How To Suck Honey With Extras [EN]: Chapter 281

281. To Reclaim 313 (5)

Even if they don’t particularly like each other, they have a deep understanding of each other’s capabilities.

“You haven’t been slacking off.”

“Still those monstrous moves.”

They trade insults simultaneously before clashing again.

“You son of a bitch!”

Even if they don’t like each other, they can’t deny each other’s skill.

The former S-rank mercenary of the Empire.

And the current S-rank mercenary of the Empire, Elraut.

Two highly skilled individuals who clashed in the past due to differing beliefs and loyalties.

Determining their superiority once again will not be an easy task.

* * *

The heart of the Imperial Palace.

The room where the Emperor’s throne resides.

Originally, it should have been the most splendid place in the Empire, a symbol of the absolute ruler’s dignity.

But now, that majesty is utterly absent.

The ornate decorations are charred black, and the precious lights that once illuminated the room are smashed and scattered.

The throne is also destroyed, as if half of it has been torn away.

The one trampling on it sneered.

Kmelz Alfrens.

Feared throughout the world as the Mad Lich [a powerful undead sorcerer].

However, Kmelz has never considered himself mad.

Rather, he believes his mind is clearer than most.

Since the day he decided to become this being, he has never forgotten his purpose.

Yes, it remains the same even now.

[The Emperor’s seat. It’s not as impressive as I thought. Well, I suppose it makes sense. It’s a throne built on the Empire’s ugly deeds, so it can’t be beautiful.]

“…How dare you utter such words… you vile fiend!”

Cough!

A painful cough echoed, and an old man’s voice, seemingly struggling, rang out from a corner of the room.

[Oh. You’re awake?]

Kmelz turned his skull-like head and gazed at the old man hanging there, bound by chains made of bones.

The Emperor of the Forellos Empire.

He left the other royals to their fates, but he didn’t let this one escape.

[Don’t misunderstand. This Kmelz isn’t particularly interested in your life.]

“…What do you want?”

[I told you, I have no interest in your life. Nor do I desire the Empire.]

Of course, even if Kmelz doesn’t kill the Emperor here, it’s obvious how the Empress, who harbors resentment towards him, will react, but he doesn’t care.

[…No. In that respect, this Kmelz also harbors a grudge.]

“What nonsense are you spouting? How dare you place your filthy feet on the glorious throne passed down from the ancestors of the brilliant Empire! Are you not afraid!”

[…Glory?]

Kmelz stared intently at the Emperor’s face, then…

[Kuh… KHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!]

…burst into laughter.

[Afraid? Of what? You’re the one talking nonsense, Emperor.]

“You…”

[Don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I don’t know fear because I’m in this form. On the contrary, I know it very well… I shudder with fear even now. But it’s not because of the absurd things you mentioned.]

At that moment, Kmelz’s eyes turned dark purple, emitting an ominous light.

The dark magic he emitted was more than enough to torment the Emperor, who had no particular resistance to it, just by its presence.

“Kugh…”

[Well, I have some time to spare. Since I’ve occupied your castle without permission, it’s only right that I tell you a story, wouldn’t you agree?]

Kmelz’s body quietly floated up and slowly approached the Emperor, who couldn’t even breathe properly.

[Emperor of the Empire… Do you know about the elves’ home… about the World Tree? If so, how is that knowledge passed down to the current imperial family?]

“…Could it be…”

The Emperor’s face changed.

Not just because of the torment.

He understood what Kmelz was trying to say.

“Impossible… You…”

[You know it well. The massacre committed by your ancestors. It is being passed down to the descendants as it is.]

Crack!

Kmelz’s cold, bony fingers gripped the Emperor’s neck.

There’s no need to use grand magic.

If he just applies force, it’s easy to twist the neck of an old man who’s merely obsessed with power.

[Just kidding.]

However, Kmelz let go with a hollow laugh.

[Even if it’s a grudge for what your ancestors did, I have no intention of forgiving it, but killing you now won’t change anything.]

“…What do you want? Revenge?”

[I told you, revenge is meaningless. I don’t know about the Empress, who’s blinded by resentment, but at least this Kmelz has a greater purpose.]

Kmelz turned away from the Emperor again.

[In the past, they were deprived of their home by your ancestors. Many of their people died, and they are still suffering.]

Resolving a grudge is always easy.

But…

[It doesn’t leave anything behind. So, I’ll solve it in a different way.]

“…What… are you going to do?”

[I will restore it.]

“What?”

[I will return everything you took from them, their homeland, back to them.]

That is his only purpose.

Even as a miserable corpse of bones, he doesn’t forget why he’s active.

“…It’s impossible.”

[That’s right. Your ancestors burned everything, so the land is still barren and uninhabitable. So… it’s not much of a price to pay, but…]

Kmelz pointed his finger below the floor.

[I’ll take this place.]

The capital.

He will take this land, the center of the Empire.

Kmelz declared clearly.

[I don’t mean to take the entire Empire. This land is all I need. Just the size of the capital and its vicinity would be somewhat comparable to our former home. I have no interest in anything else. When the work is done, I’ll throw you out there, so live as you see fit.]

“Don’t spout such nonsense!”

The Emperor couldn’t bear it and shouted, his face flushed.

Even if he only takes a part, the Forellos Empire will collapse.

[Hahahahaha. You’re the one talking nonsense, Emperor.]

Kmelz rarely showed anger, but he burst out.

[Unlike your ancestors, this Kmelz doesn’t commit unnecessary massacres, right? Killing children who are running away and coveting their corpses, like you did. I have no intention of doing such ugly things.]

