How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 3.14
“Well… I could see it. I once secretly played a dice game, and somehow it was similar to the pattern of moving the cups then. So I told Renard, and Renard…”
“Yes. When I predicted where he would appear and threw an aura, he tried to teleport immediately, but it seemed to take time to move to another location. Your Highness didn’t miss that moment and launched a sword aura, inflicting a critical wound.”
Upon hearing this, the corners of Eldis’s silver-framed eyes curved distinctly. His blue coral-colored eyes, partially hidden beneath silver lashes, filled with emotion as he gazed intently at Resena.
“Indeed, the Lady’s eyes are accurate.”
“That’s right. My sister has a different perspective from the ordinary.”
At Renard’s proud words, Eldis glanced at him too.
“Yes. That’s true. I’m also intrigued by the Lady’s perspective.”
“…Your Highness…”
“And… I haven’t received an answer from you yet.”
Eldis showed a gentle smile.
“Lady. May I visit you occasionally?”
Resena slowly nodded. Eldis’s face brightened, and he smiled sweetly, his eyes crinkling.
“Thank you. I’m really looking forward to having candid conversations.”
Resena felt momentarily speechless. Would she be able to resist and not let her heart waver when meeting such a beautiful man in private?
‘I shouldn’t forget my position… like the previous Resena…’
Eldis’s smile and words seemed so seductive that it would be hard to escape once fallen. Resena barely managed to remember what she needed to say.
“Oh, and I think I know why the black magician was buying time while teleporting.”
“Hmm.”
Renard looked at Eldis and Resena, whose eyes were sparkling. His sister seemed to be trying not to be enchanted, but the way her gaze was drawn to each of his actions showed that she was having a hard time.
“I’d very much like to hear why that black magician was buying time. It must not be an ordinary reason.”
“Yes. I think the reason the black magician was buying time was to spread more black mana to people. The fact that he unnecessarily enveloped the ballroom with black mana was probably to absorb black mana into human bodies and increase the number of casualties.”
“…”
Eldis pressed his lips tightly. He had some idea. The black magicians he had encountered while suppressing monster waves had skillfully used black mana to attack. Therefore, he hadn’t thought about absorbing it into the human body apart from offensive intentions, but… the result observed from Resena’s unique perspective was somewhat convincing.
“Perhaps it was to use them as sacrifices for the black magician, to instill fear and spread black mana, making them easy to use as offerings? And as far as I know, when black mana is absorbed, human organs deteriorate rapidly. If certain conditions are met, it’s perfect for offering as a sacrifice.”
“Yes. That’s why knights try not to touch black mana. When Sword Masters, including myself, face black magicians, we wrap our entire body in aura one more time to prevent that.”
“That’s right. Therefore, the black magician who attacked this place probably intended to increase his power by using the people who struggled to escape as sacrifices and then escape. Moreover, even a small amount of absorbed black mana would become fatal as time passes… It would have been the perfect symbol of the Empire’s defeat to black magic. …So for the sake of the people, and for the honor of the Empire, everyone should receive treatment from the priests as soon as possible.”
Eldis nodded.
“I’ll give separate orders. I’ll also contact the temple. I’ll make sure that everyone who attended this ball visits the temple for treatment.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“I should be thanking you. For clearly grasping the black magician’s intentions. With those observant eyes, I think you’d do well as an advisor.”
Ahaha. Resena smiled awkwardly.
She was utterly hopeless at strategy and tactics, clumsy at both seeing and reading, so that seemed impossible. But the male lead seemed to think it was a good idea, his eyes shining.
“That’s impossible. And…”
As she was about to continue, a voice calling “Eldis!” was heard from the Emperor’s direction. Eldis turned his head to look that way, then soon excused himself to the two.
“I’m sorry, but I must go now. Lady, and Young Duke. See you later.”
“Yes. Take care until then.”
“Take care.”
After saying goodbye, Resena opened her mouth as she watched the Crown Prince move away from them.
“Let’s go, Renard.”
“Okay, sister.”
She turned her head to look at Renard.
“You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?”
Renard grinned.
“No, sister.”
“Good.”
The siblings held hands.
“Let’s go.”
***
Inside the black magician’s hideout.
“Phew…”
Zergard was lazily lying on the sofa, reattaching his severed arms.
The person holding his arm with a serious expression beside him watched as the black mana wriggled like threads, connecting the nerves.
“Master, please don’t take action yourself anymore. We will handle it.”
“Eum.”
The one called Eum bowed his head respectfully.
“The Empire is still a place with strong defenses of Sword Experts and Sword Masters. Although you took action, Master, there was even a Grand Sword Master in that banquet hall, so it must have been difficult to face alone. So…”
“You mean we need to involve others in this journey to achieve our goal of offering the Empire as a sacrifice to the Demon God?”
Although it could have hurt his pride, Zergard responded with a languid expression. Eum spoke with his arm against his chest.
“That’s right. To face the numerous Sword Experts, we need an army on our side as well. Although we can summon zombies or ghouls, they have gained much experience through monster waves, so a battalion-level of ghouls won’t be enough.”
“Yes. That’s right. And… It was quite impressive. To think someone noticed the devices I had set up on the chandeliers.”
“That…”
Black mana threaded through Zergard’s arm, and the forearm slowly began to attach to the severed surface.
“I thought they were idiots who only eliminated mindless monsters, but they seem to know how to use their heads. Renard Arnasus, was it? It was surprising when he saw through my pattern and threw an aura in that direction.”
“I’ll attach a spy.”
“Yes. It’s better to eliminate anyone who might interfere with our plans in advance. Since he’s a Sword Master, we can’t poison him, so when he goes out to suppress monsters, focus the attack to kill him.”
“Understood.”
Zergard slowly moved his fully reattached arm. Although it looked like a normal person’s arm on the outside, it could fall off if strained, so the movement was careful.
“While you fully reattach your arm, for the time being, I will handle the outside issues.”
“Alright. I’ll leave it to you.”
Zergard glanced at the empty Guild Master’s seat and then looked at Eum. Although Eum had dark brown hair, it would look blonde with magical dyeing.
Unlike typical black magicians with black hair and bloodshot yellow eyes, Zergard had blonde hair and blue eyes. Moreover, knowing that his delicate appearance attracted attention, he always wore a black mask when he needed to show himself as the Master.
‘Eum’s eye color is also blue. So there shouldn’t be any problem in maintaining the position as Guild Master in my stead.’
Besides, he needed to rest thoroughly for a while. Until the black mana fully recovered his lost blood and internal nerves, if he didn’t rest, it would hinder him as a black magician in drawing and activating magic circles without hands.
“Well, I should rest now. Don’t forget to report.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Master.”
The footsteps leaving behind his loyal disciple were light. As Zergard left the room, he looked up at the bright sun through the window.
Only three days had passed since turning the ballroom into a scene of carnage. Remembering Resena hiding behind Renard left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He couldn’t forget the sight of her whispering into Renard’s ear, which had driven him to cut off his arms. Although he couldn’t eavesdrop on their conversation because she wasn’t wearing the black pearl earrings he had made for her, she looked quite lovely all dressed up.
Volume 1 End
