Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock

Chapter 152: Teasing with Tongue

Gartio Menn.

Lucion was unsure of the type of information he would receive from the imperial family through this guy. 

However, he considered whether it would be beneficial for the royal family to gather more information through him.

[Lucion.]

Even though Russell called Lucion strongly, Lucion didn’t stop talking. The red thread connected to Heint was still tense.

“It has been revealed that the priest of Nevast is involved. The Neubra Kingdom is being pressured because of what I have done, saying that they have allied with a dark wizard.”

As the sacred country of Nevast knows the Hand of the Void, Lucion suddenly thought that the pressure might only come from the Tesla Empire.

“It has also been revealed that Roberio, a noble of the Tesla Empire, has allied with a dark wizard and used test subjects to create a curse.”

Lucion took a short breath.

“In addition, the dark wizard who came to the temple to seek something has appeared. Except for the sacred country of Nevast, this incident is all connected, and probably I’m the only one who knows that it’s the work of the Hand of the Void.”

[So, are you saying that you will connect the scattered pieces of information?]

“Yes, I will connect them. Isn’t that the first step in building trust?”

Lucion clenched his fist for a moment.

There were many things to give to Heint in the future, including information about illegal slaves in Nevast, the ant cave where information from six branches was gathered, and the Hand of the Void’s activity of gathering corpses in the east. 

[Do you know why the royal family is chasing after Gartio Menn?]

Russell touched the most uncertain factor, but Lucion calmly avoided the question.

“Naturally, I need to investigate. It’s unlikely to be a significant reason, even if I do look into it.”

If the Empire had discovered the Neubra Kingdom or Nevast, their actions wouldn’t be like this.

At least, if we consider the current emperor from two years ago, at the beginning of the novel.

Ketlan Tesla.

He was wise enough to be recognized by his own father.

At least, until two years ago.

* * *

Who is Heint’s close friend?

It was none other than Lucion’s brother, Carson Cronia.

Before departing from the south, Lucion briefly borrowed a communication device from Heint.

<It’s been said that the already deceased Roberio released someone within the royal family. Leaving that aside, are you in pain, Lucion?>

‘The Hand of the Void reached the royal family…?’

Lucion was surprised.

Whether it was through using dark magic or through bribery, that was unknown.

[I didn’t expect Carson to be so loose-lipped.]

Bethel said in dismay.

[Only with Lucion.]

Russell chuckled.

“Yes, it’s fine. You don’t need to worry about me.”

<I heard you were exposed to light. Damn, dark wizards have appeared too.>

“I’m okay now.”

Lucion wasn’t surprised. After all, it was natural for Cronia’s knights to report to Carson.

But. 

“Has father been very angry by any chance?”

<It was hard to stop him from protesting to His Majesty.>

[That’s right. It’s Novio, of course.]

Russell nodded vigorously in agreement.

“Thank you for your hard work, brother. I’m going to stop by the central region for a bit and then head north. Please give my regards to Father.”

<Lucion.>

“Yes, brother?”

<Don’t push yourself too hard, and be careful with everything.>

“Yes, I’ll be careful with everything. I’ll end the call now since it’s getting late.”

<Okay.>

Although Carson’s voice sounded regretful, Lucion ended the call first.

“Hume, return it back.”

Lucion handed the communication device to Hume and bit his lip.

“Was this the reason why the emperor became a puppet and those with the power to ascend to the throne, except for the Fourth Prince, died two years later?”

Lucion suddenly felt overwhelmed by the unwanted truth.

As a Cronia who believed in making sacrifices for the Empire regardless of who was in charge, he couldn’t interfere in the next succession struggle.

Cronia had to maintain neutrality.

“I suppose the Hand of the Void has even infiltrated the royal family.”

Lucion sighed.

[Don’t worry. It’s as if they were just waiting to get caught. Otherwise, there’s no way they could have been caught like that.]

‘The traitor is the Fourth Prince.’

Lucion had already identified the culprit.

Whether he became a puppet or whatever, the Crown Prince was the Fourth Prince. Originally, in the novel, the most likely candidate for Crown Prince was the Second Prince, but now it was the Fifth Prince.

