Soul Puppet
In a place isolated from the hustle bustle of people lives, stood an old and enormous mansion. The old mansion was surrounded by thick layer of dark mist, if it wasn't for the lights coming from the mansion, no one would be able to find it in this dark vision.
A strange smell lingers in the air, that somehow made it difficult to breath properly. Sound of animals which is normal to hear in a forest like area, were absent, even the birds were missing in the sky, giving the place an eerie vibe.
The rustling of leaves and the sound of air was deafening to ear in this complete silence. However, to Butler Han it was nothing. He stepped in the thick dark mist. His figure disappearing in the mist.
On Butler Han face, only calmness was reflected, though his internal self was full of suspicions. 'It was daytime before coming to this isolated place however, as soon as I located the mansion it turned into night. It's really strange.', He wondered, stepping forward.
The huge door of the mansion opened by itself when Butler Han stood in front of it, a loud crack sound of metal rang in the silent atmosphere,
Butler Han went in, examining the environment, webs of spiders present everywhere, crawling sounds of insects was all that he heard after that loud crack. The place was lit before but on entering the mansion, the light has become dim. Making it arduous to see anything.
Although the room was dim lit, he could somewhat make a person like figure, though he didn't expect to see a person first, upon entering.
He walked careful, on high alert, approaching the person silently. However, he realized something that....
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*Palace Garden*
"Your Majesty, this servant has made many mistakes and deserves a death sentence. So please punish this servant, Your Majesty!" Ruprecht's loud voice full of guilt, asking for punishment to atone for the offenses he had made, his head lowered as he knelt in front of his master.
Dew released an exasperated sigh inwardly thinking, 'Here we go again with a death sentence. Why do people here plead for a death sentence, it is not like they are pleading to save themselves? And why would I give you a death sentence over such small things? If I do, then there will be no difference between me and Eberhardt.'
"Get up." Dew ordered, although he was not angry anymore, he still acted cold towards Ruprecht unlike the past days.
Ruprecht noticed the change, however he didn't say anything, only following the order.
"So, what do you find?" The emperor asked the question that was brewing in his mind from that night, the information about Soul puppet.
The royal valet comprehended Dew's question along with his grave expression and answered evenly, "The Soul puppet source is 'Sable Night Emporium', widely known as black market. In Eldoria Empire, Soul puppets are found only in three locations."
'I have read that in novel, however I don't remember it properly. Again, what were those locations?' Dew's mind recalling the pages of the novel, words flowing in the air searching for that particular paragraph.
Ruprecht responded to Dew's Question, "They are Black Magic Tower, Twin Sorceress Shop and Black Market. I have checked all of the three locations and only Black Market met all the requirements of being a possible source."
"How? And what are the requirements?" Dew asked, his face expressionless, eyes staring at the beautiful blooming flowers in front him. His thoughts unreadable as he tapped his index finger on the round table before him.
Noticing Dew's this behavior a thought erupted in Ruprecht's mind, 'Earlier His Majesty never do that however, from the last few days he's been tapping his index finger if he is in deep thought or planning something.'
Afraid of answering late, Ruprecht said, "Soul puppets are formed from the dark magic components and requires large mana. Amount of dark magic and mana measures its fatality. When used on someone, it will highly increase the person's power although after few minutes it will backfire on them. Black Magic Tower have been kept in check by White Magic Tower and also, they seldom involve themselves in the matter related to emperor or crown."
Pausing for a second before he continued speaking, "Twin Sorceress Shop's location is unknown for a decade and the last news about them was that they left Eldoria in search of 'Essence'. Lastly, the Black Market, where all types of items are sold and bought. I also went there, and found that they were selling Soul puppet, however, they escaped at the end time."
"What an intelligent valet! Even so, those people still slipped from your hand. What a shame!" Said the Duke of Wurttemberg, Sigurd.
Ruprecht, anticipating the emperor's instruction, didn't expected to hear Sigurd's criticism. He glared at the trespasser.
Nevertheless, of the Ruprecht's glare he continued walking, taking his seat across Dew and catching the bewilderment in the emperor's sky-blue eyes.
It was only for a second before Dew hide his bewildered gaze and asked the trespasser a question, "What are you doing here?" His voice ten times colder and his eyes resuming his indifference.
"What am I doing here?" Sigurd repeated the question, a smile playing on his lips.
His right hand placed casually on the table as he leaned in, his eyes falling on the Dew's wrist, noticing the bluish bruise. Dew followed Sigurd's gaze and found that he was looking at his wounded wrist, so he quickly moved his hand, demanding again, "What is the reason for this time's visit or the Duke just entered the palace garden as he pleased?"
Sigurd didn't speak anything, his gaze shifted to the Ruprecht who was standing at some distance from Dew, guilt cast over his face, as he recalled that time.
"I am here to report something important to the emperor in private." Sigurd enunciated and the last word was especially felt threatening.
'Wasn't that bastard fine a moment ago? What happen to him now? Why are this twisted bastard's words sound so threatening as if I reject to hear his report, he will drag me to a private place and make me hear him.' Dew inwardly thought about Sigurd's sudden shift in his demeanor.