RGS Volume 4 Part 6

Blond hair, green eyes, a petite figure, and a beautiful face. At some point, this appearance had firmly established itself as Truyde’s

definite preference. When he realized it, an insatiable thirst arose whenever he saw someone with such an appearance, a thirst he

couldn’t suppress. Truyde knew when his preferences had changed.

To be precise, it was after experiencing a certain incident, and later he found out that his father and grandfather had experienced the

same thing. A phenomenon of being obsessed with a specific appearance. It started after he began making the black potion himself.

It could be dismissed as a coincidence, but there was always uneasiness inside him.

The complete trigger that made him completely forget about it was a guy named Abel who appeared as the prince’s Regas 12 years

ago.

Right, it was just an unpleasant coincidence.

He embraced those he desired without any worries or uneasiness. But as time went on, the thirst grew stronger. No matter how

many people who matched his preferences he surrounded himself with, he didn’t feel satisfied.

Recently, the number of people killed during his sexual intercourse to heighten pleasure has increased. However, the joy of

ejaculating on a corpse is only temporary, soon followed by unsatisfying discomfort that covers his whole body.

From his trembling hands to his burning throat, it only got worse.

To get rid of it, he always embraces someone new. Moreover, it was becoming increasingly difficult to find men with blond hair and

green eyes within the empire. However, the Marquis summed up the vicious cycle that had taken hold of his body in one word.

It is a curse.

“That can’t be.”

Truyde muttered, grinding his teeth. The prince’s Regas is undoubtedly Abel. Didn’t he freely enter the Dragon’s Forest without the

prince 12 years ago? Just by looking at the prince who followed him, it’s clear. No one can deny that the ugly guy who died in a

month was the prince’s Regas.

Perhaps because it’s a curse, there’s another real Regas?

It should have been a story to laugh about, but instead of laughter, his clenched fists only tightened. Truyde glared at the door where

the Marquis had disappeared with fierce eyes. His intention could simply be a provocation.
If there is no real Regas, the remaining cards for the Marquis are useless, so he might have bluffed at the thought of cutting his

losses. However, there was a catch. The emperor who would arrive soon asked for a Regas with blond hair and green eyes. Like

Norhox’s previous sneering, the emperor might have deliberately mentioned his preferences to attack Truyde.

However, the word ‘curse’ from the Marquis lingered in his mind like a thorn. The Marquis uttered that word as if he meant it

sincerely. It was as if he truly believed that the real Regas had not yet appeared.

“No. The Regas is dead.”

Truyde whispered once more, as if assuring himself, and called his men. If the Marquis wanted to make his weapon valuable, he had

no choice but to respond accordingly. Truyde instructed his subordinate in a low voice so that no one else could hear.

[T/N: Last time, I just used the term ‘men’ [수하] for Truyde’s subordinate but I’m changing it from now on.]

“Send someone secretly to Marquis Yan’s house.”

“Is it for surveillance?”

Truyde shook his head expressionlessly at his subordinate’s question.

“No, it’s for the purpose of eliminating the Marquis when necessary.”

He had to be prepared for when the real Regas appeared. Just in case he had undergone a ridiculous curse like reincarnation. That

guy Abel, who was ugly and bulky from 12 years ago.

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

His heartbeat became dangerously fast. Now the tears were subsiding, but Abel felt the aftermath of the shock gradually eroding his

body. This was a familiar physical state. It was the feeling of his head becoming numb, difficulty breathing, and the heart seeming to

stop moving just before losing consciousness.

Abel learned through experience while adapting to his new body. He learned when to take medicine and when not to push himself

too hard. And now he has surpassed both of these. His heart burned and ached as if it were on fire. This was the first time he had

felt such pain.

His instinct had already shouted from within him several times.

Stop. Stop crying.

The intensifying emotions swayed dangerously at the edge of danger. If he went beyond this, it would be different from simply

fainting lightly. It was already too late to turn back, and he couldn’t do that either.

Trembling started deep inside him as if being sucked into darkness. His numb mind seemed unaffected even if his consciousness

would abruptly cut off. It was a miracle that he was able to endure like this after surpassing his limits, but he couldn’t be happy about

it. He regretted not taking care of his body in advance, like a fool.

It wasn’t until he was on the verge of collapse that he realized he had been consumed by his own emotions. While he was in front of

that person. The sobbing stopped, but tears still streamed down his cheeks. It was difficult to open his swollen eyes, but he could

still see he was approaching.

A hand stained with blood. It hesitated in mid-air before approaching Abel’s knees. Unlike his hesitant actions upon realizing the

blood on his hand, his voice was indifferent.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

His voice, always devoid of emotion, felt dry and indifferent. Until he knew the person’s true identity, he only felt afraid of him. He was

just a distant person who was someone he should please and don’t provoke, so he ignored him even if he was concerned. No matter

how cruel and terrifying he was.

He was the person he had been searching for, but he didn’t even realize it like a fool. A heavy sense of guilt suddenly weighed down

on him. Abel barely lifted his eyes to look at his face. While his hand still hesitated in mid-air, Abel’s hand moved naturally.

A small, trembling white hand touched Karas’ face. As soon as it touched him, his gray eyes slightly widened, and his body seemed

to stiffen, but Abel didn’t have the leisure to notice.

He should have recognized him sooner.

How could he not recognize the person who had become an adult, only just claiming to serve the prince with mere words.

The thought that he was unworthy of being a Regas stabbed his heart like a blade.

“Ka-Karas, are you okay?”

His trembling voice, mixed with breaths, was still audible enough for Karas to understand. However, Karas blinked once as if he

didn’t understand the question and responded slowly.

“I didn’t fall.”
Upon hearing the innocent answer, Abel felt like tears would come again, so he deliberately laughed more.

“Hehe, yes, I know. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

Okay with what? Is he talking about the fight earlier?

Abel’s strange expression, a mix of laughter and tears, caught Karas’ attention, but he just nodded for now.

“Yes.”

However, Abel squeezed his strength as if he couldn’t believe it and muttered.

“You must have had a hard time.”

It’s fine. Taking a person’s life was as easy as stepping on a bug this time as well.

However, Karas swallowed the answer that was about to come out of his mouth. His hand started trembling enough to bother him,

so Karas pulled back the hand Abel had reached out to him.

Instead, he held Abel’s hand as if clasping it. He didn’t realize it, but Abel’s appearance was also strange. His breathing was irregular,

and his gaze was gradually becoming hazy. The confusion that had stopped for a moment rushed back. Even at a glance, Abel

appeared to be in a precarious state, despite his efforts to smile.

This situation was very unfamiliar to Karas. Not only to him but also to those around him, there was not a single person who would

be in such pain just because they had tripped. Karas looked back and forth between Abel and his surroundings, not knowing what to

do, and opened his mouth.

“I’ll carry you.”

He thought it was a good idea, but he heard Abel’s faint muttering.

“I’m sorry.”

Karas didn’t pay attention to why he was apologizing. Catching Abel’s body, which was about to collapse, was his first priority. The

problem was that the small body nestled in his chest was barely breathing.

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

After leaving Truyde’s room, the Marquis walked down the quiet corridor next to the hall with slow steps. Unlike the noisy hall where

the party was still going on, the dark and quiet corridor seemed like a different world.

Tap, tap.

The sound of the Marquis’ footsteps filled the seemingly endless long corridor.

