"But if we move from here, we might end up opposing the kingdom."

  That was my biggest concern.

  "I don’t mind, as long as I can assist Glare."

  Before we realized it, the Duke stood behind us. Seeing his worried expression, I nodded firmly.

  "We will forcefully eliminate the kingdom's interference and retrieve Glare from that labyrinth."

  I was surprised by his unusually strong words. He smiled kindly at me, seeing the worry in my eyes.

  "If not, I will live with regret as a father for the rest of my life, and I don’t want that." Tomorrow night, we will leave the royal capital and head to the Nolandi region. Natalie, what are you going to do?"

  Chapter 38: The Unfortunate Dungeon Warden & Immoral Wine

  - Maze of Death (Unnamed Intelligence Officer) -

  “Oh God, why must I constantly monitor that labyrinth?” I muttered, frustrated. “The target is dead, and yet we’ve been on this watch for two months. I don’t understand what the higher-ups are thinking.”

  I was stationed in the forest, keeping watch over the dungeon entrance with three other agents. It was a top-secret mission, and only we knew that the surveillance target was Glare Mizail. We had divided into two teams to maintain a 24-hour watch, rotating shifts every eight hours to stay alert.

  “I can’t wait to get some water at the tavern,” one of my colleagues complained, shaking a tree branch in boredom.

  “Oh, look—monsters are emerging from the lair again. How many times this month?” another remarked.

  “Just what you’d expect from unusual ants,” a third added dismissively.

  “No, let’s not get distracted. Our job is to monitor the dungeon entrance for any entities. It’s not about maintaining security in this area. Plus, writing those tedious reports is a hassle. I’d rather avoid that during my break.”

  “Yeah, from our perspective, it doesn’t matter how many people die here. If anyone discovers our presence, that’s a problem. The victims are just unfortunate. We elites have nothing to do with it.”

  We chuckled roughly at the thought.

  “Let the adventurers and soldiers deal with the dangerous stuff like demon hunting. They can only curse their bad luck for not being born into nobility or the royal capital.”

  Just as we were laughing, our bodies were suddenly thrown through the air. The tree branch broke—no, it didn’t break; it vanished cleanly as if sliced by a sharp blade. We crashed to the ground.

  “What happened…?” I wondered, disoriented.

  Footsteps approached from behind. I turned to see a knight in silver armor standing there. No, upon closer inspection, it was...

  “A headless knight,” I gasped.

  A Dullahan—a top-tier undead monster. Once an elite knight, now an undead creature. I had heard that high-ranking Dahulans could match A-rank adventurers in battle.

  “No, we have to run. There’s no way we can defeat such a monster,” I said, panic rising.

  My partner urged me to move quickly. “Your logic might say it’s unavoidable due to your unfortunate circumstances, but it’s still sad to see such an end.”

  “Hello,” a cold voice said, dripping with menace.

  “I’ve ruined so many lives in this manner and never considered standing on the victim’s side. That’s shortened your lifespan,” the voice continued.

  I felt a chill run down my spine. Dullahan’s gaze seemed to pierce through us, reflecting the fate of its own headless form.

  “Rocky, inform Glare that the target is silent, with no guards nearby. You can now leave the labyrinth.”

  Realizing our mission had failed and we were about to meet our end, we braced ourselves.

  - Academy (The Crown Prince’s Perspective) -

  This woman had fallen quite far from her former grace. As I observed Sophie’s beautiful, naked form, I sipped a glass of wine and handed one to her. She hadn’t been fond of wine at first, but over time, as our relationship deepened, she had grown accustomed to it. It was intriguing to see her gradually change under my influence.

  Your Majesty’s recommended wine was indeed exquisite.

  The room was filled with the intoxicating aroma of wine and the faint scent of fear from Sophie, creating a tantalizing atmosphere.

  “Didn’t you used to dislike wine?” I asked, touching her body.

  “Wow,” she gasped as I rested my hand on her shoulder.

