618 Request and Gratitude, The End of the Kingdom of Black Duendes (1/2)

Everyone's attention now focused on Lumeria. She did not notice it, though, as her attention was entirely on Mark.

Lumeria was hesitating whether she should continue or forget what she wanted to say. In the start, although she was amazed that Mark managed to bring Teremillio and find her in the castle, she was skeptical whether they would be able to escape at all. However, she was wrong.

Alone, Mark defeated both the army of Demons and Black Duendes, and now, Luserio's life was literally in his hand.

It was unbelievable.

Because of these thoughts, she wondered if she deserved to ask him a request at all.

However, by Mark's actions and words, it was clear that he wanted to eradicate every living being in this castle, and probably, the whole Kingdom.

And a kind-hearted White Duende like her would not want such a thing to happen.

Without a doubt, this Kingdom was inhabited by corrupt, evil, and malicious beings. In fact, the majority of the people in this Kingdom was raised and living that way. Proud and arrogant, while looking down on other races and enslaving them. However, not everyone was like that. Some were victims too.

And in this circumstance...

”Can you please spare the other Queens?”

Everyone was not surprised. Mark and the others already expected that she would ask of this. What was surprising was that she specifically asked for the Queens only. It meant that the Princes and Princesses were actually not included in her plea.

Of course, Luserio glared at Lumeria with eyes filled with hate. He was already done for. Even if he wanted to deny it, there was no hope for him. And Lumeria's request was basically cutting off Luserio's lineage, only leaving Teremillio, who he had the least influence with.

Luserio wanted to curse Lumeria. It was just he was not able to as Mark tightened his grip on the King's neck before he could let out a single letter.

”Just the Queens? What about Teremillio's half-siblings?”

Mark asked for confirmation.

”Yes,” Lumeria replied. ”Among us, only two are willing to be with His Ma- Ahem...Luserio. The others were only forced by the circumstances. About the Princes and Princesses... I don't know.”

Lumeria sighed as she glanced at Luserio.

”I want to save them too, but his influence on them is too deep. I'm afraid that its too late for them to change. Leaving them alone might create another Tyrant in the future.”

That was Lumeria's fear. The birth of another tyrant that would oppress other races. After all, they were Luserio's children. They inherited his abilities that could possibly grow stronger in the future.

On the other hand, Teremillio, who had a kind mother, was both fortunate and unfortunate. He did not become like his siblings. Thi situation, however, gained the ire of his siblings due to both Luserio's influence and their jealousy.

The only exceptions were the First and Third Princes that were born under the same mother and the Fourth Princess. These three were children of the two Queens that followed Luserio wholeheartedly. Thus, they were not jealous of Teremillio but only loved to make fun of and bully their siblings. Not only Teremillio but also others.

And to Lumeria's request...

”Well then...”

Mark smiled. His smile, however, made the others uneasy.

”What can you give me in exchange for their lives?”

”HEY!”

Of course, it was Teremillio who was the first to react. Pefile on the side shrugged with a sigh while the others shook their head slightly.

Mark was Mark, especially in these kinds of situations.

Lumeria could only look at Mark incredulously. She was speechless and did not know what response she should give.

There was one thing that she was sure of, however. It was that Mark's glowing eyes were not joking.

In the first place, it was easier to kill everyone in the castle in one sweep by how Mark handled the Black Duendes. And to fulfill her request, it would take more effort, especially now that the members of the Royal Family of Black Duendes and the other officials might already be hiding in their secret passages.

Unfortunately, Lumeria had nothing to give at this moment. Well, aside from one thing...

”Then... I...”

Lumeria replied. However...

”No, Mother. You don't have to say anything.”

Teremillio cut her off and turned to Mark.

”Boss, don't be like this.”

To Teremilio's gestures, Mark rolled his eyes.

”Just what are you getting riled up about? I just want your mother to work under me, pretty much like you. It's not anything bad, right?”

”Haahhh...”

Teremillio could not help but feel helpless. There was no way he could refute that. It was not bad. In fact, it was too good. Every time that they were with Mark, he was more or less babysitting them. Of course, when it came to working, they could not slack.

Still, Teremillio wanted to complain about how Mark would always do this kind of thing during times when the other party had no way to refuse. He had already done this several times in the Stone Fortress, after all.

Hearing the conversation between her son and his Boss, Lumeria could not help but smile.

”Millio, don't worry. If it's just working, I don't mind.” Lumerai grabbed her son's arm and pulled him to her side. ”This is much better as a change. Try comparing it to how I had been imprisoned in this castle for more several decades.”

Lumeria said all that, looking at the accursed castle in front of her.

”Mother...” Teremillio sighed with a smile. ”Alright.”

Finally, Lumeria agreed to Mark's conditions. As long as he spared the other Queens. She would be working under him together with her son.

”Well, then.” Mark looked at Luserio. ”Since I don't have to kill the remaining Queens anymore, I have no need for this guy.”