"Thebea is in danger..."
Jonathan repeated Zekeʼs words, his face grave.
Zeke continued.
"The identity of the man Iʼm pursuing is none other than the Don of the Nostra Family mafia. Heʼs someone whose true identity has never been revealed to the outside world." When Zeke saw Jonathanʼs shock, he carefully opened his mouth. "I... even suspect he might be connected to the Thebean royal family." Jonathan flinched at Zekeʼs words.
Suggesting that the infamous head of a mafia might be linked to the prestigious Thebean royal family could itself be a grave offense.
Jonathan now understood why Zeke hadnʼt formally requested a meeting with the Royal Guard.
'If there really is a connection between the Nostra Family and the Thebean royals...
Thebeaʼs honor would be dragged through the mud.ʼ
Even if it were true, they had to investigate discreetly to protect the kingdomʼs reputation.
Once Jonathan understood Zekeʼs intent in coming privately, he slowly nodded.
"I understand what youʼre saying. But that doesnʼt mean I can decide to enter the palace based solely on Sir Zekeʼs words."
Zeke nodded at that.
"I expected as much."
Zeke nodded and reached into his pocket to continue.
"I have evidence to show the young family head." He pulled out a crystal orb from his pocket.
Jonathan eyed the crystal orb Zeke produced with curiosity.
"What is this?"
Zeke manipulated the crystal orb without a word.
It began to play, showing the secret Nostra Family base beneath Atlas.
It recorded everything: the horrific chimeras, the Flame Demon Clan summoned through ability users as catalysts, and even the conversation between Howard Draker and a Nostra Family executive.
When the recording in the crystal orb ended, Jonathanʼs expression had hardened.
"This is the unaltered recorded projection. Iʼll give you the crystal orb—have your familyʼs mages verify if itʼs been tampered with."
After handing the crystal orb to Jonathan, Zeke continued.
"This is the Nostra Familyʼs underground secret laboratory that existed beneath Atlas. There was one like this under the Draker estate too... How can we be sure there isnʼt one beneath the Thebean royal palace?" Sweat beaded on Jonathanʼs forehead.
Thebea was a kingdom with deep traditions and a long history.
And with that came intricate webs of interests within the royal family.
It wouldnʼt have been surprising if one of the influential great nobles—or even a royal— had built something like this beneath the palace.
The Thebean royal palace itself had been constructed atop ancient ruins from long ago.
No one knew what lay in the labyrinthine underground of the palace.
That made it hard for Jonathan to dismiss Zekeʼs words outright.
Zeke looked at the conflicted Jonathan and said.
"Iʼll give you more time to think it over. Perhaps the Royal Guard has already noticed these issues and is working on a solution."
Leaving Jonathan deep in thought, Zeke left the office.
Alone now, Jonathan stared at the crystal orb Zeke had left behind, then replayed the recording to examine it closely.
The more he watched, the deeper his concerns grew.
'If such monsters exist beneath the Thebean royal palace and theyʼre unleashed into the capital...?ʼ
He didnʼt even want to imagine it.
As a patriot and heir to a prominent Thebean family, Jonathanʼs deliberations didnʼt last long, surprisingly.
The next morning, he sought out Zeke and promised to arrange a meeting with the Royal Guard at the palace.
On the surface, it would be presented as Jonathanʼs ward, accompanying Rick and Arin to seek approval for their engagement.
Zeke, along with Jonathan, Rick, and Arin, boarded a carriage and headed straight for the Thebean royal palace.
With the Solma Familyʼs involvement, entry was granted without any formal procedures.
Zeke gazed at the Thebean royal palace through the carriage window.
'Seeing the intact Thebean royal palace brings back memories.ʼ
In his previous life, he had come to Thebea on a mission and only glimpsed the palace as it lay in ruins.
Back then, Abel had led the imperial forces to strike Thebea first among the central kingdoms.
The calculation was that taking Thebea, the leader of the central kingdoms alliance, would make the others surrender quickly.
Thebea couldnʼt stop Abel Drakerʼs relentless advance and surrendered after just two days.
Frightened by the triumphant imperial army, the king of Thebea declared surrender swiftly, leaving the renowned Thebean knight orders captured without drawing their swords, their heads soon severed.
The image of the Thebean royal palace filled with ashes and corpses flashed through Zekeʼs mind.
Now, the carriage carrying Zeke and his group sped through the pristine palace grounds.
*
"The Knight of Salvation, Sir Zeke Draker, has arrived!"
Guided by the attendant, Zeke entered the office of Hermann Solma, the Royal Guard.
At the desk in the office sat a stern middle-aged man with graying hair.
He rose as Zeke entered and greeted him with proper etiquette.
"Sir Zeke Draker, a pleasure to meet you. I am Hermann Solma, commander of the
Thebean royal palace Royal Guard."
Zeke thought Hermann resembled Rick more than Jonathan.
His broad shoulders and sturdy build exuded the air of a true knight.
Zeke bowed in response to Hermannʼs greeting.
"I am Zeke Draker. It is an honor to meet the esteemed Royal Guard."
"Welcome. I apologize for receiving you in my office, given my duties." The Royal Guard was the kingʼs closest protector and trusted advisor.
They had to be ready to attend the king at any moment, making it hard to leave their post casually.
Zeke, aware of this, shook his head at Hermannʼs words.
"No need to apologize. Iʼm grateful you made time despite your busy schedule." Hermann nodded and led Zeke to a small reception room adjacent to the office.
It seemed this was where he usually received external guests.
