Chapter 237
vBZS9‘The Great King Colomo and his lineage?’3qCrw
gMMRYMThe Great King Colomo.n4eEG5V
vCGThe great enemy who had summoned 72 demons and pushed humanity to the brink of extinction.E9j1
o8m1fHe never imagined that name would be mentioned here and now.DHVsOIp
YB9“Are you in pain again?”HWD
lrOyLuina wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.mVdYeO8
E7BD“I’m fine. It’s nothing.”6c7VDz
C3xQb2More important than a mild headache was Count Patrick Pirandello right in front of him.JNG
jsKCCLH‘If it were anyone else, I’d doubt it. But Gardner recognized it.’dGMW2J
rewiNbJEspecially because the moment he saw that symbol, the book of prophecies reacted. That was proof that the mark was real.ojgPUMb
ZGe‘In this world, there are no coincidences. He couldn’t have just randomly signed an equal contract with a demon.’7QvoS
Uz6NmmThat meant Count Patrick wasn’t a simple corrupt.SfAUb
FFm6‘A descendant of the Colomo line? Weren’t they all exterminated?’WAV
hJ9OpAfter the fall of the Great King Colomo, all those who had made pacts with demons and committed atrocities were executed by hanging.4g7x
8qAt6ApThe First Emperor, to prevent the tragedy from repeating, ordered the death of anyone with even a drop of that blood.rutz6j0
3T2uToday it might seem excessive, but those individuals hadn’t just ruined a single kingdom—they had dragged an entire continent into ruin.QNT
xRd0zqNNot just exterminating them—completely eradicating them—was the logical move.8qS
iTcbhoAnd yet, the appearance of that “contractor” symbol meant some had survived.B5dyCH6
Qkd‘Did one of the survivors form a contract with a demon?’Wd56u8
yxyIt was possible.efduA68
iSsRo4kCorrupts had drastically increased in the last millennium.UavR95y
Xs9UDrIIt was more convincing to think they had gathered under a central axis than to believe they had arisen spontaneously.A65v4
GKXn‘The Great King Colomo. To the corrupt, he would be on par with the First Emperor.’iph
3FLConsequently, a descendant of his would be to them what Aint represented to humanity today.FYL
61z5i0b“Luina, do you sense anything special in that guy?”4cpcQM
J2RWTVT“Only that he’s somewhat strong. He doesn’t seem like a corrupt.”nZNkTVW
q7bjtEP“I see.”aubHK
SSlV6oFernan felt the same. Maybe if he fully activated his dragon senses, he could detect it, but his control wasn’t perfect yet, and he risked exposing himself.YAWm
gYhu“What will you do?”gae
ZRI“For now, I plan to follow him.”T5iJTOg
C9ehNW“Yourself?”Vw3ECVj
lyKm“Wooden.”hBhG
uarVtA7“Wooden’s been busy lately.”Va6S
Lejr“That’s exactly what I made him for. Might as well use him often.”PmC
sTGfInvesting and not recovering the investment made no sense.DXOutmv
U0yZBwvEven though Wooden had already proven to be of enormous value, no one invests just to break even—they do it for profit.FgRXep
hqCT— Kyuu.7fE
WDPWooden let out a displeased noise at the sudden exploitation.L62
hBV4“The shield will be ready soon. Remember? You gathered the materials yourself by hunting monsters.”gTyJ2
XRwp— Kyu!BGzux4
pg5alAnd he immediately fell silent.LeX
qkOZdiF***ZcJdDT4
MQa9ivAfter dinner with Luina, Fernan returned to the hideout and gathered everyone—Aint, Luina, Gismond, and the headmaster.cgE
p3Ye“I’ll share what we’ve found so far.”yFtegmg
po7Fernan began speaking calmly.GdAU
c8lVCol“The three closest allies of the second prince, Antenor Linelt, suspected of being corrupt, are Viscount Kyren Excel, Count Wymon Gilox, and Count Patrick Pirandello. I believe another contact with a corrupt happened among them.”J7I
w9BZOFernan described their features, territories, and even trivial habits.7z9l3I
TX8k“As for Count Patrick Pirandello, what’s peculiar is that he has a strange symbol on his wrist, like several signs layered together…”WVg1Ch
n83tHe floated sand into the air, recreating the symbol.Gcp
8sJCuTThe memory was burned into him by the intensity of the prophetic vision.BcDvd
tkr0vWhen the grains of sand completed the shape—L41Ax
8FO6“……!”lxGx
tY2jttAint stood up without realizing it.9Z9AZr
DlenExactly the reaction Fernan had expected. Pretending ignorance, he asked:GcIp
VNyh7r“What is it, Aint? Have you seen this symbol before?”aUDbry
hWudyCz“No, it’s just…”ZYCezy8
2HPAint hesitated under everyone’s gaze, thinking about how to explain.7X6U
