First of All, I’m Drinking - Chapter 21

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 21

Sabina de Argent, First Empress.

Mother of First Prince Arthur, and the highest authority in this country after the Emperor.

She was the true culprit.

‘I can’t be certain yet.’

What I had discerned through my insight was undoubtedly the truth.

However, there was one blind spot here.

Even if the information was wrong, it couldn’t be detected if the person firmly believed it to be true.

Unless clear physical evidence existed, there was a need for cross-verification.

I asked him several additional questions besides that.

“You said the Baal Sect summoned Papuwa through a monster summoning ritual.”

One of the two tasks given to me.

“Then do you also know a way to travel between the Demon Realm and the Intermediate Realm?”

Finding a way to cross over to the Demon Realm.

That was also why I had been so desperately searching for the Demon Cult.

I hoped this foolish bishop could be that key.

“I’m not really sure about that either.”

Caluto answered vaguely.

I didn’t rush him and waited until he added more.

“Finding a way to cross the dimensional barrier to the Demon Realm is also a long-cherished wish of our sect. We have been steadily conducting research related to that for hundreds of years.”

Caluto continued speaking.

“By now, we might have found that method. However, I cannot give you a definitive answer about this.”

“Are you saying it’s information not permitted even to you as a bishop?”

“That’s correct. The information you mentioned is top-secret classified material treated as highly confidential even within the sect. Perhaps the cardinals, or His Holiness the Pope, might be able to give you a clear answer.”

I hadn’t expected to be satisfied from the first spoonful.

However, when the information was cut off right before my eyes, I couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

One more thing, lastly.

Gabriel couldn’t answer, but perhaps this guy, being from the same Demon Cult, would be different.

I opened my trembling lips.

“…Do you happen to know anything about the Pluton Sect?”

“Pardon?”

Caluto tilted his head.

“The Pluton Sect?”

“Yes.”

“Why are you suddenly looking for those guys?”

“That’s none of your business.”

I glared at him with cold, raised eyes.

“You just need to shut up and answer. Do you know or not?”

Caluto’s shoulders flinched.

“…I don’t know why you’re curious about those guys, but I do know them.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

I opened my mouth and stared blankly at Caluto.

An indescribable, mysterious emotion was stirring in my chest.

Guilt.

And regret.

Emotions I had never felt in the Demon Realm.

Was it because I was gradually becoming more human?

‘I wanted to check on them, even from afar.’

Whether they were doing well.

Whether they had perhaps fallen to ruin.

Whether they still remembered me.

That would be the minimum courtesy toward those who had devoted their bodies and hearts to me.

“Hurry up and tell me.”

I found myself urging Caluto without realizing it.

“Ah, yes.”

Caluto began his story with a reluctant expression.

“The eight sects of the Demon Cult have a community that exists as one. We created it with the intention of banding together among us who are ostracized by society.”

This was an area I had also speculated about.

A community exclusive to the Demon Cult.

Even if the sects were different, their essence was the same, so like the Celestial Church, the Demon Cult would surely have a way for them to communicate among themselves.

“Originally, all eight sects gathered at every regular meeting. But perhaps their thoughts gradually diverged, because at some point they began dropping out one by one. First the Aderzhen Sect dropped out, then next time the Nevilos Sect dropped out.”

Fifth Divine Seat Aderzhen and Fourth Divine Seat Nevilos.

Both were deities known as outsiders in the Demon Realm.

Not to mention Nevilos, Aderzhen also likely ignored such gatherings, dismissing them as trivial.

“And the Pluton Sect has also stopped attending regular meetings since some time ago. Not only that, but they have currently cut off all means of contact and gone into hiding.”

“…When was the last regular meeting those guys attended?”

“I don’t remember exactly, but it seems like it’s been over 10 years. I think it’s been about 13 years.”

13 years ago.

The time when I died.

“…Is Pluton alive?”

“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”

When I asked just in case, Caluto looked puzzled as if he didn’t understand.

It seemed my death was still unknown even within the Demon Cult.

‘The Celestials said not revealing my death was advantageous for them.’

Then what was the reason the Demon Lords didn’t announce my death?

If I had to guess, it was probably to prevent internal strife.

To announce my death, they would inevitably have to reveal the reason as well.

A deity.

Moreover, Pluton, who was said to be the strongest among the Eight Demons, wouldn’t just suddenly die.

If they honestly said they were the ones who killed me, there was a possibility that distrust would take root between believers of different sects.

If they lied that I died from an attack by Celestials or other deities.

The authority of the Demon Lords would plummet to the ground.

In that case, the choice of not revealing it at all would be more stable.

‘But come to think of it, something’s strange.’

A fundamental question I had momentarily forgotten due to anger and desire for revenge.

‘Why exactly did those guys kill me?’

Just because I was stronger than them?

Because they found it annoying that I was the only one to ascend to a divine seat with a demon body?

But for that to be the case, the conversation I had with Vergil before dying kept coming to mind.

‘There was a prophecy about you from the Great Seer of the Demon Realm.’

‘…A prophecy?’

‘He said you were born with a rather peculiar fate. A very dangerous fate at that.’

Vergil’s answer when I asked why he killed me while bleeding.

Those words were probably true.

There was no reason to elaborate such lies when he was dying anyway.

Then what exactly was the ‘prophecy’ he mentioned?

What was the special fate I was supposedly born with?

