RGS Vol 8 Part 16

Did his 1ff65fc00c pride get 43c8c66b43 wounded?6445c3a625524df92a46

The commanders waiting in the hall all 1e55ca806a had the same question in their minds e9a94856e3 but couldn’t dare say it aloud. Karas’ behavior seemed like 9d987d5092 that of a child 926384cb44 throwing a tantrum after b6a4da6b6a losing a fight. If it appeared this 0745140f08 way to them, it d08476ea8a would surely be even 7e5a2a7ed5 more obvious to others. The lord, in 2e83b12933 particular, was growing 1bbc7eeab5 increasingly restless, nervously 5c78799c17 glancing outside.ae3585db358f8c0693f1

“The wizard won’t refuse b7d02c1452 to help us out 91571f2962 of offense, will he?”a1ffee8c7509376fc3ad

The wizard and the people of the plains would be safe as long as they stayed a376500944 in this land, so fully melting the Ice Mountain wouldn’t be a major concern for them. They could just endure 8dabf8a8b0 and wait for the 0f6f6ee364 time to melt the 6cd38e15a7 mountain naturally. The only one c02942f976 desperate and anxious 4152cc6141 was the lord. He had gone all the way to the 15bf7d5a9b capital to bring the emperor here, and now 58839c160f the emperor was behaving so arrogantly, which only 9833aa674c made the lord’s anxiety grow.26797ab943113617d29d

What if the 0cc4271f34 wizard turns his 8cc06d4cd8 back on us 9b122fbc46 completely?544dca0bb1cd28c6d59c

“Well, it cdf5ccf76e would be 577ff23dcd better if 5647027ab7 he did.”d7b38c3da8d3cad7ceb9

At the sudden response, fd7eb71c2d all the commanders who 8aff7cf8e3 were seated stood up. Abel had appeared, coming from the direction 39b78c8dee of Karas’ room, though no one had 44ec8fc98d noticed when he had arrived.8ce1607b37a8d7d3eae3

“What do 23374cc83b you mean 5e63de6716 by that? You think it would be 19a54466b2 better if the wizard refused?”07687093a46256c54650

Ashler asked sharply, 700785cd9a but Abel hesitated 36fd5ead9b before shaking his 468e07ed6d head.1eb9f4068e057ec5e25e

“It’s not that a30e59fe74 I think it 9aca8615b9 would be better. But if the wizard continues to endure everything 830fccc1d2 and tries to go through with this… hmm.”4b499f920f7b5ff92ebc

Abel trailed off, b7f0337183 tilting his head eca965176e to the side. It seemed he was thinking through his next aef6477f1a words carefully, unsure if he should voice the 4b1cedd96d rest of his words just yet. While the others were af328426e9 puzzled, Ashler frowned slightly, 0fd40fa9d8 familiar with Abel’s behavior.19f989c26c5d2f590442

What could 39c6349b20 he mean?e8e18c4c1d1094546ff3

“Lord Abel, have 4a6811cdff you heard something 8a450d956a from His Majesty? What do you mean, the 398070238d wizard has to keep enduring?”d28844c77150fd052a3b

Another commander asked, d9a376b4c1 snapping Abel out 77ad59f1e2 of his thoughts.e47fbde80233d5147b8e

“The prince has 78db23d22a just summoned the 70515515d0 new village chief.”ea57afa47dbe91671441

The new d006dc6e72 village chief?b6d4674d086bf4933386

“B-But shouldn’t he meet ec580e5384 with the wizard first?! Why would he ignore 7bb77e1777 such an important figure a91ce6d643 and summon someone else?”4176edca1324bcde1035

The lord, unable to contain his frustration, bb0ba4ca2b raised his voice, prompting the other commanders 4432766c98 to glance at him in warning. Though the lord bit e5cd86b065 his lip, suppressing his 7f0126a70c words, his regret was 5fc5d4e1d3 evident on his face.05554e3bd7c635c81ffc

