Queen of Revenge - Chapter 103

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 103
A few pages further, another passage appeared.
[Only the one who stores their lifespan within a demon stone can use it.
However, there exists an exceptional condition by which one can absorb another’s lifespan into a demon stone and claim it as their own.
It occurs when the demon stone recognizes both the giver of lifespan and the absorber as the same body.]
“The same… body.”
I repeated the passage with an unfamiliar sensation settling over me.
In other words, the giver and receiver of lifespan must be identical, or so similar that they could be mistaken for the same person.
But then, what defined the criteria for an identical body?
It surely didn’t mean merely similar appearances.
For instance, what if they shared blood relations?
“That’s it. So Mother was able to pass her demon stone down to me….”
Between mother and daughter—direct blood relatives—the formula held true. I myself was living proof of it.
But was there any other way to be recognized as an “identical body” beyond blood relations?
I recalled one publicly known fact about the Demon Tribe.
[Demons devour human hearts.]
Did the act of “consuming” human flesh cause the demon stone to perceive both the consumed and the consumer as an “identical body”?
Judging by how demons indiscriminately devoured humans to extend their lifespans, this hypothesis seemed plausible.
‘So there are only two methods—either receive lifespan from blood relatives, or consume someone whose lifespan I could steal. Just those two options?’
Unfortunately, neither seemed feasible.
My blood relatives consisted only of the Late King, Catherine, and Ahil. Moreover, Catherine and Ahil weren’t even full siblings, so whether the formula would apply to them remained uncertain, and the Late King had only a few years left to live anyway.
“So the only method left is to consume a Demon or a human who possesses demonic power….”
“Does such a human exist?”
Lucian asked skeptically.
After a brief silence, I answered.
“Yes. Such a human exists.”
That was all.
Lucian regarded me with eyes seeking explanation, but I had already sunk into thought.
‘No matter how urgent the circumstances….’
It was a choice one could only make by abandoning one’s humanity. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to close the book so easily.
‘It’s fortunate that at least one chance remains, but the truth is, more opportunities to return would be advantageous.’
The reason I’d been able to continue my audacious gambles thus far was the certainty that even in the worst circumstances, I would not face defeat. If I couldn’t die no matter what I did, then failure itself was impossible.
‘With extra lives at my disposal, I could accomplish so much. Using myself as bait would make it easy to turn enemies’ traps against them, and with luck, even ambushes become possible. Even if I fail, I can simply begin again.’
But if I had only one chance, each step forward would demand absolute caution.
In that case, my return to Elovis would inevitably be delayed.
Was it more important to advance slowly yet honestly as a human, or to seize victory swiftly?
Lucian’s voice descended upon my troubled contemplation.
“The Unregistered Territory is overflowing with Demons. I see no difficulty in the matter.”
“But the lifespans those Demons stole are ultimately human ones.”
“The humans the Demons consumed have no connection to Your Highness. You didn’t directly take their lives either.”
Lucian pointed to the passage Iolet had discovered.
“Among the various parts of a Demon’s body, blood would be the most palatable option. Once I return to the Command Tower, I’ll prepare it immediately. It shouldn’t take long—.”
“Wait, wait just a moment, Lucian.”
Iolet interjected urgently.
Lucian stopped and looked down at her.
Iolet’s expression suggested she’d been struck by a sudden realization.
“Don’t do it.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ll handle such thoughts myself. You needn’t burden yourself with them.”
Of course, she agreed with this sentiment. There was no such thing as noble vengeance.
Iolet was no apostle of justice, and what she intended to do was, no matter how rationalized, ultimately a betrayal of blood.
It was contradictory to hope for personal integrity while pursuing such a path. She had to employ every method available.
But Lucian had no need to do the same.
“This is a different matter, Kairon. Once I’ve restored your honor, you needn’t remain bound to me.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Lucian’s voice sharpened immediately.
But Iolet had already turned her attention back to the book.
“When that time comes, you’re free to return to your original position. So don’t wear such a pained expression. It doesn’t suit you—don’t force yourself like that. I don’t wish to see you suffer.”
Lucian’s eyes were remarkably transparent; whenever his heart was troubled or burdened, it inevitably showed.
Even if misfortune had brought him to meet me and diverted him from the righteous path he once walked, his inherent goodness could never change.
How could he find contentment serving a master no different from a monster that devours humanity? He was merely enduring it.
“Going to extremes is my burden, not your duty. You needn’t soil your hands with such inhumane acts.”
Lucian’s eyes, which had been gazing down at her distantly, trembled visibly.
“Your Highness, I—”
“Besides, it’s better we don’t use such methods at all. We don’t know what side effects might occur, and more than anything, I’d rather not employ methods that leave you with a guilty conscience. I have no wish to force such things upon you—.”
“It’s not force.”
Lucian seized Iolet’s arm and turned her to face him.
He spoke with barely suppressed anger.
“You seem to be misunderstanding. You haven’t coerced me into anything.”
“Well, I do have a conscience.”
“If you truly believe that, if you feel any sense of responsibility toward me at all, then instead of thinking of sending me away, you should be thinking of keeping me alive for as long as possible.”
The intensity in his gaze and the ferocity of his grip were uncharacteristic of the usual Lucian.
Iolet, taken aback, found herself at a loss for words.
‘I think I’ve made a mistake somewhere—.’
“I live something resembling a human life only because I’m at your side. By turning a blind eye to the price of my choices and rationalizing my cowardice. If you no longer need me, what reason would I have left to live?”
The more Lucian spoke, the more his anger seemed to surge. The dam had broken, and emotions he’d been suppressing all this time burst forth uncontrollably.
“That is, so I’m trying to restore you to your original—.”
“What original position are you even talking about? Do you mean I should prostrate myself at the Crown Princess’s feet and beg to be taken back? Like a dog wagging its tail before its master?”
“Lucian, don’t be upset. I understand. I know what you mean—.”
“What I truly despise is you casting me aside. Whenever that may be.”
“I understand. I’m sorry. I misspoke.”
Iolet managed to calm him down with difficulty.
“Truth be told, I don’t want to send you to anyone else either. Didn’t I say it? That I wouldn’t entrust myself to anyone but you? I… well, from now on, I won’t say things like that anymore. Please forgive me. And let’s search for other methods. There are still many books left.”
Only after Iolet awkwardly added explanation upon explanation did Lucian’s eyes lose their intensity.
The grip of the hand holding hers loosened, though he didn’t release it entirely.
“…Bear with me… I haven’t slept a wink all night.”
Iolet lamented with a whimper.
She didn’t want to burden this man with her troubles as well. The immediate variable before her—Kairon Winterbark—was already more than enough.
Fortunately, Lucian quickly composed himself.
His mood still seemed low, and it was clear he wasn’t entirely satisfied with her answer, but at least he showed no intention of making things more difficult for Iolet.
“…I apologize for raising my voice.”
“No. I’m sorry too.”
Iolet glanced sideways to check the time. The hour for tea with the Countess of Valenstein was drawing near. Kairon would arrive in an hour.
Noticing her hesitation, Lucian spoke in a somewhat irritated tone, yet with utmost courtesy.
“I will remain and search further. Please go.”
“…Yes, thank you.”
Iolet kept glancing back at him as she took reluctant steps away.

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