walked down the hallway.

"If the duke families were plotting treason on purpose, there's no way the operation of their forces wouldn't be in Your Majesty's intelligence network. Aren't you overthinking it?"

In a situation where Charles's rescue was urgent, the reason why we had to meet Troff Fayta was because of the expectation of justification.

If the duke families truly harbored sinister intentions, a justification was needed to integrate the power of the Empire around the Imperial Palace for preparation.

In other words, we needed an excuse to make the other nobles completely on the Emperor's side.

The Emperor intended to agitate Troff Fayta and cause him to make a mistake, but it ended in vain.

The only gain was the Duke's enigmatic words.

'Lorian Fayta's darkness is deep... huh.'

It was a lingering phrase. It was chilling because it seemed to imply that the echoes of a human from five hundred years ago were still rooted in the world.

In addition, the Duke's remarks seemed to imply that "that person" and Lorian Fayta were different entities.

Of course, even if you accepted "that person" as a pronoun referring to Lorian Fayta, the pieces fit, but I felt an undeniable sense of incongruity.

While I was thinking about various possibilities, the Emperor nervously expressed his doubts.

"It's as Marquis Alteon said. The capital and the other territories are too peaceful. That's why I don't know even more. What do they gain from kidnapping Charles, that child?"

"..."

I vaguely guess that their ultimate target is Iruealfi's loyalty. However, this was just a poorly-supported inference that I could make because I knew the future, so I wasn't sure.

'Simply using Charles to hold her hostage is too one-dimensional. Even if they harm Miren, Iruealfi's anger will be focused on them rather than the Empire.'

Above all, if the ultimate goal is Iruealfi, there are two things they must know.

First, Iruealfi's world-class martial power.

Second, her future as a Destroyer who destroys the Empire.

Iruealfi's martial power has been hidden since the Chainreach phenomenon, and there's no way to know the future of becoming a Destroyer in the first place.

'The existence of Zicharun, which shouldn't be in this period... Duke Fayta's long-cherished desire... Lorian Fayta and "that person"... What am I missing?'

Could I be being misled by blindly trusting the flow of the original work?

"Hoo!"

I took a deep breath and shook my head. If I couldn't figure it out no matter how hard I thought about it, it was better to shake off my worries and make up my mind in a simple and ignorant way.

'The Empress's illegitimate child was kidnapped. Therefore, we must save her. Let's just engrave this much!'

If there are any variables, I can deal with them then. I've also prepared for the "what-if situation" that might happen.

"Your Majesty. Nothing will change even if you keep fretting over it. It's been quite a long time, so I should go out to find Charles."

"If you need anything, just say it."

"One body is enough."

I somewhat confidently patted my chest and answered. The Emperor's tension seemed to ease a little, and a faint smile spread across his lips.

Even so, the Emperor would know that I was deliberately making a fuss. The Emperor's ability is also a troublesome thing.

"Putting aside how you know Charles's location, who is following you on the chase?"

Iruealfi asked in an awkward tone.

"I'm going alone? No one can keep up if I run at full speed, so."

Of course, except for Iruealfi.

The immortal body basically doesn't get tired. As long as the will allows it, it can run infinitely, and sleep and food were just a matter of taste.

Moreover, the physical abilities are in a superhuman realm that surpasses the current Zicharun. There would be no place I couldn't reach if I ran for three days and nights.

"It's reckless."

"What is?"

"It's hard to say this..."

"You're asking if I can beat Zicharun, even though I was miserably defeated, right?"

"Euk."

A groan flowed out from Iruealfi, who had her words predicted in their entirety. Along with her reaction, the Emperor's face darkened again.

Her concern is valid. Anyone would think the same thing. Iruealfi preempted me before I could speak.

"I'll go."

"Do you know where she is?"

"Nephi can tell me, can't he?"

"What will happen to Miren, who is asleep in the Imperial Palace, in this dangerous situation?"

"..."

Iruealfi was speechless at my point.

Although large-scale ominous movements weren't being observed, Iruealfi is the most reliable person to rely on in case of an emergency.

Above all, I couldn't tell her Charles's location. What I can track is the concept of direction, not the concept of a place.

For example, even if I told her, it would mean only giving advice to go straight to the east.

"I understand that Iruealfi and Your Majesty don't trust me. But this time will be different. Because I'm planning to use any means and methods."

Yes. I will choose the best and "worst" method I can think of.

"That guy is a mediocre brat. Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor understood the meaning of my words perfectly and his face turned bright again.

