A Snake’s Life Ch 90

Chapter 90

 

Because of the definitive evidence in the form of the video, Zerpell had no desire to engage in a meaningless quarrel with the Marquis.

“What brings you here? I was told by the host that all invited guests have already arrived.”

At the Duke of Bert’s pointed remark, the Marquis’s smile wavered slightly.

“I happened to acquire an invitation by chance. As you know, Duke, I’ve always taken a keen interest in business affairs.”

“By chance, you say…”

“Wasn’t it by chance the last time as well? Quite a lot of coincidences, aren’t there?”

At Zerpell’s mocking comment, the Marquis’s brows arched upward. Despite being fully aware of the Marquis’s displeasure, Zerpell nonchalantly turned to the Duke of Bert and said,

“Duke, I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“So soon?”

“There’s someone eagerly waiting for me.”

“Would that someone happen to be the envoy?”

Seeing Zerpell’s cheerful smile, the Duke easily deduced that this was related to Shuiren. Just as Zerpell was about to leave in high spirits, a single remark from the Marquis brought him to a sudden halt. That one sentence was enough to throw Zerpell’s mood crashing to the ground. The Marquis, seemingly determined and fully prepared, provoked the departing Zerpell.

“I was quite surprised at the banquet. While your demeanor was as refined as expected from an envoy, your remarks were rather rash. Did you not speak disrespectfully to His Majesty? I’m concerned it may become an issue later. Since only His Highness is able to meet with the envoy at present, shouldn’t he be informed of this?”

“…Ha. Disrespectful remarks, you say…”

Zerpell pondered how best to respond to the Marquis’s provocation. He might have overlooked anything else, but he could not ignore an insult to Shuiren.

“Disrespectful remarks? That’s rich, coming from you, Marquis.”

“…”

The Marquis doubted his ears, wondering if he had truly heard those words come from Zerpell’s lips.

“…What are you implying?”

“Ask yourself, Marquis. After holding the position of noble leader for so long, have you truly led the Empire to prosperity? Endless war and the suffering of the people—was this once-wealthy Empire not dragged into a prolonged conflict with no end in sight? And why do you think that is?”

From that moment, a sinister energy began to settle around the Marquis. Though Zerpell’s tone remained calm and steady, his words were sheathed in sharp blades. His piercing, cold gaze fixated on Marquis Franchia.

The surrounding nobles were stunned by the blatant criticism, their ears doubting what they had just heard. Only the Duke Bert wondered whether Zerpell was about to expose the casino incident.

“Isn’t it the fault of incompetent nobles? I ask you, Marquis, the leader of those very nobles—am I wrong?”

“I believe His Highness is perhaps speaking without full knowledge. War costs a great deal of money. Even gathering those funds is a struggle.”

The weight of Zerpell’s deadly aura made the Marquis feel as though he was bearing a massive boulder on his shoulders. Yet, he did not back down easily. Though visibly trembling at the direct insult, he couldn’t hide his quivering lips.

“Are you aware, Your Highness, that you’re insulting me right now?”

“Is it not the Marquis who is insulting the Empire? I have no reason to listen to someone who has amassed wealth through actions forbidden by law.”

Zerpell’s scornful words sent a tremor through the atmosphere. At the same time, the Marquis’s expression visibly faltered. His face stiffened at what sounded like a warning. Did he find out? That single thought dominated the Marquis’s mind.

But he quickly dismissed it. Impossible. The casino was protected by magic. Besides, he always received updates regarding the casino and auctions—assurances that everything was secure. Or was it something else?

He had committed so many acts of corruption during his time as the leader of the nobles that it was impossible to guess which one Zerpell might be referring to. Eventually, he consoled himself with the thought that Zerpell was merely fishing for a reaction.

“It’s about time that things hidden beneath the surface are revealed. Some among you may even be involved.”

“You mustn’t do this. If you cannot present an invitation…”

Just as tension peaked in the wake of Zerpell’s words, the doors of the banquet hall burst open, drawing all eyes.

“Step aside. I must speak to His Highness!”

Cedric strode in, trailed by a string of flustered attendants trying to stop him. Pushing through the murmuring nobles, he knelt before Zerpell and urgently spoke.

“Your Highness, I have something to report. Please, a moment of your ear…”

Zerpell’s brows shot up as he watched Cedric’s actions closely, then gave a slight wave of his hand. At the gesture, Cedric immediately stood and whispered quietly into his ear.

What followed was a killing intent so intense it dwarfed even what he had unleashed on the Marquis. A chill swept the banquet hall, causing some to visibly shiver from the sudden cold. Even the Duke of Bert instinctively took a step back.

“…Is that true?”

Zerpell’s voice, low and quiet, carried a deadly aura that froze all who heard it. The weight of the situation stilled the room into silence. In that breathless space, Cedric’s reply echoed.

