11 : Level of Loyalty

A spine-chilling silence filled the air, both undead gauging each other. This newcomer was definitely strong. He even managed to keep Yva on the defensive and I wasn't sure how he did that with such a small body.

Yva jumped back as soon as she saw a splitsecond opening and her shrill laugh echoed throughout the mountains. "Didn't know you're awake, imp."

Veins bulged on his forehead. A burst of his murderous intent immediately made the air heavy. "Behave yourself, you feral animal."

Their attention were focused on each other, completely ignoring my presence. I could tell that they were about to slice each other's neck, but the two instantly stiffened when I released my intimidation. It was still an inferior version compared to the king's when he was in his prime, and not a passive skill unlike Yva's, but I could tell that the quality was almost the same as the latter.

I thought that would be enough to get their full attention, but that slight opening was used by Yva to attack the other one, much to his annoyance.

"Man you really are one asinine beast," he remarked while parrying Yva's attacks.

The two continued exchanging violent attacks and disregarded me once again. I almost rolled my eyes at the absurdity before me. Trying to recruit someone as unpredictable as Yva was a foolish decision, and that undead next to him was as unhinged as her. Who was he anyway?

Instead of wasting my time here, I headed back to the palace.

***

"Oh? That wretch is awake?"

I gave the queen a curious look after her remark. Concerned about the internal affairs of Vrivarya, I requested an audience with her to discuss some matters, and happened to tell her about what had transpired in the Dark Mountains.

"You know that kid?"

"He's Morven, my retainer."

I almost gasped at the revelation. "What?"

It turned out that kid was a high-level mage—perhaps at the same level as Roesia—and he was from the same clan as the queen.

According to her, the Dark Mountains was considered a dangerous region because of its rough terrain and high concentration of miasma, but the real reason why most vampires were forbidden to enter this place was because of its inhabitants. To those who knew its secret, the Dark Mountains was a designated prison for troublemakers and a retirement place for the high bloods who had lost their powers.

There were even rumors that some of the previous rulers were there. For a former sovereign, losing the bloodline ability was tantamount to death. Some had chosen to die the moment they stepped down from the throne to preserve their honor and pride, but they said there were others who preferred to live a solitary life, ashamed of their weakened state.

And then there were cases like Yva's. Vrivarya had a lot of powerful combatants, but a few of them were quite...uncontrollable. They were strong, but difficult to handle, and that was a double-edged sword for the kingdom.

Morven was like that, according to the queen. Hailed from the Dvorach clan, he had become the center of attention for his peculiarity. Most of the Dvorachs had the ability to charm people and objects in different ways, but Morven had more affinity to elemental and natural magic. Enamored by the queen's resistance to his magic due to her overpowering charm, he chose to be her retainer, hoping to study her ability closely. Morven had become a talented yet self-serving mage that had mastered everything that he could learn from the ancient books.

However, he had yet to grasp the power that was said to be the pinnacle of magic—the holy or divine magic, only wielded by the magi. Driven by intense curiosity, Morven asked the queen for permission to leave Vrivarya, but she flatly denied his request. And as a protest, he voluntarily went to slumber in the Dark Mountains, saying he had no interest in anything any longer if he couldn't seek what he wanted.

If Yva was like a weapon of mass destruction, Morven was certainly a ticking bomb. Someone with a whimsical personality like his would be better confined inside the walls of the kingdom.

"Your Majesty, my eternal gratitude for your praises."

My eyes widened in surprise when Morven suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and knelt in front of the queen.

On the other hand, she was unfazed as if she already knew that he'd be here. "Are you done with your callow tomfoolery?" she asked.

Morven stood up, excitement visible on his face. "I would've preferred to sleep more if it weren't for that damn animal trespassing my territory. But I guess, it's good to be awake since something piqued my interest."

His gaze shifted to me. Despite his short stature, Morven had that lofty and imposing demeanor. Just like the queen, he had blond hair and eyes. He was also wearing a white tunic shirt and trousers that seemed large on him, along with a long white coat draped around his shoulders.

"Pardon my impudence but you are the royal heir, Your Royal Highness, aren't you?"

Before I could even open my mouth, Vanda had already thrown a djall in his direction, but he managed to catch it without even looking.

"Watch your language, Morven," Vanda dangerously warned. "You are in the presence of royal bloods."

He gave her a crooked smile. "You and your ever strict manners. Still the same old Vanda, huh?"

It was the first time I had seen Vanda lose her cool and frankly, it was quite terrifying. Being the sole retainer of the queen for so long was a testament to her strength and ability, I guess. But Morven was equally remarkable for effortlessly stopping that attack. And if both of them were on the queen's side, then I need not to worry any longer about the royal house.

"Yes, I am the royal heir," I answered amidst the rising tension. "My presence must be worth your time if you're here."

