The Reincarnated Martial God Brings Down the Heavens

Chapter 149 – Poison Master Raven (2)

The question I really wanted to ask was,

‘Is Raven still alive?’

Considering he attempted suicide, it wouldn’t be surprising if he was already dead.

Furthermore, there was a possibility that the Empire had taken additional measures.

‘Given the circumstances, it’s clear that the Emperor ordered Panella to be stolen as the 10-year promise at the Poison Palace was nearing its end.’

From the Emperor’s perspective, simply letting Raven go would have felt unsettling. That was just the kind of man he was.

On the other hand, if this were true, Raven was likely not a traitor.

‘Of course, I can’t be certain until I confirm it with my own eyes……’

However, Nella met my question with an unexpected answer.

“Would you like to meet him?”

“……What did you just say?”

“Do you still not understand why I emphasized ‘trust’ so much before our deal?”

Nella said this as she looked me straight in the eye.

“I want you to meet Master.”

This wasn’t something I needed to deliberate over.

“When?”

“As soon as possible.”

“In that case, next week at the earliest……”

Before I could finish my sentence, she interrupted.

“But you have to go yourself. As I mentioned, Master is in no condition to travel such a long distance.”

“……You mean……?”

At my question, Nella nodded.

“Yes. Come with me to the Empire.”

“……!”

My eyes widened.

The Empire.

Of course, I’d have to return there someday. But to recklessly plunge into enemy territory in my current state?

I’d die a dog’s death.

“There’s no need to worry.”

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Nella quickly added further explanation.

“As I said, Master was chased into the wilderness in a completely broken state. He’s living in a remote region which, though under the Empire’s jurisdiction, is far removed from the Emperor’s influence. A secluded borderland where hardly anyone lives.”

“……You didn’t mention this before.”

“It’s not that I didn’t; I couldn’t. I wasn’t sure about you yet.”

“……”

In summary, it was Imperial land, but an area where the Emperor’s influence was minimal.

“You mentioned needing a recipe for mana pills, right? If you agree to meet my master, I’ll share the best recipe I know.”

“……!”

I had handed over all the mana refinement techniques I’d acquired as spoils of war to Raven because no one could surpass him in that field.

A genius among geniuses, Raven dismantled, analyzed, and reinterpreted all the refinement methods, selectively extracting their strengths.

He distributed the refined techniques freely to his comrades. Thanks to that, the Eastern Army I led was unmatched when it came to mana.

Nella was Raven’s disciple, inheriting all his knowledge.

“……Fine. Let me know once the date is set. I’ll go immediately.”

This was a deal I couldn’t refuse, given my urgent need to consolidate power.

After wrapping up my conversation with Nella, I went looking for Erina. Coincidentally, she was with the children.

“Is it okay for the princess to wander around so freely?”

“And what about you, Prince? You’re out and about just fine, so why not me?”

Winley replied with a cheeky grin as our eyes met. Since the change in the throne, she had become much freer.

If the previous king, Melio II, were still in power, she wouldn’t have been able to leave the palace.

“What brings you here?”

For the record, this was Erina’s temporary residence. The owner of the room asked me.

“I received a request from Marquis Laksir.”

“A request?”

“He wants me to bring you to a ball he’s hosting.”

“……?”

Erina tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s a sort of social gathering. Nobles come together to chat, eat, and dance……”

“That, I know. I mean…… I’m aware, Your Highness.”

“Ah.”

Winley, who had been explaining on her behalf, made a sheepish face.

“……”

Watching this exchange with a peculiar expression, I opened my mouth again.

“……I’m asking out of courtesy because I made a promise, but personally, I think it’s better to decline.”

“Why?”

“It’s been a long time, and your appearance may have changed, but there might still be people who recognize the Swordsman of Slaughter.”

Like Marquis Laksir, for example. This reminded me of something I was curious about.

“Have you met Marquis Laksir before?”

“Yes. I made a deal with him at the Black Swan.”

As expected.

“He must know you’re the Swordsman of Slaughter, then?”

“Yes. But there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about?”

“I made him a promise. We even made a ‘mana oath’.”

“……!”

This was something I hadn’t known about.

“What kind of promise?”

“……He asked me to kill someone someday, saying I’d be capable of it.”

“In return?”

“He promised that as long as he was the commander, he wouldn’t attack our elves.”

“……And that’s why you betrayed the dwarves without hesitation?”Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“……”

Erina’s silence was as good as affirmation.

“But judging by his reaction, that promise might not be all there is.”

“……?”

“I don’t know why, but there was something unusual about the way he looked at you.”

Perhaps she would know the truth behind that gaze. Especially since elves were naturally perceptive about truths and lies.

Having experienced it myself, I knew Erina, despite her mixed blood, was no exception.

“……I don’t know how he feels about me. But I’ve seen a similar gaze before.”

“When?”

“When my so-called father looked at my mother.”

“……!”

I frowned instinctively.

“That guy’s married and even has kids.”

“That’s the same. My father was married with kids, too.”

I clicked my tongue involuntarily.

“Men always cause problems when they think with their lower body.”

“It’s not unusual. Your kind—humans—are no different from beasts, aren’t you? If a male gains power, I noticed that he’ll mess around with multiple females, no matter who they are.”

It was undeniable.

Murder, assault, theft, and sexual assault. Without laws, the world would be a kingdom of savagery.

I’d seen it firsthand, witnessing the countless war crimes on the battlefield.

“So does that mean Marquis Laksir sees you as a potential partner?”

