The Mad Dog of the Duke's Estate-Chapter 169. Ugo (3)

Ugo's story could be summarized as follows.

"You were entrusted by the World Tree's envoy to protect the source of mana. Then you immediately shook off the Oceanwolf Knight Order and hid within the Pajar Sultanate... That's about it, isn't it?" Caron asked to confirm.

"Yes, that's correct," Ugo replied.

Until then, Ugo had led a life similar to Kerra's. After passing on the Imperial Sword Forms to the budding Imperial Guards, he'd left the empire without a second thought. He claimed to have lived as a woodcutter in a quiet rural estate in the empire's northeastern region.

The real problem began after that.

The Demon King of Sloth had turned Ugo, who had come to protect the mana source, into a Death Knight while he was still alive. An ordinary dark mage wouldn't have dared to attempt such a feat. Caron wondered who could recklessly handle a knight who had reached the pinnacle of the 8-Star.

"That mysterious figure definitely used the shackles," Ugo informed Caron.

"...Halo should have taken care of it properly," Caron muttered.

"It also means I haven't completely freed myself from the Malevolent Emperor's grasp," Ugo added.

The Shackles of Immortality were an ancient form of dark magic the Malevolent Emperor used to exert perfect control over the Imperial Guards. They were a curse disguised as magic that compelled absolute obedience.

They had believed the dark magic would naturally dissipate with the Malevolent Emperor's death, but clearly, that wasn't the case.

Caron slowly nodded, then said, "Then it's one of two things. Either that person is the Malevolent Emperor, or they're a subordinate borrowing the Malevolent Emperor's power."

Both scenarios were equally dreadful.

The only relief was that the Dagger of Repentance Seria used had cleanly erased all traces of dark magic. Ugo would no longer suffer from the shackles.

They just needed to contact Kerra quickly to find a solution. The elves' regent likely knew a way to dispel ancient dark magic.

The real issue was...

"Beatrice," Caron said.

His last remaining subordinate from the past was Beatrice. They had no idea where she was. In the worst-case scenario, she could have been bound by shackles just like Ugo. Ugo had been fortunate to be rescued, but if luck ran out, they could end up having to face Beatrice as an enemy.

"You needn't worry too much," Ugo said, surprisingly composed, as if he knew something. "Beatrice is probably... hiding in the Holy Kingdom by now."

"Beatrice? In the Holy Kingdom?" Caron asked.

"She was a devout follower of the God of Light, wasn't she? She's likely operating under an alias, but don't worry too much. The Holy Kingdom is a place free from dark mana," Ugo said.

At those words, Caron glanced toward Seria, who was conversing with Nadia in the distance.

The energy known as Perverse Mana, used by the Inquisitors—it was eerily similar to dark mana. Considering how spine-chillingly alike it was, the Holy Kingdom wasn't necessarily be as safe as Ugo believed.

Still, Caron had to admit it was better off than other regions of the continent.

"Of all places, why the Holy Kingdom?" Caron muttered.

"Do you have some issues with the Holy Kingdom?" Ugo asked.

"Let's just say it's a long-standing grudge," Caron answered.

"A grudge with the Holy Kingdom at the mere age of seventeen... You must've been quite active since your reincarnation," Ugo said.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you over drinks later. But it's more entertaining than my days as a Commander," Caron said.

"Of course it should be more enjoyable than being a slave. But I have a bit of a complaint," Ugo replied.

"About what?" Caron asked.

"The one who died irresponsibly was you, the Commander, yet you seem to be the happiest among us," Ugo answered.

Despite his words, he smiled contentedly, clearly glad deep down.

"Have you traveled much?" Ugo asked.

"Don't even get me started. I've been to the Great Southern Forest, and next, I have to head to the Great Eastern Forest. I also need to stop by the North Sea," Caron answered.

"So, you're fulfilling wishes you couldn't achieve in your previous life," Ugo said.

"It's nothing but a hassle," Caron said.

"Being busy is a good thing," Ugo countered.

Perhaps it was because he hadn't seen Ugo in a long time, but Caron found himself talking more than usual. At this rate, it felt as if they could spend the entire night in this gloomy tomb.

Not that time was an issue. They had plenty of it. They could just return to the royal palace, sneak a few bottles from the wine cellar, and continue their conversation there. After all, Caron had saved the Crown Prince and even purified the royal family's tombs. He thought it wouldn't really be a problem even if he emptied the entire cellar, not just a few bottles.

With that thought, Caron decided it was time to get to the point. He said without hesitation, "You mentioned that you were guarding the spring water from the oasis. I need that."

