Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock

Chapter 158: Pilgrimage Route

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Lucion closed his eyes tightly.

Stairs, huh?

As he turned around, he saw Heint waving his hand from afar.

Ill endure it for the macarons.

Lucion confirmed his appetite.

Shall Ratta give you a piggyback ride?

Because Ratta was sincere, Lucion burst into laughter.

If you were a bit bigger.

Like a tree?

Yeah. If you were as big as a tree, then you could give me a ride.

Got it! Ratta will definitely give you a ride. Ratta said it with a big smile.

In that case, Ill carry you instead of Ratta, Hume said, approaching Lucion and crouching down to offer his back.

Lucion frowned.

It was comfortable, but he didnt feel quite right.

[Its not the time to be prideful.] Russell teased Lucion with a mischievous look.

I know.

[Didnt the doctor tell you to be careful?]

Bethel, unlike Russell, spoke with genuine concern.

Yeah. Lucion sighed briefly. There was no point in being stubborn.

Oh? Lucion, Lucion.

Ratta, who was climbing the stairs alone, suddenly rushed down and grabbed the hem of Lucions pants.

Why?

They tell me to come this way.

Who?

The darkness.

What?

Ratta was going up the stairs when darkness peered from the other side and beckoned.

Guide me.

Lucion furrowed his brow slightly, not wanting to be carried by Hume.

What does the darkness want, exactly? 

Lucion knew that the darkness, though not as abundant as light, also roamed the surroundings. 

However, he felt a particularly strong sense of it lingering near him.

As Lucion followed Ratta, he saw a wooden house. 

As if the old woman knew Lucion would come, she came out and greeted Lucion politely.

Have you come, Lord Lucion Cronia?

Suddenly, Lucions gaze was drawn to a red thread that had appeared out of nowhere. The pilgrimage route mentioned in the novel was not a significant place, only briefly mentioned as There is a pilgrimage route in the north.

But a red thread?

Lucion looked at the old woman with suspicious eyes.

Did you know I was coming?

Yes. It was whispered to me. It said a distinguished guest had arrived.

Who whispered that? Lucion rolled his eyes at the old womans words.

Is she a warlock? Dont tell me

[Lucion. She might be suspicious, but I can assure you, shes not a warlock.]

Russell said clearly.

[But theres an unusual amount of darkness around here.] Russell continued, looking around with his arms crossed.

Right. Theres a lot of darkness. Does it all smile at Ratta? Ratta would smile back, too.

Rattas tail was wagging.

My name is Asha and Im in charge of the pilgrimage here.

She smiled softly.

Isnt the pilgrimage route over there? Lucion pointed to the place he had come from.

Why are there stairs?

Yes, that is also a pilgrimage route. However, this place exists for distinction, Asha explained.

A distinction?

I have been waiting for your arrival.

Ashas words sent a chill down Lucions spine.

It doesnt sound like youre talking about an invitation. Why have you been waiting for me?

Of course, its natural for me to wait for the one chosen by the darkness.

The darkness? You must be joking.

Lucion felt the urge to take a step back immediately. How could someone boldly associate themselves with darkness without being a warlock?

Lucion tried to remain calm. Do you realize how dangerous your words were just now? Lets just pretend I didnt hear that.

Its okay. This place is safe.

I dont understand what youre talking about.

Lucion frowned slightly, showing his discomfort.

I understand if youre wary of mentioning it, but Im fine. While it may be an undeserved title, you can consider me a servant of darkness.

Asha smiled warmly and took a step closer to Lucion.

They were born from the darkness and became followers of the darkness.

For a moment, Lucion remembered what the Black Brother had mentioned.

No, it cant be.

As Asha cautiously extended her hand, darkness rippled from her palm. 

It transformed into a butterfly-like shape and perched on Lucions shoulder.

What the What is this? Lucion froze.

If she is not a dark sorcerer, then what is she? Lucions resentful gaze made Russell feel unjustly accused.