The sound should have continued until the end of the corridor, but strangely, it abruptly stopped in the middle. The Marquis stopped

walking in the middle of the corridor and turned his head. There was no one behind him, but he opened his mouth towards the empty

corridor.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The Marquis’ voice echoed in the dark corridor, which was nothing but darkness except for the flickering candlelight shadows. There

was no voice that responded, but the Marquis’ blunt words continued.

“Finally, you can play a proper role. Finding the real Regas. Isn’t that right, Norhox?”

After a moment, a long shadow appeared in the darkness, and then the figure within the shadow responded to the Marquis’ words.

“Finding the Regas has always been my job, so there’s nothing special to look forward to.”

It was a light retort, but the Marquis smiled slightly.

“No, you should look forward to it. You might be the most advantageous in the current situation.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

“Do you know what your ancestor had in mind when he built this house?”

The Marquis threw an unexpected question, silencing Norhox’s mouth as he looked around the dark corridor.

“There were many ways to make good use of the numerous Regas. Not only to captivate the king but also to capture other competitors

to obtain what is needed. And the way to confirm the information obtained is through the Regas.”

He paused for a moment and took a few steps, knocking on the wall of the corridor. Then a hollow sound, as if it were empty,

echoed. Norhox’s expression stiffened for a moment, but the Marquis casually revealed the secret as if it were nothing.
“By listening directly with both ears from this secret passage.”

“How did you know that?”

Norhox asked coldly, changing his tone. The secret passage of the house was a secret passed down only to the successors. He

never dreamed that someone else, especially Marquis Yan, would know about it. However, the Marquis easily answered the same as

how he lightly revealed the secret of Truyde’s household.

“My ancestors were not fools. They believed that by only having the King’s secret items, they couldn’t withstand it within the King’s

Heart. At least, they thought they should know about the secret passage in this mansion for eavesdropping like a rat. Be thankful that

your family’s secrets are only this much.”

Norhox raised his eyebrows at the Marquis’ sarcasm, but he couldn’t refute it. The Marquis added coldly first.

“If there had been something more, you would also get hit on the back of your head like Truyde, who was self-confident on his victory.

The bigger the secret, the harder you fall.”

Norhox remained silent, keeping his mouth shut. His appearance was only evidence that he had heard the conversation between the

Marquis and Truyde a while ago.

The Marquis smiled faintly.

“Now admit it. You must look forward to finding the real Regas. If you only know Truyde’s secret, can’t he repay you for the humiliation

when he made you kneel under his feet at once? Anyway, finding Regas is your role.”

“Indeed.”

Norhox finally spoke after a long while, casting a glance behind him.

“Do you believe that the real Regas hasn’t appeared yet?”

“Yes.”

As the Marquis answered without hesitation, Norhox’s eyes darkened.

“But 12 years ago, Abel, who was the emperor’s Regas, freely entered the Dragon’s Forest. And he clearly died. Yet you say there is

another real Regas?”

“That’s right.”

“I can’t believe your words without evidence.”

“Then trust Truyde. You trust him.”

“Is it a curse?”

Norhox’s voice was filled with doubt. When he first overheard their conversation, he thought the Marquis was just lying as a final act

of defiance. Thus, he also even laughed. One side was cursed to love the king if they became a Regas, and the other side was cursed

to love the king’s Regas.

Who would believe that?

“So, you find that story ridiculous.”

Norhox’s expression didn’t change, but the Marquis understood his laughter and calmly replied.

“If we, who have been using poison for generations to control the king, destroy his mind using his own Regas, and eventually kill him,

wouldn’t that be even more ridiculous if we weren’t cursed?”

“……”

“Even if you don’t believe in curses, it doesn’t matter. I intend to find the real Regas.”

“I know the Regas the best. So, if I were to also find the real Regas, would you join hands with me?”

“Joining you doesn’t matter.”

“Doesn’t matter?”

The Marquis stared at the dark corridor that Norhox had seen and calmly uttered.

“What matters is time.”

“Time?”

“Yes, Truyde will do everything in his power to eliminate me and my family from now on.”
“……”

“Before that, will I be able to meet the real Regas, hand over the things that our family has protected, and reveal Truyde’s secret? I

wonder.”

When the Marquis coldly uttered “I wonder,” Norhox hurriedly whispered.

“So, why don’t you entrust me with those important things in advance?”

“You should focus on finding the real Regas of the emperor. Truyde will not only try to eliminate me, but he will also try to find and

eliminate the Regas himself.”

After hearing the warning, Norhox narrowed his eyes and turned away without saying a word. The Marquis’ words were unbelievable,

but for Norhox, who had nowhere else to go, it could be a good opportunity. If he could uncover Truyde’s secret, he could turn the

tables in an instant.

He decided to search the entire country and gather those with blond hair and green eyes.

As he disappeared into the darkness, the Marquis, who had been watching for a long time, turned his body with a cold expression.

He wanted to avoid joining forces with Norhox, however, now he had no choice.

It was better than having one family controlling the King’s Heart completely, so, he had no choice but to endure. As he stepped out

into the darkness, his shoulders hardened with determination for the fight.

Thus, Norhox forgot about the most important enemy. The emperor, whom they had long considered an enemy and tried to control,

was coming.

RGS Volume 4 Part 7

Thud.

Melmond, who tripped over the tree roots without even feeling pain, immediately stood up from the ground. His mind, running
through the forest where Abel disappeared, was as blank as his pale face.

Abel went to meet Karas, knowing the truth about him. What was about to happen next was unimaginable.
The only thing that came to mind was the worst-case scenario, so he forced himself to block his mind. He wondered if Abel’s heart
had stopped, or if Karas, who knew nothing, would misunderstand and swing his sword at Abel.

If a terrible ending were to come, it seemed that Melmond’s heart would stop before Abel’s. The same was true for the butler running
beside him who seemed to be in worse condition than Melmond.

Please, let Abel faint before meeting Karas.

The two relied on Abel’s weak body for the first time.

So, even while running frantically, they didn’t forget to look for anyone who had fallen to the ground.

Moreover, according to Kin, the culprit of all this, Abel already looked like he was about to collapse, didn’t he? So, if he gets lucky
and faint before meeting Karas…

Stop.

The rising hope, pushing away their anxiety, ended as their steps halted. Abel, who seemed to have fainted, was sprawled out as
the two had hoped. Or at least, it seemed to be Abel. It was hard to confirm as his face wasn’t clearly visible, and their head was just
blank by the unexpected situation.

Being held and kissed by someone wasn’t among their worst expectations. Especially if that someone was Karas. Melmond and the
butler inhaled sharply in unison. But like their frozen minds, their breaths were stuck.

What on earth is going on?

They were worried that Karas might get angry and swing his sword, but he suddenly kissed him? Things are going very smoothly.
Did Abel grab Karas, and reveal who he was, and Karas accepted it happily without any misunderstandings? And then, did they
immediately share a passionate embrace and kiss, with their hearts connecting instantly?!

Melmond’s eyes widened to the point of tears. This was beyond unexpected, it was shocking. However, the shock to the butler, who
had served the young master all his life, was incomparable.

Thud.
The butler sank to the ground as if he were about to faint following Abel’s footsteps. But before the butler’s eyes rolled back, Kin
stepped forward and muttered softly.

“It looks serious.”

Of course, it was serious. The butler, holding Kin’s leg, expressed his resentment.

“Pig, because of you….”

“The medicine?”

When Kin, who always got angry at the title of ‘Pig’, asked seriously, the butler finally regained his fading consciousness.

“Ah, the medicine?”

When Melmond also looked at him with the same expression, Kin pointed with his chin. To where Karas had just parted his lips for
another kiss.

“It’s the medicine you take when you can’t breathe properly.”