Eau“I’ve read many texts and never saw anything like it. It’s as if dozens of symbols were forcibly combined into one.”w4L9sv
pzU15“Yes. I thought the same.”8ffr
crZ“It’s so peculiar that it’s hard to forget, even if the exact details aren’t remembered.”RF16iH
FoYSTxIt was a precise observation. Finally, Aint spoke, after organizing his thoughts.xPqOLY
YYF8jV“I saw it once in my family’s library. It was about demons.”uEt2vbP
x7axp“Demons?”oi6
jUj1687“Yes. If I’m not mistaken, it’s the symbol of a contractor.”czn0CJ
O4nYz“The symbol of a contractor? I’ve seen plenty of corrupts at the Academy and never anything like this.”5bs
GrKSLqg“Because they aren’t true contractors.”9NGAO
Uyy5V3The headmaster remained silent and prompted him to continue.dU9
djSc1“According to the texts, that symbol only appears when a human establishes an equal contract with a demon.”KMz4K
RAHgSH“An equal contract between demon and human? That’s…”HsS5vGD
8UYTIt was understandable that the headmaster would doubt. Neither demons would allow it, nor were humans on their level.457ThX
1Vr3P“Yes. Few, but apparently it was possible.”SlE
vD4ev4d“Incredible.”vYWs5p
54cJC“The clearest example was the Great King Colomo.”9DrjXW
SIDBwxO“Ah, right. Someone of his level couldn’t have been just a puppet of the demons—wait a minute. It can’t be.”rsZK
LjLaEclThe headmaster looked at him in horror, and Aint nodded gravely.DL36I
yixMF“The rest were all from Colomo’s bloodline, the Baerz. Only they could do it.”fLj3
HgV“The Colomo bloodline?”wa0lg
CsxNHJ5“Colomo? Is that true, Aint?”OSwuYW
t0pUEThe headmaster dropped the teacup he was holding. Fernan, matching the gesture, widened his eyes and mouth.4xrB3f
SvnnThe liquid falling toward the floor froze in midair.LyNk
yJ7“You’re saying members of the Colomo lineage are still alive?”FCV
giglJust as the corrupt were different from demons, so too were the descendants of Colomo.vMw
agV9IiEIn fact, the fear humanity held toward the Great King Colomo was even greater than that of demons.kad41F
zX8VBecause although it was demons who burned half the continent, it was the Great King Colomo himself who summoned and led them.T0D
PNHKka“This is different. If he truly is of the Colomo bloodline, he must die without fail.”DSAyC
bypThere was no need to think further. Among the three close aides of the second prince, Patrick Pirandello was, without a doubt, the culprit.7CaFVAh
AqS“If that man is truly a descendant of the Great King Colomo, then yes, of course. But, headmaster, we can’t act just yet.”rU4g5JY
glAF9A“Why not?”rgmVm4
0Jz“Because they seem to be in conflict with each other.”kH3Q
2ESiEnFernan continued his explanation.CmZVr
UWHVgPatrick Pirandello’s mansions spread throughout the capital, forming a six-pointed star.hqFnn1y
WJMThe magic circles found in the basements of each mansion.fjEVt
C1SQh8And the second prince’s attitude and actions when meeting the Mercenary King.jWIeFB
Fp7VpLn“If we use that discord, we can resolve this while minimizing damage. Besides, Yuli Linelt, although under certain conditions, has promised us her full support.”zUcb2
z18mku“It’s not without logic. But what if that man acts before we do? If we fail to stop him, we could regret it forever.”5Df0eyG
WM8“We can stop him.”Xr5fx
Y28C“Stop him?”kLFi
OfrhKyb“I’ve opened, through Wooden, a hidden passage. We can ruin the magic circle at any moment.”IAtNK
U6ymD4J“…And what’s your exact plan?”K2rD1
2cnw“Lord Garrett will continue acting as he has. He’ll carry out the second prince’s request to eliminate the corrupt. Then Patrick will react somehow.”T1SVTs
XzZoAHThat will be the moment to act, while Fernan convinces Yuli Linelt.TRU3O
4jufhcLAnd through her, expose to the public what the second prince and the corrupt have done, restoring the throne to its rightful heir.4fx4KtX
s6Vqv5In that process, preventing demon summoning and eradicating the corrupt infiltrated in the kingdom was only natural.Cq8JVEP
TxNO“Thus, in the Kingdom of Linelt, a king will rise who hates demons more than anyone.”nCgm
TIqIIn a world on the verge of war against demons, nothing could be more reassuring.98Bs
DbeQtOf course, in the meantime, the treasures stolen from the royal stores and intended for demon summoning would end up in Fernan’s hands.pZXJm9h
4dF9wiN“And think about it. This wasn’t prepared in a day or two. Can you imagine what that vile corrupt will feel when his whole plan crumbles?”DtMtCdF
