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17.89% Reborn As Papa Silva / Chapter 17: You're Evil (1)

Kapitel 17: You're Evil (1)

In an undisclosed location that straddled the line between the noble realm and the commoner realm, a wooden cottage stood in a remote forest clearing.

From the outside, the cottage appeared abandoned, neglected for years, with cracked boards and moss creeping up its sides. Bushes and trees encroached upon the structure, giving it an air of desolation. The path leading to the cabin was utterly decimated—beaten and cracked, as if this place had weathered a great battle.

Keyword: looked. Once one stepped onto the porch, however, the scene would change dramatically. The dilapidated exterior transformed into a beautiful white villa, its expansive glass windows gleaming in the sunlight, showcasing a refined Victorian architecture. The rough pathway and wild greenery gave way to a meticulously landscaped garden, replete with vibrant flowers and manicured hedges, revealing this was a place heavily attended to.

A barrier with illusionary properties had been set up to mask the villa's true nature, discouraging unwanted visitors from approaching or even registering its existence on anyone's radar.

Inside the villa, the sound of gruff laughter echoed through the air, accompanied by the clinking of glasses. As one opened the door and navigated through the living room, marked by exquisite oak floorboards, they would soon arrive at the dining area.

This large room was spacious enough to accommodate the average family and then some, yet much of it lay unused. At its center stood a small circular table, beneath a glass chandelier that caught the light beautifully, casting shimmering reflections on the walls. Three middle-aged men occupied the table, deep in conversation.

The man sitting at the center, facing the living room exit, was distinguished by his short, golden-brown hair combed back, except for one lock that hung down over his forehead. A small black dot rested just below his lower lip, above his chin, and he wore an arrogant, smug smile tinged with indifference. Clad in an expensive-looking golden doublet adorned with green and purple stripes, and black hooked shoes, he held a smoke pipe in his right hand. This man was none other than Lux Kira, the younger brother of the current king of the Clover Kingdom, the patriarch of the Kira Family, and the father of Damnatio Kira. [1]

On his right sat a man with long blond hair tied back in a neat ponytail, his bangs offset to the left. He had fair skin and pencil-thin blond eyebrows that framed mostly slanted green eyes. Dressed in a white shawl and small stud earrings, this man was the current head of House Haphass—Veriol Haphass. [2]

To the left of Lux sat a tall, slender man with long, light purple hair cascading down his back. He adorned a silver beaded chain around his head, with a small blue pendant hanging at the center of his forehead. His light-colored robe, marked with dark crosses along the hem and high collar, paired with light-colored boots featuring crosses at the toes that extended up his shins, gave him a unique and striking appearance. He was Zyrex Lugner, the current head of House Lugner. [3]

Lux leaned back, taking a long, indulgent puff from his pipe before closing his eyes in satisfaction, exhaling a plume of smoke that curled lazily around him. Opening his eyes, he cast a pleased, smug look at his companions. "Well, gentlemen," he drawled, savoring each word, "we've done it. Those fools in The White Serpent have taken the bait. They've accepted that mission." [4]

"Pfff… hahaha, what idiots?!" Veriol couldn't resist slapping the table, letting out a derisive, mocking laugh filled with undisguised disdain.

Zyrex let out a small smile, gracing his impassive face. "We didn't even have to do much to draw them out. That stupid bitch, Lovilia, volunteered not just herself but her entire squad for the mission."

Veriol laughed even harder. "Does pregnancy turn women into such fools? This is what Conrad gets for marrying a peasant. Not even able to smell a trap shortly after declaring she's with child. Has that bitch not suspected anything, from such a mission falling into her lap?!"

Lux gave a low, derisive chuckle. "You know, peasants and commoners, trash like them, are always eager to rush around and prove themselves. They have weak bodies, weak mana, and even weaker minds."

Lux smiled once more, taking another puff from his pipe. It's a shame for that woman, though. Although her magic and lineage are nothing special, she has a nice body. I would've liked to experience it once.

Lux could understand Conrad's love for that woman. Her body made her lacking mana less of an eyesore. But alas, Lux Kira would have to go his entire life without bedding her, because he can't risk going personally to the trap and leaving behind some clues.

As much as he despised Conrad Leto, he recognized his abilities as a mage. A thief excels in tracking, and Conrad is the number one thief in history.

He literally steals magic.

"How much longer do we have to wait for the good news?" Zyrex glanced at Lux, who was the unanimous leader in the room.

"Four days." Lux puffed out a smoke before continuing. "The White Serpent has been alerted to the appearance of a dungeon in a forest at the border of the forsaken realm."

"Little do they know it's a secret location that my family had cleaned out decades ago. Nothing of worth will be found there."

"I hired a bunch of talented trap mages to reactivate and arm the dungeon with traps and arrays that will surely cut down their numbers!"

Veriol paused for a moment, his usual smugness replaced with hesitance as he remembered a not-so-proud memory. "Are you sure… it will kill them all? After all, that bitch's magic is quite troublesome."

Lux Kira gave Veriol Haphass a sidelong glance, restraining himself from rolling his eyes and cursing the man. The shame of the nobility. Instead, he just puffed another smoke and spoke again, "Should that outcome occur, I've already made preparations."

"And what are they?" Zyrex crossed his arms and frowned.

This time more enthusiastic to speak, Lux gave a low smile and whispered softly, yet in the quiet room, it was enough for everyone to hear. "Everyone knows Clover and Diamond have a bloody history of competing over dungeons. So in exchange for some riches and more test subjects, I hired one of their eight Shining Generals to finish off any survivors and escapees."

"Even if Conrad finds out, the only traces will lead back to Diamond. No one will suspect anything. And even if they do… well, who could be so selfless as to go through the trouble of convincing everyone to ignore the obvious evidence and point their eyes at the Kingdom's nobility?"

Even if they did, it wouldn't matter. The royal court is already in my back pocket, Lux thought smugly. Even if they did blame someone, it wouldn't be me. And I already have a perfect scapegoat in mind if that worst outcome comes to be.

No one has opposed Conrad's reforms with more visibility and fanfare than him. He'd probably be the prime suspect anyway; my planted evidence would simply be the icing on the cake.

After he's dealt with… not only will I be Lord Kira, but Lord Kira Silva. "Hehehe," Lux couldn't help but let out a low chuckle.

His thoughts drifted to a beautiful silver-haired, purple-eyed woman. He tried to hide his lust and fury. How dare that half-breed mutt take such a treasure for himself? Such a gem belongs in the hands of true royalty, not some bastard boy toy outsider!

Lux took another puff of smoke to calm himself down.

Zyrex nodded in approval, while Veriol went back to his usual arrogance. "As expected of Lord Kira, you've thought about everything!" Veriol was just about to raise a glass in front of him as a toast, but Lux stopped him.

"No hurry, Veriol," Lux gave a slow smile. "We're still waiting on a guest."

"Guest?" Veriol Haphass and Zyrex Lugner exchanged a glance of bewilderment. How could they possibly entertain a guest? This villa and their existence here was supposed to be a complete secret.

Naturally, they couldn't meet face to face in the noble realm and royal capital, where eyes and ears were everywhere. They had to invest quite a bit of trouble to build this place and create cryptic signals and codes that appeared in the daily newspapers to arrange meetups.

So that means… if there's a new guest, it can only be… "a new collaborator?" Veriol asked, though it sounded more like a question.

Lux nodded with a smile and looked forward. "He's here… or they're here.

Zyrex and Veriol turned to follow his gaze, tensing up as they heard the front door open. They waited patiently, listening to a pair of footsteps growing louder before two figures came into view.

The front one was a tall, slender man wearing a fur coat, with distinctive silver-white hair tied into a rat tail, and a pair of brown laced slippers as his footwear. Behind him, following silently, was a balding butler with a gray handlebar mustache, dressed in an expensive yet servile one-piece black suit, carrying a silver suitcase.

Zyrex and Veriol exchanged a wry grin before standing up, followed by Lux, who stood up last.

Veriol smiled and spread his hands wide. "I admit I was shocked we would have any more additions to this group of ours, but if it's you, it makes all the sense."

Zyrex nodded in agreement.

