[Raul's POV]
Before me lay the corpse of a man who had died with a smile on his face. His abdomen was a ruined mess, hollowed out by that disgusting, crawling creature that had consumed him from within.
"He didn't say a single word about his master until his final breath," I muttered, reflecting on the scene. "He would have made a formidable agent had he served under me."
Upon hearing my words, my four subordinates bowed their heads in silence.
It seemed we wouldn't uncover the identity of the candidate Count Juan was in contact with today. However, intercepting his envoy was enough to dismantle his business operations here. Yet, before drawing his last breath, this man had murmured two names—likely his reasons for enduring.
"Bell and Winda, was it?"
I turned to give further orders to Karl and the others.
"Find this man's family," I commanded Karl. "Given that he failed his mission, we will take them in and provide protection. His master may target them next."
"Understood, Boss. We will carry out your orders immediately," they responded in unison.
"And do not forget to give him a proper burial."
I walked out of the warehouse, greeted by the silver moonlight illuminating the night sky. In this world, things are rarely just black and white. To change the world, I had to kill a father loved by his family. But that is how this world works; good people are everywhere, and they are never exempt from the ruthless power struggles of this empire.
Lives will be lost, whether they belong to the virtuous or the wicked. It is a naive thought to believe this can be avoided while still achieving our goals. I want this realization to be my solace whenever I must kill more "good" men to reach my ends.
***
[3rd Person POV]
The following day, in the office of the Foreign Minister of the Aragon Empire, a man stood before a blonde youth in his early twenties.
"Duke Rayodel, what news brings you here in such a hurry?" the blonde youth asked.
He was Felix de Aragon—the first son of Emperor Philip de Aragon and a frontrunner to become the next Emperor of the most powerful nation in the human world.
"It has begun, Prince," the Duke said. "Someone is targeting the nobles within our faction."
At these words, Prince Felix's expression shifted into one of cold seriousness.
"I have just received word that officers from the Ministry of Trade raided the residence of Count Juan," Duke Rayodel reported, detailing the maneuver previously executed by Raul and Elena.
"Is that so? What punishment is the Count expected to face?" Prince Felix asked. He was already well aware of the crimes his subordinate had committed.
"Given the vast sums of money flowing into his pockets, I expect the Empire will force his impeachment and allow his eldest son—who is still a minor—to inherit the title," the Duke explained, looking regretful.
With Count Juan's downfall, Prince Felix's faction stood to lose significant influence on election day.
"I sent someone to assist him, but I have received no word back," the Duke added, his anxiety growing. "I suspect he was intercepted by an agent of another candidate to ensure our efforts to aid the Count failed."
Prince Felix tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk, lost in thought.
"What's done is done. Ensure there are no traces of us in the investigation against Count Juan," the Prince instructed. "Find out which candidate attacked us. I will teach a lesson to anyone who dares obstruct my path."
Prince Felix was an ultra-nationalist. His love for the Aragon nation was unquestionable, but he despised the current policies that allowed non-purebloods to hold significant positions within the Empire. He believed the nation should not be defiled by "inferior" races. Currently, several ministerial positions were held by nobles or tribal chiefs from recently conquered territories—a strategy used by the Empire to quickly stabilize new regions.
He sought the throne to abolish these policies and steer the Empire toward the path he deemed righteous.
"Year after year, the Empire's influence is being eroded by developing nations," Prince Felix said, rising from his chair. "I will ensure the Empire is feared once more, and that no one in this world dares defy our will again."
***
[Brian POV]
The day after our stay in Murcia, we began our journey toward the southwestern region of the Empire. For some reason, security in the city was tighter than usual before we left. Rumors whispered that the Count was to be arrested and tried in the capital for certain crimes.
I didn't understand it. Why do nobles commit such crimes and take what doesn't belong to them? Why aren't there more nobles like Ariel? Most of them share the same wretched attitude as that black-haired man.
Speaking of him, the students have been talking about him more frequently lately.
"Will we face him again in the second stage?" "I hope what happened in the first stage doesn't repeat itself." "I want a more relaxing exam this time."
