I Abandoned the Male Lead Who Cheated with the Villainess - Chapter 48
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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The one who saved Ivonne from Celestia’s impending slap was none other than the Crown Prince Herix Glacian Questiago, a figure with a string of terrifying titles.
The crown prince who had appeared as if ripping through the air itself, caused everyone around that had been walking by quietly, those gathered in groups whispering, and those openly watching the confrontation with crossed arms, to hurriedly bow down.
“Honorable radiance be upon the Young Master of the Sortanic Empire. Greetings, Crown Prince.”
“Honorable radiance be upon the Young Master of the Sortanic Empire. Greetings, Crown Prince.”
The greetings continued for a while, and only after hearing them did Rix, or rather, Herix, realize he had forgotten to wear the magical device that usually altered his appearance. That’s why Ivonne looked at him as if she’d seen a ghost. Although he found her expression cute, he regretted that her usual friendly green gaze wasn’t directed at him.
‘I didn’t expect to forget the glasses.’
Tsk. Herix clicked his tongue and reluctantly let go of Ivonne. He was so happy at the brief warmth of the touch. So much so that he wanted to suck and drink that warmth.
Herix moved past Ivonne to confront Celestia and Blitzen, who were bowing down.
“I’ve heard some interesting talk.”
It seemed like he was shielding Ivonne from the vile gazes of the others, but no one, including the flustered Ivonne, noticed it.
“So, someone who knows so well how safe this palace is dares to raise a hand against someone dedicating their life to the empire under the emperor’s command. How should I interpret this?”
His voice, languid yet filled with dissatisfaction, resonated through the silent corridor. The voice that was alarmingly similar to Rix’s left Ivonne somewhat bewildered.
Unlike Ivonne, Celestia who had boldly raised her hand against her, turned deathly pale. She had put down her hand seeing the crown prince, but it seemed like it had been too late.
Celestia glanced at Blitzen, as if seeking help, but he was just a count. Compared to the crown prince, he was in a significantly lower status. It was clear that Celestia would have to resolve this herself.
“I am the daughter of Marquis Cyand. As a noble, part of the empire’s supporting structure, I intended to correct the wrongs of those disturbing the hierarchy bestowed upon us by the heavens—”
“Noble part of the empire’s structure. Hierarchy bestowed by the heavens. I see.”
His voice was like a shadow creeping along the sticky floor. Herix cut off Celestia’s words and simultaneously drew the sword hanging from the waist of a nearby guard. The chilling sound of the blade made everyone catch their breath, and the tip of the sword rested on Celestia’s forehead.
“Let’s see if that so-called hierarchy remains after one’s life is extinguished.”
“……!!”
Everyone’s eyes widened, shocked by his audacious act, but no one dared to stop Herix.
Who was he?
The blood-crazed war demon, the devil sold his soul for slaughter, the Demon King who killed ten thousand monsters.
Kinslayer.
Expecting rational thought from him, who had long lost his sanity, would be less plausible than reshaping the heavens and earth with bare hands.
Flutter, Herix wielded the massive sword as lightly as one would a pen. The sharp blade slightly trimmed Celestia’s green bangs.
“Hu… huk…”
“Celestia!”
Seeing her hair scattered on the floor, Celestia fainted. Blitzen supported her and momentarily lifted his head.
“…kuh!”
As if anticipating Blitzen’s movement, Herix poked the sharp tip of the sword between his brows. Blood trickled down Blitzen’s prominent nose.
The purple three-whites pupils of Herix narrowed. They radiated a madness akin to a wild dog excited by blood or a shark swiftly detecting its prey by the scent of blood. Herix’s breath grew rough. At that moment, shivers ran down everyone’s spine in the corridor.
Wasn’t the crown prince rumored to be a ghoul tamed with blood? This rumor seemed to be substantiated as his breath, tinged with a mere glimpse of blood, lacked any trace of rationality.
But then.
“…Wah.”
The commoner civil servant woman, whom Herix had carelessly brushed past, staggered. Suddenly, the overwhelming murderous intent that had been pressing down on everyone vanished. The air, which had been suffocating and piercing everyone’s skin, seemed like a lie.
“…?”
In the midst of everyone’s confusion, the most baffled was Ivonne herself.
‘I’m in trouble.’
The noble etiquette of maintaining a kneeling posture was akin to a squat position in modern terms. It required strength sustained by continuous practice and training. While she had diligently practiced for the maid’s exam, recently she hadn’t even done light exercise, let alone deep bows. That’s why Ivonne, whose legs had given out, embarrassingly toppled backward.
“Are you okay?”
Incredibly, the Crown Prince asked about her condition, even using an informal tone unbecoming of his stature!
Even amidst everyone’s astonishment, Herix only had eyes for Ivonne. The palm and forearm that supported her waist emitted a strangely familiar warmth.
