The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 133.1
When the atmosphere had somewhat calmed, Kailos called out to Leslun.
“Who are they?”
The Empress looked at Kailos with tearful eyes. Holding her child close, she finally spoke in a tone that sounded like resignation.
“The Shadow Corps. They are ones who have grown by feeding on the darkness of the Imperial Palace.”
Kailos gave a faint, bitter laugh to himself, realizing that she had involved some truly troublesome people. In contrast, Leslun remained calm, his composed demeanor standing in clear opposition to Kailos’s restrained anger.
But it was obvious that both men were deeply wary of the Shadow Corps.
“The Shadow Corps will not end their schemes by merely using me and the Prince. They have already reached their hands toward both the Emperor and the sacred beast. They are surely preparing something.”
Leslun unconsciously turned his gaze toward Prince Cassian. He had realized the boy was in danger and arrived in time to prevent the worst, but something about it still felt incomplete.
In the original story, this incident had been described only briefly.
It had felt as if there were a hidden tale lurking behind the name of the Shadow Corps, just out of sight in the shadows.
Cassian had been placed in danger, and seizing that moment, Crown Prince Kailos had defeated the Empress and ascended the throne. In the process, Robin had died, and Lady Miroi’s life had been sacrificed.
But if Prince Cassian had not disappeared and had remained within the Empire… what would have happened then?
A feeling of unease crept over Leslun. He now understood that he should never ignore such instincts.
Kailos’s eyes sharpened. His presence grew colder, and a faint killing intent filled his voice as he spoke.
“Let’s go.”
Murmuring briefly, he rose from his seat.
Leslun stood with him. The Empress and Cassian looked up at the two men.
Kailos could have said something to reassure them, but he turned his back without a word. Only Leslun gave a small bow before following after him.
Without further delay, the two began to move.
After they left, the Empress held Cassian even tighter in her arms.
***
In the vast Empire, the first place the two men rushed to was the Emperor’s bedchamber. Kailos pushed open the doors with both hands—and suddenly stopped.
An unnaturally cold air greeted them. It felt as though not a single living soul remained inside.
“Don’t tell me… he’s gone?”
Leslun whispered, barely breathing.
The Emperor had vanished without a trace. All that was left behind was a cold pillow and the faint scent of medicinal herbs lingering in the air.
Kailos clenched his fist tightly. The veins on his forehead began to stand out.
“So, those bastards are the ones called the Shadow Corps.”
He scanned the room, breathing in and out deeply to suppress his agitation.
This was no simple kidnapping. It was proof, just as the Empress had said, that the Shadow Corps had begun to move and put their plans into action.
“Find His Majesty the Emperor.”
At Kailos’s command, his knights scattered silently. Robin, after calming Lady Miroi, returned and joined the search.
Leslun was about to follow when his wrist was suddenly caught. As his body turned with the motion, Kailos stood facing him.
Kailos met Leslun’s eyes and shook his head slightly.
“Leslun, this is dangerous. Stay back.”
“But this is an emergency. I am also your aide.”
Leslun insisted that he would help, but Kailos’s tone was resolute.
“Not every aide can handle this.”
There was a reason Kailos tried to stop him.
“As you know, Robin has the ability to protect himself. But you don’t, Leslun. It’s too dangerous for you.”
“I still cannot just stand by and do nothing.”
When Leslun refused to back down, Kailos gripped both his shoulders, forcing him to meet his eyes. His expression was filled with frustration and worry.
Leslun placed his hands over Kailos’s.
“I understand that you’re worried about me. I won’t act recklessly. But please, let me do what I can.”
Leslun truly understood the situation better than anyone else. Naturally, he had no intention of causing Kailos additional worry by acting carelessly.
So he made a promise—to do only what he was capable of.
Kailos looked at him for a moment, then sighed and rested his forehead against Leslun’s shoulder.
“When this is all over, let’s take some time to rest together.”
Leslun smiled softly and embraced him.
Moments later, Kailos left to continue the search for the Emperor, leaving Leslun alone in the bedchamber.
The silence of the room was heavy. Despite its grandeur, the chamber carried a strange, lingering energy.
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