My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 283

283. The Unfinished Past (2)

Rachel was utterly speechless.

To be precise, she couldn’t even begin to process the situation.

Therefore, not even the slightest possibility or scenario came to mind.

300,000 troops.

A war where all of Elanur’s forces were concentrated.

And Durak Elanur, who had unleashed the power of the relics and the two monarchs.

The concept of ‘defeat’ should have been impossible here.

Defeat should have been on Ruben’s side, not Elanur’s.

But… but why?

“Was there a variable that wasn’t accounted for in the plan?”

Isabel’s question cut through the silence.

Rachel immediately shook her head.

No. She swore, absolutely, there were no unaccounted-for variables in the plan.

Everything was perfect, without a single flaw.

The release of the relics was perfect.

Durak had unleashed the power of the two monarchs.

Of course, there was a possibility that Durak could be consumed by the power of the two monarchs.

If there was a variable in this plan, that would be the only one.

However, even so, it didn’t mean that the current outcome should have occurred.

No, if he had been consumed, this result should have been even *less* likely.

If the powers of the two monarchs had intertwined, he would have become an unimaginable being.

He would have become a new evil, worthy of being called an ancient evil.

No one could stand against that evil.

Absolutely no one could ever stand against that evil.

But the reality they faced was completely different.

Rachel’s eyes trembled incessantly.

Confusion, bewilderment, chaos, surprise.

A mixture of various emotions surfaced.

On the other hand, Isabel showed no emotion.

Her expression was calm, yet also ruthless.

Isabel slowly turned her gaze.

Outside the office, the scenery of Elanur was visible through the large window.

Once, not long ago, it was a landscape that boasted magnificent power.

A stronghold that no one could dare to invade for hundreds of years.

But now, the scenery visible through the large window…

“······”

Nowhere could the former glory be found.

#

Ruben, located in the Forest of Darkness.

In the center of Ruben, a space in the plaza.

There, a group of people were tied up with ropes.

They were none other than vassals of Elanur, all respectable nobles of the empire.

However, they were all being moved while bound.

Even though they were prisoners from a defeated territory, it was treatment unbecoming of nobles.

However, the vassals did not voice any complaints.

The ropes were tied so tightly that blood was not circulating well in their arms.

Nevertheless, they only looked around cautiously without complaint.

They were not foolish enough to voice their dissatisfaction.

They knew what kind of treatment they would receive if they flaunted their useless authority as nobles.

The man before their eyes.

Authority meant nothing in front of this man.

The lord of Ruben, Cian.

His appearance made him look like a young, naive boy.

There was even a somewhat foolish air about him, making one wonder if he was really a noble.

However, having experienced and felt it firsthand, they knew better.

The force that even tens of thousands of troops could not handle.

An overwhelming presence that seemed to crush them.

He had defeated Durak and become the absolute being, the true conqueror of this continent.

The vassals never thought of Cian as a naive boy.

Rather, they felt even more pressure than when they faced Elanur’s head… no, the former head, Durak.

“······”

“······”

The vassals could only glance around cautiously.

They were just grateful that they were tied up like this instead of being killed.

Soon, Cian slowly approached the vassals.

The vassals couldn’t bring themselves to meet his eyes and lowered their gaze.

“From now on, I will ask you some questions.”

Cian’s voice rang out above them.

“Depending on the answers to those questions, I will decide whether to spare your lives or not.”

At the same time, an indescribable presence was felt.

In the face of a presence that seemed to crush their entire being, the vassals couldn’t even entertain foolish thoughts.

They couldn’t even utter the words, “Just tell us! We will answer anything!”

They could only wait for Cian to ask his questions quickly.

“Did you know that Elanur was colluding with demons?”

And then came Cian’s question.

“We, we sensed some suspicious aspects, but…”

“I, I didn’t really think they were demons…”

The vassals glanced at each other, passing the buck.

“Did you know, or did you not know?”

But with Cian’s repeated question, they flinched!

The presence crushing their entire being grew even stronger.

It was a simple presence that didn’t even feel like a force.

But it was by no means a simple presence.

A mouse before a cat.

A frog placed before a snake.

It wasn’t that kind of thing.

A presence of a higher dimension.

The strongest being, reigning over all things in the world.

In front of him, they couldn’t even conceive of the concept of lying.

“We, we knew…”

The vassals finally nodded.

Cian, as if waiting for it, continued with his questions.

“Do you have any evidence that Elanur was colluding with demons?”

“…We don’t have anything that could be called evidence.”

