Chapter: 650
Three days have passed since fighting the net and engaging in a bloody battle with the white monster.
Though it was a short time, changes were brewing in the North Sea.
“Advance!”
Waaaaaaaah—!!!
The war was not over.
Although the wires had been ignited under the control of the net, they were still participating in the rebellion.
The remaining warriors continued to fight to seize the palace.
In the end, it didn’t take long to reclaim the palace.
‘After all, not all of the power was concentrated in the palace.’
The general who joined the rebellion was stationed under the Blue Wolf, who had a home in a remote area.
Hearing this made me wonder why no power had been allocated to the palace, which surely had symbolic significance.
What can I say…
‘It looks like a formation made with the expectation of defeat.’
Maybe they never intended to win from the very beginning.
So then, what was the war for?
I couldn’t figure it out.
‘If it were me…’
First, I would have boosted morale by showing the captured relatives to the troops.
Knowing that the enemy leader was weakened and knowing where he was hiding, I would have smashed him without hesitation.
But Yooseon didn’t do anything.
Even with that level of strength and power, they didn’t achieve anything remarkable.
Why was that?
‘I can’t hear you since you’re already dead.’
With a small force, we managed to reclaim the palace.
I was bored while sending the Black Lion, so I decided to tag along, and it surprisingly turned out to be quite simple.
There, I saw it.
The corpse of Yooseon.
I burned it as soon as I laid eyes on it.
The Black Lion, seeing this, asked how I could burn it.
[I don’t even want to look at it.]
I had to dismiss his concern lightly.
An expression that looked comfortable on a twisted body.
It was a shabby end for a woman with dark complexion, and not the glorious finale one would expect for someone who had fought me.
So, I burned her.
Rather than showing that sight to her father, I thought it would be better to say I burned it because I didn’t want to see that wretched image.
I walked down a hallway that looked cracked and worn.
There was no one to guide me. If there was, it was only Seongyul walking ahead.
“Hey.”
“Yes.”
“What happened to the other blood relatives?”
In the basement of the palace.
That is, besides the cell where the Ice Palace was located, other bloodlines of the Ice Palace were locked in the prison reserved for criminals.
What I found were the First Prince and the Second Prince.
The First Prince was fine except for some dehydration, but the Second Prince had his right leg amputated.
Seongyul answered my inquiry without turning his head.
“The First Prince is resting, and the Second Prince hasn’t woken up yet.”
“Well, that means they’re alive.”
Why keep them alive?
This was the biggest question.
Blood relatives. And they’re males.
If they are left alive, they will undoubtedly become obstacles once she becomes the princess.
‘Did some kindness linger?’
I doubt it.
I really don’t know.
‘The First Prince is kept alive comfortably while the Second Prince is left with a severed leg.’
How should I put this?
‘I feel like there’s a specific reason it was only done to the Second Prince.’
I heard from Yuri before that the Second Prince was more talented than the First, but couldn’t accept that the First would become the princess.
‘Could it be because of that?’
Cut off the legs to ensure he couldn’t even look down on her.
I suddenly pondered this thought.
‘Why the bother?’
As for how Yooseon ended up like that, it was an enigma.
“You know.”
I asked Seongyul another question while he was ahead.
“Yes.”
“Is there such a thing as a villain with a reason?”
He stopped.
Seongyul paused for a moment after hearing the question.
He then looked at me and answered.
“I believe there must be. No one exists without a story.”
Everyone has a story and a narrative. While some people are inherently bad, others might have been pushed into it by circumstances.
Then…
“Does having a story give them a reason to be forgiven?”
“…”
After hearing the question, Seongyul continued without changing his expression.
“What do you think, Confucius?”
“Well…”
I replied, seemingly unsure, but I already knew the answer.
‘Not interested.’
I had zero interest in their stories or circumstances. Moreover, I didn’t care if they were good or bad.
It’s merely a matter of whether they obstruct my path or not.
‘If they’re a decent fellow, they might want to live.’
It depends, I suppose. It might come across as selfish and indecisive, yet I would definitely stick to that.
