Evil Dragon Chapter 44: I See!

Chapter 44: I See!

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Kris

 

A brand new option? Upon hearing this, Lin Nuo stood up from the couch in a rush, “What option?!”

[Ahem, this is something we’ve never introduced before – the ‘Hidden Route in the Small World.’]

Hidden… route? Lin Nuo patiently waited for the System to continue.

[Based on the current activities of the host and the progression of the storyline, we’ve noticed that Rennes Clement has developed a ‘wish’ entirely different from the original book. And this ‘wish’ has a significant impact on the host’s final status and the development of the small world. This kind of development path inherently contains elements that defy traditional understanding. Under this path, regardless of whether the host engages in intimate behavior with others, this book is no longer suitable as an all-ages read. After discussions, the audit team has decided to categorize this development path as the ‘Hidden Route,’ targeting only specific users in the future and not presenting it as an all-ages read.]

Upon hearing this, Lin Nuo quickly organized his thoughts and asked the crucial question, “So, does that mean in the ‘Hidden Route,’ no matter what actions I take, such as some intimate actions, neither Rennes nor I will be punished for them?”

[Unfortunately, no.] The System’s tone had a somewhat strange inflection, less gloating and more… like a nosy aunt’s laugh.

Lin Nuo couldn’t fathom why a System would laugh in such a manner.

Continuing with its gossipy tone, the System leisurely introduced the new rules, [To progress through the ‘Hidden Route,’ it is essential for the host’s actions to align as closely as possible with Rennes Clement’s ‘wish.’ If the host’s behavior deviates from Rennes Clement’s wish, the System will impose a certain degree of punishment. Punishments may include but are not limited to: deducting the host’s coins, inducing pain on the host, and so on. If the host’s behavior completely contradicts Rennes Clement’s wish, the System will forcibly close the ‘Hidden Route,’ reverting to mode one, and this transition will be irreversible. A reminder: after the mode transition, Rennes Clement must bear all the consequences of inappropriate behavior. Oh, accumulating these punishments will surely make life unbearable…]

Hearing this, Lin Nuo shivered, “So, if I don’t do well in the ‘Hidden Route,’ not only will I be punished, but ultimately, Rennes will also face consequences?”

[Yes, your understanding is entirely correct.]

Taking a deep breath, Lin Nuo said, “I understand. So, what is Rennes Clement’s ‘wish’?”

When Lin Nuo asked this question, he didn’t really expect the System to give him an answer. What he didn’t anticipate was that upon hearing the question, the System actually laughed out loud! With a jovial tone, the System replied, [Well, this is something that the host has to discover on his own. The System can only hint that, currently, unless you happen to guess his wish correctly, even if you directly ask Rennes Clement, he won’t tell you the right answer. Alright, now, has the host decided which mode to choose?]

To Lin Nuo, there wasn’t much to hesitate about: in the ‘Hidden Route,’ as long as he did well, he wouldn’t make Rennes suffer any pain.

“I choose the ‘Hidden Route’ mode,” he replied succinctly.

[Understood. Mode switched. The System will temporarily suspend punishment for Rennes Clement. Please make an effort, host, to fulfill the knight’s wish as soon as possible!]

After the System had gone offline, Lin Nuo paced around his bedroom, contemplating what Rennes’s ‘wish’ might be. The System’s final words reminded him of the overly enthusiastic Archbishop Eugene’s comment to Rennes in the Divine City.

Eugene had said, ‘May Your Excellency’s wish be fulfilled soon.’ This indicated that the Archbishop surely knew what that wish was. Could Lin Nuo find an opportunity to return to the Divine City and ask the Archbishop? But the distance to the Divine City made this chance elusive.

Were there any other clues? The notions of ‘defying the existing knowledge’ and ‘completely different from the original book,’ along with how his actions had directly influenced Rennes’s wish… Lin Nuo closed his eyes, recollecting every word Rennes had said and everything he cared about since they had met.

Suddenly, Lin Nuo’s eyes widened. Could it be that, in Rennes’s eyes, the most suitable next king was… himself?! Was Rennes’s wish for him, the suspiciously originated, potentially catastrophic dragon, to become their king?! 

Lin Nuo moved hastily around the room, increasingly convinced that this idea was particularly reasonable and logical. Though he didn’t know why Rennes would choose him, only this reason made sense of all his actions. Moreover, if this was Rennes’s wish, could it explain the recent courtyard encounter? After all, in this court, everyone prioritized the monarch’s needs. Thus, for Rennes, he may have just been too faithful in his duties, excelling in everything.

But how was his conduct different from those greasy ‘successful’ individuals who exploited their positions for personal gain? Lin Nuo couldn’t help but sneer and despise himself again.

Now that he understood Rennes’s wish, even if he didn’t want to, even if it would be difficult, he would strive to fulfill it. During this period, he vowed not to repeat the incident from before! Feeling determined and clear-headed about what he needed to do, Lin Nuo was full of spirited resolve. He even considered foregoing sleep and revising Count Kaunitz’s assignments again in the study.