Upon the brief explanation, Melmond and the butler both turned to Karas. Just as Karas took a deep breath after releasing his lips,
he kissed Abel again. It was only then that they realized. Karas wasn’t kissing, he was trying to resuscitate Abel by giving him
mouth-to-mouth.

Thud.

The butler stood up from the ground and he hurriedly felt around for a medicine bottle.

If he couldn’t breathe, it was as bad as it could get.

The butler felt his head spinning and his hands trembling. When he couldn’t find the medicine properly in his panicked, Melmond
approached him with a serious look.
“Has this happened before?”

“Yes, only once. A long time ago.”

The butler whispered, unable to properly continue his sentence.

“He suddenly couldn’t breathe and collapsed. The doctors said there was no way to help him, so they said he might as well pass
away.”

“But how did it get better?”

At Melmond’s urgent question, the butler turned his dazed eyes.

“Just the master coming and praying for him…”

It was obvious if it was a prayer from the master. The caretakers of the temple led by the King’s Heart called themselves masters
and prayed, receiving a lot of money. Of course, there was no real effect to it.

“Try to remember. Besides that, there must have been another method used. Perhaps, a medicine that was only given at that time.”

As Melmond urged, the butler bit his lips, as if he was unable to recall the old incident. Melmond, who was waiting for an answer,
eventually swallowed a sigh and took a step forward. Karas had just raised his head. Then, he looked down at Abel without saying
anything and his lips parted.

“Medicine.”

Melmond, who was about to step forward at the command-like words, froze like a statue. There was no medicine.

What should they do?

As he turned to look at the butler with that thought, he saw that the butler was also lost in thought, looking at Melmond. As the two
exchanged bewildered gazes for a moment, Karas’ slow voice was heard.
“There’s none?”

With no answer, Karas’ eyes turned to the standing motionless figures. Just a mere eye contact seemed to bring an inexplicable chill
over them. The absence of medicine in front of him felt like a grave sin.

The chill turned into fear and increased their anxiety. There is only one reason why Karas was trying to save the other person.

He realized it. He knew that the person he was holding was Abel.

However, what was important was the reason why Karas was not in a good mood.

He couldn’t tell if it was simply because Abel had collapsed or because he had said something before collapsing. As he swallowed
his saliva and stepped back, Kin, who was familiar to Karas, stepped forward. He watched Abel closely and noticed that his
breathing had slowly returned to normal.

“Your Majesty.”

He called Karas and glanced sharply behind him. It was unlikely, but he asked cautiously, not forgetting to be on guard in case there
were any remaining enemies.

“Is there something wrong with young master Lil?”

Melmond and the butler looked at Karas as they became more tense at Kin’s question. When the time waiting for his response felt
like an eternity, Karas stood up with Abel in his arms. However, what he said as he stepped forward was not an answer.

“Step aside.”

Melmond and the butler both stepped back at the dry command, and even Kin flinched and moved slightly to the side as if startled.
As the space between the three widened, Karas tried to pass through them while holding Abel. However, the butler who had stepped
back blocked Karas without realizing it when he saw Abel’s slumped back who had collapsed. Before Melmond could stop him, the
trembling voice of the butler came out.

“I-I’ll check to see how young master Lil is hurt first… Ugh!”
His voice ended with a groan along with the sound of hitting the ground.

Thud!

It was the sound of the butler who had been kicked by Karas’ foot, hitting the roots of the tree and rolling on the ground. He seemed
to stiffen in pain, unable to move properly in his fallen position. His moans flowed like cries from his lips, filling the dark night. Karas
paid no attention and moved his feet toward the open path again.

Thud.

Strangely, Melmond felt that the sound of his movement was as loud as the sound of drums next to his ears. It was only after he
disappeared from his sight that he realized that the sound was his own startled heart, but he still couldn’t move. It was only when he
heard Kin’s question that he finally thought of the butler.

“Who is he?”

“Who is he?” [T/N: This is a repeated question by Melmond.]

Melmond quickly approached the butler, hiding his trembling voice. The butler was trembling and vomiting blood. He groaned,
unable to breathe properly due to the pain of the area he had been hit. Melmond asked if he was okay but couldn’t hear a response.
Instead, Kin’s question was heard again. And he noticed that his voice turned sharp.

“Young master Lil. What is his true identity?”

Melmond raised his head with a serious look, kneeling on one knee next to the butler. Kin narrowed his eyes at the darkness where
Karas had disappeared and quickly lowered his gaze.

“What are you hiding?”

“……”

Melmond, who had kept silent, turned to look at the darkness where Karas had disappeared like Kin. Karas’ actions were strange
enough for Kin to sense something.
Of course.

Karas’ actions couldn’t be the same as before if he knew Abel’s true identity.

However, Abel said he wouldn’t reveal his true identity.

Could it be that Abel said something unintentionally while he was not in his right mind?

Melmond couldn’t think anymore. He muttered as he tried to lift the butler’s body.

“Later, uh, I’ll tell you.”

Kin looked down at Melmond with cold eyes, as if telling him to keep his promise, and then ran towards where Karas had
disappeared. Melmond sighed inwardly as he heard Kin’s footsteps slowly fading. And he asked the butler, who was struggling to
get up.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Whether the bones that were hit by Karas were broken or not, the butler couldn’t straighten his back properly. But even in his
contemplative state, he thought of the young master first.

“I have to, *cough*, hurry and chase after the young master… ugh.”

The butler couldn’t continue speaking due to the pain in his chest. Melmond frowned and tried to calm him down.

“I understand, so stop talking for now. Take care of your body first.”

“Ugh! M-Melmond!”

The butler, who had leaned on Melmond, suddenly seemed to remember something and regained his strength to speak.

“Th-The brown bottle, ah, that.”

Brown bottle?

Melmond searched through his memory and recalled the words the butler had said before. When he laid out the young master’s
medicine and explained, he had emphasized the brown bottle particularly.

‘This is a very dangerous medicine to be taken when severely ill. It’s a risky medicine that can become poison if taken incorrectly, so
it should only be taken two or three times a year, but it’s enough to recover your strength immediately. The dosage should be
appropriate, and you should be careful not to take it within a short period. You should wait at least three months before taking it
again.’

Yeah, if it’s that medicine, it might be effective.

Melmond understood the butler’s intention and quickly searched through his body and took out the brown bottle.

“Are you talking about this medicine?”

Nod. The butler weakly nodded as he added.

“Yes, if you give it to the young master…ugh…”

“I understand. I’ll take care of it myself.”

Melmond lifted the butler onto his back, preventing him from speaking any further. Melmond walked in the direction Kin had gone, as
he held the brown bottle in his hand, tightly clenched.

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Kin had boasted of knowing Karas well, having served him directly for the past six years. When he first saw him, there weren’t any
high expectations from the king, who was of similar age to be regarded as his own son. Nevertheless, he always bravely wielded his
sword at the forefront with his soldiers.

It wasn’t unconditional loyalty to the king, nor was it a desire to gain a share like most lords who participated in the war. The life of a
poor regional lord was somewhat bearable, even though it was difficult. However, he disliked passing on this poverty, which had
persisted for hundreds of years, to his son and grandson.
Ruling the territory was supposed to be the Kin family’s responsibility, but just like everywhere else, the temple established by the
King’s Heart ruled as if they were the owner. Kin had only one enemy, the King’s Heart. And the only way to overthrow them was for
the king to regain power, so it didn’t matter to him if he was young and as expressionless as a doll.

