Even after defeating a labyrinth boss, there was still plenty of work to be done.

Once defeated, the labyrinth’s entrance would close and could only be reopened by someone in possession of the boss’s core.

If the labyrinth was located near one’s own territory, managing it was simple enough.

However, if it was located far away, someone had to be left behind to oversee it.

If the labyrinth was located in another territory or even another country, it was customary to request their cooperation and pay a management fee.

If the other side refused to cooperate, however, it could lead to armed conflict.

Alternatively, the owner might be forced to abandon the labyrinth altogether.

Another option was to assess the labyrinth’s value and sell the boss’s core.

“You sold it? Even though it was a Red Labyrinth?”

Blue.

Green.

Red.

Black.

That was the order in which labyrinths increased in danger.

The more dangerous the labyrinth, the rarer and more valuable the treasures found within.

The Marquis of Isden had subtly expressed his hope that Lesta would sell him the boss’s core.

In the end, Lesta handed it over for the price he offered.

“Yes, there wasn’t anything particularly extraordinary inside. There were some valuable artefacts, but I can find similar things in my existing labyrinths. I don’t see much reason to keep one that’s so far away.”

Listening to the conversation between Lesta and Eldrian, Cassandra clicked her tongue inwardly.

She, too, had considerable experience clearing labyrinths.

Even so, entering a Red Labyrinth was enough to make anyone tense.

Yet Lesta had somehow found the time to inspect the treasures hidden inside while fighting through it.

It was reassuring…

But also frightening.

‘If she ever became our enemy…’

‘Could we really stand against her?’

After spending five days resting and reorganizing at the Marquis of Isden’s estate, they finally set out for Sunray territory once more.

On their previous visit, they had ridden there on horseback in haste.

This time, however, they travelled in a large carriage given to them as a parting gift by the Marquis of Isden.

Resting her arm on the window frame, Lesta quietly gazed at the passing scenery.

Luna walked calmly beside the carriage, glancing up at Lesta before turning her eyes forward again.

‘By now, Dominic should have reached the capital.’

The withdrawal symptoms from Lumen would begin to appear soon.

Lumen was a dangerously addictive drug.

It took only a few doses for dependency to set in.

‘At first, he’ll probably feel chills throughout his body.’

‘He’ll think he’s simply coming down with a cold.’

There was no antidote for Lumen.

Or, at least, none was available anywhere in the world.

None was available anywhere in the world.

Lesta had created Lumen.

She was also the one who created its antidote.

When she decided to make Dominic take Lumen, she created an antidote too.

Her intention was to save anyone caught up in the scheme who was innocent.

‘Dominic…’

‘You’ll never have the chance to take that antidote.’

‘Because I will never give it to you.’

The treasures hidden within labyrinths were virtually limitless.

Perhaps one day, someone would discover an artifact capable of curing Lumen addiction.

But as far as Lesta knew…

Nothing like that existed yet.

‘I hope you’re in pain every single day, Dominic.’

‘Just as I was.’

***

Ever since meeting Lesta, Richard Blackwood had been busier than ever.

He fabricated evidence.

He arranged for false witnesses.

He even paid a private visit to Enoch Isden, the Marquis of Isden’s eldest son.

Although he was already in his fifties, Enoch was still known as the Young Marquis.

His father remained healthy and vigorous, leaving Enoch waiting endlessly for the day he would inherit the title.

Over time, this had quietly turned into resentment.

So, when Richard Blackwood extended his hand…

What he offered was simply too tempting for Enoch to refuse.

Not long afterwards, Enoch requested a private audience with the Emperor.

His official reason was simple: he claimed to have acquired an exceptional tea and wished to present it to His Majesty.

But that was merely an excuse.

He had come with an entirely different purpose.

As they sipped their tea together, Enoch gradually steered the conversation in the desired direction.

He spoke as if it were nothing of consequence.

As if it were only a passing observation.

Yet, beneath his calm tone, there was just enough concern to capture the Emperor’s full attention.

“Your Majesty… are you aware that the Young Duke of Sunray has joined hands with the Mercenary King?”

The Emperor had yet to hear of the Mercenary King.

Matters involving ambitious people struggling to climb the ranks rarely reached his ears.

“The Mercenary King?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. She’s a mercenary whose influence has grown at an astonishing rate in recent years. She has united the surrounding mercenary companies under her banner, earning her the title of Mercenary King. She currently owns eight labyrinths.”

“Oh?”

Owning eight labyrinths was no ordinary accomplishment.

Watching the Emperor’s interest awaken, Enoch spoke in a worried tone.

“I must admit… I’m concerned, Your Majesty.”

“About what?”

“I’m worried that House Sunray may have joined hands with such dangerous people for reasons that are… less than honorable.”

“Nonsense, man. What are you saying? Is there anyone more loyal than the Duke of Sunray? Besides, aren’t you and the Duke old friends?”

That was true.

Enoch Isden and Duke Rydel Sunray had been friends since childhood.