Lux Kira then focused on the silver-haired figure, expertly hiding his disdain under a polite smile. "Greetings, Lord Silva," Lux forced himself to give a short, polite bow. At the end of the day, Sebastian Silva was royalty, even if he hated to admit it. Royalty bowed to no one except the King and fellow royalty. Naturally, as the head of a fellow royal house, Sebastian Silva was worthy of that respect.

Sebastian returned the bow with a short one of his own. "Always a pleasure, Lord Kira."

He then focused on Veriol and Zyrex, who also bowed to him but more deeply and submissively since they were minor nobles.

"Sir Haphass. Sir Lugner." Sebastian acknowledged their presence with a short nod.

The two were pleased to know that Sebastian Silva was aware of their identities. But of course he was; Sebastian Silva was a failure of a mage, always facing oppression due to being the head of a magic knight family without being one himself. The only thing he had going for him was his status as a politician and the power he carefully cultivated in the royal palace. Sebastian Silva was a workaholic—no time for family, but all the time in the world for his career. He dedicated 95% of his efforts to that.

Always looking for an advantage and ways to climb the ladder, he sought to make everyone fear, respect, and acknowledge him—especially that pig who sat on the throne, so he would take him seriously. The world of nobility was a world of connections; without them, you had no prospects or future. What connections could Sebastian, a member of a branch family that branched off from another branch family, possibly have? When he was appointed as Head of House Silva, many of the vassal houses under them showed signs of wavering loyalty. Who would be willing to serve a guy they just pinned as lucky, who somehow managed to seduce the young lady of House Silva?

So how did Sebastian Silva get them to stay, and how did he build his connections? He didn't. He forced them to stay and made connections. He spent all available time he had learning everything he could about nobility, studying every noble family and house as if he were preparing for an exam. He grasped their weaknesses, their backdoor deals, their bribes, their scandalous affairs, dark dealings, shames, and embarrassments, using them against others to compel their cooperation and loyalty.

If you didn't comply, well, he wouldn't hesitate to start a rumor. In aristocracy, nothing is more dangerous than rumors, as the thing valued most is reputation. With it, even penniless peasants and commoners could climb through the ranks. A ruined reputation meant game over. He learned about every player in the noble and aristocratic circles to find those who could be of use to him, increasing his power and sway in the courtroom. Before he was called the Wolf of the Courts, he was called the Vulture of the Courts for his unforgiving and merciless attitude—biting onto everything that could serve him and spitting out anything that no longer had anything to give him.

Naturally, he was aware of House Haphass and House Lugner, especially House Haphass, as he was already plotting their downfall the moment he read Veriol's offer for Noelle. Well, this just makes it easier for me. I don't have to go out of my way to look for you. Sebastian studied the punchable, slime-faced trash briefly before setting his eyes on Zyrex. Is this Zyrex's father? Well, that makes sense. Like father, like son, they say. That bastard's horrible personality had to come from somewhere.

As the two raised their heads and stood up straight, Sebastian had to resist the urge to spit in their faces. Just like Lux, he forced a smile on his face—though his was less fake and more indifferent than Lux's exaggerated one.

"Gentlemen," Sebastian gave them a nod. "I admit I was offended that it took you so long to consider; I'd want to be part of such a thing."

Lux Kira chuckled. "Apologies, Lord Silva. This was all on me. I just thought you had so much on your plate arranging for your wife's impending funeral. I thought it'd be insensitive of me to offer. But when I heard Alfred sniffing around, I realized I was too shortsighted—who else but Sebastian Silva would want to be part of Conrad Leto's downfall?"

Sebastian shrugged indifferently at the mention of Acier. "What worth could a corpse bring me, or House Silva? Sixteen years and only one capable child? I think her reputation was exaggerated. It has to be. How else could a supposed Wizard King candidate fall to a common illness of all things?"

"I have more important things to do than waste any more time on that woman."

Veriol and Zyrex nodded at that, though they were starting to suspect that much of Acier Silva's achievements were embellished and purposefully exaggerated through House Silva's channels. Death from birth? Seriously? How pathetic. Commoner and peasant scum pump out children like workshop lines, and the Dancing Princess of the Battlefield tapped out a measly four despite merely being in her early thirties. Weak was the only word that came to mind.

Lux Kira nodded as well, but his thoughts were more petty. Let's see how long you can keep that bravado up, you half-breed. After I take your house, I'll heal her and take your wife too. And show you despair by bedding her in your very own bed. Hehehe, I'll even make you watch. I'm sure Conrad will be happy to play along and let me before your execution since you are the one who will be held responsible for his wife's, unborn child's, and squad's deaths.

Lux hurriedly tried to change the topic to avoid revealing his thoughts. Waving it off, he continued, "Enough about some measly woman. Let's all have a seat; I saved one for you." He pointed across the table to the empty seat facing him.

Sebastian nodded indifferently as Alfred pulled the seat out for his master, then stood behind it while Sebastian sat down. Only after that did the other three take their seats.

After a brief moment of silence, Lux smiled gently and gestured his hand in Sebastian's direction. "Tell me, Lord Silva, I've always known of your disdain for Conrad, but how about you enlighten us on why you wanted to join this little faction of ours and show that fool some despair?"

Sebastian, sitting regally in his chair with his eyes closed, didn't answer right away. "You can call me Sebastian. We're all like-minded friends here, aren't we?"

Veriol and Zyrex nodded approvingly—Veriol more slimy, while Zyrex did so more stiffly. Lux paused, hiding his disdain as he thought, Well, you'll regret it. This may very well be the last time you receive a sign of respect from fellow nobility. Better for me anyway; I always hated treating a mutt like you as an equal. Heh.

With a smile so exaggerated that it might make one doubt its sincerity, Lux clapped his hands. "Of course, Sebastian. Then feel free to call me Lux; it's only right."

Lux never looked at Zyrex or Veriol, clearly reserving this liberty for Sebastian alone. Even if he had, the two of them wouldn't dare to call him that, even if they had a hundred lifetimes.

As close collaborators with Lux Kira, they knew full well of the man's true personality. Just like his elder brother, the only ones he took remotely seriously were fellow royalty. To him, everyone beneath him—nobility, commoners, and peasants—were trash.

The noble trash was just less of an eyesore, so he could tolerate them somewhat. But if they did something as audacious as call him by his first name… well, they should be prepared for a less-than-pleasant ending. So even if Lux gave them that blessing, they wouldn't dare take it.

Sebastian sat across from Lux and gave a nod. "So, Lux, you wanted to know what brings me here, right?"

Lux nodded back, his eyes closed and wearing his usual serene smile. Four days until my plans and dreams come to fruition, he thought. Might as well let this fool entertain me until then.

"I hate Conrad."

Lux's eyes snapped open, surprised by such a blunt and crass response from someone like Sebastian, who usually hid behind cryptic elegance and veiled insults. But Sebastian barely noticed, continuing on.

"That idiot Leto is trying to bridge the class gap—erase the walls between nobility, commoners, and peasants, all for some ridiculous dream where everyone laughs together? HOW DARE HE?! THAT AUDACIOUS, FAILED NOBLE DOG!"

Bam! A vein pulsed in Sebastian's forehead as he slammed the table, sending drinks sloshing and shaking the whole setup as he stood up and leaned over. The others around the table stared, stunned by the rare passion from their usually stoic companion.

Is this how he truly feels? The three thought in unison. Even Lux didn't think to complain about the spilled wine staining his custom table.

Behind Sebastian, Alfred, his butler, stood calm and unflinching, every bit the proper servant.

Sebastian, unbothered, gripped the table harder, cracking the wood beneath his fingers and drawing blood from his nails. "A nation where we all get along? Laugh together? Work together?! DON'T GIVE ME THAT BULLSHIT!" He pounded the table again, his red face and fierce eyes daring anyone to interrupt him.

"All that bastard wants is to steal from us! To take our wealth and spread it to those low-level parasites, make us equals, so that his peasant wife and trash friends can forget they're beneath us!"

"Look at what he's done." Sebastian gestured broadly. "Under that traitorous, self-hating excuse of a noble, the Magic Knights—our prestigious Magic Knights—have been polluted by not just commoners, but two peasants and even some lowborn foreigner!"

