This Book is Not Available for Subscription Under the Age of 18 - Chapter 173

Shouldn’t you go to prison at least once before you die? (21)

Evan praised himself for not falling down in horror.

“I was waiting.”

In less than five seconds after he praised himself, Evan collapsed onto the luxurious carpet. It was because of the Emperor’s attitude toward Merson.

“… This is a dream, a dream.”

No one responded to Evan’s muttered words. They seemed to be familiar with the relationship between Merson and Emperor Krihel. Evan was the only one struggling to understand the situation.

“Do you know where Erina is?”

“She’s unharmed.”

A strong wind blew in the quiet room where the curtains were drawn and the windows were closed. As the fierce wind brushed Evan’s nose, the back of his nose hurt, and soon after, he heard the sound of expensive items falling to the floor. All of this happened in the blink of an eye.

“Mer, Merson! What are you doing?!”

Merson had grabbed Krihel by the collar and forced him against the wall.

“Ku-uhk.”

“You’re saying she’s unharmed?  All of my magic that I put on Erina has been canceled. This is the work of someone who is determined to keep me and Erina apart. Are you still saying something like that?”

Krihel’s face turned blue from Merson’s grip as he was pressed down with deathly momentum. Evan couldn’t bear to see his outstanding monarch lose his life in such a futile way. So he rushed off to help Krihel off Merson’s arm.

“Tell me where Erina is right now.”

“He won’t be able to talk until you let go! Your, Your Majesty!”

Before Evan could get his hands on him (there was nothing he could do anyway), Merson let Krihel go. Falling to the floor, Krihel shook his head to calm his sore throat and dizzy head.

The Demon King’s eyes looking down at him in a crooked position urged Krihel. He didn’t have to say a word, but the gaze falling on Krihel’s head was more powerful than a hundred words. Krihel strengthened his legs and raised his body without any time to calm his hurting body.

“… She is locked up in the dungeon.”

A crack formed in Merson’s face.

Thinking of Erina, who would be trapped in a place where no sunlight could come in, his anxiety and worry sprang out, surpassing the anger that dominated his whole body. Merson immediately turned away because he didn’t need to hear anymore.

“Not in the imperial dungeon.”

Merson stopped and looked at Krihel again.

“She is currently accused of using black magic to murder Theron Abitz.”

“Erina is my companion.”

Evan, who was quietly listening to the two of them, would have thought that Merson’s statement, “Erina is my wife!” was random.

But from the perspective of Krihel and the Demon King, the words have a clear meaning.

The Demon King’s Companion.

Even if she originated from a human body, the moment the imprint is formed, the companion is no longer human. She will gain the power to share eternal life with the Demon King and use his magic as her own. In other words, it wouldn’t be strange at all if Erina, who became Merson’s companion, could split the sea and demolish mountains with her magic.

So what does this mean that she has no magic but the black magic that only squirmers do? This was an outright false accusation by all accounts.

“I know.”

But Krihel, knowing everything, did not release Erina and left her in the dungeon.

“Are you asking me… to kill you?”

The space was filled with Merson’s energy. His angry face looked like he would tear out Krihel’s tongue at any moment.

“Do you know who dragged Erina into the dungeon?”

“It must be Serdebella or El.”

“As expected, you knew.”

“I know you have a soft spot for Serdebella. But that doesn’t mean you should dare imprison Erina.”

“… The Saint lied to me.”

“It doesn’t matter if you realize the lie or not.”

“That’s not the only thing I realized. I no longer… loved the Saint.”

Compared to his grave voice, Krihel’s face looked precarious, as if he was about to burst into tears.

He was like a lost child who realized that his treasure chest, which he had cherished despite all kinds of storms and prying hands, was actually just an empty shell with nothing in it.

The things Erina had reminded him during that day hadn’t put his mind at ease for a single day.

“What kind of love is Your Majesty?”

“A love that wants to wish her happiness and make her smile bright like blossoms in spring.”

“I’m just saying. It’s really just what I’m saying, so don’t listen to it. You know? I think it’s more like cheering than love, like a helper feeling…….”

With her kind eyes and pure heart, those influential words completely changed his mindset.

“You are being deceived.”

“…….”

“It’s me that Your Majesty truly loves.”

“…….”

Those undeniable words that set another mindset.

As he tries to push it away, her smile keeps coming to mind. Those absurd yet cute conversations repeated. Knowing that he can’t continue this, knowing that he won’t be able to stretch out his hand even once…….

Even though he knows that the man in front of him is blocking him by putting up a large, thick wall… A lowly greed has arisen.

“I am not interested in your love affairs. I’ll tell you one last time. Tell me where Erina is.”

“… If I tell you, will you rescue her?”

“Are you serious?”

“This is the woman dragged by the Saint by telling reckless lies. I know that Erina is the Demon King’s companion, but there is no way to prove it. Even if I blindly take Erina’s side, I will turn the Saint into an enemy, so a big trouble would be awaiting for me in the end.”

“I’m not standing here to listen to lame excuses.”

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