The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 123.1
[You shameless hawk!]
Blue let out a sharp cry and leapt forward. His claws tore through the air, scattering flashes of light.
Silber immediately countered. As he beat his massive wings and charged, a violent wind surged around them.
Every time the two clashed, leaves and dust spiraled wildly around them.
Silber did not flee. Instead, he swung his wings forward and chose to fight head-on.
[You should have guarded him better.]
Silber hurled all kinds of mockery.
Blue ground his teeth. He knew Silber was venting his frustration because he had failed to take Leslun away, but that knowledge did nothing to lessen his anger.
[Shut your mouth!]
The battle between the giant hawk and the grown cat grew fiercer. Claws and beak, fangs and wings tangled together, shaking the sky and earth.
Inside the carriage, laughter filled the air in a peaceful atmosphere, yet outside, the world was a rough and blood-scented battlefield.
The clash between the two mystical beasts over Leslun was not a mere fight. It was a struggle that could determine the fate of the Empire itself.
***
Kailos was leaving the Imperial Palace and heading toward the Academy.
Rumors that the Emperor had collapsed already weighed heavily upon the palace. The air inside felt tense, as if everyone were walking on needles.
Rather than yielding to that pressure, Kailos walked straight ahead. The sound of marching footsteps echoed over the cold stone floor.
His destination was already decided. It was his private room prepared within the Academy dormitory.
Though it might have appeared to be a light outing to catch his breath, every single step he took now carried weight and meaning.
Blocking his path was none other than the Empress. Her sudden appearance made all attendants bow their heads at once. The air sank even heavier.
Upon seeing the Empress, Kailos lowered his head and offered a formal greeting. Normally, the Empress would have returned the gesture with a polite nod, but today was different.
She accepted his bow without returning it, her lips unmoving, not even forcing a polite smile.
“The Imperial Palace is in such disarray. Where exactly are you planning to go?”
The Empress’s voice rang coldly. It did not sound like a simple question, but like an interrogation laced with accusation.
“As I said, things are in chaos. I thought I would step outside for a moment to breathe.”
Kailos responded in a calm tone, his gaze steady and unshaken.
“His Majesty has collapsed, yet you act without restraint. Return to the palace and conduct yourself with decorum.”
Her command was sharp and unilateral, unlike her usual speech.
This time, she had clearly come with the intent to confront him. With the Emperor incapacitated, she meant to use the opportunity to suppress the Crown Prince and seize influence within the court.
But Kailos, too, was not as usual. Instead of showing displeasure, a composed smile lingered on his face. He looked at her unhurriedly, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.
“Is there any reason I should not leave? Or perhaps a reason I must not go to the Academy?”
“Do not twist my words like that.”
The Empress cut him off immediately, her tone firm, leaving no room for assumption. Yet Kailos did not step back.
“In that case, I see even more reason to go.”
“What?”
Her eyes narrowed. The guards and attendants nearby all held their breath.
“Everyone is trying to find out what caused Father’s collapse. I too am doing what I can. So please, overlook this small outing.”
His voice was low and resolute.
The Imperial Palace already felt like a path of thorns. A confrontation between the Empress and the Crown Prince only added to the tension, making every witness’s heart shrink with fear.
Then, the Empress shifted her gaze. As her eyes swept along Kailos’s side, a sudden smile curved her lips. It was no longer cold but unsettlingly sly.
“The aide who always followed you is nowhere to be seen.”
Her tone was light, yet her words were sharper than a blade. There was no mistaking whom she meant.
Leslun.
Kailos’s smile spread faintly, but the annoyance within it was undeniable.
“Is that so?”
“Your aide disappeared the moment His Majesty collapsed. Is that not rather suspicious?”
The Empress’s smile deepened. Malicious intent was now clear in her expression. Even the attendants around them avoided eye contact, lowering their heads.
“Are you implying that my aide is behind this incident? That is an absurd accusation.”
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