Chapter 272: Blade dance

At first, Apollo froze at the revelation, Nero's words echoing in his mind. His thoughts raced, connecting dots that had always eluded him. He recalled the strange, inexplicable moments when he felt his actions or thoughts were subtly influenced, especially when dealing with matters involving the imperial family. The best example was the replica of Excalibur found in one of the temples of the Monastery. He went crazy and almost lost control of himself at that time.

"An oath…" Apollo muttered to himself. His hands clenched into fists. "That's why."

He finally understood. As a member of one of the four ducal families, he was bound by this ancient oath, a pact that transcended generations. It wasn't loyalty—it was a compulsion, a force embedded in his very existence.