studiobondurri Chapter 167: I Repay The Favor
Chapter 167: I Repay The Favor
Chapter 167: I Repay The Favor
Great.
Heint nodded.
The last head of the Kell family was named J.L. Kell.
Is there any reason to impersonate the head of a ruined family?
At that time, that guy said he came as a high priest of Nevast.
Lucion intervened and said, Dont make me laugh.
Heint was momentarily upset, That guy cant be a high priest.
Why?
You know it too, right? With the light that guy has, even his position as a priest is in jeopardy.
Yes, but he told me hes here as a high priest. I know it doesnt make sense, but I asked, just in case.
After hearing Lucions words, Heint naturally looked at J.L.
Its true, J.L. confirmed.
Really? He genuinely claimed to be the high priest? Heint probed, seeking further confirmation.
Yes, it is true, no matter how many times I say it, J.L. responded earnestly.
That cant be.
Heints face darkened slightly.
It seemed inconceivable that an individual with such limited power of light, to the point where his position as a priest was at stake, would dare to disguise himself as a priest and infiltrate the imperial palace.
Unless Nevast intentionally tried to hide something.
What they were hiding was the most natural thing to do at this point.
Recalling Hamels words about the Kell family, who were cast out due to the kingdom of Neubra, Heint contemplated the implications of this fact.
What did it signify now?
Nevast is aiming for the empire!
He turned to Lucion, his gaze shaken to the core.
From Neubra to Nevast, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together.
Things get interesting, dont they?
Lucions mask turned yellow.
You, did you know?
Heint asked, almost shaking.
No, I didnt. But I suspected, earlier than you did, that the Holy Nation of Nevast had set its sights on the Empire, Lucion replied calmly.
Damn it, Heint muttered, biting his lip forcefully.
Isnt that crazy?
Holy nation.
Nevast, a holy nation that is supposed to remain neutral, breaks its neutrality and targets the empire while also looking after Neubra.
Heint swallowed dry saliva and then glared at Chelga.
Chelga quivered under Heints intense gaze, sensing the weight of his anger.
Dont let your anger cloud your judgment. There is another matter you, as the Lightbringer, need to confirm, isnt there?
As soon as Lucion finished speaking, Heint was startled.
This isnt over yet?
Yes, indeed. Why did J.L. endure such false accusations? Shouldnt we listen?
Heint was afraid.
He felt a sense of trepidation, fearing what he might uncovera truth that could be beyond belief.
[Thats right. Thats a normal reaction. Lucion, youre too nonchalant.]
Russell pointed his finger at Heint, who was shaking like a reed.
[Im sure Lord Lucion isnt insincere either, hes just not showing it.]
Bethel hit the nail on the head this time, Lucion chuckled inwardly.
I was framed for colluding with a warlock.
I was framed for colluding with a warlock, J.L. declared, recognizing the direction of the conversation. Seizing the opportunity that could work in his favor, he spoke without hesitation.
Heint tightly shut his eyes this time, dreading what would come next.
It was difficult to admit, in front of everyone, that he had been involved with a warlock.
There were two possible ways to address the situation.
Are there traces of black magic present? Did you capture a warlock and bring them here to be interrogated?
Its the latter.
Swish.
With J.L.s words, Heint drew his sword and sliced through the cloth Chelga was biting.
Now, if you dont speak properly, Im going to cut off your fingers one by one.
Heint spoke fiercely, emitting light from the hand that was not holding the sword.
Crazy!
Lucion staggered, hastily retreating backward.
Hume urgently helped Lucion up.
Are you okay?
Hume asked.
Isnt this too much?
Due to the light that came from nearby, Lucions whole body trembled slightly.
When J.L. was about to unleash his vengeance, Lucion tried to summon darkness, but he deliberately refrained from doing so, considering Heints presence.
[Are you okay?]
Bethel was worried.
[No! We know what kind of relationship they have, but we have to be careful about this!]
Russell got angry.