"The Magic Knights," Sebastian spat, glaring at the three. "They are meant to carry out Lord Lemiel's will, to protect, govern, and defend the nation. Am I wrong?"

The three shook their heads, slowly.

"THEN WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND THOUGHT IT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR SOME LOWBORN SCUM TO JOIN THIS ORDER? PEASANTS? COMMONERS? A WIZARD KING? CAPTAINS?! THE VERY PILLARS OF OUR NATION?! IT'S ABSURD!"

Sebastian seethed, voice filled with fury. "Pile them all together—all those lowborn filth wouldn't have a fraction of our mana! And yet we allow that garbage to pollute our ranks? And they think they can walk into our courts, our offices?!"

"Those ungrateful swine!" Veriol snarled, blood boiling with rage, while Zyrex nodded vehemently alongside him.

"Exactly!" Sebastian pointed at Veriol. "For centuries, we've protected those useless, low-magic scum without asking anything in return. We even granted them the honor of paying a little tribute to us, so we could keep them safe! We stand between them and other nations, magic beasts, and all manner of threats, putting our lives on the line—and instead of gratitude, now they want to replace us?!"

"Eight generations of Wizard Kings ago, they even rebelled and tried to wipe us out!"

"And what did we do?" he demanded, looking around the table.

"Showed them mercy!" Zyrex shouted, his voice shaking with emotion.

"Exactly!" Sebastian bellowed. "We only executed the main perpetrator and rebels, despite them biting the hand that fed them, showing them a generosity that made them less than dogs. They played nice for a couple of generations, but now in Conrad's time, they're acting up again!"

"They say they want equality," Sebastian sneered, leaning in close, "but what do they really want?"

"Blood," Lux muttered hoarsely.

Sebastian nodded approvingly, resuming his rant with renewed energy. "Precisely. Eight generations ago, under the pretense of equality, they waged a civil war—a rebellion led by that traitorous Avalanche. Noble and royal blood flowed like rivers, and countless houses with promising young men and women were wiped out to satisfy that nobody's lust for power! So many valuable lives were lost just to put an end to that tyrant's madness."

"And what happened next?!" he demanded, his gaze sweeping across the three men, daring them to answer.

"The Diamond Kingdom struck our borders." Sebastian's voice softened, laced with bitterness. "Already weakened, we took yet another blow as more noble blood was shed to hold them off. Our losses then were immeasurable. Only now, eight generations later, have we truly recovered. And yet, here we are again, with Conrad Leto singing the same destructive tune."

"Well? Will we let them tear down everything we've rebuilt?" His voice echoed through the room, taut with tension.

"No!" The three yelled in unison, their faces flushed and eyes red with fury.

"Of course not! Rather than let history repeat itself, we'll make a preemptive strike. Not just Conrad, but his wife, his squad, every last sympathizer and supporter must DIE!" Sebastian slammed his fist down once more, this time shattering the table completely, glassware tumbling to the floor and smashing into shards.

Silence fell over the room as the three of them stared, momentarily stunned by the shattered wood and glass around them. They slumped back in their chairs, breaths heavy. Veriol gulped, his gaze shifting upward to Sebastian Silva, who stood tall and resolute, towering over them.

Veriol hesitated, then spoke up carefully, each word chosen to avoid Sebastian's ire. "Lord Silva… isn't that a bit extreme? Conrad is beloved, and supported by the majority. That's why it's just us here tonight. Even if we had the strength to oppose him… would there even be a Clover Kingdom left after all that death?"

Sebastian's gaze sharpened, and he gave Veriol a sneering look of contempt. "You think everyone supports that fool? Nobles cozy up to him only to gain power! But when they see his real agenda—destroying our authority, making it so no one holds power over anyone—they'll be the first to stab him in the back."

His voice dropped to a whisper filled with venom. "And if we want to act, it must be soon. Before that upstart Julius, Conrad's prized supporter, grows stronger. Do you want to face a man who can control time?"

The three men exchanged uneasy glances, considering his words. Finally, Zyrex spoke up. "Perhaps Novachrono could be… persuaded to our side. With the right price, surely—"

"You fool!" Sebastian cut him off, voice dripping with disdain. "Novachrono is being groomed as Conrad's successor! It was he who brought that foreigner here, he who took in that wretched Vangeance brat. He has stood by Conrad since they were both young, defending his every move. It was Julius who introduced him to Lovilia, and Julius who advocated for that redheaded peasant's acknowledgment. Novachrono doesn't just support Conrad's ideals; he's actively pushing for them himself!"

Zyrex and Veriol flinched at his outburst, glancing toward Lux for confirmation.

"He's right," Lux said quietly, his usual air of arrogance replaced by a somber steeliness. "For the safety of the Clover Kingdom and lasting peace, the worthless, the traitorous, and the undesirables must be purged." His tone was cold and unfeeling as if it were an inevitable truth.

Zyrex and Veriol shared a final look, each recognizing the deadly resolve that had settled in Lux's eyes. They turned back to him, nodding in solemn unison. "We'll follow your lead, Lord Kira," they affirmed, before looking to Sebastian. "And yours as well, Lord Silva."

Pausing for a moment, Sebastian calmed his breath and nodded indifferently. "Good." He then straightened in his chair and snapped his fingers. "Pennyworth."

The butler opened his suitcase, his hands shimmering with a silver-gray aura. From the case, four wine glasses floated gracefully into the hands of the four men. Alfred then produced a black wine bottle and positioned himself once more behind them, a silent guardian.

"What's this?" Lux asked, narrowing his eyes as he studied Sebastian closely.

"A drink—and a toast to new friends and allies. If we're going to create the Clover Kingdom of our dreams, we need to trust each other. So, I offer you this drink. The question is, do you dare to take it?" Sebastian held his glass aloft, giving it a gentle shake.

Lux considered him for a moment before a sly smile crept onto his face. "Well, of course I do, Sebastian. We're comrades after all!" His somber demeanor melted away, replaced by that same insincere grin, as Veriol and Zyrex nodded alongside him.

Sebastian nodded in response, and with another snap of his fingers, Alfred uncorked the bottle, pouring first for his master.

"Clover Cuvée," Veriol whistled, his eyes wide with surprise as he glanced at the label on the bottle. "Very impressive stuff." Jealousy laced his words; the Clover Kingdom's most luxurious brand was reserved for royalty and their closest vassals. He'd only had the honor of tasting it once at Augustus' coronation ceremony.

Zyrex, though equally impressed, masked his astonishment better. As for Lux… well, he savored it daily, and its value mattered little to him. Yet, it was his favorite, and he never shared his stash with anyone. So, being offered an extra glass today felt like a small indulgence.

Alfred moved around the table, filling everyone's glasses to the brim until the bottle was empty. He then resumed his position behind Sebastian, standing at the ready.

A slow smile tugged at Sebastian's lips as he raised his glass high. "To friends, to allies, to our future!"

"To our future!" they echoed, raising their glasses. But no one took a sip, eyes shifting nervously around the table, each waiting for the others to go first. The trio's gaze finally settled on Sebastian.

His smile widened, and without hesitation, he tilted his head back and took a large gulp of his drink, glugging it down with surprising grace, managing to retain his regal bearing despite the crude display.

Only after Sebastian had finished did the others' smiles grow more genuine. They followed suit, lifting their glasses to their lips and drinking deeply. The quartet enjoyed the beverage in silence, relishing the quiet camaraderie that filled the room.

Once the glasses were empty, Alfred collected them with his telekinetic touch, packing them back into his suitcase, leaving the air thick with the weight of their shared resolve and the promise of what lay ahead.

The quartet exchanged a small smile, but the moment was short-lived. Suddenly, the trio's expressions twisted into horror as a churn surged in their stomachs. They toppled from their chairs, clutching their midsections, their bodies writhing in agony. Vitriol and Zyrex watched in abject terror as their veins darkened, bulging a ghastly purple beneath their skin. They wanted to scream for help, to beg Lux for aid or plead for mercy from Sebastian, but no sound escaped their lips; only frothy bubbles formed at the corners of their mouths.

They convulsed on the floor, twisting in pain, and within moments, their bodies began to melt away like wax under a flame. Their blood, intestines, and organs faded rapidly, leaving behind nothing but hollowed skeletons.

