FLBE Chapter 2 Part 13

The once elegant and beautiful structure that had stood until morning now revealed its gruesome situation, consumed by flames. The places where beautiful trees and a variety of flowers had bloomed were now soaked in blood, painted in shades of crimson.

 

Under the crimson sunset sky, it was truly a scene of chaos. The man who had been staring indifferently at the pools of blood now flicked the blood off his hands onto his sword. The greatsword, as ominous as his gaze, was adorned with the blood of countless lives. Under the merciless hands of this monstrous man, today’s royal palace had turned into ruins.

 

 

 

“Your Majesty, it’s all been taken care of.”

 

 

 

The advisor, Theor, looked at Rhetrik with a worried expression. Thought it would be peaceful for a while, but suddenly Rhetrik had asked him to summon the Emperor’s personal knights yesterday afternoon. Then, he had rushed to this distant place and engaged in an unplanned war all through the night.

 

 

 

To be precise, it wasn’t really a war; it was a massacre. With just around ten of his knights, Rhetrik alone had swept through an entire nation’s palace. It was fortunate that he didn’t kill ordinary citizens.

 

 

 

“Let the people know. Under threat of the king’s life, this country will now submit to the Lawrence Empire.”

 

 

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

 

 

Theor, who had been waiting for the Emperor’s next order, felt uneasy and anxious. He didn’t understand the reason for his sudden rage, which seemed to foreshadow another massacre.

 

 

 

Honestly, when he had chosen this nation, Theor hadn’t been particularly concerned. The king of this nation was greedy and ruthless beyond measure.

 

 

 

He had feasted on the people’s misery, indulging himself while offering his subjects as sacrifices to foreign powers and bowing his head. He was a despicable and vile ruler. This kingdom was destined to crumble under Rhetrik’s hands sooner or later. So, his death wasn’t much of a loss.

 

 

 

However, even with this, Theor couldn’t shake the feeling that the Emperor’s anger might not subside and he might wage war on another nation. Even though this king was a piece of trash, invading another nation so recklessly would undoubtedly lead to resistance. He might not succeed in taking over, but still.

 

 

 

Nevertheless, for Rhetrik to casually spill blood like this was a rare occurrence. There must have been a clear reason for what had stirred his emotions yesterday.

 

 

 

Theor knew very well what had been most difficult for Rhetrik. He had witnessed firsthand how much agony and torment his lord had gone through after the death of the previous saintess and during his heat. He had seen it up close.

 

 

 

And now, he had found a new saintess and had seen his lord’s face brighten. There was simply no reason for him to suddenly act this way.

 

 

 

‘What happened, exactly?’

 

 

 

“Theor.”

 

 

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

 

 

At Rhetrik’s call, Theor swallowed a gulp of saliva and raised his head to receive the Emperor’s command.

 

 

 

“What is my name?”

 

 

 

“…Pardon?”

 

 

 

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Teor looked up in surprise. It was bewildering, but it was the command of his Lord. He stammered in response.

 

 

 

“Rhetrik Klein de Lawrence.”

 

 

 

“Second.”

 

 

 

“Yes…?”

 

 

 

Theor’s head tilted, not understanding the intention behind the question. Why would he suddenly ask for his name?

 

 

 

“How many can call me by my name?”

 

 

 

“Pardon? What… what is this about? Who dares to casually utter Your Majesty’s name?”

 

 

 

‘Could the mad king of this country have called out Your Majesty’s name?’

 

 

 

Theor thought this idiotic king from a different nation had carelessly mentioned his lord’s name and thus incurred this wrath. If not, there wouldn’t have been such a brutal massacre in a palace located in a distant land.

 

 

 

‘But when…?’

 

 

 

The timing didn’t add up. It had been quite a while since he had seen the face of the king who had now died so miserably. At that moment, Rhetrik’s voice once again flowed from his lips, mentioning his name.

 

 

 

“Rhetrik… How did she know my name? Did she ask someone?”

 

 

 

“Your Majesty…?”

 

 

 

“Someone who could call my name and still survive. I never expected that.”

 

 

 

“Yes? Who dares?”

 

 

 

Rhetrik suddenly chuckled as he turned his gaze away from the infuriated Theor. Then, with a swift motion, he tossed the heavy greatsword with a single hand and lightly tapped Theor’s shoulder.

 

 

 

“You. You just called it. My name.”

 

 

 

“Your… Your Majesty?”

 

 

 

“Clean this up and come. I will retire to the palace first.”

 

 

 

“…Yes, yes. Your Majesty.”

 

 

 

His mind was completely blank. Beads of cold sweat formed on Theor’s forehead, despite the drained color on his face. He blankly stared at the retreating back of his lord and swallowed hard. The greatsword he held in his hand now seemed even more chilling. He realized he could have easily spilled his precious blood to this very sword if he had made a careless move.

 

 

 

A chilly wind wrapped passed around him, causing his entire body to shiver. Theor’s body trembled as if a chill had set in.