Episode 506
“Thebeia is in danger…”
Jonathan repeated Zeke’s words, his expression growing more serious by the second.
Zeke continued, “The one I’m after is none other than the head of the Mafia Nostra family. His identity has never been revealed to the outside world.”
He spoke cautiously, watching Jonathan’s shock.
“I even suspect… he might be connected to the Thebeian royal family.”
Jonathan flinched at Zeke’s words. The mere suggestion that the notorious mafia leader could be linked to the esteemed Thebeian royalty was a scandalous notion.
Jonathan realized why Zeke hadn’t officially requested a meeting with the Royal Guard.
‘If there really is a connection between the Nostra family and the Thebeian royalty… Thebeia’s honor would be utterly tarnished.’
Even if it were true, the kingdom’s honor could only be preserved by keeping it under wraps.
Understanding Zeke’s reason for approaching him privately, Jonathan slowly nodded.
“I understand what you’re saying. But I can’t decide to enter the palace based solely on your word, Sir Zeke.”
Zeke nodded, as if expecting this response.
“I thought you might say that.”
He reached into his coat and continued, “I have evidence to show you.”
From his coat, he produced a crystal orb.
Jonathan eyed the orb with curiosity. “What is this?”
Without a word, Zeke activated the orb. It projected a recording of the Nostra family’s secret base beneath Atlas. The footage showed terrifying chimeras, summoned fire demons, and even a conversation between Howard Draker and a Nostra family executive.
When the recording ended, Jonathan’s face was set in stone.
“This is an unaltered recording. You can have your family’s mages verify its authenticity.”
Handing the orb to Jonathan, Zeke added, “This was the Nostra family’s underground lab beneath Atlas. There was a similar place under Draker’s domain… How can we be sure there isn’t one beneath the Thebeian palace?”
Sweat beaded on Jonathan’s forehead. Thebeia, with its long history, was a kingdom of deep-rooted traditions. The royal family and influential nobles had complex, intertwined interests. It wouldn’t be surprising if someone had created such a place beneath the palace.
Especially since the Thebeian palace was built atop ancient ruins. No one knew what lay beneath its labyrinthine depths.
Jonathan found it hard to dismiss Zeke’s claims.
Zeke, observing Jonathan’s turmoil, said, “I’ll give you more time to think it over. Perhaps the Royal Guard is already aware of these issues and seeking solutions.”
With that, he left Jonathan to his thoughts.
Alone, Jonathan replayed the recording, his concerns deepening with each viewing.
‘If such monsters exist beneath the Thebeian palace and are unleashed upon the capital…’
He couldn’t bear to imagine it.
Despite his patriotism as a scion of a noble Thebeian family, Jonathan’s deliberation was surprisingly brief. The next morning, he sought out Zeke, agreeing to arrange a meeting with the Royal Guard at the palace.
On the surface, it was under the guise of seeking approval for Rick and Arin’s engagement, with Jonathan acting as their guardian.
Zeke, along with Jonathan, Rick, and Arin, promptly set off for the Thebeian palace by carriage. With the Solma family’s influence, their entry was swift and unimpeded.
Gazing out the carriage window at the Thebeian palace, Zeke mused, ‘Seeing the palace intact brings back memories.’
In his past life, he had only seen the palace in ruins, destroyed during a mission. Abel’s imperial army had targeted Thebeia first among the central kingdoms, believing that its fall would prompt the others to surrender quickly.
Thebeia had capitulated within two days, unable to withstand Abel Draker’s relentless advance. The king, intimidated by the imperial forces, had surrendered swiftly, leading to the capture and execution of Thebeia’s renowned knights without a fight.
The image of the palace, once filled with ash and corpses, flashed through Zeke’s mind as their carriage sped through its now grand halls.
“Sir Zeke Draker, the Knight of Salvation, is here!”
With the attendant’s announcement, Zeke entered the office of Herman Solma, the Royal Guard of the Thebeian palace.
Behind the desk sat a stern-looking man with graying hair. Rising to greet Zeke, he offered a formal bow.
“Sir Zeke Draker, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Herman Solma, the Royal Guard of the Thebeian palace.”
Zeke, noting Herman’s resemblance to Rick rather than Jonathan, thought he looked every bit the knight with his broad shoulders and solid build.
Returning the greeting, Zeke said, “I am Zeke Draker. It’s an honor to meet the esteemed Royal Guard.”
“Welcome. I apologize for receiving you in my office, but duty calls.”
The Royal Guard was both the king’s protector and trusted advisor, always ready to respond to the king’s summons, making it difficult to leave his post.
Understanding this, Zeke shook his head. “No need to apologize. Thank you for making time for me.”
Herman nodded and led Zeke to a small adjoining reception room, likely used for hosting guests.
Once seated, attendants served tea with precise, formal gestures. Herman spoke, “I’ve heard you have a keen interest in tea, Sir Zeke. This is a traditional Thebeian blend. I hope it suits your taste.”
