VOLUME 15: CHAPTER 16

VOLUME 15: CHAPTER 16

Despite all efforts, it had taken nearly a week before news regarding the bloodstone fragment’s theft reached Lark Marcus’ ears.

When Lark heard that the fragments had been stolen, he started regretting not placing an intercity communication device in Blackstone City.

He would have been able to chase after the thief if he’d learned of it immediately.

The number of intercity communication devices available was limited, and Lark had given one each to the various members of the Coalition.

Of course, there was no use crying over spilled milk. Instead of anguishing over his previous decisions, he immediately organized a force to investigate the incident and capture the perpetrator.

“You called for me, Your Majesty?”

When Lark was drafting the members of the investigation team, the first person that came to mind was one of the kingdom’s royal court magicians, Elias Farsight.

When it came to tracking abilities, there should be no one who could rival Elias in the entire kingdom.

“It’s been a while, Elias.”

“Yes. I’m glad you seem to be doing well, Your Majesty.”

The kingdom’s greatest archer no longer looked as pale as before. Lark had heard from his disciples that the archer had begun taking strolls in the streets of the capital every now and then.

Although he still lived in that small house that could be mistaken for a shack, he’d started mingling with people more, especially George and Austen.

It was a relationship that started after the brothers accidentally spilled the contents of a boiling cauldron on Lady Ropianna’s legs.

“Elias, I have a task for you.”

Ever since the king had ascended the throne, he’d never assigned Elias Farsight a particular task even once. Although Elias had participated in cracking down on the Morton Twins before, that wasn’t done under the direct orders of the crown.

Back then, Elias had chased after those criminals purely for the sake of revenge.

Since this was the first time the king was giving him a command, Elias Farsight was naturally curious about what the matter was.

“Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“A certain item was stolen in Blackstone City. I want you to come with me to investigate the incident.”

Elias lowered his head lightly, wordlessly saying that he would follow the king’s command.

The archer knew that the item must have been incredibly precious for the king himself to move in person.

“Haah… I promised Secretary Irene that I wouldn’t be going out until she delivered her child,” muttered Lark. “But this incident happened. Although we’ve been building communication centers in various cities, it seems they need to be improved further. Should I approve a larger budget?”

If their method of relaying messages through various territories had been top-notch, they probably would have captured the culprit by now.

Lark rubbed his brows in frustration. Elias silently stood there, listening to the king’s monologue.

Honestly, aside from creating bloodstone water for the elves, Lark currently had no use for the bloodstone fragments. Moreover, several more fragments were currently stored inside the golden statue, protected by numerous spells from the Scylla.

Losing two bloodstone fragments didn’t affect him in the slightest since he still had several crystals to spare.

Still, he couldn’t just let this incident pass.

Those bloodstone fragments had been collected by his previous disciples. In a sense, they were akin to mementos. Also, bloodstone fragments were incredibly rare even back in the Era of Magic. There had even been cases before where countries and groups waged war over a single piece.

Some magicians even believed that the bloodstone was the single most precious item in the world.

Back in his previous life, Evander Alaester even delved deep into the Demon Realm, taking his chances in finding one.

“We’ll depart tomorrow morning,” said Lark. “I’ll also introduce you to the people you’ll be working with tomorrow.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Elias didn’t question the orders and simply decided to follow them.

Although he rarely interacted with the king, he held deep respect for him. The numerous reforms he’d made during his reign had positively affected the lives of millions of citizens in the kingdom. Moreover, he respected how King Lark didn’t hesitate to make an enemy out of the Empire during the Morton Twins incident.

Ever since then, Elias had wholeheartedly decided to follow the king. Until he stepped down from the position, the royal court magician vowed to serve him.

“You may go. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Yes. I shall take my leave.”

After Elias left, Lark went out of the castle and went to the mansion where Secretary Irene was resting. Her father, Lord Chase, and her husband, Anandra, were also there to take care of her.

Although this wasn’t Lark’s first time visiting, Secretary Irene could feel that he had a different purpose for coming this time.

“Did something happen, Your Majesty?” she said while lying on the bed.