  “That’s because Your Majesty made me drink it and taught me to appreciate its taste. It’s hard to ignore the aroma now,” she replied, her breathing becoming uneven.

  “Don’t you enjoy it too, you naughty girl?” I teased.

  “Your Majesty, will the Duke and Duchess be alright? If Glare turns out to be dead, it could cause a lot of trouble.”

  “Rest assured, the Duke is under constant surveillance by the Intelligence Bureau. They have the authority to eliminate him if he makes any suspicious moves. Any assassination will be carried out discreetly.”

  “I see. Is that so?”

  For a moment, I noted her somber expression. It was clear she had left her former fiancé and family behind to become mine.

  I wondered what this former honor student would look like when everything she once held dear was gone. The time to witness her complete transformation was approaching.

  Imagining their expressions brought me a perverse sense of pleasure. I held Sophie close and murmured words of affection that I didn’t truly feel.

  “I love you, Sophie, and I’ll always be by your side.”

  Chapter 39: Glare on the Ground & Junior's True Intentions

  - Maze of Death (Glare’s Perspective) -

  Having defeated the intelligence officer and emerging from the labyrinth, I am finally experiencing the surface after two long months. The sun burns my skin, and the blend of earthy scents with sunlight and wind brings me an unparalleled sense of joy. After such a long time underground, this feels like the most wonderful moment.

  The air is almost dry, and the stark contrast between day and night is a profound pleasure for me. The gentle breeze brushing against my skin fills me with a deep, simple happiness. Walking in the sunlight, surrounded by nature, and breathing freely brings me a joy I had taken for granted before. I now acutely feel how foolish I was to overlook such luxuries.

  I savor the delight of being in a sunlit world. I’m craving fresh vegetables and fruits, which were scarce during my time in the dungeon. Our destination is a nearby city.

  “Glare, can we head to the city?” Seurat asked anxiously.

  “It’s fine. This city serves as a base for adventurers tackling the Maze of Death. There might not be many skilled monster tamers, but it’s not uncommon to find them in a city near the strongest dungeon. I don’t see them as hostile.”

  “Well, I hope we can meet Mr. or Mrs. Doran. I haven’t forgotten our promise to share some delicious food together.”

  That reminded me of the old warrior I had promised to reunite with in the dungeon. He must be a top adventurer by now, likely holding a prominent position in his city. We might meet him sooner than we expected.

  I’m looking forward to seeing Mr. or Mrs. Doran again. Initially, I doubted I could survive on the surface. When the intelligence officers threw me into the pit, I questioned my chances. In the end, I was lucky to have survived, unlike the small man who perished shortly after.

  I encountered many adventurers in that grueling dungeon, and I believe most of them never made it back to the surface. Yet, the most miraculous encounter of that time contributed to our own miracle. I am profoundly grateful for that.

  In that harsh dungeon, we connected edge to edge, overlapping and supporting each other. That connection is why I’m still alive today. Now, it’s my turn to carry on their wishes and connect their scattered dreams. I’m hurrying to return to my old life.

  - Royal City (Natalie’s Perspective) -

  “If I don’t act, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life as a father, and I don’t want that. Tomorrow night, we leave the royal capital for Nolandi. Natalie, what will you do?”

  I had already made my decision, so I wasn’t afraid of anything.

  “If I can help senpai, I’m willing to go anywhere, to the ends of the earth if necessary. I will definitely go with you.”

  If I can’t be with him, I don’t need my noble status. Glare-senpai means everything to me. It might sound naive, but that’s the truth. There’s no reason for me to live without him. I truly believe that.

  “Are you sure?”

  "I don’t think my late father would forgive me if I didn’t support his son.”

  I once apologized to senpai for resigning. I defended my beloved from the manipulations of central politics. So, I won’t let go anymore. I will never let go again.

  “I’m truly sorry if I took away your brilliance,” I thought. I had borrowed it for a long time, but I will return Glare to you.

