Ch.20Hair, and Eyes

“Irefi. Do you happen to know where the Eldchain is stored?”

“Everything related to the Eldchain is known only to His Majesty.”

“That’s fortunate.”

It meant that unless the Emperor confessed, no information would leak out. Irefi might have thought my question about the Eldchain’s whereabouts was suspicious, but she didn’t ask anything.

‘Well, that’s just like Irefi…’

With an oddly detached feeling, we arrived at the glass greenhouse of the imperial palace. About a dozen Nelfrugia Knights were standing guard in front of it.

They moved quickly as soon as they sensed Irefi’s presence.

“Commander, we pay our res—!”

“Stop.”

Irefi cut off the formal greeting with a dry tone. The kindness she had shown until moments ago had vanished completely, replaced by visible irritation.

“Just focus on guarding His Majesty properly. Don’t waste time trying to please your commander.”

“Y-yes, we’ll correct ourselves immediately!”

Even a raging blizzard couldn’t be colder than Irefi’s tone. Her rebuke was quiet but carried significant weight.

The knights watched her leave with rigid postures.

‘Well, this incident is essentially a major failure for the Nelfrugia Knights. In reality, this would be enough to disband the order entirely.’

But that was impossible as long as Irefi served as their shield.

As the organization’s leader, she should have taken responsibility for the situation. Yet in reality, no one had been held properly accountable.

This must have left a deep scar on her pride. It was as if Irefi Justitia’s value as a person had allowed her to avoid her responsibilities.

“Are you… alright?”

“Not at all. I’m angry enough to want to stomp my feet like a commoner. I had almost forgotten, but thanks to this, I’m freshly reminded of my incompetence.”

“Incompetence? That’s nonsense.”

If there’s one thing I can say with certainty about Irefi after spending time with her, it’s that she’s practically superhuman.

This wasn’t just an assessment of her combat abilities. Her days were shorter than anyone else’s in the world.

Her duties as the head of the Justitia Marquess family, her responsibilities as the Knight Commander, and the additional task of monitoring me—her work was always piled mountain-high.

Irefi deserves respect for effortlessly handling everything thrown at her day after day.

“Irefi, if you’re incompetent, then I’m worth less than a roadside pebble.”

“Nepy, you’re… well…”

Irefi trailed off with a serious expression. Surprised by this unexpected response, I protested with a flustered look.

“Why… why did you stop? Irefi? Hello? Excuse me?”

Irefi smiled faintly as she watched me flailing to defend myself.

“Well, Nepy is Nepy. I suppose that’s fine.”

“Hey, what do you mean ‘fine’? My feelings are quite hurt.”

“Hehe.”

During our pointless conversation, Irefi’s mood seemed to have lightened somewhat.

Finally, we opened the door to the greenhouse and greeted the Emperor.

“We are here to see Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Welcome. Marquess Justitia, and Marquess Alteon.”

Given the formal setting, we offered brief courtesies and took our assigned seats.

The Emperor looked gaunt. That alone conveyed his feelings for the Empress.

‘Should I say his recovery is fast or slow?’

It feels like a long time has passed since the banquet at Duke Feita’s manor, but in reality, not even a full day has gone by.

It took only half a day to travel from our encounter with Zikharun to our mansion.

The Emperor’s appearance had deteriorated this much in such a short time.

“I’ll get straight to the point. Deputy Commander Etio Rescal has committed suicide.”

“What?”

“Is that truly the case, Your Majesty…!”

Those were my and Irefi’s respective reactions. While I was shocked, Irefi’s distress was incomparable. She trembled, clenching her fists, and closed her mouth as if ashamed.

“Your Majesty, is there any possibility this was done by an outsider?”

I asked on behalf of Irefi, who was in a state of panic.

“He was imprisoned for attempting to assassinate a member of the imperial family. That level of security couldn’t be breached without killing the guards. Of course, all those who were guarding him are still perfectly alive.”

“How could a suicide attempt be possible with so many people watching?”

