Chapter 137: The Palace Records on Apos
Since Princess Givia’s public act of Blood Atonement, which had been widely accepted, Prince Kevin had rarely been seen. And with several of his most ardent supporters among the surrenderist nobles being targeted by Givia’s powerful allies, losing their lands overnight, the remaining nobles had become wary, distancing themselves from him. Kevin was now truly isolated.
Life in the palace continued as usual, but no one catered to Kevin’s whims anymore. Except for a few soldiers who dutifully delivered his meals, no one dared approach him.
Strangely, Kevin seemed to have lost his appetite, his food untouched.
The entire Ossi Kingdom awaited Givia’s return, eager to sever their ties with Kevin. Years of disappointment and resentment had eroded their faith in their current ruler. Those who still served in the palace did so out of fear, knowing that Kevin, despite his isolation, still held absolute power.
The former king, imprisoned for years, had been secretly released. His health had deteriorated, his body ravaged by illness and neglect. He spent most of his days asleep, receiving treatment from alchemists.
Although Kevin’s support had dwindled, it didn’t mean his reign was over. Givia had sent letters to the nobles who secretly supported her, urging them to remain patient. Kevin still had loyal followers within the kingdom’s army and among the nobility. Any support for the Restoration Army had to be discreet, to avoid triggering Kevin’s wrath and a potential massacre.
Abyss suspected that the Lord of Nightmares had firmly established his influence in Ossi. Some military leaders and nobles were likely not just Kevin’s supporters, but also followers of the Outer God. This war wouldn’t be easy.
This opportunistic Outer God was cunning. Despite his disdain for mortals, he had cultivated a network of human agents. If he had relied solely on Shadowlings, his reign in the Ossi Kingdom might have already ended. Abyss would have acquired the Dream Shear and confronted him directly.
The palace was silent. At the entrance to the archives, a hushed conversation was taking place.
“What? You want to access the palace records?” the archivist asked, frowning. “Do you have authorization? I can’t grant you access without it.”
“My friend, I have authorization from someone… special,” the palace guard replied. He should have been at his post, but he had somehow slipped away and found his way to the archives.
“Who authorized this?” the archivist asked, curious. “Isn’t the Spymaster ill?”
“The princess,” the guard whispered, leaning closer.
“The princess?” the archivist exclaimed, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes wide with surprise. “How did you contact her? And she’s a traitor now. I can’t…”
“Look at this,” the guard said, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket.
It was a letter, written in elegant script, granting permission to access the palace archives. And at the bottom of the letter, below Princess Givia’s signature, was her personal seal.
Seals could be forged, but perfectly replicating one was nearly impossible. Seals were made of stone, and important seals often had deliberately created imperfections, tiny cracks and fissures, their patterns unique, like fingerprints, visible upon close inspection.
The archivist, having worked here for over a decade, recognized the princess’s seal. He examined the cracks and confirmed its authenticity. This was indeed the princess’s letter!
“This is a secret mission. No one will know, whether you succeed or fail. You don’t need to worry about Kevin. He’s been preoccupied lately, hiding in his room like a statue,” the guard said, his voice persuasive. “The princess needs this information. If you assist her, she’ll remember your loyalty. And when she reclaims her throne, you’ll be rewarded… It’s a risk-free task. Are you sure you want to refuse?”
The archivist hesitated, tempted by the offer. He had no strong political affiliations, but he preferred Princess Givia to the cruel King Kevin. And she was known for her generosity.
“What do you need?” he finally asked, his voice low, glancing around to make sure they were alone. “I’ll find it for you.”
“Thank you. The archives are vast. It would take me forever to find what I need,” the guard said, relieved.
…
A while later, the guard emerged from the archives, a sheet of paper in his hand. He walked through the palace, taking a circuitous route, his movements furtive, finally stopping behind a wall.
A young man, his face adorned with a smile, appeared before him. It was Abyss.
“I have it. This is Apos Kohler’s record from the palace,” the guard said.
Abyss took the paper, thanking him. “Thank you. This is a great help.”
“Kevin and his followers are my enemies. It was my duty to help, Mr. Abyss.”
“I apologize for our previous actions, which led to your execution. I’m grateful for your willingness to help us now,” Abyss said, his voice sincere, as he stored the paper in his magical catfish’s belly.
The guard shook his head. “Mr. Abyss, you altered everyone’s memories, hiding our deaths, and resurrected us, allowing us to spend our remaining days with our families. We hold no grudge against you. We’re willing to do whatever we can to help.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Abyss snapped his fingers, entering the Shadow Realm, then unfolded the paper, his eyes scanning the information.
“Hmm… So that’s how it is… No wonder… No wonder…”
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