‘I have one more reason why I must go to the Demon Realm.’

I need to meet Vergil.

Before brutally crushing that bastard, I would definitely get an answer to that mysterious question.

“Anyway, so there’s no way to contact the Pluton Sect right now?”

“Ah, yes. That’s correct.”

Caluto nodded his head.

“But this is strange.”

He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes as he looked up at me.

“What I just told you is information that most high-ranking priests of the Demon Cult would know. If you were truly a demon’s representative, it wouldn’t make sense for you not to know…”

Slash!

Caluto’s words could not continue any further.

Caluto’s head, separated from his body, rolled around on the ground.

I didn’t even glance in that direction and fell into thought.

‘The questions I have now can’t be resolved immediately anyway. What’s more urgent is…’

I looked at the four corpses of Imperial Guards scattered about.

‘The practical training matter.’

All four knights assigned as evaluators and supervisors had become corpses.

In the process, the Prince had survived unharmed.

This was absolutely an issue that couldn’t be overlooked.

Fortunately, there were many scenarios I could use as excuses.

A high-level monster suddenly burst out from the depths, and the knights sacrificed themselves to help me escape.

‘Should I just reveal the truth and say it was the work of Demon Cult followers?’

No.

Just the fact that the Prince nearly died during practical training would cause enough commotion, and that would make the incident too big.

Anyway, if I returned alive this time, someone from Sabina’s side would make contact soon.

They would definitely approach me again in the near future.

I could target that moment.

Rather than spreading rumors everywhere, it was more convenient to move alone.

‘Other people might get swept up in it if I’m not careful.’

Whoosh.

I summoned magi and incinerated Caluto’s corpse.

I wanted to retrieve the knights’ bodies, but it would be troublesome if the Imperial side discovered their corpses.

No matter how you looked at it, these weren’t marks from being mauled by monsters.

Unfortunately, I had no choice but to burn them just like Caluto.

‘Let’s head back to the Imperial Capital.’

* * *

At the same time, Taeyang Palace.

Audience Hall.

“Welcome, Grand Duke.”

Three Empresses stood beside Emperor Brunei, who was seated on the throne.

Below the platform, a middle-aged man with passionate red hair and matching red eyes was prostrating himself.

The audience hall was packed with nobles and officials who had gathered to welcome the man’s visit.

“You must have had a difficult journey coming here from so far away.”

“I am honored.”

An attractive baritone voice flowed from the man’s mouth.

The noble ladies unconsciously blushed at his appearance and voice, which exuded the distinctive atmosphere of a handsome middle-aged man.

The Emperor sat solemnly and spoke.

“There’s still plenty of time before the banquet, so why have you come so early?”

“Isn’t this banquet none other than the First Empress’s birthday celebration? As a subject, shouldn’t I come early to offer my congratulations?”

First Empress Sabina let out a low laugh.

Ellia gazed at her briefly.

The Emperor asked with his usual expressionless face.

“What about the duchy’s affairs?”

“I’ve delegated the work to a trustworthy adjutant. The castle’s defenses are being handled well by golems I created personally, so you can rest assured.”

“Golems made directly by a 9th Circle Grand Mage… I’d like to see them myself.”

“I am honored.”

Gregory van Ifrit.

The ruler of the Ifrit Duchy, a vassal state of the Argent Empire, he was the world’s only 9th Circle mage.

Along with the leader of the Western Alliance who had achieved the 9th star in swordsmanship, he was also the only person to have reached the 9th tier, known as the realm of demigods.

“Since you came early, consider it a vacation and rest well in the Imperial Capital.”

“Thank you for the hospitality.”

At the Emperor’s gesture, the Grand Duke straightened his bent knees and stood up.

Then he looked around among the crowd and spoke with a calm smile.

“Since I have time to spare, I’d like to meet that child who’s been the talk of the continent lately.”

“You mean Cael?”

“Word of him being the greatest talent in the Empire’s history has reached even the frontier where I reside. It would be a lie to say I’m not curious.”

Prince.

The fact that no one objected even though he casually referred to a direct imperial heir as ‘that child’ showed just how high the Grand Duke’s authority was.

The Emperor shook his head.

“Unfortunately, Cael is out on practical training and hasn’t returned yet.”

“That’s disappointing. It can’t be helped. Ah, there’s one more thing I’d like to mention.”

“Speak.”

“Just a few minutes ago, I felt a powerful force emanating from a point several dozen kilometers southwest of here.”

The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched.

“A powerful force…?”

“Whether it was mana, aura, or some other third type of power, I’m not sure. Do you have any idea what it might be?”

Several dozen kilometers to the southwest.

There was no need to calculate separately where that was.

Southwest of the Imperial City was where Gerpelt Forest was located.

The only high-risk monster appearance zone in this vicinity.

The Grand Duke hardened his expression seriously and added.

“It seems like something is happening there.”

* * *

The first thing to do upon returning to the Imperial Capital was naturally to meet Zeroph.

I had to report the mission results and inform him of the knights’ deaths.

It would also be good to find out who assigned Gerpelt Forest as my mission location.

If that person’s identity was connected to Sabina’s line, it would add credibility to Caluto’s claim that she was the real culprit.

However.

“His Majesty?”

Upon arriving at the Imperial Capital, I couldn’t help but be surprised.

It was because of the attendant’s words that the Emperor wanted to receive my mission report directly.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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