Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Turning back the time ten days. Office of the Rector of Jans University, Krasilov, Frechenkaya.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Silence.

The gold fountain pen nib crumbled, and ink spilled all over the desk. The maid standing by her side trembled at the sight but did not dare move.

Even if she were to be punished for lese-majesty, she could not appear before her monarch now.

A terrible murderous aura filled the room. Even the magical lamps that lit the royal study were dimmed by it.

After a suffocating silence, Elizaveta rolled her dry eyes and turned her gaze.

Toward the man kneeling before her with bowed head.

Is it true?

Yes, Your Highness.

Pavels voice was solemn. Devoid of his usual jesting tone, it resonated with the gravity of that time long gone.

In this moment, he appeared not as the man who would toss around frivolous jokes about promotion and ambition, but as the solemn commander of the Royal Guard, stationed in the Royal Palace.

Hence, Elizavetas fingertips trembled even more.

Disaster in the Bernini Mountains, disappearance of Ivan Petrovich Yermov.

Suspected terrorism targeting Jill Ber, enemy forces confirmed to be over forty dragons alone, with ground troops unaccounted for.

Simultaneously, the Count of Tylesses plots rebellion. Suspected mastermind behind the terrorism. Estimated enemy troops minimum twenty thousand, maximum nearing one hundred thousand, considering Tylessess mobilization capabilities.

The maximum force Tylesses can muster in Saint Mathilde is seven thousand troops. Depending on the timing of the battle, about half of them could realistically engage in combat.

Tylesses has fallen.

Upon reading the report, Elizavetas pragmatic mind quickly concluded. Assuming the fall as a fact, it was time to calculate the gains.

It would be folly to pretend indifference unless those who would hold the next regime would wage war. Krasilov is on the brink of winter.

Surviving in Krasilov during winter without trade is impossible. Even more so after the war with the demons. The nations stability is now in jeopardy.

Due to Krasilovs geographical features, all trade must pass through land routes. And the largest trade railway in the alliance begins in Tylesses.

If Tylesses cannot be conquered, the next Tylesses regime must not be antagonized. At least until the end of winter.

Vanka has fallen.

However.

All the unfeeling parts of Elizaveta, all the parts not ruled by reason, were deeply contemplating this fact.

Only that.

Pavel.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

The rulers judgment must serve only the nations security. That was common sense. She had lived by it, and thus, she had spilled countless hot blood on her hands.

But.

At this moment, all the unfeeling parts of Elizaveta were sobbing in the thick darkness. The doctrine of rulership is nothing but words. But human emotions do not end with words.

Yes, Your Highness.

The former commander of the Royal Guard, answered in a low voice.

The will of the war god was one and the same.

Mourn at a more suitable moment. Rise.

Yes, Your Highness.

On Pavels lips, as he raised his head and stood up from his seat, there were traces of blood. Marks of bitten lips, torn apart. Elizaveta stared at those traces for a moment before lifting her head.

Even a brief moment of silence seemed too precious. As she lowered her head again, the corners of her eyes were quickly drying up.

Mourning can wait. It was more important.

Before Vankas body cools, offer their blood to himself for sustenance. Vankas spirit must be appeased with their blood. This winter will be harsh.

Yes, Your Highness.

After that, you will conclude the postponed mourning. Will you join me?

I gladly will, Your Majesty.

Go. Instruct Count Valika to begin preparations immediately. I will give you a day to prepare for deployment. Finish the mobilization within two days, cross the border within five, and within ten days, I must personally take their heads.

With each sentence, the rulers wrath echoed through the study. The cold teacups rattled softly. As her anger fluctuated, so did the magic, causing her hair to lightly sway.

Pavel, having received the orders, bowed deeply and withdrew.

Alone, Elizaveta finally looked at the report filled with icy sentences. Ink spread and stained the paper, transparent liquid dripped here and there.

Move again, and you die.

Ivan ignored Kim Sunwoos words. He was someone who became talkative once hope was within reach. However, Ivan was a rational person, so he did not heed the whispering of trauma.

I must live. I shouldnt risk my life. If Im prepared to die, at least it should be for our fight. Not for someone elses or another countrys.

Did demons classify humans by nationality?

What?

Or did heroes save humans by nationality?

You mean we could be heroes?

Not we, I. Because I promised. To Jill Ber, that bastard.

Kill him. Kill the traitor!! Right now!!

A familiar command.

Ivan raised his sword, holding it straight before him.

And yet, here I am alive.

From one side of his face, obscured by the sword, Kim Sunwoo murmured, blood staining the clean side of the blade.

That wasnt your story.

Enrique said so. I had to tell my own story before I could return home.

That story

I always did it. Not you, but me. From the moment you no longer wanted to turn the pages, I touched blood with my own hands, touched corpses, killed people, cut down demons, killed gods.

And if I had realized it at this moment.

The prologue

It ended thirty years ago. More than half of my pages have already been turned, and my story has unfolded anew.

The story of the hero party wasnt just my long prologue, it was all the stories we shared together.

Kim Sunwoo fell silent. As always, neither affirming nor denying.

Ivan, being a rational person, didnt feel a sense of accomplishment in winning an argument with himself.

He simply raised his sword.

He cut down the approaching knights. It was something he could do even with the little magic left. Fortunately, he hadnt died yet.

Dont run away, tienne de Granmarteau.

You cant leave this place alive!!

tienne spurred his horse. Ivans legs werent suitable for running now. He wouldnt be able to catch up with the galloping horse. He said, holding his sword:

At least your son faced death with dignity.

What?

tienne, who had been riding, stopped in his tracks. He stared blankly at Ivan.

Kwaahh!!

The artillery struck nearby, exploding and illuminating the area in red.

Did you not hear about your sons death?

That brat is now in Krasilovat the Saint Jans University.

Oh right, did I introduce myself yet?

Ivan took aim with his sword, bowing slightly. It was a perfect etiquette that would befit a Tylesse knight. Laden with mockery.

Ivan Petrovich Yermov, Colonel of the Krasilov Counterintelligence Command. Responsible for internal intelligence and directly supervised the detection of spies at the Saint Jans University. As for your son, he is still at the university.

Hes dead though, so he couldnt return home.

At Ivans words, tienne clenched the sword in his trembling hand. Shock, disbelief, anger, sadness. Countless emotions scattered across his face like ripples.

Kill me.

The emotion that remained at the end was not that of a retreating rebel leader. Only the image of a father who had lost his son remained, growling with the sword in hand.

Ivan nodded his head and raised his sword to meet him.

This time, I must do it right.

-Kwaahh!!

Another artillery strike fell beside them.

Taking it as a signal, tienne and Ivan ran towards each other.

Read Faloo Novels online at