He wanted to stand before his own son with the pride of having tried to change the country. However, the king who he thought was
powerless, continued to win victories in the war. As he spent years in a chaotic state due to the war, he realized one more thing
about Karas.

He was not just a bloodthirsty person who simply enjoyed fighting. Some of the war profiteers he sent to the capital as examples
grew into opposing forces that restrained the King’s Heart. The power that controlled the people through the spread temples
throughout the country suddenly became feeble in the face of the territory that expanded several times.

Now, looking at the whole country, there were far more people who did not believe in the King’s Heart. Furthermore, the King’s Heart
was too preoccupied to have the time to expand the temple due to conflicts with war profiteers and power struggles. This gave hope
to Kin. His heart trembled with the anticipation that he could shatter the King’s Heart rather than the joy of returning home once the
war is over.

Beneath Karas’ expressionless face lay a sharp insight that no one could match. Thus, Karas became everything to him. Even
though he had never praised or comforted him, not even once. Even when Ashler, the most trusted, was gravely injured and on the
brink of death in the war, it was the same.

Now, he had saved the lives of four commanders who had become his confidants, but he still felt as if he was devoid of emotion,
almost as if it was all done by coincidence. Of course, no one complained because they knew that Karas was the king they had to
serve and so, they should not question his intentions nor emotions.

They only hoped that he would genuinely trust them as his confidants and open his heart to them even a little. Perhaps that is why
everyone overreacted and fought like children for his praise, even to the slightest remark Karas made casually. They didn’t mind if
the king viewed them merely as tools.

However, he breathed life into someone to save them. He even kicked the butler, who had stepped forward to help, as if he wouldn’t
let anyone take away young master Lil from his arms. This left Kin quite shocked. Karas, who was devoid of emotions.

Kin suddenly recalled what Ashler had said before.

“Yes, His Majesty has no emotions. That’s why he seems more cruel. But it’s not cruelty out of greed, selfishness, or
self-satisfaction. It feels, how should I put it, pure like a newborn child. As if he’s completely empty. But I know there was a time
when that emptiness was filled, even if only for a short while. It was only for two months. But that’s why I can’t give up hope on him. I
believe there’s still a human heart left in him.”
Kin did not know much about Karas’ childhood, however, he heard that a Regas, whom he trusted, died within less than two months.
He was the only person he had opened his heart to, and he had watched with weariness as people similar to that Regas were
repeatedly sent from the King’s Heart.

Karas had never shown any interest in them. But he showed an unusually deep reaction to Lil, who was completely opposite in
appearance. He planned to hear the reason from Melmond soon. As an important issue at hand was something else.

RGS Volume 4 Part 8

“Hah, hhah, where, where is he?”

Melmond, carrying the butler, came running and asked breathlessly. The campfire where Melmond’s group had been resting was
now reduced to just a few small embers. They glowed red in the gray ashes like the eyes of an animal, but it didn’t show what
Melmond was searching for.

“Whe-where is His Majesty?”

Melmond continued to ask with a trembling voice, looking around the empty surroundings with a desolate look in his eyes.

“Y-young master Lil?”

For the first time since arriving here, Kin turned his body, which had not moved.

“I don’t know.”

“Y-you don’t know?”

Not only Melmond, but also the butler who groaned while being carried by him, asked in surprise.

“You mean you don’t know where our young master is?”

Kin slowly turned around the empty field and muttered absentmindedly.

“It seems like he went somewhere else.”

“Where?”

“I don’t know.”

The same answer came out once again, but the two looked even more shocked than before. Kin stared at them sharply.

“What I’m curious about is not where His Majesty went but why he also took young master Lil.”

Swoosh.

Kin drew his sword and took a step closer to them. He asked in a low voice, his intention was clear, if they didn’t speak, he would cut
them down.

“Now, tell me. What is it that I don’t know?”

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

It was worth the risk of moving through the night. Ashler had divided the guards and searched the area for traces of the emperor.
However, as dawn broke, they discovered over ten bodies of corpses at the entrance of a forest. As he dismounted and approached
the corpses, he saw signs of wounds from a fight.

“This is Sir Kin’s work.”

When Nani, who got off his horse and followed Ashler, confirmed it, Ashler nodded.

“They haven’t been dead for long. His Majesty and Sir Kin must be nearby.”

Ashler mounted his horse again and rode into the forest. As he expected, he soon spotted Kin in a small field. However, the scene
was completely different from what he had anticipated. Karas was nowhere to be seen, and Kin was pointing his sword at someone.
And that someone was none other than…

“Oh? Isn’t it Sir Melmond and the butler?”

Hearing Nani’s shout, Ashler approached with a surprised look, and Kin turned his fierce gaze towards him.
“Sir Kin, what is going on here?”

“You came at the right time. Since you’re here, why don’t you tell me?”

Kin lowered his sword that was aimed at Melmond and the butler and asked Ashler the same question.

“What is the true identity of young master Lil?”

Ashler’s eyes, which had widened in surprise, gradually calmed down and took on a serious look. He stared at Melmond for a
moment, then asked Kin instead of giving a direct answer.

“Have you been traveling with young master Lil’s group all along?”

“Is that important?”

“Yes, depending on the situation.”

When Ashler answered firmly, Kin nodded.

“I see.”

“But why was there no mention of it in the letter?”

“Because His Majesty ordered it to be kept a secret.”

Kin responded just as firmly and returned to his original question.

“Surely, His Majesty’s order isn’t preventing you from telling me young master Lil’s true identity?”
“……”

“Sir Ashler.”

Kin turned his body completely towards Ashler, holding his sword. Ashler’s men, who were a little away from the situation of him
pointing a sword at an ally, were confused and tried to draw their swords. However, Ashler raised his hand first and signaled them,
then opened his mouth.

“You won’t believe it.”

“I’ll decide that after I hear it.”

“Very well. I will tell you.”

Ashler nodded as if he had made a decision, and Melmond looked at him with worried eyes. However, contrary to Melmond’s
concerns, Ashler did not immediately reveal Abel’s true identity.

“But before I tell you, there’s something I need to know first. Where exactly are His Majesty and young master Lil?”

Though the dawn light was dispelling the darkness from the open field, the two important individuals were nowhere to be seen.
Following Ashler’s lead, Kin also looked around as he answered indifferently.

“I don’t know.”

Don’t know?

Ashler turned his head sharply, glaring at him, but Kin’s indifferent tone remained unchanged. However, his expression was darker
than anyone else’s.

“They disappeared.”

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

Since Norhox was the host of the party that lasted until late at night, no one should have come to see him early in the morning.
However, Truyde called him to his house, even though he had stayed up all night. Naturally, he should have been in a bad mood, but
Norhox’s expression was completely the opposite. His mouth seemed to twist as if he was holding back laughter.

He was indeed actually holding back his laughter that was about to burst out. Truyde’s visit from early in the morning was evidence
that Marquis Yan’s words from last night were true. If it followed the curse that he would come to like the king’s Regas, it meant that
the real Regas had not yet appeared to Karas.

Even if it wasn’t true, Truyde’s sensitive reaction made it worthwhile to exploit. Honestly, it was hard to believe Marquis Yan’s words.
Norhox wiped the smile off his face as he stepped through the door opened by a servant. Truyde must have called him because of
this.

“Is the Regas that the emperor mentioned ready?”

Truyde asked casually, without taking his eyes off the documents. Thanks to his attitude towards him, Norhox’s joyful heart
disappeared completely.

“If it’s a Regas with blond hair and green eyes, we have enough of them. There are also those who have been trained to be ready
for immediate use.”