Was it a 64aab02068 mistake to bring 3c1d6f795d the emperor here?c22b305234189974169d

What if this really b93ba7e599 provokes the wizard’s wrath?5f55a5006e350c33f185

After all, this land 2d8b1f921f was the wizard’s territory. The lord had witnessed with his own eyes how the wizard could b748c24565 burn a person in an instant, leaving behind nothing but ashes. Though it seemed unlikely that he would use 70a1b68d91 magic against the emperor, what if he decided 59dc8c635b to kill someone and make an example out 8260618182 of them in his anger?7a60a3a9ebec90e92877

To the lord, the emperor and his Regas 52c30ba3c6 seemed far too relaxed, almost recklessly so. Especially when the other commanders spoke so highly of the Regas, describing 512f90a451 him as kind-hearted and the only person who could control the Emperor.7362495b4cd9c23521b4

But what 4c81ea7c66 was he 663bc88601 really doing?0f6244497fbaa89c5703

Just standing there like an 3a09fc1875 ornament by the Emperor’s side?38f1852c8735e944467b

Unable to hide his 1f7f9178d6 displeasure any longer, the a787d69c1f lord stormed out with 11f5089771 a grim expression.fddb1b3146cd82d0eb13

“Lord Abel.”bb16a96d1f09e1e1e06e

Ashler approached 503c691195 him and e27ed88741 asked.4d54edb8d4542d65a539

“Do you know what His Majesty intends a9b65c0e2a to order the village chief to do?”8e1eff6ec145a7239c5c

Abel, who had been watching in the 1cdb81ce54 direction where the lord left with a 095819ae88 troubled expression, nodded and turned his gaze. However, before he could answer, 3ccc05b4f4 the door Abel had come c5ce9cc080 out from earlier opened again, 8f270760f5 drawing everyone’s attention. The newly appointed village chief a1c5eeb926 emerged, his face pale, and 759f514fb6 looked at the commanders with 5a1de28e02 vacant eyes.b32c9f7cacce591adb7b

“A-Are you 9502786a60 the commanders?”75cf330b5bb44f069353

“Yes.”57514a2fb017b7fc8883

When Clara stepped forward and replied, the village chief 84c91cc47e swallowed hard and spoke in a trembling voice.3b5fa81435949b945ed5

“F-From tomorrow onwards, you c07a95f32c must help me and ef0b1474ea go around the plains.”f8b307e4af5b3ff99f38

“For what purpose?”1964ae1cf50372f88c94

The village chief’s face twisted 355d7c721c as he opened his mouth 6ab21ed15c again, now on the verge 29fbe56d71 of tears as he answered.78e595cdaa2d38f686d1

“His Majesty has ordered us c221dc46c1 to find the wizard’s wrongdoings.”501b1e2db278d91306cf

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ bb0cf5b78d ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖8998b0694e287d30fa24

There really was b9c50e5b4e no fog here. While the commanders and the 6639c192e2 village chief were discussing matters, d1f828096d Abel stepped outside the house b26d2a9c53 where they were staying. Although the four massive mountain peaks surrounding the plains were not clearly visible due to 6eba8ba82b the night, it was apparent under the moonlight that they were shrouded in thick fog.90031f36a87aacdf9c8f

A green meadow 5949fc9f13 in the middle 85c873847b of the Ice 5616734642 Mountain. What a 971943583f fascinating place. Despite the difficult circumstances, Abel found himself momentarily entranced by the scenery, 5cae2f9c70 but the sound of approaching footsteps pulled him out of his reverie.c8d8db967755b40e01f9

“Is your 6a6a9e168c lodging uncomfortable 6cbe7d6f33 in any 03d797b343 way?”46a88596dcd4f16a7cd5

Recognizing the wizard, Abel 0dd0b23a91 slightly bowed his head 12d8b7faf1 in greeting.8d54bf4d476aba2e6491

