Chapter 121: For the stage! (2)
***
Knock. Knock.
After knocking, Cassion came into Ruels room.
When he looked around the room and saw that Leo was not there, Cassion smiled and opened his mouth.
Ruel-nims precious beast is nowhere to be seen. Did he go to Aris?
At that moment, Ruels hand as he was signing the document slipped.
Cassion.
Despite Ruels sharp eyes, Cassion approached without any hesitation and reported what Ruel had told him to do.
We received reports from the five heads of families that most of the Red Ash hidden in the territory have been found.
Also, I heard separately a little while ago that Prince Adoris had filtered almost all the Red Ash that had been hidden in the royal family.
The process went smoothly and Ruel smiled slightly.
Even if we do this, we wont be able to completely filter out the Red Ash hiding in Leponia, but wouldnt it be enough to cut off the Great Mans arms?
Ruel asked as he signed the document again.
What about the Red House?
Ive been there. Ive confirmed that people are being held in the basement of his mansion.
Ha, they really do all sorts of things.
Ruel laughed.
His actions were similar to those who were worried that they might be seen as trash.
Cassion played back the magically recorded device.
The people imprisoned in the prison sat quietly as if they were drugged and did not even blink.
No matter which side the screen was showing, everyone was doing the same thing.
Ruel, who was quietly watching the scene, opened his mouth.
Is it human trafficking?
He felt relieved that Leo wasnt there to witness this.
Yes, thats correct, Cassion replied as he handed over the documents.
Ruel expressed his confusion as he looked through the information. So, the place they are being sent to is not Cyronian, but the Kran Kingdom?
According to the information provided, that seems to be the case, Cassion replied.
Ruel furrowed his brow as he listened to Cassions answer.
Mentions the Kran Kingdom was quite unexpected.
Among those captured, we found one person who was locked up alone in the deepest part of the underground.
It seems they received special treatment.
So, they were treated differently from the others? Ruel put down his pen and rubbed his chin.
Yes, unlike the others, there were no signs of drugs or physical abuse. However, it seems their mental state is not entirely stable, likely due to being imprisoned for a long time.
Treating someone differently and leaving them in the deepest part of the underground was suspicious to anyone sane.
Did you bring them here? Ruel asked, holding Breath.
Yes, I did. I have employed a healer to treat them. They are currently suffering from anxiety symptoms accompanied by aphasia due to the mental shock. I will report as soon as their condition improves. As soon as Cassion finished speaking, he took out the materials Ruel had been waiting for.
These are records of transactions with some high-ranking officials, including the exchange of goods. It also includes some nobles from Cyronian and Cron.
They even came forward and produced evidence, these guys are really diligent.
Ruel received the data.
Who would have thought that their enemy would benefit from what they did because they did not trust each other?
Before reading the material, Ruel asked a question.
In this data, other than those who came in as latecomers, were there people who were part of the Red Ash from the beginning?
Adoris gave us information about them, but there were no executives among them.
The Red Ash that needed to be captured were not those who had just dipped their toes like Adoris or Huan, but the executives.
If we attack them one by one from the bottom, we will be able to find out who the executives are.
Cassion shook his head.
I havent been able to confirm that yet.
Okay. I will check that.
Theres one more thing you need to know.
Go on.
Ruel said as he read the material.
While investigating the Red House, I confirmed that Luruan, despite being a latecomer, became a devoted follower of the Great Man, and I found out why.
Should I prepare myself to shed tears?
Cassion chuckled at Ruels words.
Im telling you in case it might be helpful. If you dont want to hear it, I wont say anything.
No, go ahead. Im curious about how compelling it is.
The Luruan family are descendants of the so-called heroes who protected their land from the attacks of the Tonisk Empire in the past. However, as you know, except in very special cases, the existence of a hero is quickly forgotten.
A hero
Ruel furrowed his brow slightly as he recalled the power left behind by the hero, or rather, the Great Man, that still lingered.
They were given the title of nobility by the royal authority, but over time, they were forgotten and their titles and lands were taken away. It was at that time that the Red Ash approached Luruan.