Belatedly, Heint was startled and put out the light.
He had momentarily forgotten that Hamel was present.
However, he couldnt offer an apology at that moment.
Chelga, realizing that he was the target of Heints light, was filled with fear.
Its unfair.
Though he uttered the words himself, he couldnt help but feel perplexed.
Is Hamel truly loyal to the Empire?
If not, he thought he wouldnt be able to muster the will to destroy both Neubra and Nevast.
Whatever the case, it seemed like he should at least praise Hamel in todays report.
But was my light weak?
Heint looked at his hands.
It felt like he had exerted his power strongly, almost apologetically.
Perhaps hes pretending it doesnt hurt.
Heint also turned around with Chelga on his back.
* * *
Cough!
As they neared J.L.s store, Lucion abruptly lifted his mask and coughed up blood.
Hume swiftly positioned himself next to Lucion, shielding his face.
Its been difficult to increase my light resistance these days because of Brother Heint, but Im glad I ate some Ratcho earlier just in case.
Despite the pain, Lucion felt satisfied.
Isnt it still possible to stand on two feet like this, thanks to the resistance to light?
!
J.L. was surprised.
A-Are you okay?
Its no big deal.
Lucion accepted the handkerchief from Hume and wiped his mouth before putting his mask back on.
[Dont worry. Because J.L. couldnt see Lord Lucions face.]
Bethel said, patting Lucion on the back.
It was always heart-wrenching to see him in such a state.
However, Russells expression differed from the rest. To him, it appeared as though Lucion was happy.
He must have had Ratcho for breakfast.
He asked Lucion why he was eating Ratcho, and he said he would get some light later.
I bet even Lucion didnt know Heint could use light in that way.
Russells heart ached at the sight of Lucion, who had become accustomed to pain.
How severe were the incidents he faced when he was kidnapped?
Are you sure youre okay?
J.L. turned his back first and asked again.
It was like a phenomenon caused by mana flowing backwards.
J.L. knew how great the pain was because he had experienced it himself.
Its nothing, Lucion let out a short breath.
Then, would you like to come inside? J.L. suggested cautiously.
Whether it was because of the incident with Chelga or not, his expression seemed slightly brighter.
Why? To show me the ledger? Lucion asked with a chuckle.
Yes. I will show it to you.
Did you eat something wrong? You were making quite a ruckus yesterday, Lucion teased.
Well, since youve done me a favor, its only natural, J.L. replied.
Yeah. Now the true merchant is revealing himself. Satisfying.
If he was a merchant, he should be as bold as brass.
Lucion liked his shameless appearance.
Thats not it
Lets go inside.
Lucion unintentionally cut off J.L.s words.
As they entered the store, Lucion noticed that it was no longer filled with smoke like before.
The same held true for J.L.s room.
Did you quit smoking? Lucion asked.
No. I couldnt quit.
J.L. touched the back of his head with a shy expression.
Yeah. Anyway, its easier to breathe. Lucion remarked, feeling satisfied as he took a seat on the sofa.
1 out of 5 stars.
For some reason, today the sensation of the sofa touching his buttocks felt uncomfortable, perhaps because he was just pissed off last time.
If theres anything you want to say, tell me.
Thank you so much for giving me this invaluable opportunity, J.L. bowed his head in gratitude.
I didnt step forward because of you, Lucion clarified.
I know.
So?
J.L. hesitated and said, handing the ledger he had already prepared to Lucion.
I want to work.
You want to work?
Yes. I want to work again as a merchant.
Not as the head of the Kell family?
Its not that I dont wish to restore my familys honor, J.L. explained.
I dont need a family head, I need a merchant. Besides, our organization already has a family head, Lucion stated.
Miella Chefran.
Lucion had received a message from her earlier, but he had yet to read it.
He hoped it contained good news.
J.L., seemingly having shed all hesitation, smiled genuinely for the first time without any awkwardness.
Please consider me as a merchant. Im willing to join the organization.