Chapter 364.2
King Pered unfailingly made his way to the capital within a few days of the dry season’s arrival. Detractors often derided him as a king excessively enamored with gambling and revelry, given his brooding countenance.
Contrary to the perception, Pered harbored no genuine fondness for gambling, and the taste of alcohol had never crossed his lips until the point of inebriation. In his youth, he had been a wanderer, freely exploring mountains and fields, akin to the Fire King.
Unperturbed by the wagging fingers, both from within his realm and beyond, Pered paid little attention to the judgments of his people. He firmly believed that his subjects and subordinates should bear any resentment they might feel, recognizing that, indeed, he was neglecting his royal duties, ensnared by a myriad of emotions.
Chief among these emotions was revenge—a pervasive concept that had gripped half of his life. Yet, faced with an overpowering adversary, any arguments he presented against the supposed representative of God fell on deaf ears.
In response, Pered embarked on a clandestine pursuit of information, delving into a realm of rumors that blurred the line between truth and falsehood. He sought out the clandestine exchanges of vile gossip among fraudsters and conspirators, determined to unravel the intricate web that surrounded his enemy.
Pered held a conviction that where there was light, shadows were sure to follow. The representative of God, despite their lofty title, was not infallible, as perfection eluded them. Delving into the depths, he was confident that imperfections would eventually surface.
During his active reign, Pered received updates from his subordinates in the capital, ensuring he remained informed even when physically absent. Recently, a piece of intriguing information had come to his attention—the suspicious disappearance of the impoverished in the slums. Eager to investigate, he hastened to the capital.
However, upon his arrival, the tightly sealed city gates remained unyielding. A knight, positioned atop the city walls, shouted down to him.
“Your Majesty Pered, by decree, the capital is currently under lockdown.”