Sword of Salvation-Chapter 124: - Agreement and Heir (3)

Nexsus gazed at Mariel intensely. His mind seemed to be in turbulent. Gerard also looked hesitant. How could they trust an unfamiliar young man so easily? It was certainly illogical. But Mariel was telling the truth. If the boy’s intuition was as sharp as he had just demonstrated, he would comply.

"I don’t think you’re lying."

...His intuition was truly sharp. But even if it wasn’t, he would still follow Mariel. After all, that was Nexsus’ only option. If he refused to tell everything, he would lose everything. And Mariel was one hundred percent sure he would reveal everything.

"It all started because of Prime Minister Mosson’s betrayal," Nexsus began his story—Gerard did not try to stop him. "He poisoned my father and mother. He accused General Libbe of being a traitor and sentenced him to death. Then the Celtekhna forces came and..."

Nexsus told everything in as much detail as he could.

After hearing Nexsus’ story, Mariel understood why there was no news about it. Esparossa’s fall happened without a war. Only minor internal battles, nothing more. Prime Minister Mosson was the key to the event. He ensured that Celtekhna and Esparossa remained unharmed during the conquest.

’There is no doubt the Great Human Council controlled Prime Minister Mosson,’ Mariel thought. ’Mosson could be a council member or a trusted subordinate of one. I can get a lot of important information from him.’

However, Mariel had no plans to go to Esparossa anytime soon. He needed to return to Neiracia to check on the situation there.

"I’ve told you everything," Nexsus said, drawing Mariel’s attention. "So, you’ll help us meet Camelot’s new ruler, right, Mariel?"

"Eh, did I ever say that?"

"Huh, what do you mean by ’did I ever say that?’ Hah? I already told you eve—"

"Relax," Mariel cut him off. "I’m just joking. It just so happens that I also have business with Marryphimia Pendragon, so we might as well do it together. Let’s go."

Mariel started walking without waiting for a response.

"Wait, Mariel, what do you mean ’let’s go’?" Gerard asked—he and Nexsus quickly moved to match Mariel’s pace. "Are we leaving for Camelot right now? We just arrived, so we should stay here for the night."

"Who said anything about Camelot? Marryphimia Pendragon is in this city. She’s waiting for me at the inn. She wants to pay me to liberate Britticia City."

"Oh, I see."

The most luxurious inn was quite far from Mariel’s lodging. It was even in the opposite direction from where they were. The most luxurious inn was in the northwest, while Mariel’s was in the southeast. Walking back and forth would take time.

About an hour and a half later, Mariel, Nexsus, and his bodyguard stood in front of the grandest room in the most luxurious inn. The door opened immediately after Mariel knocked once. Selena herself answered. Whether she sensed their arrival or saw them through the window, Mariel did not know.

"Who are they?" Selena asked.

"He’s Nexsus Alexandria. That’s his bodyguard, Gerard. He wants to meet your cousin. I’m sure you can guess why he’s here."

Selena looked at Nexsus. Nexsus smiled politely. Selena nodded and invited them inside.

Mariel had only taken four steps following Selena in when he froze. His eyes locked onto the witch standing behind the pink-haired woman. Mariel had not forgotten who she was. Athrecia Le Fay. She was a troublesome and dangerous witch. However, when Mariel’s gaze met Marryphimia Pendragon’s eyes, he realized that she was even more troublesome.

"What’s wrong, Mariel?"

"Nothing," Mariel replied, stepping forward again to follow Selena.

"Please, have a seat," Selena said as she sat to Marryphimia’s right.

Mariel immediately sat on the sofa across from Selena. Nexsus sat right beside him. Meanwhile, Gerard chose to stand behind Nexsus.

"What is your name?" Marryphimia suddenly asked.

The question was not directed at Mariel. Marryphimia’s eyes stared intensely into Nexsus’. From the beginning, the queen had not looked at Mariel; her gaze never left Nexsus. Because of that, Mariel did not try to help the boy.

"Uh, um, Nexsus Alexandria."

Nervous. That one word was enough to describe what Nexsus felt. Like Mariel, he also noticed that Marryphimia’s eyes had been on him the entire time. That was the main reason he was so anxious.

"A nice name. Stand up, sit here." Marryphimia patted the empty spot to her left. "Sit here. Once you do, I’ll listen to your purpose. But if you stay there, I won’t hear a word you say."

No one spoke. Silence followed the queen’s words. Mariel did not understand what Marryphimia wanted. But his instincts told him he should pity Nexsus. The way Marryphimia looked at Nexsus... even Mariel could tell it was not normal.

"Don’t you want to sit here, Nexsus~?"

"Uh, um."

Nexsus hesitantly stood and approached Marryphimia, cautiously sitting beside the queen. How could he not be afraid when even Mariel felt danger from this woman? Gerard was even sweating nervously—he did not know what to do.

"Your hair is quite soft," Marryphimia said as she stroked Nexsus’ hair, "but your scent isn’t great, though not terrible either. You haven’t bathed?" she asked while pulling the prince to rest his head on her lap.

"Uh," Nexsus couldn’t resist. "We just fought demons," he said before swallowing hard.

"Ah... you must be pretty strong." Marryphimia gently stroked Nexsus’ cheek. "But it’s not good to stay overnight like this. After this, we’ll take a warm bath, okay?"

Mariel now understood why he felt danger even though the woman showed no killing intent. At that moment, Mariel was grateful that he was not the same age as Nexsus. He was not the only one who thought that—so did Gerard. Mariel even saw the man’s hands trembling.

"So, Mariel Allvar," Marryphimia spoke without looking at Mariel—her eyes remained fixed on Nexsus. Her left hand pressed against Nexsus’ lips to keep him from speaking, while her right hand continued caressing his hair. "How much do you want for payment?"

"...20 million escal."

"Okay."

Mariel was surprised by the short response. He had set a high price, expecting Marryphimia to negotiate. He did not expect her to agree immediately.

"Your payment is 20 million escal. Come here tomorrow before the sun is overhead. We’ll leave for Pendragon then. Selena, escort Mariel out. Athrecia, take Nexsus’ bodyguard to rent a room for him. And Nexsus~, you can speak now. Tell me, what do you wish for? Big Sister Marry will grant it~"