Chapter 156. The Usurper (2)

"I heard you care about the people of Hubris. According to Midiam… you actually believe in the faith of the Knights of Salvation, don't you?"

"I'd rather not talk about that."

"Lady Aldis is a merciful person. But unlike her, most of our clan members are hungry for blood. Too many of them want to repay their past grievances by slaughtering the people of Hubris. That's why someone needs to understand Lady Aldis's intentions, don't you think?"

"You mean me?"

"Yes. Someone needs to stand by her side, support her words, and console her. Frankly speaking, it's not an easy task. Only you can do it."

Zion Aether's words were quite persuasive.

Although Aldis held a high position, her stance was too far removed from the average mindset of the Herald Clan. In the end, she would be forced to act in the aggressive manner the clan desired.

She needed someone by her side to support her—and the only one capable of doing so was undoubtedly Azadin.

Supporters were demanding a tyrant from someone who should never become one. Without someone to prop her up, this would become a tragedy.

And that… was a rather enticing thought for Azadin.

To be a source of emotional solace for Aldis.

To repay her grace.

To become something more meaningful in her life, rather than just a powerless child.

How long had he wished and longed for that?

It had been a dream since the days when he was nothing but a powerless boy.

But still…

"And what about you, Zion Aether? Are you hungry for blood too?"

When Azadin asked that, Zion smiled.

"It'd be a lie to say I'm not. The people of Hubris oppressed us. All we did was follow the emperor's command. And look at them now. Lady Aldis proclaimed herself the descendant of the emperor, and yet… they were too afraid to oppose her. Why do you think that is?"

"Because she belongs to the Yaegas Divine Clan."

"No. It's because they have a base and vulgar nature. They submit to absolute power and are cruel to the weak."

"We are not weak."

"No. We were weak! Because we were few in number! That's why we trained ourselves relentlessly in martial arts from childhood, why we used the grimoire Beauty of Nature to strengthen ourselves! We pushed ourselves to overcome the weakness of our numbers!"

Passion rose in Zion Aether's voice.

"In other words, our twisted lives were all a result of persecution. It was because the people of Hubris rejected us that we had to do these things just to survive."

"So, do you want to kill the people of Hubris too?"

"Yes. But I also know this feeling is wrong—that it's not ideal for ruling this world. That's why I need you, who are free from such emotions. Who would've thought an Aragasa would actually believe in the angelic faith of the Knights of Salvation?"

Zion Aether truly needed Azadin.

And indeed… it was a meaningful role.

For Azadin to soothe and balance their rage from within Aragasa. That alone could prevent the sacrifice of many lives.

However…

"Let's deal with the Nether being and the Nagas first."

Azadin said, stepping away from the approaching Zion Aether.

"In that case, that bracelet…"

"Hm?"

"Hand over the copy of the Book of the Divine King and the bracelet. Isn't it a bit much for one Herald to be carrying around? We need to continue the translation work—"

"Do you really need a copy of the Book of the Divine King after claiming the throne?"

"Of course we do. It's already a partially translated version."

"Fine. I'll return it—to Lady Aldis directly."

"..."

"Well then. Let's get rid of the Nagas first."

With that, Azadin distanced himself from Zion.

***

The sky was clearing.

The light of the king's virtue was pushing back the storm clouds and driving away the power of the Nether.

What once looked like a colossal shadow of a giant during the thunderstorm and raging winds… now appeared under the light of the king's virtue as nothing more than a massive cumulonimbus cloud.

"Whoa, what the heck? Did we see it wrong? I swear it looked like a huge reaper earlier. Guess we were just scared and imagined a cloud as a monster."

Shati clicked her tongue, gazing at the dark clouds far off under the radiant light of the king's virtue.

"No way."

Azadin shook his head.

That Nether reaper had shot out its followers from its body, and those followers had fused with the sea snake Nagas, becoming a new form of monster.

Under the light of the king's virtue, it might look like mere storm clouds—but without it, it was indeed a reaper of the Nether.

"It definitely was a reaper of the Nether."

"The light of the king's virtue is truly amazing."

Scott remarked in awe.

As the light grew stronger and the Nether's minions weakened, their once rock-hard armor—capable of deflecting even heavy crossbow bolts—became soft again and slowed down.

Now, even ordinary soldiers could fend them off with simple spear thrusts, and both soldiers and holy knights were brimming with strength.

As the light of the king's virtue intensified, morale soared across Coral Sahar. Hope and courage welled up among the people.

Additionally, the messengers—those who read proclamations aloud—spread hopeful news throughout the city.

"Everyone, listen well! Lady Aldis Jedaha, granddaughter of Emperor Yaeslat, has claimed the throne of Coral Sahar!"

"Huh? The Emperor?"

"If she's the Emperor's granddaughter, shouldn't she already be dead?"

