Becoming the Terminally-Ill Villain Who Torments His Disciples - Chapter 85.2
“The area seems a little strange. We got closer than expected, but there were no private soldiers.”
“No soldiers?”
“Yeah. No gatekeepers, no servants. Has the Esteban household always had so few men?”
In response to the patrolman’s question, Eli shook his head firmly.
The area where the Esteban duchy resided was known across the empire as a hotspot for monsters. For that reason, the Emperor had granted only Duke Esteban special permission to expand the number of his private troops, and those soldiers protected both the estate and the surrounding lands.
‘Even before I left the palace, Duke Esteban made another request for reinforcements…’
Eli recalled what had happened in the past.
Back when the Emperor insisted that Eli begin learning state affairs in preparation for eventually leading the empire, he had been allowed to observe audiences in the throne room. During those sessions, Typhon often came to the hall to make various requests of the Emperor.
Each time, the Emperor would laugh heartily and say, “Yes, yes, as the Duke wishes. We’ll soon be in-laws, after all!”
But there had been one time when the Emperor had looked troubled.
“Well… Duke. I understand the land around the Esteban estate is dangerous, but as far as I know, monsters have never invaded the mansion itself. There are already plenty of soldiers stationed there, and if we increase the number any further, others may complain it’s unfair.”
“Is it really fairness that concerns you, Your Majesty? Or are you afraid that my loyalty might waver?”
When Eli had heard that, he barely managed to hold back a scoff from slipping between his lips.
Afraid his loyalty might waver?
The Duke of Esteban was already located in a secluded part of the capital, making it difficult to know what went on there. If even more troops were sent in, there was no telling what could happen. Trying to pass that off as a matter of loyalty was absurd.
No matter how one looked at it, the request had been outrageous. Eli had fully expected the Emperor to refuse.
But—
“Ha, haha! No, no, of course not. We’re going to be family soon—why would I ever doubt you? I’m sure you’re only asking because monster numbers have been on the rise lately. Yes, yes, proceed as you wish!”
After that day, a significant number of knights were appointed to the Esteban estate.
Which meant—there was no way it should be this empty.
“Did you go in and check what’s happening inside?”
“No, I turned back right away since the lack of knights was odd. Should I go now?”
“I’ll come with you.”
At Eli’s words, the patrolman nodded and gestured him forward. As Eli followed him into the estate, he frowned at the ominous atmosphere.
This wasn’t just a matter of “fewer soldiers than expected.”
“There’s no one…”
No one.
There were no servants or knights, no gardeners or stablehands—none of the people who should have been present at a noble’s residence.
‘What are they trying to pull? …Wait, Cielo came here not long ago. Where did he go?’
A sudden unease rose up in his chest.
He wanted nothing more than to sneak deeper into the building and search every room, but sharp instinct stopped him from moving recklessly.
It was then—
“Hey… is—isn’t that Duke Esteban?”
The patrolman who had accompanied Eli rose onto his toes, murmuring as he looked deeper into the estate.
Alarmed by the tone of his voice, Eli quickly approached and looked inside. The inner halls of the mansion were stained and defiled in a grotesque manner.
In the central hall, the chandelier lights had all gone out. Something black was seeping across the floor in a slick mess. A servant, tied with rope, was screaming at the top of their lungs above it.
Not far from the center staircase stood a man with disheveled sky-blue hair and a worn-down face.
“…Duke Esteban?”
Eli murmured, his face filled with confusion. Then Typhon struck the floor with his cane.
At that moment, the black masses on the floor began to emit a grotesque red glow.
“No… no…! Aaaaargh!”
The servant sitting on the darkened floor shrieked. They writhed and struggled to escape, but were caught and consumed by the glowing red mass.
And then—
Snap.
The red light scattered like flames, and the servant vanished without a trace.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
