NOVEL NEXT Chapter 173 - Visit to Empress Palace
:: Don't you think it's unwise not to follow that woman's words? ::
While moving toward the Empress Dowager's Palace, I heard Valeriana's thoughts—understanding that whatever she had said earlier about not participating in the legacy exploration was now coming back to her.
'Hm, are you worried about me?' I teased in a playful voice, though I was certain this wasn't part of some plot. It had more to do with that cockroach hanging over my head. It seemed like she was genuinely concerned for me, going into a place where my life might be in danger.
:: Mortals do have too much emotional confusion. ::
'A mortal who can crush a reaper anytime, yeah.' I replied, smirking at her comment. With that, I focused ahead, arriving at the middle gate. It was clear in my mind that my arrival here would've already sent a signal to both Prista and Nista.
I kept a steady pace. Unlike last time, I didn't sense anyone approaching, nor were any servants stopping me. They just gave me glances—as if they already knew this time wouldn't play out like before—as I made my way to the entrance of the palace belonging to the Empress.
"Greetings, Master Kyle. What brings you here today?"
Instead of seeing the two dolls or even the Empress, I found the mayor greeting me. The way she recognized me made it clear she'd probably been told to greet me by those twins—who, for some reason, weren't coming to see me themselves, or were simply avoiding me.
It was expected. In Nista's case—the more easygoing one—she had visited my wedding, where she might've had an argument with Aleriana. Then Prista, the colder one, attacked me—or at least tried to—at Aleriana's palace training ground. So both of them, in one way or another, had valid reasons for hiding from me.
However, this was definitely not the time for them to hide, prompting me to bluntly add, "I'm here to meet the Empress Dowager, not those two."
Swish swish
And tada—both of them instantly appeared beside me after hearing those words, their heads turned toward me under the red veils covering them.
It resembled those red bridal dresses seen in cultivation novels, but it seemed to be their own unique style. I appreciated the fashion choice, considering their beauty might attract too much attention if left uncovered.
"What? Don't you know it's prohibited to disturb the Empress?"
"Yes, Kyle, you can't do that..."
Both warned me in a way that helped me recognize them by their tone. The first was cold—definitely Prista, who had attacked me earlier—and the second, most likely, was Nista.
"Ahem, yes, I know... but I have a way to help the Empress loosen her bottleneck." That was the best card I could play in a situation where I desperately needed both of them to accompany me and act as the key to the door that held the treasure I was searching for.
'!?!'
"Wh-what!?"
Nista's words were clear, but her sister seemed suspicious, processing my claim with whatever brains she had beneath that arrogance of hers.
"Just what you heard. This might be an offer you both want to hear... Or should I personally visit the Empress myself if you have a problem?" I said, clearly not wanting to meet the Empress directly. I knew her personality—and that ability of hers—which could complicate things for me, especially if she tried to see through me. My priority was to avoid her and focus on these two, who cared for the Empress like family and would naturally listen.
"...Why do you think we should trust you?" Prista asked sharply, clearly suspicious of someone offering help without a price. She observed me with intense scrutiny—I could feel all her intentions loud and clear.
"You definitely saw the boost Aleriana got and all the events of the past few days, including the deaths of so many nobles in Orion's faction... Do you still doubt me?" I gave a credible answer. Naturally, these events reflected my strength. Even though I let Mealthar take public credit, those who truly knew my abilities—including the woman before me—could understand how important I was to the Empress's growth.
"Fine, but what if you're lying?" Prista folded her arms, still suspicious but clearly desperate. She couldn't ignore such an opportunity, even if she doubted me. After all, why would I show up right when the Puppet Master's legacy revealed itself?
Logically, from her view, no one in their right mind would willingly visit a place that would soon descend into chaos.
"Then just suffocate me, eat me, or even sit on me to death if that's what it takes to reassure you," I declared boldly, playing the role of a gentleman willing to accept the consequences of his actions.
My words were loud and clear—about my commitment... I mean, the consequences I was ready to face.
In truth, I had no actual way to help the Empress; I only needed access to the legacy, not to solve her issues.
She was out of my league—not because she was more beautiful than Mealthara or the others—but because she was too mature and emotionally intelligent.
Her detachment from the world and deep engagement in cultivation made her unsuitable for someone like me to even think of pursuing.
"What are you blabbering about?" Prista's voice cut in, clearly annoyed. Understandable—she might've caught the double meaning in my words. But she didn't react much beyond that. Like Olya, she seemed detached from materialistic or suggestive undertones.
I just smiled like an idiot who didn't realize what he'd just said, my gaze shifting toward Nista—who, unlike her usual self, remained completely silent. That, in itself, was strange.
"What's wrong, Nista? Is something the matter?" It was all I could do—ask, curious as to what had made her so unusually quiet. Especially now, when Prista seemed to have accepted my offer to visit the Puppet Master's legacy.
I hadn't even told them explicitly about it yet, and still, she seemed ready to tag along.
"No. I just wanted to say... I will not accompany you."