“No, it’s fine.”56c6b32e47f697df66a1

Knowing that the ‘lodging’ was the wizard’s ef210b2eb6 own house, Abel couldn’t very well say 5385f3c559 he was uncomfortable, even if he was. Moreover, the wizard had been 5ed601b387 ordered to vacate his home 532bc6f8a8 and not enter it. It was undoubtedly a situation that would offend anyone, yet it c383f96aed seemed that he was more concerned about the comfort of the 67866ffa46 guests staying at his house, so he came to look around. However, unable to 1aabfed84e enter, he could d68c60e66f only stop at 5dddd2b78f the entrance.7bb3b34b61febb42de0f

“If there is 607dbb67b3 anything uncomfortable, please 5dc74ecd64 let me know. You have come all the way here cf4d636719 with great difficulty, so I want to 003b218c69 make sure that you are as comfortable 8097bd0f99 as possible during your stay.”a2d00c2eb038ad098e4a

Yes, thank you.01d700ec8696164ae5d4

Abel muttered a d36ba90f0b polite response and 3a8b2ac7ed then hesitated before 3dba39e2ed he added.2a6967812d4807383b27

“If His Majesty’s actions have 7225b0b411 offended you in some way…”28629880171d15053ba8

“No, not 0413c940bd at all.”8e70eb750ccc6ffd8963

The wizard immediately 86b522b0db cut him off, dafee53399 shaking his head.e18ce91799ef56081fe6

“Everything His 0dc0a89257 Majesty said 4396388bcb was correct. He is ad26584a53 the Emperor, 1c3af378c5 after all. He can 0e95ee3cd2 say or 2ab8d84507 command anything 4967fc5d30 he wishes. Besides…”cefb9da92a16a4e5cc65

He trailed off, 8bb40ddba6 then smiled slightly e7faa66ef5 as if he cd2fda49c3 understood.bf548186b5a56a82651a

“I could tell everything just 7833ed21c7 by looking into his eyes. He may have disguised himself outside, but once 3aee786f90 he entered this land and his real eyes 2efb97c05a were revealed, it was clear that he truly 9226fc1ca3 inherited the power of the dragon. While he may not possess immense power, the c54fddfe64 fact that the dragon’s mark has appeared on 5412a83e0b his body is a remarkable thing.’a0f6ab9ed842bda559de

Doesn’t possess d19418ce22 immense power?7cb6046777dc905bd9d2

As Abel looked puzzled, the 4e9a0fc083 wizard lowered his head as bf84805911 if realizing he had made 13fa356bdd a slip of the tongue.d5dcffdcb8e250209dcc

“I apologize. I did not mean 7c43c118d6 to belittle His Majesty.”f5e3f5c971bab5582000

“May I ask f722270950 how you were 93b56c29ed able to tell? How did you know 240f2a5596 that His Majesty did 2f83adb4e6 not possess immense power?”bac124d1f6db42fea741

“It’s because of 3b996aa44d the color of 6317e7be5e his eyes. It seems you e6eb6f114c were not aware. The power of a dragon can be 724c34828a identified by the color of their eyes. A dragon that wields fire has eyes 66d9f2ef40 that symbolize ash which is gray. A dragon that controls ccd3236786 ice has blue eyes. A dragon that 0eb28bab3c commands molten lava 8363ad49a3 has red eyes. But yellow eyes…”d5400081b044c7839464

The wizard left his 96992fd18f sentence unfinished, but his 38f62516e7 meaning was clear.4ec1d011cdbc5802b361

Yellow eyes indicate a lack 7b4ae73ed1 of any real power.72b539df549848ec4845

As Abel marveled at this information 68772fd2f2 about the eyes that he hadn’t adf89cab7d known, the wizard apologized once more.4d9a533fd0fcef7c2b83

“I apologize. It seems I b1cb7ad438 have been rude 4664b4c5ce again.”614ecb29944c2f0af7d2