"That's right. I will trust Marquis Alteon."

"Haha, thank you."

"Your Majesty! Isn't that a hasty decision!"

"I understand Marquis Yustiha's worries. But it's also a solemn fact that there's no better alternative than this!"

The Emperor's mind had long been firmly fixed. As if proving this, the Emperor declared with dignity.

"It's an imperial order. Marquis Yustiha, stay in the Imperial Palace from this time onwards and protect the capital."

"..."

Iruealfi bit her lip and agonized. In a moment of silence, she was finally forced to choose.

"... I will follow the imperial order."

'Miren Yustiha is Iruealfi's balance after all.'

What does it feel like to cherish one's family so much? As an only child in my past life, it's an emotion I'll never know.

"Now that the plan has been finalized, there's no reason to delay any further."

As we walked down the hallway, we had already approached the front gate of the main palace. I broke away from the ranks and approached the entrance of the main palace.

It was the moment when I was about to open the red door decorated with golden chains.

From the end of the luxurious carpet that was softly laid, Iruealfi shouted.

"Wait a minute. Nephi!"

"Iruealfi?"

I looked at her quizzically. It was a somewhat new sight to see Iruealfi, leaving the Emperor behind, approaching alone. Her usual confident attitude was gone, and her posture was somehow precarious.

"Why are you suddenly like this? You're not going to say you'll go instead, are you?"

"... No."

"Are you going to nag?"

"What do you think of me usually?"

Iruealfi, asking with an angry heart, is a little scary.

How did I see you... Well, what's there to say. I only had the feeling that she was a collection of unreasonableness wrapped in a fair and lovely shell like a jadeite.

She glared at me, who couldn't answer easily, and then cleared her throat loudly.

"Ahem, I... just have something to say."

"Is that it... Keuk."

"It's noisy. I'm trying to talk seriously."

I barely endured trying to bounce around after being kicked in the shin, conscious of the eyes watching.

More than that, it's scary that Iruealfi's shin kick is so skilled. I was afraid to imagine how much she used it in the Knights.

Iruealfi took a breath for a beat and slowly opened her mouth.

"I wasn't being serious."

"What... Ah."

I easily guessed what Iruealfi was trying to say. It must be about getting angry because I was upset by my attitude.

"It hasn't been a day since I said I would trust Nephi. That's why I feel even more self-reproach. It was a mistake I made because for some reason, my non-existent pride was born and a resentment of unknown origin was overflowing. So..."

Iruealfi's right hand went towards her chest.

"I'm sorry."

"Iruealfi..."

I thought it would be okay to gloss over it. I already knew her true feelings well enough because I had already overheard them.

Even if that wasn't the case, the subtle relationship with Iruealfi wasn't something that could be cracked by one or two arguments.

We're not as close as friends, but it's a strange relationship where we greet each other as if nothing happened the next day even if we argue a little.

It wasn't that Iruealfi didn't know that. Even though she knew it, she took the trouble to correct it. If there was a mistake, she would do the obvious thing to correct it.

'I'm a hopeless loser.'

Iruealfi is blaming herself and attributing everything to herself. But strictly speaking, the root of the problem was me.

If I had behaved honestly from the beginning, if I hadn't been so arrogant, there would have been no reason for her to conflict.

I should have apologized first, and if I was asked for reflection, it was right to respond.

'I'm writing off what has happened because I already knew Iruealfi's heart. Because the conflict is eventually settled... only I was resolved.'

It was a self-rationalization that only a low-aged child would do. It can't be helped even if I'm seen as disqualified as a man.

It's already too late.

Iruealfi's courage paled in comparison.

I spoke with as much sincerity as possible.

"I'm sorry."

"Nephi?"

Iruealfi's crescent-shaped eyes trembled. At the unexpected situation, a clear lake rippled in her blue eyes.

"I don't even know how arrogant I am. Honestly, Iruealfi, if you hadn't taken the trouble to say it, I would have kept my mouth shut. Then I would have greeted you as if nothing had happened when I saw you next time."

"It's because my responsibility is great."

"No, I was taking a bad attitude and shamelessly expecting you. Because it's Iruealfi, this much is okay, and. I shouldn't have done that to anyone, but I was treating you carelessly."

"..."

"I should have apologized first... I'm sorry for including that, Iruealfi."

I bowed my head in front of Iruealfi. I felt refreshed as I confessed my words of apology as if I were confessing, but my heart became even heavier.

It was clear that Iruealfi would forgive me. An apology knowing the result was just a hypocrisy to relieve the internal burden.

