Chapter 228: Duke Lucci

If those two supplies stopped coming, then it can't be helped. But, what could be the reason?

Rossbert tried asking the vendor.

"Well, based on what I heard, the local lord of Hanging Village in which the Magenta Floramint was growing was found dead inside his manor. On the contrary, the merchant who was supplying Tyrant Grass had disappeared suddenly and no one knew where he went."

"Eh?!" The three were dumbfounded.

"Two people who were connected in the supply suffered unfavorable fate? C-could it be a coincidence?" Zennie could not help but felt something was amiss.

The vendor shook her head, signifying she had no idea.

Rossbert frowned at the news. It was unexpectedly bad news.

Zennie looked around and noticed the people around were still as lively as though nothing serious was happening at the moment.

"Isn't it bad?"

She asked in a worried tone.

"It's indeed bad. Although the effect of it was yet to show the result, the empire will suffer a great predicament if the issue goes on. Everyone will notice this dire issue later and might cause a great panic that could lead to chaos," Rossbert speculated.

"Indeed."

"So, what are we going to do now, Lady Zennie?" Liz asked.

Zennie did not reply right away. She pondered for a moment before opening her mouth.

With a frown on her face, she replied. "For the time being, let's find an inn first as it is already late. Let's try our luck in a nearby town tomorrow." No matter what, Zennie could not give up. She needed to find enough medicine as soon as possible for the people in Rothsport.

"I see. Uh, while we are at it, let me investigate a little about it," Rossbert suggested.

"Okay, rather, I wanna ask you, Mr. Rossbert, to do it."

"Yes, my pleasure. Let me handle it."

The group left the market after strolling around. 

<> <> <>

About five thousand and five hundred kilometers northwest of the capital city, the Carnelian city was located. It was the second-largest city in the Whitestone empire.

Located in the center of the city, on top of the hill, was the mansion of Duke Lucci, the younger brother of the current Emperor.

Although they were brothers, they weren't related by blood. That said, the current emperor was an adopted son of the late emperor.

After the late Emperor passed away, her brother succeeded the throne as the first in line. Duke Lucci contributed a lot to the empire. He led and won many wars against the surrounding kingdoms. Yet, the throne was still passed down to his older brother.

On top of that, Lucci was the real royal blood. Yet, his adopted brother becomes the ruler instead of him?! Unbelievable!

Out of anger, he petitioned. But his political and military power at that time was below his brother. His appeal was nothing but a joke when most of the ministers turned their heads away from his appeal. He decided to leave the royal capital and secluded himself in this city.

Thump!

While sitting, with a bored expression, inside his chamber, he noticed the door was flung open.

Displeasure was apparent on his face when the door made an irritating noise.

"You!" He bellowed at the figure who was leisurely walking towards him.

But soon Duke Lucci knitted his brows. He could not recognize the person as he/she was covered with black cloth from head to toe.

"It's me, Duke Lucci," a cold monotonous voice echoed inside the room.

Currently, there are only two of them in this room.

Upon hearing the familiar voice. A grin appeared on Duke Lucci's mouth.

"I see. Hehehe! Since you're here, does that mean our redemption plan is proceeding smoothly?" He asked. His bored face a while ago could not be found anymore. There was only a toothy grin on his face.

"Of course. As I promise, the flying giant already lost one of his wings, and soon will lose the other. Just a little more time and this empire will fall to your hands."

"Wonderful! HAHAHA!"

After hearing the person's report, Duke Lucci laughed jovially.

Under the black hood, the peeking eyes squinted and the mouth grinned secretly. "Just don't forget your own promise, as I did my part already," the person said.

"Rest assured. I never back down on my words, especially to someone like you, a hero."

After hearing the duke's words, the person nodded and his figure suddenly disappeared like smoke.

Seeing that the other person already left his chamber, "Fuhaha!" A laugh echoed in the room. "Those fools, they thought they summoned a savior, but what they summoned was the Devil emissary," Duke Lucci muttered mockingly.

Regardless, he was wary of that person, but he needed his help. He would even make a pact with the devil himself if necessary, just to settle his long-time grievance against those people who betrayed him. And also, for the sake of retaking the throne that was originally for him.

Inside an alleyway, outside the rampart, a person was laughing like a madman.

"Hey, Kyle, what are you laughing at?"

"Haha, haha, nothing, nothing, don't mind me. I just love toying with the people in this world. For some reason, I remember a certain person as I did it."

"A person? Who do you mean?"

"My old friend."

"Ah, that Yeman guy in our world?"

"Oh, you remember him? That's surprising."

"Of course, I did! He was the student who was suspended after bringing a real gun on our campus, right?"

"Yeah, well, I'll tell you a secret then. Hehe, it's me who inserted the gun in his bag."

"WHAT! Dude are you crazy?!"

"Well, there's a reason why I did it."

"Wait. Weren't the two of you supposedly friends?"

"Friends? Heh! I don't know about that. Regardless, don't tell others about it, especially Reena. You know what will happen if you do that, Arthur," Kyle warned.

"S-sure. Hah~! But I think you need a serious checkup in your head, though."

"Regardless, we must go now before someone notices us. We can't risk getting discovered."

"Yeah, right. So, where are we going next?" Arthur asked.

"Hmm, let's go to the Gentlewind family," Kyle replied.

"Ugh, that's far, Dude. I'm almost out of magical energy you know!"

"Here take this!"

"A-a replenishing elixir? I see. Damn, this looks like a game for some reason."

"Well, aren't you enjoying this world as well?"

"Heh! Just that, it's only a matter of time before we'll get killed in this world."

"Those demons huh."

"Right."

"Don't worry, just a little more before we rule this empire. When that happens, we are free to do whatever we want."

"Heh! I hope so."

"Regardless, drink it already so we can go now. We can't waste our time."

"Sure, sure."

After drinking the elixir, Arthur's magical energy recovered instantly. 

"Alright!"

[Gate!]

A magical gate appeared from thin air.

"Woo! What a convenient skill." Kyle muttered before stepping inside.

They went inside and disappeared.