Chapter 256: Heart

Cory admitted it.

He felt joy when looking at Laurent’s face.

Sometimes, seeing him, he would smile.

He felt bad for Laurent, but he couldn’t help it. Emotions did not move according to one’s will.

At the corner of Cedric’s lips appeared a crooked smile. That expression resembled Yuri’s, but it was far more wicked.

Cedric spoke with a voice laced with a light laugh.

“I understand you. Rejoicing at seeing someone fall to the same level as oneself is a very human feeling.”

“Isn’t it rather the heart of a monster?”

“No, it’s the heart of a human. Cory, you are more human than anyone.”

When Cedric extended his hand, Cory unconsciously closed his eyes. However, nothing happened.

Cedric simply caressed his face.

“You must have realized it by now, but the world Yuri lives in and the world you live in are different.”

There was no warmth in his touch, but neither was there hostility. With a nearly hypnotic voice, Cedric continued speaking.

“I intend to change that. Transform the world to make it more complete. So, Cory, would you lend me your strength?”

“What do you mean?”

“The Power of the Voice of Authority is an interesting ability. If you help me, it will be of great use.”

Images passed through Cory’s mind. They were landscapes of the new world Cedric sought to create.

“If you’re with me, you won’t need to become a burly mercenary with a great scar for everyone to respect you. I know you are far more valuable than the useless things in this village.”

Cory looked at Cedric. In his pupils, something was stirring.

“Doesn’t it seem strange to you? You, who use the Language of the Dragons, and yet, in this reality, those pathetic humans who only know how to plow fields and catch rabbits despise you.”

“I…”

“I will recreate this inefficient and unjust world.”

“That’s impossible.”

“No, it is possible.”

Cedric’s pupils widened.

Facing them, Cory forgot even to breathe. Inside was an unfathomable darkness.

It was a passage.

Through Cedric’s eyes, Cory could glimpse the darkness that inhabited his mind. Just looking at it for an instant, it was so heavy and dark he felt his head would be corrupted.

Cory understood.

Fighting an enemy like that was impossible from the start. Yuri could never defeat Cedric.

“Now you understand, don’t you?”

Cory wanted to avert his gaze from those eyes, but the dark landscape would not release him.

His body shuddered.

“Come now, answer me.”

Cedric smiled, closed his eyes, and then opened them. Only then could Cory free himself from the darkness.

“Join me, Cory.”

Cory took a deep breath.

It was a dark night in which the clouds covered the moon.

Cedric’s clothes blended with the very darkness, as if they were part of it, to the point his silhouette could not be distinguished.

Only his pale face floated in the gloom, urging him to respond.

Cory could not comprehend his own feelings. That’s why, instead of answering, he returned the question.

“You say you can read minds, but I suppose that’s not always the case, is it?”

“Hmm?”

“If it really were, you wouldn’t have to ask—you would already know my answer.”

“You’re perceptive.”

Cedric smiled.

“You’re right. I can’t read all of a person’s thoughts. What I can read are their emotions. But just that is enough to see into the heart.”

“And what is my heart like now?”

“The more intense emotions are, the redder they become. Be it joy, anger, hatred—even sadness.”

Cedric placed his hand on Cory’s chest. He closed his eyes as if savoring something, with a faint smile.

“Right now, you’re very red.”

“Really…?”

“I always knew that one day you would be on my side.”

“What do you mean?”

“You are a half-orc. That half of you being orc means you inevitably belong to darkness. Even if water mixes with blood, the blood does not disappear. Believe me, that’s what a master of black magic says.”

Cedric spread his arms. He embraced him and patted him on the back.

“But I want to hear your answer directly, Cory.”

“I… I…”

“If you still find it hard to be honest, I’ll repeat the question I asked you earlier.”

In Cedric’s pupils, Cory could see his own reflection.

“Cory. You felt joy when you saw Laurent transformed into something horrible. Didn’t you?”

In Cory’s mind, two words tangled chaotically.

Yes.

And no.

Cory looked at Cedric. He could read his emotions.

So a lie would not work.

Cory’s eyes shone for an instant and then darkened. His pupils, which trembled with unease, gradually grew still.

A moment passed that felt eternal.

Finally, Cory opened his mouth.

“Yes.”

***

“Hey, Laurent!”

Yuri called out to Laurent, but he didn’t turn around. Yuri stood up abruptly and ran out.

“Stop for a moment.”

“I have nothing to say.”

“We have to talk.”

For some reason, the more he spoke, the more pathetic he felt he sounded, but Yuri kept chasing Laurent, who walked without looking at him.

“Hey, Laurent.”

“Don’t come closer.”

“This bastard…”

The tone with which he spoke his name changed. As Laurent did not stop, Yuri began to speak with a hint of annoyance.

“I told you to stop.”

“How shameless.”

“Huff…”

Of course, Yuri felt remorse toward Laurent.

But he could not accept that it was all his fault.

The one who had committed the act itself was Cedric. Deep down, Yuri was also a victim.

“I told you to get lost…”

Suddenly, Yuri roughly grabbed Laurent by the collar from behind, yanked him back toward him, and hooked his foot to trip him.

Laurent, who had been striding forward, fell heavily to the ground in an instant.

“Ugh!”

The fallen Laurent shot him a glare full of anger.

“What the hell…?”

“Are you going to run away now?”

“What?”

“I’m asking if you’re going to run away. What happened to the sharp Laurent from before?”

“Watch your words.”

“Do you hate me?”

“No.”

“Then?”

“I simply dislike you.”

