The Grand Duke's Son Is A Heretic-Chapter 180

Kael followed behind Iris and Alvera as the group of Ice Elf guards led them through a long hallway, heading deeper into the castle. The air got colder with each step, and the walls shimmered with faint blue light. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

They were going to the basement. Whatever he had to see—it was down there.

Kael was curious. He wondered if the prophecy had something to do with him. The idea made his stomach twist a little.

If someone ever asked Kael who he hated the most—after the damn Goddess, those fake Heroes, and every demon he ever met—the answer would be easy.

The Oracles and Saints who come up with these prophecies.

Just the thought of that name made his jaw tighten.

There were days Kael even dreamed about burning down the Oracle's temple and stabbing each of those smug bastards.

After all, they had a hand in his misfortine.

Being chosen to enter demon land like some cursed champion? All because of a stupid prophecy made by someone playing with fate.

He grumbled to himself but shook it off. No point dwelling on old rage right now.

He glanced at the guards around him, then at Iris walking next to Alvera. She looked calm as always.

Leaning slightly to the side, he whispered, "Hey."

The nearest guard heard him but didn't answer right away.

Kael gave a sly smile and asked, "Is Miss Iris close to Her Highness?"

The Ice Elf guard frowned. His first instinct was to snap at the human, but he remembered Kael's recent actions. He kept his tone polite.

"Yes. Miss Iris is a close friend of our Queen. They've been together since childhood."

Kael nodded slowly. "I see. They've got a strong bond, huh…"

He smirked but said no more. The group walked in silence after that, the only sound being their footsteps on the frosty floor.

Soon, they reached the end of the passage.

Before them stood a huge crystal door, shining like polished ice. It glowed with blue mana, cold and powerful. The surface gave off a soft hum, and Kael could feel the magic in the air pressing against his skin.

"We're here," Alvera said.

She turned to look at Kael, her voice a little sharper.

"This was my mother's personal chamber. You're stepping into a very private place. So I expect you to behave. Or else…"

She didn't smile. It wasn't a joke.

Kael blinked. Her words were like a sudden slap of cold wind.

"I understand…" he nodded, slightly stiff. His eyes twitched a little.

Then it hit him.

'It's Asana's room…'

His breath caught in his throat.

He hadn't been ready for that. Of all places… Asana's room? The first woman he had ever admired? The one who could freeze someone's soul with a glance but still managed to make his dumb heart race?

He swallowed hard. Respecting someone's private space was important. But when it came to Asana… yeah, this was going to be tough.

Alvera stepped forward, pulling out a small silver key. She slid it into a narrow keyhole in the center of the glowing ice door.

Then, with a slow twist—

CRUNGGG!

The door let out a deep crackling sound as its seals unlocked.

The cold air rushed out from the chamber, even colder than before.

Kael stood still, eyes wide, trying to hide how nervous he was.

This was no ordinary room.

And he had a feeling he was about to learn something that would change everything.

---

The moment the door opened, Kael's eyes widened.

The room that appeared before him was vast and breathtaking.

The walls were made of smooth ice that sparkled like diamond glass, casting soft glows across the room as if stars were trapped inside them. Light-blue curtains hung gently from tall archways, moving slightly with the warmth that filled the space. Despite the freezing castle outside, this place felt calm, cozy, and strangely warm.

A soft carpet spread across the floor like snow kissed by moonlight. In the center stood a crystal chandelier, glowing softly like a floating cluster of frozen roses. Small orbs of light hovered gently above the furniture—beautiful chairs, polished tables, and delicate shelves stacked with books and ornaments. Everything was arranged with care, as if the person who lived here treated every inch with love.

"This is Mother's room," Alvera said quietly. "She spent her last days here."

Kael stepped inside slowly. He didn't speak. The warmth and quiet beauty of the room melted something in his chest.

He paused at the far end, where a special corner caught his attention. A few objects were displayed on fine stands—old things, personal things. Behind them was a small door. A vault.

Kael took a step toward it, but Alvera moved quickly, blocking him with a hand.

"That place is important," she said softly. "Even I wasn't even allowed to go in there. Mother said there was no treasure. But still… it's very precious."

Kael raised an eyebrow, lips tugging into a half-smile. "Then why don't we take a peek? Who knows—maybe she left something useful behind. Maybe… something good."

Alvera nodded. "Yeah. That's where we're going. Except for things left behind to give to the person Viserion sent here, there was none as per her."

She looked at the small door with eyes that sparkled. There was no trace of her usual calm, no royal grace—just curiosity. Pure, childlike curiosity.

Kael watched her, a little amused.

This section of the room felt different. The air was thicker, like holding a secret. Barriers of mana hummed faintly in the walls.

"Are you sure it's okay for an outsider like me to be here?" Kael asked seriously.

"It's fine," Alvera said, stepping forward. "Like I said, this isn't about treasure. My mother once told me… that if the day comes when Viserion sends someone here, I must let him enter this place."

She glanced at Kael, her voice low.

"She said—he'll know what to do."

Kael's heart skipped. His eyes narrowed slightly. Something strange was happening here.

CLICK!

Suddenly, magic circles lit up one after another, glowing with gentle blue light. The air shimmered.

The vault door unlocked with a soft hum.

Then—shhhkkk—the wall slid open, revealing what was hidden behind.

Inside was a chamber lined with tall, shining columns, like a quiet museum.

Kael stepped forward with faint expectations.

Each row was filled with carefully kept objects, scrolls, relics, old books, weapons sealed in glass, and memories trapped in time.

That's what he thought however…

And when he saw what was really inside—

His mind froze.

His eyes widened.

"...No...Thi...This isn't true...Tell me...this is a lie..."

For a moment, he couldn't breathe.

What he saw was too much to take in all at once.