chapter 82
Drip
Drip
Blood splattered everywhere as Raymond flicked the blood off his sword.
The traitor had been cut into pieces beyond recognition.
Arnold watched coldly and started gathering the remains onto the stone slab.
"Is there a need for his corpse?"
Raymond asked in a stoic manner.
"Principal had ordered to preserve them as Selvian will be arriving later today. Apparently Soran family was already prepared for the worst case scenario. We need to check whether black mages had a method to communicate. Otherwise we wouldn't have lost the leads so easily."
Raymond scoffed.
"They were right in the capital cutting roots from inside but those capital bastards are busy lining their own pockets. That's why I hate going to capital and didn't want to have anything to do with them. Empty heads without even knowing the danger they are in. I bet those fancy young masters will wet their pants if they were ordered to come to frontlines. And all they do is yap non stop. If they knew how horrible what we are dealing with is they wouldn't be so lax and allow people to weaken Saika Empire from inside."
Frustration was visible in his tone.
After all their family had been the defense line of Saika Empire always at frontlines dealing with assaults and keeping empire safe.
And now his little brother had gotten hurt so badly that he was teetering on the edge of life and death not once but twice.
Vivian was still busy cutting off monsters in Zolar town.
Mother and father held North Forte keeping the monsters in check.
He himself had been there personally just a few days ago.
And now the people who always laughed in fancy parlors and parties were responsible for their misery.
His blood boiled at the sheer rage he felt.
He could only take his frustration out on the black mage so had requested the dispatch.
Now he felt bitter inside.
Who knew how much rot had spread into Saika Empire's roots.
A cloth got placed on the body after Arnold finished.
Sevile conjured ice and whole body was encased in it.
Now they had to wait for Selvian's arrival.
...
Rushed steps resounded in palace corridors as people moved about.
Documents kept opening up and investigation reports kept pouring in non stop.
The whole palace didn't have a second of rest ever since Soran family incident.
Thud.
Another parchment was thrown away.
Ministers kept their heads lowered while the person presenting the report had sweat trickling down his face.
King Lucian was furious.
"2000 monsters?????"
The temperature dropped.
"2000 monsters were hidden under the capital. Not until recently but for 10 years?????"
His voice was heavy.
There was pin-drop silence.
"And the only thing you are reporting is that they died in fire completely erasing the clues????"
The King's words were slow.
The head of intelligence lowered his head further.
The only thing he wished right now was to get out of this situation as soon as possible.
But the king didn't have any intention of doing so.
"Why don't you go and do something else? You don't even have a clue what is happening in Saika Empire and you are the head of intelligence. Hmmmm????"
Mildred head of intelligence agency lowered his head further.
He looked at a corner from his peripheral vision.
Duke Christopher Zenya was there with his usual demeanor.
He bit his lower lip.
A scene replayed in his head.
"Why are you so stressed young man?"
Duke had greeted the person in front in cheerful voice.
"It's nothing your Highness."
Mildred didn't want to be part of political scuffle so always avoided the major forces.
"Well your face tells the story otherwise. Come on why don't you let go of your worries a bit and join me for a cup of tea. Let's have a nice chat."
"It's fine your Highness."
"You mean to refuse?"
Smile was still plastered on Duke's face but expression had hardened.
"I don't dare your Highness. It's just that I have a meeting."
He wanted to leave as he had something urgent to report to his Majesty.
"Five minutes is all it will take."
Duke had forcefully grabbed his hand and he felt something hazy climb into his mind.
And that was it.
He didn't remember what they talked about and how long he had been with Duke.
When he came to his senses he was already sitting back in his office.
He vaguely remembered something urgent to report but couldn't remember what it was.
And this had happened not once but it had slipped his mind completely.
How???
When????
Multiple questions kept ringing in his head but he couldn't link them.
He had only met Duke once yes only once and then he kept forgetting something again and again.
Why though???
Now a hazy thought leapt from his forgotten shards.
Soran family
Parcival Zenya
He could only remember these two names.
The report had now been presented to his Majesty and he had no answer.
What should he say??
That he keeps forgetting things ever since meeting Duke Zenya?
Everyone will laugh at him and call him a madman.
If the head of an empire's intelligence keeps forgetting things then he might retire as well and go to farm life in some village.
He closed his eyes.
Sweat trickled down.
"I have no words your Majesty."
He kept his posture straight head still lowered.
The clues kept linking.
There was no other choice now.
Haaaaaaa
He took a deep breath.
I didn't think there would be a time in my life where I would have to use this.
He steadied his breath.
His hand behind his back came to front unnoticedly and he raised his head.
His left hand made a posture briefly and resumed its position quickly.
No one noticed as he was standing in front.
King Lucian's eyes opened wide for a split second before his expression darkened completely.
Saika Empire people showed loyalty towards the Royal family by placing a palm on their heart with right hand.
It was a symbol for respect and loyalty.
But there was another gesture with same position but with left hand.
That was the army code for absolute dangerous emergency.
It was only known to few people.
And now Mildred had shown it.
It only meant one thing.
They had even gotten their hands on intelligence department.
For the first time since the meeting started genuine killing intent flickered in Lucian's eyes.
Thud
Crash
King Lucian threw the report directly at Mildred.
"You dare say you have no answer?"
The roar shook the entire hall.
"Your Majesty"
Milard immediately shouted in low voice.
"Please calm your anger your Majesty"
The ministers lowered their heads even further.
Cold sweat trickled down several backs.
None of them dared to breathe loudly anymore.
"Meeting is adjourned. And Mildred follow me to office."
Lucian stood up and left the meeting hall with grim expression.
Mildred followed behind with slumped shoulders.
Empathetic gazes followed him from behind.
He was going to get a nasty punishment.
Duke Zenya narrowed his eyes.
A useful pawn had been lost.