"Asana?"
Yuri's eyes widened.
When he opened the inn room door, Asana was collapsed on the floor, completely exhausted.
"Are you alright?"
Blood was flowing from various parts of her body. On closer look, the wounds weren't deep.
As Yuri let out a sigh of relief, Asana gave a faint smile.
"I'm just tired, that's all."
"How did you get those wounds?"
"Well…"
Asana explained what had happened in Genard's room.
"I only managed to bring the documents."
"Well done. You worked hard."
A few documents fell out of the black bag she had been carrying. They contained details about Genard's corruption.
"This bastard, he really dipped his hands into all sorts of things."
To Yuri, Genard wasn't the main problem. What mattered more was figuring out who the co-conspirator behind the crystal orb was, and identifying the black energy that had pursued Asana.
Yuri wiped the blood running down her leg with a handkerchief.
"Get some rest here."
"Yes."
"I've already paid for everything, so eat whatever you want. Use as much hot water as you like."
"Thank you."
"You've worked hard. I'll give you a bonus. Take your siblings out for something nice later."
"Yes."
Asana gave a small smile.
Yuri gently stroked her cheek, then gathered the documents and left the inn. Just before closing the door, he glanced back—Asana had already fallen asleep.
"She should've washed up before bed…"
Muttering like a parent, Yuri quietly shut the door.
He went down to the first floor, gave the innkeeper a brief explanation about the new guest, then stepped outside.
Laurent and Jared were waiting.
"Are you alright, sir?"
Seeing blood on Yuri's hand, Laurent asked in surprise.
"I'm fine. My informant overdid it a bit and got hurt."
"Is the informant safe?"
"Of course. She's way more skilled in this field than we are."
"That's a relief."
They had occasionally heard of Yuri's mysterious informant. They had always been impressed by the abilities of this unknown source.
"She brought back a lot of material. The Allied Army Veterans' Association matter should be resolved soon."
"Yes."
"That's good to hear."
Though it started with the Veterans' Association, much bigger issues were entangled.
Still, the immediate problems seemed on the verge of being handled. The gains made through Asana were considerable.
Yuri mounted his horse and headed straight for Genard's castle.
The guards welcomed them as if they had been waiting. Passing through the ornate entrance and climbing the spiral staircase, a shining chandelier greeted them.
Genard was already waiting, neatly dressed.
Tableware was set on the table, just enough for the number of people present.
"I didn't bring Ace."
Yuri smirked.
"He's not exactly someone you'd want to share a meal with, is he?"
Despite Yuri's teasing joke, Genard didn't react. His expression looked very weary. He seemed eager to get this over with.
Genard gestured toward Yuri.
"Please, have a seat."
Following his lead, Yuri sat at the head of the table. Genard sat on the left, and Laurent and Jared sat on the right.
Soon, the food was served.
Appetizers came out in succession, and they were excellent. Yuri began to understand why Genard had grown so large.
"The chef's impressive."
"Yes, quite an expensive one."
"Where's he from?"
Yuri didn't want to prolong the conversation unnecessarily. His philosophy was to just say what needed to be said.
"Did you bring him from the Empire?"
"Pardon?"
Genard's eyes shook at the sudden mention.
"Never mind then."
"Why bring up the Empire so suddenly…"
"Well, Genard, you seem to like the Empire."
"Me?"
"Don't you?"
"I'm the Duke of Briol. Naturally, I favor Briol."
"Who said anything about favorites? I like the Empire too. They make good stuff. Feeling guilty about something?"
"That's not it…"
"These dishes are from the Empire too."
Yuri smiled faintly.
"Have you been forming a secret relationship with them?"
By now, even Genard seemed to catch on. His expression stiffened.
"That…"
Yuri's words hinted that the destruction of Genard's crystal orb had been intentional. He was suggesting they stop beating around the bush and talk openly.
"Step away from the Allied Army Veterans' Association. Don't try anything funny. Got it? Then I won't press further."
"Understood."
"Now, talk about the Empire."
Genard looked at Laurent and Jared. It seemed he was reluctant to speak in front of them.
But Yuri didn't care and urged him to speak.
"Just say it."
"Your Highness."
Genard closed his eyes, then opened them.
"I have made acquaintances with a few Imperial officials, but nothing more than that."
He gave a quiet smile.
"As the Duke of Briol, I apologize for having any relationship with them."
"Genard."
Yuri pulled out the documents. All of them were damning evidence against Genard.
"Be honest. Then I'll make all of this disappear."
Genard's eyes trembled. If this all came to light, Fiore could personally drag him into the deepest dungeon and no one would object.
But Genard closed his eyes tightly and spoke.
"That's really all there is."
"Then I'll send all of this."
"If I must pay for my crimes, so be it. That's all I can say."
"Are you saying this because you're afraid of the Empire?"
"I have nothing more to say."
Yuri pressed him further, but Genard refused to elaborate. He just repeated himself.
Yuri realized Genard was more resolute than expected.
"Is that so?"
When Yuri looked at him, Genard's lips trembled. Then, he lowered his head and began eating.
To be able to eat in this situation—Yuri found his appetite impressive.
Yuri didn't press further and began eating as well. Laurent and Jared were never ones to speak much, so the meal continued in silence.
"Quite splendid."
Yuri called over a servant.
"Tell the chef it was a magnificent meal."
"Yes, understood. He'll be delighted to hear it."
"Count Euzeth certainly knows good food."
After wiping his mouth with a napkin, Yuri looked at Genard again.
"Well then, Genard."
"Yes."
"Thank you for the meal."
"It was an honor for me as well."
