episode_0026

Episode 26

Victoria Saint, the Law King who had absolute authority within the Law Kingdom until recently, seemed on the verge of wetting herself now, despite having everything since birth.

She looked around to see where exactly things had changed.

Despite emphasizing grandeur, there was no change in the decorations on the ceiling and walls of the vulgar Alchemist’s Chamber that were gradually becoming tacky.

The crown on her head and the throne still radiated from their positions, and the sunlight streaming through the sparkling windows remained as warm as ever.

So what had changed? Why was she so terrified sitting on the throne?

The answer was right in front of her.

“Your Highness? Are you alright?”

“Huh? …Ah, I’m fine. Please continue with your story.”

The saint, who had been staring at her blankly in fear, soon seemed unconcerned and continued speaking as if nothing had happened.

“Yes. As I mentioned, we were able to locate and eliminate the group that dared to imitate Your Highness’s grace, conducting inhumane and horrific experiments.”

Eliminate. They were eliminated.

The saint, who had destroyed the research facility disguised as an orphanage under the name of the Academy overnight, had a fresh face that contradicted the weight of the words she uttered.

Her expression only made the Law King even more fearful.

“I wanted to capture them alive for interrogation, but their resistance was too strong, so I had to deal with everyone on the spot, including researchers and guards. I hope you understand.”

“…Ah, I see. Well done.”

All the Law Kingdom nobles and officials present knew who was actually bowing their heads, contrary to appearances, and the Law King was no exception.

The saint was essentially saying this: ‘I know everything you’ve done, but for the stability of the Law Kingdom, I will pretend not to. However, if you repeat such actions again, there will be consequences.’

The saint’s words proved that their thoughts were not misconceptions.

“We were able to secure one girl who had been used as an experimental subject at the facility. She seems deeply scarred mentally, but her abilities appear exceptional, making her a suitable candidate for the revival of the ‘Hero System’ you have been considering.”

At this point, Victoria felt her lower body slightly dampening as all her strength left her.

One fortunate thing was that she wasn’t the only one trembling.

Just yesterday morning, they had discussed creating a hero as a rival to the saint in secret. However, the saint had blatantly brought up their conversation in front of everyone.

She was showing them that whatever they tried to do was within her grasp.

“Is that so…?”

“Yes. First, announce the new hero to the world, then send them to the ‘real’ academy for basic education and mental healing concurrently.”

The Law King, nobles, and officials sensed that it was all over.

If the hero they intended to use as a rival was announced by the saint, it was no longer a rival. Contrary to their original intentions, they were now giving wings to the saint.

Moreover, if a hero emerged, the Law King faction couldn’t create another rival. It didn’t make sense to create a new hero when one had already appeared, and would the saint just sit back and watch?

Saint Maria instilled fear in them not by merely exploiting weaknesses but by showing them what she could do without reservation.

It is impossible for those who have lived their whole lives only looking after themselves to resist here.

However, thinking the opposite of the saint’s words and actions meant that as long as one did not go against their own will, they could at least maintain their position.

In reality, while she could break the academy and punish a considerable number of court officials and nobles, she saved not only the king but also others.

Understanding the meaning of letting things go as the saint wished, the king nodded his head.

“Do as the saint wishes.”

Thinking he wanted to go to the bathroom quickly, the king gave up thinking further.

—

“Once again, it happened as Edward said.”

Coming out of the hall, Maria smiled slyly. The king, court officials, and nobles, who had been so arrogant, all kneeled before her.

Beyond joy, she even felt a thrilling sensation. But more surprising was Edward’s foresight, as if he had seen the situation a little while ago.

“You said cornered mice open the door for the cat. That saying was spot on.”

If he wanted to subdue the entire royal faction, he could have done so. Of course, in that case, the weakened king would have resisted with all his might.

Killing them all might provide immediate relief, but afterward, the kingdom would splinter and fall.

“In that case, Dweor could directly intervene to make the kingdom a vassal state, but too radical a change would likely provoke backlash.”

Therefore, instead of immediately dismantling and reassembling the kingdom, Edward decided to gradually change the internal components.

Even the incompetent ones had their uses. While setting aside the king, who needed to continue functioning as a symbol, the rest could be replaced over time.

Maria’s power and authority had been raised to an immense level in an instant, but there were still many areas that needed attention.

Rather than rushing, they would build a solid foundation like a rock and gradually replace the central power with trustworthy individuals.

Ultimately, it was a matter of time. It meant there was no need to panic just because they didn’t strike immediately.