Tch. A bunch of cowards. Why are they afraid of him? We already proved we can defeat him. He isn't omnipotent like the great Knights of the Empire!
"Brian, is something wrong?"
I heard Ariel's voice beside me. The second-year students were currently resting after hours of travel. Ariel and I had planned to have lunch together, just the two of us.
"You look like you're in a bad mood. Is something bothering you?" Ariel asked with a worried expression.
Lately, Ariel has changed. Ever since that man took her hostage, she hasn't been as responsive to my stories. For some reason, spending time with her feels... duller now.
"It's nothing, Ariel," I replied naturally. "I should be asking you that. Ever since the first stage ended, you've been daydreaming a lot."
Ariel touched her chin, looking pensive. "Hey Brian... why do you hate Raul so much?"
I was stunned. Why was she suddenly asking that? Isn't it obvious? He's a piece of trash noble who forces his will on everyone! He looks down on commoners like me! It's only natural to hate him. He's the reason she's cried and struggled so much.
"Isn't it obvious? Why are you asking this, Ariel?"
As I spoke, I realized Ariel wasn't even looking at me. She was staring elsewhere. Following her gaze, I saw the black-haired man leaning against a tree. He held a small notebook and a pen, appearing to be taking notes.
Ariel had been watching him a lot lately, which infuriated me.
"Stop thinking about him, Ariel," I said, trying to snap her out of it. "I know being held hostage by someone you hate is traumatic, but you have to face those feelings to move forward."
Ariel didn't respond. She just looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. she looked... restless.
"Let's just focus on the second stage. We should arrive at the site in two days."
I tried to reach for her hand, but to my shock, Ariel pulled away as if she were repulsed by the contact. What was happening to her?
"Sorry Brian, I want to be alone for a bit."
I could only watch her back as she walked away from me. I turned my gaze toward the black-haired man with pure hatred.
"This is his doing... he must have done something to her..."
I clenched my fists, barely containing my rage. I marched toward him. He seemed to notice my presence and tucked his notebook into his pocket.
"What do you want from me?" he asked in a disinterested tone.
He had claimed during the exam that he had done something "indecent" to Ariel. I had confronted them both, and Ariel denied that he had laid a finger on her. But seeing her strange behavior now, I couldn't shake the suspicion that something happened between them during those hours.
"What did you do to Ariel?" I demanded. "Ever since you kidnapped her, she's become like a different person!"
The cheerful, smiling Ariel was gone. Now she was silent and distant. I won't forgive him if he's the reason for this!
The man stood up, bringing us face-to-face. His dark eyes felt like an abyss ready to swallow anyone who dared look into them.
"You don't like the way Ariel is now?" he asked flatly.
Honestly, I missed the old Ariel. She always listened to me, comforted me, and her smile gave me the strength to train for my dreams. The current Ariel is silent; even when we are close, her heart feels miles away.
I didn't answer, but he seemed to read my mind.
"Do you love Ariel, Brian?" he asked. This time, his gaze was piercingly serious.
The question caught me off guard. Do I love her? Seeing her smile makes me work harder; being with her was always the highlight of my day before the kidnapping; the thought of another man near her makes my blood boil.
"Yes, you're right," I admitted. "I love Ariel."
Raul's expression shifted subtly. I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
"Is that so? You truly love her," he murmured softly.
What did my feelings have to do with Ariel's sudden change?
"Everyone undergoes change, Brian," he said seriously. "Depending on the circumstances, it's impossible for a human to maintain the exact same attitude forever."
I didn't understand what he was getting at. What did this have to do with Ariel?
"Loving someone means accepting every part of them. If the person you love changes, you continue to love them, whether that change is 'good' or 'bad' for you personally."
For some reason, his words sounded like they were born from personal experience.
"If you only love someone for the 'good' they provide you, that isn't love—it's mere obsession."
His words stung, fueling my anger. Why did he sound like he knew her better than I did? I was the one by her side. I was the one who comforted her in her darkest times.
"What do you know?" I spat, frustrated. What did he know about her that I didn't?
The black-haired man didn't answer. He simply brushed past me, walking away and leaving me standing there alone.
"Damn it..."