Chapter 112

112: Targets of Vengeance

“We always seem to meet under these circumstances,” Callion said, his displeasure evident. Regan Melkis bowed his head apologetically.

“I came to Belfort because I heard there was trouble, but I didn’t expect you to be in charge.”

“I apologize, Your Grace. I’ve only been here a few days and am still assessing the situation.”

Callion scrutinized Regan Melkis with distrust.

“Are you saying you had no knowledge of this?”

“I haven’t been directly involved, but I cannot shirk my responsibility.”

“I saw a soldier with a whip. In which country’s law is it permissible to treat hired workers like slaves?”

“I am deeply sorry, Your Grace. I have no excuse.”

Regan Melkis chose to accept responsibility rather than offer excuses.

‘It’s not on his orders,’ Callion thought. He had seen Regan Melkis during the confrontation with the poor before; Melkis was not cruel enough to drag a helpless woman by her hair. It was clear someone above Melkis had given the orders.

“Confiscate the soldiers’ whips and ensure such behavior does not occur again.”

“I have issued that order multiple times, but the soldiers rebel, claiming they won’t work without the whips…”

“What do you mean?”

“The workers have refused to work until their back wages are paid. To meet construction deadlines, it’s become a vicious cycle.”

Regan Melkis’ face reddened with embarrassment.

‘I heard the wages were quite delayed,’ Callion thought. It made sense that resistance would be strong when workers were essentially providing free labor.

“Have you reported this to His Majesty?”

“I have informed Count Owens multiple times, but there has been no response.”

Regan Melkis’ voice grew small.

“How much are the back wages?”

“About 23,000 cels.”

“I will pay it myself.”

“What?”

“I will send the money as soon as I return to the capital. Ensure it is distributed fairly.”

Regan Melkis looked at Callion in shock. Even for the Duke of Tiflis, 23,000 sel was a significant amount. The emperor was unlikely to reimburse him, meaning Callion would be covering the cost out of his own pocket. Yet Callion showed no hesitation.

“Also, compensate the woman who was dragged away. I’ll cover that too.”

“His Majesty has strictly forbidden any compensation…”

“She died serving the empire. The empire must take responsibility. If His Majesty questions it, I will take the blame.”

“I will follow your orders, Your Grace.”

Regan Melkis bowed repeatedly.

Callion observed him with a stern expression before turning away. He felt too stifled to stay any longer.

As he hurried to leave the site, a familiar face passed by.

“Wait. Stop right there.”

The man carrying bricks halted at his call.

“Michael?”

“…”

Sycamore Venture slowly turned his head. A faint smile appeared on his dust-covered face.

Callion quickly scanned him. Calloused hands, tattered clothes, and whip marks peeking through—he had clearly been posing as a worker for some time.

Despite having numerous ways to gather information without direct involvement, Sycamore Venture had chosen to infiltrate the construction site in disguise. There had to be a reason.

When Callion looked at him suspiciously, Sycamore Venture avoided his gaze.

He’s hiding something.

Though he was currently cooperating with Adelaide, Sycamore Venture was not someone Callion could fully trust. His ultimate target was Elkius Isulandt, but it was unclear who else might be in his crosshairs.

Callion firmly stepped on Sycamore Venture’s shoelace.

“Let’s talk somewhere private.”

“Sure. It’s break time anyway.”

Sycamore Venture agreed readily.

“Lirkan, wait here.”

“Your Grace’s safety…”

“He’s not dangerous. I’ll be back soon.”

Callion entrusted his horse to Lirkan and followed Sycamore Venture.

Knowing Belfort’s layout well, Sycamore Venture him through narrow alleys to a small brewery.

An old man filtering the mash stood up abruptly.

“We have a distinguished guest. Close the shop and bring two beers.”

“Yes.”

Sycamore and Callion went to a side room attached to the brewery. Callion removed his sword and set it on the table before sitting down.

The old man brought in the beers shortly after. Callion took a sip and began to speak.

“So you were the one delaying the construction.”

“Even an emperor should pay for the labor he uses.”

“So you incited the workers?”

“People accustomed to injustice don’t realize they’re being wronged. Someone has to wake them up.”

“Many people have been hurt. Couldn’t you have used a more moderate approach?”

“To expose Elkius Isulandt as the scoundrel he is, some sacrifices are necessary.”

Sycamore Venture’s tone turned harsh as he mentioned Elkius.

