Chapter 97: Secret Promise (2)

‘This is obviously Viram’s doing.’

As soon as Henry left the tent in the Shonan outpost, a gorge appeared in front of him. There was no way to explain this other than it was an illusion. The Shahatra people used a special power called “illusion” instead of “magic.”

In addition, it was clear that they were inviting him by showing him a path. Henry decided to accept the invitation.

‘But, why me?’

Henry was curious. In his previous life, he had not only had a relationship with Khan, but also met Viram, the high priest. However, in this current life, he had not even seen Viram. There had to be another reason that Viram was inviting him.

Without hesitation, Henry walked through the gorge. As long as he walked in one direction, he would be able to arrive at the place Viram intended.

‘Anyway, it’s been a long time since I’ve experienced an illusion.’

No one had discovered the principles behind the power because it was an ability unique to the nation.

So during the time of Henry’s unification war, the illusions had caused him a great deal of trouble even though he was a great warrior.

‘I did find out how to destroy that ability though.’

As the war continued, Henry figured out how to destroy the illusion, but by that point, Khan had already surrendered, and he hadn’t been able to test his theory. Henry didn’t bother to destroy the illusion but simply followed the path until he reached a dead end.

Whoosh.

Another strong wind blew, and the view in front of Henry changed. None other than Herarion Khan III appeared in front of Henry. Herarion made eye contact with Henry as he got up from his seat and bowed slightly.

“I apologize for bringing you here without your consent,” said Herarion.

Although he was a king of a vassal country, he was a man with good manners.

Henry also bowed and said, “No worries. Thanks to this, I witnessed the high priest's ability to create illusions, and it was a good experience for me.”

“You knew that this was an illusion by the high priest?”

“There are no wizards around here, and the changing of the view was evidence.”

𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

“You are much calmer and wiser than I thought.”

“Do you know me?”

“The high priest Viram also thinks the same thing. Right, Viram?”

A figure emerged from the dark. It was Viram. He was an elderly gentleman with a long gray beard and swept-back hair.

He was wearing a typical Shahatran outfit, but his status as a priest allowed him more colorful designs.

“My name is Viram, I’m the high priest.”

“My name is Henry, the Shonan family’s vassal.”

Henry bowed once more and showed his respect.

“If other people are going to show up, could they appear all at once?” asked Henry.

“Haha, Viram is the only one. My intention wasn’t to surprise you, I apologize.”

“It’s alright. Anyway, I heard that illusions can deceive you even if they’re progressing right in front of you. I think it's an incredible power.”

“Isn’t your reaction a little too calm?”

Unlike in the past, Herarion was skillfully leading the conversation. He was a completely different person.

“Lord Henry, this may sound a little ridiculous since I’ve already brought you here, but could you spare me some of your time?” said Herarion.

“I’m not sure what you need from a mere vassal like me, but all I have is time. Go ahead.”

“Haha, you think too low of yourself, Lord Henry.”

“I’m only speaking the truth.”

“Do you really think so?”

As they were both acting humble, Henry briefly saw the afterimage of a huge eye over the shoulder of the smiling Herarion.

‘What is that…?’

Henry had seen it clearly.

As time passed, its afterimage became more distinct. It looked like a giant eye that embroidered in gold. Henry made eye contact with the giant eye.

Flash!

Despite the impression of the light, nothing had flashed in the room. Henry had closed his eyes, but when he opened them again, the golden eye was gone.

‘What was that just now?’

Although Henry didn’t say what he had just seen, Herarion couldn’t hide his shock when he saw Henry close his eyes for a moment.

‘I knew it. I wasn’t mistaken.’

The thing that had quickly disappeared was none other than one of the great powers of the Sun God called La’s Eye, which could see through everything.

Although Herarion hadn’t fully awakened the power yet, he could still see the enormous soul inside Henry through La's Eye. There was a moment of silence. Herarion was the first to speak.

“...I brought you here because I want to ask you for a deal.”

“A deal?”

“That’s right. You can always refuse if you don’t like it.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to what you have to say. I’m very curious to know what kind of deal it is.”

Even though Herarion knew that the three counts were competing through the subjugation, summoning Henry could mean that he trusted the Shonan family the most.

“Before that, I need to make sure of the truth.”

“What truth?”

“I understand that the relationship between Count Eisen and the Three Great Families is not very good. Is that true?”

“Why do you say that?”

“I’m only speaking based on the known facts: Marquis Aubert has been exiled and Count Eisen used to be a member of the Central Aristocrats.”

‘He’s pretending not to be interested in the empire, but he sure did his research.’

Herarion had a lot on his plate in managing state affairs, however, he had a good understanding of what was going on in the empire. The fact that he was proposing a deal was truly admirable.

Henry smiled slightly and said, “I won’t deny it.”

“That should do. Only the high priest Viram and I know about the things I’ll be telling you. Even if the deal doesn't end up happening, I hope you will keep this secret.”