“He had a poison pouch implanted in his tooth. Etio Rescal was a knight of commoner origin, which made his status more certain. I don’t know when he began harboring treasonous thoughts! Moreover, with my own eyes…”

The Emperor trailed off, belatedly realizing that Irefi was also present. His ability to discern emotions was a secret even from Irefi.

Fortunately, Irefi didn’t seem to question it much and let it pass.

After taking a dozen deep breaths, the Emperor asked me:

“Now, let’s talk about what happened at the Duke’s manor. First, I must ask Marquess Alteon. This may be rude, but… were you truly overpowered? Could the Founding Noble Netionpis not stop them?”

“Your Majesty…”

This was a difficult question. While Zikharun was certainly strong, he wasn’t yet fully developed.

In other words, he should have been an opponent I could subdue.

‘That would be true if I were Netionpis, not Nepy.’

Even before my possession, I was closer to a model student with little experience in fighting. Plus, I couldn’t properly utilize Netionpis’s abilities due to issues with body control.

But given the outcome, I had no choice.

“I apologize.”

“No… no. I shouldn’t have said that…”

The Emperor rubbed his face wearily and then turned to Irefi.

“Has Marquess Justitia found a way? I mean, is there a method to track Charle, that child?”

“I have nothing to report. Please hold me accountable.”

“Ah… aah…!”

Looking at the Emperor, who seemed like he might collapse if touched, I felt a strange sense of dissonance.

‘At first I thought he was looking for Charle only for the Empress’s sake… but now it seems the Emperor also has affection for Charle. What’s the story here?’

The relationship between the Emperor, the Empress, and Charle was full of questions.

“Marquess Alteon. Please lend me your wisdom. Weren’t you the strategist who supported the first Emperor Astelnerca, who was merely the third son of a count’s family? Please, out of care for his descendants… as a great elder of the imperial family, I beg for your advice…”

His desperate plea for wisdom, almost like a child’s sobbing, was pitiful. It was hard to believe that the man before me was the most noble man in the empire.

“Your Majesty. I… Netionpis…”

Was I entranced by the Emperor’s desperate appearance? I was about to deny being Netionpis without realizing it.

If my mouth hadn’t spoken out of my control, I would certainly have confessed.

[What a detestable child.]

“Nepy?”

Irefi was the first to react. She kept touching her earlobe as if doubting what she’d heard.

I had no choice but to recover without preparation.

“I… I am a detestable person. I asked Your Majesty to trust me… but I’ve only disappointed you.”

“I… see.”

The Emperor stared at me with a bewildered expression. I belatedly remembered one fact.

‘The Emperor can read emotions. He must see through lies as easily as looking at his palm!’

It clearly wasn’t my will.

I feel a sense of déjà vu, as if I’ve experienced the same situation before.

I kept searching through my past memories and finally realized the source of my discomfort.

“… Your Majesty.”

“Speak freely.”

The Emperor’s consideration was evident. Perhaps it was his implicit will not to press me in front of Irefi.

I opened my mouth while glancing at Irefi, who was sitting beside me.

“If it’s not disrespectful, I would like to speak with you privately.”

“Nepy? That’s a sudden change in the conversation.”

Irefi sent silent pressure demanding an explanation. Unable to face her, I kept my gaze fixed on the Emperor.

“I will allow it.”

“Your Majesty?!”

“Marquess Justitia. Please wait outside the greenhouse for a moment. I’m asking you this as a favor. Please.”

“…”

Irefi glared at me briefly, then stood up quietly with a sulky expression. She even crossed her arms, which was unlike her.

Even after standing, she continued glaring and said with a dissatisfied expression:

“Nepy. Just so you know, don’t misunderstand.”

“What…?”

“I’m not leaving because His Majesty ordered me to. I’m leaving because I’ve judged it appropriate to do so.”

Irefi’s cheeks were slightly flushed. She added with a slight snort:

“The reason I’m displeased is because, as head of the guard, I don’t like secret conversations between you two. Understand?”

