After thinking about the mages of the Warlock family, Brook heard a knock on the door.
"Master Hannibal, the carriage is ready. It's time to leave for the capital… for Mistress Alice's execution."
Hannibal didn't respond at first. The words stabbed through his heart, and tears silently rolled down his cheeks.Brook stood beside him, composed on the surface, but deep inside, something ached.
Then, a realization struck him—the king was planning to impose a false charge on the princess, accusing her of attempting to murder her father.
So that's it…If the king succeeded, he could not only eliminate the one who defied his will to marry someone else but also crush the Hannibal family completely.
Even with Hannibal's enormous power, he couldn't move against the king. If he did, the imperial army and the Warlock family would unite against him. His bloodline would be wiped out.He couldn't sacrifice his entire family for the sake of one person—no matter how dear she was.
Then another realization dawned on Brook, chilling and sharp. Hannibal doesn't want to witness her execution. If he couldn't save her… he'd end his own life.
And when that happened, the king would gain everything.With Hannibal gone, his family leaderless, the king could easily seize their influence and eliminate his greatest obstacle. The head of the Warlock family, already the king's loyal dog, would only make things worse.
So that's why Hannibal committed suicide, Brook thought grimly. But I won't let that old man succeed. If I can't assassinate him, I'll corner him another way—through politics.
With determination blazing in his eyes, Brook called Hannibal's assistant and whispered something in his ear. Then, he departed for the capital.
The capital was magnificent beyond his imagination—towering spires, white walls glowing under the sunlight, and in its heart stood the imperial palace like a symbol of untouchable authority.
When Brook arrived at the plaza of public execution, the air was heavy with murmurs and judgment. People whispered about him, but he ignored them and took his seat beside the head of the Warlock family, Mathew.
Mathew chuckled mockingly."Maybe someone just forced Her Highness to commit such an act," he sneered, laughing loudly.
Brook stayed calm, his confidence unwavering. His plan was already in motion.
Soon, Princess Alice was brought to the execution stage, her expression pale yet dignified.
A herald began the announcement:"Due to the attempted murder of His Majesty, Princess Alice shall be executed here, in accordance with royal law!"
Just then, the captain of the Imperial Knights shouted,"Objection, Your Majesty! There has been a misunderstanding!"
Mathew snapped, "What now?! The mages already confirmed that the cup had poison in it!"
The captain took a deep breath. "It's not what you think. In fact, the princess was trying to save His Majesty."
A wave of confusion swept through the crowd. Murmurs rippled like a tide.
Mathew glared. "Are you mad? How can poisoning someone possibly help them?"
The captain raised his voice. "The bottle we saw Her Highness mix into the king's cup—yes, it contained poison. But in small quantities, that poison does not kill. It only blocks mana channels temporarily. For mages, it's fatal. But for a swordsman—it can act as an elixir."
Gasps erupted from the spectators.
Mathew slammed his hand against the railing. "What proof do you have?"
The captain continued steadily."During our own investigation—aside from the mages—we discovered that in large doses, this poison blocks all mana channels. However, when a powerful mana core forces those channels open again, it causes a temporary collapse before expansion. The core surges, widening the mana channels, increasing capacity. The subject's mana flow becomes stronger, more refined."
He paused, then added:"But here's the crucial part—it's brutal to mages. Their mana channels are numerous and thinner, designed for precision and conservation. When the poison locks those channels, the mana core can't force them open without destroying them completely. That's why, for a mage, this poison means certain death."
He turned to face the king."But for a swordsman—whose mana channels are fewer, thicker, and built for raw strength—the surge doesn't destroy, it empowers. It expands their core capacity and grants them even greater power."
A stunned silence filled the plaza.
"In simple terms," the captain concluded, "Her Highness was trying to increase His Majesty's power, not harm him. Because His Majesty is one of the strongest swordsmen alive, this means the poison was meant as an elixir."
Brook rose from his seat and said firmly, "I was the one who told her about it."
The captain nodded. "That explains everything. Everyone knows the research and wisdom of the Hannibal and Leo families. With this, we can conclude that Her Highness had no ill intent."
The king stood abruptly."Since everything is settled, Princess Alice is declared innocent. As the captain said—it was a misunderstanding. We will discuss this matter later. For now, she is free."
He turned and walked toward the palace. But as he passed, the rage in his eyes was unmistakable.
Brook smirked slightly. In the end, reading all those fantasy novels really came in handy.
He looked at Mathew and said coldly, "Looks like some people are as useless as ever." Then, without waiting for a reply, he walked away.
Mathew's fists clenched, fury burning in his veins—but he couldn't act. Not now.
Brook approached Princess Alice, his expression softening. Suddenly, tears welled in his eyes. But they weren't his. It was Hannibal—his presence within Brook—crying.
Before either could speak, they embraced and kissed.
It was strange… because at that moment, it wasn't Brook controlling Hannibal's body—it was Hannibal himself.
Brook, watching from within, felt warmth and peace. So that's what you wanted…
But before he could think further, the world around him shattered. His vision twisted—and suddenly, he was somewhere else.
A vast cave. The air shimmered with mana so dense it felt alive.
Then a deep, resonant voice echoed—"You did well, Brook."
He turned—and froze.
Before him stood a massive dragon, its scales pure white, gleaming like moonlight, and its wings tinted blue like frozen flame. The beast's eyes glowed with ancient wisdom and boundless power.
Brook's breath caught. His mind went blank.
He was startled—and utterly amazed.