Bab 279: [Chapter 279] They say even corpses are useful
Several years passed again.
The Elandria family expanded its power tremendously with Neris's help. The Wells family, which had been unstoppable in this timeline, became the most prominent of the Empire's three major trading companies, and they provided the Duke Elandria's family with a great deal of influence and money.
The Imperial family also gained considerable strength. In the palace, the Crown Princess, who had been the object of ridicule for being completely overshadowed by her mistress, became a topic of conversation for her competence in diplomacy. The grumpy Duchess Mariah transferred a vast fortune to the Imperial family for her granddaughter-in-law, and Princess Camille devoured those around her like a wolf.
Neris's classmates, except for Diane McKinnon, who was rumored to be dead, all successfully debuted in society and established their own positions. All of them had the help of Megara Ricandelos, the woman most beloved by the Crown Prince. In particular, Angarad Nine, Rianon Berta, Alecto Islani, and Idalia Kendall, who had been good at pleasing Megara during their school days, lived lives that were enviable to everyone.
Meanwhile, Cledwin had further strengthened his power in Meindlandt. The people of the duchy bowed their heads sincerely to their lord, who handled everything skillfully, as if he knew the future.
Ren Fayel, who was rumored to have died of Pezalcho poisoning outside, was able to fully utilize his abilities in the duchy. And the genius merchants of the McKinnon family, who were also rumored to be dead outside, were also exerting their full strength.
And the Elandria family declared independence.
The justification was the three heroes. It was unfair that the descendant of the same hero, Bisto, was the Emperor, while the descendant of Elandria was just a nobleman. It was a ridiculous joke to those who knew the truth, but people took the complaint more seriously than expected. The Elandria family already had real power. They were already a stronger force than many independent kingdoms.
The Imperial family probably wanted to reveal that the current Elandria family was not a descendant of the true hero, but a descendant of a con artist they had raised. But since Nellusion had married Bridget, the Pope's daughter, and already had the support of many foreign countries, it was better for them not to bring up the truth of the distant past, which could be a double-edged sword.
A tedious and vague exchange, yet filled with genuine animosity, passed beneath the surface in an instant. Having decided that it was too difficult to reabsorb the Duke Elandria's family at this point, the Imperial family acknowledged the birth of the new kingdom. And they announced a new alliance, claiming to have abandoned their past difficult feelings.
The marriage of Abelus, Crown Prince of the Empire Vista, and Valentin, Princess of the Kingdom of Elandria.
This was also ridiculous. Abelus already had a Crown Princess. But with the Kingdom of Elandria's declaration of independence, everyone seemed to have forgotten the existence of the real Crown Princess, who had been imprisoned as a spy.
"Aren't they bastards?"
Ren, who had settled in the White Swan Castle, commented sharply. Cledwin, who was preparing for his expedition, replied.
"That's an insult to dogs."
"Yes! They pretend to be so noble and great, but what are they doing, sacrificing a girl to get what they want?"
The people of White Swan Castle knew Neris's situation in general, and Ren, who was considered Cledwin's close associate, knew even more. This was because Cledwin often went down to see Neris, and even when he was forced to be away, he received reports on her every move. Ren clicked his tongue, looking at Cledwin's face.
"You're going to save her, right?"
"I want to."
"That's not like you. Why are you using such weak words? You're so confident in everything else."
"I'm confident this time too."
Only confident that he would have to see her die. Ren tilted his head, not understanding Cledwin's words.
"Really? …Well, if you're confident, that's all that matters. Anyway, this time, get that girl. You've liked her since school, haven't you?"
Who would have thought he would hear this from Ren. Cledwin laughed savagely.
"I have to get her. …Let's go."
Meindlandt was now full of talent. Those who should have died in the original timeline were alive and gathered here, within the limits of not invading Neris's memory. Or those who died in Neris's memory also came here, changing their names or leaving behind rumors of their deaths.
All that remained was to raid the wedding feast, which was in full swing.
Cledwin's black cloak billowed slightly in the wind. Those behind him, with solemn faces, followed as he strode away, as if there were no time to waste.
❖ ❖ ❖
The former Crown Princess, imprisoned in the Tower of Prisoners, was undoubtedly unaware of the approaching war.
Cledwin was sure of it, as he had quickly seized control of Duke Tipian's territory, beheaded the Duke, and marched south. The situation, which had been unnatural until Neris was imprisoned, making it difficult to raise an army, had now changed, as no one could stop the Meindlandt army from running wild.
It was easier since he had been here before. Cledwin overwhelmed the Imperial army as easily as twisting a child's arm, and continued his lightning-fast southward advance. And he defeated the combined forces of the Kingdom of Elandria and the Empire of Vista in front of the Imperial City of Pelena.
The Imperial City, which had been in a festive mood, was instantly thrown into chaos. Refugees, fearing slaughter, scattered like ants, but Cledwin didn't even look their way. He was only interested in the Imperial Palace.
"Cledwin Meindlandt!"
Abelus, who had locked the gates of the Imperial Palace and begun a siege of sorts, shouted from atop the wall.
"You traitorous son! You're finally showing your true colors! Do you think you can get away with this to the descendant of the savior of mankind? This continent is all on the side of the Vista family!"
Cledwin didn't reply, but shot an arrow from his crossbow. Abelus turned pale and disappeared inside the wall as the bolt whizzed past his head.