“Yes…”

“Prepare the horses. I’m leaving immediately.”

Without sparing another thought for the bombshell he had just dropped, Zerpell turned on his heel and dashed out. He mounted his horse without hesitation and sped off toward Shuiren’s location.

“Shuiren!!”

“Huh? That voice…”

Turning my head toward the sound, I saw Zerpell galloping toward me. He was drenched in rain, but paid no mind to it as he fiercely pushed through the downpour, shouting my name as he rode.

Even through the rain that blurred his face, his worried expression was unmistakable. Seeing him by my side brought immense relief and a smile of comfort.

Behind him, Cedric struggled to keep up. Zerpell easily passed through the crowd and pulled his horse to a sharp halt at my side. Though his face was taut with tension, I didn’t find it scary at all.

He shoved aside a noble blocking his way with such force that the man toppled over with a loud thud. Not sparing the fallen noble a glance, Zerpell grabbed my arm and, without a word, began examining me from head to toe to see if I was hurt. He turned me around gently but thoroughly, checking my front and back. Startled by his passionate concern, I pushed at his chest, flustered.

“Master, I’m fine, okay? I’m not hurt anywhere.”

“…Thank goodness.”

Zerpell leaned his face against my shoulder and embraced me tightly. He must have been terribly shocked by the news of my disappearance. He hadn’t even stopped to avoid the rain—just rode straight to me. Rather than anger, it seemed worry had been his driving force.

Well, of course. Master wouldn’t get mad at me. I felt a pang of guilt. I could only imagine how his heart must have dropped upon hearing I’d vanished. His expression just moments ago said it all.

“…Sorry. You were really worried, huh?”

I patted his back as I spoke. He grasped my shoulders and pulled back sharply. His hand froze mid-air as if lost in motion, and his gaze toward me was chilling.

“Is that… something you think can be said so lightly?”

My lips clamped shut and my eyes trembled slightly. He was definitely furious…

His previously downcast eyes sharpened, his voice laced with cold fury. I looked around nervously, my eyes darting. Some knights moving about met my gaze, but I quickly looked away as if I hadn’t seen them.

Apparently dissatisfied with my attempt to avoid him, Zerpell grabbed my chin, preventing me from turning away. His golden eyes were blazing with intensity.

“Don’t turn your head away.”

“…”

“Do you have any idea how shocked I was when I heard you had disappeared? It’s a miracle you’re not hurt.”

His voice trembled slightly, and the grip of his hands tightened. I wilted, letting my arms hang limp in remorse.

“…Sorry.”

Zerpell let out a deep sigh. When I lifted my head slightly with eyes that seemed to ask, Are you still angry? he gave a smile that said he couldn’t stay mad.

“Do you realize how close this came to disaster? I told you, didn’t I? Be careful—always be careful. What were you thinking, separating from your guards?”

His expression was that of someone scolding a child who had just caused a serious accident. Usually so concise with his words, Zerpell now wouldn’t stop nagging at my side. And everything he said was right—I had no way to argue back. I’d only gone out to buy him a gift… and yet here we were. My head gradually drooped from the growing frustration, and I pouted.

“…Still, I’m really glad you’re safe…”

I looked up at those words. Zerpell gently placed a hand on my head and stroked it. His worry was plain to see. My eyes began to sting, and I hugged him tightly. It was true—I had made him worry.

“Sorry… you must’ve been really worried. But hey, you know who I am! I gave them a good beating. They were rotten to the core—kidnapping people and trying to sell them as slaves to gain favor from nobles. They even locked people up in cages underground.”

“Slaves? Don’t tell me… they tried to make you a slave?”

His growling voice echoed across the field. Even the nobles, who were being properly escorted away by knights, now cried out to be taken quickly just to escape his glare.

“They must have a death wish…”

“That’s what I thought. Honestly, we should just kill them all.”

Zerpell, who had been speaking ominously with rage, and I, who had echoed his sentiment, both fell silent at once. Kill them all… I hadn’t meant to go that far. I took a step back instinctively.

“Shuiren?”

“W-Wait… something’s wrong…”

[What’s wrong?]

It wasn’t Zerpell’s voice—it was someone else’s. A voice I had thought quiet suddenly struck through my head.

[Didn’t you agree too?]

[Yeah, I heard it as well!]

My head rang with noise. Trying to back away from Zerpell, I was confused by the strange voices agreeing with each other. It felt like thorns pricking my skull—piercing pain bloomed.

[They were bad people, weren’t they?]

[Child…]

As the tinnitus rang louder, I grabbed my ears and collapsed. And then, with one final solemn tone echoing in my head, my vision went blurry. Ah… why do I keep fainting like this these days…

Though I’m the rightful owner of my body, it felt like someone else had taken over my mind. Caught between these clashing voices, I blacked out once again.