Chapter 349: Walking Past the Back (1)


    Ohh, youre Sir Kim Si-Huns brother. Fidelio grabbed the hand that Oh Kang-Woo had extended with a smile. He shook his head with a dark expression and said, Ive heard what was going on. <em>Fuuu</em> If Sir Si-Hun had not been in the imperial castle, I cant even imagine the atrocity that would have urred here.


    Did you not attend the party, Prime Minister Fidelio? Kang-Woo asked.


    Hahaha. I had some work to do. As an elder, it is my duty to shoulder the work for the young princess, Fidelio mentioned while chuckling as he nced at the pile of documents on the table.


    Kang-Woo smirked.


    <em>Oh, of course youd be busy.</em>


    After all, he was controlling the entire continent through the princess. Kang-Woo narrowed his eyes and used the Authority of the Beholder; the transparent orb that Fidelio had been holding before he entered the room came into view.


    <em>He mustve used that tomand her.</em>


    Kang-Woo had been able to feel the mana connected to Iriss body the moment her expression froze in the party venue. The thread of mana had been connecting her and that transparent orb.


    Haaa. Ive heard about the situation in the party venue, as well as Her Highnesss decision Fidelio continued while sighing, Please do not think badly of Her Highness because she did not send the imperial guards to the capital. Im sure she was scared due to the sudden crisis.


    Kang-Woo chuckled.


    <em>Youve got some brains, Ill give you that.</em>


    Fidelio had so naturally pinned Iris as the culprit who had stopped the imperial guards from taking action. Considering Kang-Woo hade to visit Fidelio without warning, it had been a very quick judgment on Fidelios part.


    I understand. My party is stopping the demonic beasts from reaching the capital, Kang-Woo expressed.


    Phew, what a relief. I cant even imagine what wouldve happened if you all werent here


    Not at all. More importantly, Im d to see youre alright, Prime Minister.


    Hahaha. Thank you for worrying about an old man like me. Fidelio smiled gently and bowed.


    Kang-Woo let go of Fidelios hand and turned around. Now that Ive confirmed that youre safe, I will excuse myself.


    Are you leaving already?


    Since Kang-Woo had more or less figured out what sort of person Fidelio was, there was no more reason for him to stay here.


    I cant leave Si-Hun fighting all by himself.


    But Ive heard that youre not a great fighter


    But I know how to fight, at the very least. Though Im nothingpared to Si-Hun.


    Ohh, I see. Fidelio nodded. He continued as his eyes shone, I would like to have a meal with Sir Si-Hun one day.


    It was obvious what Fidelio had in mind. Kang-Woo was sure that Fidelio was made aware of Si-Huns astoundingbat prowess that he had shown in the party venue.


    <em>The situation has changed for him.</em>


    Although defeating five hundred rebel army soldiers all by oneself was very impressive, it was not to the point that Fidelio would do anything to get his hands on Si-Hun. As proof of that, Fidelio had not approached Si-Hun nor anyone in Kang-Woos party after offering them their VIP rooms. However, wiping out Evil God Lucifers subordinates was apletely different story.


    Haha, Understood.


    Kang-Woo softlyughed and turned around. Even if Fidelio had not asked for it, he had been nning on arranging a meeting between the two.


    <em>Soon.</em>


    Kang-Woo smiled widely.


    ***


    The news of the advent of Evil God Lucifer stirred the entirety of Aernor. Not only had the Evil God, who had vanished without a trace a few years ago,e back, his deration of the continents demise was enough to relight the fear that had been deeply rooted in the hearts of the continents residents.


    Si-Huns name spread throughout the continent like wildfire at the same time as the fear of Lucifer surged within the people. He was the hero who had protected the imperial capital from demonic beasts. Just seeing him stopping the horde of demonic beasts from crossing the narrow bridge between the castle and the capital had been enough to capture the hearts of the people. However, the expression of the hero himself was not bright at all.


    Haaa, Si-Hun sighed. He stared at Kang-Woo in worry. Hyung-nim


    We had expected this to happen, Si-Hun.


    They had already expected that the Demon of Prophecy would not stand idly by as Kang-Woos party continued their Aernor expedition.


    But thanks to that, the conditions have been fulfilled, Kang-Woo expressed.


    Conditions?


    I told you in the beginning, didnt I? Once the continent is sent to the brink of copse after the Demon of Prophecy takes action, the high elves will appear.


    Oh.


    Si-Hun hadpletely forgotten about the high elves because of the appearance of Evil God Lucifer.


    He groaned and asked, When will they appear?


    How should I know? But its an undeniable fact that the conditions have been partially fulfilled.


    Evil God Lucifer had dered the continents demise, and Si-Hun had gained fame exceeding that of Reynald. They had met the fundamental requirements for a high elf to manifest.


    <em>Though its stillcking.</em>


    Kang-Woos eyes shone sharply. He did not hope for a high elf to appear after barely having done anything. It had only been a few days since Evil God Lucifer had descended. Also, there had not been many casualties from this incident. It was far toocking of a situation for the continent to be considered on the brink of copse.


    <em>But weve taken the first step.</em>


    This operation had been a huge sess. Although there had been an unexpected variable midway, it had been a huge sess purely in terms of results. Si-Huns name had spread throughout the continent, and people were praising him one after the other.


    <em>Maybe I shouldve tried to build it up better.</em>


    Whatever the case, the result had been beyond perfect despite the n having only just begun.


    <em>Now then</em>


    It was time to prepare for the next part of the n.


    Si-Hun, youll have to go around.


    Go around? What do you mean?


    You know, like congresspersons going on election campaigns for votes. There are a bunch of rumors about you, but barely anyone has seen you in person.


