Chapter 91: Leinus Rockbruise (Patreon)

"Give me everything you have, and I might let you live."

Upon hearing Aurelius's words, Jircniv began sweating profusely. 

‘No!’

He screamed in his heart; he wanted to resist and find a way to keep the Empire from being taken. His mind raced, desperately searching for a way out.

"Lord Au-Aurelius… Surely there must be something else you desire.”

But Aurelius paid no attention to his plea.

“I'll give you two choices. You can refuse my offer, and I will send you to Torturer immediately. Then, I'll brainwash you into a dog that only knows obedience. Believe me, you don’t want to experience that. Or, you can accept my offer; you’ll still be the Emperor on the surface, but you will serve me from behind the scenes. In return, you’ll enjoy greater peace and prosperity. So, what will it be?”

For Jircniv, having everything taken away and becoming someone else’s slave was an unbearable humiliation. The future of the Empire itself was at stake.

The idea of being ruled by another, of becoming a puppet king, was unthinkable. Yet, under the intense gaze of the powerful beings surrounding him, rejecting the offer wasn’t even an option. There was no escape. If he didn't surrender, Aurelius would simply force him to do so through endless torture.

In this hopeless situation, Jircniv began to self-rationalize.

‘Perhaps... becoming a subordinate isn't so bad.’ 

Wouldn't the Empire experience peace under such a powerful ruler? It could mean an era of unbroken tranquility—perhaps even an eternity of prosperity.

Jircniv himself could let go of the difficult reforms he had been struggling with and live a more comfortable life, free from political strife. He might even transcend human limitations and live for centuries, like those legendary beings.

"So, what is your choice, Jircniv? Remember, my patience is thin."

"I-I—"

Jircniv stammered. But eventually, he gritted his teeth and declared, "I... I dedicate the Baharuth Empire and everything I have... to the ruler of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, Aurelius Nova Lucifer."

"Y-Your Majesty?!"

Bang!

Instantly, the head of one of the Four Imperial Knights, Nazami Enec, who had raised his voice without permission, exploded like a watermelon. Blood and flesh splattered across Jircniv’s group, leaving them horrified.

The body dropped to the ground with a heavy thud. No one saw how it happened, but a chill crept down their spines.

Now drenched in relief, Jircniv silently praised himself for his quick decision earlier.

"I don't tolerate rude pests who don't know their place," Aurelius said coldly. "Now, Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix, I must admit, I’m impressed by your courage. You are permitted to stand."

At Aurelius's command, Demiurge released the spell on Jircniv. The heavy pressure vanished, and Jircniv almost collapsed in relief, but he forced himself to stand with his trembling legs.

"Since you are now my subordinate, I’ll share some of my plans with you. I will establish my own country in this world, and the Baharuth Empire will recognize it first, ensuring its legitimacy."

"M-my Lord, are you saying you wish to create your own kingdom?"

"Exactly," Aurelius continued. "On the surface, it will be a kingdom, and the Baharuth Empire will become its vassal state. Gradually, as people adapt to the new order, the Baharuth Empire will cease to exist, fully assimilating into this new kingdom. You needn't worry about your future, though. I value talent, and someone as capable as you will enjoy a life far beyond that of a mere Emperor—if you perform well. Understood?"

"Yes, of course. I’ll prepare the necessary documents as soon as I return to the Empire."

With the earlier demonstration, Jircniv dare not hesitate now for the fear of displeasing Aurelius.

"Good, I will send Demiurge with you to help. But there's no rush to leave... You, the blonde woman over there—come to me."

The woman he referred to was Leinas Rockbruise, also known as Heavy Explosion, one of the Four Imperial Knights.

Leinas had fair skin, green eyes, a beauty mark under her lower lip on the left side, and long blonde hair with bangs covering the right side of her face. A brown string loosely tied her hair into a ponytail, a few inches above the end.

When Aurelius mentioned her, she trembled and pointed to herself in disbelief. A large amount of pus oozed from the right side of her face, and though she fought the urge, she couldn’t help but want to wipe it away.

