Chapter 237 (1/2)

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Chapter 237 – The Fate of Ludancia

Ten days had pa.s.sed since the head of Ludancia received Queen Marquedo's summons.

「Why do I have to go all the way to Forestzard for this?」

The representative showed up displeased. First of all, she despised traveling during winter. Second, being summoned by a figurehead ruler p.i.s.sed her off. What really irked her the most was the ruler herself was from Kirihal, her mortal enemy.

Only Marquedo and the prime minister Zofira van Houtens were present in the s.p.a.cious room. The queen had been using Zofira a lot lately and clearly thought little of the national advisers sent to her by the different nations. Ludancia's representative didn't expect Marquedo to act this boldly, and right now, she was pondering how to tie a rope around the queen's neck.

「Thank you for coming.」Marquedo said.「Please, take a seat.」

「That is a lot of attendants. Would that be all right?」Zofira asked.

「It's fine.」Marquedo replied.

Ludancia's head brought a sizable party with her—three people for work support and five more as bodyguards. Only she took a seat, however, while the rest stood around as though to protect her.

What is she thinking?

Ludancia's head couldn't guess Marquedo's intentions. Part of it was because her anger prevented her from thinking clearly.

「Now then. Let's talk about the National Academic Research Inst.i.tute in Scholarzard.」

Marquedo went straight to the point. Ludancia's head nodded. She had received report that the squad she sent was defeated. Not only that, the Fedor gang of thugs they hired also failed in their job. She was rightfully seething.

One month had pa.s.sed since the attack. So she's complaining now, but it seems a little late, Ludancia's head thought. There's nothing to be afraid of, then.

All my men are dead. There's no evidence left.

That's what she heard at least. According to Ludancia's intelligence network, every one of her subordinates, including Larks, and Ray who knew about her plans, was dead.

「The academy was badly destroyed.」Marquedo said.

「So I heard. How awful.」

The destruction that occurred that night was attributed to a monster whose location was still unknown. Ludancia's head a.s.sumed it was the work of the new weapon that Ray brought with him.

「Apparently, it was a drakon that did it.」

「Really, now… Wait, a drakon?」

What? What is she talking about? No one told me about any drakon. She glanced at her subordinate, who only shook their head slightly.

「Your Majesty. We are not here to talk about that.」Zofira cut in.

「Oh, right.」Marquedo said, nodding with a dignified look.「A student of the academy and a partic.i.p.ant in the ma.s.s wedding, Claude Zahard Kirihal was a target of an a.s.sa.s.sination. You're the one ordered it, yes?」

「Do you have proof?」

So she mentioned something ridiculous like a drakon to shake me up. Ludancia laughed scornfully deep inside. That's not enough to make me slip.

「Proof, huh…」

「Yes, proof. You called me here without one?」

「Bring him here.」

「Yes, Ma'am.」

Zofira picked up the bell on the table and rang it. The door at the back opened, revealing a slightly haggard man with an unshaven face.

「Larks?!」

It was none other than Larks Lordgrad Ludancia. While he looked worn out, he wore fine quality clothes, the kind that n.o.bles would wear. He was staring boldly at Ludancia's head.

You little brat! So you already forgot your debt and betrayed me?! You will pay for this. I swear I will make you pay!

She was seething with rage, yet still managed to maintain a calm and composed expression. Nothing less to be expected from a head of a nation.

Marquedo only has three years left in her office, she thought. She won't have the power to protect Larks. Not to mention she's from Kirihal. There is no way she'll cover for a man from Ludancia.

You only have three more years to live!

Handing the queen a death sentence in her mind, Ludancia's head turned her gaze back to Marquedo.

「That man seems to be a citizen of Ludancia.」she said.

「No. He's a citizen of Forestia. We have to change that mentality.」

「So you want to play with words, Your Majesty?」

The irritation piling up made the words slip out of her mouth. But Marquedo showed no concern at all at the woman's anger.

「He testified that you ordered the a.s.sa.s.sination of Claude Zahard Kirihal and Luka Lordgrad Ludancia.」

「So?」

「We cannot overlook such a crime within the country.」

「What?」Ludancia's leader burst into a high-pitched laughter. It sounded nervous, even.

「Is there something funny?」Marquedo asked.

「It's hilarious! That man is a disgrace to his family. You shouldn't take his words seriously.」

「So you're saying you're innocent and that Larks is lying.」

「Of course.」

「I cannot trust you.」Marquedo said straight to her face.