“…”
Upon hearing my response, Seongyul observed me quietly for a moment and then nodded in affirmation.
“Yes, me too.”
“Hey kid, are you just gonna echo me since you have nothing to say?”
“…”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at Seongyul’s attitude.
Then I strolled down the hallway again.
This chit-chat isn’t just about wires.
Just like the Black Flame Demon from my previous life, and the Sword Demon from my last life.
A villain is still a villain.
Even if there’s a story, those who died by my hand to not need to accept it.
It would be the same when facing Yooseon.
No matter what thoughts she had, what choices she made, and how she lived.
I draw the line at that.
That was that.
Squeak!
As I approached the great door, guided by Seongyul, it opened effortlessly.
A cold breeze, distinct from the outside, swept past my body.
I raised my gaze, sensing the chill.
‘It seems I’ve drained all my strength. Guess there’s still some energy left over.’
In front of me, on the throne where Yooseon used to sit, another sat.
“I’m sorry to call you here.”
“You must not be feeling well. Should you really be sitting there already?”
He was the Lord of the Ice Palace, the master of the Ice Palace, and a half-dragon.
He spoke to me with a sly grin.
“I can’t just leave this place empty for too long.”
“Hmm.”
The princess hasn’t finished her treatment yet.
Having been beaten without rest, her internal and external injuries were serious.
It’s a wonder she’s still alive.
‘At least she looks alright.’
Immediately after absorbing the chill, the princess fortunately managed to survive her treatment.
Even…
‘The cold resistance has been lifted.’
After absorbing all the chilling energy, her scaly skin returned, and her body, once frozen, was back to normal.
And…
‘The cold in the North Sea is dissipating, and the temperature is gradually rising.’
Perhaps due to absorbing all the Ice Lord’s energy, the North Sea was enveloped in a blue sky.
Though the cold was still present, everyone sensed that the weather had somehow shifted.
Has the ice curse disappeared?
That’s what I thought.
‘Whatever it is, it means it’s not the same as the Dark King’s curse.’
Ttukbuk.
I walked slowly toward the princess.
I could feel several gazes upon me. Several men, including the Black Lion, were stationed around.
‘All of them are martial artists at the Hwagyeong level.’
These two did not fall short compared to the Black Lion.
‘Are they generals?’
I nodded. This meant the key personnel from the leader’s direct unit were all martial artists, unlikely to be disloyal.
Probably all those who didn’t betray.
“Originally… I should have gone to find Confucius myself. I apologize for summoning you when you’re still not well.”
“It doesn’t matter much. My legs aren’t that heavy anyway.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
The Ice Palace Lord smiled faintly at my words. Looking at her, I asked,
“May I ask why you summoned me?”
For three days, I hadn’t face-to-face with the princess.
Her treatment was urgent, and I had been quite busy.
“The reason I called you, of course, is to express my gratitude.”
Swish.
The princess rose from her throne, then immediately knelt on the floor.
“Your Majesty—!?”
“How…!”
Her guards and generals attempted to intercede, but she raised her hand to stop them.
“How could I not kneel before my benefactor? I am capable of even greater feats, so please don’t hold me back.”
Ultimately, the princess knelt, and I merely watched her.
“Thank you.”
“… I just had some time to spare, so I helped. What’s with the gratitude?”
“Thank you for saving the North Sea.”
“…”
At her words, I remained silent internally clicking my tongue.
I wanted to express appreciation for assisting in the operation to reclaim the Ice Palace, but unfortunately, the princess seemed to be aware of that.
‘Does she know I consumed the entirety of the Ice Lord’s energy?’
I had tried to play it cool, but it seemed she was aware.
“…You won’t hold me accountable for my fault, right?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“That energy… it’d be tricky to claim I absorbed it all.”
Having absorbed all that energy from the Ice Palace, it became somewhat embarrassing to assert ownership of it.
Of course, I had also planned to pretend not to notice and then pass it off if discovered.
However.
“…?”
The princess’s expression shifted strangely upon hearing this.
“Why would I dare challenge my benefactor on such matters?”
“Huh? You’re not concerned? Why?”
“…?”
