Chapter: 730
So, the astonishing news came that the vacationing head of the family was joining the expedition to hunt down the Dark King.
If you’ve got even a scrap of conscience left, this isn’t a piece of news you can share openly, let alone keep quiet about a military deployment. Telling the truth would get you scolded, but being caught hiding it would earn you a heap of resentment, and that’s on a whole different level.
“Dark King, huh? Hunting him down?”
“Yeah…”
Still, it’s definitely better than getting caught while hiding the truth, but speaking plainly isn’t the easy route either.
“W-why is Kal… there?”
Mar, who was stammering, finally clamped his mouth shut.
He knows in his head that if the Dark King, that embodiment of evil, has awoken, we need to mobilize all forces to eliminate him. Being the living blessed one and the continent’s number one swordsman, I can’t possibly skip out on the hunt for the Dark King.
And considering how the Dark King once overturned the continent, it’s clear we need to handle this sooner rather than later… for the sake of the kids.
“…The Emperor and the sect must already know Kal is participating, right?”
At that, Mar silently nodded.
The request came from the sect first, and I accepted it in front of the Emperor. Regrettably, my participation is a done deal, to the point where backing out is no longer an option.
“So, if I refuse, it tarnishes Kal’s honor and mocks the Emperor. It would be because of my selfishness that the continent falls into danger.”
His voice was filled with bitterness and sorrow, nearly bringing tears to my eyes. No matter what else that bastard the Dark King may have done, he’s definitively killed the peace and happiness of my family.
“Kal didn’t volunteer out of personal ambition, nor did the Empire step in for its own interests. The sect is ringing the bell five times for the sake of the continent… So, stepping back isn’t an option for me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t say that. What has Kal done wrong?”
Seeing Mar’s eyes welling up with tears made me quietly pull him into a hug.
Suddenly, my chest began to dampen. It was only after hiding Mar’s face that he could finally let his emotions spill out.
Even in this situation, it’s characteristically Mar not to make a sound while sobbing.
“If you go, then I will—”
“No way.”
I immediately shook my head at Trixie’s words.
It wouldn’t do for Trixie to join simply because I’m going to the frontlines. Just like the women worry about me, I also want to protect them from harm.
“We can’t tell when the Dark King will strike. We need a force here to defend the capital.”
However, saying ‘You shouldn’t go because it’s dangerous’ to someone heading towards the Dark King’s lair isn’t exactly a compelling argument. Therefore, I reframed my refusal using a strategic rationale instead of personal feelings.
Besides, Trixie staying behind to defend the capital isn’t a flimsy excuse; it’s part of the defensive strategy the Empire has maintained for decades. Even when Kagan was causing chaos in the North, Trixie never left the capital. Why would the Dark King be any different?
“So trust me and wait. Believe me when I say, I’m the continent’s number one swordsman. Am I going to be taken down by a loser who died 800 years ago? I heard they sent some elite knights and priests from the Dawn Sect as well.”
“Even if I don’t think you’ll lose…”
As Trixie said this, she looked at me with a complex expression.
She’s worried about letting me go alone, yet dragging her along would jeopardize the capital’s defense. If the Dark King exploits a gap while I’m away, that would be a disaster.
Though it’s debatable whether the freshly resurrected Dark King has the capability for such maneuvers, who would’ve imagined that a guy who had died 800 years ago would suddenly show up? Right now, making assumptions about the worst-case scenario is the way to go.
“Before you leave, make sure to get those strengthening spells.”
“Of course, I should.”
I couldn’t help but smile slightly at Trixie’s concession.
With that, I’ve gained the agreement of my first wife, Mar, as well as the eldest, Trixie. The other wives would likely understand my military involvement in light of this prevailing sentiment.
It’s a bit embarrassing to feel like I’m manipulating opinion among my wives, but given that it’s 1 versus 6, I had little choice. Handling all six of them as a solo act would be overwhelming.
“Will you come back safely… right?”
“Absolutely. It’s finally time for our trip with Rizie, so if I get hurt even a little, I’d feel terrible.”
Indeed, Rizie, like my other wives, wished for my safety and victory without trying to prevent my participation in the expedition. Rather than clinging to me in tears over something that is unavoidable, they opted to part with smiles while wishing me well.
I’m constantly grateful for such kind and wise wives who are more than I deserve.
“Master.”
“Hmm?”
As I headed to the mansion’s storage to select a sword to slay the Dark King, I came across Jangsaengi, who was waddling through the corridor.
“What’s going on? The atmosphere seems weird.”
Then he looked up at me and opened his mouth slightly.
I couldn’t help but smirk. Usually, he’s the type to sulk over everything, but since returning from the vacation in the Tailglehen County, he’s become surprisingly gentle. It seems that whether they’re people or animals, fatigue can really mess up one’s temperament. After a break, he’s softened considerably.
“A weird guy popped up, so I have to go hunt him down.”
“Weird guy?”
“The Dark King. He came out after you were sealed, so you wouldn’t know.”
At that, Jangsaengi’s expression quickly twisted.
It was an expression like one from those times when he used to be perpetually dissatisfied. What a flip from my earlier thoughts of complimenting how calm he’s been.
“Someone actually dared to seek death?”
‘Ah.’