Suddenly, a servant knocked on the door, urgently bringing something from Sir Clement. Lin Nuo was puzzled. Why would Rennes send something so late at night?

Receiving a finely crafted brown leather box, Lin Nuo could tell from the magical seal that it was indeed from Rennes, and only either of them would be able to open it. Following Rennes’s instructions, Lin Nuo created a small magical formation using his fingers on the seal, causing the box to open slowly.

Inside the box lined with soft silvery black velvet lay an exquisite pure gold pocket watch. Its craftsmanship was impeccable, but what intrigued Lin Nuo was the energy it emitted, identical to the unique energy of the gold coins.

The magical effect of this watch was undeniably similar, if not more potent, than the several gold coins he carried. How did this miraculous watch come about? Why would Rennes suddenly gift it to him?

Perplexed, Lin Nuo noticed his personal crystal started flashing rhythmically, indicating someone wished to converse through it. Lin Nuo knew only one person who would initiate communication at this time.

Indeed, when Lin Nuo responded magically, Rennes’s voice echoed from the air, “Your Highness, have you received the gift?”

Although knowing Rennes couldn’t see him, Lin Nuo nodded vigorously, “I have. Thank you, Teacher!”

“You’re welcome,” Rennes replied casually. “The material of this watch is special. It was re-cast from the same gold coins I gave you earlier, the ones for teaching purposes.”

Understanding dawned on Lin Nuo. Ah, so that’s it. But why did Rennes do this?

Before Lin Nuo could ask, Rennes continued, “Our family’s reserved coins are said to uplift mood and enhance magical abilities. I noticed you’ve always liked them, so I had a pocket watch crafted as a reward for completing the second phase of your lessons.” 

“Oh…” Lin Nuo understood completely. It was a very reasonable explanation.

After a brief silence, Rennes prepared to bid farewell, “Your Highness, good nigh…” 

“Wait!” Lin Nuo blurted out, interrupting him.

“Hmm?”

“I, um, just wanted to—” Lin Nuo wanted to tell him that he had guessed his wish and that he would strive hard in that direction! But saying this now seemed too rash, too light, and lacking conviction.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?” Rennes’s voice was gentle, without any hint of urgency.

For a moment, Lin Nuo felt puzzled. Since when did this usually cold knight stop being distant with him? For how long has Rennes been hoping to make me the king?

Taking a deep breath, Lin Nuo said, “If it’s convenient, can I come to see you now?”

“Uh…” Rennes fell silent.

During that half-minute of silence, Lin Nuo chastised himself for being too impulsive. Why did you ask so bluntly at this late hour? He’ll think you’re disturbing his personal time! 

Thankfully, Rennes finally spoke up, “Anytime is fine.”

Phew… Relieved, Lin Nuo immediately opened his bedroom door and rushed out of his suite. Lin Nuo was determined to tell Rennes face to face that he had guessed his wish and that he would work hard to fulfill it, no matter how difficult it might be. Additionally, he wanted to apologize to Rennes and promise that such an ‘incident’ like in the garden tonight would never happen again. 

Half an hour later, Lin Nuo arrived at Rennes’s door. Before the servant could announce him, Rennes opened the door and welcomed him in. Unlike Lin Nuo, who hadn’t had the chance to change clothes, Rennes had already exchanged his knight’s attire for a simple and neat casual outfit. He wore a soft white silk shirt and snug black trousers without a coat or a vest.

“Your Highness,” Rennes frowned as he looked at the disheveled prince, “why the rush?”

In contrast to his usual actions of smoothing out Lin Nuo’s messy hair, this time Rennes kept his hands in his trouser pockets.

“Um,” Lin Nuo kept encouraging himself internally to look Rennes in the eyes, “Teacher, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere now, or is there still any pain?”

Rennes, speaking with an unusually gentle tone, replied, “No.”

“Phew… that’s good.” Lin Nuo, relieved that Rennes seemed fine, cleared his throat and spoke with the utmost seriousness, “Teacher, I suddenly figured out what you want.”

Rennes’s face turned slightly pale for a moment, but he quickly adjusted his expression, staring at Lin Nuo intently. “Oh?”

Lin Nuo took a deep breath and continued, “Teacher, if I may, I want to apologize for tonight’s incident in the courtyard. I promise you; it won’t happen again.”

Rennes remained silent, waiting for Lin Nuo to reveal what he had figured out.

“So, Teacher, what you want is… you want me to become the king, right?” Lin Nuo looked directly into Rennes’s eyes, seeking confirmation.

The color drained from Rennes’s face momentarily, but he swiftly regained composure. “Oh?”

Lin Nuo nodded firmly, “I’ve decided. No matter how hard it is, I will work towards making your wish come true.”

Rennes continued to observe Lin Nuo silently, his expression unreadable.

Feeling the tension, Lin Nuo couldn’t help but add, “Teacher, you’ve been hoping for this for a long time, right? Since when did you start wishing for me to become the king?”

Rennes’s gaze remained fixed on Lin Nuo. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, “Your determination is admirable, Your Highness.”

Lin Nuo took this as confirmation and felt a sense of relief. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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