Lux, however, was more fortunate. As soon as he sensed something amiss, he began circulating his mana. Light magic held holy properties; it could banish evil and cure sickness. He planned to draw on these very powers to heal Acier and win her favor in the future. But a wave of dread washed over him as he realized the chaotic state of his mana—it was frenzied and unmanageable. Lux struggled to cast any grimoire magic, forced to rely solely on brute force to contain the poison coursing through him, halting its effects without the aid of spells.

He looked up at Sebastian Silva, who watched him with cold detachment from his chair. How dare this pretender look down on me? But with time slipping away, Lux refused to waste another moment on insults. "How… a-are… you… n-not… affected?!"

Lux had taken a sip of the wine, confident that Sebastian would never dare to poison it after drinking first. The very notion that this fake royal would endanger himself was ludicrous. Yet, here Sebastian sat, untouched by the plague that had consumed the others.

Sebastian spoke plainly, his tone calm and unruffled. "I've recently made some good friends. One of them is a highly skilled poison mage. But not just with poisons; she's also well-versed in hexes. So I had her cast a curse on the drink. In exchange for a significant amount of power, she ensured that the first person to drink would be entirely immune to the curse's effects."

"You bastard!" Lux gasped hoarsely, anger mixing with fear as he struggled against the tightening grip of the poison. He fought to stabilize his mana, focusing on containing the toxic surge, careful not to agitate his condition further. "How did you know you'd drink first?"

Sebastian rolled his eyes, his demeanor exuding an air of superiority. "You're arrogant, but not foolish. What noble hasn't faced assassination attempts? You've been trained from a young age to have a servant or assistant taste-test your meals and drinks. Naturally, you wouldn't trust a drink from a stranger without good reason to believe it isn't poisoned. So I had to take the first sip."

He paused, a slight smirk creeping onto his lips as he shrugged. "But let's say one of you had made a miscalculation—like insisting Alfred take the first sip or ordering one of your lackeys to be the sacrifice. I was prepared for that too."

Sebastian stuck out his tongue, and Lux narrowed his eyes in disbelief. Etched on the back of his tongue was a six-point star array, inscribed in black ink, a mark of his cunning and preparedness.

"Consider it a precaution," Sebastian continued, a hint of satisfaction lacing his voice. "A little insurance against the inevitable treachery of those around me."

Lux gritted his teeth, feeling the warmth of blood dripping from his nose, eyes, and ears. "W-why are you d-doing this? You hate Conrad!" Lux Kira demanded an answer, his voice strained but defiant. The entire aristocracy knew of Sebastian Silva's relentless opposition to Conrad Leto, Julius Novachrono, House Vermillion, and their sympathizers among the common folk. So why was he sabotaging their efforts now? Why was he doing this?

Sebastian shrugged, the indifference in his expression almost mocking. "I've had a change of heart in recent days. I don't find Leto's ideas as… unbearable."

Lux's frustration boiled over. Don't give me that bullshit! He coughed up a mouthful of phlegm, his vision blurring slightly as he glared up at Sebastian. "Enough games, Silva. Give…me the antidote."

Sebastian sighed dramatically, looking down at Lux with an unsettling glimmer of pity in his eyes. "I can't give you something that doesn't exist."

Lux froze, disbelief washing over him. No way. This coward wouldn't dare come here without such a thing. Sebastian Silva was the type of person who never acted without backup plans upon backup plans. He wouldn't stake everything on some harlot's hexes and arrays. There had to be an antidote!

Just as Lux was about to risk everything and lunge at Sebastian, the Silva Patriarch continued, "But let's say there was…" Lux snapped his attention back to him, heart racing. "...why on earth would I ever give it to you?"

Sebastian leaned his head on his right fist, his gaze oozing contempt as he studied Lux with a sense of disdain. "Do you really think I'm here solely because of Conrad, Lux?"

What? Lux struggled to grasp the meaning behind Sebastian's words, confusion and battling with his growing fear.

"I've been planning to kill you for a while, you know why?" Sebastian added, his voice slow and deliberate, each word dripping with malice.

A dry lump formed in Lux's throat as a chill crept through him. "W-why?" he managed to ask, the word barely a whisper, but the weight of the question hung heavily in the air between them.

Sebastian held up one finger, his gaze piercing as he leaned forward slightly. "First, your lust for my wife."

Huh? Lux widened his eyes in disbelief as Sebastian elaborated. "As sneaky as you think you are, you've never properly hidden how you fancy Acier. It's actually small talk at many noble gatherings, where it seemed everyone but you were aware. No one would dare slip up in front of the Lux Kira, that they are aware of the source of your wet dreams."

"Naturally, my wife knows as well. I'll be sure to inform her of your good riddance. I've toyed with that woman my entire life, but even I never dared to tease her with you. The sheer disgust on her face whenever she was in your presence, or even if your name was mentioned, was enough for even me to know my limits."

Lux began to cough up blood, but Sebastian unperturbed, remained indifferent as he raised another finger. "Two, you dared to covet my House and my son."

This accusation didn't need an explanation. House Kira had never hidden its greed for House Silva, and the hundreds of marriage offers for Nozel had all come from them or proud vassals of House Kira.

Sebastian then raised a third finger. "Finally, you've repetitively targeted me."

He knows? Lux's eyes widened in incomprehension as he cried tears of blood, his skin taking on a ghastly purple hue. He began to itch himself desperately, fighting against the poison coursing through his veins.

Sebastian recalled a particular marriage proposal from four days ago, a smirk forming on his lips. "Originally, I thought that was from Augustus…" he began slowly, a chuckle escaping him. "...But then I remembered there's no way that fat lazy pig would ever bother to write an offer himself. You did a decent job imitating his handwriting. I had to dig up some old files to find a letter I knew was actually written by him, and compare. They were pretty close, which is why I didn't notice at first. But once I compared them closely, there were obvious differences. The way those I's were dotted and T's dashed was reminiscent of another Kira."

Sebastian shot Lux a smug grin that made him pant in horror.

Sebastian scratched his head, laughter bubbling to the surface. "Let me guess your plan. You offered me a daughter of House Kira, hoping I would accept. With the pillar of my family dying, you thought it was obvious I would because the only way for House Silva to retain power and influence after Acier passed was to tie ourselves to House Kira. You wanted me to accept, and then you would declare to the world that Sebastian Silva didn't even have the decency to wait for his wife's death, thoroughly ruining my reputation."

"I would then undoubtedly be stripped of my power, divorced, and kicked from House Silva. You could swoop in to save a dying Acier Silva with your light magic, win her heart and loyalty, and marry the woman of your fantasies. Oh, and take House Silva for yourself as an added bonus."

"How am I doing so far?" Sebastian looked down coldly at Lux, who lay on the oakwood floor, belly down, retching and reaching out his hand toward him.

But Sebastian didn't care; he continued to speak, almost to himself. "However, to your puzzlement, you never received a response. You couldn't afford to wait much longer because Acier is on death's door. So when you heard Alfred was snooping around for you, you started plotting again."

"You invited me to join your group and become part of this operation. Then you would purposely leave traces that would track back to me, which no one would doubt because it's well-known that Sebastian Silva despises Conrad Leto and everything he stands for. No one would doubt it, and I probably wouldn't even get a fair trial because you control the courtroom. I'd be executed before I could confess anything and at least bring you down with me."

"Afterwards, a helpless House Silva, with its greatest military strength dying and its patriarch was gone, would have to give you what you wanted to survive: Acier Silva. Even if she weren't willing, to protect her children, she'd have to marry you."

Sebastian then nodded, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked down at Lux, who panted and began to crawl toward him. "It was a good plan, Lux, though I'm sorry to say Acier is beyond saving. It'd be a waste of effort. Nozel would probably marry a girl from House Vermillion and be done with everything."

Lux slumped heavily on the floor, struggling against the weight of despair and the poison coursing through his veins. "You'll… never… get… away… with… this," he gasped, each word a monumental effort.

Sebastian smiled, an expression that oozed confidence and triumph. "Oh, I think I will… isn't that right…" He tilted his head back, looking past Alfred to a figure standing in the shadows.