She stared at me like a log, but I only saw her lower face because I had my head bowed.

Then, Iruealfi's lips drew an arc.

"I also have faults, and you know your faults, so I might forgive you with a commendable heart."

"Huh?"

It was an ambiguous answer that was neither yes nor no.

I lifted my head to see Iruealfi.

"I might be able to forgive you if there's one more thing."

"... What is it?"

I embraced a sense of unease because my prediction had gone wrong.

Iruealfi took a step closer and smiled playfully.

"I might think about it a little if you bring Charles with you when you come."

"You want a terribly expensive gift."

"So, do you hate it?"

No, for a Moon Lake like you that's too humble..."

Iruealfi, who was refraining from violence relying on her ceremonial sword because it was inside the Imperial Palace, was kicking my shin instead.

"I'm going to beat up all the people who made up the funny nicknames."

"That's treason..."

One of Iruealfi's funny nicknames, White Sword and Beautiful Lady, was a masterpiece that the Emperor had personally spread. She glared at the Emperor with trembling hands.

The Emperor was busy pretending not to know, though.

"Haa, okay. Then let's set a signal for the last time."

"A signal?"

"Yes. If... if you don't think you can punish Zicharun, break this."

Iruealfi grabbed my left hand and drew a circle around my ring finger. At the same time, I felt a cool coolness, and a small, translucent blue ring wrapped around my ring finger like a ring.

"So you can use Holy Memory like this."

"Yes, that's right... No, how does Nephi know the name Holy Memory?"

"Oops."

I glossed over it.

"I heard you whisper the skill name when you first cast it on me in the Great Cavern."

"Ah, there was a time like that."

It was already quite a long time ago. I was reminded that a lot of time has passed.

"Anyway... What happens if I break this?"

"If you really think the capital is safe, I'll run over there. It's because that can be tracked."

"Scary!"

"It's not scary."

The plan Netionpies told me was roughly similar to Iruealfi's Holy Memory ring.

The location tracking function itself was scary, but the fact that a mere human being had the characteristics of Netionpies so casually was horror itself.

'Is Iruealfi a bug in the world after all?'

I nodded to myself alone.

"Well, there's no need to break it, but I'll keep it in mind."

"Be careful... you don't need it because you're immortal. Just come back quickly."

"... Yeah."

An absurd greeting like "Please deliver quickly" that is commonly used in 택배 memos was very us-like.

"Then I'll be back."

As I approached, the golden chain model opened the main gate of the main palace by itself.

The scenery that unfolded in front of the door was the beautiful garden of the Imperial Palace that I had seen so much that I was now thoroughly sick of it."

Looking at the sky, the slightly yellowish sun, even if it wasn't sunset, signaled the time.

Just as the front door closed again and more than half of Iruealfi's figure was obscured, I took my first step in the chase.

◇

After Nephi had completely left, the Emperor was processing work in his office with Iruealfi.

He soothed his anxiety by constantly being reported on the trends of Fayta's faction. But no matter how much he was reported that there were no signs of movement, the anxiety was constantly springing up.

As the reports from the investigators and ministers gradually decreased, they also naturally took a break.

Having a little leisure, the Emperor raised a question that suddenly came to mind to Iruealfi.

"Marquis Yustiha. It seemed like you gave him a ring before sending Marquis Alteon..."

"That's right, Your Majesty. To be exact, it's an item made by applying the protection ability."

Iruealfi answered casually. The Emperor narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.

"Do you remember which hand you made it on?"

"I think it was definitely his left hand... No, his right hand? Um, I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I don't remember because I was 경황 in those days."

"Of course you don't remember which finger it was either, right?"

"Yes, that's right. If it's an important issue, I'll try to revive my memory as much as possible."

"No, no. It's not important to me, but..."

'I wonder if it's important to Marquis Yustiha?'

The Emperor didn't bother to spit out the words that had risen to his chin. It was an act of simple interest and also a small wickedness.

'You must have seen the scene of making the ring quite a lot.'

At that time, there were quite a few investigators and servants near the entrance of the main palace. It was a distance where you couldn't hear the conversation but could fully see the actions.

I wonder if rumors are already spreading that Marquis Iruealfi Yustiha has taken in a son-in-law?

The Emperor was just vaguely guessing.

'The rumors of love affairs in society are only going to grow, so please do your best when you come back, Marquis Alteon.'

The Emperor was barely able to cover the smile that was about to spread wickedly as he looked at Iruealfi with his teacup.