“Alright.”

What kind of secret could it be that he had to take so much time introducing it?

“I think Duke Arthus is behind this rebellion,” said Herarion.

“...What?”

“It’s not just speculation. We don’t know how long this has been going on, but we’ve known for quite some time that Benedict Caliph was secretly in contact with someone from Duke Arthus’ side. Not too long ago, Benedict snuck out of the desert and right after he returned, a rebellion broke out.”

Henry felt as if he had been stabbed in the back. He’d thought he was the only one who knew this, but Herarion had already known for some time now.

‘If Khan knows about this, he must have been planning this civil war for quite a long time.’

Henry’s constricted pupils returned to normal, and he managed to put on a calm expression.

“Why are you telling me all of this? Although it’s known that the Count and the Three Great Families don’t have a very good relationship due to the past, there is no such thing as eternal enemies when faced with power. If the count ascends to a marquis through this subjugation, the count will also become a member of the Three Great Families. Why are you telling me this when you know this might happen?”

“That only means he’ll become a member but not an ally.”

“What?”

“To be honest, I think Aubert’s exile is all your doing, Lord Henry.”

“...What do you mean?”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t have much faith in Count Eisen. Isn’t he known as a flashy fool? How could a person like that outmaneuver Aubert, who is a famous strategist? It doesn't add up.”

“Your Majesty is only looking at one aspect. The count is already known as the hidden gem. In other words, the count had prepared for a long time.”

“Lord Henry.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“People don’t change overnight. In addition, the Shonan family is too powerful to choose someone so young as a vassal, especially someone who’s a stranger.”

Henry was caught off guard. Just with a few facts, Herarion had completely shut Henry up. Henry had no choice but to laugh uncomfortably as he was completely out of words.

‘To infer this much with just a few facts. I guess he really is Herabola’s son.’

Herabola was known as an invincible warrior. Henry smiled to see a glimpse of Herabola in Herarion.

‘It’ll be meaningless to make any more excuses.’

Now that Henry knew the skills of the person in front of him, it was only polite to respond accordingly. He turned his uncomfortable laugh into a smile and said, “If I make any more excuses, I’ll only ruin my image. You're incredible, Your Majesty.”

“No, I’m just amazed at your abilities, Lord Henry.”

“Thank you. I can openly ask you what the deal you would like to propose to me, Your Majesty.”

Now that there was nothing more to hide, Henry could show all his cards.

“I like how fast this conversation is moving. Thanks to this subjugation, I can tell who my people are and who are not. I wasn’t able to deal with some people because I’ve known them for so long, but the royal palace has already been overthrown, and the throne is about to be usurped at any moment now.”

“Is Your Majesty asking me to eliminate all the traitors?”

“No. The palace will be a bloodbath even after the subjugation is successful. I simply no longer wish to rule a vassal country after the subjugation. Instead, we’d like to join hands with the Shonan family.”

“Without the emperor’s knowledge?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

It sounded like he was simply hoping to join forces, but it could also be interpreted as committing an act of treason. However, Henry immediately knew why he wanted to join forces.

‘The downfall of Arthus…’

Herarion’s purpose was to take revenge against Duke Arthus, the brains of the operation. It felt like Henry had gotten an ally that he had never expected.

‘How smart of you.’

He had a frightening thought: Herarion had not made this suggestion because he knew Henry’s true identity. He simply wanted to use the grudge against Eisen as bait to get his revenge.

‘You’ve made tremendous progress since the last time I saw you. You know not only how to use your grudges, and you also have the insight to learn your opponent’s true power.’

Henry was truly amazed. It was his first time praising anyone after his reincarnation.

The corners of Henry’s lips naturally rose.

He liked Herarion.

Arthus had to be eliminated someday anyway, but forming an alliance with a capable man like Herarion could only help. Henry did not try to hide his smile and said, “Alright, let's do that then. However, I don’t want anyone else to know of the relationship that we have formed.”

“As long as I’ve convinced you, Lord Henry, that’s all that matters.”

“However, Your Majesty, please don’t forget that this is a deal and not a favor.”

“Of course. As you have accepted my offer, I will also give something back in return. Is there anything that you want specifically?”

“I want a lot of things, but I’m not sure if Your Majesty will be able to give them to me.”

“I swear in the name of La. I will grant anything that you request.”

There was no need for Henry to hide his greed, especially for a secret deal that no one could find out about.

“There’s no promise more certain than that of the son of La swearing on his father’s name. Sounds good. I will say what I want, but just like Your Majesty, I also hope that nothing that I’m about to say goes beyond the three people that are here right now.”

“I have already sworn before La’s name, so please feel free to say anything.”

“Thank you. What I want is…”

Henry told Herarion what he wanted. Herarion suddenly made a deep frown. This was the same for Viram, who was also listening.