  The last conversation I had with the woman I considered my sister came to mind. She deceived me out of kindness, and I believe she was crushed by guilt upon realizing my feelings. However, I remain uncertain about the luxury I am referring to. I should have been in a position to obtain what I wanted, but Sophie’s betrayal was a significant shock. If you were going to let go from the beginning, why trample on our pure feelings? I trembled with anger. This is my declaration, one I should have made earlier, but I hesitated due to concerns about my position and the world.

  “I love you, Glare-senpai... So, please take me with you.”

  With these words, I spoke to the Duke on behalf of my father. The man before me nodded apologetically. The Duke seemed to understand my true feelings, his face a mixture of regret and joy.

  “Alright, Natalie. I’ve been too harsh on you. I respect your feelings. I almost regretted it for the rest of my life.”

  Thus, our rebellion against the state reached a critical juncture. We decided to prioritize our loved ones over our country. For some reason, we felt proud of making such a seemingly childish choice. The campaign to retrieve our loved ones is about to begin.

  Chapter 40: Glare & The Angry Crown Prince (From the Perspective of an Ordinary Adventurer)

  The door to the tavern swung open with a heavy kalankarang. All eyes turned to the newcomer. This tavern was a haven for daring adventurers, and its intimidating atmosphere made it clear that only the brave—or the foolish—dared to enter. A newcomer like this man was immediately scrutinized. He looked like straightforward prey.

  However, the situation quickly changed when the people who followed him stepped in.

  A knight in silver armor appeared, his face hidden behind an iron mask. His imposing presence was enough to make us uneasy. Even from his mere appearance, it was evident that he was a skilled swordsman. Facing someone like that, we couldn’t afford to let our guard down.

  “If you want to come, come on. If you don't want to spare lives...” he said, his voice dripping with intensity. We were all mid-level adventurers or better. We knew exactly what could happen if he decided to act on his threats, despite his lethargic state.

  “Hey, who’s that swordsman? I feel like I’ve killed so many people,” someone muttered.

  “I mean, who are they? I’ve never seen any legendary warriors like that in this city,” another person commented.

  It was clear that this knight wasn’t just any ordinary fighter. He had the guts and ability to back up his threats. He didn’t take orders from anyone.

  Then, a slender man in a purple cloak entered. He was obviously a wizard, and a high-ranking one at that. Wizards of this caliber often exuded magical energy that could be felt from a distance.

  “Hey, what’s going on? My friend suddenly collapsed,” someone complained, as other wizards and priests began to exhibit signs of physical discomfort.

  The man in the cloak had to be powerful. His presence seemed to cast a protective aura around the knight.

  “Sorry, Master. I’m a monster tamer, so my companions are monsters. Can they come in?” the tamer asked politely.

  Monster tamers are a rare breed—less than 1% of adventurers have this profession.

  “It’s okay. We have regulars here who are used to it,” the tavern keeper replied.

  “Thank you. Hey, Sula, you can come in now!” The tamer called out to the monster outside.

  A reckless martial artist snorted, “What’s up, man? Bringing in a cute Slime or something?”

  “It’s a slime, but... Sula, don’t go into battle mode inside the shop. It’ll cause trouble for everyone. And Rocky, don’t get wild either.”

  Expecting a small, blue Slime, we were stunned when a massive, green slime entered. This slime was the most dangerous type in its species.

  “Hey, what’s that?” someone asked, astonished.

  “Oh, he’s the master of the Maze of Death’s hierarchy,” another person said.

  “Therefore, they’re survivors from the Maze of Death. I didn’t know that,” someone else added.

  The arrival of the slime and other monsters was eye-opening. Among them was a clay doll monster—an abomination so dangerous it could destroy several small villages if it went on a rampage. The Adventurer's Guild had given it a threat level of A, second only to dragons.

  “Who are those people?” a curious onlooker asked.

  “I’ll hang around for a bit. I think that monster tamer might win,” a martial artist said recklessly.

  The tavern’s owner, Mr. Mario, an A-rank adventurer, tried desperately to intervene with his prized sword.

