Chapter 309: Kneel (2/2)
”I see that you suspect me.” Rinzo raised his head, his beastly eyes turning into slits. ”You think that I'm the one who told the duke about your whereabouts.”
”At the moment, everyone is a suspect.” Arthur examined the apple. He took a bite and swallowed it down. ”Of course, the three of us are an exception. After all, we are the ones who got our asses beaten.”
”Why would I betray the duke just to work for him?”
”Motives vary, and people's hearts are full of greed.” Arthur smiled. ”Maybe he offered you an elixir that would restore your beloved parts, or even more, resurrect the dead.”
”Insolent bastard!” Rinzo eyes turned red as mana exploded around his body. It seems that Arthur's provocation got to him.
”Kneel.”
Arthur commanded, and Rinzo fell on his knees. He tried resisting, but his body wouldn't listen to him. Standing up leisurely, Arthur walked toward Rinzo who's eyes were a mix of fear and rage.
”Answer my question truthfully.” Arthur's eyes sent shivers down Rinzo's spine. The lizardman felt like he was looking at the eyes of an ancient being. ”Do you know the traitor who told the Duke of Fire about our plan?”
Spiritual power exploded from his words and fell on Rinzo's mind, threatening to crush it. The butler began sweating from every pore of his body as his eyes couldn't break contact with the golden eyes in front of him.
”I...” His voice was trembling. ”I don't know!” He felt a weight lift off his mind as soon as he answered. Arthur sighed and stood up.
”That wasn't so hard, was it?” Arthur patted the kneeling butler on the shoulder. ”You can stand up now. You did well. Bring me some food and this city's librarian.”
Arthur walked back to the couch and slumped back in a relaxed manner. As if the incident just now was but a figment of the three's imagination, the terrifying young man was no longer there.
”Right away.” Rinzo composed himself and hurried to leave the guests' room. Gala sat in front of Arthur and looked at him affectionately. Arthur had the chills from her gaze and stopped eating.
”What?” Arthur scowled at her, not liking how she stared at him.
”Nothing, hehe.” Gala laughed, her dimples showing. ”You just keep getting more interesting, my Seika.”
”I'm not your beloved,” Arthur smirked. ”What would the man you're waiting for say if he heard you?”
”He'll also find you interesting. Don't you agree, Dia?” Gala turned to the princess, but Dia shook her head in response.
”He's getting scarier, not interesting,” Dia admitted, and Arthur found the image to be more acceptable than Gala's impression of him.
'Have I changed somehow?' Arthur wondered, admitting that he felt a lot more relaxed after he did the soul restructure. However, he didn't spot any differences in his personality.
Rinzo returned with the food, and the three of them ate. As they were finishing their meals, a knock arrived on the door, and a scholar man walked in after Arthur allowed him entry.
”Greetings, Seika of Living Beings.” The man was tall, taller than Arthur. In reference, Arthur's current height was 181 cm. He was not that tall, but he wasn't short either.
The scholar man was lanky, but his bearing was graceful. With trimmed glasses and neatly tied hair, he gave the air of elegance.
”Greetings to you, scholar.” Arthur smiled and nodded. ”How about you take a seat?”
”Many thanks, but I wouldn't dare.” The librarian answered. ”It's already an honor to meet the man who will change the world.”
”As Lorius?” Arthur said nonchalantly.
”As the Seika.” The scholar didn't bat an eye. ”If you were truly Lorius, then you wouldn't grant that young man mercy.”
”I may be Lorius who granted him mercy to fool everyone, including you.” Arthur laughed. ”Don't try to hide it, scholar. I can feel your fear. I'm sorry for making you feel as such.”
”N-not at all.” The scholar lost his composure as he stuttered. ”I...”
”I don't care, scholar.” Arthur interrupted. ”Instead, tell me about your gods.”