A short, pale-skinned boy with short, black hair combed back, save for one lock that hung down over the center of his forehead, stepped forward. He bore a small black dot just below his lower lip and above his chin, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. His long-sleeved green robe flared out at the collar, and over this, he wore a white stole adorned with a clover shape on the back. Beneath, a pair of black boots completed his enigmatic look. He observed the unfolding scene with an emotionless demeanor as if it were all just a passing spectacle in someone else's life.

"...Damnatio?" Sebastian prompted, his broad smile betraying a sense of satisfaction as the boy stepped out from the shadows, his movements deliberate and calm. Damnatio Kira lowered his head to look at his dying father, his expression inscrutable. No one knew what thoughts swirled in his mind, what emotions flickered behind those cold, dark eyes.

Author's Notes:

[1] In the work, Damnatio's father is unnamed, we only know he did something to cause Damnatio to judge him, well let's fill that plot point here

[2] Another unnamed or shown character in the work. All we know is that Salim's father's influence let him get away with many things. Salim's name was Veriol in the OG one-shot, so I'm giving that name to his father

[3] Another unnamed OC, father of Xerx Lugner, vice-captain of the Purple Orcas. His son is a totally indifferent cold-hearted bastard, so his father should be similar

[4] The official English translated name is White Serpent, so I'm changing the name from White Snake

[5] Should I change Richita's name to Lichita? The official Viz Translation. I used Richita before because it's the Romanji, but Lichita sounds more German, and I think represents the significance of the 'L' in Liebe's name. What do you think?


Kapitel 18: You're Evil (2)

Damnatio, with his cold, emotionless gaze, stared down at Lux Kira. His father lay face down on the oakwood floor, panting heavily as he clung to life. Bones from Veriol Haphass and Zyrex Lugner were strewn across the floorboards, making the scene look straight out of a horror show.

Sweat and bloody grime seeped from Lux's pores as his skin took on a sickly purple hue, his veins bulging a nauseating green. Desperately, he fought to keep the cursed poison at bay with his light magic, his mind barely able to focus on his surroundings. But even in his state, he couldn't miss his son's entrance. A flicker of hope sparked within him, a lifeline he had to grasp if he wanted to survive.

With his face pressed against the floor, he managed to rasp out a plea. "Damnatio… son… p-please… save… m-me…"

But Damnatio didn't rush to his father's aid. Instead, he observed him closely, like an audience member at a theater, silently judging as if he were just a spectator who couldn't interfere. His face showed no sign of concern or eagerness, only cold indifference—his thoughts and feelings hidden, unreadable.

Sebastian sat nearby in a wooden chair, watching the father-son pair with a calm smile, clearly eager to see Damnatio's decision, showing no intention to step in.

Behind his master, Alfred stood stoically, his hand twitching towards his satchel where his grimoire lay. He weighed the thought of stopping Damnatio from aiding the man who had so openly lusted after the House he served and its matriarch. But he held back, recalling his master's words as they came here: No matter what Damnatio does, do not interfere unless he makes a move against us.

As if reaching a silent decision, Damnatio's grimoire floated out of his satchel and hovered beside him, pages flipping open with purpose. He raised his right arm, fingers positioned as if holding an invisible object. Gradually, a copper ring formed between his fingers, extending downward to manifest into an ornate, antique brass scale.

The empty scales balanced themselves with a faint hum, evening out as Damnatio activated his spell. A glowing light radiated from the scales, enveloping Lux in a shimmering aura that seemed to pulse with each beat of his weakened heart. Within seconds, the chaotic poison ravaging Lux's insides weakened, his own light magic beginning to tip the balance. The two opposing forces stabilized, caught in an agonizing equilibrium that left Lux suspended between life and death.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed. This must be Scale Regulate.

Lux coughed, his skin regaining a pale but healthier shade as his veins receded from their sickly bulge. Slowly, he rolled over onto his back, his bloodshot eyes focusing on his son through a haze. "T-thank you… Damnatio," he whispered, a breath of genuine gratitude escaping his lips.

Damnatio, however, offered no reply. His expression remained unreadable, eyes cold as he continued to observe his father's weakened form with the same detached scrutiny as before, as though his father's life held no more importance to him than the quieting scales in his grasp.

A heavy silence hung over the room, broken only by the ragged sound of Lux's coughing as his chest heaved with each strained breath. After a long moment, still too weak to rise, he gave his son an imperious command. "Damnatio… kill this traitor!" He gestured weakly toward Sebastian, who observed the scene with an unchanging, faint smile. "This heretic committed regicide, killing two noble lords, and tried to end my life—a royal's life. The punishment is death. The cruelest death imaginable."

Lux's eyes flicked from his son to Sebastian, then to the satchel hanging at Sebastian's side. "But first… restrain him," he added, desperation thick in his voice. "He has the antidote, I know it." Lux feared that any immediate conflict would risk destroying the only remedy to his condition.

Damnatio offered no response, only turning his head to look at Sebastian with those same cold, unreadable eyes.

Sebastian's smile widened as he reached into his satchel and withdrew a small glass bottle sealed with a cork stopper. Inside was a light green liquid that caught the dim light, seeming almost to glow. Holding the bottle out in his palm, he said with an air of nonchalance, "Given the limited preparation time, there's only this small amount. But it's enough to save one life. Use it wisely."

Behind him, Alfred extended a hand, and the bottle became encased in a soft gray aura before it levitated from Sebastian's palm, floating smoothly toward Damnatio, who caught it with a deliberate, careful motion.

Lux, still sprawled on the floor, watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, suspicion gnawing at him. Why would they hand over the antidote so easily? he wondered, his thoughts racing. Does Sebastian fear my son's strength? Or perhaps he's wary of witnesses? Convinced that Sebastian was betting on mercy to avoid a swift end, Lux felt a grim satisfaction bloom in his chest. For once, it seemed his assailants' resolve was faltering.

Lux Kira sneered, scoffing bitterly. "Hah, you fool! You're already finished—death will be a small mercy for you! Your crimes are unforgivable—"

"Lux Kira." Lux stopped mid-rant, staring up in bewilderment at his son. Damnatio's voice was flat, void of any warmth, addressing him by name rather than with any familial title.

"Son?" Lux's voice wavered, confused by the sudden coldness in his son's tone.

"You may address me as Damnatio Kira," Damnatio replied, brushing off the familiar address. He gestured to his attire. "I'm here as a representative of the Clover Kingdom's Magic Parliament, to enact judgment—not as your son."

Lux looked puzzled, his mind racing. But, knowing his son's pragmatic nature, he forced himself to set aside the chilling formalities, latching onto the question that bothered him most. "O-on me? By whose order?"

"By mine." Lux's gaze snapped to Alfred Pennyworth, who stood behind Sebastian, finally breaking his silence.

Alfred straightened, his posture rigid as he elaborated calmly. "As per my lord's instructions, I was to report the whereabouts of any royalist or extremist factions targeting Conrad Leto or his loved ones. That tip was to go directly to Damnatio Kira—anonymously, and immediately."

Sebastian, watching with quiet satisfaction, nodded. "Even before reporting to me."

So, they're aligned. Lux glanced between his son and the "half-breed filth," his eyes darkening in disbelief. But his conviction held firm. This changes nothing. I was the target—justice is on my side.

"The one you should be judging is him, Damnatio!" Lux's hand trembled as he pointed at Sebastian, still seated calmly in his chair. "He poisoned Sir Haphass and Sir Lugner, and he even dared to attempt it on me, the head of the Royal Family!"

"Spare me the slanderous drivel, Lord Kira," Damnatio replied without a flicker of emotion. "Lying to a member of parliament during an official trial is high treason. Even royalty cannot escape such charges."

"W-what do you mean, Damnatio?!" Lux stammered, a hint of panic in his eyes, though he'd never admit to any misdeeds. "How dare you insinuate I'd stoop to such things! I am the Patriarch of House Kira, and you will grant me the respect and courtesy I am due, boy—"

Damnatio cut him off sharply. "Lord Kira, Mr. Pennyworth notified me of this location earlier. I arrived nearly twenty minutes before Lord Silva. Plenty of time to hear you… boasting of your plans to the two traitors."

He was here the whole time. Lux's mind spun as he tried to piece together what Damnatio's early arrival meant. Why didn't I notice? And why didn't Sebastian expose him sooner? He glanced at Sebastian's smug expression, the pieces finally clicking into place.