  “Why are you stopping me, Mario?” the martial artist protested.

  “Don’t do it. That tamer is exceptionally dangerous. These swordsmen and wizards may be strong, but he’s an exception,” Mario warned.

  Even Mario, who could defeat any strong enemy with his sword, was visibly shaken and pale.

  - School Dormitory (The Crown Prince's Perspective) -

  Unusually, I found myself visiting Sophie’s room for the second day in a row. She greeted me with a suspicious smile. With my sister away at the villa, my only pastime in the royal city was to spend time with Sophie.

  Rumors had circulated that Sophie had mistreated Marquis Henry, which was surprising given her reputation. She was known for her meticulous nature and her principle of helping others, even at her own expense.

  As I entered the room, Sophie’s demeanor was unexpectedly calm. I took satisfaction in watching her life change under my influence, savoring the feeling that came with it. The moment was one of twisted pleasure.

  However, that euphoria was short-lived.

  A loud noise erupted from the room.

  “Who is it?” I demanded, as a voice from the Intelligence Bureau announced some troubling news.

  “Your Majesty, Duke Mizail has fled the royal capital. He has eliminated all government guards.”

  “What...?” Sophie’s voice trembled, revealing her shock. The news of the Duke’s escape was significant. Had the Duke’s family turned against the royal family?

  “What are you doing? I ordered you to prevent them from leaving the capital!” I snapped, ignoring Sophie’s protests. I shattered a wine glass in frustration, the red liquid spreading across the floor like blood.

  Chapter 41: Joy on Earth &; Annihilation of the Watchmen

  We enjoyed a plate of fresh fruit that is a rare treat in the dungeon. I also ordered a meat dish with an abundance of vegetables, along with a raw vegetable salad. For someone like me, who mainly subsisted on monster meat and potatoes, even this simple meal felt like a feast.

  Fresh vegetables were a luxury I had rarely encountered before, usually only in the form of pickles or sauerkraut. Piles of raw cabbage and sprouting onions were a welcome change. I also yearned for fish, which was something I couldn’t get in the dungeon. I was amazed at how delicious the food was. Everything seemed to sparkle with flavor.

  “Are you sure, master? We can order anything we want,” Bors asked hesitantly. The adults, Bors and Merlin, were sipping on Branstein 12-Year-Old while snacking on nuts and fruits.

  “Don’t worry. I converted the unused treasures I found in the dungeon into cash. I have enough gold to sustain an adult for several years without working,” I replied.

  The bag contained a large amount of gold coins—money I earned myself. I didn’t need to be frugal with it, even though I typically used tax money from my territory cautiously. My father had a penchant for simple meals, enjoying lavish banquets but often eating plain fare like brown bread, stew, and salad on a daily basis.

  Looking back, I realized that my father likely considered this. As the heir to a distinguished noble family, I felt a strong sense of duty to prioritize the well-being of my people. Rather than wasting money on unnecessary luxuries, I believed it was more beneficial to invest in making my territory prosperous. It might sound like a slogan, but it was true to my heart.

  “This stew is delicious, Glare,” Sula remarked, enjoying it with his typically limp demeanor. Since it was an adventurers' restaurant, maintaining high quality was crucial to avoid displeasing veteran warriors. The store’s excellent reputation was a testament to Bors’s experience.

  Meanwhile, Rocky was pouring water over himself. It seemed that he needed ample hydration to maintain his condition.

  “By the way, Master, there was some commotion outside today. Do you know what happened?” I asked.

  As I cleaned my cup, I noticed the disturbance outside and decided to ask the innkeeper. He kindly informed me, “Oh, Princess Rosa is coming to town. She’s busy preparing everything.”

  “Princess Rosa, huh...”

  The mention of my sister, whom the despised prince admired, sent a chill through me. I was surprised by the surge of vengeful thoughts that rose within me like molten lava.

  This was an opportunity. My instincts, honed in the dungeon, told me so.

  - The Perspective of a Certain Avaricious Intelligence Officer in the Royal Capital -

 

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