This Emperor Is Running a Marriage Scam - Chapter 56

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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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Chapter 56

 

What Hailey was looking at was the initial form of a derivative gate. However, it seemed to be in vigorous activity, as the dark blue light swirling around its edges was quite strong—strong enough that it wouldn’t be strange if monsters came bursting out.

 

‘I couldn’t find the monster in the end last time.’

 

At this point, it seemed necessary to conduct a more detailed investigation to track down where the monster was hiding.

 

For now, there was no choice but to reassure Hailey appropriately and send her back, then return later.

 

“Sea Slimes only live in the sea. Even if it’s dark, they won’t come out without water. It must be a place where the tide comes in.”

 

“It doesn’t look like water would reach that far.”

 

“Really? Then maybe it’s something else?”

 

Baron tilted his head in confusion.

 

“I’m not sure. Let’s go back and ask Raven.”

 

Baron’s suggestion seemed reasonable, so Hailey turned back toward the house.

 

Just then.

 

“Good heavens.”

 

With a sigh, Hailey’s gaze turned toward the inland area. Her complexion went completely rigid as she even pushed Baron slightly toward the sea.

 

“Nuna? What’s wrong?”

 

“B-Baron. Stay calm. Don’t run now, run when I give you the signal.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I think it’s a monster.”

 

“What?”

 

Hailey was right. In the bushes, a spotted beast—no, a monster—was visible.

 

Its murky, swamp-like eyes that were glaring at Hailey and Baron glowed eerily.

 

Baron knew this monster.

 

‘Mantis Sickle Fox.’

 

Its build and head shape were like a fox, but it got its name from the fangs protruding from its mouth that looked like a mantis’s sickles.

 

The Mantis Sickle Fox was a low-grade monster, so it was nothing to Baron, the Demon Lord’s Army, or specially trained Royal Knight Orders. However, it was extremely dangerous to militias without monster response experience, domain knights, and other civilians.

 

‘What should I do.’

 

If Baron directly showed his skills, it would only be a matter of time before his identity was revealed. Even if he was a child from a destroyed knight family, he couldn’t possibly handle monsters. Then the Royal Court, having figured out his position, might become troublesome.

 

‘Should I just quickly deal with it and throw it into the sea?’

 

Hailey probably didn’t know much about monsters, so he could just deal with it and make up some story about it being like a puppy. Then there wouldn’t be any rumors spreading.

 

“Nuna. Couldn’t I handle it? I’m strong.”

 

“No. Absolutely not.”

 

“Huh?”

 

Hailey gripped the bucket handle tightly without taking her eyes off the Mantis Sickle Fox.

 

“Monsters are different from beasts. Even low-grade monsters are difficult to handle unless you’re a properly trained knight.”

 

“…Huh?”

 

“You need either His Imperial Majesty, the Demon Lord’s Army under his command, or a knight order capable of monster response.”

 

“…”

 

Baron felt like his head had been hit with a hammer.

 

“How does Nuna know that?”

 

“I read it in a book.”

 

“…Huh?”

 

It was a bewildering answer, but thinking about it, it made sense. For something like a Mantis Sickle Fox, there would be quite a few knights who had risked their lives fighting and built heroic tales.

 

He also felt frustrated.

 

If Hailey knew this much, it would be difficult for him to act directly.

 

‘If I summon one of my commanders appropriately… could I do it without Nuna noticing?’

 

Then Hailey spoke seriously.

 

“Baron, Nuna will try to block it, so run and call some people.”

 

“Huh? Nuna will block it?”

 

Baron examined Hailey’s complexion.

 

Hailey was already pale-faced and dripping with cold sweat. The hand gripping the bucket was even trembling.

 

‘No way, while being incredibly scared?’

 

The Mantis Sickle Fox fully emerged from the bushes. Despite the considerable distance, its leisurely walking approach showed the confidence that it could tear apart civilians anytime.

 

“Yeah, if we’re lucky, there might be someone in the village capable of dealing with monsters.”

 

Even while slowly backing away, Hailey didn’t forget to hide Baron behind her.

 

“Fortunately, there’s only one monster, and they say it has a habit of chasing whoever runs first. I’ll lure it, so you hurry and go ask for help.”

