[CHAPTER 79]
‘Can you endure it?’
Caliph asked himself without emotion.
Biterion waited for an answer with a face full of anxiety and worry, but Caliph did not respond.
It was correct not to answer. Even if one could bear the pain, the wound on his shoulder bitten by the beast could not be endured.
Caliph could feel every minute and second that his condition was worsening.
“I understand you are displeased, but you should treat your wound. Gelco is a beast with a terrifyingly potent toxin.”
Right.
The excellent healer, Sera Parker. She had said that.
“It is fortunate that the flesh hasn’t rotted. It means the attack happened before the toxin was released. But one can never be sure.”
He had ignored it at the time, but after a few hours, unfortunately, her words proved correct.
The teeth that pierced his thick scouting uniform, tearing the skin and flesh, had likely left a trace of venom.
The toxic substance circulated throughout his body via the bloodstream.
Soon, the flesh would start to decay. Slowly, beginning at his wounded shoulder.
It was a sensation that ordinary people would never notice until death.
“Answer me.”
Biterion repeated the same question.
“I went and killed him. The next day, knights were dispatched across the empire. Nobles who supported our guild threatened to withdraw funding, and the association reprimanded me, claiming the reputation of gifted individuals had been tainted.”
“……”
“The royal family was indifferent. At the time, whether it was a capital project or a shipping business, all high-ranking officials were busy with pointless ventures.”
“……”
“Who can you trust in any situation? A doctor? A healing mage?”
Caliph squinted and began to chuckle, his shoulders moving as he laughed.
“Dr. Ghoul is close to me, but who knows? Maybe someone persuaded him yesterday to kill me.”
The cold gaze of a lonely person, who trusted no one, fell on Biterion.
“What about Sera Parker?”
“……”
“I cannot judge well. Give me your opinion. She is of the prince’s bloodline, isn’t she?”
“……”
“And the prince’s sister—can she be trusted?”
“Stop it.”
Biterion’s patience finally snapped. His hands, pale as snow, gripped the wet sleeve of his shirt.
Power, nobles, the association.
The royal family, the empire, and money…
All those strong and immense forces reflected in Caliph’s eyes like a sharply honed blade.
Anyone with a debt owed who entered his sphere would be cut down without mercy.
For a moment, Biterion felt a faint surge of unfairness.
A man who had wandered the slums and risen to be the brightest star in the empire solely by his own ability, Caliph Renox.
Why was all the accumulated hatred and rage of years pouring entirely onto him?
He had hidden in a secret mansion to avoid harming anyone, only now choosing to reveal his existence.
Without Meyna Winslet, even this would have been impossible…
Time passed in tense silence.
Biterion calmed his emotions and looked at Caliph. His violet eyes, no longer wavering, quietly met Caliph’s gaze.
Thinking of Meyna, Biterion realized the true reason behind Caliph’s hatred toward him.
“I know why you hate me so much.”
“……”
“Do you think I took Winslet Princess from you?”
Caliph let out a bitter laugh and touched his forehead.
With a twisted smile, pressing his fingertips to his brow, he answered:
“Idiot.”
The words were unbelievably crude.
Biterion’s face lost all color.
Even though he was born with a cursed ability, he never harmed others intentionally. His eyes, pure as foam and wildflowers, now glinted with sharp resolve as he stared at Caliph.
However, Caliph seemed no longer concerned with Biterion’s presence.
Speaking as if to himself under the guise of conversation, Caliph opened his lips.
“I didn’t realize, you.”
“……”
“You’re quite the idiot.”
Caliph squinted and laughed, shaking his head at Biterion’s frighteningly fixed expression.
“Yes. I lost Meyna.”
“……”
“And the reason I lost her was not you, but me. Because I treated her—.”
Caliph paused, then added with a bitter laugh:
“Like less than a dog.”
“……”
“Biterion Parker. This idiot. Do you understand?”
“……”
“Even if it had been someone else, Meyna would have left me and chosen them.”
Caliph, normally emotionless, briefly contorted his face in pain.
“So, by coincidence, you ended up with Meyna for the rest of her life.”
“……”
“Don’t act foolish. Protect Meyna.”
Biterion’s eyes wavered.
“Instead of whining about having taken her, use that time to find out who sent the assassination beast after her.”
As if he had finished relaying all necessary information, Caliph stood up.
The pain in his shoulder felt like it would shatter bone, but he added without showing it:
“Share any newly discovered information. For now, go to Meyna, Your Highness.”
“……”
“She was carried by attendants due to extreme pain and cannot go to a hospital. She will need care for a while.”
Caliph felt a pang in his chest despite speaking of obvious matters.
Biterion called out as Caliph crossed the room, the crackling fire behind him.
“Sir Lenox.”
Caliph, opening a portal to leave without responding, was stopped by the next words.
“Princess will soon awaken as a healing mage.”
Caliph slowly turned. His dilated pupils fixed on Biterion.
“Though she has not yet fully awakened, she can already manifest healing power.”
“……”
“Go to the Princess.”
The blood flowing from Caliph’s body left a grotesque pattern on the floor.
Watching the mark, Biterion added:
“As you said, I will stay with the Princess for the rest of her life. I will fulfill my purpose for the citizens, and for that, I need the Princess.”
“……”
“And the Princess…”
Biterion, unable to continue for a moment, spoke softly:
“If anything happens to you, she will not be able to live properly.”
“……”
“So go find her and receive treatment immediately.”
“……”
“I am not saying this out of concern for you. I give this advice to work alongside the Princess for a long time.”
While speaking obvious truths, Biterion also felt a sharp pain in his chest.
The gazes of the two men clashed in the air like the blades of adversaries.
Though she was not here, the moment she existed, it was as if she filled this space.