“Huh? Oh, yes. Thank you… Irefi…”

I was momentarily stunned by this completely unexpected type of excuse.

“As long as you understand.”

Irefi turned her head primly and walked out of the greenhouse with steps that conveyed her frustration.

‘What’s this? Why is she cute? …No, what an absurd thought!’

It must be a natural appreciation caused by Irefi’s appearance. Just as dogs and cats are always cute.

My self-denial was quickly ended by the Emperor’s pressure.

“So. What is the reason Marquess requested a private audience with me?”

The Emperor narrowed his eyes and pressed me. I hesitated for a moment.

“Ah…”

How should I begin? A truthful story that defies common sense…

If it would be hard to believe no matter how carefully I explained, perhaps it was better to get straight to the point.

“Your Majesty. If you truly want the wisdom of a Founding Noble… try having a conversation with him.”

“Marquess, please don’t speak in riddles.”

“I’m not speaking in riddles, but…”

I knew the day would come when I’d have to confess to the Emperor, but this was too soon. I had thought to build more rapport before confessing…

“Sigh!”

I couldn’t help but sigh at the thought of the seemingly insane act I was about to perform.

“Old man. Instead of squirming around in someone else’s body, why don’t you come out and have a straightforward talk?”

“Marquess Alteon? Are you saying there’s a third person here besides us?!”

“No, that’s not it… Hey, old man. How about coming out for some fresh air? Let out whatever’s bothering you.”

Then I heard a malicious voice in my head.

[To show such an unsightly display due to uncontrolled emotions, I too am becoming senile.]

“What are you saying? You’ve always been unsightly.”

“Marquess Alteon…? Who are you talking to?”

The Emperor demanded answers, unable to follow the situation, but seeing is believing.

Soon the Emperor would get the answer he wanted.

“I’ll lend it to you briefly, so come out.”

[I could kill this child right now and turn the world into a wasteland.]

“Oh really? Go ahead and try.”

I snorted and glanced outside the greenhouse. Irefi’s snow-white hair, tinged with blue in the dawn light, looked truly beautiful.

Perhaps because I looked foolish staring blankly at Irefi, Netionpis laughed heartily.

[Kuk, hahaha! Indeed! Your intelligence isn’t that low. Since I made a mistake too, I’ll play along with you this once.]

“The old man’s tongue is only good for… urgh…”

I couldn’t finish my sentence and had to enter Netionpis’s mental world.

What greeted me in the mental world was the same platform scene as before. I could see the first heads of the four ducal families and the first Emperor Astelnerca.

Among them, Netionpis was missing.

“As I thought, the Holy Memory must have weakened after fighting Zikharun. Otherwise, Netionpis wouldn’t be able to interfere with the body.”

I had thought I was still in a safe zone since Netionpis hadn’t tried anything, but…

After this private audience ends, I must ask Irefi to repair the Holy Memory.

“Now let’s hear what the senile old man has to say.”

I began to directly observe the conversation between Netionpis and the Emperor from within the mental world.

◇

“Who is the Marquess talking to?”

The Emperor’s tone was dripping with bewilderment. My… Netionpis’s gaze lost focus and tilted for quite some time without answering.

After a moment, Netionpis’s lips curled up sinisterly.

[You resemble him. The eyes of that detestable beast-like child.]

“What…!”

The Emperor widened his rose-colored eyes and analyzed the situation coolly.

“Marquess Alteon… No, you’re not him. Who are you to use such insulting language?”

[If you inherited Astel’s intelligence, look at me. Who do I appear to be?]

Netionpis’s malicious gaze stared proudly at the Emperor. The Emperor soon realized.

“Could it be… Founding Noble Pio?”

[Your eyes still serve their purpose.]

“Ah…!”

Despite facing the real Netionpis, who was arrogant beyond measure, the Emperor was surprisingly calm.

“If you are Founding Noble Pio, then what is Marquess Nepy Alteon? I have never heard of two people living in one body.”

[That child is merely a puppet…]

“-That’s not true.”

[…!]

“Founding Noble Pio?”