Zeke inhaled the aroma, took a sip, and nodded slowly. “The fragrance is subtle and clear, capturing the essence of Thebeia.”
Pleased with Zeke’s response, Herman smiled faintly.
After another sip, Zeke set down his cup and addressed Herman. “Do you know why I’ve come to see you?”
Herman nodded, “I understand you’re here as a guardian for Jeffrick’s engagement.”
“That’s correct. As the guardian of Jeffrick, a member of my Black Sword Knights, I’m here to seek your approval for his engagement to Arin.”
“You have my blessing.”
Herman’s immediate response surprised Zeke, who had expected him to be more rigid and stubborn than Jonathan.
Yet Herman had granted his approval with unexpected ease.
“I didn’t expect you to agree so readily.”
“Truth be told, I had already made up my mind when Jonathan first mentioned it. Hearing that Jeffrick has become a knight of equal skill to Jonathan gave me pause.”
Herman paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing, “I realized belatedly that the methods that suited Jonathan might not have been right for Jeffrick. He needed an approach tailored to him, which the Solma family failed to provide.”
Herman candidly admitted that the family’s strict training had stifled Jeffrick.
Zeke scrutinized Herman’s eyes and voice, assessing his sincerity.
‘He’s genuine.’
For a leader to admit his mistakes is no small feat. Just as Jonathan had apologized without hesitation, Herman, too, possessed the family’s strictness without being consumed by it.
Seeing Herman’s willingness to acknowledge his errors, Zeke felt a growing trust, much like he had with Jonathan.
“Lord Herman.”
At Zeke’s call, Herman looked at him, meeting his gaze as Zeke spoke slowly.
“My visit here isn’t solely about Rick’s engagement.”
Herman’s voice lowered slightly. “I suspected as much. It’s hard to believe the famed Knight of Salvation would visit just for my son’s engagement.”
“It seems Jonathan didn’t share the details with you.”
Herman nodded, “I asked to hear it directly from you.”
With calm eyes, Zeke began, “I’m here to uncover an enemy hidden within the Thebeian palace.”
Herman furrowed his brow. “An enemy of yours within the palace? A noble? Or royalty?”
“The enemy I’m seeking could be anyone. It might be a member of the royal family, a noble, or perhaps something else entirely.”
Zeke continued, observing Herman’s puzzled expression.
“At first, I even considered the possibility that Lord Hermann might be connected to the enemy I’m searching for. However, after meeting you and having this conversation, I believe you’re someone I should seek help from.”
“Hmm, your words only deepen my curiosity about this enemy’s identity. And to think such a being is within the walls of Thebea Palace… it’s hard to believe.”
“You’ll find it even harder to believe once you hear who it is. The enemy I’m after is none other than the head of the Nostra family.”
Hermann’s eyes widened at Sieg’s revelation.
“Rather than explaining, it might be quicker for you to see for yourself.”
Sieg retrieved a crystal orb from his coat and placed it before Hermann.
Soon, the recorded vision Jonathan had seen unfolded before Hermann’s eyes.
A deep hum resonated as a thick stone sarcophagus, encrusted with blood-red stones, began to glow ominously.
As the red light from the stones faded, the sarcophagus lid creaked open, releasing a swirling black mist.
The mist coalesced, forming the silhouette of a figure cloaked in black robes.
Once fully formed, a pair of red eyes gleamed from within the hood.
It was Harvey West, the priest of the Abyss, who had emerged.
Around him, disciples in black robes gathered. They had been guarding the priest while he recuperated in the sarcophagus after expending too much energy during the second baptism.
The priest addressed them.
“What of Abel Draker?”
One disciple stepped forward to respond.
“Master Germain has appeared as planned.”
The priest nodded at the disciple’s report.
“And Abel Draker’s condition?”
“There’s been a complication.”
The disciple continued slowly.
“Sieg Draker threw an adamantium dagger at the last moment, and it struck near the heart. He’s in a critical state.”
The priest frowned at this news.
“Sieg Draker… that pest continues to thwart us.”
The disciple spoke again.
“Moreover, he somehow discovered the traces left by Master Germain and has entered Thebea’s royal palace.”
The priest’s anger flared, his aura intensifying.
“If Sieg Draker finds Master Germain and kills Abel Draker, everything will be ruined. We need a way to divert his attention immediately.”
After a moment of contemplation, the priest instructed the disciple.
“We have no choice. It’s earlier than planned, but begin the summoning of the demon princesses.”
The disciple looked up in shock.
“The demon princesses?”
The priest’s eyes glinted sharply.
“Once they learn Anastasia is in Sieg Draker’s hands, they’ll attack his forces on their own. That will force Sieg Draker to leave Thebea Palace. In that time, extract Abel from Thebea.”
The disciples bowed their heads in acknowledgment.
“Understood!”
With their response, the disciples dissolved into black mist and dispersed.
Left alone, the priest’s eyes glowed with a fierce red light.
“When the King in Yellow descends, everything will change.”