Surely they didnt approach him with the intention of helping people remember his ancestors. Well, did they approach him with such conditions?
Thats correct.
Ruel seemed bored as the story unfolded as he had expected.
The Red Ash provided full support for him and placed him in the position of a judge. Thats when Luruan became a devoted follower.
Cassion looked at Ruels outstretched hand and placed snacks on the table.
Crunch.
Cassion opened his mouth as he watched Ruel quickly take out a meat pie and take a bite.
Do you know why I am telling you this?
Uh, its not something Red Ash would do.
Looking at Red Ashs actions so far, it seemed like he had invested too much in Luruan.
If Luruan was a genius who only came once in a hundred years, it might have been worth it, but investing to the extent of making him a judge didnt seem justified.
Thats right. Personally, I found it so strange that I thought I should inform you about it.
If their goal was to create a devoted follower, their actions towards others dont make sense.
Red Ash expanded its power by using things needed by nobles as bait.
Just looking at Bianne Chen and Iria Promien, whom he saw in Cyronian, they were not fanatics.
Crunch.
Ruel frowned as he bit into his meat pie.
He even felt uncomfortable with the ambiguous facts.
Is this all there is anyway?
Ruel put aside his incomprehensible actions and waved the document and asked.
Thats right.
Okay. After reviewing the data, I will let you know if there is anyone to investigate.
Yes, then I will go prepare dinner.
Cassion bowed and went out while watching Ruel wave his hands.
The stage will be completed when the investigation into the Red Ash hiding in Leponia is completed.
With the cooperation of Diagos, the investigation became even faster.
The materials to hold the Red Ash necks were piled up one by one, and everything was perfect if it proceeded as it was.
Kran Kingdom.
Crunch.
Tonisk Empire.
They say there is a mountain beyond the mountain.
The Tonisk Empire was entrusted to Ganien, yes, but it was unsettling to see a point of contact between Luruan and the Kran Kingdom.
Crunch.
Well, Leponia and Cronian also have Red Ash, so why not the Kran Kingdom?
Ruel mumbled and held the pen again.
All he had to do now was catch up on his work.
***
3 days later.
Crunch.
While eating savory popcorn glossed in butter, Ruel watched as the defense mechanism, made by Tyson and the magic knights, was installed.
How can popcorn be missing on a day when the final check of the defense mechanism is being carried out?
Perhaps because it was popcorn made by Astell, Ruel felt healthier the more he ate it.
Leo short front paws carefully entered the popcorn container that Ruel had grabbed.
You once said that you only like sweet things.
Ruel tilted the container so that Leo could eat comfortably.
Crunch!
Leos ears perked up.
It tastes kind of strange. Its a strange food that this body keeps coming back to!
Leo seemed to be annoyed at having to take little by little with his short paws, so he went face first into the container.
Hehe!
However, Ruel immediately grabbed Leos tail and gently pulled him out of the container.
Leo, with his mouth full of popcorn, looked like a squirrel, not a fox.
By then, almost half of the popcorn was gone.
Ruel clenched a fist of popcorn and asked as he looked at Aris standing next to him.
Do you want to eat too, Aris?
Im fine. Eat plenty. If its not enough, Ill go to Ms. Astell and get more.
Is there a law prohibiting escort knights from eating while escorting? Eat.
Ruel heard Aris gulping and swallowing a little while ago, so he stretched out his clenched hand to Aris.
As Aris just stared in confusion, Ruel massaged his outstretched arm.
My arm hurts.
I, Ill take it!
Ruel laid popcorn in the palms of Aris, who stretched out politely.
Tell me if you want to eat. Dont say anything rude about food.
But isnt this a snack that Ruel-nim would eat?
I can make it again. Of course, Im not responsible for that.
Ruel looked up at Aris, who seemed taller than a few days ago, and suddenly measured his own height.
He thought he had grown a lot, but before he knew it, the difference between him and Aris was as big as two fists.
You are already growing well, but since you are at the peak of growth, eat a lot.
Ruel suppressed his envy and placed more popcorn on Aris still outstretched palm.
