Betrayal Knight's Joyful Faith

Chapter 460

Nikephoros’ lair was deathly silent.In the darkness that did not allow even a single ray of light, Nikephoros let out a short lament.

“That child’s absence is greater than I thought.”

Roger, who had been standing quietly behind him, answered calmly.

“Don’t worry. She will find peace in Lord Chernion’s arms.”

“That must be true. She died fighting for Lord Chernion until the very end, so it must have been a glorious death.”

Nikephoros added, frowning slightly.

“But, it was too early.”

“…”

“And this time it was that bastard again.”

It was not the hero or Lexion who killed Jin, but Arendt von Eckhart.

The final blow was said to have been delivered by the Everan Kingdom’s youngest prince but both of them knew…

Jin must have fallen for Arendt von Eckhart’s scheme.

‘I told her so many times to be careful.’

A shadow fell over Roger’s face. Jin was brilliant, but she was also arrogant and even reckless.

And above all, Jin was too vulnerable to the apprentice knight’s provocations.

“As expected, he wasn’t sent alone.”

Nikephoros lamented.

Iris, Nikephoros, and Roger were all watching Jin and the Everan side’s every move on the battlefield.

None of them expected that the Everan Kingdom would become Jin’s tomb.

In case of a crisis, Jin could teleport away and return to headquarters at any time.

The others believed that too.

‘We were complacent.’

Even though Jin had overextended herself and consumed the homunculi, they didn’t interfere. They believed her judgment was correct. Googlᴇ search N0v3l.Fiɾe.net

‘I thought it was quite possible to eliminate Arendt von Eckhart…’

The price of carelessness was the worst possible outcome, losing Jin, one of the Chernion Cult’s greatest powers.

Roger, who had been lost in thought, suddenly came to his senses when he heard Nikephoros’ voice again.

“…For now, we need to focus on filling her void.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

When Roger answered decisively, Nikephoros smiled bitterly.

“You must be very busy, since you lost Ain too.”

“It’s okay. There are still people I can trust.”

Roger bowed his head even deeper.

“Lady Iris will lead you. The blessings of the night will always be with you, so do not be afraid.”

Nikephoros gently touched his shoulder.

“I’m sure you already know this, but please remember this. Lady Iris’ plans must not be disrupted.”

“Yes.”

Roger answered clearly, as if he were making a vow to himself.

“I will definitely bring Lord Chernion’s era to this land.”

If it meant driving out the cursed light and making Lord Chernion the true master of this world, then his own insignificant life was worthless.

Arendt’s patience was wearing thin day by day.

Not only was he in a semi-imprisoned situation, but the Third Knights, Llewellyn, and even Salem followed him around and nagged him.

It was common for someone to come by every hour and stuff things into their mouths.

Even Lexion was hanging around the dormitory, casting healing magic whenever he had the chance.

He tried to sneak into the training ground, but was stopped by Stellar, who was in the form of a large dog.

Thanks to this, his physical condition improved considerably, but Arendt’s irritation reached its peak.

And the moment he encountered that unwelcome face, the anger he had been holding back finally exploded.

“Don’t bother me and get out!”

“…”

Arcus stared in vain at the door that had been forcefully shut before his eyes.

Henry, who was standing blankly next to him, patted his shoulder as if to comfort him.

“Don’t be too hurt. I kind of expected this to happen.”

“…”

But it didn’t seem to be of much comfort.

Richt, who had guided them to Arendt’s room, spoke with embarrassment.

“He’s been feeling quite angry lately. As you can see, he’s feeling better, so don’t worry.”

Rather than seeing him trembling and shedding tears, it was easier to just put up with all his moods like now.

“Yes. Thank you, Sir Richt.”

Arcus nodded heavily. Rider, who happened to be passing by and witnessing the scene, clicked his tongue.

“It’s a miracle he’s managed to stay so calm with his temper. But he’s guilty, so there’s nothing he can do.”

“Well, this one can be easily overlooked…”

Just as Henry was about to speak with a clouded expression, Rider added curtly.

“Exactly, who told him to overwork himself to the point of falling ill like that? This time, I truly thought he was going to die.”

“Huh?”

When Arcus and Henry made a dumbfounded noise at the same time, Rider tilted his head as if to ask what the problem was.

“Hmm? Is there something wrong?”

Even Richt had a puzzled expression on his stern face, as if he didn’t understand why the conversation between the two sides was strained.

“…”

The two people who were about to say something just kept silent.

‘It seems like they all don’t care about the attempted treason.’

Henry and Arcus had the same thought in unison.

It certainly wouldn’t have been like this in the past, but it seemed like something was definitely off with these guys.

As the two stared into space for a moment, Rider changed the subject.

“By the way, what brings you two to the palace? I understand you’ve been very busy lately.”

“Ah, that. His Highness has summoned us.”

Henry’s smile became somewhat awkward.

“We were ordered to enter the palace a long time ago, but we were so busy with work that we only got around to showing up now.”

“I guess it’s because of the meeting that’s coming up soon.”

Richt nodded slightly.

Not long ago, Cantares, who had come to the dormitory in person and seen Arendt getting all worked up, returned with a satisfied look on his face.

Shortly thereafter, Jereon informed him that a grand assembly would be held soon.

Though it was called a grand assembly, in reality, it was a public trial of Arendt’s charges.

Henry asked cautiously.

“Aren’t you worried?”

“I’m worried.”

Richt answered seriously.

“I don’t know what that bastard might do. I’m going to rush in and shut his mouth if I have to.”

“…”

Although they meant to discuss various things in preparation for the meeting, the two just kept silent.

It was because they realized that it was impossible to have a serious conversation with them.