But as soon as I caught onto Jangsaengi’s boiling point, it all made sense.
This guy. Now called Jangsaengi, once was Death itself. I’d forgotten since I was so accustomed to the name Jangsaengi.
“No matter that I was silent, to think someone would do something so brazen in front of me! How infuriating and utterly foolish!”
Jangsaengi was all worked up, yet he didn’t seem very intimidating. At his Yorkie-sized stature, his rampaging looks were only adorable.
Seeing it this way, I can understand why my kids are all crazy about Jangsaengi. His desperate cries for release were probably just cute to them.
“Want to go with me then?”
At those words, Jangsaengi froze in place, his body shaking.
“…I’m Jangsaengi now, not Death. There’s no need to meet the Death of this new era.”
It was an embarrassing attempt at a spin, but I chose to let it slide.
After all, suggesting that a former evil god without divinity should go fight the continent’s greatest evil would be a bit too much.
The knights and priests of the Dawn Sect gathered in the southeastern region of the Empire—the Ivelaten Marquisate.
These were forces spread across the continent, and they arrived with such insane speed using teleportation magic that it felt reminiscent of the Crusaders drawing close to Jerusalem.
“That’s quite a force. They could wipe out a small nation in no time.”
The owner of the marquisate, Ivelaten, looked at the sect’s forces with a bitter expression.
It’s a natural reaction. Waking up to find the Dark King, a massive hub of radiation, suddenly appearing in your territory isn’t exactly a pleasant shock, and now a force capable of destroying a country is gathering right there. Even if it’s to hunt down the Dark King, there’s no way Ivelaten wouldn’t feel uneasy about it.
“You could say they’re moving in a substantial scale, not to mention their discipline seems impeccable, probably because they’re following the divine teachings.”
So, I made an effort to comfort Marquis Ivelaten. While their numbers and destructive power are no joke, they’re part of the sect and shouldn’t cause trouble within his lands.
“Indeed, that’s correct. What you say is true, Minister.”
Fortunately, Ivelaten’s expression brightened a little at my reassurance.
Though just a little. His expression won’t truly brighten until the Dark King is dealt with and the sect’s forces head back to where they belong.
“Your Excellency Marquis, Your Excellency Minister.”
While I was there with the marquis, a strangely familiar voice came from behind.
“Oh, long time no see.”
As I turned to see who was approaching, I quickly shook hands.
It was a member of the knight order stationed in the Ausen Archdiocese, who had once been the Supreme Commander of the Empire’s Guard Legion.
Having had his life twisted by the assassination incident involving the Twilight Sect’s cardinal, he chose the path as a knight but managed to capture the head of the Twilight Sect, thus avenging his lost rank.
‘It’s the Captain!’
Noticing the former commander’s insignia shining even brighter than before made me suspect he had received a promotion for capturing the sect leader.
“Indeed, long time no see.”
Anyway, the knight commander clasping my hand then respectfully nodded at the Marquis.
“Thanks to Your Excellency Marquis’ cooperation, all members of the expedition have gathered safely at Ivelaten. I express my gratitude on behalf of His Holiness the Pope.”
“To eliminate this continent’s affliction, how could I hold back my cooperation? It is an honor as well to join in the noble purpose of the sect, so please feel free to ask if there’s anything you need.”
“Yes, Your Excellency. I appreciate the consideration.”
Seeing the Marquis’ expression change from a trance-like gaze upon the expedition to one that was soft and warm, it was quite something. The commander lowered his head and backed away just at that moment.
I couldn’t help but be impressed. To properly carry out facetime like that is quite the skill needed for a noble. Such is the essence of the upper-class nobles.
…Minister.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“I cannot convey how relieved I am that a Minister of the Empire has come.”
While the Marquis spoke, his eyes lingered on the knight commander’s figure.
In that moment, I almost blurted out, “Hey, that commander was once a commander of the Empire too, you know?” but I held it back. For the Marquis, the past nationality of the knight commander held no significance whatsoever.
“I’ll do my utmost to ensure the Dark King is dealt with swiftly.”
“Just hearing that brings me joy. But don’t overexert yourself. If something happens to the Minister here, there are plenty who would grieve.”
I awkwardly nodded at the Marquis’ concern.
I hadn’t expected to receive his worry after my wives.
In an area where the top brass of the expedition was gathered, I spotted another surprisingly familiar face.
“Long time no see, Brother.”
And Tanian was also joining the expedition.
Well, it makes sense. Not using the next champion of the sect, one of the sect’s highest powers, for a Dark King hunt would be a waste. If we’re declaring total war, it’s only right to utilize every potential available.
“Yes, it’s been a while. I hope you’ve been well?”
“Fortunately, under the Lord’s grace, I’ve been able to spend my days peacefully.”
Until the Dark King popped up again, that is.
Tanian’s eyes, however, were more tranquil than usual.
Seems like I’m going to be witnessing some insanity from the Divine Arts again, just like when we faced the Twilight Sect.
“By the way, Brother.”
“Speak away.”
“Just so you know, I’m getting married at the end of the year.”
?
“Once the Dark King hunt is over, we’ll jump right into wedding preparations—”
Without realizing, I covered Tanian’s mouth with my hand.
Who does this guy think he is bringing up such a flag right now?
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