Chapter 23 - Death’s Handshake (2/2)

The conjunctive quality painted on the Iver family was a conception. They no longer wanted to reach out to people, traumatized by their own ability.

But Nabel was different. Nabel actively used the ability. Since then, identifying traitors had become a simple task.

It hadn’t yet been a year since the term ‘death’s handshake’ was coined into existence. There had been dozens of people whose hands shook with his, and more than a half of them had died.

Since Iver’s abilities were not known, people only assumed Nabel was a bright young man. However, the Duke of Lowood was one of the few who escaped Nabel’s ‘death’s handshake’, who was suspected of betrayal. However, it was not simple to acquire evidence.

As a sleaze who had maintained his power despite the rise and fall of kingdoms, the Duke of Lowood eradicated all possible proofs of his betrayal before the Emperor could do so.

Hence, there was nothing Nabel could do yet.

“I see you, Your Majesty.”

The wealthy Duke of Lowood appeared before Nabel, and bowed. But Nabel knew there was no respect underneath his gesture. The Duke of Lowood seemed to disregard the young emperor. The ability to read thoughts sometimes revealed even the smallest things.

“You’ve been to the East Continent recently. You don’t know how anxious we were because you didn’t tell us.”

The corner of Nabel’s mouth curled and a dry chuckle slipped from his lips. “I appreciate your concern.”

“I’m glad you’re okay. The Duke of Lowood, who was now in his sixties, bowed his grayed hair once more. “You were always wise, so I believed you would come back safely… Recently, rumors of a woman of unknown identity were heard in the palace, and I was worried.”

Nabel narrowed his eyes. Rumors that Ronée was a master of Shinsu had already spread throughout the city. Those who wanted to reinstate the Miltan Imperial had become anxious.

“The identity is unclear?”

Nabel’s low voice made the Duke of Lowood pause. But soon he laughed and continued speaking.

“…Yes, there are rumors that she is a master of the gods, but in fact, it is not known until she climbs to the top of the tower. It seems that there are still impure people, so I am concerned about the safety of His Majesty, so please do not be angry.”

There was no need to hold his hand, the intention of the Duke of Lowood was evident. The top of the palace, the ninth floor, was the tallest building in the Western Empire. It was said it was a place that could reach the gods.

And the alleged masters of Shinsu were to be tested there. The late Archmage Pell was no exception.

The trial was none other than jumping off the tower.