 

“You’ll die doing that! Do you really think Nuna can hold out until I bring people back…?”

 

Hailey’s lips touched his forehead, and Baron couldn’t say more.

 

Soon, blue eyes filled with fear yet somehow resolute filled Baron’s vision.

 

“I love you. Baron.”

 

“Ah.”

 

At the quiet whisper, Baron realized.

 

Hailey had completely abandoned the thought that she could survive.

 

“Nuna is a stranger, so why?”

 

“Why are we strangers?”

 

“No, but still why… are you trying to save me first?”

 

At the brief question, Hailey stroked Baron’s black hair once.

 

“I’m your guardian, and you have more days to live than I do.”

 

Hailey smiled brightly.

 

“You need to live and become an upright, healthy adult. No matter what happens, don’t become twisted.”

 

As soon as she finished speaking, Hailey ran in the opposite direction from the house. While running, she even made loud noises by banging the bucket against rocks.

 

And the Mantis Sickle Fox charged toward Hailey.

 

“Hurry and go! Baron!”

 

At Hailey’s high-pitched scream, Baron’s mind, which had been in a daze, snapped to attention.

 

His eyes quickly changed to a red color.

 

Hailey wouldn’t die. Both ‘His Imperial Majesty’ she mentioned and the Demon Lord’s Army under his command were right here.

 

However, if he used his power properly, Hailey would inevitably learn that Baron was Bloden and the Emperor. The vacation he had planned for two years would end.

 

After quick consideration, Bloden shook his head.

 

‘I can’t let that happen because of a mere low-grade monster.’

 

A method that would raise the least suspicion. A commander who could eliminate that monster most naturally in this environment.

 

In that instant, Ignis first intervened between Hailey and the Mantis Sickle Fox, emitting a strong light.

 

The Mantis Sickle Fox, whose vision was obstructed, hesitated for a moment, but that was all.

 

“Kraaaak!”

 

The Mantis Sickle Fox turned its head, let out a shriek, and leaped high.

 

As the situation became urgent, Bloden’s mind was instantly organized. It was also good timing since Hailey was too busy running away to look this way.

 

“Camen. I bestow upon you a mission.”

 

The magical power rising from his body instantly burrowed into the ground.

 

“Protect Nuna.”

 

Rumble!

 

The ground shook greatly. A massive stone pillar, grown large by consuming Baron’s magical power, shot up between Hailey and the Mantis Sickle Fox.

 

“Squeal!”

 

The Mantis Sickle Fox, which had helplessly crashed into the suddenly appeared solid stone pillar, screamed.

 

Baron’s face turned bright red upon hearing that sound.

 

It was because his hands and feet were cringing thinking about the acting he would have to do from now on.

 

Still, he had to do it well.

 

To protect his current daily life.

 

* * *

 

“Squawk!”

 

If I hadn’t heard the monster’s scream from behind me along with vibrations like a massive earthquake, I wouldn’t have dared to look back. I was running with genuine resolve to die, trying to put distance between Baron and myself.

 

And when I turned around to confirm the scene before my eyes, I froze solid with my mouth hanging open.

 

‘Wh-what is this?’

 

Between the monster and me, a massive stone pillar had risen up.

 

Rumble rumble rumble.

 

It was definitely a massive stone pillar, but the pillar twisted its body like a pretzel.

 

‘Stone moving like that…? That’s impossible!’

 

The mysterious stone pillar was surprisingly flexible despite its appearance. Wondering what on earth this could be, I looked up and narrowed my eyes.

 

Up there, two sky-blue buttons were definitely glinting.

 

‘Those… are eyes?’

 

I didn’t sense any wariness or hostility from the stone pillar looking at me. Rather, it seemed friendly toward me.

 

‘Could it be… helping me?’

 

Then the stone pillar instantly unraveled the pretzel-like twisted parts, transformed into a giant, and toppled toward the monster.

 

Thud!

 

The sound of it hitting the ground was tremendous, and the stone pillar even shattered into pieces from the impact. But since the monster nimbly dodged the stone pillar’s attack, I felt dismayed.

 

‘Damn it, it dodged that!’

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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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