Chapter 21 : Watching from the Shadows
The noble straightened proudly.
"I am a disciple of the Sovereign Bone Citadel Sect."
The moment the name left his mouth, the inn fell into stunned silence. Whispers spread instantly, and several faces paled.
Seeing their reactions, the noble smirked in satisfaction.
"Well?" he sneered. "Are you going to beg now?"
Rudravaan didn't even look at him.
Instead, he turned slightly toward the innkeeper.
"What is he talking about?"
The innkeeper leaned closer and whispered nervously,
"That sect is very famous here. I've heard they're all nobles—and extremely strong."
Rudravaan turned back and looked the noble up and down once.
"…He doesn't look that strong to me."
The noble's face twisted with fury. His hand shot toward his sword.
Rudravaan noticed—but didn't move.
Just as the blade was about to leave its sheath, a loud voice cut through the tension.
"Hey! What are you doing here?!"
Everyone turned toward the entrance. Another noble strode in, his presence commanding immediate attention. He took in the scene at a glance, then fixed his gaze on the furious disciple.
"The leader has summoned you," he said coldly.
"Why are you causing trouble in a place like this?"
The first noble bristled.
"Senior, he's the one who started it—"
"I don't care," the senior interrupted. "Come. Now."
He then turned to Rudravaan.
"Did he cause you any trouble?"
Rudravaan replied calmly,
"No."
The senior nodded once.
"Then we'll be leaving."
As they turned to go, the first noble shot Rudravaan a glare.
"Don't get comfortable," he snapped.
"I only left because my senior showed up."
Rudravaan didn't respond.
As they walked away from the inn, the noble clenched his fists.
"Senior," he muttered angrily, "why are we rushing? We should've beaten them to the ground."
The senior stopped abruptly and turned to him.
"Is that what you learned in the sect?" he asked coldly.
The noble stiffened.
"N–no, Senior," he replied, lowering his head.
Without another word, they hurried toward the sect.
Before long, a massive structure rose before them—the Sovereign Bone Citadel Sect. Its towering walls and heavy gates radiated authority and power.
The noble hesitated before speaking again.
"Senior… what's going on? Why did the leader suddenly call an emergency meeting?"
The senior didn't look back.
"You'll understand when you see him."
They passed through the gates, walked across the inner grounds, and finally entered the main hall. Inside, many disciples and elders were already gathered. Quiet greetings were exchanged, but tension lingered in the air.
Moments later, the doors opened.
The sect leader entered.
The hall fell completely silent.
His expression was serious, his presence heavy enough to command everyone's attention.
The leader's gaze moved to the senior.
"Zade."
Zade stepped forward and bowed.
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"Our emperor has requested a meeting," the leader said.
"I will be leaving the sect for several days."
Murmurs spread through the hall.
"While I am away," the leader continued, "you will be in charge. Do not allow anything to happen until I return."
Zade bowed deeply.
"Do not worry, Sect Leader. I will keep everything under control."
The leader gave a single nod.
Then he turned—and left the hall.
Zade turned to the noble, his expression cold.
"Valerius Pike," he said firmly, "you heard the leader. Do not cause any trouble. Understood?"
Valerius clenched his jaw but nodded.
"…Yes."
Without another glance, Zade turned and left.
The moment he was gone, Valerius's expression twisted with rage. He stormed out of the sect grounds, his footsteps heavy with resentment.
Not long after, the sect leader arrived at the palace.
He entered the grand hall and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
The emperor studied him for a moment before speaking.
"Aurelius Vane," the emperor said, "I need you to watch over our kingdom—from the shadows."
Aurelius straightened slightly.
"May I know the reason, Your Majesty?"
The emperor's eyes narrowed.
"Have you heard the news?" he asked.
"Rudravaan has reclaimed his kingdom."
Aurelius's eyes widened.
"…Are you referring to the Emperor of the Southeast Blade Kingdom?"
"Yes," the emperor replied calmly.
"I'm certain the other powers have heard as well. And once they do, they'll begin targeting us—simply because of our connection to him."
Aurelius was visibly shaken.
"But… wasn't he declared dead in the war?"
The emperor chuckled softly.
"Even I believed that for a time," he said.
"I should have known better. That bastard isn't someone who dies so easily."
Aurelius hesitated.
"I heard that you and him were close… back then."
The emperor waved it off.
"Who told you that?"
Then, after a pause, he added,
"…He did save my life once. That's all."
At the same time, back at the Royal Pavilion Inn—
Rudravaan stood at the counter, his expression thoughtful.
"Tell me," he said to the innkeeper calmly,
"what exactly is the Sovereign Bone Citadel Sect?"