    Thats true.


    Show your face to the people, and make bullshit small talk with merchants about how hard life is nowadays and that youll change this nation for the better.


    Haha I think I know what you mean. Si-Hun nodded while smiling awkwardly. But wouldnt that be dangerous to do when we have no idea what Lucifer is nning?


    Were doing it exactly because we dont know what hes nning. We cant let him have his way, can we? Besides, Lucifer probably doesnt know that were trying to use his advent to manifest a high elf either.


    I guess youre right. Si-Hun nodded.


    If he were Lucifer, he would likely have no idea about what Kang-Woo was nning.


    Using Lucifers advent to our advantage Si-Hun nodded in session. As expected of you, hyung-nim.


    Anyone could have thought of such a n if they racked their brain even a little, but Si-Hun had not even thought to pull off such a thing due to having been so intimidated by Lucifer.


    Si-Hun continued with a smile, You dont seem to be scared of Lucifer at all, hyung-nim.


    Huh?


    That was obvious, since Lucifer had not actually appeared.


    I didnt even think to use this crisis as an opportunity because I was scared of losing morerades like in the past against Satan.


    Hahaha. That just goes to show how much I trust you. Im scared too, man.


    <em>I didnt even manage to get any sleepst night.</em>


    Anyway, get out of the castle and go around the empire. You can go around with Balrogs party if you want to.


    Huh? Youre noting with me, hyung-nim? Si-Hun asked, wide-eyed.


    He subtly trembled at the fact that he would be separated from Kang-Woo. Si-Hun looked at Kang-Woo pitifully as if he were an abandoned puppy looking up at its owner.


    <em>What the hell, man? You didnt say much when you were separated from La. Why are you like this with me?</em>


    Kang-Woo shook his head with an awkward smile. I have things left to do here.


    Ah


    <em>Dont make that face, Si-Hun. Youre making me cringe No, scratch that.</em>


    I dont want to separate from you either, but I dont think I can go with you this time, Kang-Woo mentioned.


    Its okay, hyung-nim. Si-Hun responded in all seriousness. Ill do my best so I dont disappoint you.


    Okay, man.


    <em>My cute little bro.</em>


    Ill trust you, Si-Hun.


    Kang-Woo patted Si-Huns shoulder and stood up.


    ***


    Si-Hun left the imperial castle as per Kang-Woos instructions. Iris tried to stop him while in tears, but Si-Hun left without looking back after promising her that he woulde back soon.


    <em>Fufu</em>. Are you feeling lonely after being separated from your little brother? Lilith giggled while having her hand on Kang-Woos shoulder.


    Lonely, my ass. Im d I have one less person to care about, Kang-Woo answered bluntly.


    Lilith held in herughter while covering her mouth. You say that, but even this morning, you were just standing in front of Si-Huns room


    Shut up.


    My, I apologize.


    Lilith giggled innocently; she seemed to have grown quite fond of teasing Kang-Wootely.


    More importantly, have you finished with the investigation? Kang-Woo asked.


    About Lucifers wife?


    Yeah. Kang-Woo nodded.


    She had been the one variable that he had not expected in the previous operation. No, it would have been impossible for him to have expected it. He needed to figure out who she was in advance.


    My apologies. I have not yet been able to create an effective informationwork in this world. Could you wait a little longer?


    Yeah, its fine. Im not in a rush. But wouldnt she be a noble of high peerage if she was invited to the party?


    Well She seems to have forged her identity. After some investigation, even her invitation letter seems to have been forged.


    Hmm. Kang-Woo nodded.


    <em>Well, Im sure I can just leave it to Lilith.</em>


    In that case


    Kang-Woo got up from the chair.


    Are you nning on going to see Iris? Lilith asked.


    Yeah.


    The reason why Kang-Woo had remained here was to fix the princesss twisted personality and to devise a n to change her witch image among the public.


    <em>Ill have to take care of that shitty personality of hers first.</em>


    Iriss hysteria had be even worse after the previous incident. Since her true personality was exactly like that of the rumors, he wasnt able to devise a n to rectify it.


    Im off, then, Kang-Woo said to Lilith, and then left the room.


    His mind was full of thoughts about Iris.


    <em>Did Fidelio ce some sort of brainwashing magic on her?</em>


    It was a possibility, considering how she had been trembling in fear. Kang-Woo used the Authority of Stealth and headed to Iriss room.


    <em>Shatter!!</em>


    Out! Get out!!


    Just then, a hysterical voice echoed throughout the hallway. Kang-Woo headed to the source of the sound and saw a woman leaning on the wall of the hallway, crying.


    <em>Sniff, sniff</em>


    It was Siesta, one of Iriss maids. She was crying while having one hand on her swollen right cheek.


    <em>What the hell?</em>


    Kang-Woo watched over the situation while frowning.


    I-Im sorry, Your Highness


    Siesta bowed in front of Iriss room door while crying, and then turned around.


    <em>Is she acting like this because Si-Hun went away?</em>


    Kang-Woo entered Iriss room whilepletely dumbfounded, but his expression froze soon after.


    <em>Sniff</em> Hurgh. Waaaaahh. Iris was crying while on her knees on the bed. No more I-I cant take any more <em>Sniff</em>. Brother Brother


    Her clothes were loose as if they had been ripped apart, and her hair waspletely disheveled. Her cheeks were bruised as if she had been punched. Kang-Woo could see sheets stained with some sort of fluid under the nket that Iris was using to cover herself with.


    Hah, Kang-Woo feignedughter.


    A chill ran down his spine. It was not hard to deduce who had done this to her.


    <em>Fidelio Youre far crazier than I had thought.</em>