Fifth Prince, Cetyl Tesla.

In a time of peace, the princesses and princes could not achieve such feats, so of course the stake in preventing the bombing of the Great Light Temple must have been quite large.

Whatever the case, it was different from the novel. 

Partly because of his own involvement, but also because the person Heint served was none other than the Fifth Prince.

This could be confirmed without even using the ghost.

‘I got too entangled with the main character.’

Lucion felt sorry for Cetyl for some reason.

[Lucion. Don’t worry. It’s still too early to be disappointed.]

As Lucion’s thoughts continued, Russell comforted him.

[Still, Lucion, you did a great job.]

“Yes…?”

Lucion wondered if he had heard wrong.

[Because of the explosion of the Great Light Temple, the Great Light Temple of the Empire, which had been walking the tightrope between Nevast and the Empire, has already surrendered to the Imperial Family. Your existence proves that.]

Russell pointed at Lucion with his hand.

Lucion was a saint.

Naturally, it was the responsibility of the Great Light Temple to protect the saint. 

However, Lucion’s security was not solely in the hands of the royal family. 

With a significant vulnerability exposed, the Great Light Temple severed ties with Nevast, a connection to the Empire.

[Nevast is currently blocked from entering the Empire. Seeing their attempts to hold onto your existence, it’s hard to say if they will succeed. It would be easier to handle just one of the two, Neubra or Nevast, rather than both.]

“I am not disappointed. In fact, it’s for the best. Right now, the palace needs me more than ever.”

During this critical period, as the palace needed to consolidate scattered information, Lucion smiled at Russell, who was covering his mouth.

[Russell, you are a true teacher.]

Bethel gazed at Russell with an ambiguous expression and tone, whether conveying sarcasm or praise.

Lucion, swiftly putting on a mask, used a communication device to take action.

“Kran.”

<Yes, Hamel.>

“It’s time to destroy the three branches in the central region. I will get rid of the doggies,  so split into three groups and attack simultaneously.”

Thanks to the spies and the southern branch manager, they had enough information.

<Quate has just returned.>

Lucion was about to inquire about Quate’s situation, who had been sent to spy on the central region branch. So, Lucion did not hide his satisfaction.

“Good work.”

<I will send Peter.>

Upon Kran’s insistent request to take Peter along, Lucion chuckled for a moment before responding.

“Alright.”

* * *

Lucion put down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

“I’ll get up first today.”

“You’re not going to eat more?”

Heint asked.

‘Glad I woke up early, but he’s playing innocent.’ 

Lucion smiled naturally, contrary to his true feelings.

“I’ve had my fill. Perhaps, as you mentioned, I might be feeling a bit fatigued from accumulated toxins. Today, I’d like the knights to patrol farther away from my room.”

“Understood. I’ll position them a bit farther than usual today,” Heint affirmed.

“Thank you. Well then, brother, you’ve worked hard today. Please get some rest.”

After a brief greeting, Lucion got up and headed to his room.

[You seem quite elated.]

As soon as Lucion entered the room, Russell said it sarcastically.

“Is that so? I’m feeling quite nervous too,” Lucion replied, patting Ratta, who welcomed him with a relaxed expression.

—Are we leaving now? Ratta is ready! I ate delicious food and had fun!

Beep!

Ratta bit the ball happily.

“Good job, Ratta. We will be leaving soon.”

[How about setting a similar departure time as Heint? Heint often calls Hume.]

“It’s prepared.”

Lucion looked at Hume.

“I’m thinking of starting with buying my favorite macaroons.” 

“Can I just act as I did before?” Hume inquired, and Lucion nodded.

“I believe that if I handle the dog the same way I did with Brother Heint, I’ll still earn points.” Lucion added, occasionally looking at the red thread leading to Heint.

Fortunately, it was still taut.

If he had guessed incorrectly, the red thread would have dangled again.

[Lord Lucion.]

“You mean to discuss possession, correct?” Lucion responded.

[Yes. I thought that was the way for the Lord.]

“Even so, I was planning to inform you, Bethel,” Lucion said with a grin. 

Heint was unlike any of the men Lucion had encountered before. 