Ruel and I are the same age, but somehow you are like an older brother.
Were you the same age? Anyone can see that Aris is the older brother.
Noah, who was standing next to Aris, opened his mouth in surprise.
Noah.
Ruel called out to Noah in a low voice, making him tense up.
It was all because of his big mouth moving on its own again.
But Ruel didnt get angry, instead, he offered the bag of popcorn.
Do you want some? Youre already grown, but it seems like you still need to grow some more in height.
Yep, I will shut my mouth and eat quietly.
Noah quickly took the popcorn Ruel gave and put it in his mouth.
Oh, it tastes as good as it smells. Can I eat it once, or continuously?
Okay, eat it.
After sharing it with Aris and Noah, there was less than half left.
Leo stood on his hind legs and hurriedly put his face in the container.
This body will eat too!
Ruel chuckled at Leos urgent voice and tilted the container.
Crunch!
Ca No, Noah.
While trying to call Cassion, he called Noah, who was standing in his place.
Cassion was warming up for a defense mechanism test that would begin soon.
He cant distract Cassion.
Yes.
Noahs attitude was perfect, but his voice was slightly crooked.
Ruel decided to let it go since it wasnt to the point of being unbearable.
Tell Astell. Ruel paused before speaking, looking at the mouths that were eating. Himself, Leo, Aris, Noah.
Make enough for four people.
Understood. Ill be right back. Noah politely bowed and then swiftly ran off.
By the time Leos popcorn-eating sounds stopped, Tyson approached Ruel.
Ill make a barrier and defense shield here in case its dangerous.
Yes, make it strong.
The opponent was Cassion.
There was no shortage of careful preparation.
Now that I think about it, how strong is Cassion now?
The strongest character in the story was, of course, the main character, Ganien.
Wouldnt Tyson know the extent of Cassions level by now?
Uncle.
Tell me.
Uncle, do you know how strong Cassion is?
From afar, Cassion turned his head and looked at Ruel with his lips curved as if teasing Ruel for his ignorance.
Tyson pushed his hair back on his forehead.
Very strong. More than ever. I dont even understand why Cassion is your butler, to be honest.
Is that so?
Ruel responded with a bored reaction.
He knew Cassion was originally strong, but hearing that he had gotten stronger didnt sound realistic.
Mr. Tyson.
Tyson was startled by Cassions voice.
Because there was no sign or sound.
Tyson said, calming his shocked heart for a moment.
Whats going on?
Just in case, please protect Ruel with the strongest protection magic you know.
I was going to do that anyway.
Even after hearing Tysons answer, Cassions face was still stiff.
Cassion was shocked to see his weak owner sitting leisurely and eating a snack in front of such a dangerous experiment.
Ruel-nim, do you really need to see it? Cant you hear the results through a report?
Ive never seen a defense mechanism tested before. Coincidentally, the day I see it is the last day of the experiment, so what can I do?
Ruel shrugged his shoulders.
It seemed that his stubbornness would not be easily broken.
Cassion called Aris.
Aris.
Please speak.
Can you protect Ruel-nim?
Of course.
After confirming Aris strong will, Cassion turned around.
Even if something happens, it will be okay because he has his subordinates.
I am ready.
Cassion stood in front of a pre-marked spot on the floor.
Im ready as well.
Tyson spoke after creating a barrier and shield in front of Ruel.
A-Are you okay?
Aris asked Ruel carefully.
Even if it was made from afar, it was not as far away as the mansions barrier, so it could have had some effect on Ruel.
Its bearable.
After answering, Ruel inhaled Breath.
Ruel, when would you like to start?
Tyson asked.
Tyson and Cassion are ready, but Ruel is not ready yet.
Its delicious! This body can eat more!
Leo came out of the bucket, smiled brightly and wagged his tail.
Just bring me the popped corn and then start.
Do you think its okay if your hands are empty?
***
Lets begin.
Cassion wielded two daggers along with his words.
After wiping out an assassins guild yesterday, his senses were still fresh.
After confirming the barrier that Tyson and the magic knights had created together, and re-checking Ruels location, he infused them with aura.
