Chapter 275: Winning Against The Selfish
"But it’s true!" Richard shouted, his voice rising. "You think you’re protecting them? They’ll turn on you the moment they have the chance. The moment they don’t need you anymore. Just like they’ll turn on her. And when they do, you’ll wish you’d taken my path."
Salviana flinched at his words, her hands trembling, but she stepped closer to Alaric, trusting him to keep her safe. "You’re wrong," she said softly but firmly. "He’s not like you. And neither are the people we protect."
Richard rolled his eyes. "Spare me the lovebird nonsense. It doesn’t matter. The ritual is already in motion. Even if you kill me, Alaric, you can’t stop it. Soon, this kingdom will belong to someone who deserves it."
Alaric’s red eyes gleamed in the darkness, a deadly warning. "I’m not like you, Richard. I’ve never sought power for its own sake. But you’ve made one fatal mistake tonight."
Richard narrowed his eyes. "And what’s that?"
"You underestimated me."
Before Richard could respond, Alaric vanished from sight, his movements faster than the human eye could track.
Richard spun wildly, searching for him, but it was too late. Alaric reappeared behind him, striking with unrelenting force.
The sound of swords clashing echoed through the forest as the two fought with everything they had.