“That’s good. Prepare a few of them for immediate use.”

“If it’s immediate, do you plan to send them to the emperor right away?”

“Yes. I plan to send them in advance as a gift to the emperor who will arrive outside the palace tomorrow. Speaking of which…”

Truyde raised his head and stared at Norhox with cold eyes.

“You will go to greet the emperor.”

As a King’s Heart with a power almost equivalent to the emperor, to personally greet him was a blow to his pride. However, Norhox
was secretly delighted. In the current situation, it was advantageous to meet the emperor first. Moreover, if he took the Regas’ with
him, he could assess the emperor’s exact preferences in advance. If he was lucky, there might even be a real Regas among them.

“Yes, understood. I will shake things up with the Regas before the emperor enters the palace. After always seeing his blood-soaked
subordinates, even the emperor is bound to show interest once he sees a beautiful Regas. Unlike when he was younger, the
emperor is now at an age where he needs to satisfy his desires. If all goes well, the Regas’ might even be able to separate him from
his close aides.”

Norhox confidently praised his Regas’ further. Trude listened with a faint smile before responding.

“A Regas that even the indifferent Emperor would show interest in. It seems you’ve prepared thoroughly this time. But who told you
to use the Regas’ as you please?”

Norhox’s expression hardened at Truyde’s sarcastic question.

“Didn’t you tell me to take the Regas’ with me?”

“Yes. Someone else will take them, not you.”

Someone else?

Norhox couldn’t hide his displeasure as he watched Truyde give orders to his subordinates. Soon, someone entered. Truyde pointed
at the person entering and explained directly.

“Hand over your Regas to this person. This person will manage the Regas’ for the time being.”

The person Truyde pointed to recognized Norhox and bowed his head. However, Norhox’s face, staring at him, was beyond anger,
he was pale with anger. The other person was none other than the war profiteer.

“How dare you… someone like you…”

Norhox spat out through gritted teeth as he took a step toward him. His clenched fist looked ready to draw a sword at any moment,
but the war profiteer bowed even lower and greeted him.

“How have you been? It’s such an honor to assist with the matters concerning the Regas’.”

The war profiteer glanced at Norhox with eyes that were now even sharper and greasier than before.
“It was an honor to assist the Marquis when you were on the verge of bankruptcy. Though all I did was send you a little salt.”

Norhox, who had been about to draw his sword, glared at the war profiteer and withdrew his hand. Those eyes still made him feel
uneasy.

Was it because the country bumpkin is rising rapidly and is one step ahead closer to the highest power that his endless greed was
revealed?

It was maddening to look at him, making him turn his head in disgust.

Fighting against such a person was a blow to his pride. And to top it off, the Regas was entrusted to him. However, for now, he had
no choice. Norhox clenched his fist with enough force to pierce his flesh with his nails and stepped back. If things continued like this,
he would have no choice but to join forces with Marquis Yan. He had to get Truyde out as soon as possible.

“Understood. I’ll entrust the Regas’ to this person.”

When Norhox forcibly spat those words, Truyde stared at him fiercely instead.

Marquis Yan was clearly trying to bring Norhox to his side, so he had to act in advance. Even if it meant using a war profiteer he
didn’t like. Truyde glanced briefly and then looked into the war profiteer’s eyes.

Cold and vulgar eyes.

He felt so bad that he had a strong urge to withdraw his plan. However, he quickly ignored it and instructed Norhox what he needed
to do.

“You have other things to do once you meet the emperor.”

When Norhox asked what it was, Truyde handed him the documents he prepared.

“Prevent the Emperor’s army from entering the palace. Cut off all the emperor’s limbs.”

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

“Search the surroundings quickly!”

At Ashler’s command, the soldiers who had followed him scattered in all directions.

Where did the emperor go with the collapsed Abel?

A moment ago, Kin had calmly explained the situation briefly. Ashler was shocked. If the Emperor had been traveling with Abel from
the beginning, it might have been a calculated move. Perhaps he had kept him close under the pretense of traveling together to
confirm if he was the real one.

Moreover, now Abel knew that the other person was the prince of his dreams. Honestly, Ashler had only been thinking about
confronting the King’s Heart as the capital was right in front of them. No one could predict what would happen if Karas knew Abel
had reincarnated. However, unpredictable events had already begun. Ashler questioned Melmond as if reproaching him.

“Melmond, did you not notice His Majesty’s thoughts at all?”

Melmond, who was sitting with Nani, looking after the butler who seemed to have fainted, raised his eyes awkwardly.

“Well, His Majesty is so silent and expressionless that I didn’t expect him to be suspicious of anything.”

“What do you mean, His Majesty was suspicious of something?”

Kin, who had been waiting quietly while Ashler gave orders to his subordinates, interrupted. Ashler and Melmond then realized they
hadn’t explained to him yet. Kin alternated his gaze between the two and demanded an explanation.

“Now it seems like it’s time for me to hear everything.”

A moment of silence passed, and Ashler repeated the warning he had given earlier.

“You won’t believe it.”

“I said it is up to me to decide.”
“…….”

“Ashler.”

“Young master Lil is the real Regas of His Majesty.”

The real Regas?

Kin frowned and tilted his head to the side.

“Didn’t you say His Majesty’s real Regas died twelve years ago?”

“That’s right. Young master Lil is that person.”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“I told you. It’s something you won’t believe.”

Ashler slowly added to Kin, who was frozen in surprise.

“His Majesty’s Regas, who died 12 years ago, has been reincarnated.”

Everyone present here, except Kin, knew the story. However, the words that came out of Ashler’s mouth were still surprising. No,
even if they hear it hundreds of times in the future, it will still be surprising.

The dead coming back to life.

However, Kin, who should have been the most surprised, did not seem to be shocked unexpectedly. Although his eyes widened for
a moment as if surprised, his face, which soon became expressionless, turned cold. Ashler asked sharply, puzzled.

“Is there something wrong, Sir Kin?”

“His Majesty, Regas….”

Kin muttered to himself without answering Ashler’s question. Then, he turned his eyes and looked around before speaking. His
voice, like his face, was cold in some way.

“We must find His Majesty by tomorrow. The King’s Heart will not let His Majesty and the Main Army into the castle without a fight,
so someone will surely come to interfere. However, if they know His Majesty is not here, they might perceive it as a weakness and
try to exploit it.”

Ashler bit his lip, knowing that Kin’s words were right.

“I will also go to find His Majesty. Sir Kin…”

Tap.

Ashler was about turn and walk away when Kin suddenly grabbed his arm and stopped him.

“If you just search blindly, it will take weeks to find him.”

“Do you have any other ideas then?”

As Ashler looked up and asked expectantly, a response came.

“The moment he saw us, he immediately asked for medicine. But in a situation where other’s breathing seemed to ceased, there
was no medicine that was suitable, so they didn’t give him anything.”

Kin glanced briefly at Melmond as if confirming before continuing.

“So, there’s only one place His Majesty could have gone, right?”

Ashler finally realized then that he hadn’t thought of the simplest answer because he was too impatient.

“He must have gone to see the doctor.”

Ashler turned his body again, muttering. This time, Melmond urgently called out to him.

“Ashler, take this with you!”

Melmond handed over a brown bottle that he had been holding tightly in his hand and brought up what the butler had said.

“Perhaps this might be effective.”

As Ashler nodded his head to accept the bottle, Kin took it before he could, tucking it into his clothes.

“I’ll deliver it.”

With those brief words, Kin left as if to join the search. Ashler felt something odd about his actions and furrowed his brows, but soon
followed suit.