As Zeke sat, attendants served tea with precise, courteous movements.
Hermann looked at Zeke and said.
"Iʼve heard you have a deep appreciation for tea, Sir Zeke. This is traditional Thebean tea— I hope it suits your taste."
Zeke lifted the teacup, savored the aroma, and took a sip.
Then he slowly nodded.
"The subtle, clear fragrance captures the essence of Thebea well." Hermannʼs faint smile suggested he approved of Zekeʼs response.
Zeke took another sip before setting down the cup and meeting Hermannʼs gaze.
"Do you know why Iʼve come to see you, family head?" Hermann nodded as if he did and spoke.
"I understand youʼve come as Jeffricʼs guardian."
"Youʼre correct. As the guardian for Jeffric, a member of my Black Sword Knight Order, and Arinʼs engagement, Iʼve come to seek your permission."
"I grant it."
Hermann gave his approval immediately after Zeke finished speaking.
Zeke was slightly surprised by the prompt response.
He had expected Hermann Solma to be stricter and more stubborn than Jonathan.
Yet Hermann permitted the engagement with surprising ease.
"I didnʼt expect the family head to approve so readily."
"In truth, I had already decided when Jonathan mentioned it. Hearing that Jeffric has become a knight on par with him gave me much to consider." Hermann paused, gathering his thoughts, then continued.
"I belatedly realized that what worked for Jonathan might not suit Jeffric. Jeffric had his own path, and the Solma Family overlooked it."
Hermann readily admitted that the familyʼs rigid education had hindered Jeffric.
Zeke closely observed Hermannʼs eyes and tone to gauge his sincerity. 'Thatʼs... genuine.ʼ
For a family head to acknowledge his own mistakes was no small feat.
Just as Jonathan hadnʼt hesitated to apologize to Zeke, Hermann seemed strict yet not inflexibly so.
Seeing Hermann own his errors, Zeke felt the same trust toward him as he did Jonathan.
"Family head."
When Hermann looked at him, Zeke met his eyes and slowly spoke.
"My reason for coming here isnʼt solely about Rickʼs engagement." Hermannʼs voice lowered slightly.
"I suspected as much. Itʼs hard to believe the famed Knight of Salvation on the continent would visit just for my sonʼs betrothal."
"It seems you havenʼt heard the details from Sir Jonathan." Hermann nodded.
"I told him to hear it from you directly." Zeke spoke calmly, his eyes steady.
"Iʼve come to find an enemy hiding in the Thebean palace." Hermann furrowed his brow at that.
"An enemy of yours is inside the palace? A Thebean noble? Or royalty?"
"No one knows the identity of the enemy I seek. It could be a Thebean royal, a noble, or something else entirely."
Zeke continued, seeing Hermannʼs puzzled expression.
"At first, I even considered that you, Sir Hermann, might be connected to this enemy.
But after meeting and speaking with you, I believe youʼre someone I can ask for help."
"Hmm, youʼve piqued my curiosity about this enemyʼs identity. And to think such a being is in the Thebean palace... Itʼs hard to believe."
"Youʼll find it even harder to believe once you know who it is. The enemy I seek is the Don of the Nostra Family."
Hermannʼs eyes widened at Zekeʼs words.
"Rather than explain, itʼs faster to see for yourself."
Zeke pulled the crystal orb from his pocket and placed it before Hermann.
Soon, the recorded projection Jonathan had seen unfolded before Hermann as well. *
Woooong!
A red light flickered from the thick stone sarcophagus covered in blood tear stones.
As the red glow from the blood tear stones faded, the sarcophagus lid opened, and black energy swirled out from within.
Tss tss tss—
The gushing black energy coalesced into the form of a figure in a black robe.
Once fully formed, red eyes gleamed from within the black robe.
It was Harvey West, the High Priest of Narak, who had revealed himself.
Apostles in black robes gathered around the appearing high priest.
They had guarded him while he recovered in the sarcophagus after expending too much power in the second consecration rite.
The high priest looked at the Apostles and said.
[What of Abel Draker?]
One of the Apostles stepped forward at his words and replied.
"Master Germain appeared as planned."
The high priest nodded at the Apostleʼs words.
[What of Abel Drakerʼs condition?] "Thatʼs where things got complicated."
The Apostle continued slowly.
"Zeke Draker threw an adamantium dagger at the end, and it embedded near his heart, putting him in critical condition."
The high priest frowned at the Apostleʼs report.
[Zeke Draker... Heʼs interfering with us again.] The Apostle spoke again.
"Moreover, he somehow detected the traces left by Master Germain and entered the Thebean royal castle." Kugugugu!
Enraged by the Apostleʼs words, the high priest unleashed his energy.
[If Zeke Draker finds Master Germain and kills Abel Draker, everything will be for naught. We need a way to divert his attention immediately.]
His eyes flashing fiercely, the high priest thought for a moment before speaking to the Apostle.
[No choice. Though itʼs earlier than planned, begin summoning the Demon Realm princesses.]
The Apostle looked up in surprise. "The Demon Realm princesses, you mean?" The high priestʼs eyes gleamed.
[Once they learn Anastasia is in Zeke Drakerʼs hands, theyʼll attack his camp on their own. That should force Zeke Draker to leave the Thebean royal castle. Use the opportunity to extract Abel from Thebea.] The Apostles bowed at his command.
"Understood!"
With their response, the Apostlesʼ bodies dissolved into black mist and scattered.
Alone now, the high priestʼs eyes flashed with red glow.
'When the King in Yellow descends, everything will change.ʼ