“That matter was only discussed among the closest aides of the head… no, among Elanur’s leaders…”

Cian frowned slightly and opened his mouth.

“If you, the vassals of Elanur, are not the leaders, then who is?”

“We may appear to be, but we are not really the leaders.”

“We dare say… Your Excellency knows what we mean.”

And with the vassals’ answer, Cian’s expression softened slightly.

Cian was once a member of Elanur.

As Cian Elanur, Cian knew what Elanur’s system was like.

Therefore, the leaders they were referring to were the bloodline of Elanur.

In the end, there was no material evidence that Elanur was colluding with demons.

The only evidence was the testimonies of these vassals.

“Can you testify to that collusion before His Majesty the Emperor?”

But testimony could also be a piece of evidence.

Especially if it came from the vassals of Elanur.

“That, that’s…”

“We…”

And the vassals did not answer easily.

The reason was simple.

They were afraid of the aftermath from Elanur.

Colluding with demons was an act that could make them enemies of the continent, beyond just treason.

Therefore, testifying to that before the Emperor.

That was no different from betraying Elanur.

Naturally, Elanur would not stand idly by.

They would surely punish the vassals who had betrayed them in some way.

That’s why the vassals hesitated.

They had no choice but to hesitate.

But the current situation was very different from the past.

The war between Ruben and Elanur.

The stronghold of hundreds of years had finally fallen.

The number one swordsman of the continent and the conqueror of this continent was no longer Elanur.

Of course, Elanur had not completely fallen yet.

They were crouching in the eastern part of the empire.

Even if the rich fall, they last for three years [a Korean proverb meaning even a fallen power still has resources].

Although power doesn’t last for ten years, Elanur’s power had lasted for hundreds of years.

That power would not crumble easily.

Elanur would surely rise again someday.

But… even if Elanur rises again, could they surpass the current Ruben?

None of the vassals nodded.

Having experienced Ruben’s power firsthand, they could never nod.

Elanur cannot surpass Ruben.

Eventually, it was only a matter of time before Elanur would fall.

Therefore, these vassals of Elanur would also fall with them.

They would never be able to enjoy the same power as before.

However, if they wanted to hold onto even their insignificant lives.

“If, if you spare our lives…”

“We will…”

It was clear which side they should stand on.

Cian nodded calmly at the vassals’ answer.

Then, he spoke to the Ruben soldiers who had escorted the vassals.

“We will be going to the Imperial Palace with them soon. Treat them well until then.”

The Ruben soldiers bowed sharply.

Cian nodded lightly and turned his steps.

Now, all that was left was to go to the Imperial Palace and reveal Elanur’s atrocities.

And Karze’s last words to go to the Arnise Hall.

And the task of printing gold currency.

‘I have so much to do.’

The war was just beginning.

#

Cian headed to the Lord’s Castle Lv.4 to prepare to go to the Imperial Palace.

The Lord’s Castle Lv.4, almost comparable to the Imperial Palace.

“Should I upgrade the Lord’s Castle soon?”

Cian suddenly thought as he walked down the corridor of the Lord’s Castle.

He hadn’t upgraded it because he hadn’t felt any major inconvenience.

Of course, he wasn’t particularly uncomfortable with living in it now either.

Far from being uncomfortable, it couldn’t be more pleasant.

“It feels a bit cramped, though…”

However, the narrowness of the space was a bit inconvenient.

And this, again, did not mean the narrowness of the living space.

“The conference room felt a bit cramped last time.”

The narrowness of the public space.

With the addition of the Beastmen, Ruben’s population had also increased considerably.

And unlike other territories, Ruben was home to different races.

To be precise, it was the only territory on the continent where all the races of the continent lived.

Unknowingly, there were frequent conflicts and collisions.

“I wish there were a few small conference rooms where representatives from each race could comfortably use them.”

A space where they could gather, talk, and hold meetings.

It would be nice if they could come and create a place of harmony at any time.

“Considering all the convenience facilities there… I guess I should upgrade soon.”

Strike while the iron is hot.

Cian immediately took out his smartphone.

And just as he was about to check the upgrade cost to Lord’s Castle Lv.5.

[Emergency maintenance is in progress.]

[The service is unavailable during maintenance.]

[We apologize for any inconvenience.]

.

.

“Ah, right. It was under maintenance.”

Cian exclaimed softly, having forgotten the fact for a moment.

The Mobile Lord who fainted after spending 1.5 billion in cash [referring to the game’s protagonist].

