The Evil Plot
It was a place forgotten in history. The abandoned castle served as both the residence and base of the High Priestess of the Chaos Serpents. She was reading a book in a room that was used as the throne room of the former king. It was the Serpent’s Holy Scripture – “The Book of Those Who Crawl the Earth.”
“Are you reading that again?”
The wolf master entered the room and immediately spoke in an exasperated tone.
“You’ve read that so many times already. I’m surprised you’re not tired of it yet.”
“There’s no way I could get tired of it.”
Replied the Serpent Priestess as she stroked the book lovingly.
“The person who wrote this book truly understood humans inside out. The true nature of humans is beautifully captured through the lens of malice. Every time I reread it, I discover something new, so it’s hard to put down.”
Without looking up from the book, the Serpent Priestess continued.
“So, do you need anything?”
We’ve received some news. In Sunkland, the spark set up by Kunrou did not lead to a major fire. Prince Sion is alive and well. There are rumours that King Abram’s health temporarily deteriorated, but he is conducting his official duties as usual now. The Second Prince Echard will be leaving Sunkland and will be entrusted to the daughter of Duke Greenmoon, who has become his fiancée.
“I see. All in all, it did trigger some minor events but didn’t ignite a major fire. That’s unfortunate.”
The Serpent Priestess spoke nonchalantly and continued to flip through the pages of the book. The wolf master frowned at her casual attitude.
“It doesn’t seem like you’re too disappointed, though…?”
“Hmm. I am disappointed, but it is what it is. Either way, it doesn’t make much of a difference. If Prince Sion or King Abram die, they die, and the chaos caused by their death could be exploited. However, if they survive, they survive, and some other tool can be used. It’s easy to think of a method to approach Prince Echard, who is heartbroken after being forced out of the country. Since he most likely committed some kind of blunder, perhaps we can take advantage of the breach in his heart?”
“I wonder about that though.” The wolf master said without changing his expression.
“It appears that there was some intervention from the Wisdom of the Empire.”
Upon hearing that, the Serpent Priestess looked up from the book for the first time. She opened her mouth in surprise, and the next instant, she started to clap her hands in applause, saying, “That’s amazing.”
“Kunrou-san is an outstanding Serpent Priest. It’s indeed amazing that she got wind of his schemes. How exactly did she manage that? Why did she come to Sunkland with such perfect timing, and how did she thwart his plans?”
As the Serpent Priestess began to contemplate, the wolf master continued.
“Also, there is one more piece of bad news. Relief from the Forest clan has arrived at the secret village of the Fire clan. It seems that Aima has fallen into the hands of the enemy.”
“Ah, that’s so like your little sister. She is quite loose-tongued and bears no resemblance to you.”
The Serpent Priestess chuckled and nodded.
“That’s indeed unfortunate. I was planning on enjoying tea with her sometime. I don’t think I’ll have the chance now.”
The Serpent Priestess shrugged her shoulders and said “Well, well” in response to the wolf master’s information.
“It seems that Abel Remno, whom you’ve been eagerly awaiting, is also accompanying the rescue mission”
At that moment, a genuine smile appeared on the face of the Serpent Priestess, Valentina Remno.
“Haha, I see you’ve reeled Abel in quite skillfully. It’s just as I’ve heard, Abel is indeed close to Lin Malong. I wasn’t expecting Abel to come along, but I suppose that’s not a problem?”
The information about Valentina’s sighting was intentionally leaked. The plans for this day had been made since the night of Princess Mia’s assassination attempt. Since then, it became clear that the relationship between Mia Luna Tearmoon and Abel Remno was more than what it seemed on the surface; it was something worth risking their lives for. Barbara’s actions and Mia’s response to them. On examining them carefully, Valentina reached a conclusion: a cunning strategy. That was…
“If that kid dies, we can distort the mind of the Wisdom of the Empire.”
This referred to the assassination of Abel Remno. The wolf master frowned upon hearing the Priestess’s words.
“Doesn’t it pain your heart to take the life of your own younger brother?”
At that question, Valentina tilted her head slightly.
“Isn’t that obvious? Of course, it hurts. Did you think it wouldn’t? It’s so sad. Abel is kind and one of the few decent ones in our country. I almost want to complain to Princess Mia for befriending him. It’s so unreasonable for him to lose his life in a place like this. There’s nothing sadder.”
She was probably not joking and was genuinely feeling sad.
“But, well, that’s just a small thing. From the perspective of the flow of history, people’s emotions probably don’t matter.” She said, her eyes staring into the distance.
“Be it an individual’s feelings, an individual’s life, the destruction of a village or a town, or the rise of a nation, it’s all trivial in the grand flow of history. How I feel is hardly of any significance.”
“The Serpents influence the course of history by controlling the hearts of the people. Isn’t that right?”
“Of course, that’s true. My sadness doesn’t matter, but plunging Princess Mia into despair will have a big impact on the course of history. Barbara-san had keen insight. Distorting the heart of Princess Mia, who is at the centre of the next generation’s most powerful people on the continent, holds great significance.”
“In that case, don’t you think it would be preferable to aim for Princess Mia’s life?”
“What do you mean?”
The wolf master explained to Valentina who tilted her head in confusion.
“Princess Mia is accompanying the Forest clan’s relief force, along with Saint Rafina, the daughter of the traitor Duke Yellowmoon, and a young girl who is called Princess Mia’s younger sister.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to simply take the Princess’ life? Doing so would eliminate the need to harm your little brother.”
The Priestess smiled affectionately at the wolf master who spoke solemnly.
“Hehehe, that’s kind of you. However, in order to do that, I think you have to defeat that Dion Alaia.”
After the Priestess said that, she added, “But, that’s right. We ought to welcome the change in circumstances. Our options have increased, so let’s think of something.” Then, she looked down at her book again.