"Tell me your name."

"I-I…"

"You may speak. I allow it."

Leinas glanced at Jircniv, then back at Aurelius. She took a deep breath to calm her pounding heart and then spoke.

"Then... I will tell you my name with all due respect. I am Leinas Rockbruise, one of the Four Knights of the Baharuth Empire, known as ‘Heavy Explosion.'"

"You can stand up now."

At his command, Leinas found herself able to move freely. Relieved, she slowly stood up, her eyes meeting Aurelius's piercing gaze. His appearance was celestial, so beautifully handsome, it made her cheeks flush. 

But then she heard his next words...

"You’re a beautiful woman. It’s a shame to let you rot like this. Leinas, if I were to lift your curse, what could you offer me in return?"

Leinas had been born into a noble family in the Baharuth Empire, where she gained fame by slaying monsters and beasts that plagued her family’s domain. But one day, she was cursed after defeating a particular monster, leaving the right side of her face disfigured.

Her fiancé abandoned her, and her family disowned her out of shame for her appearance.

Since then, her disfigured face had been a source of both shame and bitterness. Her life’s goal was to find a cure, and she was willing to do anything to achieve it. She even made it clear to Jircniv that she only served him because it suited her interests—and would leave him the moment someone else offered her what she truly wanted.

So, when Aurelius mentioned her curse, she was taken aback.

"W-What?!"

Her eyes widened in disbelief. For a moment, she doubted her own ears.

How could he know about her curse?

But in the presence of a being like Aurelius—someone who seemed to transcend even the gods—such questions felt meaningless.

"Is that… really possible?!"

Her voice, filled with joy, burst out before she quickly realized her mistake. "I-I’m sorry! I was so overjoyed, I spoke out of turn."

"It’s fine," Aurelius replied calmly. "You may celebrate early. I have the power to break your curse. Now, come closer."

He beckoned her with a wave of his hand, and though still in shock, Leinas slowly approached the throne, drawn to him like a moth to a flame. As she neared, Aurelius reached out, his hand glowing faintly as he gently touched the cursed side of her face.

"Hmm... yes, a weak curse. Nothing I can’t handle. It’s done. The curse is lifted. See for yourself."

Aurelius pulled a small hand mirror from his inventory and handed it to her.

"A-Already?"

Leinas hesitantly took the mirror, her hands trembling as she raised it to inspect her face. What she saw left her speechless.

"Uh... Uhh...!"

Her once scarred and cursed skin was now smooth, flawless. She stared at her reflection, tears welling up in her eyes. Words failed her; her mouth opened and closed as though she had lost the ability to speak.

"H-Huh… huh…!"

Leinas exhaled a breath of pure joy, her fingers gently tracing the once-scarred side of her face. She no longer felt the gooey pus that had plagued her for so long, and her smooth, soft skin felt alien under her touch.

She had been cast out of her family, her fiancé had broken their engagement, and her life had become a nightmare. But now, at this moment, she was finally free from the curse that had damned her existence.

Tears of joy streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks as she gazed at the miracle before her.

Leinas dropped to one knee, her head bowed before Aurelius Nova Lucifer, who sat like a divine shadow before her.

"Aurelius Nova Lucifer-sama, your humble servant is overwhelmed! I cannot thank you enough for lifting my curse!"

Her voice trembled with emotion, every word soaked in gratitude. But as she spoke, the faces of those around her, including Jircniv’s, grew grim.

Though Jircniv had already pledged everything to Aurelius, he had at least thought his closest people would remain loyal. Yet now, one of the Empire's Four Knights had just pledged herself to Aurelius Nova Lucifer, it was almost as if she slapped his face in public.

"Yes, your curse is fully lifted. But remember, you must repay this gift, correct?"

Leinas nodded vigorously, fully aware of the meaning behind his words.

"Yes! Though I am unworthy, I will gladly do anything you wish, Aurelius-sama!"

Aurelius smiled in satisfaction at her declaration, while Jircniv’s expression darkened. The contrast between the two was stark.