“…?”
A peculiar silence enveloped us.
I would have certainly questioned her about it. I’d probably grab her by the hair and create a fuss, demanding to know why she consumed my essence. But she didn’t question me.
‘Anyway, it’s a relief if there’s no inquiry.’
I sighed in relief, feeling fortunate that everything was alright. The princess, after that expression of gratitude, cautiously rose and sat back down.
As she settled, I observed her hand trembling slightly.
“With gratitude… I have something to ask of Confucius.”
“Please go ahead.”
“I heard from the Black Lion that Confucius’ father came through recently. Is that true?”
“…Ah.”
Ah, that guy.
He came and did his fiery, chaotic dance with the princess and then off he went.
“Yes… he was here briefly and left quickly.”
“…Is that so… That was him.”
Speaking of my father appeared to bring a bittersweet smile to the princess’s face.
“If we meet again, I didn’t want it to happen like that. It’s a tad disappointing. By the way, did he have any words for me?”
“You probably didn’t even realize you were addressing her Majesty in the first place.”
There was a monster nearby, and he likely just bolted without a clue. I doubt he even recognized her.
“I see.”
After hearing that, the princess nodded.
“I’m not sure if I should call this fortunate.”
“I said it could be desirable.”
“…Ha.”
Her expression was far from being comforting.
What on earth did my father do in his youth to make the princess react like this?
‘Considering she treats me like a friend, it seems he didn’t just up and beat her.’
You wouldn’t treat a person who thrashed you as a friendly acquaintance, would you?
As I pondered this, I recalled people I considered friends.
‘Hmm.’
Perhaps not.
Surprisingly, there are some who enjoy being bullied.
“Old Confucius.”
“Yes.”
“If you wish, my benefactor, I can throw a banquet. If desired, I can offer you all the gold and silver treasures I possess.”
I found myself wearing a dumbfounded expression at the princess’s words.
“We’re still in the midst of a war; why on earth would you throw a banquet or offer up treasures?”
“If it is your desire, I shall give it to you.”
“No need.”
I waved my arms in protest.
I neither enjoy banquets nor require gold or treasures.
I might have needed them back in the day, but now I have more than enough.
‘With that night’s earnings, on top of what I sold, I’m good for a spell.’
Beyond that, I could easily earn money through various means.
“If otherwise, may I inquire about your future plans?”
“There’s nothing scheduled. I’ll be heading back soon.”
To be precise, once Namgung Bi-ah’s treatment was completed, I’d return to the Central Plains right away.
Upon hearing that, the Black Lion behind me looked astonished.
“…Are you speaking of now?”
I responded to his confusion with a puzzled expression.
“Is there a reason not to depart now?”
“…No.”
“Unless it’s about the war, I have no intentions of being involved any longer.”
“…”
I understand the reason behind his words.
He undoubtedly wants to keep me around a while longer. The North Sea is still embroiled in conflict, and finding someone of my caliber is rare.
But.
“I trust you won’t be making such requests.”
I said this as I looked at the princess sternly, and upon hearing this, she nodded in return.
“Of course. I realize it’s unreasonable to expect anything further from you.”
It’s fitting to let them sort out their residual issues themselves.
After hearing the princess’s response, I returned my expression to normal.
At that moment.
“One more thing, Prince.”
The princess spoke to me.
“Yes?”
“Regardless of how much you claim to desire nothing, I cannot allow my benefactor to leave empty-handed. You truly have no wishes?”
“Hmm.”
A reward.
‘It’s not like I suffered any loss here, you know.’
On the contrary, I gained a ton. I suddenly reached levels that had previously taken me two or three years of work.
Given all the information I’ve amassed, I don’t particularly yearn for any form of compensation…
‘Ah.’
Just then, a thought struck me as if waiting for the right moment.
“I do have something I need. As luck would have it, I can get it.”
“Oh?”
Just as the princess’s face lit up at my words.
“I seek information regarding the ‘witchcraft’ present in the North Sea. And that person rotting in prison? Hand him over.”
“…!”
With that, the princess’s expression instantly turned stern at my words.
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