A purple light aura surrounded the dagger.
The thicker the aura, the better the cut.
Thin but strong, thin but sharp.
So thin that the aura was covering the dagger.
Cassions eyes sparkled for a moment.
Kwaaang!
Ruel covered his ears from the sudden, tremendous roar.
He didnt even see Cassion swinging his dagger.
Push it away.
Aris hurriedly chanted a spell and swung his sword, pushing away the approaching wind as a result.
Ugh.
Aris quickly let out a moan.
It was heavy despite the wind that only happened in the aftermath.
However, when he reached the barrier without being able to push all the way, the wind disappeared in an instant.
Huh.
Ruel let out a laugh as he straightened his hair.
Even though it was only a single blow, the impact was so great.
Leos eyes widened.
Its stronger than I thought.
Cassion touched the shield-like translucent defense mechanism.
There wasnt even a scratch.
You can go a little harder.
Ruel couldnt even chew the popcorn he put in his mouth as he continued to speak.
Haha.
Tysons laughter could be heard as if he was the only one who was thrilled.
Lets start again.
Cassion raised the corners of his mouth.
He was excited to relax for the first time in a while.
He made the aura thinner, about 4 to 5 sheets of paper, and swung it towards the defense mechanism.
Kwaaang!
Once more.
And then he moved the opposite hand.
Kwaaang!
Ignoring the roaring sound in his ears, Cassion slowly increased his speed.
Like decapitating an enemy.
Faster.
Stronger.
Kwaaang!
As the sound rang out several times, Cassions eyes widened.
The path of the sword that he had previously seen in Cyronian unfolded before his eyes again.
This time it was closer enough that he could touch it if he just stretched out his hand.
His body became so light, as if it was not his own.
The dagger in both hands felt like his own body, and he could even hear the Aura whispering as if it was speaking.
It was clearly visible where he would swing and the defense mechanism would collapse.
Its here!
He drew a circular path as if he was stirring an egg.
Crack!
With the sound of the defense mechanism breaking, a light appeared in Cassions purple eyes.
He finally broke down the wall he had been facing for a long time.
The corners of Cassions mouth rose high.
huh.
Tyson took a deep breath.
Cassions state was no longer visible.
Finally, he broke through the long-faced wall.
For a moment, Tyson looked at Ruel urgently.
As the defense mechanism was broken, the aftermath was severe but Tyson only smiled happily.
Although Aris face turned pale, he completely blocked the shockwaves from reaching Ruel.
Cassion wasnt the only one who grew.
He noticed that the light in Aris eyes had become deeper than before.
Even if he couldnt overcome the wall, he gained enlightenment.
Crunch.
Ruel belatedly ate popcorn and raised his eyebrows.
Youve grown.
The mana flowing around Aris became thicker.
Are you okay?
Aris turned his head and looked at Ruel.
As soon as he saw the blood flowing from the corner of Aris mouth, Ruel made a serious expression.
I guess I should ask, are you okay? Isnt it because the mana flowed back?
Ah! Aris bleeds! He got it from Ruel!
When Leo said something absurd, Ruel gently pressed Leos head.
Im not a germ.
Take your hands off this body. This body cannot eat that delicious food!
Seeing Leo hurriedly moving towards the bucket of popcorn, Ruel took his hand away and looked at Aris again.
Im fine.
Aris spoke calmly.
How much blood has Ruel shed so far?
Aris was rather embarrassed when Ruel looked at himself anxiously.
Ruel looked around and mentioned the same thing again.
Hurry up and go to Fran and get treatment.
Its really okay. This is a temporary phenomenon, so I will go after this experiment is completely completed.
Aris.
Ruels voice was heavy.
Yes.
Go now. Anything that hurts needs to be treated quickly.
It wasnt something Ruel, who always held back, would say, but Aris answered with a hearty smile.
Alright. Ill be back.
As Aris left, Ruel called out to Noah as he saw Cassion and Tyson talking.
Noah.
Please speak.
Take care of the mess.
Noah looked around for a moment with a grudging face as he really didnt want to do.
Author's Thoughts
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