Chapter 153: His Nemesis (1/2)
”A demon,” muttered Nikolai as he stared at the woman. An arm surrounded his neck suddenly as an intoxicated Lucas arrived. ”Let go.”
”You are so cold, Lyle,” he said, looking flushed and reeking of alcohol. Nikolai sighed and turned toward the woman, but she was gone.
”I need you with something, Lucas,” Nikolai had a sudden epiphany as he stared at the bastard. Lucas snapped out of his daze when he heard Nikolai's seriousness, and mana seeped out of his body.
”Anything,” he said with sobriety gained through mana. ”I never thought a proud person like you would ask for my help.”
”The matter at hand is quite serious,” said Nikolai as he looked around. ”But we cannot be heard discussing it,” as soon as he finished his words, a barrier of wind appeared around them.
”You can talk freely now.”
”Her highness is in danger,” revealed Nikolai, and the aura around Lucas morphed. A crushing presence appeared instead of the usual carefree bastard of Rosia. ”I believe that she is going to be attacked in the ritual.”
”Then we need to prevent her from attending.”
”Such a thing would lead to war between the two kingdoms, and it would alert the Bestial Kingdom. Therefore, I believe they are the masterminds behind this.”
”How did you know of such a thing?”
”I have a special ability to tell of people's intentions. For example, the priest from earlier felt greed toward the princess.”
”That old man is just an ugly toad lusting over the swan,” Lucas shook his head. ”I met a fair share of old men desiring her. But, unfortunately, this is not enough.”
”I have a friend who is an archeologist, and she told me that the ritual includes an offering. I fear that this ritual is only a way to assassinate the princess and summon the Warriors of Fera. This will be the beginning of the war if they succeed.”
Lucas was quiet as he pondered the matter. Nikolai knew it was a stretch for this man to believe him, but he was the best person to convince Maria and keep Edward away for two days.
”I will help you, only to make sure that she is safe. What do I need to do?”
”Are you unafraid that I am using you?”
”At worst, I will be used. At best, I will save Maria. There is not even a reason to consider the matter. I have no issue being used to make sure she is safe.”
'A fool in love is the perfect title for this youngster,' Nikolai thought with a smile. However, he was not lying, as this would also save the princess. So then, Nikolai proceeded to tell the plan.
***
”You need Lyle?” asked Princess Maria as she held her arms in front of her. ”I don't understand why you two are suddenly so close,” she said, squinting her eyes.
'I missed such a possibility. Naturally, the princess is jealous,' Nikolai was suddenly nervous as he stood beside the Scoundrel of Rosia.
”We met a few days ago in the forest,” smiled Lucas, and his words made the princess blush and look away. ”I need him with my training for the upcoming Lost Garden.”
”I did not know you were participating in that,” she frowned and glanced at Nikolai. ”And how are you useful to him, Lyle?”
”Young master Griffin says that I have interesting ideas regarding his usage of the wind. I was only telling him about a technique I learned a guardian spirit. If you need anything else, I would be happy to decline his offer.”
”You would be happy to decline it regardless,” Lucas sighed with emotions. ”I believe Lyle has the answer to make me grow stronger. The Lost Garden will be my chance to gain recognition in the kingdom.”
”Recognition, huh?” the princess was quiet. ”Are there people you want to be recognized by, Young Master Griffin?”
”There are, and one of them is none other than your father,” Lucas said with a grin, and the princess blushed deeply. Nikolai marveled at how his words remained respectful but somehow conveyed his affection.
'This bastard is a player,' noted Nikolai as he looked at the gems-embedded green mask of Lucas.
”I understand. You two can spend the next few days together. However, Lyle needs to return before the ritual. Is that clear?”
”As clear as day, your highness,” Nikolai bowed. ”Please inform Master Edward of my absence. It might create a misunderstanding that I fled.”