“I wonder when this maintenance will be over…”

Cian put his smartphone back into his pocket.

“Either way, I don’t have any gold right now, so I need to go to the Imperial Palace to print gold.”

In many ways, there were many things to do starting with the Imperial Palace.

With that, Cian headed straight to the office.

And just as he was about to open the door to the office.

“Why is she here?”

Cian tilted his head, sensing a presence inside.

Before he could even wonder who it was, Cian already knew who it was.

He had already sensed it with his senses from the end of the hallway.

Thinking that there would never be any more surprises in his life, Cian opened the door to the office.

The scene of the office that appeared.

“I want to come with you.”

Inside, a platinum-blonde woman, Aria, was sitting.

And perhaps she heard Cian’s muttering in front of the door.

Aria spoke abruptly as soon as Cian opened the door.

“Where are you going?”

“Aren’t you preparing to go to the Imperial Palace now?”

“So?”

“I want to come with you.”

Cian tilted his head with a strange expression.

“Why are you coming with me?”

“Can’t I come with you?”

“What reason do you have to go to the Imperial Palace? The Saintess of the Holy Empire?”

“If I’m the Saintess of the Holy Empire, can’t I go to the Imperial Palace?”

“No, I mean…”

Cian tried to say something but stopped himself.

For some reason, it felt like he was just repeating the same words.

And Aria, as if she knew it, opened her mouth again towards Cian.

“I’m not just following you for no reason. I’m following you to help you.”

“Help me?”

“The reason you’re going to the Imperial Palace is to prove Elanur’s connection with demons, right?”

Cian nodded slightly.

That wasn’t the only reason, but it was one of the important reasons.

“But do you think that will be easy? I heard that Elanur’s reputation is great in the Charlotte Empire… Do you think people will easily believe you?”

“It won’t be easy. But I don’t think it’s impossible.”

Especially since he had secured the testimonies of Elanur’s vassals, the possibility was even higher.

It was more than enough justification to persuade the Emperor and the Crown Prince and move the Imperial Family.

But.

“The Emperor might be convinced somehow. But what about the others? The other nobles and people of the Empire. Furthermore, will the people of the continent readily believe you?”

Whether he could persuade the others… that was a slightly different story.

To be precise, it wasn’t easy to prove.

First of all, there was the power that the name Elanur held.

But the biggest reason was that the existence of demons was still unfamiliar.

The Emperor, the Crown Prince, and Conrad knew to some extent.

They were aware that demons had reappeared on the continent.

And they also knew some of the truth about Elanur.

But the others didn’t.

Elanur was still one of the two pillars supporting the Empire.

And demons were still an evil that only existed in myths a thousand years ago.

If such an evil suddenly appeared, would they readily believe it?

Of course, it would be resolved over time as evidence emerged.

But it was impossible to know when that time would come.

Persuading the nobles of the Empire and the countless people was a separate matter.

“I’ll give you strength.”

“You?”

“Yes. Who do you think I am?”

Aria was the Saintess of the Holy Empire.

She was also the Saintess with the firmest position after the Pope.

And she had an even greater position than the Pope, at least to the public.

From the beginning, the relationship between the Saintess and demons had been proven in myths.

Good and evil are concepts and existences at opposite ends.

Therefore, the Saintess’s words had tremendous power.

She had the power to turn even non-existent lies into truth.

Even if there was no evidence, if Aria defined ‘This person is a demon!’ then that person would become a demon to the people.

The truth was not important.

Only the words of the Saintess were important.

The words of the Saintess, Aria, had that much power.

That’s why it was a power that shouldn’t be used easily.

But the fact that Elanur was related to demons was a clear truth.

There was no more certain witness than Aria to persuade the people of the continent.

“So I’m going to the Imperial Palace with you.”

“Hmm…”

Cian hesitated for a moment… but not for long.

As mentioned earlier, things would be much easier if Aria helped.

This was something that Cian should be asking for.

“Alright.”

“Really? Can I really come with you?”

“We’re leaving as soon as things are settled. Go and prepare in advance.”

Cian nodded without delay.

Why would he refuse when she was offering to help him?

“Hehe.”

However, why Aria was so happy… was a question.

Cian shook his head slightly.

And just as he was about to pass by Aria.

“Ah, right.”

Cian stopped and said to Aria, suddenly remembering something.

“You. Don’t ever forget the promise even when we get to the Imperial Palace.”

“Promise? What promise?”

“Have you already forgotten? The promise not to tell the Princess.”

“The Princess…”

Aria tilted her head once.

