The Grand Duke's Son Is A Heretic - Chapter 464
Chapter 464: 464
Edward slowly turned toward Roosevelt, his expression calm yet sharp. His voice was steady.
“Everyone said I have been resisting it passively. Do you know why?”
A sombre silence encased the entire room as everyone’s gaze was drawn towards Edward.
Roosevelt’s brows pulled together. He understood this was not just a question, but a test. One wrong answer might crush the expectations placed on him. He took a breath.
“It’s because you are waiting for me to take over. Though this period is troublesome, if I manage to sail through the waves, I can gain recognition and create a strong authoritative position.”
For a heartbeat no one moved. Edward’s stern features softened and a faint smile appeared, a rare thing.
“Good. Good. At least you have the brain to think.”
“????”
“Do I look really dumb?”
“Who knows?”Edward chuckled.
Roosevelt exhaled softly, tension easing from his shoulders.
“So how long?” Roosevelt asked, voice level.
“We will begin the ceremony, where I will hand over the charges to you, and you will declare before the world your agenda. Make sure to look strong. Also at that time, I will give you two a wonderful gift.”
Roosevelt’s eyes shook slightly at the word gift, curiosity flickering, yet he held himself firm and bowed deeply.
“I will make sure to not disappoint you.”
Edward nodded once. His tone shifted.
“Now that everything is set, I have a question, Your Majesty.”Kael asked
“Yes.”
“Since we are engaged and this an act, what will be the reason when we break up?”
For a moment, even the air stiffened. Ramos’ face darkened instantly. A vein bulged on his forehead as rage surged.
‘Bastard. Just who do you think you are? Can’t read a thing.’
He was about to step forward, fists clenched, but Edward raised a hand, halting him without a word. Edward’s eyes rested on Kael with calm understanding, seeing the meaning behind Kael’s question.
“That is for you two to figure out. You can do what you want.”
Kael inhaled deeply and closed his eyes for a moment.
‘Haa. It’s troublesome, yet…’
When he opened them, he found Martina already staring at him with quiet curiosity, her expression unreadable.
“It would be interesting.”
The words lingered between them like a subtle challenge.
…………….
The Crown Ceremony.
The day everyone had waited for finally arrived. The grand announcement echoed from Heizen, carried from city to city, town to village. Yet despite the monumental event, the atmosphere was not festive.
Instead, whispers carried doubt and uncertainty.
“Why now?”
“Such a troublesome time to be Crown Prince.”
“He is too young. Will he be able to stand against Nightstar? Against Kelo?”
“What if this decision destroys us?”
“Roosevelt? Can he really carry the Empire?”
Fear mixed with hope, but neither side outweighed the other. The streets were crowded with anxious citizens, eyes filled with uncertainty about their future.
Vic, who had gone out earlier and bought a few skewers of meat, paused mid-bite as he overheard the crowd. He nearly choked.
“He is young..30 is young now.. Damn… He is already 30. He should be married and have kids.”
He frowned and muttered.
“Can’t you be this brutal!”
He turned his head to complain further, but froze when he saw the silent figure beside him. His heart jumped to his throat.
“Shhh.”
Vic’s voice cracked.
“My Lord… When did you sneak out!”
He gulped nervously.
“Also are you following me?”
Kael’s eyes remained calm.
“No. I am on a mission.”
“What mission?” Vic asked with wide eyes.
“Let it go and tell me what are you doing here?”
Vic scratched his cheek.
“Uh… This is my favorite eatery spot.”
Kael stared at him for a moment then looked at the crowd packed around the small stall. The number of people was huge. An odd thought flashed through his mind.
‘So you are telling me that the owner of a secret hideout is a great chef.’
Curiosity tugged him. He picked up a skewer and took a bite.
The moment the flavor touched his tongue, his eyes widened. His hand trembled. He almost dropped the skewer.
“What happened?” Vic asked, startled.
“No… Nothing…” Kael said, though his throat tightened.
The taste..the smell..the warmth—
It was her.
Kael closed his eyes. Memory pulled him away from the noise of the crowd. He saw a gentle face, a warm smile, the way she cooked with silent devotion. She was his beautiful Demoness companion. A demoness, yet more skilled in cooking than any human he ever met.
‘She might have a hand in forming the Heretic Sect.’
Vic broke his silence.
“So Lord, about the mission?”
Kael opened his eyes and stood up slowly.
“Follow me.”
Vic immediately straightened and followed. Kael moved toward the inner rooms behind the eatery. A man was standing near the corner and, upon noticing Kael, pressed a hidden switch. A compartment in the wall slid open silently.
Vic’s lips parted in shock.
“This…”
“Shut up and follow me.”
Inside, Kael removed his coat and hung it on a hook. His tone was low but firm.
“Where is she?”
“Inside.”
Kael did not hesitate. He stepped to the nearest door and pushed it open.
Inside, a young woman sat curled on a bed, hugging her knees. Iron chains bound her ankles lightly, not cruelly but securely. The sudden sound of the door startled her. She lifted her head, eyes dull from confinement.
Then she saw him.
Her eyes widened instantly.
“YAOUUUUUUU!”
“Yeah, it’s me.” Kael stepped forward with a calm smile, but before he could say anything else another voice cracked.
“AHhhhh…. The Saintess. Isn’t she kidnapped by the Abyssal Cult…”
Vic paled. The realization hit him like ice.
“So that means…”
His heart was hammered. He stared at Kael with terror.
“My Lord is a member of the Abyssal Cult…”
He trembled.
“Ohh fuck..So that means all that time I have been following a inhumane bastard.”
“Not he was humane to begin with… I am doomed.”
“…”
“…”
Kael blinked his eyes as he screamed in his mind.
‘WHAATT!’