Edgar 4

Although Silverbrock’s manor was impressive, this place was on a completely different level.

An overwhelming sense of dignity, as if it held centuries of history, could be felt.

Towering castle walls and the spires that seemed to pierce the sky gave off an intimidating aura.

The main gate was an intricately designed black iron gate, with armored guards standing on either side.

Their armor bore the clear emblem of a white sword.

When the carriage stopped at the entrance, one of the guards looked at our family crest and widened his eyes in surprise, then whispered to his colleague.

“Is that the Silverbrock carriage? But the guest list today doesn’t include Lord Silverbrock…”

“Are you sure? Should we double-check?”

“No, I’m certain. Maybe it’s an unexpected visit. We should inform the Count immediately.”

Their conversation carried on the wind reached my ears.

We didn’t come here under the Silverbrock name…

One of the guards started to head inside to report, but I opened the carriage door and stepped out.

“Huh!”

The guards’ faces showed clear signs of surprise.

They had expected the refined Lord Silverbrock, but instead, an unexpected, extremely cute girl appeared.

“It’s just that we borrowed the Silverbrock carriage. Is Brian and Edgar here? Something feels off…”

Ah, right!

I hated the Noble Trait activating, so we camped and came here, but now we’re at the Count’s mansion as soon as we arrive in the capital!

“The soul has reappeared…!”

Ravy whispered to Ryandel in her elegant tone.

Are you kidding me!

In the meantime, the guard was so shocked that he couldn’t string together a sentence, his expression showing growing confusion and embarrassment.

“Are you looking for Master Brian and Edgar?”

He finally managed to speak, but his voice carried an unusual tension.

There was an awkwardness that felt like he was hiding something.

“Yes.”

“Well… Please wait a moment. I’ll inform the Count.”

Saying so, the guard exchanged glances with the other guard and hurriedly disappeared into the mansion.

The remaining guard stood there with an awkward smile.

“Something feels off…”

I muttered to myself.

When I mentioned Brian and Edgar, the guard’s expression wasn’t just surprise. There was something more complex-grief or embarrassment.

“Something’s wrong.”

Ryandel said in a low tone beside me.

“Yes.”

Ravy also looked around anxiously, her eyes darting back and forth.

Miel and Cecilia circled around me, their wings fluttering faster than usual as if they sensed the tense atmosphere.

Before long, the guard returned.

His expression was even sterner, but he maintained as much politeness as possible.

“The Count will receive you. Please come in.”

The main gates opened, and we were led inside the mansion.

Ravy and Ryandel also got off the carriage and followed.

Miel and Cecilia continued to circle around me, and Rote stayed by my side as always.

Glacia, who had been lounging on the carriage, finally flapped her wings slowly to follow.

As the guard guided us, I could examine the interior of the mansion in detail.

Passing through the vast garden, I saw dense trees and beautiful fountains.

Ascending the marble staircase revealed the main hall of the mansion.

Majestic pillars adorned the entrance, and the stained-glass windows, illuminated by the afternoon sun, cast colorful hues across the room.

It was indeed larger and more magnificent than Silverbrock’s manor, but the overall atmosphere and architectural style were similar.

It seemed that all noble mansions in the kingdom shared a basic structure.

The entrance was lined with two rows of servants,

who bowed deeply as we passed by.

Their eyes also seemed to carry a hint of sadness.

We were led through the grand hall to an elegant meeting room.

A man of dignified presence stood by the window, gazing outside.

At the sound of our approach, he slowly turned around.

He had a sturdy build and broad shoulders, clearly the head of the Hind family.

His sharp eyes and tightly closed lips exuded strictness and strength.

His gray-streaked black hair was neatly combed back, and his posture revealed the balance of a man trained in swordsmanship for years.

I could intuitively sense that he was a very strong man, and I checked his status window.

『 ☆☆☆☆ 【Gaster】 Human LV161 』

Oh!

He’s stronger than I thought!

Count Hind looked at us for a moment, then bowed deeply.

His action carried deep dignity.

“It’s an honor to have you visit our humble home.”

His voice was extraordinarily heavy, carrying the weight of long-standing sorrow and fatigue.

“Yes, it’s an honor! Where are Brian and Edgar?”

When I asked, Gaster’s expression momentarily stiffened.

A complex array of emotions flashed across his eyes-grief, embarrassment, and perhaps even anger.

“Please, take a seat. This will take some time.”

His voice rippled with sorrow.

I could sense that something serious had happened.

Suddenly, a heavy weight settled in my chest.

***

When I opened my eyes, a white ceiling came into view.

Through the window, the clear sunlight illuminated the room softly.

For a while, I stared at the ceiling, trying to remember where I was and how I got there.

‘Am I… alive?’

My entire body ached.

Especially the sharp pain spreading from my right shoulder to my chest.

I could feel the warmth of healing magic, but beneath it, the sharp pain still lingered.

My last memory was clear.

The gigantic ice wasp I encountered while escaping the labyrinth.

I had sent Claus ahead to inform Rowen of the black magic and stayed behind to fight alone.

The moment the blue stinger pierced my shoulder, the cold shock.

The excruciating pain that spread through my body, feeling like an eternity.

And the moment my consciousness faded.

“You’re awake, Edgar.”