Saving Abel was the most important thing at the moment.

He couldn’t let him die twice before Karas’ eyes.

RGS Volume 4 Part 9

His pulse was weak. His breathing was barely audible unless one listened very closely. His skin was pale and cold as snow. His faint
breath he barely clung to seemed ready to cease at any moment. Karas, as if believing that Abel would stay alive as long as he held
him in his arms, did not let go of his tightly clasped arms. He kicked open the door of the second doctor’s house he had found.

Bang!

The door shattered like a piece of paper, sending a cloud of dust into the room. Startled by the loud noise, the startled people inside
rushed out, but they quickly realized the broken door was the least of their concerns.

Click, clack.

The tall man with a young-looking man in his arms slowly scanned the gathered people. His gaze stopped precisely on the doctor.
The doctor stiffened and held his breath, his hands beginning to tremble. It wasn’t just because the sudden intruder was wielding a
blood-soaked sword in one hand.
No, he didn’t even notice that the sword was pointed at him. A creepy feeling took over his body as if all his blood was draining
away. It had been like that since he saw the other person’s eyes. The man with snake-like eyes gave an indifferent command.

“Save him.”

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

It was not easy for Norhox to suppress his desire to live. Managing the Regas’ had been a sanctuary exclusive to his family for a
long time. They would select candidates from among many, train them for months or years, and now they were told to hand over the
results to someone else. And to that filthy, vulgar war profiteer, no less.

“The Regas to be presented to His Majesty for the first time will be those with blond hair and green eyes. I trust Norhox has selected
them well, but I would like to see them in advance.”

The war profiteer was already spouting nonsense with eyes gleaming with madness.

Did he think he was some kind of supervisor?

How dare he speak arrogantly without having a proper knowledge about this matter.

Although he had already tortured him hundreds of times in his mind, Norhox reluctantly took a step back.

Since Truyde was trying to restrain him, Norhox had to conceal his true intentions as much as possible. He had no choice but to
endure until he could join hands with Marquis Yan and uncover Truyde’s secrets. However, he couldn’t just stand by and watch the
war profiteer take his Regas’ like a fool. If he could show that only he could properly utilize Regas, the war profiteer would withdraw
on his own.

“If you want to see it in advance, then do so. However, there won’t be enough time to see them all. I plan to depart soon, as per the
duke’s orders. Wouldn’t you want to leave quickly too? You’ll be able to see the faces of your comrades who fought together.”

At the mention of the word ‘comrades’, the war profiteer’s face instantly turned pale. Norhox didn’t miss the way he averted his eyes.
Well, he would be reluctant to meet them. His comrades would never imagine that the war profiteer had betrayed the emperor to
side with the King’s Heart. Though Norhox wanted to savor his discomfort longer, he soon grew irritated by the war profiteer’s voice
as he changed the subject.
“Thank you. Since you’ve been so considerate, why don’t you show me the Regas’ as well? I only plan to familiarize myself with
their faces, so it won’t take long.”

“That’s your opinion. Once you see them all in person, your intention to simply familiarize their faces will vanish.”

Norhox shot him a cold gaze without hiding his mockery.

“How about properly seeing at least one person as a representative? After all, you can only truly understand the value of a Regas by
confirming it with your own body.”

At the mention of confirming with his own body, the war profiteer’s eyes gleamed with expected greed.

“Th-then I will confirm one person first.”

Seeing his breath quickening so excited just at the thought of it, Norhox turned his back on him. Such a fool was not worth worrying
about.

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

It was late in the afternoon, with the sky dyed red when Ashler’s men finally found traces of Karas. The doctor’s corpse cleanly
beheaded, and several others who were killed just for being with him. It was a gruesome scene. The second and third bodies
discovered were the same.

“What about the other doctors?”

Ashler asked one of his soldiers while looking down at the blood-soaked floor. The soldier who went to check the whereabouts of the
surrounding doctors gave Ashler an unsatisfactory answer.

“It seems like these are all of them in this area. The closest place here if we leave is the capital.”
“What about the herbalists?”

“There are a few, but when I checked, they didn’t go to them.”

The capital. Did the Emperor perhaps go there?

But strangely, Ahsler’s gaze turned to the mountain in the opposite direction, covered in dense forest. The dark green mountain was
visible beyond his eyes. Although the thick fog that had been lingering in the morning had long since cleared, the forest filled with
large trees seemed more like a shield blocking any human approaching.

“Should we send someone to the capital?”

In response to the soldier’s question, Ashler finally nodded after a long time and tore his gaze away from the mountain and gave
several instructions.

If by any chance Karas caused trouble in the palace and his true identity was revealed, it would not be good. The King’s Heart had
already caused problems by posing a fake emperor and blaming it towards the real emperor.

Rumors of a bloodthirsty emperor had already spread in the capital, causing anxiety to grow in the people. If Karas’ real massacre
became known, even the acts of the fake would also be attributed to him. It was already bad enough that the emperor, who had led
a six-year war to victory, should have been welcomed back with cheers, he was also now missing following these evil rumors.

While Ashler should have been focused on the pressing issues, his thoughts were distracted by another matter. His mind kept
wandering to a scene from the past, much like how his eyes kept straying to the distant forest. Long ago, there had been a similar
incident. The prince, who never moved of his own will, had emerged from the fog, grabbing his hand and pulling him along.

The young child led Ashler through the forest, breathing heavily. It seemed that the strength of the child who pulled him with that
force remained in his fingertips. Though his expression remained doll-like, with those eerie yellow snake eyes, his actions had
shown clear signs of panic and fear. It was evident how surprised and scared he was.

Although Karas was no longer a child, Ashler couldn’t shake the feeling that it was similar to that time. The prince’s small hand,
which had killed these people in an instant, seemed like it was desperately trying to save Abel, scared not knowing what to do. The
figure of Karas, now covered in blood and holding Abel, kept overlapping with the image of that small boy leading him. Even if
everyone else turned their backs and only saw the emperor’s cruelty.

“Captain Ashler, there’s someone alive.”

In response to the urgent voice of one of the soldiers, Ashler woke up from his thoughts and moved his steps. As he said, a man
lying on the floor was faintly opening his eyes. However, his injuries were severe, and he had lost so much blood that his open eyes
seemed ready to close again. Ashler grabbed his shoulder and asked in a hurry.

“What the hell happened?”

The man’s eyes, which looked like he was soon about to lose his life, managed to weakly respond to Ashler’s question.

“He said that the man he brought was about to die, that he couldn’t be saved…”

Couldn’t be saved?

The sound of his heart sinking echoed in Ashler’s ears.

“What do you mean, couldn’t be saved? Was he in such bad condition?”

However, this time he couldn’t get an answer from the man. He was muttering words as if he had lost his senses.

“…No.”

Ashler wanted to ask what he meant by “no,” however, he couldn’t bring himself to speak. The dying man’s eyes filled with terror as
he muttered his final words.

“Not… human… those eyes…”

Thud.

The man’s head slumped completely, and his breathing was no longer heard. Ashler slowly stood up and turned back to the forest
visible through his eyes. The once-red sky was quickly being overtaken by darkness, but the forest he had seen moments ago was
still visible. As Ashler took a step towards that direction, a firm voice came from beside him.

“I will also go to the palace.”

“Sir Kin.”

Kin, who had arrived unnoticed, glanced around briefly as he approached Ashler and added.

“We must find His Majesty before anyone else does. If we go with too many people, it could attract attention, so you should stay at
the camp.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Sir Ashler. If you wander around all day here and get caught by the King’s Heart, everything could be revealed.”