Her due date was in the next few days, and Lark had even specifically assigned several healers from the castle to take care of her.

“About that… it seems I need to go out of the capital soon.”

Lark explained the thief incident in Blackstone City. Believing that she was someone he could trust, he also told her about the existence of the bloodstone fragments.

As a scholarly person, the royal secretary had read about the legendary bloodstone in books before.

That item was synonymous with eternal life, and even its fragments must contain effects similar to that.

At first, she couldn’t believe that something so legendary was being kept by the kingdom. But soon, after remembering that the items had been stolen, her disbelief quickly turned into anger.

If her calculations were correct, a single fragment would probably be enough to fund decades of operational expenses for the entire kingdom.

How could the merchants in Blackstone City let something so precious be stolen right before their eyes?!

Had it not been for Anandra stopping her, she would have burst out cursing the merchants who failed to protect the bloodstone fragments.

That was tantamount to losing decades of the kingdom’s budget!

“Calm down, dear,” said Anandra. “Please think of your health.”

“Anandra is right,” said Lord Chase in a panic. “You heard His Majesty. He’s going to handle it, so just rest here and stop thinking of those things.”

This was one of the reasons why Lark didn’t want to visit her before he left for Blackstone City. Still, he felt that she needed to know the reason at least. Lark felt guilty that he couldn’t be there for her during the remaining week of her pregnancy.

She’d done so much for him and the kingdom. Lark felt that the least he could do was be there during such a crucial time.

But alas, the circumstances wouldn’t permit it.

If he dallied any longer, the traces of the culprit would become impossible to track.

“Listen to your father and husband, Secretary Irene,” said Lark. “I’ve already told Mokuva to stay a bit longer in the capital. So, take as much rest as you need.”

Although she still looked clearly pissed, Secretary Irene nodded obediently. She said, “After Blackstone City, are you planning to visit the Dukedom of Mauko and the Kingdom of Thorneforge, Your Majesty?”

“Yes, that’s correct. But I’ll drop by the United Grakas Alliance first and meet the Beast King.”

One of the conditions of the Dukedom of Mauko before agreeing to join the Coalition was for the United Grakas Alliance to concede their ownership of the Mauko Plains.

Although Lark found the proposal absurd, he still decided to talk about it with the White Lion.

“I see. Then, please take care. I know you are strong, but you are still human, Your Majesty. If you find yourself in trouble, I hope you do not hesitate to utilize our people.”

This was one of the things Lark liked the most about the royal secretary.

Unlike others who looked up to him as though he was an omnipotent, wise king, the royal secretary saw him as a fellow human who would also bleed when cut.

Honestly, it was refreshing.

“I shall do that,” said Lark, smiling.

Anandra said, “Master, are you taking those troublemakers with you?”

He was referring to George and Austen.

“Not this time,” said Lark.

Anandra heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s great to hear.”

Lark chuckled. “What are you so afraid of? Those kids actually made great contributions when we subjugated the boss monster in the Bottomless Gorge.”

“That’s a fluke, Master. And even if it’s not, look at how arrogant those two have become after that achievement.”

“Just let them relish their glory,” said Lark. “They deserve it.”

Anandra didn’t argue any further after that. Although he wanted to tell Lark to be a little bit stricter with the two, he decided not to overstep his bounds.

***

The next day, the people who would be accompanying Lark to Blackstone City gathered at the outskirts of the capital.

Blackie, in its Scylla form, sat majestically. Its tail wagged from time to time in anticipation of their journey, sending dirt and dust flying about upon striking the ground.

“Seems everyone is here,” said Lark.

He scanned the group before him. Most of the people here were elites personally picked by him.

Lady Alice, the former leader of the Witches of Aravark.

Elias Farsight, royal court magician of the Kingdom of Lukas.

Captain Symon of the Royal Knights.

Arcturus of the Ancient Fire Dragon Tribe.

Five mercenaries with scouting and tracking skills.

And twenty knights from the recently revamped Royal Knight Order.

Aside from Lady Alice and Captain Symon, all of these people would track and find the culprit who stole the bloodstone fragments. For the sake of secrecy, the knights and mercenaries weren’t informed about the item’s identity.

