***WARNING***

Nope, not an R-18 scene, but somewhat gore. Like someone dies in this scene. So I'm warning you, just in case. ​ ​

***

Although Zion couldn't hear what 007 had just said in his mind, he could tell that things would be difficult for this world if he failed his mission. He sighed and decided to hand over the evidence he had collected until now to the king. Even though he didn't catch the black-cloaked man red-handed, he still knew that man would be the main villain.

For some reason, Zion still felt as if he forgot about one crucial point. He frowned and focused on the thought as if it flashed past him, storing in his subconscious mind permanently. When he couldn't remember what he had forgotten, he sighed.

He might as well give all the evidence to the king. At least, this wouldn't be considered an utter failure. He was sure that he would be able to get some points even if he didn't hand over the murderer and showed the latter's true nature publically.

But even after thinking of this, the unease of his heart didn't subside. Since his intuition had been something that would always give him success, he didn't take this feeling lightly. He decided that after giving the evidence to the king, he would go back to the brothel and sneak inside the room with a hidden passage before walking toward the forest.

After he planned this, he felt his shoulders relaxed as the headache troubling him because of being too tense decreased.

So after this, he sneaked inside the bedroom of the king and found a scroll. He glanced around, and when he felt it was safe to come out for a moment, he sighed in relief and picked up the scroll before jotting down everything he had found until now. Although he didn't write his name at the bottom, he knew that Rhesus would assume that it was probably his aristocrat identity, Vincent.

After doing all of these things, he picked out the knife from his inner robes along with a familiar red cloth with tiny black-colored threads wrapped neatly that he had found in the prince's room. Then he put everything on the table to see empty teacups and a flower vase in the center. When he was done with this, he instantly sneaked out of the room without any delay.

While he was doing all of these things, Prince Linton was inside the brothel, having another meeting with the black-cloaked man. At this time, his brows were furrowed as he stared at the man before him in the forest area with desperation in his eyes. "You cannot do this! You promised you wouldn't!"

The black-cloaked man shrugged and waved his hand. "Don't piss me off. Did I sign an agreement?"

Prince Linton couldn't suppress his anger anymore. He grabbed the man's collar and glared at him furiously. "You piece of sh**, do you know how many people will die?! Do you have any idea what kind of havoc you will create?!"

The corners of the black-cloaked man's lips curved up. He could have removed Linton's hand, but he didn't. Instead, he looked at the prince in amusement. "I had already told you earlier. I will do anything to achieve my goal."

"But that's devious!" Linton pushed the man roughly as his gaze turned icy, filled with hatred. "The only reason why I had decided to conspire with you was to save the residents from death! We both know how King Rhesus has been managing the kingdom, don't we? The crime rate has increased! I had already known that my brother was ruthless, but I had to keep my mouth shut to stay alive. And when you offered such a deal presenting yourself as a saintly figure, I couldn't stop myself from admiring you. But you…."

Linton wanted to say more. Cursed words were on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them all and averted his eyes, fearing he would say something even worse out of anger. At this time, the rope of his life was in the black-cloaked man's hand. So he could only step back and think of a way to get out of this situation.

It seemed that the black-cloaked man realized what his 'uncle' was thinking about. So he smiled again before parting his lips. "Uncle, did you know your dear daughter has a lover?"

Linton froze and glanced at his 'nephew' for a long time before his face went pale. He understood why this man suddenly talked about his daughter. It turned out this person was giving him a warning. Clearly, Bradley had obtained such personal information that even Linton didn't know. Now, not only did the black-cloaked man have people after him, but even Princess Edda's life was in danger! He took a deep breath and instantly regretted joining hands with this cursed person named Bradley. "I'll do as you say."

But in his heart, Linton had already decided to rebel. At least, with Rhesus still on the throne, he knew that the kingdom would be much safer. Now when he knew what Bradley was planning to do, he couldn't let this man succeed. Linton also knew that this man wouldn't let him live anyway. So he would go to the opposing party and tell them everything! It would be even better if he could warn the king!

After considering all the pros and cons, just as he was about to go back through the hidden door, he heard his nephew's voice. "Going so soon? I wanted to give you a present."

Linton frowned and turned back to face the black-cloaked man. But before he could open his mouth, he saw Bradley's figure flashing in front of him. A hint of surprise appeared in Linton's eyes, and just then, a sword slashed his neck as blood splattered around him. He felt a jolt of pain in his neck, and he stared at the black-cloaked man with fearful eyes.

"Uncle, I'm allowing you an eternity of peace slumber." The black-cloaked man smiled and squinted his eyes before wiping his sword with a handkerchief. "Have a good night, dear uncle."

Linton wanted to say something, but he couldn't because the sword had cut open his windpipe and destroyed his neck thoroughly. Although he couldn't see his wound, he could tell that all the organs of his neck were visible to the naked eye. Not a single whisper could be heard from his mouth.

But why did Bradley even kill him? How did this person know what Linton was going to do?! He had thought that after he surrendered at the end and pretended to be supporting Bradley after being threatened, the latter wouldn't trouble him anymore. But his 'nephew' did something like this, which was beyond his expectations!

Why….?

Unfortunately, Linton didn't get an answer to his question as his weak body fell on the ground with a thud. After the soul left, the body's eyes were still opened wide, staring into nothingness.

The black-cloaked man's face was covered except for his lips. He looked down at the dead body for a while before turning to leave.

"That's why I'm forced to kill those guys." He muttered under his breath as if he were talking to someone. "Just like Oswin. They just overthink too much."