Kin frowned and tried to stop him, but a resolute answer came from Ashler’s mouth again.

“I’m not going. Of course, the same goes for you, Sir Kin.”

“What are you talking about? Don’t you understand we need to find His Majesty immediately?”

Kin deliberately lowered his voice, perhaps conscious of the soldiers around. However, Ashler uttered another incomprehensible
word.

“What we need to do right now is to save Young Master Lil.”

“We need to find His Majesty first to find him as well.”

Realizing something, Kin, who had been speaking hastily, stared at Ashler silently.

“You know where His Majesty has gone.”

Pehaps.

Ashler muttered to himself and recalled one more memory. The first time the prince spoke to people was when he brought the
collapsed Abel to the palace. He deliberately showed his eyes to prevent people from getting close to the sick Abel.
He didn’t want people to approach his precious Abel. That was the beginning, and it would be the same now. To a place where no
one can approach them, he will head there. Ashler briefly glanced at the surroundings which had become completely dark, and
without revealing his inner thoughts, he held out his hand.

“I will handle that matter. So now, please hand it over to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“The medicine. The brown bottle.”

“……”

“With that medicine, Young Master Lil might survive.”

“……”

“Sir Kin.”

Ashler called out to him and took a step closer. He asked quietly, trying to find the truth in Kin’s eyes.

“Why do you wish for Abel to die?”

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

‘Keep an eye on the Regas’, without ever taking your eyes off them. If there’s any Regas that catches the emperor’s attention, you
must bring that person out of the camp at night, no matter what. Do you understand?’

What on earth is Norhox up to?

Erei, the Regas with green eyes and blond hair, was now in a bad mood. The plan to catch Norhox and take a share from him had
fallen through because he went bankrupt too quickly.
Fortunately, Norhox managed to barely maintain his dignity by going under Truyde, however, he had no room to give Erei the
mansion and numerous treasures he had promised before. Even if he tried to seduce Truyde now, it would be difficult as he had
already been rejected.

Fearing he had wasted his youth in the Regas Palace and would be suddenly driven out, thus, he was doing whatever Norhox’s
order him to do for now.

Even so, it was unpleasant to suck the war profiteer in the carriage. He felt especially repulsed just by looking at his greasy eyes.

“Ugh! Haa, good, suck harder. Hah!”

The warm breath, as disgusting as his smelly gen1tals, seemed to fall on his head. Although he wanted to push the war profiteer
away and leave this place immediately, he endured the disgusting gen1tal in his mouth because of Norhox’s promise.

‘If you find the emperor’s real Regas, I can make Truyde kneel before me. But before that, I must eliminate the war profiteer who
tries to overstep my territory. Do you understand? Do whatever it takes to win his favor. Make him seek you out even in the
emperor’s camp at night. If you do as I say, I will give you one of Truyde’s territories later. You will live like an Emperor there.’

To live like an Emperor.

Just hearing those words made his heart swell with excitement. Moreover, Norhox’s voice was filled with confidence that he could
make Truyde kneel before him. He didn’t quite understand what it meant to find the emperor’s real Regas, however, he could also
see that Norhox had some big plan in mind.

Since Erei had no one else to rely on but Norhox, it didn’t matter if he joined in overthrowing Truyde. If the emperor’s taste had
indeed shifted to blond hair and green eyes, then Erei stood a chance to gain even more by becoming the emperor’s Regas.

He didn’t know who are the Regas’ that would be meeting the emperor, but surely they were all inferior to him. Norhox had told him
to observe them carefully, but there was no way any of them could win the emperor’s favor over him. Now, all that was left was to
make sure the war profiteer fell for him.

Rattle—

As the carriage came to a sudden stop, at the same time, the war profiteer climaxed in Erei’s mouth. It seemed they had arrived at
the inn where they would stay for the night, as the sounds of busy activity could be heard outside the carriage.
The night was still long. Erei was confident he could make the war profiteer his slave before they reached the emperor’s camp the
next day. He licked his cum-stained lips with his red tongue and looked up at him with a provocative gaze.

“We can continue in the room.”

As he opened his eyes and smiled seductively, rough breathing could be heard from the war profiteer.

“Yes, let’s continue. But I need to fill my stomach first.”

What?

Erei frowned involuntarily. He had expected the war profiteer to rush to the room immediately, but instead, he was asking for food
first.

This pig of a man.

However, despite Erei’s disdainful gaze, the war profiteer, seemingly unable to resist his hunger, pulled out some salted, dried meat
from his clothes and started chewing.

Even though he now had enough money to buy whatever he wanted, he couldn’t let go of old habits. Carrying such food in his
pocket was a vulgar habit typical of the poor people, yet he seemed completely unbothered by it.

Dirty pig.

As Erei cursed him inwardly, the war profiteer, in a show of generosity, pulled out another piece of the filthy meat and handed it to
him.

“You should eat too.”

Erei barely restrained himself from shaking his head and put the meat into his mouth.

“Let’s finish this quickly and go to the room.”

He forced a smile while tasting the salty flavor of the poor people’s food in his mouth.

RGS Volume 4 Part 10

There wasn’t a single identical spot in the forest. The trees that formed the forest were always different, and so were the creatures

that made it their home. Yet, there were places that felt similar. A forest filled with towering trees, so high they seemed to pierce the

sky.
The tranquility here reminded him of the Dragon’s Forest. In fact, it was entirely different, however, it felt somehow similar because of

the person he was with. Karas held Abel in his arms, staring expressionlessly into the dark forest.

The small body in his arms still had some warmth. Though faint, Abel was still breathing. Karas focused all his attention on listening

to that faint breath. Yet, he sat there like a doll, motionless, his face indifferent. It almost made him appear bored.

‘He… he will die soon.’

‘He’s on the verge of death. His heart is barely beating…’

‘Unless you find the legendary herb that revives hearts, there’s no hope.’

Every doctor who saw Abel said the same thing. No matter how many different doctors they visited, they would hear the same

words. Realizing this, Karas stopped searching after the third one.

Why were they all talking nonsense? There was no way he would die.

Karas silenced those chattering like bugs and headed into the forest. No, he was already deep in the forest. Holding Abel in his arms,

Karas ventured even deeper. When he was sure no one else could find them, he came across an abandoned hunter’s cabin.

A half-broken door, a ceiling with holes big enough to see the sky through. He began to wait there. Though he didn’t know why, his

instincts told him that he wouldn’t let Abel die. However, he doesn’t know how to save him.

All he could do was sit still and listen to Abel’s breathing until dawn. As the blue light slowly began to push away the darkness, the

body he was embracing no longer breathed. Karas lowered his head and looked down at Abel. And something changed.

For a moment, his eyes turned into yellow snake-like eyes, just like when he was a child. But it was only for a brief instant before it

reverted to his usual gray eyes. However, at that moment, a significant change occurred around him. A thick fog, impenetrable like

smoke, quickly enveloped the surroundings, making it impossible to see anything even inches ahead of him.

It was like the Dragon’s Forest.

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

“How can you be sure that His Majesty is in the forest?”

Kin, who couldn’t go to the palace to search, followed Ashler and asked countless questions for what seemed like the umpteenth

time. However, Ashler just kept searching the forest until dawn without saying a word to Kin. Eventually, Kin couldn’t hold back and

stopped walking, shouting.

“If you’re so sure His Majesty is in the forest, shouldn’t we at least deploy the soldiers to find him?!”

Ashler, who was searching the entire mountain without a plan, felt pathetic and frustrated.