“And what about Cedric?”

Yuri lifted his foot and let it fall next to Laurent’s face. Dust rose from the ground.

“With me, you lashed out without a problem, but Cedric you leave alone?”

“That’s none of your business. I’ll take care of it.”

“Take care of what? Anyone can see you’re living like a damn useless man.”

“Shut up!”

Laurent swung his sword and stood up. But it was useless.

Before, Yuri had taken his attacks without countering, but his skill surpassed Laurent’s.

After several exchanges, Laurent ended up on the ground again. When, panting, he began to get up, Yuri spoke.

“Come back.”

“What?”

“Whether you hold a grudge against me or are tormented, first kill Cedric and then do it.”

“Why should I?”

“For revenge. What, are you afraid of Cedric?”

“No.”

“Then?”

“I’m simply tired of everything. Of you, of Cedric.”

“Why?”

“I just am. Why should I explain it to you?”

“You’re completely twisted.”

Yuri smiled wryly.

“If I were you, just thinking about your family and Française would make me want to kill Cedric.”

Laurent clenched his fist.

The grinding of teeth could be heard from beneath the bandages covering his face.

Yuri continued.

“After killing Cedric, you can do whatever you want with me.”

“What?”

“When you kill him, you can kill me or beat me all you want. At that moment, I’ll do exactly what you want. If you want to kill me, you’ll be able to.”

Yuri approached Laurent and placed his hand on his cheek.

“So let’s go together.”

“I don’t want to…”

“Of course, if you say no, I’ll throw you to the ground again.”

“Damn bully.”

“And why do you say it like it’s news? You already know what kind of guy I am.”

Laurent stayed silent for a while. The bandages fell over his eyes, keeping Yuri from seeing what expression he had or what look he was hiding beneath.

Finally, Laurent spoke.

“Yuri Briol.”

“That’s right, Laurent.”

“It’s too late to go back.”

His voice sounded heavy.

Yuri let out a small laugh.

“Who said we were going back?”

“…”

“Besides, I’ve already come back from further away. Much further.”

Yuri briefly recalled the past.

Laurent didn’t know, but in his previous life, he had lived a life full of regret, wandering in search of death.

That’s why he could sense how Laurent felt.

“Do you think I’m different from you? Why, because my face is intact? Don’t talk nonsense. If I can kill Cedric and stop the Empire, I don’t care if I lose everything. So, at that moment, do whatever you want with me. Just help me until then.”

Yuri stared intently at Laurent.

The two looked at each other in silence for a long time. Neither made the first move.

Then, a voice interrupted the moment.

“Are you Laurent, by any chance?”

It was Inariel.

Laurent froze, as if surprised to see him appear suddenly.

“It’s been a long time, Laurent.”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

He spoke without reservation to Yuri, but to Inariel he answered with the respect from before.

Yuri shot him a reproachful look, but Laurent ignored it.

Inariel looked him up and down and waved his staff.

“It seems a lot has happened.”

“Not so much.”

Laurent shook his head.

“Not that much has happened. Only a tragedy occurred.”

“From the way you answer me, I’d say you were better off before.”

Inariel clicked his tongue and looked at Yuri.

“From what I see, you’re trying to convince this guy. Is it really necessary?”

“Yes. He’ll be a great asset to us.”

“An asset…?”

Inariel smiled with mockery.

“Well, for being that, you knocked him down quite easily.”

“I was lucky.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes.”

Yuri knew Laurent’s physical condition wasn’t normal. If he recovered fully, it wouldn’t be so easy to knock him down as before.

“I see.”

Inariel nodded.

“Since you’re trying so hard, I suppose I’ll help too. Laurent. If you follow this boy’s will, I’ll heal you with magic.”

At those unexpected words, Yuri and Laurent looked at him.

“Pardon?”

“I said I’ll heal you.”

“Really?”

Inariel raised his staff.

“Surprised? I’m the great mage Inariel. Even if it’s troublesome, I can return your body to its original state.”

With his face lighting up, Yuri was the first to thank him.

“Thank you!”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“That’s great, Laurent!”

Inariel smiled at Laurent, who remained still.

“What do you say, Laurent? With my offer added to Yuri’s, do you accept? If you don’t answer, I’ll take it as a yes.”

“…”

“Good. I’ll heal you.”

Laurent, who had remained silent, suddenly lifted his head and looked around.

“By the way, where’s Cory?”

“Cory?”

“He was following me…”

“Cory is here?”

Yuri frowned.

“I don’t sense anything.”

***

After finishing his conversation with Cedric, Cory watched alongside him, from a distance, the fight between Yuri and Laurent.

Cedric let out a laugh when he saw Yuri knock Laurent down.

“Yuri is still the same. Truly amusing.”

While the two argued, Inariel appeared. He made Laurent the proposal.

“Laurent. If you follow this boy’s will, I’ll heal you with magic.”

Cory opened his eyes wide.

That meant Laurent would return to his former state.

Cory asked Cedric.

“That… that’s possible?”

“It’s difficult, but not entirely impossible. A skilled mage could do it.”

“I see…”

“What is it, do you feel sorry?”

“No. That’s not it.”

“You can be honest, Cory.”

Cedric smiled.

“But don’t worry. Even if he does that, nothing will change.”

Cedric placed a hand on Cory’s shoulder.

“In the new world, you’ll be a valuable being.”

“…”

“It seems they’re finished there. Let’s go to the Empire.”

Cory, still watching Yuri and Laurent, finally nodded.

“Yes.”