CH 142

Chapter 142 – Ze’ev’s Position

“Huh? They all disappeared?” (Tanbu)

Tanbu, who had just been in the midst of battling with the myriad of clones of the intruders, was surprised by the sudden disappearance of Bouchi Hiro and the others.

“This… We’ve been had.” (Ouza)

Realizing the turn of events that had just occurred, a bitter expression appeared on Ouza’s face. Meykhri, who had been fighting Sol, flew down from the sky and landed nearby.

“Gosh, this is the worst! Look at all of these burnt feathers! I’ll never forgive that fire-breathing owl!” (Meykhri)

Part of Meykhri’s wings had been singed by the flames that Sol had unleashed as a counterattack.

“……Snore.” (Urakio)

“Hey, how long are you going to keep sleeping, stupid Urakio?!” (Meykhri)

The only one who didn’t seem to have any sense of urgency was Urakio, who was hugging his pillow, fast asleep.

“Sigh… For now, let’s go back to the King. Unfortunately… we only have bad news to report.” (Ouza)

Ouza and the others headed for the central gate of the palace, where King Dragia was waiting for them. There was a large hole in the plant wall that covered the gate entrance, which was how they had managed to get out.

They went back in through the hole in the gate and knelt down in front of King Dragia, who had been expecting their return.

“…Looks like it was a failure, then.” (Dragia)

Dragia spoke with a stern look when he saw their expressions.

“We sincerely apologize for our failure. We will accept any punishment,” Ouza said on behalf of the others. However…

“Well, everybody makes mistakes sometimes, right?” (Ze’ev)

Ze’ev spoke as if to defend Ouza and the other beastmasters.

“Be quiet, Ze’ev. This is no different from a declaration of war, you know?” (King Dragia)

“How? All it means is that His Highness Nike was taken away from you, no?” (Ze’ev)

“This is a grave matter! Their goal could be the restoration of the Empire!” (King Dragia)

“Yeah? I don’t think that’s the case though.” (Ze’ev)

“What do you mean?” (King Dragia)

King Dragia glared at Ze’ev with displeasure, trying to ascertain his true meaning.

“If this incident occurred because the hurons wanted to take back the former Empire, wouldn’t there have been fatalities? According to the information, there were injuries, sure, but not a single person died.” (Ze’ev)

“However, they fled as soon as they secured His Highness Nike. With how powerful they were, they could’ve done us a lot more harm if they really wanted to.” (Ze’ev)

“That’s enough, Ze’ev. You’re speaking too much in the king’s presence.” (Ouza)

“Sure, sure. My bad there, Captain Ouza,” Ze’ev said, taking a step back with a sarcastic shrug of his shoulders.

“Hey, traitor. Why are you even talking like you’re on equal standing with us? Hurry up and kneel, you bastard.” (Tanbu)

“Hah? You got problems with me, Tanbu?” (Ze’ev)

“Hmph, you’re just a lowly adventurer trying to act all high and mighty.” (Tanbu)

“You’ve grown a pretty big mouth, haven’t you? It wasn’t long ago that you were cryin’ all the damn time. Li’l crybaby monkey Tanbu-chan.” (Ze’ev)

“If you wanna go, then come at me, you damned sex-crazed wolf! You best not believe even for a moment that I’ll be the same guy as always!” (Tanbu)

Ze’ev and Tanbu were completely at odds, on the verge of starting a fight.

“Enough! Quiet, you two,” King Dragia rebuked harshly.

Tanbu was the first to back off, clicking his tongue in annoyance.

Ze’ev, on the other hand, stuck his tongue out like a child to provoke Tanbu even further, but… King Dragia glared at him, causing him to quickly look away.

“…Nothing will change if we argue amongst ourselves here. We can’t change what has already happened. I hope that each of you will take this matter seriously and strive to improve yourselves further.” (King Dragia)

““““Yes, Your Majesty!””””

“Alright. Then pursue any traces of the intruders. If you find Nike… you may kill him.” (King Dragia)

Ouza and the others replied in unison once again, then disappeared from the scene.

“So you’re going to kill His Highness Nike?” (Ze’ev)

“Of course. Even if their goal isn’t the restoration of the Empire as you said, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a spark for war. They cannot be allowed to exist if our people are to live in peace.” (King Dragia)

“….You mean hurons as a whole?” (Ze’ev)

“……..” (King Dragia)

“Good grief. Well then, it’s about time for me to get some sleep. The intruders probably won’t be coming to attack us again.” (Ze’ev)

“Huh? What is it?” Ze’ev said, turning his head.

“This incident… You weren’t involved in it, were you?” (King Dragia)

“…If I told you that I didn’t know this would happen, would you believe me?” (Ze’ev)

King Dragia didn’t reply, simply looking deeply into Ze’ev’s eyes.

“…I’m an adventurer. I live as I please and believe in what I want to believe in.” (Ze’ev)

With a casual wave of his hand, Ze’ev turned and walked away.

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