"How much do you know about the spring water?" Ugo asked.

"It supplies pure water to the Ali Oasis... though I haven't heard the precise details," Caron admitted.

"The spring water can be seen as a crystallization of mana. Think of it as natural mana condensed into a crystal. I'll help you harvest it later. It's located deep within the oasis," Ugo explained.

"Is it impossible to get it now?" Caron asked.

"We need to check its condition first. The contamination might not be fully purified yet," Ugo answered.

They had enough time. And Ugo's meticulous nature showed in moments like this. That thoroughness was what made him so steadfast.

Caron chuckled leisurely and nodded before wondering quietly, "Hmm, do I only need to take a portion of it?"

"Yes. Only a part of it is needed to save the World Tree," Ugo replied.

"How can you be so sure?" Caron asked.

"Because I heard it directly from the World Tree's messenger," Ugo answered confidently.

"That damned World Tree. If it's so good at seeing the future, how come it didn't foresee its own death coming?" Caron grumbled.

"...That's a good question. Did you say that to the elves as well?" Ugo asked.

"Something along those lines," Caron answered.

"You're still as mad as ever," Ugo replied.

Just as Caron and Ugo were exchanging words, someone approached.

"Caron Leston," Nadia called out with a grave expression.

Caron slowly rose to his feet and nodded, then replied, "Yes, what is it?"

"There's been an incident at the royal palace. I need to leave immediately. Finish your business here with the Saintess and Sir Ugo, then return," Nadia said. Her voice was firm, and her demeanor was tense. Something serious had clearly happened.

Nadia was a key protector of the Sultanate's royal palace. Caron wondered if something major had occurred while she was away.

"What happened?" Caron asked.

"It is a matter of the Sultanate. You're not obligated to help," Nadia said.

"Well, you had no obligation to help me, but you did. It's only right that I repay that debt," Caron said. His logic was simple and clear.

Nadia exhaled deeply, then said in a low voice, "There's been a rebellion at the royal palace. The Crown Prince has been taken hostage. The situation is dire."

"I'll help as well, Dame Nadia," Ugo said, standing up. "I owe a debt too."

"Sir Ugo, you're not fully recovered. Wouldn't it be better to rest?" Nadia asked.

"Thanks to the Saintess' meticulous care, I'm fit enough to move. Besides, it'll be a good chance to see if all my limbs are properly attached," Ugo replied.

Nadia sighed, glancing between Caron and Ugo, then shook her head. She said, "You're all so stubborn. Fine. We'll discuss the details on the way."

It seemed something very interesting was unfolding at the royal palace.

***

Crown Prince Clark gazed at his younger brother with a troubled expression, saying, "Amin. Nothing will change just because you're doing this."

"Do you really believe that? Even a cornered rat will bite a cat," Amin replied, his voice sharp.

"...Amin!" Clark shouted.

"You should've stayed asleep. If you truly cared for me, you should've just died!" the Third Prince, Amin, shouted, his voice filled with bitterness.

Assassins—people trained solely for the art of killing—had their poison-laced daggers pointed at Clark's throat. Amin stood before him, wearing a twisted, bitter smile.

"You always looked down on us. That's why you're in this situation," Amin said.

"I swear by Ohad, I never disregarded any of you," Clark said firmly.

"This situation is proving it. Did you really think we'd remain powerless forever?" Amin retorted mockingly, clutching a black crystal in his right hand as he ridiculed the Crown Prince. He continued, "By now, soldiers from the other noble families must have surrounded Father's palace. Even if Dame Nadia returns, it'll be far too late."

"You're blinded by something vile, my foolish brother," Clark replied, meeting Amin's eyes, which gleamed with insatiable greed. He wondered where it had all gone wrong.

Amin had always been a little lacking, but he'd never been someone who would resort to such treachery. Someone had ensnared him. Without such influence, he would never have dared to commit something this reckless.

"If only you hadn't woken up... I could've earned so much," Amin murmured.

"And what exactly would that be?" Clark asked quietly.

"Wealth, women, power—all the things Second Brother promised me," Amin replied.

At those words, Clark recalled what Caron had told him earlier:

"Succubi draw out greed. The moment you reveal your desires before them, they devour you whole. That's why you must never trust anyone ensnared by a succubus."

Clark had been far too complacent. Caron had warned him, yet here he was, caught in this trap.

To think the nobles of the capital had already fallen this far, he thought bitterly.