“More importantly, what about Edward’s horns…?”

When the academy was abolished, all the research results the bastards had achieved were confiscated.

The deceased researchers had repeated all kinds of experiments to create humans with strong sexual abilities, and in the process, not only humans but also various races such as elves, dwarves, and even demons were used for experiments under the king’s power.

The problem was that there were some results, especially regarding demon experiments.

There had been experiments conducted to determine the extent of artificially created sexual abilities, and during that process, a method to suppress demon powers had been accidentally discovered.

To be precise, it involved administering a substance containing sexual energy, and according to the priests who obtained the research results, it was said that if refined into a medicine, it could temporarily remove the horns.

“Wait. Isn’t this an opportunity?”

Sexual energy was essential to produce this medicine.

In other words, priests from the kingdom were needed, but the priests sent to Dweor not only did not know how to make the medicine but also were not numerous enough to allocate exclusively to Edward.

In other words, unless there was a way to completely remove the horns, perhaps for a lifetime.

“This is it!”

When his thoughts reached that point, other methods became unnecessary. This was enough.

As long as there was a reason why he could never abandon himself, he could continue to meet with Edward.

With quickened steps, Maria went to the inn where Edward was staying. She then ordered the female priests to make the medicine.

If lucky, the ingredients needed for making medicine are not ordinary, so even if you try to make a lot, you can’t.

Thanks to that, she could do as she pleased without feeling guilty.

—

The research institute named Academy was abolished a few days later.

I looked at the small bottle containing the medicine Maria had made in the light.

The blue liquid shimmered in the light. It feels completely different from Mahwahwan.

“Well, I tried to adjust it so that it wouldn’t strain your body too much…”

“It’s okay, Maria. Thank you.”

After expressing gratitude to Maria, who spoke with an anxious voice, I opened the bottle and quickly swallowed the medicine.

“Hmm?”

Contrary to expectations, I didn’t feel the same pain as when I ate Mahwahwan. There was no feeling of weakness either.

Seeing no reaction, I became more anxious, but Maria, unlike me, widened her eyes and opened her mouth.

“The, the horn is gone!”

“Yes? Oh, really.”

I touched my head, but nothing stuck to my hand.

I was worried that something like a patch would appear in place of the horn, but seeing that hair was growing properly, it seemed to be a good sign.

Am I human now? I clenched and unclenched my fist to test. There was no sense of decreased strength from transforming into a demon; my body still brimmed with vitality.

I even tried dipping the same test paper used by Aisha to distinguish between demons and humans after drawing blood, but unlike when I had horns, the test paper turned red.

“Am I human now?”

“I-I think so…?”

Maria and I both nodded together. I felt like we were becoming increasingly ambiguous beings.

Anyway, it’s a good thing that the horn is temporarily gone. Should I be happy about it?

“You said the effect of the medicine lasts about a day, right?”

“Oh, yes! According to our calculations, the horn will return to its original state after a day. We can only make about three weeks’ worth of medicine right now, so, um, sorry, but you’ll have to come back to the Kingdom of Beowulf in three weeks…”

Since I have to come before the medicine runs out, I can practically endure for a little over two weeks. It was somewhat bearable, considering I had thought it couldn’t be removed.

Thus, I was able to smile and speak to Maria, who was lowering her head as if embarrassed.

“In that case, we’ll meet again then, Maria.”

“Yes, yes!”

In fact, even if it wasn’t for the medicine, I had intended to continue our meetings.

As my wife in Dwerv gradually reached her limit, as conveyed in letters, I had been thinking of returning soon, but I had no intention of abandoning Maria. Since I had already deeply involved myself in her life and the affairs of the Kingdom of Beowulf, leaving her like this would be irresponsible. I also wanted to maintain as much peace as possible, and above all…

…it was fun.

After confirming that there were no side effects for about another day, I returned to Dwerv.

I planned to go straight to Bell Territory to comfort Layla, but first, I had to stop by the royal capital.

Last time, I received a letter from Her Majesty instructing me to come to the royal capital upon my return, so I wondered if Layla had received the same instruction as she was waiting for me in the royal capital.

“Edward!”

Although it had been just under a month, I embraced my wife, who ran towards me as if she hadn’t seen me in years.

Since I had come to the royal capital, I had to report to Her Majesty, so despite wanting to go to the hotel immediately, I suppressed that desire and headed to the palace with Layla.

However, Her Majesty, who was waiting for us, suddenly made an absurd request.

“I want a child.”