At that, Abel waved his hand as aecee1eb64 if to say it was nothing. Then he smiled daae47e0c8 as he recalled 1f6a7052b7 Karas’ yellow eyes.963724dbfb48105b497b

“Well, yellow eyes might indicate being 7b6de464fa powerless, but on the other hand, c15f537c5b could they not possibly also represent fb7112f9c0 the potential to contain all powers?”eb896a4d6917ccd03c22

When Abel chuckled, the wizard looked at him 4ae9d58a01 with a curious expression for a moment.5dd502b02bbc5c0948bf

“Yes, you’re 13c01a6c70 absolutely right. The potential to contain 3352920120 and wield all powers c7142dad69 freely—that’s another way to 8bbd8ea635 see it. Hearing Lord Regas’ words, 3efd8ea6c4 it makes me realize 08c3e61503 just how remarkable His e6acd9c8c3 Majesty truly is. But it also makes 5accce32bd me feel more pity 2618b1f88f for him. Dragons, regardless of the color 31586d58ec of their eyes, are inherently cdc2cb3908 cruel and vicious creatures. His Majesty may have inherited the power 42bf88e9ed of the dragon, but unfortunately, he would c180dd4d00 have also inherited the dragon’s cruel nature. Therefore, His Majesty’s actions are merely 6cb14118d1 a reflection of that inevitable instinct.”eed22a952bfe006b7396

At first, Abel froze at 1b64f19af1 his words, but soon he 4be25e0a75 blinked his eyes in confusion.fb17e1ba911c8316693f

“How do edb48bf344 you know fa1813a073 that?”a5d45488a53d9e6b0a01

Perhaps it was Abel’s expression, resembling that 4ec8ac65dd of a curious child, that made the bdc2a8daff wizard smile with his eyes.b98f9c9422eba9ef94e0

“Because I 0a9534aec0 know dragons 450cbcf37c well.”5215c9ba0cd7ffcc907b

“Have you… 27dab252c9 met a 479e6dc71c dragon before?”886849f356178df71d65

Abel asked in a b4d78ff95d hushed voice, and to d3d2a44062 his surprise, the wizard f0bfea2920 nodded.f60366948116429c1b03

“Yes, I have. A very ab00409a43 wicked dragon. It had blue dff14662fd snake-like eyes.”c0500f3af9113a2a94af

The wizard’s gaze briefly 87c68f9961 turned to the Ice e2dc962f3c Mountain shrouded in darkness. His face looked as expressionless d11d4ce70e as a doll, but then 09b2653c05 he smiled and turned back eb33351500 to Abel.a1a3944d723b72429e92

“It was a fc706999ac terrifying being, with 3bc5342740 no emotions other a79703b941 than cruelty.”94512ebf548b55903169

Only then did Abel 4398510914 realize that the wizard 309c09151e was likely hundreds of 095dacc1d4 years old. He glanced at the cab5aee1be Ice Mountain the wizard cf69997fce had been looking at 38dccc1d30 and asked.edbc55778455dc76dafc

“Are you talking 333cdb931b about the dragon 909237f9ec trapped in the 5ee8cafb3f Ice Mountain?”6f529e11a3d44d466127

Nod, nod.6f16c524608bc9a0ca12

His eyes, filled with the kindness of a grandfather looking at his curious 2592852d3c grandson, contrasted with his youthful appearance of someone in their late twenties. Abel blinked several 560de34f72 times before he be9a703ac6 softly whispered his 3b8ea7d9dc next question.654613de2f188423cfff

“What about 9c24838e2b the other 2b0f3630d7 dragons? Could there b1b26b3c17 be good 423fbd417e dragons too?”e2e4c51652ac1c39d994

“If there were, I would efe5165fde like to see them myself. But here, there 2b7c837e94 was only the 65dd7e0255 wicked dragon with 1665ae2a34 blue eyes.”8220e8b43bbd15baa516