Hadn’t they witnessed Heint fight in person? 

The outcome would be evident if Lucion engaged in a bare-handed confrontation.

“Don’t worry about any injuries to my stomach, Bethel. My life takes precedence.”

[I understand that… Why do you want to take such a reckless course of action?] Bethel’s voice grew sharp, as if she had been holding back her words for some time.

“No, I’ve changed my mind. I’m doing this to survive.”

[Why not avoid Heint today as well? There is no shame in avoiding it.]

“Bethel. How long do you think I can hide the fact that I am a warlock?”

In response to Lucion’s question, Russell took a deep breath.

While it was natural to expect the worst, Russell wasn’t pleased with the situation.

Lucion looked at Bethel and continued speaking, “If I get caught, I’ll be entirely reliant on the organization, and I’ll have to consider my next steps. Wouldn’t it be wise to cultivate friendships so that the empire doesn’t become my enemy, and to divert the attention of Brother Heint, who feels betrayed by me, so that Cronia is less affected?”

[So, are you attempting to gain Heint’s support?] Bethel’s eyes narrowed.

“Support? I don’t even want that. Simply not being considered an enemy by Brother Heint and avoiding being killed would be a very favorable outcome for me,” Lucion explained, smiling as if contemplating that moment.

‘That will be the moment that damn red thread is cut.’

Bethel bit her lip hard at Lucion’s smile. 

Why was he wearing such a melancholic expression?

It was akin to a moth flying into a flame or a lead actor performing solo on an empty stage. However, by Lucion’ actions so far, hadn’t he avoided the danger that could have befallen him and averted the worst scenario that could have swept people away?

It was regrettable that no one was aware of this.

What Lucion prevented wasn’t solely the explosion of the Great Light Temple, as was known to the outside world.

[But I hope you don’t bring about the worst.] Bethel said, gripping her hand tightly.

“Alright. That’s how it should be,” Lucion murmured in response, extending his hand to Bethel.

“Just don’t let me die. That’s all I ask,” he added.

[No, I’ll intervene before Heint gets a hold of you.] Bethel declared, seeing herself as the sword of the Lord.]

She suppressed her urge to say more. She had only made a contract with Lucion and hadn’t taken the knight’s oath. Yet, she gripped her sword and made a resolute decision: she would protect Lucion.

* * *

Gartio Menn.

Oddly enough, the dog guarding the three central branches had settled in a house near an ant cave, ready to pounce at any moment. 

The location was just two alleys away from where Lucion first met Peter. 

It seems that it moved its location because of him, but it couldn’t leave the area near the ant cave.

‘Anyway, I never thought it would be this close.’ Lucion mused, glancing at Peter.

“I’m not going to flee. I’m not that reckless.” 

“Who fled without thinking?”

Lucion caught onto the end of Peter’s statement. 

“I… I acted without thinking.” 

Peter lowered his head in embarrassment. At the same time, Lucion heard Russell laughing.

“Yes, Peter, you acted without thinking. You can’t act impulsively today either,”

Lucion chuckled and raised the communication device to his ear.

<Everyone, spread out into three groups and wait.> 

Kran’s voice came through.

There was an ant cave at each center, and Gartio Menn guarded the ant cave, while the three branches were positioned in the northwest, north, and northeast directions based on the ant cave’s location. This arrangement was made despite the understanding that not only the ant cave but also the central branches were crucial.

Despite knowing that not only the ant cave, but also the central branches were important, they arranged it this way.

‘Were they so confident they wouldn’t get caught?’

However, Lucion couldn’t help but feel reassured because there was a ghost.

[Everything has been taken care of.] 

Bethel reported to Lucion as she returned.

‘But what about this?’

Lucion looked at Bethel and quietly gave her a thumbs up.

‘I have a death knight who is stronger than a ghost.’

The enemy’s watchtower collapsed, and it happened very quickly.

Hello there. I'm returning to this series. We've come this far thanks to Lyra and Flo's help. I'm going to keep going with this series as long as I can. Thank you for your understanding and patience. As usual, my update will not be as fast as theirs. I'll do my best. You can correct me if I got it wrong; I'm a bit lost. Thank you. ❤️🙏

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