After everyone had memorized the map to some degree, they discussed the positioning of the knights and the organization during battle, focusing on how the reinforcements could enter the multi-entranced tower quickly and effectively.

They decided on the number of personnel needed to secure the tower entrances and planned for nearby soldiers stationed in the east to cooperate swiftly with their members.

As the sun began to set, the conversation drew to a close.

“I’ll take full responsibility and burn the map,” Carson announced.

“Thank you. I trust only you with this,” Ketlan responded, rising from his seat first. The others followed suit, standing up.

“Lord Lucion,” Ketlan called out before he exited.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“This won’t be easy.”

“I’ll manage, please don’t worry about me.”

“I stand beside you, so have no fear, no matter what unfolds.”

“…!”

Lucion was surprised by Ketlan’s sudden intense gaze, reminiscent of the way he had looked at him back in as Hamel.

“I look forward to tomorrow,” Ketlan added with a sly smile, adjusting his worn cloak.

‘Tomorrow will be the raid on the tower, or rather, the day of Twilo Sprikado’s execution.’

Lucion nodded, recognizing Ketlan’s well-prepared plan for the execution.

If Bethel were present, she would have been overjoyed by this arrangement.

[Lucion…!] Russell shouted, startled as he looked at Lucion.

“L-Lord Lucion?” Ketlan also called out, equally taken aback.

The others followed suit, calling his name, with Kran’s voice ringing loudest.

Kran gasped, hand over mouth in shock.

“Ah, I must have been a bit tired,” Lucion said with a casual smile, wiping away the blood from his nose.

[See? You said you didn’t need to go on a pilgrimage! Is this really okay?] Russell shouted,
while Carson immediately pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Lucion.

“Are your wounds still not healed?” Heint asked, concern etched on his face.

Lucion shook his head. “I’m truly fine. My nose is occasionally sensitive like this. I apologize for causing worry, Your Majesty, right before tomorrow’s operation.”

“No need to apologize, I’m just concerned for your well-being,” Ketlan replied, his tone carrying more worry than Lucion had anticipated, leaving him slightly unsettled.

“I’m sorry,” Carson murmured, bowing slightly, his light navy hair falling softly over his shoulder.

Observing this, Heint rolled his eyes and patted his neck.

“Why apologize, brother? We’ve safely arrived in Central. Tomorrow’s operation will proceed smoothly.”

“Indeed,” Carson replied calmly, but a hint of guilt lingered in his eyes.

“I hope I haven’t taken up too much of your time meeting with you all. I’ll take my leave now. Lord Lucion, make sure to get plenty of rest tonight.”

“See you tomorrow. Lucion, get some good rest.”

With that, Ketlan left the room with Heint.

Carson, Lucion, and Kran all bowed respectfully as Ketlan left.

“I suppose I should head off as well,” Kran suggested, glancing at Lucion, hoping to give him space to rest.

However, Carson halted him. “If you have the time, why not join us for dinner?”

“Dinner?” Kran inquired, glancing back at Lucion. Catching the encouraging look in Lucion’s eyes, he nodded enthusiastically.

“Then please excuse me!”

* * *

“Are you really alright?” Kran asked, for what felt like the umpteenth time.

Lucion, his mouth filled with ice cream that Hume had preserved from melting using his ice powers, nodded.

After finishing the ice cream, Hume spoke up, “I’m worried about tomorrow’s operation.”

“That’s my point. You did ensure he rested, didn’t you?”

“I can assure you. Young master has definitely rested this time.”

Hume promptly reassured Kran.

‘They’re having quite the fun over there.’

Lucion glanced at Ratta, absorbed in her bowl of rice without looking up, before scooping another spoonful of ice cream.

“But I can’t shake off my worries,” Kran persisted.

“What’s troubling you?” Lucion replied nonchalantly to Kran, who always seemed to be fretting about something.

“What if your identities are exposed? I’ll do my best to assist, but I won’t be able to stay by your side throughout the entire operation.”

[I share that concern, too.] Bethel nodded in agreement.

Given the circumstances, there were far too many uncertainties.

Lucion stayed silent, lightly tapping his spoon against the bowl as he let out a deep sigh.

‘What should I do if that happens…?’

* * *

Meanwhile, Russell roamed the mansion while waiting for Bethel, who had set out to scout around the magic tower, and he peered into Lucion’s room.

Their gazes locked.

Lucion swiftly shut his eyes, but Russell playfully tapped his forehead, saying, [Why are you still awake? Planning to become a night owl?]

Rubbing his forehead, Lucion looked at Russell.

Suddenly, thoughts of the man with the cursed mark on his face from his time as Lee Haram crossed his mind.

His face hadn’t changed.

They said that ghosts appeared at the age they died.

He looked to be in his mid-30s at most.

After seeing himself as Lee Haram, did Teacher pass away?