Chapter 91

A figure known as the greatest artist of the continent.

In Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper, there exists a legendary tale passed down through generations.

It is a work depicting the final meal of the Savior and his twelve disciples.

The Savior portrayed in the painting emanated a holy and kind demeanor, and it is said that his face was modeled after a remarkably handsome youth from a rural village choir.

This young man, who had been regarded as a commendable individual for his good deeds, felt burdened by the fact that he was chosen as the model for the Savior. However, after persistent requests from Da Vinci, he eventually accepted, and in return, Da Vinci rewarded him with a vast fortune.

But…

After completing the likeness of the Savior, Da Vinci faced an unresolved dilemma until he could paint the other figures.

The figure of the fallen disciple Judas, who betrayed the Savior and led him to death.

He could not find a suitable model that matched Judas’s wicked face.

A being with a wicked appearance devoid of any remorse or goodness.

In his quest for such a face, Da Vinci wandered across the continent for years, ultimately wasting time without finding anyone fitting.

Then, by chance, he encountered the face of a thief.

Upon seeing the thief’s face, Da Vinci thought this man could perfectly embody Judas and offered him a large sum of money to pose as the model.

However…

Tears streaming down his face, the thief revealed to Da Vinci that he was, in fact, the youth who had once modeled as the Savior.

Once a decent young man with a good character, he had succumbed to a life of drinking and gambling due to the immense wealth given by Da Vinci, ultimately becoming a thief living a corrupted life.

The completed painting of The Last Supper contained…

A harrowing lesson stating that a person, depending on their actions, could be both a Savior and a Judas.

Whether this tale is true or merely a fabrication remains unknown, but…

At least in this moment, they—

Magellan and Elkana—were convinced that the legendary story was indeed true.

–Bang!!!

Before their eyes at this moment.

There stood Franklin, swinging a butchering knife with a figure hauntingly reminiscent of a demon starved for blood…

“P-please spare me! I… I beg you… please, just spare my life….”

–Crack!!!

Franklin, making a horrific noise, shattered her opponent’s skull with a strike.

The knife that had just moments ago been used to prepare food for people was now cooking the soldiers before her in an entirely different sense.

A soldier’s head, bones crumbling and brain matter spewing forth.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Franklin withdrew her knife and approached another soldier trembling on the ground.

And then…

“Ambasha. Where are you?”

“I… I don’t know! I… I truly… truly don’t know!”

“Please, spare me! I’ll do anything! Just my life… my life, please, aaarrrgh!!!!”

Franklin stabbed the pleading soldier in the gut.

In the scorching blood, as the dreadful sensation of his insides flowed, she spoke in a cold voice without a flinch.

“If you don’t know… then die.”

“Gaaah!!!”

As she slowly moved her knife, inflicting even more harrowing pain.

In that moment,

Despite her slightly terrifying appearance, just moments ago she had been smiling while sharing food with countless people…

Now she looked like a genuine demon straight out of real hell…

Watching her, Magellan and Elkana could only tremble instinctively in fear.

“Um… Miss Franklin… You seem a little… uh, no, extremely violent today, don’t you?”

“…Well… Something felt off since yesterday, but…”

“Guhh!!!”

“…”

“Gulp…”

Though they were full of questions, they had zero answers as to why.

Now, all they could think was to shut up and follow along with the aftermath.

They began to quietly enter the mansion of Duke Ocleang that lay before them.

*

A small rural town located about 220 kilometers east of Pare.

Baren.

Upon arriving, Duke Ocleang felt a deep sense of relief.

“If we’ve fled this far, surely we won’t have any major issues, even if they are after us. I’ve been cooped up for too long.”

“But, Your Grace, we must not let our guard down just yet.”

“Indeed. It would be wise not to recklessly leave the cart before crossing the border. We could be tracked down by the enemy at any moment.”

The subordinates expressed their concerns towards the Duke, who was wandering outside the cart.