"No! That's just how strong the blood of the Yaegas Divine Clan runs! The rightful ruler of the Coral Sahar throne has now claimed her place! The light of the king's virtue shall be with us!"

"All hail the Empress!"

The messengers were inciting the people, praising the new Empress, Aldis Jedaha.

"..."

Azadin avoided the messengers and kept walking.

But some of the Herald Clan members, who had been hidden among the messengers and the crowd, recognized Azadin.

"Congratulations."

"Second Rank, Azadin Jedaha."

"I knew you would succeed."

He had been the cursed Azadin, the Eyeless Azadin—mocked and persecuted by all.

But now the Herald Clan knew Azadin had the backing of Aldis, who was clearly rising to the center of power. They now showered him with congratulations, borderline flattery.

Azadin replied to their greetings with indifference.

It was, no doubt, a good outcome. It wasn't Aldis who summoned the forces of the Nether and slaughtered people—it was Arael.

In the end, Aldis claimed the throne, but the one who dirtied their hands was Arael.

Aldis's hands remained clean.

Isn't that a good thing?

She seized everything in one fell swoop without sacrificing her morality.

If she offered pardons to those who had turned their backs on the Elder Council under Arael's influence, they'd gladly return to her.

So then, why was Azadin so desperate to leave this place?

"Let's get out of here. Zion Aether isn't going to leave us alone."

Azadin quickened his pace. His head was spinning, his vision swaying. An indescribable pain and suffocating pressure pressed down on his chest.

And then—

"Azadin."

A girl with a gloomy expression called his name. Midiam and Ishmael, who had been firing arrows at the sea snake Nagas from atop the city walls, had spotted Azadin and turned toward him.

"Midiam. Ishmael."

"I… don't really know what to say."

Midiam understood well. She knew Azadin harbored feelings for Aldis, and now that Aldis had suddenly taken the throne and claimed to be the emperor's heir, it had to be throwing Azadin into turmoil.

It was complicated. Not something to be simply happy about.

That's why she tried to comfort him.

But Ishmael, unbothered, gave Azadin a polite warrior's salute.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Azadin Jedaha. Second Rank—quite a fitting rank for your abilities."

"Ishmael!"

Midiam scolded him for so thoughtlessly congratulating Azadin.

"Hey, little miss. Was it okay for you to release us like that?"

Scott asked Midiam. He was referring to when she freed him, Zebeck, and Shati when they had been captured, wondering if she got in trouble for it.

"It's fine. It wasn't an issue. I'm an Aether, after all. More importantly, what are you planning to do now?"

"What do you mean, what? Only Lady Aldis can stop the Era of Jupiter. Not just for Aragasa's glory, but for the people of Hubris as well—we must serve the new Empress Aldis as her loyal heralds."

Ishmael answered Midiam's question for her. But Azadin shook his head.

"I intend to meet Arael and talk to her. But this place is too dangerous for Arael, so I can't meet her here. I'm thinking of moving somewhere more secluded."

Azadin told Midiam his plan without hiding anything.

"…I see."

"Everyone must already suspect I'll flee, right?"

"Yes. Actually, I'm supposed to ask you to take me as your servant again."

Meaning Midiam had been ordered to approach Azadin as a spy. Ishmael flinched at her words.

"You can come if you want."

"R-Really?"

"Haha. Captain, the wounds I got from these kids are still aching."

Scott said that, but he didn't actually oppose their company. The one who objected was Zebeck.

"I object, Azadin. You should not permit them to accompany you."

"Why?"

"No matter what excuse you use, if you refuse their company, Zion Aether will see you as a potential traitor and begin surveillance and pursuit. He does not trust you."

"I think the same."

"If Miss Midiam bears you goodwill and you take her with you, she will be torn—constantly weighing her loyalty to her family against her loyalty to you. It would be better for you to face their suspicion and doubt head-on."

Zebeck was saying it would be better for Azadin to endure their scrutiny alone rather than burden Midiam. He was truly a principled holy knight.

Azadin gave a bitter smile.

"Well, why not free me, then? Don't you think it's about time?"

Shati asked, but Azadin ignored her and said,

"Midiam. You decide. Will you come with me? Or go back?"

"Of course I'll go with you."

"I object."

Ishmael shook his head.

"Young Lady Midiam. This man will ultimately betray the clan. He's a true believer in the angelic faith. Didn't you see him perform miracles?"

"..."

"Because he truly believes, he will betray our clan. And you—you're an Aether."

"Ishmael."

At that moment, Azadin called his name.

"Yes?"

"You're kind. You know that?"

"…What?"

Ishmael was momentarily flustered. What was this man saying? Was he mocking him?

But judging by his expression, it didn't seem like it.

Azadin's face was mostly covered by a mask, his eyes absent, but somehow… his mouth held an expression that looked genuinely pitying.