Chapter 130: A Monsters Grasp (1/2)

[Character name: Edward Ver Rosia.]

[Fate Meter: +63.]

[Relationship: Neutral, Interest.]

Nikolai read the first entry, and the confirmation of his doubt came like a crushing mountain. The man sitting next to him was none other than the king's advisor and brother. He was known as one of the greatest minds in existence, a strategist who led the Rosia kingdom to victory.

[Character Name: Maria Ver Rosia.]

[Fate Meter: +65.]

[Relationship: Amiable.]

As for the second character, Nikolai didn't need to read the entry to know she was one of the king's children, the person later to be known as Saint Maria.

'And here it is, the person with the biggest character development,' Nikolai glanced at the princess who was talking sweetly to the kid next to her. As he glanced at the kid, he realized it must be the youngest prince, the one who would die in the coup.

The curse of knowing the future is that even if he knew that this prince would die a horrific death, he didn't know if he should change that fate. After all, even disregarding whether he could or not, there was no telling whether his actions would bring a worse fate.

'Well, that will be far into the future,' Nikolai didn't know how things would turn out later on. After all, he didn't plan on leaving the kingdom fall into the hands of Valkyrie.

After all, she was the reason Nikolai suffered so much at the academy and the army. He has yet to know her motives or the 'origins' that she spoke of, but he didn't care. No matter what those reasons were, Nikolai would never forgive her.

'Nor do I plan on letting her become a Lord of this domain,' Nikolai resolved as the carriage came to a stop in a busy street. The yet-to-be Saint Maria was looking at the busy street with fascination.

”I believe now is the time that we part ways,” Nikolai said as he was about to stand up and get off. However, Princess Maria hurried to grab his arm.

”Wait!” she held onto his forearm, and Nikolai almost yanked his arm away. However, she released it before he lost control. ”I believe that someone who has seen both kingdoms and who knows this much is a great fit to prove that peace can be attained.”

”You want me to be evidence of peace?” Nikolai almost laughed at her words. This was the first time he heard such a thing. In his past, he was one of Lilith's generals, and his existence resonated with death. Yet, here it was, a moment where a saint believes of such.

”Oh boy, she might not be capable of taking the mockery in your voice,” Edward smiled as he adjusted his glasses. ”And are you going to erect a pedestal for him to tell of his lies– ahem, tales?”

'No need to act like it slipped, old monster,' Nikolai rolled his eyes at the cunning fox. However, this man was on his side and would allow him to get out of the carriage faster.

Saint Maria was disheartened, and she kept her head low, downcast at the rejection of her idea. Nikolai wanted to know how she thought it would play any differently.

”However,” Edward started, and Nikolai knew he was going to make an offer. ”It would be best for both of us if you kept us company until we reach the Rosia Kingdom. I'm sure that you have lost your father's merchant permit, right?”

Nikolai could almost see the man holding back his laughter. He had no idea how he saw through his lies, but that fact made this man extremely dangerous. Yet, Nikolai didn't think he was scheming anything against him.

'Maybe a scheme to teach his disciple,' Nikolai glanced at the princess, whose expression grew brighter at the approval of her master.

”I believe that someone with your insight and goals is fit to deliver a message of peace to the people. That's why I want you to be my retainer and accompany to convince the nobles that the Bestial Kingdom is no different than Rosia.”

”You are giving too much information, my foolish disciple,” Edward sighed, thinking that Nikolai didn't know his identity. ”However, I also think that's a lovely idea. At least, he would make sure that other nobles don't fool you.”

Nikolai suddenly felt chills running down his spine. A retainer of Saint Maria? A messenger of peace? If this was some sick nightmare, Nikolai wanted it to end.

'What dogshit luck do I have to encounter this person here and for her to choose me as a retainer?'