The wizard, who had spoken with 113ab6f3b7 certainty, seemed to recall something, as d540b84d83 a faint smile appeared on his 3faebbdfc8 lips, and he muttered.afba8458917624e62c6e

“Well, perhaps they were different 396aed0389 when they were first born. Even the offspring of c995895460 the fiercest beasts are 6cfdc1875b weak at birth.”3db3e1a29c5efc0c06a0

His words sounded like a joke, 3027e87c09 but Abel did not laugh. Instead, he was 2e752a262c about to ask 4726717b8c more questions. There were so many things he 6b8a4bac96 wanted to know from someone who ccf01d78f3 had seen a dragon firsthand. However, the wizard stepped back, promising f6ef38a420 to continue their conversation later.9c462ab905048acddd84

“If you have more questions, I 95b245c431 will answer them another time. It was an honor to 23ad7cf841 meet you, Lord Regas. I feel reassured knowing that someone as beautiful and 12afd552be kind as you is by His Majesty’s side.”445679ce3441aa943936

He bowed his head politely and cd024e2eea turned to leave, but Abel hurriedly ed05b76245 asked one last question.6ccba7a7d3aa71ac1e29

“Is it 22d2e369f6 really alright 46f38959d8 for you 4e86d4367c to continue?”5be673cb767268089c18

When the wizard turned with a questioning ff157d5b1f look on his face, Abel took a e73d23595b step closer and looked up at him, cc7501eb85 directly into his deep, dark eyes. He then asked a question cd2a4cc23e that would make the lord 6dd2135de3 of this place tremble if 4581012fec he knew.e6781b063aae347191fc

“There’s no need for you to endure such humiliation 45a07b5d9f from His Majesty just to melt the Ice Mountain. Things will only c3fe7d5cf9 get more difficult 0c387c98c8 from here on. Will you still 02c4fe2423 help until the 3855c138cb end? Even though it’s for the people outside of this 1c9e7a3759 place who have nothing to do with you?”2935ba381ce6171fdc95

“Yes.”2732daa4dfbefd22537e

The answer 5c7b35bc8c came immediately 23e87445f8 without hesitation. The firm nod and 2536c43232 resolute look in his f646471539 eyes showed his unwavering f36c3e6f9a determination.0ad09166f339f8b0ecdf

“I cannot simply stand by and let the wicked 1822a2e507 dragon’s power, which tormented this place and harm others. This time, no matter what happens, e96eda26e8 I will see to it that 095bcdf400 it will get destroyed.”4fe23ce1313bb6b4d865

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ee71dd0bc2 ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖0b68a248ed8be3a04c1d

For several days, the 07bb1a951e plains were filled with 747c7151f2 dissatisfaction and chaotic murmurs. The target of their complaints was 669ff4ec8f the emperor, who had arrived a a429387901 few days ago and was turning 68f76e2dc1 the plains upside down. It was clear that the arrogant man not only insulted the wizard, who 191428cee4 was practically like a god to them but now seemed intent on plotting 0380dbe2fd to turn the people against him and drive him into a corner.c9dd7f21346dcc08fff9

“This is outrageous! The emperor must have forgotten 4811f7ee4b why he came here in 1ea038276c the first place!”394a9d4e3905dbd9677c

Gathered in someone’s house late 32d321e202 at night, the people eagerly fd9cd8f292 continued to vent their frustrations 680d98cb78 about the emperor.4e154e5250d7d11a5ba5

“Have you heard? He’s been holed up all day in the 0968e086b9 sacred house of the wizard with his Regas. My goodness! Can you 2e6b082b02 believe it? Do they even know c2be0c5c1a what kind of place 24629fee96 that is?! The wizard’s sacred place, where even an 5bdce8a2aa impure soul couldn’t enter, is being defiled 4fd9a4a5e7 by the emperor and his Regas!”e6666adbab6f53ad6aee