But Enoch remained the Young Marquis.

Rydel Sunray, on the other hand, had firmly established himself as the head of House Sunray while still a young man.

Enoch had always felt inferior to him.

“My loyalty to Your Majesty comes before any friendship. The Young Duke of Sunray’s recent actions have left me deeply concerned.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. He’s merely allied with a mercenary against House Blackwood.”

“But, Your Majesty, the Duke of Blackwood has already sent his eldest son to serve at your side, and his eldest daughter is doing everything she can to become the Crown Princess. But the young Duke of Sunray…”

Enoch Isden trailed off.

However, the seed he had planted had fallen squarely on the Emperor’s deepest misgivings.

For years, the Emperor had hoped to make Eldrian Sunray his son-in-law.

Long ago, he had subtly broached the idea of Eldrian marrying the First Princess.

However, the Duke of Sunray had always responded with an awkward smile, skillfully avoiding giving a direct answer.

After the First Princess was married, the Emperor turned his attention to the Second Princess.

By then, Eldrian had reached an age where he should have been considering marriage.

This time, the Emperor made his intentions much clearer.

Nevertheless, the Duke of Sunray either changed the subject or politely declined the proposal.

“My son is still lacking. Her Highness the Second Princess deserves a far finer man than him.”

The Emperor had investigated Eldrian’s personal affairs.

There was no woman with whom he appeared to have a particularly close relationship.

And yet…

The Duke refused every time.

Though disappointed, the Emperor had always laughed it off, trusting in the Duke of Sunray’s unwavering loyalty.

But now…

Enoch Isden’s carefully chosen words sent ripples through his thoughts.

“Your Majesty, I am still an inexperienced heir and have never led a house of my own. Perhaps that’s why I can see things more objectively. From my perspective, it is House Sunray that appears to be hiding its true intentions.”

Those words struck a nerve.

The Emperor fell silent as doubt quietly took root in his mind.

The Duke of Blackwood had willingly sent his children to join the Imperial Family.

At first, the Emperor had suspected that this was a calculated move to gain influence over the throne.

But looking back now…

The Duke had never actually acted on such ambitions.

Dominic had never sought to distinguish himself through excessive achievements or fame.

He simply carried out his duties faithfully.

As for Isabella, she earned nothing but praise from everyone at the Imperial Court.

But what about Eldrian?

Since Dominic’s appointment as Vice Commander of the Imperial Knights, Eldrian had rarely set foot in the Imperial Palace.

He used to visit occasionally to pay his respects.

Now…

He no longer came at all.

Sensing the Emperor’s wavering thoughts, Enoch delivered the final blow.

“No matter how loyal House Sunray may be, they are still only human. People’s hearts can change. That possibility worries me more than anything, Your Majesty.”

***

After returning to the Imperial Palace, Dominic found himself thinking about Luciel, whom he had left behind.

Even so, the first thing he did was seek an audience with the Emperor and respectfully pay his respects.

“So, you’ve returned. You must have had a difficult journey.”

For some reason, the Emperor’s voice sounded warmer than usual.

Perhaps…

After enduring such overwhelming fear, Dominic had simply become more sensitive to even the smallest kindness.

“You don’t look well. I’ll send a royal physician to examine you. Take a week’s leave and get some proper rest.”

After expressing his gratitude, Dominic returned to his estate near the Imperial Palace.

Under normal circumstances, he lived in the Knights’ Quarters on the palace grounds.

But…

Right now, however, he had no desire to stay in the palace.

His body trembled with chills and a dull ache spread through his joints.

The royal physician, who had come at the Emperor’s behest, examined him and concluded that he simply had a fever.

“So even a hero can come down with a fever.”

With those words, the doctor prescribed some medicine and left.

Dominic forced open the mouth of a Kimi slave and poured the entire contents of a medicine packet down the slave’s throat.

Only after confirming that the slave was unharmed did he take the medicine himself and lie down on his bed.

“Well done, Dominic.”

So much had happened.

And yet…

Those simple words lingered in Dominic’s mind like an unwanted thorn.

He couldn’t understand why such a trivial remark refused to leave him alone.

Nor could he forget the smile on Lesta’s face when she said them.

It sent a chill down his spine every time he thought about it.

Dominic repeatedly rubbed his face with both hands, desperately trying to erase her from his thoughts.

But her smile clung stubbornly to his mind.

Even as the medicine gradually lulled him into a fitful sleep, it refused to fade.

This time, it wasn’t her turquoise eyes that haunted his dreams.

It was her vivid red lips.

When he finally awoke from the nightmare, his body felt somewhat better, perhaps thanks to the medicine and the long sleep.

But the chills had not gone away.

All he wanted was to lie down and sleep a little longer.

Instead, the Duke of Blackwood came to visit.

After putting on a robe, Dominic reluctantly made his way to the reception room.

“Did the subjugation go well?”

Richard had not yet received any news from the Marquis of Isden’s territory.

Dominic hesitated for a moment before answering.