A familiar voice drew my gaze.

Brian was sitting in a chair beside the bed.

It had been seven years since I last saw him.

Time had left its mark on his face.

The soft features were gone, replaced by a more defined and angular appearance.

There were wrinkles around his eyes and a small scar above his right eyebrow.

But his warm gaze remained unchanged.

“Hyung…?”

My voice cracked.

My lips were dry, and my throat felt like a desert.

Brian handed me a water jug from the bedside table.

His movements were as careful and gentle as ever.

The cool water soothed my parched throat, and I felt life returning to my body.

“It’s a miracle… To survive in that state.”

Brian’s voice was filled with deep relief.

His eyes showed the weight of days of worry and fatigue.

He had clearly stayed by my side the entire time.

“How…?”

I tried to speak, but it was still difficult.

Brian understood and continued explaining.

“You were found unconscious and brought to the flower. It saved you.”

“The flower…?”

A vague memory surfaced.

The gigantic flower I met in the deeper layers.

Its red petals shimmering like rubies, its purple stamens dancing in the air.

The overwhelming presence that controlled hundreds of insects.

It had fought us, yet it took me in…

“The flower healed you. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true.”

Brian’s words filled me with confusion.

A mixture of hatred and gratitude swirled in my chest.

“The flower’s name is Lycoris.”

Brian continued.

His voice carried a strange sense of respect.

“It’s not just a simple monster. It’s the offspring of Frostia, the ruler of the Great Labyrinth. Lycoris possesses intelligence and immense power.”

“The… King of Insects…?”

My voice was still hoarse but slowly returning.

Now that I had the chance, I looked around the room.

It was a small infirmary in the village temple.

Through the window, the peaceful daily life of Shia Kalt Village could be seen.

The silence stretched on.

The sounds of villagers’ conversations and children’s laughter from outside filled the quiet, emphasizing the heavy silence between us.

“Hyung, are you not planning to return to the family?”

I asked cautiously.

Memories of that day seven years ago resurfaced.

Brian’s decision to reject the path of a noble and choose that of an adventurer.

And my failure to understand him.

The fierce argument and the rift between us still lingered in my heart, but now wasn’t the time for that.

Brian remained silent for a long time before smiling sadly but firmly.

“I haven’t achieved my dream yet.”

His single statement conveyed its meaning.

Brian had already chosen his path and was walking it without wavering.

He wouldn’t return to the family.

“I see.”

My reply was brief, but it carried much meaning.

Understanding, respect, and a mutual vow to walk our own paths.

I no longer tried to persuade him.

Now, I could respect his choice.

After a bit more conversation, we shared a final embrace.

We would now go our separate ways.

Brian to the other side of the mountains, and I to the Kingdom of Genes.

I didn’t mention Rowen’s black magic to Brian.

Not because I didn’t want to burden him with worry, but because this was something I, as a knight of the family and a protector of the kingdom, had to resolve.

…

The Crosby manor was located in the heart of the Kingdom of Genes, near the Temple of Light.

His mansion, adorned with beautiful white marble and gold decorations, seemed like an extension of the temple.

As one of the oldest families in the kingdom, the Crosby family was known for its loyalty to the God of Light, Michel.

That’s why I was told to seek out Duke Crosby, known for his loyalty and honesty.

And I, too, immediately came to see him upon returning to the kingdom.

“Edgar, welcome.”

Duke Crosby greeted me in his deep voice.

Though his hair was graying, he still exuded dignity.

His wise gaze and composed demeanor were exemplary for other nobles.

“Your Grace, I have something important to discuss.”

He led me to his study, and I recounted everything that had happened in Shia Kalt.

The danger of the Frozen Ridge, the horrors of the labyrinth, the King of Insects, and most importantly, Rowen’s black magic and the suspicions of cult activities.

“Cult followers?”

After hearing my story, the Duke’s eyes sharpened.

His expression revealed deep concern.

“That’s a very serious matter…”

“Did Claus not come here?”

He thought for a moment before asking.

“Who is Claus?”

“A knight who survived with me. I told him to come here…”

I couldn’t continue.

A ominous premonition ran down my spine.

Claus was an honest and loyal knight.

He wouldn’t disobey orders.

Something must have happened.

“This could be dangerous for you as well.”

The Duke said with a serious expression.

His eyes hardened.

“It wouldn’t be wise to return to your family. Stay here until this matter is resolved. Since there were no survivors from Shia Kalt, we’ll treat it as such. Did you enter the capital through the main gate?”

“No. We came through a back alley at dawn.”

I nodded in agreement.

Staying hidden was the best course of action if I were to find Claus and uncover the truth about the cult.

If I revealed myself, Rowen’s allies would target me for sure.

A few days later, we learned shocking news.

Claus’s body had been found on the outskirts of the capital.

His mutilated corpse was barely identifiable, but his badge from the Royal Second Knights confirmed his identity.

“It seems he was killed as soon as he arrived in the kingdom.”

The Duke said in a heavy voice.

His eyes trembled.

Though he rarely showed emotion, this moment revealed his profound anger and sorrow.

Claus’s death ignited our investigation.

It was no longer just a suspicion.

The cult followers were real, and they were plotting something.

And we would soon discover their next target.