“Arcturus, thank you for accepting my request,” said Lark.

Since the culprit had easily subdued the soldiers and Blackstone Knights escorting Big Bun’s caravan, they were definitely a formidable individual.

Just Elias Farsight alone might not be enough.

To err on the side of caution, Lark asked the young dragon to accompany the investigation team this time.

“Hmph!”

“We can do that too!”

“What’s so special about that!”

The Scylla snorted. Several heads muttered about how they would also willingly take that task if their God Evander asked them to.

Ignoring the seven-headed monster, Arcturus, in his polymorphed state, adjusted his glasses.

“I’m glad to be of help. And besides, I’m also curious about the person who stole the item.”

Arcturus had learned by now that it would be best to ignore the Scylla whenever it started picking a fight.

The young dragon didn’t really care if the seven-headed creature verbally abused him. He’d already learned to filter its words—go in one ear, and out the other.

“All of you will have ample time to become well acquainted with each other later,” said Lark, “but since time is of the essence, we’ll be departing for Blackstone City right away.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The royal knights immediately replied in affirmation, while the mercenaries slowly followed suit.

All of the people gathered here today looked up to Lark Marcus. For them, the young king was a living legend.

The king who pioneered the kingdom’s golden age.

The leader of the Coalition.

And the king who had made the Empire surrender.

Being asked to be part of the investigation team was an honor for everyone present. When they received Lark’s summons yesterday, they stopped everything they were doing and immediately prepared for the departure today.

“I’m so excited,” mumbled one of the mercenaries.

The other mercenaries understood his feelings.

Although they were ordinary people whose names would be forgotten several years after their deaths, the mere fact that they were working together with a living legend was enough for them to feel like they were part of history.

Although they would probably remain nameless even after this mission, they would be able to brag to their descendants that they’d interacted with His Majesty and worked as part of his investigation team.

“Blackie.”

“Yes, God Evander!”

The Scylla roared excitedly. It lowered its body, allowing Lark and the others to ride on top of it.

Although the Scylla was displeased that Arcturus also climbed aboard, it didn’t feel as disgusted as when Agnus did it.

The mere fact that Arcturus always refrained from bickering with the Scylla gave it a far more favorable impression.

“To Blackstone City,” said Lark.

The Scylla roared once again.

It opened its two pairs of bat-like wings, jumped up, and flew into the sky, leaving behind a gust of wind.

Excitedly, the Scylla flew toward the direction of Blackstone City.

***

Big Bun had been having a hard time sleeping recently.

He’d already sent the fastest messenger he could to the capital. If his estimates were correct, the king and his brother should have heard about the incident by now.

“This is driving me crazy,” he muttered. “I should have just stayed in the Kelvin Duchy.”

He used to work at the Kelvin Duchy, which was currently undergoing reconstruction several months ago. It hadn’t even been a year since his brother handed him the task of transporting the bloodstone fragments to the trading hub near the elven kingdom.

Big Mona had repeatedly reminded him not to lose those crystals, no matter what. He’d been frequently reminded that those items were precious enough to buy several castles in the kingdom.

Following his brother’s reminders, Big Bun had taken extra precautions when transporting the crystals outside the city.

Who would have known that despite all his preparations, they would still be stolen right before his very eyes?

Even if the king forgave him for his blunder, his brother would probably kill him once he found out.

“I’m still his brother,” muttered Big Bun. “Haha… h-he won’t throw me to the chopping block, right?”

Although it didn’t look like it on the outside, Big Bun and Big Mona were quite close as siblings. They always supported one another in everything, and they shared their deepest secrets with each other.

Still, judging by how Big Mona was fanatically loyal to the current king, Big Bun didn’t know how he would react once he learned that the bloodstone fragments had been stolen.

“Should I hide until his anger subsides? But what will happen to One Stop Clop?”

His safety aside, Big Bun was more worried about what would happen to his subordinates. One Stop Clop was the group that had transported the bloodstone fragment this time. Although Big Bun would probably be spared since he was the brother of Big Mona, there was no assurance that the crown would be as lenient to his members.