“…”

[If you resist, I will inevitably take lives. But if you don’t, this Kmelz won’t chase you. …Yes. Unlike you.]

“I understand… the sins of my ancestors. But even if you do this, you can’t get it back.”

[No, I can.]

Kmelz changed his emotions from anger to ridicule and shook his head.

[Isn’t it possible? What do you think this Kmelz is harboring a grudge for and hiding in this form?]

He laughed mockingly, as if it were truly ridiculous.

Well, how could a human who comfortably seeks power and sits on the throne know?

Kmelz shook his head as if he understood and tried to explain his intentions.

He wouldn’t normally say this much.

He must be excited.

He can’t be this happy ahead of the plan’s completion.

He even feels like his non-existent heart is beating.

[This Kmelz is…]

That’s when Kmelz continued his words.

Bang!

A noise like the air rupturing rang out.

[Huh… Hmm?]

As he noticed the anomaly and tilted his head.

An ice spear flying from the other side struck him head-on.

He wouldn’t normally be so careless, but he was late to notice because he was too excited.

[…You’re playing a cruel joke.]

He let out a sigh as he held out his finger, stopping the ice spear that had stopped right in front of him.

“…Don’t worry. That’s just a light greeting.”

The calmly spoken voice was heard from above this time.

When he looked up, he saw a woman wrapped in a robe fluttering on the ceiling.

[You are?]

“…”

Instead of answering, she cast a powerful spell.

Flames poured down like a waterfall from the magic circle spread out in the sky, engulfing Kmelz.

“Aaaaaaaaaaak?!”

And the Emperor, who was about to be engulfed in flames along with him, screamed, but he was not reduced to ashes along with the flames.

The flames did not reach him, exquisitely.

She made sure from the beginning that they wouldn’t reach him.

[Your skills aren’t bad. …Yes. I remember.]

The Lich’s voice echoed from inside the surging waves of flame.

Even though he was directly swept away, his voice was as calm as if nothing had happened.

[Ailen… You were with that young spiritist [someone who communicates with spirits].]

“…It’s an honor that you remember me.”

Of course, it’s sarcasm.

You remember Ailen’s name, but this side only leaves that much of an impression?

“I’ll make you remember me this time.”

Kruse immediately chanted the next spell.

[Don’t even think about it.]

Kmelz also raised his power as if he had no intention of getting hit.

Dark magic soared, and the waves of flame that Kruse poured out were split apart just by that.

As he chanted the spell, the completed dark magic was activated.

Several magic circles were drawn under his feet, and countless bony hands sprang up from there, reaching out towards Kruse.

“Thunder of Storm.”

Kruse scattered a large amount of lightning to counter, but she was still pushed back by the power.

“…Then.”

Kruse quickly chanted the next spell.

She maintained the release of the completed lightning and unfolded a new formula.

[Hooh…]

Kmelz, who recognized its true value, admired it, but Kruse ignored him and focused only on concentrating to refine the power of her magic.

“…”

As soon as she chanted the magic, the surrounding atmosphere began to freeze.

Mana soon became a chilling cold, emitting a power that seemed to freeze to the bone.

And not just figuratively, it was actually freezing the skeleton’s arms summoned by Kmelz one by one.

[Impressive…]

The ice completely covered the skeleton’s arms, neutralizing them all.

Clang!

When Kruse lightly touched the end of her staff, it shattered and scattered.

[Truly amazing for a young age. 6th Circle… Hmm. If you try a little harder, you’ll surpass that frame too.]

He glanced over Kruse with interest and muttered as if estimating her approximate power.

“…I’m not happy even if you praise me.”

But honestly, she can’t take it as a compliment.

He had almost grasped her capabilities with just that short exchange.

[Yes, you… You’re the one who has defeated the black mages under this Kmelz several times.]

“Oh my, I didn’t expect you to remember that far. I was wondering what to do if you didn’t recognize me.”

[Reckless. Are you going to face this Kmelz alone?]

Even if he admits that her skills are excellent, they are far below Kmelz Alfrens’ capabilities.

Kruse didn’t know that either, and she frowned for a moment as if she didn’t like it.

It’s still proof that she’s young.

“Well… it’s frustrating, but I admit it. I may still be lacking to compete head-on.”

Kruse admitted it readily.

She felt a bit dissatisfied, but considering her age, she accepted it surprisingly readily.

[That’s why I can’t understand. Even if you wanted to stop this Kmelz, I thought you would have gathered Ailen and the other brats.]

Or that Ailen would charge in alone.

Either way, it was beyond Kmelz’s expectations.

Of course, it’s not difficult to find the answer.

It’s easy to figure out why Kruse rushed in alone with just a little thought.

[I see… Are you dealing with the other guys? It’s been difficult to grasp their presence for a while now. Is it a feint [a deceptive action to distract from one’s true intentions]?]

“That’s right. And Kmelz Alfrens. I, Kruse Elfamant, will take you on.”

[Audacious. But still reckless.]

“Well? Isn’t it surprisingly doable? At least for now.”

Kruse responded with ease.

It’s not just a bluff.

She’s not the type to not know herself that well.

Kruse’s confrontation with him alone was something she forced, but Ailen listened to her plan and easily accepted it.

Of course, there’s no way she doesn’t have a chance of winning.

[…Good. I’ll play along.]

Kmelz’s voice became more serious, perhaps sensing something from her attitude.

He wouldn’t respond lightly like he did just now.

[I won’t say anything fancy like, ‘Go ahead and attack first’.]