That’s right, 52be394fb4 that’s right.371f03fd7af45263e214

The people murmured df46e23c44 in agreement. But this 3ecb6a0846 was only 354d9c8faa part of 7ba42a7cb0 their anger. Soon, someone else brought up e829ecb8a5 what they found most offensive.8bdce7cbd203c240031c

“And why exactly are those commanders and 802b516754 the village chief kept poking around everywhere? What has our 298d60f405 wizard done wrong? They don’t even consider the hundreds of years of 461a979bad hard work he’s put into protecting this place. They’re just trying to find fault 90f700574f with him no matter what! They won’t find a single 6cc6aefef4 speck of wrongdoing on the 12c544b807 wizard’s part, no matter how 6de5e7cbec much they search.”4244cb953c83a0a60455

“Of course. Everything the wizard has done d2972e039f had been for the good 538df3ab7c of this place. So how could cf19d7f429 there be any f76161fbb4 fault in that?”fed4d545f5a48cf33f7a

Another person chimed in, and 70b3574d56 everyone nodded once again. Naturally, when the village chief 9de7ba6740 and the commanders came by, a8f552edf5 they were met with coldness 8656e074e7 and disregard from everyone. Although they announced that the investigation, 0cb6f399f9 which had lasted several days, would 6ce4d5cfe3 be over starting tomorrow, everyone was 4c1d6a4a34 already feeling deeply offended.eb7953efdfe07b30263f

“This is all because the emperor 519503f073 feels inferior to our great wizard. He’s just throwing 18695afd73 a tantrum! He’s in a position where 72554775fb he should be asking for 29a89a1869 help, but he hasn’t even 7aebbe248b met with the wizard yet!”42dea2540fded805f013

As the heated criticism 3d9cc28d4b of the emperor continued, a628a4648a someone asked about the 879d4ad365 wizard’s current situation. Another person fd5889643d frowned as afa10d80ee they answered.5c7f7b8c1d4626d97f76

“The wizard is practically confined to 9decc89acc a cabin near the Ice Mountain, 9c12252a20 unable to involve himself in village bdd091d255 matters due to the emperor’s orders. Hah, as if e4829d427c he’s committed some c2156c788d kind of crime—ridiculous.”573878f5169f57bfa4cd

As he spoke, he seemed 832c0bcc69 to remember something and scanned c4898998a9 the crowd for a particular db92d454c0 face before asking.320d69a78f90c048304f

“Isn’t it your daughter’s turn to 5cee029133 attend to the wizard this time?”5c4913877a2de4d98c83

The man who was questioned 83ab46b363 suddenly looked uneasy and lowered 24bc17e1f5 his eyes as if the 766e862a69 attention made him feel uncomfortable.b89fdf4951fdc59254fd

“Y-Yes, that’s right.”bc5bc70d7bd7bf5a90ad

“So, did you make sure to 32e05e3bc0 get her to the cabin safely?”c96edbf70864ef273817

“Well, the thing is, the wizard refused, 5d14522a47 saying it was too far so he f9bd8ce777 didn’t need anyone attending to him.”8f9a4924117aad57fdac

“What? You should have insisted and left your daughter b618c34d5d there to make sure he was comfortable!”35a44a8ca54dbcf5ab50

As people began to criticize him 1e442b134f from all directions, he sighed and ebb1722c76 muttered a small excuse.69eb5cb03d2125e5a31d

“Considering how troubled the wizard must already be, I thought 7668db5d9d sending a young child might just cause him further discomfort.”61234d156a4161ad2363

“All the more 7811276b28 reason why you c5312672be should have paid d87c316557 more attention! If it weren’t for the 8c6db114ef wizard, neither you nor your ef3fad09ad daughter would even be here!”d56463497fa331fc4e5d

At someone’s scolding, the man bowed his 38f7d7b3bf head even lower and muttered an acknowledgment. However, the worry for his f364b80d64 young daughter didn’t disappear from 7c42fab9cd his downcast face.1c545be22aaf7f6285ee