NOVEL NEXT Chapter 93
Episode 93: Secret Mission ①
(What on earth is going on…)
Argus’s heart felt unbearably heavy. The reason was that he had been ordered by Giorg to come to the Zarfing Residence.
To Argus, Giorg was his cousin. However, Argus did not share the typical familial affection one might have for a cousin. Of course, it wasn’t disdain or any light-hearted emotion—what Argus felt towards Giorg was overwhelming terror.
This wasn’t due to the difference in status between a viscount’s family and a marquis’s family. Even if their family titles were reversed, Argus couldn’t shake off his fear of Giorg. No, even if Giorg were a commoner, Argus was certain that Giorg could bring about his ruin.
Upon arriving at the Zarfing Residence, Argus announced his visit to the household staff. The response he received was icy cold. Of course, they weren’t outright rude. On the surface, they were polite, but there was no warmth or respect in their demeanor.
(This stinging sensation… Is it because I’m from the Karmais family…)
It felt as if he was being reminded of what Gazel and Almada had done, even now.
“I will guide you,” said Roy, bowing slightly to Argus before leading him to Giorg. Throughout the walk, not a single word was exchanged between them.
“Lord Giorg, Viscount Karmais has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
Argus’s heart leapt at the brief exchange between Giorg and Roy. The reason, of course, was hearing Giorg’s voice.
“Please,” said Roy.
Argus clenched his teeth, desperately trying to suppress the chattering. Summoning all his courage, he stepped into the room and saw Giorg sitting at the desk in front of him.
(Hii…)
Even with all his courage, Argus felt like screaming.
Argus walked towards Giorg. It was only about fifteen steps to the desk, but to Argus, it felt like an infinite distance.
“It’s been a while, Duke Zarfing. Viscount Karmais, Argus, has arrived,” said Argus, bowing as he greeted Giorg.
“Argus, I have a job for you,” Giorg said bluntly.
“Y-Yes, I’m at your service,” Argus replied, his voice trembling.
“Good attitude,” Giorg said.
“Hah!!”
Argus felt reassured that his response had been the right one.
(That was close… If I had shown any doubt, I would’ve been killed.)
Argus sighed in relief internally. Of course, he knew Giorg wouldn’t kill him on the spot, but it was only a matter of time before his life would be over.
“S-So… What is the task you’ve given me?” Argus asked, his voice shaking.
Just thinking about how difficult the task Giorg would assign him was enough to terrify him.
“Do you know a man named Carver-Lokins?” Giorg asked.
“Carver… Do you mean Archbishop Lokins?”
“Yes, that Archbishop.”
“What about Archbishop Lokins?” Argus asked cautiously.
“Starting with Carver-Lokins, I want you to eradicate the Carlisle-Sainhal faction,” Giorg said.
Argus couldn’t speak. Carlisle-Sainhal, who Giorg had just mentioned, was the Cardinal of the Rizerutus Church, one of the two major sects of the Granzel religion.
Considering that over 90% of the Galveit Kingdom’s population were followers of the Rizerutus Church, the Cardinal’s authority far surpassed that of any ordinary noble.
It was hard not to tremble at Giorg’s declaration to kill Cardinal Carlisle.
“Lord Giorg, may I ask a question?” Argus ventured.
“What is it?”
“What did Cardinal Sainhal do?”
Argus’s question showed that he understood Giorg’s nature. Giorg never engaged in meaningless killing. Conversely, if the killing served a purpose, he wouldn’t hesitate. That’s why Argus wanted to know what Carlisle had done.
“Do you know about the substance called ‘Eald’ that’s been circulating in the country recently?” Giorg asked.
“Y-Yes… It’s a dangerous drug, right?”
“He’s the mastermind behind it.”
“Wha…”
Argus couldn’t hide his shock. He never expected that a Cardinal would be the mastermind behind a drug operation.
“As someone aiming to be the next Pope, Sainhal would want as much money as possible, wouldn’t he?” Giorg continued.
“Y-Yes…”
“But that money was obtained by breaking our country’s laws. Moreover, Eald is highly addictive, and 90% of its users either become crippled or die.”
“…”
“This is an act of hostility towards our Galveit Kingdom, isn’t it? Harming the people and plundering their wealth.”
“Yes…”
Argus shivered again as he felt Giorg’s cold killing intent.
“Your job is to carry out a transaction with Lokins and Eald,” Giorg said.
Click the heart to easily show your support. (Login required.)
Support
If you have an account, please log in.
Learn more about the reading experience available on Kakuyomu.