The resistance didn't last long. The Imperial Palace, surrounded by the troops led by Aidan, Hilbrin, and Cledwin, crumbled helplessly as the gates were breached one by one. Cledwin looked down at Abelus, who had been dragged in by his subordinate, Ralph, and asked from atop his horse,
"Where is she?"
"What are you talking about?"
Abelus, the owner of the azure Jewel Heart, was usually unable to be restrained by ropes, so he was tightly bound with magical tools. Cledwin kindly elaborated for Abelus, who asked with a face full of wounded pride.
"My wife."
"How would I know where your wife is!"
"You were lucky in this timeline. I gave you the chance to be her husband, even a guy like you, but you kicked her away. My wife, the most beautiful, intelligent, and kind woman in the world. Neris Tryud, the heir of Elandria Gonestriad."
Abelus only half understood Cledwin's words, but he burst into laughter as if he had understood everything. Then he glared at Cledwin with eyes full of malice.
"You madman, is that it? I heard rumors that you were following that woman around during your academy days, but I didn't believe it. I thought there was no way a self-important guy like you would be interested in that stupid, cunning woman, even a little bit. But it was true? That woman, she was in cahoots with you, not just her own family… Ugh!"
Cledwin dismounted and personally kicked Abelus in the face. Even a strong royal body couldn't withstand a blow with such terrifying power. Looking down at Abelus's bleeding face, Cledwin said coldly,
"You're different from my wife, who couldn't recognize a good woman and foolishly let her go wherever she wanted. She never betrayed you while she was your wife. I know you're a dog who barks whenever you want, but you're noisy. I'll ask again, where is my wife?"
Abelus tried to be stubborn, but he gritted his teeth and opened his mouth when Cledwin put his hand on his sword.
"Your sister! She took her! She said something about corpses being useful or something!"
"Alright. I'll hit you one less time for telling me."
One less time? How many times was he planning to hit him originally? While Abelus was dazed, Cledwin entered the Imperial Palace.
The palace corridors were in a terrible state, with traces of those who had stolen expensive goods and fled, and the aftermath of the fight. Cledwin's pace quickened.
'Corpse.'
Neris in this timeline was dead.
He felt like he was going to throw up. He wanted to wither and die himself. He didn't want her to get even a scratch. But he had to watch her get hurt, suffer, and become ill for so long.
And now he was going to face her corpse.
<Dad, is Mom dead?>
The ball of light asked, sniffling. Cledwin gritted his teeth and said,
"She'll wake up."
<Right? Really?>
"Definitely."
It wasn't meant for the ball of light. He ran like crazy towards the building where the Imperial Investigation Team worked.
If Camille had taken her, saying she was useful, he would know where Neris's body was.
***
As soon as he opened the secret passage, Cledwin knew he had been right.
Light poured out of the room where Palos's eyes were sealed, as if it were going to explode. At the same time, a terrifying killing intent and a sense of oppression dominated the entire passage.
A magical wind whipped around, making it difficult to even take a step. Before shielding his eyes from the blinding light, Cledwin checked on the ball of light clinging to his chest.
"Are you alright?"
The ball of light flickered, like a candle in a strong wind, flaring up and then shrinking suddenly. Cledwin couldn't tell if it was because of emotion or if it was being negatively affected by the magical waves happening now.
A voice, sounding like it was about to cry, came back.
<I'm okay, Dad. What about Mom…?>
Just as Neris in this timeline was dead, Neris in their timeline was alive. They both knew that. But Cledwin understood the ball of light's trembling voice, its bleak and sorrowful heart.
They all cherished the same person. So much so that even the memory of her past injuries was painful to bear.
"You wait outside. I'll go in and check things out."
<I'm scared…>
"See that glowing door over there? I'm just going in and out of there. It'll be fine, so stay here. Don't go anywhere else. Okay?"
<Okay…>
The ball of light obediently detached itself from Cledwin's embrace and stayed at the entrance of the secret passage. Cledwin was relieved.
The rampant magic slashed at his face and wrists like blades. His feet felt heavy, as if someone was holding onto them. But Cledwin didn't hesitate, steadily taking one step at a time. Tiny drops of blood fell, one by one.
And finally, when he entered the room where Palos's eyes were sealed, what he saw was the scene of a horrific ritual.
The ceiling, walls, and floor of the room were densely covered with intricate magic circles, flashing golden and emitting magic. The original decorations were fluttering in the magical wind and rolling on the floor, and both altars were full.
Camille was lying collapsed between the two altars, clutching a bloodstained dagger. Cledwin didn't even acknowledge her, with blood flowing from her nose and mouth. He rushed to Neris's body, discarded like trash next to the altar that had been empty in his timeline.
"Neris."
Her body was cold and stiff, like a piece of wood. Cledwin choked, unable to breathe, as he looked at her pained and broken face. His legs gave way, collapsing to the floor, his knees hitting hard.
She'll live.
Even though he told himself that, he felt like he was going to die. He wanted to die.
This isn't the end.
Does this world have any meaning? Maybe it would be better to kill them all?
Now I can go back.
Then what about her here? Neris was dead, but the rest of the people in this timeline were alive. How should they be made to pay?
She died just like this in my previous life.
He was angry. So angry that his mind felt empty. He couldn't believe that his heart could ache like this.
Even if he stabbed his heart with a sword and ripped it out raw, it wouldn't be as miserable as this.
My child… my child…
Palos's eyes spoke to him. Cledwin turned to him, his face twisted with malice.
"Why did you stand by while she became like this?"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone