Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Friends [1]
The more time Kael spent inside the Dicathen Kingdom, the more he felt how rotten this kingdom had become.
Traces of civil war were everywhere.
So many people had died, that the amount of blood that had flowed could have formed a river.
— It was a war between the commoners and the nobles.
That was what Erza had said.
And it seemed like those words were true.
During the entire journey to the capital, the prince had shown himself less, and had also spoken less than before.
That was obvious.
He was the one who would lead this kingdom in the future.
And he was also the one who had witnessed the founding of this kingdom.
And now, the kingdom was in its worst state, threatening to be destroyed at any moment.
But fortunately, the capital of the Dicathen Kingdom was not as destroyed as they had imagined.
On the contrary, the lives of the people were still good, as if there had never been a civil war.
’This is the capital after all...’
Kael thought, looking at the bright smiles of the people.
Were they really that optimistic and happy?
Or was it just a cover to hide their suffering?
Humans were truly the most mysterious creatures in the world.
But, no matter what they did, he could be sure that those smiles would not last long.
Because soon, this kingdom would be destroyed.
"Can you save this kingdom, Erza?"
Hans asked, looking straight into the prince’s emerald eyes.
The protagonist was a good person, and he couldn’t stand by and watch innocent people being killed every day.
Erza pursed his lips, a strange emotion flashing in his eyes.
But it was quickly hidden.
With a smile, as if he could control everything in the palm of his hand, the prince opened his mouth:
"Of course. That’s why I came back."
No one noticed Erza’s change in expression.
Of course, except for Kael.
And perhaps one other person.
***
After the royal family was destroyed in just one night, and the only prince was kidnapped, the nobles banded together, and created the regents.
On the surface, their purpose was to replace the prince to lead this kingdom.
But in reality, their purpose was to exploit the common people even more.
Earned more money without caring how many people would die.
They were a bunch of trash.
"Hahaha, a new day has come, and another day the rebels have lost a large number of troops!"
"A bunch of fools. Don’t they know that no matter how hard they try, they can’t defeat us?"
"They are nothing more than tools to make money for us. Hahaha!"
In their eyes, the lives of the rebels were not even worth a penny.
"Oh, right, Duke Sylvier, I heard that you are lacking quite a few soldiers, right? I wonder if you need me to lend you some soldiers?"
"Oh, if that’s the case, then I’ll be grateful."
The nobility of this kingdom had rotted beyond repair.
But, among those nobles, there were still some who retained what was called a conscience.
"Enough, you bastards! How long are you going to make the people of the Dicathen Kingdom suffer?"
They were nobles who opposed the exploitation of the commoners.
And also those who had sworn allegiance to the royal family forever.
But, unfortunately...
"Shut up, old man. Know your place. In the regency, the words of you and the rest are not taken seriously."
...They were too few in number, and did not have enough power to fight the remaining nobles.
But, just as the argument was about to reach its climax, the unthinkable happened.
Bam!
The giant door was kicked open, as if it were just some piece of trash.
"Who is it!?"
The arguing stopped, and everyone turned their attention to the entrance.
There, walking inside, was a person wearing a cloak.
Covering his face, covering his body.
"Who are you?! Do you know where you’ve barged in? Where are the guards, arrest him for me!"
Obviously, no one took this stranger seriously.
But that was until that familiar, imposing voice rang out.
"I’ve only been gone for about a month, and you nobles have already gone this far?"
"...!"
Everything seemed to freeze.
All the guards stopped, not daring to take another step forward.
And not just them, but the expressions of all the nobles present had changed.
"Yes, that’s exactly the expression I’m looking for."
The voice continued, at the same time, the stranger took off his seemingly tattered cloak.
Revealing a face that couldn’t be more familiar.
Perhaps only blind people wouldn’t know who that person was.
"Hi, your prince has returned."
***
The moment Erza entered the palace, their time was over.
And of course, like every time, Kael was the MVP.
It would be strange if he didn’t achieve that position.
Causing chaos at the World Library, and clearing the Bloody Mary gang in a night, those were his achievements on the 23rd floor.
But right now, they didn’t matter anymore.
Because Kael had a bigger problem to solve.
"What did you call me here for, Kael?"
Hans asked, sitting down across from him.
Kael calmly took a sip of tea, before replying to the protagonist:
"Do you remember this place?"
"Of course, this is where we first met."
Yes.
But unlike that time, Hans’s complexion had become much brighter now.
And that wasn’t all.
Because it was also here that they made an agreement.
"The 23rd floor is over, and perhaps our contract should also end."
"...Contract? What are you talking about, Kael?"
It was obvious that Hans had forgotten about it.
After all, too many things had happened, and the protagonist had really enjoyed his time with him.
But Kael had not.
"We made a deal that I would pay for your family’s medical bills, and you would accompany me to the 23rd floor. And now, it seems that my favor has been repaid."
"..."
Recalling that memory, the protagonist’s expression immediately changed.
Perfect.
"From now on, you won’t have to accompany me all the time."
Kael stood up lightly.
"Congratulations."
Then, he left.
"...I had a good time, really."
But, at that moment, Kael’s sleeve was grabbed.
By none other than Hans Varun.
"...Wait."
Slowly, he spoke.
But the protagonist’s expression showed otherwise.
Seeing that, Kael couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
Everything was going according to the script.