Sebastian arranged for Damnatio to arrive early to clear himself, Lux realized. If Damnatio had walked in on him poisoning us, he'd look guilty as sin. But… if he saw everything from the start? Watched me and those two fools sneer at Conrad, Lovilia, and the White Serpent? Watched me lay out my master plan? If he saw us drink and agree to those 'reforms'? Lux's heart pounded. Then Sebastian wouldn't be a murderer—he'd be a hero.

Lux's eyes widened as he looked back at Sebastian, recognizing the expression he'd missed before mockery. This bastard has been playing me from the start!

He couldn't accept it. No… if that's true, then I'm royally screwed. Lux's hand trembled as he pointed at Damnatio, desperation lacing his words. "H-how slanderous! You dare defame my good name?! Where is your proof?! I am Lord Kira, second only to His Majesty in the Clover Kingdom! 'He said, she said' is no grounds for judgment! Now, hand over the antidote, and I might just overlook your insolence—"

Once again, Damnatio cut him off, this time with a heavy, dramatic sigh, one of sheer exasperation. How low does this man think of me? Without a word, he reached into his satchel and retrieved a small object: a pocket mirror encased in rough metal. Calmly, he flipped it open to reveal a crystal glowing within.

The crystal pulsed as Damnatio raised it, its light casting an eerie glow over Lux's ashen face.

"Do you know what this is?" Damnatio's cold voice cut through the room as he held up the mysterious device, not really expecting an answer.

Everyone's attention fixed on the strange object, curiosity flickering in their eyes, but Damnatio went on before anyone could guess. "It's a communication magic tool, custom-made by House Francois. It utilizes memory magic capable of recording and replaying past events. It's been invaluable for gathering evidence on countless cases."

We have portable video cameras in this world? Sebastian thought to himself, surprised. Black Clover's tech standards are medieval, but every now and then you find advanced gadgets, like the ones in Morris' labs in the Diamond Kingdom, or Branch Zero's research lab. Still, this is next-level.

Lux Kira's heart sank as Damnatio activated the device. The crystal glowed, then began to project a scene from earlier. The view came from Damnatio's perspective, showing Lux seated with Veriol and Zyrex around a table, laying out his plan in sinister detail.

"The White Serpent has been alerted to the appearance of a dungeon near the border of the forsaken realm," Lux's voice echoed in the air. "Little do they know it's a trap—my family cleaned that place out decades ago. I hired trap mages to reactivate it, rigging the dungeon with arrays that'll tear their team apart. And to finish off any stragglers, I paid off one of Diamond's Eight Shining Generals. All for some riches and a few new test subjects."

Before the incriminating scene could finish, Damnatio snapped the device shut and tucked it back into his satchel. Looking down at Lux with the same cold indifference, he asked, "Do I need to continue, or will you accept this evidence? Or should I present it to Lord Conrad and let him decide your fate?"

Lux bit his lip in frustration, drawing blood, his eyes reddening as he hoarsely spat, "Damnatio… I'm your father!"

"Yes, you are." Damnatio shook his head, unbothered. "But what does that have to do with anything? Mixing work and personal matters is unprofessional—and unbecoming of royalty. Or have you forgotten? You told me that yourself, Lord Kira."

Sebastian, observing with newfound interest, fought the urge to clap. Damn, kid, I'm really starting to like you. Keep going.

Lux's fists clenched, nails digging into the floorboards hard enough to draw blood as he forced himself to calm down. "Damnatio… if this is about your mother—"

"Lord Kira." Damnatio's voice, once coolly indifferent, now carried a biting edge. His brows knit in distaste as he continued, "As I said, I'm here as a representative of the Magic Parliament, not as a member of House Kira, nor as your son. I won't allow personal feelings or vendettas to cloud my judgment. So if you're done making a fool of yourself, kindly present your case, so I can pass my verdict."

At the mention of Damnatio's mother, Sebastian raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering. Strange, he mused. There's nothing in my memory that stands out about his mother. I know Damnatio got his looks from his father—well, aside from his hair—and everything else, from his magic to his attitude, from her. But there's no record of any divorce or death. So… what happened?

Sebastian filed it away in his mind as an oddity. His predecessor had known every twist and turn of the aristocracy; surely, he'd have noted any drama between the Kira head, his wife, and his son. Guess that's something to dig into another time.

Lux gritted his teeth, sighing with the resignation of a man who knew his only path to survival lay in persuading his son of his innocence. "Very well, Damnatio Kira," Lux nodded, his gaze fixed on his son. "I admit I conspired against Conrad Leto's loved ones."

Sebastian's smile grew, sensing where Lux might be headed with this.

"But!" Lux continued, "that is no crime, as everything I did—and everything I do—is for the sake of the Clover Kingdom!"

Damnatio's expression remained unreadable as he nodded, giving Lux a simple command. "Explain."

Lux exhaled in relief. As long as there's room to talk, I can twist the truth. Pointing to Sebastian, Lux began, "Even if Lord Silva's speech was a ploy to make me and my compatriots drop our guard, nothing he said was a lie! If we allow peasants and commoners to rise through the ranks and aspire to be more than what they are, they will inevitably lose their patience and bare their fangs at us—the nobility! The hands that feed them!"

"We can't let the Magic Knights or any noble position be polluted by this trash any longer, because giving them ambitions, goals, and dreams only stokes the fire. Once that fire's lit, they'll do whatever it takes to make those dreams real, and we nobles will be the ones to pay the bloody price!"

He gestured passionately, "The only way to stop this—and to crush their hopes entirely—is by taking away their symbols like the White Serpent, a squad led by a peasant and filled with commoners and minor nobles!"

"It's not just them!" Lux spread his arms wide, impassioned. "We must also get rid of their supporters and defenders—Conrad Leto, Julius Novachrono, House Vermillion, and…" He narrowed his eyes at Sebastian, "House Silva!"

"It's the only way to restore peace and order in Clover! We can't end up like the Spade Kingdom, can we? They've shut their borders, but any fool with a brain knows there was a coup! Loyce was a bleeding-heart fool. Give those lowborn trash an inch, and they'll take a mile!"

Sebastian nodded to himself. You're right, Lux. Distinguishing hierarchy is essential for any lasting organization. Attempting to bridge that gap often breeds arrogance and insubordination. But your one fatal flaw? You forgot your own place in all this. Watching Damnatio intently, Sebastian waited for the young judge to make his decision.

Damnatio's balance scales began to shift. On the right side, "nobility" and Lux's name were inscribed, while on the left side, "peasants" and "commoners" appeared, slowly weighing down the left scale.

"You are correct, Lord Kira." Damnatio nodded, and the right side sank heavily, appearing to outweigh the left like a seesaw. "The value that nobility and royalty bring to the Clover Kingdom is indeed far greater than that of the lower classes. After all, it is the nobility that governs this kingdom, defends it from external threats, and quells internal conflicts. We enact reforms, fund schools and churches, build roads, and distribute rations during hard winters and famines. Nobles are meant to uphold justice; if commoners and peasants stand against them, it implies those commoners are in the wrong."

Lux's face began to twist into a smug smile—until Damnatio shattered it with a single stroke. "But, Lord Kira, your conflict does not lie solely with the commoners and peasants." The name Conrad Leto etched itself onto the left scale, and in an instant, the scales balanced.

Lux's smile froze as Damnatio continued. "The worth and influence of the Wizard King, especially one as formidable as Lord Conrad, is practically immeasurable. He is the very force that deters Diamond from embarking on full-scale invasions, choosing instead to skirmish along our borders. His power alone maintains balance among the four nations, ensuring none dare overstep Clover."

Damnatio's tone sharpened, piercing through Lux's rising panic. "And now you want to conspire against him? To throw him into despair?" His voice turned accusing. "Are you out of your mind, Lord Kira? Lord Conrad may be idealistic, but he is no fool. If you attempt to harm those dear to him, he will discover the source. His loyalty to his squad and his wife runs deep, and if provoked, he could very well turn his power against the kingdom itself. With the Steel Princess weakened, many of our elite knights close to retirement, and Julius Novachrono—a close friend of his—where will you find someone willing, or even able, to stop him?"

