The Secrets Behind

Huvel who was playing dead heard Karl's sobbing so clearly that he pitied Karl and his heart sank. After the fire, he pretended to lose his memories in an attempt to avoid further assassinations. He knew that Karl was really heartbroken for him. He felt bad for lying him at that time.

Karl was the last of his mother's personal servants. But more importantly, he was the one who had always been by his side; he was like a friend and a sibling to him. While Karl was still mumbling, Huvel decided to reveal his secrets and board him onto his boat of revenge. If his plan worked, Karl could also avenge his mother. If not, ... even if the cost of failure was death, he selfishly wanted to have Karl beside him.

"Ah ...p...p...!!"

Karl was shocked by the cold hand that suddenly grabbed his hand. But before he could shout, another cold hand quickly covered his mouth. His face paled. He was not afraid to confront anyone in a fight but he still was afraid of some other things.

"Shush... Don't make noise!"

Before his very eyes, a silhouette slowly raised from the coffin and even spoke!

Cold sweats ran down his back but he still managed to grabbed back the hand that covered his mouth. When he realized the hand he thought cold actually had some warmth, Karl's whole body trembled.

"You... Young master? Is that really you?!" He stuttered, with sparkling eyes.

Huvel smiled lightly when he saw Karl's reaction. "This big guy is more dramatic than I thought!" He remarked inwardly.

"Yes, it's me! I'm not dead yet!"

"Young master... Huvel... Ah, this is good! This is so good!" Karl mumbled gleefully as he hugged his young master!

Huvel felt warm by Karl's sincere joy. He in turn put his arms around Karl.

"Hmm, don't cry any more. I'm fine."

After Karl calmed down, Huvel explained him the things he had kept to himself since the fire incident happened.

"The fire at that time was very suspicious to be an accident. This 'accident' happened while my father, the head of the family, was away. If it was a normal fire break from the kitchen, some people could have escaped before the entire house burnt but the whole house was in fire almost suddenly. Moreover, I felt weak and dizzy when we tried to escape the fire. My mother said she felt the same. I highly suspect that the lunch of that day was poisoned. This 'accident' was actually planned ahead!"

"WHAT!!!"

Karl clenched his fists very tightly. He was away from the house for an errand since morning that day and he only returned long after lunch so he did not know about the food being poisoned. He blamed himself for not being beside his mother when the fire broke out. He thought he could save her if he was nearby but now, he realized that would not be the case even if he was in the house at that time.

"Young master, who was it? Who did it?!" He growled.

"That…, I still don't know." Huvel said. "Even after a concubine of the lord died, the butler who should thoroughly investigate the incident neglected his duties and closed the case taking it as an accident. This indicates that the upper echelons of the Mustero family were involved."

Huvel's voice trembled for a moment out of anger. But he quickly recovered his composure and continued his explanation.

"On the night I woke up after the fire, I wanted to find out who the culprit was and whether they wanted me dead or crippled. So, I decided to pretend to be a good-for-nothing. At first, I thought even if they wanted me to die, they would not try to kill me so quickly after the big incident. Later, I noticed every meal I had contained slow acting poison. But I awakened Light Prowess during the fire so the poison could not harm me, and instead, they improved my curing proficiency."

"Wait! Young master, you awakened Light Prowess?!" Karl interrupted.

"Yes. I awakened Light Prowess when I was in the burning house, trying to save my mother. It's only because of this awakening that I dared think of revenge. One day, when I become a powerful wizard, I will make anyone involved in my mother's death and attempting my demise pay tenfold for their sin. I'll watch their miserable state as they beg for their death!"

Karl felt a chill ran through his spine as he watched Huvel's face changed into a very sinister and devilish look.

"But since we cannot tell who the real culprit is yet, we have to be wary of everyone, including the servants and guards."

Huvel said in a serious tone and his eyes became solemn again. He looked straight into Karl's eyes.

"So, Karl, now that you know my aim and my enemies, do you want to follow me despite the danger ahead. If you want to leave this courtyard and live a quiet life, I won't hold you back. However, if you decide to follow me, swear your loyalty to me and only me now! Choose Karl!"

Karl was surprised by Huvel's serious tone. But he had already made up his mind. He half-knelt to the ground with his right hand on his chest, and pledged, "I, Karl, swear my loyalty to young master Huvel Mustero and will only follow him from now on!"

"I acknowledge your loyalty, Karl. But you got one thing wrong. It's not young master, only master!"

"Ah! My apologies young… eh master. I'll pledge again!"

"Haha it's fine. I know that you are used to calling me young master. Just try to adjust from now on." He said as he put his hands on Karl's shoulder.

"Yes, master!"

Huvel was very happy that Karl decided to follow him. He also swore in his heart that he would treat Karl better from then on.

He then asked Karl to do something secretly after night fell.