“……Who knows.”

“You said his gaze was similar to your father’s, didn’t you?”

“I said it was similar, not identical.”

“So, what’s the difference?”

Erina furrowed her brows after pondering for a moment.

“There was…… A mixture of things.”

“……?”

I couldn’t decipher what she meant.

***

The children, wanting to give the two privacy, quietly retreated to the adjacent room.

Today’s main topic of discussion was none other than Marquis Laksir.

“I wonder why Marquis Laksir invited the two of them to the ball?”

Harun couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked.

“Who knows.”

“Either way, does this mean the honored guest will make his debut in high society?”

Kirian chimed in after Jan. Both of them were familiar with balls. After all, every noble in the kingdom had been attending social gatherings since they were very young.

“This might be a good thing. He’ll need to start making other connections, eventually.”

Jan muttered in a low voice after some thought.

Balls, often referred to as social gatherings, held great significance for nobles.

Connections mattered more than abilities in the aristocratic world. Especially events hosted by grand nobles, which were always packed to the brim with attendees.

Among them, Marquis Laksir, reputed as a gentleman, was famous for hosting lavish balls.

“Well, it should be interesting.”

Kirian mused with a faint smile after some thought.

“The honored guest is already the hottest topic in the kingdom right now. If he debuts in high society with that face of his, he’ll be immensely popular.”

“Well, Master’s face is practically unfair. Even I was stunned the first time I saw him.”

Harun responded.

“Popularity? More like curiosity. Talk to him for a bit, and they’ll all scatter soon enough.”

“……”

Everyone nodded vigorously at Winley’s remark. Harun went a step further.

“You don’t think he’ll end up slapping some noble lady in the face, telling her to buzz off, do you?”

“That’s too much, Harun. The honored guest isn’t that crazy……”

“Are you sure?”

“……”

Harun’s retort left Kirian smiling awkwardly.

“Hahh. I’m already worried about what kind of trouble that lunatic might cause in high society.”

Winley murmured anxiously, as if she’d left a child unsupervised near a river.

At that instant.

Bang!

“I’m here!”

“……!”

The door burst open.

At the same time, the children’s faces lit up with delight.

“Lady May!”

“Big Sis!”

Even Winley beamed as she stood up from her seat.

“Eek!”

“……!”

May tripped over her own feet and nearly fell to the ground. Jan instinctively sprang forward. If he could just catch her—

“……Careful.”

“……!”

But someone else moved faster than Jan. Milon had already used mana to suspend May in midair.

“Hehe.”

“I really can’t take my eyes off you, can I?”

Mylon sighed. Still, his face was brimming with joy. It was as if just seeing her stand on two legs was a miracle.

“It’s still awkward.”

It was the same for May, who laughed sheepishly. Still, her expression was infinitely bright.

She had spent years confined to a wheelchair. Her muscles were stiff, and her legs ached but May still found joy in the pain.

“You look even prettier when you’re lively! Forget Ancelot; you should go to the ball instead.”

Winley teased.

“Oh, come on. I’m too old for balls. I should be thinking about marriage instead.”

“Do noble ladies not go to balls? Besides, it’s even more important for women looking to marry to show their face at balls. You have to find a good match.”

“My, listen to this little princess. You talk like you’re experienced, when you’re just a kid!”

“Do I have to experience it to know?”

The two laughed and joked like sisters.

“When you’re fully recovered, you should definitely attend a ball. Everyone will be amazed.”

“Alright. How about this big sister of yours graces the ballroom with her presence? I’ll turn it upside down!”

“Kyaa! That’s the spirit. You’re so cool, Sis!”

As Winley cheered, May raised her chin dramatically and laughed arrogantly.

“Ha-ha-ha. But this time, I think I’ll let someone else have that honor.”

“Huh?”

“I mean Marquis Laksir’s ball. There’s a beauty who’ll satisfy my vicarious desires in my stead.”

Winley tilted her head in confusion.

“Who are you talking about?”

“Introducing her now!”

May stepped aside with a dramatic flourish.

“Ta-da!”

A stunning woman emerged from the shadows.

“Gasp!”

Kirian covered his mouth in shock.

“……!”

Even Jan, usually reserved, widened his eyes in disbelief.

“My goodness……”

Harun and Winley were equally astounded.

“……This is uncomfortable.”

Of course, the woman herself frowned deeply.

She looked like a goddess descended from the heavens. Dark hair and black dress, an unparalleled beauty who could turn the kingdom upside down.

‘I know she’s half-elf, but she’s just…… Stunning.’

Winley thought, still reeling from the sight. The woman was none other than Erina. A true testament to her elven heritage, she exuded an otherworldly beauty.

But knowing who she was, Winley couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“So, you’ve decided to attend the ball?”

Erina nodded silently. Jan furrowed his brows thoughtfully.

“If she goes to the ball with that face, other men won’t leave her alone…… Will that be alright?”

“……!”

Everyone flinched.

They weren’t worried about Erina, but for those men. If the ‘Swordsman of Slaughter’ decided to react violently, it could lead to disaster.

“If you’re worried about other men, don’t be! Erina will be attending with a partner.”

“P-Partner? You don’t mean……?”

As if on cue, someone entered the room right then.

“……!”

This new arrival rivaled even Erina in beauty, a breathtaking girl—

No, boy.

—Stepped into the light.

“Ancelot?”

At the mention of his name, Ancelot grinned mischievously.

“Shall we go and turn the Hart Kingdom’s ballroom upside down?”

* * *