"You probably won't get to enjoy meals like this for a while, so eat plenty now."
Genard said nothing.
His face was clouded with confusion. Finally, he opened his mouth.
"Yes."
If Yuri passed on the records of Genard's various crimes to the royal palace, he would be taken away immediately. Fiore might even personally throw him into the depths of the dungeon.
But Genard just nodded, as if he had no choice left.
"Do as you must."
"Oh…"
Yuri let out a quiet exclamation. It wasn't because he was impressed by Genard's courage, but because his expression was so striking.
Genard's face seemed to say:
'You know my sins, and I know that you know, but if I speak of the one behind this, it'll only bring bigger trouble, so please understand that I must pretend not to know—for formality's sake, if nothing else.'
Yuri gave a nod. Then, as if comforting him, he patted his shoulder.
"Eat plenty."
"Yes."
Genard raised his hand and ordered more food.
Though it was considered rude to order more dishes after royalty had finished eating, Genard seemed to believe this was truly his last chance. Ignoring such etiquette, he buried his face in the food once again.
Yuri spoke.
"You won't be eating this well for a while."
"Khf…"
"I'm going to the Empire."
"Pardon…?"
Genard paused mid-bite and raised his head. He didn't look good.
Yuri looked away from his face and continued.
"Which means, we won't be enjoying glorious meals together like this for a while."
"By that, you mean…"
"From now on, you'll be eating these splendid meals alone. I'm jealous, Genard."
His eyes widened.
Yuri grinned and stood up from his seat.
"I'll be watching, so don't do anything stupid. Just act like you're dead. Got it?"
Genard shot up from his seat.
"Yes."
"Finish your meal."
"Yes."
Yuri led Laurent and Jared out of Genard's castle.
Genard came all the way to the entrance to see them off. Yuri waved him back.
"Go back."
"Your Highness."
"You're not even full yet. Go."
As Genard kept following, Yuri lightly tapped his belly with the palm of his hand. Genard bowed his head.
Once they were outside the castle, Laurent asked,
"Why did you let him go?"
"Genard's already in our hands. No need to eliminate him."
Jared chimed in.
"And isn't it like this? He's been caught red-handed, yet not punished. That'll make whoever's backing Genard start doubting him instead."
"That's good too. And if they reconnect later, even better. It gives us more chances to catch the one behind this."
"Still doesn't sit right with me."
Laurent glanced back.
"A corrupt noble like him should be punished."
"I'd like that too, but it's not that simple. Who would govern Euzeth then?"
"Ah…"
"Even if we plan to bring Genard down someday, now's not the right time."
With the uncertainty of what might happen in the Empire, Yuri didn't want to plunge Briol into chaos.
For now, it was better that Genard remained. Though corrupt, he wasn't incompetent.
As proof, Euzeth was running quite smoothly.
When they stepped into the streets, the city was bustling with life.
Perhaps thanks to the trial earlier that day, people recognized Yuri. Citizens bowed their heads as he passed.
"And…"
Yuri smiled.
"Genard might've steeled his resolve for a moment, but now that I've let up, he's probably back in a euphoric daze. When you think something's yours and then nearly lose it, fear grows stronger."
"You plan to loosen his guard and then press harder?"
"It's more effective than pushing him right away."
Yuri was thinking about the mysterious figure behind Genard.
For Genard to react like that, this person wasn't ordinary. They could even be watching at this very moment.
Yuri instinctively looked around before saying,
"Well then, our work here is done. Let's leave the rest to those staying behind and focus on heading to the Empire."
"Yes."
"Yes."
***
Yuri entrusted Raymond with the business regarding the Allied Army Veterans' Association. The rest of the former Allied Army members would continue their own work while participating in the association's activities.
Just before leaving Euzeth, a group of dark-clad men approached.
At first, he didn't recognize them.
"Huh?"
But their eyes looked familiar.
"Beard?"
It was the group of former Allied Army bandits Yuri had met in the forest before coming to Euzeth. Clean-shaven and wearing plain clothes, they looked like ordinary citizens now.
"My name is Romer."
Unlike before, when they were rude, Romer now handed Yuri something like a well-mannered knight.
It was a resume. And there was a lot written on it—pages filled with even the smallest details.
"Why'd you leave out the part where you were a bandit?"
"Uhm…"
Romer bowed his head to Yuri.
"I heard all about what happened in Euzeth. I apologize for my past mistakes. I didn't believe someone like Your Highness could exist."
"What kind of person am I?"
"A true royal who dares to scold a duke for the sake of his comrades."
"That's right. That's me."
Yuri turned around. Raymond, now leading the Allied Army Veterans' Association, was tilting his head in curiosity.
Yuri handed him the resume.
"Raymond."
"Yes."
"A job applicant who wants to join the Veterans' Association. Work with him."
"He looks familiar somehow."
"Huh?"
Now that he thought about it, Raymond had been part of the Allied Army before.
Raymond approached and stood face-to-face with Romer. They pointed at each other.
"It's been a while, Raymond."
"No way, you're…"
"That's right. Things went sideways, but I'm still Romer."
Suddenly, the two embraced.
"What the?"
"Maybe they owe each other their lives."
"Fate really is strange."
Smiling as he watched them, Yuri suddenly looked up.
On the rooftop railing of the building across the street, a large bird was perched. It was unusually big. But the strong sunlight cast against it made it hard to see clearly.
The bird soared into the sky.
Even as it flew far off and disappeared, Yuri couldn't tell what species it was.
But under the sunlight, its form in flight was beautiful.
[T/L: Read more chapters on Ko-fi page "RevengerScans" : https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]