Morven's eyes were suddenly gleaming with anticipation as he knelt in front of me. "Oh, pardon my insolence, Your Royal Highness. But indeed, you are a great peculiarity."

I cocked my head, curious. "A peculiarity?"

"You have awakened for the second time, and for some reason, I can sense a trace of holy magic in you."

My shoulders twitched at his remark. "Holy magic?"

He nodded. "It's only a trace amount, but it's still there inside you. And yet, your body is unaffected." His gaze landed on the runes on my face. "Perhaps it's because of that ability."

I could only stare at him as he explained his speculation. He had been unaware of worldly matters for a long time yet he managed to recognize my awakening and abilities with just a single glance.

But holy magic, huh? The last time I was in contact with that was when we were ambushed by the magi while leaving Katur. Or did they manage to cast an undetectable spell when I visited the southern continent? Exposure to holy magic was supposed to destroy our material body, but if I were alright, then Zaria's absolute protection must be doing its job.

The gears in my head started turning. If I developed some kind of resistance to holy magic, then I could use that to my advantage.

"Morven," I called.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness?"

"You said you'd like to study holy magic." He nodded. "There's an arcane mage who's currently trying to develop an anti-holy magic—!"

My words were cut short when Morven suddenly disappeared into thin air. I could already feel Vanda's bloodlust but she managed to compose herself. The queen quietly sipped blood from her golden goblet, unconcerned about what just happened.

"Leave him be," she said. "I prefer him asleep during this crucial time but he'd me more useful this way."

I silently agreed. He was probably in the mage tower now, brimming with enthusiasm to meet a fellow holy magic researcher. Rurik would probably be freaking out right now but he'd survive.

"Very well, Your Majesty."

She set her drink aside and met my gaze. "I advise you leave Yva out of your plans, too."

I could only stare at her impassive face. The queen had eyes everywhere. She knew what I was trying to do and she was aware of my movements.

"I shall. It was a grave error on my part."

It was humiliating that she had witnessed my lapse in judgment. I thought recruiting Yva would be a good decision, but it was a complete blunder. Besides, I must have misunderstood Yva's personality. Although she likes challenging strong and powerful people, that doesn't mean she'd leave the king's side if she finds someone stronger than her. After all, an undead's loyalty was absolute.

The queen replied with a subtle nod. Now that Morven was on her side, keeping the king's retainers at bay would be an easy task. There were still several problems that needed to be addressed, but at least the security and stability of the royal house would not be a concern any longer.

Bringing the discussion to a close, I stood up and lightly bowed at her. "I shall take my leave now, Your Majesty."

***

My retainers returned at nightfall from their respective tasks and we gathered in my chamber for debriefing.

"Lady Sereka will request an audience with you tomorrow while Lord Estrei will visit overmorrow," reported Sigrid.

I gave her a contented nod. If I could convince them to support my claim to the throne, then I would hold sway over the majority of the nobilities. The Dvorach and Kuzlav houses might interfere but those three would certainly prevent them from staging a coup.

"And the magi?"

"They have been busy cleaning up the mess left by the undead," Moria said.

I glanced at Irus and he immediately reported the status of the undead. "Only the demyrs survived the magi's retaliation," he said in a muffled voice. "The rest have been purged."

"Oh? So the demyrs could resist holy magic?"

"As they were part-human, they have natural resistance to purification magic," answered Kei. "However, it can still fatally injure them if the caster is powerful."

"I see."

Those demyrs might be more useful than I thought. However, unlike vampires, they wouldn't just declare their fealty to anyone and were more loyal to wealth and power. But now that the magi were actively pursuing them, then they wouldn't align themselves with those witches and warlocks. In fact, they could serve as a distraction so the magi wouldn't have any spare time to monitor the north.

"Are there any movements in the other kingdoms?"

"There were sightings of night creatures leaving the Slovar kingdom. I surmise they are released for surveillance," Kei reported. "The Remis kingdom is currently fortifying their defenses."

A smile escaped my lips. They dared conspire against Vrivarya and now they were terrified of our retaliation. Once I had dealt with the magi, they'd be the one receiving the brunt of my wrath.

"Alright. Good work," I said, much to their delight.

All I needed to do this week was meet with Laci and Dmitri, and after that, I could focus on the world summit.

Oh, wait, I still had one problem to deal with.

I glanced at my retainers, and the four shifted nervously in their seats. Huh. So they were already anticipating this moment?

"By the way, I need two attendants for the upcoming world summit," I announced.

Their eyes were suddenly brimming with both unease and expectation. They had been trying to distinguish themselves in the missions I had ordered as it would give them a huge advantage for the selection of my attendants during the world summit.

I had thought about it for quite some time and I concluded that those two would be the most suitable ones. Now, I just hope the remaining two wouldn't throw a fit.

***