Hiel and Radon were kneeling in front of Delight as if they were being punished.
“The counterfeit magic stone is already completed….”
Delight’s eyes narrowed as he muttered meaningfully.
“So, the wolf tribe has been continuously using the counterfeit magic stones?”
He asked calmly.
“They modified it to enhance strength and speed, aligning with our needs….”
Even though they were kneeling, Radon wanted to hold onto the last bit of pride, but under Delight’s piercing gaze, he bowed his head.
“How did you come up with that idea? Was it Ilnord who approached you first?”
“No matter how strong we were, as our numbers gradually decreased, we eventually had to wander after losing our land. That’s when they approached us with a proposal.”
“What kind of proposal?”
“They offered to help us live stably if we cooperated with their experiments. They said it would be a simple experiment and wouldn’t be too burdensome.”
“Ilnord isn’t known for being generous for no reason. You fell for that?”
How foolish.
Delight made no attempt to hide his disdain.
“We were deceived! The experiment seemed simple. Who would have thought they would test the berserk power of a counterfeit magic stone on us….”
“What?”
“Testing berserk power?”
Delight couldn’t help but take this story seriously.
“If you use a counterfeit magic stone for too long, there’s a side effect of berserk power. Because of this, quite a few people experimented on started showing berserk symptoms.”
“……….”
The uncontrollable outburst of mana as a side effect from the experiments.
It was a problem Delight had experienced himself.
Radon continued sharing what he knew.
“So, to understand the frequency and intensity of the berserk power, they used us, who possess strong physical abilities, as test subjects. They’re trying to find a way to eliminate these side effects.”
“When did you realize this?”
“We only discovered the nature of the experiment after one of us triggered a berserk. By then, we were already in a situation where we had no choice.”
To obtain the stabilizer created through these experiments, they had to follow Ilnord’s orders.
That’s how they ended up guarding the underground auction house.
“Was it in the underground auction house where they made it?”
“The underground auction house was where they tested the performance of completed counterfeit magic stones.”
So that’s the case.
Delight, as if he had anticipated this, asked further questions.
“So, there’s a separate place where they’re making it. Do you know where that is?”
“I don’t know that much. However….”
“However?”
“I heard that creating counterfeit magic stones requires an environment similar to a magic stone mine.”
“A similar environment.”
This suggested the lab might be located in places known for magic stone mines.
If it’s a place famous for its magic stone mines…
Delight frowned slightly.
The first place that came to mind was the Kingdom of Soren.
“Hiel was asking you something earlier. What was that about?”
“…Oh, that.”
Radon hesitated and didn’t answer immediately.
“It was just something I asked personally. It’s not important.”
Hiel tried to brush it off.
“No way.”
Delight scoffed.
“Tsk. I was just… huhh.”
With no other choice, Hiel spoke up first.
“Radon, just be honest. I heard there’s a secret organization helping people escape from the underground auction house. You know something about that, don’t you?”
“I do know that such an organization exists, but as they work in secrecy, I don’t know the details.”
Although Hiel asked, Radon directed his answer to Delight.
“Since both your group and that organization are connected to the underground auction house, it seems likely you’ve crossed paths.”
“In fact, I know one person. They were involved in those activities after being captured in the underground auction house.”
“Then we can find them and question them. Naturally, any information you learn must also be reported to me.”
“When did you realize this?”
Hiel, who had been pouting the whole time, couldn’t hold back and asked,
“You didn’t just come to the imperial palace to play pet for the princess, did you?”
Delight replied, as if it were the most obvious thing.
“It would be strange if no one suspected anything, especially after running into the wolf tribe.”
He implied that from the moment Hiel left the palace and came here, it was only a matter of time before someone noticed.
As Hiel’s head drooped, Delight, about to leave, suddenly turned to Radon as if remembering something.
“All the beastfolk who were experimented on… except for you, are they all dead?”
“Yes.”
“What about the others? Are they staying on the land Ilnord provided?”
“They couldn’t stay there for long either.”
Ilnord didn’t keep their promise, and the few remaining wolf beastfolk still wandered without a place to settle.
With a sigh, Delight made an unexpected proposal.
“I’ll give you land, so come to Promian.”
“Are you… serious?”
“I’ll create a place where they can live. As long as it’s isolated, they should be safe and able to stay in their true forms without fear of intrusion.”
“Why would you show such kindness? Didn’t you once say that there’s no reason for anyone to be kind unless they have something to gain?”
Radon, initially surprised and hopeful, quickly became cautious of Delight’s offer.
“At least it seems you’ve learned your lesson.”
Rather than being displeased, Delight chuckled as if amused. Despite Radon’s guarded demeanor, he couldn’t hide the glimmer of hope.
“Kindness without reason should be doubted. But family is an exception, isn’t it?”
“………?”
“It’s a favor for Hiel’s people. Even Hiel needs a place that feels like home.”
“A home…?”
“Yes. After all, there’s nowhere left to return to.”
He was talking about the mountain where he had once lived with his teacher.
Delight and Hiel had grown up playing together on that mountain, but since they could no longer return, this would be a substitute.
“Of course, Hiel, if you don’t want it, there’s no need.”
“……….”
“So, what do you think?”
Delight looked at Hiel.
“…Thank you.”
That one word from Hiel was loaded with meaning.
***
“The situation is resolving better than I feared.”
“Still, you shouldn’t let your guard down until the end. And please continue to monitor the Empress. Things could get troublesome if she changes her mind.”
As Jayren optimistically expressed his satisfaction, his advisor reminded him to stay cautious.
“I know. She agreed to come with me, but it feels like she’s keeping a distance. Even though she can’t remember, she’s the same as always. Tsk.”
Jayren muttered irritably.
“Who’s there?”
Sensing someone’s presence, Jayren swiftly drew his sword and approached the source of the sound.
Prepared to deal with them immediately, he opened the door.
“Well, who are you?”
In front of him stood Serdin.
“Why are you eavesdropping?”
Jayren didn’t lower his guard yet. He knew who Serdin was but wouldn’t hesitate to act if necessary.
“What brings you here?”
Jayren asked nonchalantly.
“I’m willing to help anytime, should you need me.”
“The prince, huh?”
“Even if I’m here, I’m still a prince of Ilnord.”
“Haha. I didn’t expect to meet someone so reliable here.”
Serdin’s bold answer made Jayren laugh heartily.
However, his expression quickly turned serious as he fixed a sharp gaze on Serdin, as if trying to see right through him.
“Let’s be honest. What’s the real reason you came to see me?”
“…It’s been a long time since I contacted anyone from Ilnord.”
Seeming intimidated by Jayren’s pressure, Serdin shrank back and confessed.
“Oh, you must feel lonely. If there’s a letter you want to send to Ilnord, give it to me. I’ll be visiting soon and can deliver it for you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Jayren spoke in a warm, almost comforting tone.
That didn’t mean he fully trusted Serdin’s words, though.
It was just that Serdin’s naivety seemed quite useful.
“Please take care of me while I’m here.”
Jayren smiled amiably at Serdin.
