Chapter 83: Prince Kevin’s Hobby
Alva didn’t exaggerate. Abyss could sense the calmness in her soul as she spoke. This brave warrior truly knew the inner workings of the palace.
“If you can provide me with some information about the palace, it would be a great help,” Abyss said, leaning forward slightly, his voice filled with anticipation. “You’re right. Although I’m powerful, I’m still mortal. Even the weakest god can crush me with their divine authority. I need to find each Outer God’s weakness.”
“When Princess Givia was still in the palace, I was responsible for its security. I’m aware of everything that happened within those walls. I remember it all. But I don’t know what’s relevant to the Lord of Nightmares. You’ll have to ask me specific questions,” Alva said, her confidence evident when discussing her area of expertise. “For the princess’s safety and our victory, I’ll answer everything you ask.”
“Wonderful. We don’t need to sit so far apart. Let’s move closer,” Abyss said, standing up and using magic to move his chair behind the table, gesturing for Alva and Haina to join him. Rebecca and Leona, understanding his intentions, sat down beside him, one on each side.
“Let’s talk face to face. Our initial greeting was a bit… informal,” Flora said, gently patting Haina’s shoulder, offering her a warm smile.
Haina, sitting so close to Flora, could smell the faint, pleasant fragrance emanating from the legendary Saint, her mind momentarily overwhelmed.
I’ve been touched by Saint Flora… She’s so gentle…
“Let’s go, Haina. We need to have a proper conversation with Mr. Abyss,” Alva said, gently nudging Haina, snapping her out of her reverie.
They sat down across from Abyss, Flora joining them, and their discussion about the Outer God began.
“First, I’d like to know when Prince Kevin entered the palace,” Abyss asked.
“He was never a favored child. He didn’t live in the palace. He only moved in during the chaos of the war with the Western Empire,” Alva said, her disdain for Kevin evident. “He’s cruel, vindictive, bloodthirsty, and utterly indifferent, as if devoid of human emotions. He exudes an aura of malice. It’s no wonder His Majesty forbade him from living in the palace.”
“Is that so?” Abyss asked, his eyes narrowing. “You’re suggesting he returned to the palace seeking revenge, lashing out at everyone because he felt abandoned by the King?”
“Yes, I believe that’s the case. But he’s not entirely mad. His cause has garnered support from many nobles, especially those who favored peace at any cost. His successful coup wouldn’t have been possible without their assistance. Those cowardly nobles were the ones who placed him on the throne.”
Alva’s voice was filled with a mixture of anger and resignation.
“Since the Ossi Kingdom couldn’t withstand the Western Empire’s might, some nobles chose to surrender, seeking peace at a smaller cost, to protect their wealth,” Abyss said, nodding. “That’s understandable.”
“But mark my words, the people of Ossi won’t tolerate such a humiliating treaty,” Alva said, her voice firm. “Greater chaos will erupt within our kingdom. The people will rise up against these cowardly rulers. Those nobles who supported Kevin are nothing but greedy, opportunistic rats. They don’t care about our kingdom. If the Western Empire offered them better terms, they would switch sides in a heartbeat—but the Western Empire wouldn’t want those corrupt officials.”
“I understand. Now, do you remember anything Kevin brought with him when he entered the palace? Anything at all,” Abyss asked.
“Brought… something?” Alva asked, confused.
“Yes,” Abyss explained, leaning forward, resting his arms on the table. “Outer Gods don’t directly descend upon this world. They require an anchor, an object to connect to this realm. Some known Outer Gods use masks, scimitars, or crowns, influencing those who come into contact with these objects, gradually amplifying their negative emotions, turning them into fanatical followers… Sadly, most worlds corrupted by Outer Gods are ultimately destroyed by internal conflicts, mortals turning on each other.”
“Inciting mortals to fight amongst themselves?” Alva asked, her eyes widening. “I thought Outer Gods gained power from mortals’ worship, then unleashed their destructive power upon the world.”
“Some do, but they always sow discord first, before their arrival. A single spark can ignite an entire warehouse.”
“Let me think… Such details are easily overlooked, but I’ll try to remember… When Kevin entered the palace, he was accompanied by a close confidant, a eunuch named Apos. The guards at the gate recognized him as the King’s son and didn’t dare stop him. He claimed a palace as his own and settled in. The King didn’t object, seemingly accepting his son’s insolence, perhaps out of guilt…”
Alva closed her eyes, recalling the events of that day.
“They weren’t on horseback… Prince Kevin wore ornate light armor and carried a short sword at his waist. The eunuch… wore ordinary clothes and carried a bag containing gardening tools… Perhaps he also served as Kevin’s gardener.”
“Hmm… Nothing particularly suspicious so far… But you mentioned his eunuch was also his gardener? Is he fond of gardening?”
“Yes, Prince Kevin enjoys gardening. After claiming that palace, he redesigned the surrounding gardens. He has excellent taste, I must admit. The trees he pruned and shaped are quite beautiful.”
Abyss exchanged glances with his followers. This detail might be worth investigating.
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