Was it thanks to Kin’s outburst?

Ashler stopped walking, keeping his gaze fixed on one spot. Kin approached him and nudged him with a stern voice.

“Don’t you realize we’re running out of time?”

“Something is very strange.”

Ashler muttered, still looking elsewhere, then slowly turned his eyes to Kin.

“Your concern for His Majesty seems genuine, Sir Kin.”

Kin, feeling insulted, responded in a low voice.

“I only think of His Majesty. Do you doubt my loyalty?”

“I did for a moment. It bothered me that you trusted the war profiteer without any suspicion.”

Kin’s eyes flashed sharply as if he had nothing to say about it. Ashler continued as if he have no intention of discussing the matter

any further.

“You must have your reasons, Sir Kin. But—”

“But you can’t overlook the fact that I refuse to hand over the brown bottle?”

Kin cut him off, voicing Ashler’s suspicion. Ashler nodded without showing any surprise.

“Yes, it doesn’t make sense for you to want to kill someone His Majesty cherishes while claiming to be loyal to him.”

“……”
“You’re not denying it this time, either. That you wish for Abel to die.”

Ursula stared at Kin, who remained silent, then spoke quietly.

“As you said, we are running out of time. The news that His Majesty’s army has arrived near the palace must have already spread within

the palace, and the King’s Heart will likely send someone by tomorrow. We must find His Majesty before that, right?”

Ashler’s voice was calm, but to Kin, it sounded like a warning. It meant that unless Kin explained why he wanted Abel dead, Ashler

would not find His Majesty. Proving his point, Ashler extended his hand again.

“Give me the medicine.”

However, Kin looked down at Ashler’s hand and took a step back instead. It was a clear indication that he would not give him the

medicine, and Ashler’s eyes sharpened.

“Sir Kin.”

“I am prepared to sacrifice my life for His Majesty at any time. But there is one condition.”

In a low but clear voice, Kin revealed that condition.

“Under the condition that His Majesty will defeat the King’s Heart and properly establish this country again.”

For six years, he had endured sleepless nights on the ground and the agony of freezing winters during the war for this very moment.

Now, the King’s Heart was finally showing internal strife and cracks. This was an opportunity that countless soldiers had died to

create over the past six years.

Now the Emperor must seize this chance to enter the palace and root them out entirely. The real war was about to begin.

“Right now, in a faraway place, there are soldiers who have fought for six years, trusting only His Majesty, and are waiting for him. They

all want to receive the reward for their hard-fought battles. But that can only happen if His Majesty fights against the King’s Heart and

completely regains power. They have fought in the shadows alongside a powerless His Majesty from the beginning, believing that

someday he would crush the King’s Heart, even if many comrades died right beside them.”

Now, before the King’s Heart could regroup and strengthen their forces, the emperor had to make a move. Kin reached out his hand

towards the capital.

“However, His Majesty, who thought only of defeating the King’s Heart, has disappeared somewhere because of that one person. I

cannot forget the moment he passed by me holding Young Master Lil. It seemed that in his eyes, only the person he was holding

existed. At that moment, I realized that even the King’s Heart had vanished from His Majesty’s mind.”

After finishing his long speech, Kin asked Ashler a question, who remained silent.

“Can you tell the countless soldiers waiting for the emperor in the camp? That the Emperor might not return because he is obsessed

with that one person and has already forgotten everyone else? Can you tell those who have crossed the threshold of death every day

for the past six years?”

Ashler’s jaw stiffened at the piercing question. He had thought about it too. Knowing how Karas had followed Abel as a child and

reacted only to him, he anticipated that Karas might become obsessed with Abel if he accepted him back after his return.

Perhaps, he had also expected that Karas might take Abel and disappear with him. The sole reason Karas tried to destroy the King’s

Heart was Abel’s death, and, if Abel returned, he might also lose interest in revenge.

However, this was such a childish behavior that he had ruled it out. Unfortunately, Kin was right. Right now, Karas would only see

Abel. Even more so, since he might be in a state where he could die.

“I hope His Majesty makes the right choice. I want him to use his abilities and power for the country. And as his subject, I believe it is

my duty to guide him down the right path.”

Hearing Kin’s resolute voice, Ashler asked quietly.

“Even if it means His Majesty loses someone precious?”

“Yes. If there’s no other choice. If anything, his death might direct His Majesty’s anger towards the King’s Heart, hastening their

destruction. Didn’t Abel also say he was only thinking of His Majesty? In that case, he might even agree with me.”

That’s right. Abel would have agreed with him.

The foolish Regas who thought only of the emperor had resolved not to reveal his identity for that very reason. If the emperor hadn’t

noticed first, Abel would have kept his true identity hidden until the end. But even so, he couldn’t agree with Kin’s words.

“Please give me the medicine. I would rather support Abel living and running away with His Majesty, than seeing His Majesty mourn the

loss of someone precious to him.”

Of course, knowing Abel’s character, he would never run away. In any case, Abel would prevent the worst outcome. Ashler found his

own faith in Abel somehow ridiculous. Suddenly, Kin’s sharp voice cut through his thoughts.

“Are you making the war that many people died in for six years in vain?”

“It doesn’t matter. If His Majesty truly desires it, missing the opportunity to fight against the King’s Heart is nothing.”

“Come to your senses!”

“Sir Kin, I despise the King’s Heart more than anyone else. Do you know why I am still doing this?”

Ashler let out a bitter smile and spoke in an indifferent voice.

“If we do as you say, then we are no different from the King’s heart.”

“……”

“In the end, we become the same as those who use His Majesty for their own purposes.”

Ashler stared at the silent Kin and then clenched his teeth as he continued.

“And you are wrong about one thing. If Abel dies, do you think His Majesty will direct his wrath towards the King’s Heart and eliminate

them faster? Absolutely not. If Abel dies in front of his eyes a second time, His Majesty will destroy the entire country.”

He concluded with a low voice, warning him fiercely.

“So, we must hope for a miracle to happen right away.”

⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖

He placed his hand gently on his chest. His heart was as still as the silence of the forest. He looked down at the lifeless Abel with an

expressionless face and tilted his head slightly. Slowly, he began to speak.

“…Eppel.”

The magic words that would make the other person open their eyes finally came out sparingly, however, there was no response.

Karas pressed Abel’s chest with his hand putting more force and called out to him urgently.
“Eppel.”

At the second call, the fog around them began to swirl as if it had a life of its own. However, Karas did not notice, entirely focused on

Abel.

Since he had not let go, Abel could not die.

Since he had not allowed it, he could not dare leave him.

Therefore, Abel’s breath had to return, his heart had to beat again, and his green eyes had to open.

You can’t die.

The light in Karas’ eyes grew darker, and his face grew paler in contrast.

He would save him.

Right now, at this very moment, a solution would appear.

He silently shouted inwardly and opened his mouth again.

And just as he was about to utter the third call, an unfamiliar sound nearby interrupted him.

Rustle.

Following the sound of approaching footsteps, a man suddenly emerged from the white mist.

“Ah! What’s with this sudden thick fog? Where the hell am I?!”

The man in his mid-30s, with a rugged appearance, looked around with a bewildered expression, holding a small pickaxe in one hand

and a strange-looking plant in the other. The plant in his hand still had soil clinging to its roots, as if it had just been dug up a

moment ago.

He was startled by the fog but soon stopped when he noticed someone staring at him. When he met Karas’s gray eyes, a chill ran

down his spine. The man did not avoid his gaze but rather stared at him intently.

“Who are you?”