175 The Cursed Blood (2/2)
These words seemed like a frivolous joke, but everyone knew that the trader would never lie. If he said he could solve it, then he was certainly able to solve it. If he said there was a way, then there must be a way. He seemed to be able to do everything in the world, as long as one paid the price...
If these words were heard by other people in desperate situations, they would have definitely been ecstatic and see it as a glimmer of light in the darkness, as their last lifeline. But the Queen did not refuse or agree. She did not have even the smallest bit of joy in her expression. Instead, she fell silent. Fury exuded from the silence. It was murderous!
”Hermes, have I not tolerated you enough?” she asked in a cold voice. ”Do not provoke the limits of the royal family, and do not do unnecessary things! Letting you live in this country is already the limit. It’s been so many years. Don’t you understand? No matter what you do, no matter where you are, all you make is chaos and destruction.”
”Oh, that really hurts me.” Hermes sighed. ”Have I gone from your good friend to a prop? Passion is so fragile. Arthur deserved to...”
The one behind the curtain was silent, but the smell of blood was full of murderous wrath.
Hermes, feeling the sting of the murderous intent, revealed a respectful expression. ”Rest assured, Your Majesty, I’ll keep my promise. All these years, I’ve never done anything, right?”
”Good, because you don't have to do anything, Hermes. There’s no need for you to be here either,” the Queen said coldly. ”Don't you like watching? Sit there and be quiet. That’s all you need to do.”
”Yes, Your Majesty.” Hermes bowed, and the corners of his lips curled into a wistful smile. ”As I witnessed the beginning from Arthur, I will witness the end from you.”
-
In the long corridor, the door to the bedchamber opened silently, and Hermes exited. He seemed to be in a good mood, but he was always like this—a frivolous expression, cheerful gait, and a strange, elusive smile.
Just behind the door, an old man stood near the wall, as if waiting for the Queen's summon. When Hermes saw the old man, he stopped and smiled more warmly.
”Ah, I didn’t expect you, old guy. Long time no see.” Hermes studied at the old man before him. ”You haven’t died yet?”
”I’m old but vigorous.” The man known as the Shaman glanced at him. ”Also, I’m not the one Ye Lanzhou referred to as ‘old guy,’ Hermes.”
”Oh, that’s why I wish you would die soon. Two of men sharing a nickname is as shameful as wearing the same pair of trousers.” Hermes looked expectantly at the Shaman. ”Please, hurry up and die. Deal?”
The Shaman just shook his head. ”Sorry, I’ve recently learned from someone that life is precious, so I refuse.”
”That’s okay. You don’t have much longer to live anyway.” Hermes stretched out his hand and carefully fixed the Shaman’s collar for him. Finally, Hermes patted him on the shoulder and gently comforted him, ”The life of trash is hard. Enjoy the rest of your life, for, after death, there is no more joy to speak of.”
The Shaman was silent but Hermes chuckled. Humming, he turned away, disappearing at the end of the corridor.
-
After a long while, the door opened again. The Shaman entered in silence, lifted the curtain, tread over the dried blood on the ground and approached, kneeling one knee. Facing the iron coffin, he lowered his head.
”Long time no see. I thought you had really gone.” A hoarse sigh came from the coffin.
The Shaman shook his head. ”Avalon is here. How can I leave? I will never leave you, Your Majesty.”
And so, the hoarse voice in the iron coffin laughed in pleasure. ”Hearing such heartfelt words of love as an old woman feels really good. It’s as if I’ve returned to my younger days.”
”You are beautiful as ever.” The Shaman stared at the iron coffin as if his vision had penetrated the hideous ridges and fell upon that gloomy face.
”Don't say such sad words.” The Queen's voice had an undertone of fatigue. ”’You’ve appeared with this look again. Do you have good news for me?”
”Yes, Your Majesty.” The Shaman whispered, ”From now on, all of Avalon is in your hands!”