Lux's pupils dilated as the scale tipped further in favor of the left side, teetering toward condemnation. But Damnatio was not finished.

"It isn't just Conrad you oppose," Damnatio went on, his voice low and unforgiving. "You are challenging House Vermillion, House Silva, our undeniable future Wizard King, Julius Novachrono, and all their vassals and supporters—the very people who will shape the future of this nation."

Lux watched in despair as the scales swung heavily in favor of the left side. The realization struck him like a dagger—what worth could a single royal house hold against two formidable lineages? House Kira's strength lay in politics alone, while House Vermillion and House Silva boasted generations of magic knights and warriors. And under Sebastian Silva's reign, their influence in the royal palace had grown immensely.

In all the years Lux had scoffed at the so-called righteous ingrates like Leto and Novachrono, he had failed to grasp what they truly represented: strength. Unimaginable strength. It wasn't just their magical prowess; it was the loyalty they inspired in their followers. People were drawn to them, willing to sacrifice much to support their ideals.

I just never thought my son was one of them, Lux Kira thought bitterly, letting out a hollow chuckle that echoed in the silence of the room.

Damnatio's gaze remained cold as he looked down at his father, his voice steady and resolute. "Lord Kira, everyone has a place in this world. As the patriarch of a royal house, your position is very high, second only to the king. But the Wizard King is still a king, and opposing him signifies only one thing: you're evil. Therefore, I find you guilty of treason."

Lux's pupils widened in horror, desperation flooding his veins. "W-wait, Damnatio! I demand a retrial, under his majesty's gaze—"

But Damnatio was unwavering. He shook his head, his expression unyielding. "Just know this, Lord Kira. You are not condemned today for conspiring with a neighboring power or for selling our citizens and national secrets. Nor for your other crimes—bribery, rape, coercion, slavery, human experimentation, debauchery, and theft among many others. No, your death here is for one reason only: for opposing a superior. In your next life, remember that only a king can look down on all, and regardless of your fantasies, you are no king."

"D-Damnatio, you still need me! You've only heard my plans; you still require the finer details! Spare me!" Lux's voice rose in desperation as he attempted to stand, to reach for his son, but the words fell on deaf ears.

In response, Damnatio simply raised the antidote, Lux's last hope shattering before his eyes. The glass bottle containing the precious liquid splintered into a thousand pieces, and the antidote itself seeped through the floorboards, lost forever. No one would even have the chance to lick it clean, and with it, Lux's hopes of survival slipped away like grains of sand.

Damnatio was done here. "Scale Regulate." He uttered the incantation with an indifferent tone, and as he did, the stalemate between the Light and Poison within Lux's body shattered. The poison, regaining the upper hand, surged forward, spreading rapidly through Lux's veins. To make matters worse, Damnatio's magic suppressed Lux's mana, rendering him unable to resist this time.

"Ahhh!" Lux screamed in horror as his body contorted, turning a ghastly shade of purple. His veins bulged with a sickly green hue, and in mere moments, he began to melt from the inside out, reduced to nothing more than a handful of rotten bones.

Clap. Clap. Clap. Damnatio turned silently, meeting the gaze of Sebastian Silva, who sat leisurely on a wooden chair, offering a round of applause. He looked every bit regal and unbothered, as if this was merely another day at court.

Damnatio studied Sebastian's impassive expression for a moment before the scales of judgment dematerialized, and his grimoire floated back to his side. With a voice that remained emotionless, he questioned the Silva patriarch, "Do you find this amusing? An act of patricide against one of your worst enemies?"

Damnatio knew of his father's jealousy toward Sebastian Silva, the same Sebastian who had tried to carve a path for himself within the royal palace, only to be met with resistance from Lux Kira. The rumors of Sebastian's treatment of his own family were no secret; if he could turn against his own blood, Damnatio had no doubt he felt little affection for his father.

Given all this, Damnatio expected Sebastian to gloat, to wear a triumphant grin. Instead, he watched as Sebastian shook his head, his tone surprisingly earnest as he spoke. "I'm not here to mock you, Damnatio, or should I say Lord Kira now. I'm just praising your fairness. I knew you were trustworthy."

Damnatio raised an eyebrow, puzzled. He scrutinized Sebastian's face, searching for any hint of deceit, but found none.

Sebastian wasn't lying. The whole reason he had ordered Alfred from day one to seek out Damnatio for this task was because he had complete faith in his judgment. In the original work, Damnatio was introduced as a man with zero tolerance for crime, so much so that he was willing to try his own father. He was a figure devoid of mercy or compassion, more inclined to condemn a multitude of innocents than risk allowing evil to slip through his fingers.

This unwavering sense of justice led to misunderstandings. Take the time he wanted to make Asta the scapegoat for the Elf Invasion. Was he wrong for considering that? Morally? Ethically? Absolutely. But practically, politically, from the viewpoint of a government? No.

At that point, Asta was just a brat—barely known outside the ranks of the Magic Knights and, to make matters worse, possessed by a devil. It wasn't a secret that a devil had orchestrated the entire catastrophe. For a kingdom like Clover, which showed no mercy to such heretics, who else but Asta could be blamed? Someone had to bear the weight of the public's ire.

As for the actual perpetrators? The mastermind behind it all was dead, and the elves had fled to Elysia. William Vengeance might have been a candidate for blame, but that was out of the question—he was next in line to become Wizard King, already adored by the populace. In a kingdom struggling to hold onto its morale post-invasion, the revelation that one of their beloved heroes was a traitor could spell disaster.

What about the other options? Sure, countless citizens had been reincarnated as elves, including four Magic Knight captains. Choosing Asta over those esteemed powers would have seemed ludicrous. In that sense, Asta could easily be viewed as the embodiment of evil.

Does that suck? Yes. Does it leave a bitter taste in one's mouth? Absolutely. Do I understand why such decisions are made? Yes. Do I condone that choice? No. But that's the harsh reality of the world we inhabit—where individuals are sacrificed and thrown under the bus for the greater good or the benefit of the majority.

Damnatio Kira is misunderstood because he is a paradox. He is cruel and merciless, precisely because he is fair, logical, and impartial.

It is this personality trait that gives him the ability to make such decisive choices, and it's why Sebastian has faith in him. He knows that with Damnatio's cold-hearted logic, the value of the Kira patriarch and the whims of two minor noble houses forming a pathetic excuse for a royalist faction couldn't outweigh such an overwhelming majority.

Truthfully, Conrad's existence alone would be enough for someone like Damnatio to make the same choice, but the backing of powerful entities like House Vermillion and Julius Novachrono serves as the icing on the cake.

Damnatio Kira always sides with the higher authority because they possess more power, and if something were to happen to them, the Kingdom would face a greater loss. It was crystal clear which side represented the higher power here, so Damnatio had already made up his mind about the action he would take.

He probably just gave Lux one last chance to defend himself, to uphold his honor and beliefs as a member of the Magic Parliament. Yes, for that and only that—certainly not out of pity or familial love. For Damnatio Kira, like most nobles, prioritizes their work, positions, and the well-being of the kingdom above all else. Especially over something as fickle as love.

In the aristocracy, love is practically a stranger. Houses like Vermillion are rare exceptions. Nobles do not treasure one another through love; they measure worth. And the worth of the Wizard King, his successor, and two royal houses is astronomical.

Sebastian looked at Damnatio and opened his mouth to speak. "Conrad can never know of this; you're aware of that, right?"

Damnatio nodded indifferently. "Of course. I'm no fool. Knowing that the patriarch of the ruling family plotted against your loved ones wouldn't instill eagerness in most to continue serving a nation, and I doubt Conrad would be an exception."

It's nice talking to smart people. Sebastian sighed in relief before continuing. "So? How are you planning on handling this?"

Damnatio paused for a moment, deep in thought. "Father raised me as his successor; taking over as the master of House Kira wouldn't be difficult. Unlike House Vermillion and House Silva, we have a much clearer hierarchy—no branch family would dare compete with me for the position."

Sebastian shook his head. "I'm well aware, but that's not what I'm talking about. How are you going to declare your father's death?"

