Sword of Salvation-Chapter 95: - A Fool; Gaining Power (4)

Bulldoga, who saw his master being attacked, did not stand idly by. He also leaped onto the table and shot toward Mariel. He was already in unification mode.

However, Mariel had anticipated that. He had already prepared an attack with his left hand. So, the moment Bulldoga lunged at him, Mariel instantly unleashed Extending Blade at the spot where his heart lay hidden.

The criminal did not expect the sudden and almost instantaneous attack. He could only stare in silence at the gaping hole in the middle of his chest. And before he could fall onto the table, Mariel blasted a small wind orb at his chest, sending him crashing into the same wall as Vincent.

Total silence swallowed the room, and every pair of eyes—except for Athenia’s—was fixed on Mariel.

However, the silence immediately shattered when Vincent’s furious scream filled the room. He lunged at Mariel again, his body wrapped in blazing flames, both hands gripping fiery swords.

"If no one wants him dead, I suggest someone stop him."

Mariel was not surprised when Viertino suddenly kicked Vincent’s head. If he had been just a tenth of a second late, Vincent would have followed Bulldoga. Mariel had not been joking when he said he would kill the man if no one stopped him. Viertino understood that, which was why he acted.

"Impressive, Prime Minister."

Hearing the praise, Viertino shifted his gaze from Vincent, whom he had knocked unconscious. He stepped back to his seat and smiled warmly. "I heard there are two new Ultores members in the Western Continent said to rival Shin. Can I assume you’re one of them?" he asked as he sat down.

"That’s correct. My name is Mariel Allvar, Prime Minister."

"Then, Mariel Allvar, may I ask you a question?" Viertino asked with a warm smile.

"Of course."

"Is what Athenia said true? She claims she hired your services, but I doubt it. I’m more inclined to believe you approached her and offered your services instead. This is just my assumption, but I’d appreciate it if you entertained it."

Mariel placed both hands on Athenia’s shoulders, subtly signaling her not to worry.

"That depends. If you look at it from Athenia’s perspective, she’s right. But if you view it from another angle, your assumption is correct. Unfortunately, this might not be what you imagine. I didn’t take any special payment, nor did I have any intention of exploiting her."

"Then?"

Mariel glanced around at the others. However, none of them seemed inclined to interrupt his conversation with Viertino. Everyone was focused on listening—even the emperor.

"I wanted to see the goal Athenia intends to realize. Personally, I thought it was impossible, but she said that if she had the resources and someone strong by her side, she could make it happen. That’s why I chose to help her."

"Hahaha. Interesting. I thought you intended to make Athenia your puppet to take control of this country, but your reason is far more intriguing than I expected."

"Oh? Are you interested?"

"Of course," Viertino replied with a nod. "I know what Athenia desires. And like you, I thought it was impossible. She has nothing to make it happen. But now, things are different. You’ve helped her take the first step."

"Does that mean you now believe in her goal?"

"I hope so, but unfortunately, I don’t."

Viertino then turned his gaze to the emperor. "I don’t think you need to trouble yourself with this matter anymore, Father," he said. "Let me handle it. But as for Vincent, since he attempted to assassinate you, I won’t ask you to lessen his punishment. That’s entirely up to you."

Emperor Zalestino did not respond immediately. He glanced at Mariel briefly before standing up. "I leave the rest to you, Viertino," he said before walking away.

His two guards immediately followed. One of them carried Vincent out of the room before leaving.

"And aside from Athenia and her guard, the rest of you may leave," Viertino continued. "Oh, Linea. I’ll overlook your mistake this time. But let me make it clear—there won’t be a second chance."

After a while, only four people remained in the room: Mariel, Athenia, Viertino, and one of his guards.

"Let’s get straight to the point, Athenia. Starting today, all of Vincent’s illegal wealth belongs to you. By tomorrow morning, all the paperwork will be finalized. The Marquis Sergey estate here is also yours. I’ll personally make sure Sergey understands that he won’t be able to live freely after all this. And finally, tell me—what do you want as a reward for preventing the emperor’s assassination?"

The smile that followed Viertino’s words was different from before. Mariel couldn’t help but smile in return. Viertino was more troublesome than he had expected.

He knew Vincent would never dare plot an assassination against the emperor, but he chose not to voice that thought. That man...

The next day, Mariel and Athenia moved out of the villa immediately after Viertino legalized all the documents granting Athenia ownership of Vincent’s illegal assets and Marquis Sergey’s residence.

Athenia did not take anything from the villa except her clothes, personal belongings, and her late mother’s keepsakes. She also couldn’t bring the other servants. Viertino had stated that the emperor’s new wife would be moving into the villa. Only Rea accompanied the princess. As a result, their relocation process was brief.

And as the night deepened, Anzu reappeared before Mariel—once again sitting on the window cushion just like two nights ago.

"So, what can you tell me about Viertino Moskvallha?"

Anzu did not answer immediately. Her eyes locked intensely onto Mariel, who sat on the edge of the bed facing her.

"Don’t tell me you failed," Mariel teased.

Anzu scoffed. "You’ll be shocked by what I’m about to say," she stated firmly.

"I doubt I’ll be shocked, but you can try. So, don’t hesitate. Tell me everything you’ve learned about that man."

"Viertino Moskvallha has been dead for six months."

...Anzu had successfully shocked Mariel.