[Shes not a warlock Im telling you, shes not a real warlock.]

[Then, how can you explain the darkness just now?]

[I dont know, and its driving me crazy!]

Russell clenched his fists as he looked at Bethel.

As I mentioned earlier, I am merely a servant of the darkness, possessing only a few tricks up my sleeve, Asha replied.

?

[Huh?]

Both Lucion and Russell paused.

[Can she see us?]

Bethel asked in surprise, realizing that she hadnt concealed herself, yet Asha seemed aware of their presence even though she wasnt a warlock.

I cant see you. I can only hear you.

Asha shook her head.

Do not be afraid. As a servant of darkness, I will keep todays events a secret, and they will remain preserved even after my death.

You know that death is not the end, right?

Lucion no longer denied it.

There was no need to fear once they were exposed.

No. For me, death is the end. I am sustained by the darkness; I am a living being, Asha said.

Sustained by the darkness? Hume asked hesitantly.

It seemed similar to him.

Hume, too, was sustained by the darkness and moved.

I am the one who inherited the forgotten blood of Ravien. I am both human and not human, Asha explained with a smile, pointing to herself.

Lucion, with a slightly shocked expression, did not say anything but asked, Did you just say Ravien?

Do you know about Ravien, that name? Asha reacted strongly, trembling with both hands.

She looked at Lucion desperately, as if she were about to burst into tears.

Is there some connection between Ravien and my fate?

Lucion licked his lips slightly. 

What on earth is Ravien?

Born from darkness, a servant of darkness.

Asha answered Lucions question without any hesitation.

driving me crazy. That black figures words are exactly what she just said.

Lucion managed his expression, resisting the urge to hit his forehead.

Ravien was right.

The servant of darkness mentioned by the black figure was Ravien.

He couldnt believe it, but it seemed to be true.

In the world, they are called monsters,' Asha continued.

Lucion was not surprised by Ashas words.

But Russell, Bethel, and Hume were different.

Hume, in particular, was so surprised that he was almost astonished.

When Hume had the power of ice, he thought that he might not be a monster but Ravien.

In reality, the monster and Ravien were the same thing.

Is it really Ravien? Is Ravien the one called monster? Hume asked, his voice trembling.

He was not a defective product.

The thought of being acknowledged made his chest tighten with impatience.

Yes. I swear on the proud blood of Ravien that flows through my body; there are no lies, Asha said, standing up straight with a knight-like gaze.

Th-thank you. Thank you, Hume bowed his head towards Asha.

Ashas eyes then widened.

Are you Ravien?

Hume couldnt answer and looked at Lucion.

Hume, if you want, you can tell her anything, Lucion said.

There was no need to hide anything more, especially now that he had already revealed himself as a warlock. 

In fact, it seemed better for Hume.

The person who carried the bloodline of the long-lost Ravien stood right in front of him. 

It was undoubtedly a positive development for Hume.

Thank you, young master.

Hume smiled broadly.

With a face as proud as his bright smile, he confidently revealed himself.

Yes. I am Ravien. Of course, I am not a perfect Ravien.

Hume seemed relieved, as if he had shed all his hesitation and worries.

No way. Asha was flustered this time.

Wait, just wait a moment, please.

Asha returned home in a hurry, almost dropping the cane she held in her hand.

Arent you going to scold me this time?

Lucion asked, looking at Russell.

[Why would I scold you?]

Isnt my identity completely exposed? I even gave out information.

[How was it exposed? The darkness openly revealed it. It cant be helped. And if youre okay with it, then its fine.]

Yes.

Lucion smiled and looked at Hume.

Hume, ask anything you want to ask, anything you want to know.

Still Is that okay?

Its a rare opportunity. You should seize it when it comes.

Thank you so much for giving me this chance, young master.

No need to thank me. I have some questions for her too.

She said that darkness chose him.

What does that mean?