Thinking of the loyal members of his caravan who had accompanied him for more than a decade now, Big Bun decided to face this predicament head-on.

He steeled his resolve.

No matter what, he wouldn’t abandon the members of One Stop Clop.

“Ugh, I feel sick. I want to vomit. Urk… Uaaack!”
Unable to take the pressure any longer, Big Bun vomited on the carpet in his room. He panted, tears evident at the corners of his eyes.

While thinking of his life’s choices, several desperate knocks were heard.

“Who… is it?”

A familiar voice spoke. It was one of the members of One Stop Clop.

“B-Big Bun, His Majesty has come to Blackstone City! He wishes to meet you!”

Big Bun shuddered.

So soon?

How did the king arrive at the city in such a short period of time?

“A-Are you sure about it? H-His Majesty himself came in person?”

“Yes. H-He brought a team of investigators with him. You should come, quick!”

For a moment, Big Bun’s mind went blank. Several scenarios started playing in his mind.

“My brother. I-Is my brother with him?”

“I’m… not sure.”

“I see. I understand. I’ll be out right away.”

Quickly, Big Bun washed himself using water from a basin. He donned a neat set of clothes, combed his hair to the side, and inspected his face in the mirror.

Hardly eating these past several days, he’d lost a bit of fat.

“This, too… shall pass,” he muttered several times like a mantra.

“Come on, you can do this, Bun!”

After steeling his resolve once more, Big Bun left the merchants’ guild and went to the mansion at the heart of the city.

There, he saw a massive seven-headed creature lying comfortably near the entrance. Several royal knights also stood by.

If his conjecture was correct, the king’s group must have flown directly to this mansion instead of taking the city’s main entrance.

“Are you Big Bun?” said one of the royal knights sharply.

Although there was no killing intent, Big Bun couldn’t help but freeze upon meeting their gazes.

“…Y-Yes!”

“Please come in. We’ll escort you to His Majesty’s office.”

Escorted by several royal knights, Big Bun entered the mansion. They climbed a flight of stairs to the second floor and stood right in front of a double door.

“Your Majesty, the leader of the caravan is here.”

Instead of a merchant, the royal knights introduced Big Bun as the leader of the caravan.

As expected, he was being summoned for that.

“Let him in.”

A calm voice was heard inside the office.

Big Bun couldn’t help but gulp.

Although the voice was relatively calmer compared to the royal knights, there was an indescribable pressure accompanying it.

It was the aura of authority only a sovereign could wield.

The door opened, and Big Bun entered the office.

Not daring to gaze directly at the king without permission, Big Bun entered the room with his head lowered. After taking several steps forward, he knelt.

His words of greeting were filled with desperation.

“I-It’s an honor to meet Your Majesty! This servant h-humbly greets His Majesty, King Lark!”

“No need to be so nervous,” said Lark.

Even if he said that, Big Bun wondered how he could possibly maintain his calm after losing the bloodstone fragments.

It was apparent how serious the incident was since even the king himself had come to meet him.

Honestly, Big Bun felt like dying right now.

“I believe we’ve met before. Big Bun, right? Your brother introduced you to me back then in the capital.”

Big Bun remembered.

Although the introduction back then was short, that meeting was quite memorable.

“Y-Yes, that’s correct, Your Majesty. I’m humbled that you remember me.”

Lark said in amusement, “How could I forget? You’re the spitting image of Big Mona. Although… you seem to have lost some weight. Are you properly eating?”

Big Bun wanted to say that he hardly had any appetite after losing those items, but he refrained from saying it out loud. The last thing he wanted was to be accused of blaming the king for losing his appetite.

“With your grace, I’ve been eating well,” said Big Bun.

Lark didn’t seem to believe him, but he nodded regardless. “That’s good to hear.”

After exchanging pleasantries, the king finally decided to delve into the topic.

“Then let’s move to the reason why I summoned you here,” said Lark. “I’ve already read the reports, but it’ll still be better to hear about it in person. Bun, tell me—how did those items get stolen?”