Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 85
From the moment they reunited with their group, the journey became incredibly peaceful.
Perhaps due to the widespread rumors, no one was surprised by Irene’s ominous symbol. Moreover, everyone they encountered was exceedingly kind.
“In the kingdom of the East, the king’s command is absolute. With Garan having issued a warning in advance, no one here will dare to treat the saintess disrespectfully. For a while, even the ominous symbol will be accepted.”
“Is that so?”
The power the king wielded was greater than she had imagined.
“More than that, you’ve softened recently.”
“Softened?”
People aren’t pudding; the expression was strange.
“You used to seem like not even a needle could penetrate you, but now you’ve changed quite a bit, haven’t you, Irene?”
Burt approached Irene and asked.
“Do you still want revenge?”
“Is that even a question?”
“Do you still want to die and destroy the world?”
This time, Irene kept her mouth shut.
She didn’t know. The deep-seated hatred in her heart was still there, but another emotion was seeping in.
People who lived together with the same ominous symbol.
They chose life despite their hardships. With such people, how could she destroy the world? It was natural to be conflicted.
“I see.”
As if he could read Irene’s thoughts, Burt spoke in a calm tone.
“I understand. While the revenge won’t stop, you no longer need to worry about wanting to end your own life.”
This time, Irene didn’t respond, but that seemed to be an answer in itself.
“In that case, what about Garan? Are your feelings toward him improving?”
“No.”
How could she be okay with the person who had pushed her into hell?
Garan had confidently said that Irene would come to him, but that would never happen.
“Even though getting your revenge would be easier with his help?”
“Yes.”
Irene answered firmly.
“Then I should tell you something that might be useful.”
“Something useful?”
“It’s a story that almost no one knows. In fact, Garan has a sibling.”
She didn’t know much about the royal family, so she couldn’t understand what having a sibling meant.
“What does that mean?”
“Garan’s only sibling is older than him.”
“So, an older brother.”
“He’s smart, has a good character, and is very thoughtful. He’s skilled in swordsmanship and naturally stronger than Garan.”
“Then why isn’t he the king?”
“Because his hair is black. Yes, he too bore the ominous symbol. If it weren’t for their mother’s pity, he might have been killed when he was young.”
The ominous symbol could appear regardless of one’s status. Irene herself was proof of that.
“Then what happened to him?”
“He disappeared after the age of ten, right after the queen died. Some say he died in an accident, others believe he is locked up somewhere. It’s been many years since then.”
Irene looked directly at Burt.
“You know what happened, don’t you?”
Burt gave a sly smile.
“So, you do know.”
“Yes, Garan obeyed his mother well enough that he didn’t kill his brother.”
It was according to their mother’s last wish not to kill their own blood.
“He didn’t kill him, but considering his circumstances, living might be worse than death.”
There had to be a reason Burt was telling her this. Most likely, he was suggesting she use Garan’s brother against him.
“In the past, such a thing would have been impossible, but the current saintess bears all the ominous symbols, do you not? So, it’s not impossible for a king to have one such symbol.”
“Still, can we easily overthrow someone who’s been on the throne for several years?”
“Normally, it would be impossible, but Garan has committed more sins than you might think. Even those at the top are in danger if all the commoners turn against them. But of course, the decision is yours, saintess.”
It was absurd. He said everything and now claimed it was up to her judgment.
“You knew I would act on what you said, didn’t you?”
“Of course not. I respect your opinion, saintess.”
Irene unconsciously wriggled her fingers at Burt’s words. She felt an urge to hit him.
Burt claimed she had changed, but Irene felt he had changed too.
“Fine. Let’s move then.”
“Whatever you wish, saintess.”
He spoke well. Irene swallowed the sigh that was about to escape and stood up.