I was quite surprised in Netionpis’s mental world.

‘Wow. This actually works.’

For a brief moment, I interfered with the physical body after completely surrendering control. Whether it was due to the remaining Holy Memory or my own ability, I wasn’t sure.

What was certain was that Netionpis was greatly surprised. The sight was so satisfying that I sprawled out.

“I don’t understand the details, but I comprehend that you two are separate personalities. I also understand that you are the real Founding Noble Pio. I will not inquire further about this.”

[You’re making a wise choice. I can grant what you desire.]

“Is that true?!”

The Emperor’s expression changed dramatically.

[‘An apology for a certain shameful child who couldn’t even subdue an insignificant youngster.’]

My cheeks burned at Netionpis’s mockery.

“Let me use Malice too, you bastard!”

Moreover, calling Zikharun an insignificant youngster when he wasn’t even at full strength—that’s Netionpis’s typical arrogance.

“Thank you… truly thank you.”

[The rest is up to you. Let’s see how well you do, child who inherited Astel’s red hair.]

Netionpis left only those words and returned to the mental world. Netionpis, who looked exactly like me but with slightly more innocent eyes, was now on the platform.

“What? You’re more cooperative than I expected. Giving back the body without any lingering attachment?”

I expressed my genuine surprise. The Netionpis on the platform smirked self-deprecatingly.

[What could I do in front of that white-haired girl?]

“That’s true, but…”

I gave him the body openly because I knew that too.

“It still feels suspicious.”

[Kuk, puppet child. You don’t have the luxury to worry.]

Netionpis approached me with heavy steps and grabbed my face with one hand. I instinctively guessed what would happen next.

“W-wait!”

[Go.]

Netionpis’s pitch-black energy engulfed me.

It transformed into black lightning, transmitting pain that felt like a distillation of all possible tortures.

Crackle!

“Ugh, you living denture… bastard…”

I lost consciousness, just as I had at Duke Feita’s manor.

The only difference was that I had the leisure to curse.

[…]

Now left alone in the mental world, Netionpis slowly climbed onto the platform.

The first Emperor and the first heads of the ducal families still existed in their youthful forms. Faces he could never forget.

Netionpis looked at the first Emperor Astelnerca, who held the royal sword. His eyes trembled wistfully as he met Astelnerca’s azure eyes, and he appeared somewhat sad.

After a moment, the words that came directly from Netionpis’s mouth had none of his usual arrogance, but rather a plain, unaffected manner.

[Astel. I saw your descendant. He has the same passionate red hair. Unlike that one.]

There was no answer. This was natural, as this was merely a space created from Netionpis’s mental imagery.

[I had no intention whatsoever of helping, but when a descendant with the same red hair asked for help, I found myself involved before I knew it. Now they call me a great elder of the imperial family. Kuk.]

Netionpis let out a self-deprecating laugh. Yet he continued steadfastly.

[I really hated it. I wanted to stab and kill those detestable rose-colored eyes… but the red hair spreading like a mane resembled you so much… it reminded me of you to the point where the eyes didn’t matter.]

I guess I’m still your friend after that day.

Netionpis swallowed those words.

This time he turned away from Astelnerca and looked at the heads of the four ducal families kneeling on one knee.

[Bartlant. Aselln. Rusheon. ………… Lorian.]

He approached the woman dressed entirely in black with black hair and black eyes. Her eyes, like an abyss that seemed to pull you in if you stared too long, were as beautiful as the midnight sea.

[Lorian. Your descendants are plotting strange things. Is it because you always put forward relatives as successors? They don’t resemble you at all.]

Lorian Feita’s expression remained lifeless. Netionpis knelt before her.

[I miss you, Lorian. Even after four hundred years, I can’t forget. What’s the point of living eternally alone? You, we… couldn’t do that.]

Lorian…

I want to return to your side too.

That’s impossible now.

A soul stained with sin, a body living eternally will chain me down.

Continuously murmuring Lorian’s name, Netionpis gradually calmed his consciousness.