Chapter 219

Chapter 219

Ridrian Ferid Lebrooks, renowned as the Emperor who swiftly conquered more nations than anyone before him, achieved yet another remarkable feat by subduing a kingdom within a mere month since his departure from the capital.

However, it is more accurate to say that he rescued these nations from turmoil, earning the adoration and awe of the entire continent.

Driven by a personal desire to witness the beauty of Iona, Ridrian entrusted the care of the recently conquered kingdom to Kraman and made his way back to Vanmon.

The sudden responsibility thrust upon Kraman left him flustered and overwhelmed as he found himself alone in the majestic halls of the Lucretian palace.

The news of Ridrian’s conquests had spread far and wide, causing a ripple of astonishment and admiration among the people across the continent.

People came out to greet him.

“He’s coming.”

All eyes fixated on the mystical sphere, captivated by its enchanting glow. Moments later, a figure materialized within its radiance, revealing the Emperor himself.

The onlookers couldn’t help but notice a subtle change in his appearance since his departure—a tousle of hair disheveled from his journey and traces of blood staining his battle-worn armor.

Ivan came as the head of the welcoming crew.

“Welcome back, Your Majesty. We’re all very happy with your safe return. Congratulations on ruling the biggest territory in Empire’s history.”

“Ah.”

Raven and Vanmon lord also congratulated him after, but the Emperor wasn’t interested. His eyes were on something else.

‘Where is she?’

Ridrian looked around the welcoming party for a moment and realized that Iona wasn’t there. He seemed to have expected her to be the first to greet him. He was in a rush as he thought maybe she was ill.

Ridrian gave Ivan a rectangular box covered in cloth. The chancellor took it in surprise. It was quite heavy.

“What is it, Your Majesty?”

“The head of Lucretian king and crown prince. Take care of it like last time.”

“A-ah! Y, yes sir!”

Why was he giving him the box in front of everyone? He was never gentle with beheading, so it was probably bloody.

Ivan quickly gave the box to a knight nearby like a noble lady who touched a bug.

Ridrian took off the armor with help from Raven. Even though he didn’t like other people’s hand, this heavy armour couldn’t be taken off without help from someone.

He asked while taking his protective sleeve off his arms.

“Where’s Iona?”

Ivan glanced at Raven, and carefully spoke.

“Viscount Lesprey is currently…”

Ridrian stopped him.

“No, I’ll take a bath first. Iona is next. She’ll faint if I go like this.”

“Well, Your Majesty, Miss Lesprey is…”

“It’s fine. I’ll go find her myself after a bath.”

“Y, Your Majesty.”

Ivan was troubled. He had a feeling that if he missed this timing, it’ll be a good beating with the knights from the Emperory. In the end, he screamed like he didn’t care about the position he was in.

“She’s not in the castle!”

There was a moment of silence.

“… What?”

With Ridrian’s low tone, the welcoming party quickly became cold.

“What are you talking about?”

“W, well, Viscount Lesprey is at Lorkdie estate.”

“Why?”

Ivan started to become pale as Ridrian was becoming furious. His body full of scars was even scarier.

Raven quickly calmed him before he withdrew his sword.

“Your Majesty, many are listening. The information about Viscount Lesprey right now is a top secret.”

Ridrian instantly ordered.

“Everyone leave.”

Everyone left the moment he ordered. Ivan was watching jealously for a moment as he sighed, realizing the situation he was in.

“Where’s Iona?”

Ridrian asked again. The only two people who knew where she was nodded and quietly told him.

“Like the chancellor told you, she is currently at Lorkdie Estate.”

“I’m asking you why!”

Ridrian was impatient when it came to Iona. The stone floor cracked at his shouting. One lens of Raven’s glasses also cracked.

“Right now there is an epidemic in Lucretia. Lorkdie is one of the regions. Miss Lesprey when as the saintess’s duty.”

Raven reiterated the reason Iona gave him as he felt like he couldn’t tell Ridrian about the demons right now.

“Why did she go? She could’ve just sent priests. We have hundreds.”

“We were told that it was a strange epidemic so regular priests can’t handle it.”

Ridrian swore at the useless priests and crushed his protective sleeve. Iona was too kind to take them. Ridrian grinded his teeth as he thought that far.

“Who went with her?”

“Sir Fortis and His Highness, Ravis went with her.”

Ridrian was a little relieved at Raven’s answer. Even though he still didn’t trust them fully, they were still capable of handling emergency. Unless demons show up.

He asked while he dropped his sleeve.

“Did Lorkdie also have magic circle?”

“Unfortunately no.”

There was nothing that came easily.

“Dammit. Prepare a new horse now. And clothes to change in!”

“Are you going to Lorkdie?”

“Of course.”

“She’ll be coming back soon. Please reconsider!”

Raven shouted desperately as Ridrian looked like he was ready to leave any time.

He realized why Iona didn’t want Ridrian to know about demons. After finally creating the Empire he wanted, it’ll all be a moot point if the Emperor died fighting demons.

Ridrian glared at Raven.

“You’ll regret holding me back.”

Raven took a step back instinctively. Ivan already looked like he was going to faint.

That moment, a soldier came in a rush and bowed.

“Pardon me! It seemed like it was something urgent so I came in despite my rudeness!”

“… Report.”

Ridrian looked at Raven and Ivan then ordered. The soldier gulped and then gave him the report.

“The crusader and High Priest returned. The saintess wasn’t there and they only returned with the young lord of Vanmon.”

Three of them froze as they knew something bad has happened.

“… What?”