Chapter 130: Where is Yuria?
by rosalie“Your Majesty, it’s time for the council meeting.”
“Eaglin, we were at it until late last night. Can’t you cut me some slack?”
The disheveled platinum blonde hair of the young King of Moirai was pressed against his pillow. Standing by his bedside, Eaglin wore a conflicted expression as she urged him again.
“I understand, but weren’t we supposed to discuss the development of the magic stone mine today?”
“I know. But I need sleep.”
Lucas burrowed deeper into the bed, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion.
This time of year, coinciding with the animals’ hibernation season, was particularly taxing for the beastmen.
“Your Majesty.”
“You don’t understand how tired I am. It’s winter, after all.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Yawn. I’m so sleepy.”
Stretching lazily with one eye barely open, Lucas finally sat up sluggishly.
“Fine, let’s go. But if I fall asleep during the meeting, don’t blame me.”
“Then I’ll make sure to wake you, Your Majesty.”
Eaglin bowed her head, hiding her pity.
‘Still, he’s impressive. Even though he complains, he never neglects his duties.’
The so-called ‘crazy raccoon Crown Prince’ had proven himself to be a capable ruler upon ascending the throne.
But suddenly, Lucas hesitated, his voice trembling.
“Eaglin, I’m wide awake now.”
“…Pardon?”
His yellow eyes snapped open, and Lucas’s face hardened as he stared at a specific point in the air.
Eaglin followed his gaze and gasped as she saw it too—a black void tearing open in the air, like a gaping mouth.
“Ugh.”
Before she could even process what it was, a man cloaked in a dark aura emerged, brandishing a massive blade aimed directly at Lucas’s throat.
It was Xavier, holding a bastard sword in one hand, his entire being radiating killing intent.
Eaglin quickly assessed the situation and grabbed Xavier’s free arm, trying to force the sword away from Lucas’s neck with her strength.
But Xavier didn’t budge. Instead, he twisted her arm with a brutal grip, causing her to cry out in pain.
“Raccoon, where is Yuria?”
His voice was low and ominous, reverberating through the room like a dark echo. His teal eyes, clouded and unfocused, reflected nothing but rage.
‘This cat bastard… He’s not in his right mind.’
“Put down the sword, Your Grace!”
Eaglin shouted, enduring the pain in her arm, but Xavier didn’t respond.
“Eaglin… Look at the Duke’s eyes. His reason is gone.”
At Lucas’s words, Eaglin cautiously examined Xavier’s face and swallowed hard. An unhinged Swordmaster was a terrifying sight.
Lucas, however, remained calm and began speaking to Xavier in a measured tone.
“Why are you looking for Yuria here?”
“You kidnapped her, didn’t you? Where is Yuria?”
“And why would I kidnap your wife? Are you trying to provoke me?”
Lucas’s usual nonchalant tone only seemed to fuel Xavier’s fury. The tip of Xavier’s blade pressed against Lucas’s neck, drawing a thin line of blood.
If the Empire’s Duke were to injure the King of Moirai, it would undoubtedly lead to war, whether Lucas wanted it or not.
“Duke Xavier! Put down your sword!”
“Silence! I’ve held back since you followed me all the way to the Duke’s residence. But now…”
Lucas fell silent, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.
“You even opened a portal and kidnapped her right in front of me?”
“Yuria disappeared? Kidnapped?”
Lucas shouted in surprise before disappearing in an instant. Xavier, having lost his target, stumbled slightly.
Lucas, now transformed into his raccoon form, leapt over Xavier’s head to avoid the danger. He reverted to his human form mid-air and grabbed Xavier’s throat with one hand.
“Urgh.”
As Xavier’s grip on his sword loosened, Eaglin took the opportunity to retreat. Once Lucas confirmed she was safe, he tightened his hold on Xavier’s neck.
“Snap out of it, you stupid cat! Have you forgotten the method I gave you to break the curse?”
“Curse…? Gah.”
Xavier reached out and grabbed Lucas’s neck in return, his grip just as strong.
“Damn it, I told you not to bring that cursed land into this! Get a hold of yourself!”
Lucas, his golden eyes blazing, mustered all his strength and headbutted Xavier.
“Ugh.”
Xavier winced, releasing his grip and staggering backward a few steps.
“You idiot Duke! Why would Yuria be here?”
“But the green paper with silver embossing… It’s used exclusively by the Moirai royal family! You left it behind!”
“What? Do you think I’m stupid enough to leave evidence saying, ‘I kidnapped her, come and get her’? I’d rather steal her away without anyone knowing!”
“Ah!”
Xavier clutched his head with both hands and sank to his knees. The dark aura surrounding him dissipated, and his arms hung limply at his sides.
“Xavier, I understand why you’re like this. I’m on the verge of losing it too.”
“Where is she—Yuria?”
Smack.
Lucas slapped Xavier’s cheek with a forceful hand. Xavier’s head snapped to the side, his teal eyes widening in shock. Slowly, clarity returned to his gaze.
“Get up, you pathetic fool.”
This time, Lucas aimed a kick at him.
Thunk. Lucas’s foot was caught in mid-air, and a sharp voice cut through the tension.
“Enough.”
Xavier, having caught Lucas’s foot, slowly rose to his feet.
“Looks like you’re back to your senses.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Do you finally understand that I’m not the culprit?”
