The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

Inside the Aquinas Ruins, the Origin of the Holy Water.

Beneath the statue of the goddess, who stretched out her hands pitifully, was a clear pool of water in which Alice submerged her naked body.

Almost instantly, a chilling cold that could freeze flesh and blood enveloped her body.

However, to Alice, it was not cold at all.

It felt warm, like the soothing hot springs that relieve the fatigue of the day.

Although it seemed like a simple bath, this was actually a part of a harsh ascetic practice to absorb the power left by the goddess of water in the frozen land into a human body.

The water, clear and pure without any impurities.

It was a sacred object symbolizing the noble purity of Aquanis, comparable to Lumendel’s light and Aer’s black mist.

In essence, this water itself was like a divine relic bestowed by Aquanis to humanity.

Of course, not just any human could receive this holy water.

Only those who embody the ideals represented by the goddess of water, possessing innocence without malice and selflessness for others, were eligible to receive it.

While most humans, full of jealousy, envy, and selfishness seeking only their own benefit, could not even dip a toe in it,

Alice, who had always lived for others rather than herself, was indeed worthy to immerse herself in this sacred source.

Three years ago, after Cyan saved her life on the frontlines, Alice had been deeply contemplative,

About what she should live for.

Unaware of the truth and having lived foolishly, she wondered if she deserved to live a life for herself after severing ties with her family.

She did not want such a life.

Even if that was what Cyan wanted, Alice did not wish to live so.

As a family member, as a sister,

She wanted to help her precious younger brother live a dignified, happy life.

But to do that, she couldn’t remain at the level of an ordinary human.

To lend even a small amount of strength to her brother, who had already surpassed human limitations, she needed to acquire a similar level of power.

When she first visited Pruina, Marian, who had held a high regard for Alice, had jokingly said that with her upright heart, she could receive the holy water of Aquinas.

At that time, Alice had brushed it off as something that would never happen, but now, things had changed.

With a water affinity of 88%, Alice had once been regarded as the “Child of God” by the academy, gaining attention as a promising talent of the empire. However, she could no longer remain merely a promising individual.

As people said, unless she truly became a child of God, she would not be able to assist her brother.

Fortunately, Marian respected Alice’s resolve.

Although she had offered to disclose the location of the ruins if Alice wished, Alice chose to find this place on her own, wandering through the frozen lands for a long time.

Finally, in these ruins she discovered,

Only those worthy could cross the Bridge of Purity and reach this origin of the holy water touched by the goddess’s hand.

Alice had been continuing the arduous task of receiving the power of the goddess Aquanis for the past few weeks.

This process had been observed by Marian and the Relic Serpent to this day.

While submerged in the waterway, the Serpent expressed his admiration.

“It’s remarkable to see such progress day by day. I never thought among such vile and petty humans, there would exist someone capable of receiving the goddess’s holy water.”

Marian nodded in agreement.

“Still, more time will be needed. And we must thoroughly hide from the eyes of other gods. It was unintended, but you’ve suffered a lot, Serpent.”

Rubbing the area where Cyan had injured him with his tail, the Serpent replied,

“It’s alright. It was just unexpected. That demonic human being Alice’s brother… If someone with such foul aura had contacted the holy water, there would have been an immediate rejection reaction.”

For someone with a pure heart like Alice, the holy water becomes warm water, but for someone with a ruthless and cruel heart like Cyan, it turns into frigid cold water, bringing unbearable pain.

Cyan had endured it stubbornly and managed to freely swim and subdue the Serpent.

“It’s not the mind of an ordinary human, then. Aer’s artifact seems to have found quite a significant owner this time.”

“I hope he never comes here again.”

The Serpent shuddered and submerged deeper into the waterway.

“By the way, what sort of misfortune does that magical sword Kaeram have with you, Lady Marian, to have made you so hostile?”

“It’s nothing much. I just killed a human, that’s all.”

“Wh- who are you talking about?”

As Marian turned to look at the Serpent, her dragon eyes momentarily shimmered with a blue light.

“The previous owner of that sword…”

* * *

Ever since the day we visited the ruins, Kaeram had completely shut me out.

No matter how many times I tried to speak to her, or sat staring at her for half a day, Kaeram showed no response whatsoever.

At this rate, she was no different from an inanimate, ordinary dagger.

Honestly, I am quite baffled.

Kaeram and I have what you might call a love-hate relationship.

We’ve spent enough time together to have seen everything there is to see, so I thought it was impossible for us to have any secrets from each other.

At least, that’s still how I see it.

But what about from Kaeram’s perspective?

I’ve always prided myself on being the person who knows this sword best and can wield it better than anyone.

Now, I’m beginning to doubt that.

What was her reason for coming to the icy lands, how does she know the exact location of the ruins, what sort of bad blood does she have with Marian?

I know none of it.

If Kaeram doesn’t want to speak and prefers to keep secrets, that’s fine,

But if I don’t know her, can I really continue to claim that I’m the best at handling her?

Kaeram is supposed to be my most reliable partner in my resolve to kill Lumendel.

With my partner now silent and turning her back on me, I am extremely frustrated.

Would that foolish god provide some answers if asked?

Things won’t keep flowing this way forever; when the time comes, she will surely react.

Turning my gaze away from Kaeram, I looked out the window at the snow falling from the sky.