vRbRV“That would be satisfying. Alright. But can you really convince the princess?”7p17
dH2“Of course.”PyCADyC
lsBs7hMFernan pulled a letter from his chest.oYVsAD
x66ua“One of the two conditions she asked for has already been fulfilled.”euDjC
mt7lOi“Which one?”GDt
D2Tj“We’ve discovered where the first prince is being held.”sGR59
YJxmC“The first prince—I already know what happened with him. It caused quite a stir across the continent. Then, is that also…?”bOe3
FEpYCmF“Surely the work of the corrupt. Although for now, that’s just my deduction.”D9b
6eglBut it wasn’t just a deduction—it was what the book of prophecies had revealed to him.bMy
9HnHe was certain.QCz
e66IRjf“And the other condition?”usRuH
mL3“That’s right here too.”ZrZWnn
HpzsMn“Here?”XAqoJA
PcjLHFernan silently turned his head. Everyone followed his gaze.NTXiRKw
jg6p“Eh? Me?”l2ax
c8bVmC7Aint looked confused.iNJkbfg
cUx74S***yEPO
SFTyThere was another banquet.QwpL
XdwO4Or rather, she had called it herself.FD3Ky4
vNllYuli Linelt looked at the crowd filling the ballroom and sighed.4Gb
K6b7CXShe had organized another masquerade ball to keep up appearances, but there was no sign of Fernan.AKv2m5
uX1H‘When will he come?’OJ3bu
WyGzgPlIt seemed like he would arrive soon, but after two more banquets, he still hadn’t appeared.nqr
XGi‘What proof is it that he has? I hope he brings news of my brother.’76cIc36
6zt1e7It had been years since the last time she saw the first prince.w787nY
pMI6After the scandal he caused, he was confined to an annex palace by the king’s order, and when the second prince took over as regent, he was moved to an unknown location.aXmcw5
vOJICrThe problem was, no one knew where.zy5m
BEEGYM“Don’t try to find out. I told you, didn’t I? Live peacefully as the kingdom’s princess, and nothing will change.”tVaCBCe
bY3s9“And if you don’t want to see your beloved brother die, you’d better obey.”qCQ
N9YRZEven when she asked the second prince directly, she only received threats in return.klrIwO
vbQbA demon. He was a demon. She couldn’t believe they shared the same blood.BiF
9jrj“I need a bit of air on the terrace.”BUkEI0G
0zzLN“Yes, Your Highness.”b23z
QaDvcThe wine she had drunk without stopping had gone to her head. She needed fresh air to clear it.7NA
BFKL“Don’t let anyone in.”TYdjO
OVpQQ“Yes, Your Highness.”DcXUto
Zb75TWhile she gazed at the moon from the terrace—9e5E7jo
egiA8I“Been a while, princess.”HeCSG
XK7lNiThe voice she had longed to hear sounded behind her.AVf
y1KsHiQ“…Fernan Pellenberg?”zi8SNf
9p5s8m“That’s right, Your Highness.”6b3AWoR
psBrG5“Coming to see me again must mean you’ve brought the proof of trust you promised, haven’t you?”nVLSEY
jqeni“Of course, Your Highness.”uUN
T8eDx“I’m intrigued.”3iQm
WBxFernan pulled out a map and handed it to her.CfgPJ2I
X3Y“I discovered where the first prince is being held.”uTdq
bh7“……!”8QBe
TdT1LC“He’s not in the best place, but at least he’s alive.”3in1t
09hyVJ5“Is my brother really here?”SWDesj0
bDz3doKA tear slid down Yuli’s cheek. Realizing it, she hurried to wipe it away.EwVQo
D0ybCd“…How embarrassing.”xoD7K
AD5MYBN“I understand. Though I have a ten-gold-coin handkerchief, if you want, I can sell it to you.”Kzpl
ipk1xp“…What?”q9q
Hd9“Just a joke. Today, I’d like to introduce you to someone.”Ng2
8NHrto“Someone?”p56ArST
1H95vlFernan stepped back. A man who had been behind him stepped forward.nMHI8b
R4d“Your guard has changed?”Xthx
JqR“He’s not a guard.”HYGF5D
avQUHSBAt Fernan’s signal, the man removed his mask.PhNhlD
LM0InjcHis red hair slowly turned into a brilliant gold under the moonlight. His brown eyes seemed infinitely deep.YVj
ZV76cH“An honor to meet you, Your Highness.”A4V
oKYjThe man bowed his head.xT3eS0f
vlClE“I’m Aint Armian. I’ve heard much about you from senior Fernan…”zSZKXH
IwT0m3p“…You look like a hero.”F1Oa
9WjxV“…Huh?”2VeKNGD
hbvY0x5“Nothing. Then, are you really Aint Armian?”pQ547k
5X3sAint Armian.VD0Af
YQGThe hero who had hunted countless corrupts and even demons. The natural enemy of demons.5oMvn9N
nPkQLYuli’s heart was pounding.DvMT5
x51To make sure that this lifeline was really made of gold, she examined Aint’s face carefully.DwdtY1M
IaL09H8The same face she had seen in the newspapers.bLcsaL
VPLklgb“…Handsome.”gUQiZ
YxxYes, it was him.hMB
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