Chapter 152: A Handshake with Betrayal

I returned her smirk. The bait had been scattered. Now we merely needed to see which hungry little bastards came crawling out to investigate.

A few moments later, I noticed another familiar figure. This one wasn’t hiding among the crowd. She was sitting on the edge of a rooftop. Crimson hair fluttered beneath the breeze, partially concealed by a dark traveling cloak.

Seris.

She sat with one knee raised, her expression calm and observant. From that elevated position, she had an excellent view of the entire avenue. Judging by the way her eyes moved, she wasn’t admiring the architecture. She was watching the people.

Our gazes met briefly.

She glanced toward a man standing beneath a nearby archway. Another glance toward two travelers beside a fountain. Then a third toward a merchant who seemed far more interested in our procession than in selling his merchandise.

Seris moved her lips. "Spies."

I casually examined the people she’d indicated. A few wore ordinary clothing, but their postures were too disciplined for casual pedestrians. Others appeared to be merchants or servants. Some were probably Temple subordinates. Others might belong to the nobles who disliked me. And considering Garr and Raven’s absence, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’d left their own eyes and ears behind. Especially Raven. An assassin who failed to maintain an information network hardly deserved the title.

Beside me, Vera slowed her horse slightly. "Lord Valen."

"Hm?"

She glanced toward the gathering crowds. "You certainly are famous in this city."

I looked around. The whispers had grown louder. Some people bowed. Others watched with wary expressions. A few children pointed excitedly toward my floating staff.

"Famous?" I tilted my head. "Captain, there’s an important difference between being famous and being notorious."

Vera considered that. "Perhaps."

I smiled. "People rarely forget someone they fear."

Her expression became thoughtful. "And is that what you want? To be feared?"

I glanced toward the distant temple. Its golden spires glowed beneath the last rays of sunlight. "Not particularly."

"Then what do you want?"

What a lovely question.

I could have told her that I wanted peace, but what I truly wanted was revenge. Even thinking about it left a bitter taste in my mouth. The audacity of their betrayal disgusted me. They had relied on Rey Valen, depended on his strength, and benefited from his sacrifices. Yet now, those same people had turned against him, dragging his name through the mud as though everything he’d done for them meant nothing.

And yet, I smiled.

"For people to understand the consequences of their decisions."

Vera studied me. "What do you mean?"

I said nothing.

My gaze drifted toward the magnificent temple rising in the distance. The golden spires, the white marble walls, and the familiar streets surrounding it stirred memories I would rather have forgotten.

Unpleasant memories.

I exhaled quietly, keeping my expression calm. There was no point explaining any of that to Vera. She wouldn’t understand. Not yet, anyway.

Realizing I had no intention of answering, she returned her attention to the road ahead. "Once we enter, please follow my instructions."

"Understood."

As we approached the temple, its enormous structure gradually revealed itself.

White marble pillars supported towering arches decorated with golden inscriptions. Stained-glass windows depicted angels descending from the heavens, while countless statues of saints stood along the grand staircase. At the center of the enormous outer courtyard stood a magnificent fountain surrounded by twelve angelic sculptures.

The courtyard where Saintess Elia regularly blessed the faithful. During festivals, thousands gathered here to receive her blessings. The Light Temple loved those ceremonies, especially when the crowds were large enough to demonstrate its influence.

Today, the courtyard was unusually crowded. Nia’s little publicity campaign had worked beautifully. Beyond the fountain, I spotted several lines of Holy Knights stationed along the staircase. Their polished armor gleamed beneath the fading sunlight and they were definitely prepared for something.

Unfortunately, the Holy Relic was nowhere in sight.

My gaze shifted toward the temple entrance and there they were. Elia Seren and Darius Arclight.

The Saintess stood near the upper staircase, dressed in an elegant white-and-gold ceremonial gown. Her long hair fell gracefully over her shoulders, and her beautiful face carried the gentle expression that had made countless believers adore her.

Darius, however, stood much farther forward. Normally, he practically glued himself to Elia’s side during public appearances. But today, he’d positioned himself several steps ahead of her, as though personally preparing to welcome an old companion.

Apparently, the rumors Nia had spread about the last banquet had made Darius considerably more cautious about treating me like a criminal.

"Lord Valen," Vera called. "We’re here."

I didn’t answer her.

Before proceeding, I reached into my dimensional ring and retrieved a small container of Umbral Bloom Balm. The movement was concealed beneath my cloak. I opened the container and spread the remaining transparent balm across the palm of my right glove. The empty container dissolved into particles of mana before anyone noticed.

I canceled Voidwind Manipulation. The reinforced formations surrounding my floating staff faded, and the artifact gradually descended. I stepped onto the marble pavement, caught the staff with my left hand, and continued walking.

Darius’s expression brightened. "Rey!" That familiar, disgustingly friendly voice. He descended the last few steps, smiling as though we were old companions reunited after a pleasant vacation. "How was your journey?" The same confident posture. The same practiced smile. The same warm expression he’d used countless times before. As though he’d never betrayed Rey Valen.

I forced a smile. "Quite pleasant, actually."

"I’m glad to hear that!" Darius approached and extended his right hand. His usual greeting. A firm handshake, accompanied by that irritatingly sincere-looking smile.

I remembered it perfectly. After all, the original Rey’s memories included countless occasions when Darius had greeted him exactly this way. Some habits never changed.

I extended my right hand. The white glove brushed against his bare palm. Our hands clasped without the slightest hesitation. I maintained my pleasant smile while the transparent balm made contact with his skin.

’Got you...’