However, the Duke merely scoffed lightly.

“Do you really believe that could happen? We’re in Baren, over 200 kilometers away from Pare. How could those fools, who don’t even know if we’re heading to Esban or the Holy Empire, follow us here?”

“B-but…”

“Stop with the useless worries. Finding a needle in the desert would be easier! By the time they figure it out, we’ll be drinking tea leisurely in the capital of the Holy Empire, Vin.”

“Hmm…”

While his words had some merit, the subordinates could only feel a growing sense of unease in this precarious situation.

Even though they were strong at Grades 8 and 9, facing the likes of Grade 11 General Rafael was a different play entirely.

Once the continent’s only Grand Warrior took to the field, they might not even have time to buy themselves.

Yet, ignoring their anxiety altogether, Duke Ocleang spoke in an effortless tone.

“Stop talking nonsense and go to the village to procure some food. The King wants to sample the famous pig’s trotters here.”

“Y-yes, Your Grace.”

“Understood…”

With no choice but to follow the Duke’s orders, the subordinates moved to buy the pig’s trotters.

Having sent off those who were burdened with unnecessary worries, Duke Ocleang returned to the cart and said with a broad smile.

“Your Majesty, are you feeling frustrated? Why not step out for a stroll? The breeze here is quite cool and pleasant.”

“…Um… Duke Ocleang? Is it really okay to be this way? I know the situation is dire, but for the king of a nation, running away like this…”

“I have told you repeatedly, Your Majesty, you need not worry. Pare has indeed become a den of traitors, but if we gather an army from your maternal home, the Holy Empire, we can easily deal with those scoundrels.”

“But…”

Coming from Queen Louis, who still hesitated at his words.

Duke Ocleang spoke to her with a firmer voice.

“Your Majesty. We are effectively in a state of war. Even now, those vile traitors are likely hunting for your life and wreaking havoc throughout the kingdom. Prepare yourself. I shall certainly keep you safe.”

Since the death of Chancellor Eli, Duke Ocleang had continuously taken it upon himself to protect her.

Having no choice but to nod her head in response to his words, Queen Louis replied.

“Then relax, Your Majesty. By lunch, my subordinates will bring the famous pig’s trotters. After dining, we’ll rest here for the day and leave tomorrow morning.”

“…Um… I… understand… Then I will trust only you, Duke.”

With those words, she settled back into a corner of the cart.

Looking at her, a deep smile crept onto Duke Ocleang’s face.

‘Though she’s over twenty and completely washed up, it is quite comforting. As long as I keep this girl close, the Kingdom of Frantz is essentially mine to command.’

To others, Queen Louis appeared strikingly beautiful, yet to Duke Ocleang, she was akin to a decrepit old hag.

In that regard, he felt no lust whatsoever, but as a tool to maintain his power, she was someone he must prioritize protecting at all costs.

‘Just you wait, General Rafael… I will surely repay this humiliation. Once I reach the Holy Empire and meet with the Emperor, you and your lot will be dealt with in an instant…’

*

“Ugh… how long must we wait? It’s already been five hours.”

“They say about 30 more minutes remain. I had no idea pig’s trotters could be such a troublesome dish to prepare.”

The subordinates of Ocleang complained while awaiting outside the pig’s trotter shop.

While they felt an underlying sense of unease, they honestly didn’t see the situation as particularly dangerous.

Even if General Rafael summoned the Circle of Magical Power to charge after them,

It wasn’t like they knew where they were going, meaning it wouldn’t be easy for them to spot their location.

Unlike the pursuers who had to meander about trying to find them, the subordinates only had to follow the road, giving them a significant time advantage.

“Well, the Duke does have a point, so let’s not be too hasty.”

“That’s true, let’s just chew on some pig’s trotters and catch a quick nap. Tomorrow we’ll be off running again…”

Just like that, waiting comfortably while ordering pig’s trotters.

At that moment…

“I found them.”

“…Huh?”