“Yes. Raccoon, no matter how crazy you are, you’re not someone who lies about such things.”
“……”
Ruffling his hair roughly, Xavier pulled out a patch from his pocket. It was the holy power storage device with Kiki the cat drawn on it.
“Take it. I’m giving you this just this once.”
“A holy power storage patch? And it has Kiki on it? Where’s my face?”
Lucas blinked innocently, his dark eyes wide with curiosity. Xavier glared at him.
“Don’t push your luck. Stop talking nonsense and help me.”
Lucas stared at the patch for a moment before carefully tucking it into his pocket. He tied a handkerchief around his neck to cover the scratch left by Xavier’s blade.
Watching silently, Xavier frowned, regretting his earlier act of generosity. But it was too late now.
“Are you saying you didn’t open a portal?”
Still glaring at Lucas, Xavier asked,
“We don’t have the technology to design portals. We only have magic stones. Do you know how much the Empire keeps us in check? It’s infuriating.”
“Can you swear on Yuria’s name?”
“I swear.”
For a moment, Crown Prince Arthur’s words flashed through Xavier’s mind.
‘Recently, they discovered magic stone mines in large quantities. They must have developed portal technology.’
The sound of grinding teeth filled the room.
“It’s you, isn’t it?”
“Do you know who it is? I think we’re both thinking of the same person.”
“There’s no evidence. The Crown Prince was also present when Yuria disappeared.”
The Emperor and the Crown Prince had been there when Yuria vanished. However, the Emperor had no reason to abduct her.
There was no proof, but something about the Crown Prince felt off. What kind of audacity would it take for him to abduct the wife of Duke Auguste?
“Xavier, if the mastermind is hiding…”
“Then we’ll capture their underlings.”
“Exactly. I’d love to join the search, but I can’t leave this country. Take the people I send you. They’ll be of help.”
“Understood.”
Lucas looked at Xavier with a complicated expression before calling Eaglin in a low voice.
“Eaglin.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Contact them immediately and tell them to come here.”
＊
The Empire and its surroundings were filled with desperate cries for the Saintess. The Emperor sent envoys to the Beast Kingdom, formally requesting an investigation, while countless citizens gathered in front of the imperial palace, demanding retribution against the Beast Kingdom.
The entire Empire was searching for Saintess Yuria.
Except for one place.
“Ugh.”
Pain coursed through my body as I regained consciousness. I was terrified to open my eyes, haunted by the sensation of falling into a void.
My back rested against something soft, and a luxurious scent lingered faintly in the air.
The contrast between the fear etched into my heart and the comfort of my surroundings sent chills down my spine.
‘Where am I?’
“Are you awake now?”
“…Who’s there?”
“It’s me, Arthur.”
“!”
The first thing I saw through my blurry vision was darkness. I tried to sit up, but my hands were tied behind my back, making it difficult to move. Twisting my body, I managed to sit up and look around.
The room was dimly lit, with a single small window and a fragrant aroma candle burning nearby.
I was on a large bed in the center of the room, my feet were bound with ropes as well.
Sitting in a chair pulled up to the bed was none other than the Crown Prince.
“Why did you lie to me?”
“Did you bring me here, Your Highness?”
I tried to inch away from him, moving backward as much as I could, and asked.
“I almost gave up on you, not knowing this.”
“Are you listening to me, Your Highness? I’m asking if you kidnapped me!”
I shouted at the Crown Prince, who was spouting nonsense.
“Kidnapping? The Saintess belongs to the imperial family anyway.”
Arthur smiled, his golden eyes narrowing as he whispered softly, sending shivers down my spine.
“You’re insane. I’m the Duchess of Auguste. What will you say to the Duke?”
Arthur grinned and stood up from his chair, kicking it aside with a loud crash.
I flinched involuntarily. His actions were more aggressive than before.
‘Something’s wrong. The Crown Prince isn’t acting normal.’
His fingers tilted my chin upward, forcing me to meet his gaze. His golden eyes gleamed with madness, sending a chill down my spine.
“A contract marriage… Do you call that a real marriage?”
“!”
How did the Crown Prince know about that?
For a moment, I faltered, but I quickly masked my expression to appear as natural as possible.
“You seem surprised that I know, don’t you, Your Eminence?”
“You’re talking nonsense, that’s why.”
This lunatic! And yet, you kidnapped me?
Arthur’s golden eyes sparkled with insanity as he stared into mine.
“I even have proof.”
“Who cares? It could’ve been fabricated by you, Your Highness.”
“Ha. You’re quite bold for someone in a sham marriage.”
Arthur chuckled, his hand brushing against my cheek.
“Don’t touch me.”
My feelings for Xavier were genuine, and we had long since torn up that contract by mutual agreement.
‘I can’t let the Crown Prince manipulate me. I don’t know how he found out, but that’s only part of our story.’
Resolving to stay firm, I met Arthur’s gaze with a determined look. His behavior only solidified my resolve.
“Whether it’s real or not is something only the married couple knows. Are you asking me to prove my love? Stop this nonsense and untie me.”
“……”
Arthur’s smirk disappeared, and his golden eyes glinted dangerously.
“You will marry me.”
“I said no!”
“Come to me, Your Eminence.”
Arthur’s lips curled into a twisted smile as he whispered into my ear.
“If you don’t want it known throughout the Empire that Xavier is nothing more than a beast.”