But soon, she asked again, remembering what it was.

“The book with the Divine Language that you gave me as a gift without taking any money?”

“Yes. Don’t breathe a word of it to the Princess. Got it?”

Aria and Elena.

The Saintess and the Princess.

He thought that the two would never meet again.

But you never know what will happen in life.

And honestly, it wouldn’t matter much if she told her.

But why did he feel uneasy in a corner of his heart?

At that moment.

“Hmph…”

Suddenly, Aria’s expression became subtle.

Rather than subtle, it was more accurate to say that it became seductive.

Her eyes drew a soft curve, and even an uncharacteristic nasal sound flowed out.

Seductive eyes and haughty gestures.

Combined with her transcendent beauty, Aria exuded a different atmosphere.

And it was a look that he had seen once before.

“Depending on how you act?”

As expected, Aria let out a bewitching voice.

The eye smile she was making was even more alluring than last time.

“······”

Cian was speechless.

Why is she like this these days?

“Forget it. I’ll just go alone.”

Cian turned around and took a step.

Then Aria shouted in surprise.

“Ah, I got it! I won’t say anything! I said I won’t say anything!”

“No. I’ll just take care of it myself. You stay here. No, go back to the Holy Empire while you’re at it.”

Cian turned his back coldly.

Aria desperately grabbed Cian’s hand and clung to him.

“I’m serious! Really! I won’t say anything! I said I won’t say anything! No, why are you so strong!”

Aria had no choice but to be dragged along by Cian for a while.

#

After having a fight that wasn’t quite a fight with Cian.

“To sulk just because I played a prank once…”

Aria grumbled as she walked down the hallway.

Well, she succeeded in turning his heart back.

But still.

“I’m offering to help him in person, and what? He should be begging me instead…”

Should she go back and threaten him again?

…She thought about it, but Aria quickly shook off the thought.

If she did, the heart she had worked so hard to turn back would never return.

If it was Cian that Aria knew, he would definitely do that.

“Other men are desperate to exchange words with me.”

What’s wrong with him?

Nothing has changed from the past or now.

Well, he doesn’t throw up when he sees my face like he used to.

“It would be nice if he changed a little more.”

Aria let out a deep sigh.

Still, she could go to the Imperial Palace with him, so there were some achievements.

With that, Aria took a step to prepare to go to the Imperial Palace.

No, to be precise, she was about to take a step.

-Huh? Why are you coming out of Cian’s office?

A familiar voice was heard from one side of the hallway.

Rather than a voice, it was a will [referring to telepathic communication].

Sure enough, a woman’s face popped out through one side of the hallway wall.

The owner of silver hair and a captivating appearance.

“Whether I come out of Cian’s office or not is none of your business!”

Aria shouted at Leia.

-Did this girl eat something wrong? Why is she so fierce?

Leia made an absurd expression.

Soon, she tried to punch her but quickly gave up on that intention.

Aria’s divinity had been unusual these days.

She heard that she was learning Muriel’s Divine Language…

Perhaps because of that, Aria didn’t flinch much at Leia’s thoughts these days.

Leia had to exert her power properly to punch Aria.

-Sigh, this kind older sister has to be patient. Unlike someone, my heart isn’t small.

“What? What does that mean?”

-What does it mean? Hearts are usually in the chest. So the size of the heart is determined by the size of the chest.

“You! I’m not small!!”

Aria shouted, getting angry.

She thought about fighting because of her hot temper… but she quickly gave up on that intention.

Thanks to learning the Divine Language these days, she could match Leia to some extent.

But that was only to the extent of matching.

If she could subdue Leia, that was not the case.

-Ebebe [a mocking sound]. Then I’m leaving~.

Leia left with a face that said, “Meh.”

Aria looked at Leia like that and suddenly.

“Leia.”

She grabbed Leia who was leaving.

Leia tilted her head for a moment and stopped in her place.

That’s because Aria had never called her by the name Leia.

Hey or you.

Those were the main titles she called her by, and sometimes she called her things like grandma.

But suddenly Leia?

When she turned around and looked, Aria was hesitating.

She was also making an expression as if she was hesitating about something.

A completely different look from Aria’s usual self.

“Can I… ask you something?”

-Did this girl really eat something wrong?

Leia really wondered what was going on.

But unlike her words, Leia approached Aria again.

-What is it?

When Leia asked, Aria hesitated for a moment and opened her mouth.

“Did Kyle do that too?”

-What the hell are you talking about?

Leia made a face that really said, “What the hell are you talking about?”