Chapter 118: Getting Dragged Deeper
"It looks like a Talisman, Your Majesty. We got it from Captain Lupus," the captain of the black surcoats stepped forward with a careful gait. "I cannot read what’s inscribed, but... We can ask the Royal Mage to have a look~"
Before he finished, Maximus got the talisman from the hands of the captain much to the panic of the captain. The Emperor cannot lay his hands on odd objects like these without second thoughts. What if they contain spells that hurt him?
"It appears to be a curse..." Maximus smirked looking at the little plate of metal. He walked towards Captain Lupus who now kneeled on the floor well aware of his failure. "Who does this belong to, Captain?" Maximus asked.
He knew that his mother’s hand is in this and he wanted a solid witness to his mother’s hideous crimes. He has other plans but his mother has graciously offered him a bountiful chance. He wanted to get the confession of the Captain and use his testimony against his mother.
The captain on the other hand has gone mad with fright. All he could see is the looming man in front of him walking with the grin of a grim reaper and all he saw was death.
He had to follow through the orders of the Dowager, and now he is going to lose his head in the hands of the Emperor. Although it is told that the relationship between the mother and son is not good, he knew that the Emperor would not let the misdeeds of his mother be known to others and will hide them. He is a dead man if he confesses; the Dowager will have him killed and his family too will pay the price, and he is a dead man if he does not for the Emperor’s sword will be raised against his neck.
There is only one way left to protect his family now.
He opened the trap in the ring he wore. The emperor had noticed his little act and his men all shouted and tried to stop him. But dodging their attacks, Captain Lupus willingly slurped the poison he had stored in it.
When he first started to work for the Dowager, she gave him this present and as she told him, it has come in handy.
Within a moment, he curled up and died. His body turned purple and Maximus let out a sigh.
"Take him out!" he waved his hand. He was disappointed that he has lost a chance against his mother. He crushed the talisman in his hands. Without any direct witness, he cannot prove anything against his mother.
"Sire," Julius bowed after taking a casual glance around. He had guessed where His Majesty would have gone and has sprinted here. And it seems like no one had entered the missus’ bedroom. Otherwise, His Majesty wouldn’t be looking forlorn now. Half of this castle would have been destroyed by his rage-filled bolts of lightning and fire alarms would be ringing on the watchtowers.