The Villain Carries the Holy Sword – Chapter 88.1

Chapter 88.1: What I Wish For Spring (4)

Cain, Oleciren, and Hybolt. The three of them sat at a round table, their respective escorts standing behind them.

“Execution ground……”

Hybolt’s open hostility was unexpected.

Oleciren repeated his words, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Cain, on the other hand, remained unfazed.

Clink━.

He placed his teacup on the table before him, not caring what Hybolt said, and picked up the teapot.

“I drank a lot of tea at dawn, and here’s another tea. Is there anything else to eat, like bread? I’d prefer meat.”

Hybolt’s gaze shifted to Cain.

The black-haired young man reflected in his grey eyes lightly curved his lips upwards.

“Even if I’m heading to my death, at least feed me properly before sending me off.”

“You’re quite different from Edmund.”

Cain deliberately provoked Hybolt in an exaggerated tone.

“Indeed. I’ve heard that so many times it’s practically engraved in my ears. However, I didn’t know Count Edmund Lord well, so it’s hard to say.”

“Are you not afraid of me?”

Although it was clearly a threat, Cain’s demeanor was so nonchalant that Hybolt couldn’t help but ask.

Cain glanced at Wayne Siker.

Then, he spoke loudly.

“If all else fails, I could always take His Majesty hostage and escape.”

“Cain Ethelred!”

At that moment, Wayne, who had been listening quietly, raised his voice.

Though he held personal regard for Cain, he couldn’t overlook such disrespectful remarks towards Hybolt.

Thud.

Hybolt raised his arm to stop Wayne. Then, he turned to Oleciren and asked,

“How on earth did you become friends with this guy?”

Based on the information from the Royal Intelligence Service, Cain wasn’t supposed to be like this.

However, seeing him in person far exceeded his expectations, naturally leading to the question.

Oleciren ran a hand across her white neck, forcing a smile.

“Even when I first met him, he said he was going to cut my throat.”

It wasn’t Cain’s usual attitude, but she pretended to ignore it, thinking he had something in mind.

“Huh.”

Hybolt let out a short breath, laced with a hint of emotion.

At that moment, Cain’s eyes gleamed as if he had found the answer.

Hybolt didn’t notice this at all and shook his head.

“He really is a traitor.”

Cain leaned back, relaxing against his chair.

Under the exceptionally bright sunlight, he stretched his hand towards the refreshing garden breeze and took a bite of bread.

Then, he spoke casually,

“For now, I’m a fake traitor.”

Hybolt raised his index finger.

Pointing at Cain’s insolent posture, he spoke coldly.

“So you’ve figured out my intentions.”

“How could I not? A traitor should be apprehended on sight, yet you’re willing to make exceptions if they bring the three guarantees of audience with the king? Preposterous.”

Playfulness vanished.

Like a battlefield where sharp blades clashed, their gazes turned into swords, and words became magic spells aimed at each other.

Unlike Oleciren’s eyes, Hybolt’s grey eyes, devoid of any emotion, locked with Cain’s violet ones.

What kind of person was his opponent?

What cards did he hold?

How would he turn this situation around?

As their silent exchange continued, Oleciren spoke up.

“So, tell me why Marquis Ross is my mother’s brother, yet my enemy.”

“…….”

Hybolt stroked his chin and leaned back.

He had anticipated a one-on-one with Cain, but the reality was a two-on-one, with Oleciren at his side.

“Can the others present hear this?”

“Yes.”

Oleciren nodded confidently.

It wasn’t mere faith.

It was a trust born of comradeship that had gone through life and death together.

Hybolt fiddled with his teacup for a moment before speaking.

“Even that you’re a witch?”

“……!”

Oleciren’s eyes widened.

To be precise, everyone except Cain was surprised, their eyes widening in unison.

Hybolt observed their reactions and clicked his tongue.

“You tried so hard to hide it from your own father, yet it seems everyone else knew.”

“……How did you know?”

“The Royal Library, the Academy Library, the Sealing Vault of the Magic Tower. You thought you were being discreet, but did you really think I wouldn’t notice your frequent visits?”

Those were the places she frequented to avoid becoming a witch.

She frantically wiped the sweat from her hands on her dress.

She had hidden it so meticulously; how could Hybolt know about her being a ‘witch’? It was beyond comprehension. She tried to calm her racing heart and argued,

“That’s not evidence.”

“True. That’s why I tested you just now.”

Oleciren frowned.

She was both bewildered and resentful that after all her efforts to conceal it, she had fallen for Hybolt’s smooth-talking tactics.

Hybolt, seemingly accustomed to such reactions, simply shrugged, neither particularly pleased nor saddened.

“One of my two daughters is a witch. You understand what choices I have to make as king, don’t you?”

If word got out about a witch, the Holy See would descend upon them with fury. Even King Hybolt wouldn’t be able to protect her then.

Furthermore, there was Olivia, who could replace Oleciren at any time.

“Are you going to cut me off?”

“…….”

Hybolt didn’t answer his daughter’s question. But silence was an answer in itself, implying he could easily discard her.

Screech━.

Hybolt pushed back his chair and stood up.

“It’s unfortunate, but it can’t be helped.”

He walked towards the garden exit. Wayne Siker followed silently, like a shadow.

“Liar.”

It was Cain.

Hybolt stopped in his tracks, and Cain rose from his seat, walking towards him.

Swoosh━.

Wayne Siker stepped forward, blocking Cain’s path with his body. Cain glanced at him briefly before addressing Hybolt.

“I met Marquis McLoud on my way to the Royal Capital.”

“Tsk, what did that gossipmonger say?”

While Airian had no dukes, Kreuz Empire had three, and more marquises than one could count on two hands.

With their limited numbers, the Seven Noble Families and the Royal Family were well-acquainted, their close relationship evident in Hybolt’s words.

“He said Your Majesty’s heart is dead.”

“…….”

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