Damnatio spoke indifferently. "I don't have to. If I say he died, he died. No one would dare ask why. Usurping power is just another day in the life of nobility. Even Uncle would be pleased. Father has shown greed for his position many times; Uncle has long been looking into ways to get rid of him. I won't have to do anything; Uncle will sweep all rumors under the rug and appoint me as Patriarch. He wouldn't even ask himself—he could care less. All that matters to him is that Lux Kira is dead, and it will be years before anyone can threaten his seat on the throne again. Especially because there has yet to be another Light Mage in House Kira."

That fat pig has some use after all. Sebastian scratched his cheek before nodding in understanding.

The succession of the Clover Kingdom is a bit strange; after the Silvamillion family broke up into three households to honor the first Wizard King, it became an unspoken rule that the King must possess Light Magic. Only then would they be deemed worthy of inheriting Lemiel's legacy.

Light represents holiness and purity; naturally, anyone with such magic is considered to embody those characteristics. Only such a person is worthy to sit on the throne and receive the last name of Clover.

"As for the Haphass and Lugner Houses…" Damnatio narrowed his eyes at their remains in consideration. "The rot starts from the top. If their leaders are like this, I have little doubt about what kind of people these Houses are. I will investigate their situations covertly; if it's not as bad as I think, I can consider leaving behind a bloodline. But regardless, there will no longer be nobility that goes by these names in the Clover Kingdom."

Very thorough. Sebastian wanted to give Damnatio a thumbs up but thought better of it. If this were modern society and Sebastian was a teacher, he really wouldn't resist giving Damnatio a gold star.

"And what of the actual trap?" Sebastian moved on to what he was truly curious about.

Damnatio answered calmly. "Naturally, as my father's successor, I have access to the same network as him. I'm well aware of the location of the dungeon he's referring to and the identities of those trap wizards he hired. I'll order them to go back and disarm all the traps again. Trust me, they won't dare say no."

Sebastian nodded, then moved on. "There's still that general to consider, and he might bring some men to ambush the White Serpent."

Damnatio paused and considered. "I'll try to get in touch with him and tell him the deal's off. He can still come if he wants to be met with an army of magic knights. If I'm unable to, then we can only put faith in the capabilities of the White Serpent. For commoners… and a peasant, their abilities are the real deal. They are the kingdom's number one current squad right now for a reason."

"They can deal with one general and some thugs. Moreover, the general was hired to finish off a few survivors; he probably wouldn't dare act when he discovers they all survived the dungeon."

Sebastian didn't nod but instead smiled, thinking of something. Well, I've been looking for a chance to test out my strength secretly… this is it.

Sebastian looked up at the boy. "Damnatio?"

"Hmm?" Damnatio looked towards Sebastian, wondering what now.

Sebastian smiled and responded, "Tell me where that dungeon is. I'll deal with him."

"Just you?" Damnatio asked incredulously, letting a rare amount of emotion show. Which wasn't really wrong, considering that Sebastian Silva, a support mage, just offered to fight an equivalent of a Clover Kingdom captain.

Sebastian could feel Alfred giving him a similar look from behind.

"Of course not!" Sebastian shook his head. Even though in the original work, the eight shining generals were fodder, they were still said to be captain-level. He didn't have a suicide wish for his first battle in this life. He just wanted to test his strength to get an idea of where he stood in this world, not risk anything. There was no need for that just yet.

"You'll help me." Sebastian pointed to Damnatio, who raised a brow.

Before Damnatio could reject him outright, Sebastian continued, "I'll be doing the fighting; you'll just be hiding as support and regulating that guy's magic whenever he fights back."

An awkward silence engulfed the room.

Alfred studied his master's back, thinking deeply. Sir, if you want a punching bag to vent your stress, I can find someone. You don't have to risk it against an actual threat.

How cowardly. Damnatio Kira did his best to hide that thought as he was just about to reject Sebastian.

But Sebastian didn't let him. "It's a good chance to cripple some of Diamond's strength and make them more obedient. They probably won't dare to attack the borders for a while after we succeed. Come on… think of the worth." Sebastian persuaded Damnatio like a businessman.

Damnatio Kira was conflicted; he knew that this was ridiculous. None of them were fighters, and this should be laughable—a death wish. But he also knew Sebastian Silva never did anything without 100% certainty, and he really didn't look like someone marching to his death.

So Damnatio sighed, rubbed his brows, and nodded. "Alright. I'll relay the location to Alfred and meet you there, three nights from now."

Sebastian smiled slightly. "Good decision," he then held out his hand. "To a future partnership."

Damnatio looked at him blankly and spoke. "I just watched what happened to your last partners; I don't dare to shake your hand."

Sebastian withdrew his hand and hid his sheepish expression. Clearing his throat, he then looked past Damnatio to Lux's bones.

"Are you sure that was alright? He may have still been hiding some important information," Sebastian questioned calmly.

Damnatio shook his head. "I don't doubt it, but the danger a maniac like him poses to the kingdom while alive is far greater. Additionally, he is a light mage, known for his speed. As long as he has a window of opportunity, he can escape from our grasp. Using his connections and knowledge, it wouldn't be impossible for him to lie low, biding his time, or even take refuge in an enemy power to seek revenge. It is illogical to place my faith in magic-restraining technology or other abilities to detain him, so the logical choice is to eliminate him."

Logical, huh? Sebastian felt a bit wistful. Damnatio, Nozel, and this original body were so similar in that way—cold and calculating. I really wonder what environment gave rise to people like Lemiel, House Vermillion, Acier, and Noelle. Where did all that compassion come from?

Damnatio looked towards Sebastian. "You should be leaving now."

"Why?" Sebastian asked with interest.

"Because I will be having people come here to clean up the scene and coordinate to deal with these three subordinates. You don't want your involvement to be known, right? So it would be wise of you to leave."

Smart people really do make things easier. If only Nozel were half as witted as you. For an emotionless guy, you're pretty sensitive to others' feelings, or maybe you dissect emotions like you do with everything—through logic.

With a sigh, Sebastian stood up from his chair. "Well, see you around, Lord Kira." Without a word, he walked past Alfred, who bowed to Damnatio, and began to follow Sebastian out of the house.

As they reached the living room, Sebastian heard a call from behind. "Lord Silva?"

"Hmm?" Sebastian turned to see Damnatio looking at him, furrowing his brows slightly, clearly hesitant to say something.

Sebastian watched him stoically before Damnatio locked his gaze and opened his mouth. "Is Lady Acier truly done for?"

Oh? Sebastian felt a slight smile tugging at his lips. Of all the things I thought he was going to ask, this wasn't it.

Sebastian studied Damnatio closer. The bad thing about smart people is that they're a bit too perceptive. Did he call my bluff when I dismissed Acier so easily during my talks with those three? What should I tell him…?

For anyone else, Damnatio Kira was someone you wanted to avoid like a plague. But for a high-ranking royal like Sebastian Silva, Damnatio would always treat him as the side of justice and never screw him over unless he did something extreme like his father and caused him to be in opposition to many of the kingdom's highest powers.

Therefore… Damnatio is one of the most reliable allies I could ask for. It wouldn't hurt to bring him into my circle. Sebastian's smile widened, and he gave a one-word answer. "No."

Without awaiting a response or studying Damnatio's reaction, he turned away and walked out the door.

Stepping off the porch, the beautiful scenery returned to that of the neglected, abandoned land, as Sebastian and Alfred were once again under the effects of the illusion barrier.

"Alfred?" Sebastian questioned as the two stepped onto his materializing water eagle.

"Yes, master?" Alfred answered, standing obediently behind his master as the eagle began to steadily fly them back to the capital.

Without looking back at his butler, Sebastian ordered, "Tell me everything you know of Elara Kira."[1]

Omake:

Veriol looked to the center of the table. "Lord Kira, what will we do, if Conrad finds out it was us?"

"Hmm... good question," Lux said, taking another puff of his pipe, as he gathered his thoughts. "If Conrad has the Imperial Sword... things might get a little tough..."

Zyrex crossed his arms, frowning. "But would we be in trouble?"

You would. Lux rolled his eyes. As for me. "Nah, I'd escape." Lux gave a confident smirk as he looked ahead, unphased.

The declaration of the fastest.

Author's Note:

[1] Another OC, Damnatio's mother.


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