It had already been a week since I used Garam Academy’s warp gate without permission to cross into the icy lands.

Half of the two weeks that Aer promised have passed.

Once that time is up, the mark of revelation engraved on my body will become effective again, and they will come to capture me.

I took off my shirt to check the state of the mark.

The red hue was more vivid than when Aer first infused it with the essence of mist.

I have one week left.

If I do not return to Aer’s subspace within that time, I will face the Nephilim again at the very spot I stand.

I do not wish for that place to be here.

It’s time to leave the icy lands.

-Knock knock

Just as I thought that, there was a perfectly timed knock on the door of my lodging.

I hadn’t even said to come in, but the door opened immediately.

The half-open door slammed shut with a loud noise.

-Creeeak… Bang!

After leisurely changing clothes, I opened the door myself.

In front of the door, Hastia’s face was red to the ears.

She cautiously opened her eyes but quickly turned her head away.

I extended my hand, indicating for her to speak if she had something to say.

Hastia grabbed my hand and bowed deeply.

‘I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were changing clothes…’

It seems she didn’t see the mark because her back was turned.

Even if she had seen it, it wouldn’t have been a big problem.

“What’s the reason for your visit?”

‘I thought maybe today you would be willing to receive the Blessing of Prophecy.’

It was the third time today.

Ever since returning from the ruins, she’s been repeating this question like a songbird.

Of course, my intention has not changed.

Seeing the answer in my expression, Hastia looked distraught.

‘Please, Lord Cyan! If you continue this way, the future I saw for you will not change! I do not wish to see you meet such a tragic end!’

Neither do I.

Who in this world would want such a sorrowful end?

Once in a previous life is enough.

I have already expressed my disbelief in prophecies and clearly shown my refusal, but today I also wanted to ask.

“Alright, let’s say I received the blessing. But still, my future isn’t mine to see, it’s you, the prophetess, who sees it, right?”

Hastia nodded.

“So what’s the use? Unless you’re going to follow me around, what good does the blessing do?”

To see the future the blessing would show, Hastia would have to be always by my side.

I might leave this place at any time, but Hastia, as a prophetess, would need to stay in the frozen lands.

What good would receiving the blessing do in such a situation?

If I forcibly took her with me, the White Elves would strongly object.

However, Hastia responded without hesitation.

‘Don’t worry! I will stay by your side, Lord Cyan!’

For a moment, I thought I had heard her wrong.

“Are you going to be by my side?”

‘Yes! Just as you said, Cyan-nim! What use would it be for me to receive blessings and see Cyan-nim’s path if I am not by your side? I will stick with you from start to finish!’

His mind suddenly becoming a turmoil, he asked again.

“Don’t you have to protect the divine tree?”

‘The divine tree is important, but protecting you, Cyan-nim, who holds the key to peace, is even more critical! I have already obtained permission from the elders! There will be no consequences, so you can rest assured!’

His head started to spin again.

No matter the help provided, was she really about to follow a stranger she had only met a week ago?

Would the elder elves even allow that?

At this point, as everyone seemed to decide so easily what this blessing was about, he felt a surge of emotion, ‘Well, might as well give it a try.’

He clutched his throbbing forehead and asked.

“What do I need to do to receive it?”

Hastia’s face brightened like the morning sun as she clasped his hands excitedly.

‘You’ve finally decided to receive it!’

“I’ll just think about it some more.”

‘There’s no grand ceremony required. You just need to come with me to the altar of the divine tree tomorrow morning!’

“Alright. Come back tomorrow.”

After a persistent persuasion that finally bore fruit,

Hastia, her joy apparent, shook his hands several times.

‘Then I’ll come early tomorrow morning! Have a good rest, Cyan-nim!’

With those final words of care, Hastia left the lodging.

He stared at the door through which she had left for a long time.

His intentions hadn’t changed at all.

He still didn’t believe in prophecies, nor did he intend to receive any blessings.

There was no reason for him to stay in this frozen land any longer.

After finishing his thoughts, he immediately began to prepare to leave.

Suddenly, Hastia’s cheerful face that he saw earlier flickered before his eyes.

He thought leaving wouldn’t be so bad after all.

At least the last face he saw was a smiling one.

* * *

The power of foresight often reveals the future unexpectedly.

It could happen while walking, eating, meditating, or even sleeping.

It sent the prophet’s mind to another dimension to vividly visualize events that would occur in the future.

In the middle of a deep, sleep-filled night.

‘……!’

Hastia suddenly woke up with a calm expression.

After gasping for breath and clutching her chest for a moment,

Hastia reflected on the prophetic vision she had just seen in her dream.

In a desolate space untouched by anyone, surrounded by golden giants, a man was facing a lonely death.

Hastia clearly saw that man’s face.

‘It’s Cyan-nim!’

This was exactly like the prophecy related to the future of this world that Hastia had seen before Cyan arrived.

No, it was not exactly the same.

In the previous future she saw, Cyan met his end in a vast barren wasteland with not a blade of grass in sight,

But this time, in the vision she saw,

‘Snow……’

He was facing death in the middle of a hill completely covered in white snow.

The place was undoubtedly part of this frozen land.

‘Cyan-nim is in danger!’

Hastia immediately left her house and ran to Cyan’s lodging.

She kicked the door open without even knocking, but

‘……Cyan-nim?’

Cyan had already left Pruina.

(To be continued)