Callion remained silent, feeling uneasy.

“Oh, of course, I will also spread the word about the grace Your Grace has shown,” Sycamore Venture added, his tone lightening.

Callion had to admit that, while his actions weren’t calculated for that result, they could be perceived that way. He smiled bitterly and shifted the topic.

“So, what’s your real purpose for participating in such a rough construction?”

Sycamore delayed his response, taking a deep drink from his beer. After placing the heavy mug down with a thunk, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve and spoke.

“I need to know where he stays to cut off his head.”

“…”

It was clear he had joined the construction to understand the layout of the palace.

Callion sighed before speaking again.

“As I said before, stop doing dangerous things.”

“Are you asking me to give up my life’s goal?”

His eyes were filled with resentment. Callion rubbed his face, feeling troubled. Though he didn’t agree with his methods, he could understand Sycamore’s feelings. It was only natural for him to hold a deep grudge after his entire family was slaughtered by Elkius.

Even Callion felt cautious about adding his own words, given his involvement in the tragedy of House Alberden. Elkius’s coup had led to the deaths of many nobles loyal to the former emperor and Callion.

He still hadn’t repaid the loyalty of those who sacrificed their lives.

“Michael Alberden.”

“…”

“I’m sorry about your family. But I don’t think the Marquess of Alberden would want you to risk your life for revenge.”

“My father worked tirelessly for your restoration until his dying breath. As his son, I am merely honoring his will.”

There was no chance of persuading him.

Callion silently observed Sycamore. He had seen many on the battlefield consumed by vengeance, leading to their own ruin. Sycamore’s eyes were similar.

“…I can’t stop you if that’s your resolve, but don’t drag others into your revenge.”

“You mean Adelaide Cornwall.”

Sycamore’s gaze shifted to Callion’s ring. He smirked slyly.

“I didn’t pull her in. She pulled me in.”

There was a sharp dagger hidden in his calm words.

When House Alberden was annihilated, Adelaide had been Elkius’s lover. If that was why Michael bore a grudge against her…

Callion gripped the hilt of his sword.

“Don’t lay a finger on Adelaide.”

“Don’t worry. I have no such intention now.”

Michael Alberden smiled meaningfully.

“Now?”

“As long as she remains an Isulandt.”

Callion immediately understood his meaning. If he let go of Adelaide, making her no longer an Isulandt, he wouldn’t hesitate to exact revenge on her.

“Then Adelaide will never be in danger because of you.”

“If Your Grace can overcome all the opposition, that is.”

“How can I protect the nation if I can’t even protect my wife?”

“Your supporters would be shocked to hear that.”

Sycamore laughed innocently. There was a strange nuance, as if he disliked Adelaide yet was also testing Callion’s resolve to protect her.

‘…Please save her.’

If Michael truly hated Adelaide, he wouldn’t have informed Callion of her location when she was kidnapped by the Marquess of Flander.

Callion grasped his sword and stood up.

“The right to kill the emperor belongs to me alone. If you want revenge, help Adelaide, as you are now.”

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

“I met Callion by chance in Belfort?”

Reading Sycamore’s letter, Adelaide tilted her head.

Why would Sycamore go to Belfort? She guessed he might be investigating something related to the new palace as she neatly folded the letter and tossed it into the fireplace.

Callion would explain if she asked him.

He might be angry to learn she had received a tip-off from Sycamore after causing a major incident without consulting him, but…

Recalling the news that Callion had promised to pay the workers’ back wages and compensation, she smiled faintly.

Jensen would be horrified to learn that thousands of cels were spent with no hope of reimbursement, but if it could win people’s hearts, it wasn’t a bad investment.

Adelaide sifted through the ashes to erase any trace of the letter before pulling the bell cord.

“You called?”

Zatia entered the room instead of Margaret, who was running an errand.

“Has Sir Lucid returned?”

“I don’t believe he has.”

“No news on Lady Lephisto either?”

“No, My Lady.”

Adelaide’s expression darkened at Zatia’s answer.

It had been several days with no word. If the rumor spread that the future empress had disappeared, there would be an uproar, though everyone was keeping it quiet for now. If this continued, they might have to search publicly.

Though this life wouldn’t follow the same path as the last, if the same thing happened again…

Shaking her head, Adelaide asked Zatia,

“Zatia, is there any magic that can bring back the dead?”