“…Just a moment.”

Then, suddenly, Rider frowned.

“Why is that bastard so quiet?”

“Ah.”

Come to think of it, there hadn’t been any sign of movement for quite some time. Sensing something ominous, Richt flung the door open at lightning speed.

“…”

They were all at a loss for words.

A breeze blew in through the wide-open window, rustling the curtains.

The sight of a few white clouds drifting by seemed peaceful, despite the chaotic wartime situation.

It went without saying that the owner of the room had escaped and disappeared somewhere.

“This… crazy bastard.”

A scream-like cry burst from Rider’s gaping mouth.

“I told you, don’t move! Now you’re jumping off the second floor and causing a damn ruckus!”

“Oh, what should we do? Shouldn’t we go look for him?”

A flustered Arcus spoke urgently. Henry also turned to Richt and asked.

“If he runs into anyone now, we’ll be in trouble. We need to chase after him quickly.”

“No matter who Arendt meets, it’s not Arendt who’s going to be the one who suffers the consequences, so it’s okay. And don’t worry. He’s not the type to act rashly enough to run into anyone else…”

Richt responded calmly.

“They’ll probably catch him before that happens.”

The moment he finished speaking, a bright light burst into the middle of the empty room. Henry and Arcus unconsciously squeezed their eyes shut, then opened them again.

And this time, they really lost their minds.

“…”

In the place where the light had dissipated, there was Lexion, holding Arendt’s neck tightly.

“It’s so annoying every time. Keep watch properly.”

Lexion spoke calmly in front of the Union Leader and Vice Leader who looked like they had lost their souls.

Arendt, who was held so tightly by the dragon that he couldn’t move, had a face twisted with fury, like a wild beast that had been hunted out of nowhere.

Richt spoke calmly, as if he had expected it.

“Quit making a fuss and have some snacks. Lord Neumann even sent over a few books.”

Henry and Arcus decided to just give up thinking.

That evening, Arcus and Henry had a private meeting with Laius.

Laius, sitting across a table with light refreshments, bowed his head slightly.

“It’s been a while, Union Leader, and Vice Leader.”

“I’m relieved that you are safe, Captain Laius.”

Arcus returned the bow, and Henry broke the silence first.

“Thank you for your hard work on this expedition. I heard you have accomplished great things.”

“Thank you. Have you met Arendt?”

The two people who remembered the scene they had seen during the day made simultaneous awkward expressions.

“He looked well. Thank you for taking such good care of him.”

Arcus, who had been silent for a moment, spoke with difficulty. Henry also let out an awkward laugh.

“Everyone seems bright in one way or another… I’m relieved.”

“They’re so lively that it’s a headache.”

It was obvious what the two young masters had seen. Laius, who had maintained a blank expression, began to press his temples.

“They must have behaved disgracefully. My apologies.”

“Not at all. I was truly relieved.”

Henry waved his hand in dismissal.

“I was a bit anxious because of the situation, but I felt relieved to see that everyone else was acting like they always did.”

“It’s already happened, and there’s no point in worrying about it seriously. It’s not like there’s anything we can do about it right now…”

Laius took his hand off his temples and answered.

“Instead of wasting time on that, it would be more efficient to just hold on to that damn bastard who’s trying to escape no matter what.”

Arendt was acting more boisterous than usual, but it was unclear whether that was his intention or if he was genuinely upset and throwing a tantrum.

Either way, the knights’ duties remained the same.

Henry, who had been laughing awkwardly, changed the subject naturally.

“More than that, are you really okay, Captain?”

“It’s okay. I’ll take full responsibility. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

Laius answered calmly. Then Arcus quietly lowered his gaze.

“It’s alright. Even if you hadn’t spoken first, Captain, I would have fulfilled my responsibility. I just feel a bit sorry for Henry, though.”

Something as trivial as this wouldn’t easily make up for having neglected Arendt in the past.

But Arcus didn’t want to repeat the same mistake.

Henry also smiled refreshingly.

“I have no complaints at all about a friend who’s like a brother offering to help his younger brother. But you, Captain…”

“I’ll say it again, it’s okay.”

Before he could finish speaking, Laius answered forcefully.

“I’m not doing this just because I feel indebted.”

“I expected as much.”

Henry nodded vaguely.

Both people knew each other well.

Laius was not the kind of person to condone or defend all the wrongdoings of others, even if they were his life-saving benefactors.

Because Laius de Winfried was a man who would see his will through even if a sword was at his throat.

“If that’s the case.”

Arcus swallowed dryly and spoke slowly.

“Can we accept that all of this is your intention, not just to protect Arendt?”

It was a single question that contained quite a lot of meaning.

“Yes.”

Laius nodded.

“I understand you’re attending the meeting in a few days. And His Highness has already issued a warning and ordered you to appear.”

“Yes. After meeting you, we plan to meet with His Highness and offer our apologies separately.”

Henry, who had been silent for a moment, continued speaking calmly.

“It seems the temple authorities have also noticed our intervention. If so, some nobles may have already been informed. We will gladly accept any punishment.”

“No.”

Laius, who had been listening quietly, responded briefly.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes?”

Henry and Arcus asked simultaneously. Laius looked at them both and continued calmly.

“It will be alright to visit after the meeting. I will speak to His Highness separately, so please wait a moment.”

“…Do you have any other plans?”

“That’s not it. But…”

When Henry asked cautiously, Laius answered bluntly.

“I already told you that I would take full responsibility.”

The unusually strong tone conveyed a determination not to tolerate even the smallest interference.

In the end, Henry and Arcus had no choice but to keep silent.

Time passed quickly, and a few days later…

The day of the meeting called by the Crown Prince arrived.