Nobles were inherently political creatures. Before Clark's collapse, the Sultan had already transferred significant power to him in preparation for abdication. This included key institutions, starting with the military. The Sultan had appointed the Crown Prince as the head of these crucial bodies—a situation that could be seen as a de facto regency. In such a case, if the Crown Prince suddenly fell...

A vacuum, Clark thought.

Naturally, a power vacuum would emerge. Seeing how brazenly Amin and his conspirators acted, Clark realized the military must have already been compromised.

In his mind, he could see the shadow of the succubus at work. It wouldn't have needed to ensnare every noble directly. Understanding human greed better than anyone, it had only needed to give them a little push.

"Is it the throne you're after?" Clark asked quietly.

Amin's eyes gleamed with a twisted light as he replied, "Rumors are already widespread—that the second brother was bitten by that mad dog, Caron Leston. The nobles will need a prince to ascend the throne, won't they? Samir, the concubine's son? Do you think he's fit for the crown?"

"...If Samir had said he would inherit the throne, I would have gladly given this position to him," Clark said, his voice steady.

Amin's face twisted with rage and he said, "You always favored that lowborn!"

"That is because I love you all as much as I love this country," Clark replied, stepping slowly toward Amin.

The assassins, startled by his sudden movement, stabbed their daggers into his shoulders. Blood flowed freely, staining his pristine white robes crimson, but Clark didn't flinch or even groan. He stood tall before Amin, his voice steady. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"No matter what you do, you will be left with nothing. Even if you sit on the throne, all you'll have is an empty shell," Clark said.

It was unfortunate. This fool didn't even realize what choice he was making. If Amin thought just a little more, he would be able to figure out what he should have known. And yet as far as Clark could see, the greed that clouded his younger brother's eyes had already crossed the point of no return.

Clark reached out, gently placing his hand on Amin's head. He said in a voice filled with nothing but pity, "Oh, my poor brother. In the end, you've killed yourself."

Amin trembled, screaming, "Cut the tendons in his legs! I just need him alive. Drag him to Father, and we'll claim the throne—"

Before Amin could finish speaking, the curtains fluttered violently as a gust of wind swept through the room.

Ssshhhh!

In an instant, the heads of the assassins threatening Clark fell to the floor, their bodies collapsing without even realizing they were dead.

Thud. Thud.

Two of the heads hit the ground with their eyes still wide open.

Then, a familiar voice echoed in Clark's ears. "Sorry, I'm a bit late, Your Highness."

Moonlight shone through the open window, illuminating the intruder.

Caron stood there, bathed in silver light, a faint smile curling on his lips. He turned to Clark and said cheerfully, "I'd like to offer my rebellion suppression services. You see, my family happens to be quite the experts in this field. Remember? About fifty years ago, my grandfather was a former rebel himself. Stormed the imperial palace, tried to drag the Malevolent Emperor down... Ah, well. If you fail, it's treason; if you succeed, it's a revolution. That's history for you."

His playful voice filled the room, utterly unbefitting the grim situation.

"You know, no one on this continent knows rebellion like I do. In Reben, that border city, I even... Well, never mind. I'll provide you with a special service. What do you think? Interested?" Caron continued.

It was an audacious offer, dangerously vague, with no clear terms. But Clark had no choice.

"...I suppose I owe you one," Clark said.

"Excellent. I'll consider that a deal," Caron said with a grin.

"But my father comes first. The soldiers—" Clark was cut off.

"Ah, don't worry about that. Dame Nadia is already on her way to the main palace. And she's got an extremely angry bear with her. That guy's an expert, too. It'll be over soon," Caron interrupted.

They were two 8-Star knights, so with them, even elite soldiers wouldn't stand a chance.

Caron turned his attention to Amin, clicking his tongue softly. He remarked provocatively, "I thought you were just a useless brat, but look at you, starting a rebellion and all. You surprised me."

His face pale with terror, Amir stuttered, "Y-You should be at the sacred place! W-Why are you here...?!"

Pure, unfiltered fear gripped Amin. To him, Caron was nothing short of a demon. The moment he saw him, Amin knew he couldn't escape.

Caron smiled brightly, stepping closer, then said, "I've been feeling a bit pent-up myself. I had to let a certain someone walk away when I really wanted to tear them apart. So..."

He reached out toward Amin, his grin widening as he continued, "Let's get started, shall we? Just let me know if it hurts. Oh, right..."

Before Amin could react, Caron's fist slammed into his face with a sickening crunch.

Crack!

Amin's mouth was instantly turned into a mess. Caron grinned wider, finishing his sentence.

"...If you can still talk, that is."