Lucion turned his gaze and took turns examining the house where Asha had entered and Ratta, who was just playing in the grass.

Teacher.

Lucions gaze finally rested on Russell.

[Yes?]

Do you know what it means that the darkness chose me?

Russells expression turned serious, and he replied, [Darkness doesnt choose anything.]

His words seemed almost like a mutter, as he continued, [Thats how I was taught, and likely all warlocks are taught the same way.]

But she said that darkness chose me.

[Yes, I heard her say that as well. It seems like a matter to be discussed when Asha arrives. For now, darkness isnt saying anything.]

Russell noticed Asha coming towards them from the house.

Youve waited a long time.

What Asha brought with her were a bowl and a cutting knife.

Ravien was born from darkness, so darkness is mixed in its blood, and that blood is the same for everyone.

After a brief explanation, she pricked her finger, swiftly letting a drop of blood fall into the bowl before it could reach the ground.

It looks like ordinary blood, even though its mixed with darkness.

Lucion felt doubtful as he looked at the blood staining the white bowl red.

Are you afraid of pricking your finger?

Asha looked at Hume with an apologetic expression before handing him the knife.

No, Im not scared.

Humes eyes showed no sign of wavering as he reached out to Asha.

Only then did Asha hand the knife to Hume.

Lucion tensed up, worried that Hume might accidentally cut off his finger.

[Be careful, Hume. Dont cut your finger off.]

It was the same with Russell.

[Lord Lucion. Russell. Hume is much better at controlling his strength than you think, so you dont have to worry.]

Bethel said with a smile at the sight of the two people.

They were so similar that she could feel that the teacher-student relationship was very amusing.

Drop.

Contrary to his worries, Hume cut it cleanly, leaving only a few drops of blood, and dropped the blood into a bowl.

[Some people cut it as if theyre cutting off a finger, but Hume is really precise.] Russell commented, his gaze shifting towards Lucion.

When performing a necromancy, didnt Lucion cut his finger really deep because he was so nervous?

Teacher, Lucion called out, his gaze slightly fierce.

Russells laughter ceased, and he responded, [Well, what is it?]

As the blood of Asha and Hume mixed in the bowl, darkness stirred within them. 

Asha couldnt help but cover her mouth in response to what she witnessed.

Oh my god

Russell was just as shocked by Ashas expression of disbelief.

[What? Was it real? Was it not a metaphor, but an actual presence of darkness mixed in the blood?]

It certainly seemed like blood was mixed, but there was more darkness sticking out from one side.

Its Humes blood.

Because that darkness was Lucions darkness, Russell was able to recognize it right away.

Taking the blood, Asha drew it on Humes forehead. 

In that moment, both Ashas and Humes eyes sparkled, resembling sunlight reflecting on a serene lake.

Hop! Its Rattas favorite sparkle.

Ratta hurriedly approached and looked at Asha and Hume.

[Does it resonate?]

Bethel, holding her breath, anxiously asked.

[It seems so. She said earlier that their blood is the same. She seems to be using some verification method that we dont know about.]

Russell responded, observing the two with a mixture of awe and anticipation.

This was an extraordinary discoveryone that left Russell so overwhelmed that he couldnt immediately record it.

ah.

When the light went out in both their eyes, Asha put down the bowl and immediately hugged Hume.

Ive been waiting for this day. Raviens blood is still alive and thriving. Today, Asha cried, her voice filled with a mixture of joy and sorrow.

Why did everything I had hoped for happen all at once today? I apologize for shedding tears out of shame. Just perceive this old woman as senile, Asha expressed, her voice trembling with emotions.

I dont think so. When youre sad, you have to shed tears.

Werent you lonely?

I wasnt lonely. I had a lot of people.

Hume looked at Lucion.

Thank God. Im glad you werent lonely.

Asha quickly wiped away her tears and held Humes hand tightly.

Did you ever dream? Its impossible for me, but if you have this strong blood, it might be possible.

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