Chapter 435
"It's not me who turned my back, Priestess. It's them," Hyked replied, the smile never leaving his lips as he met Lucia's gaze. "Worse, they're using us, aren't they? Dressing it up as a martyrdom expedition—wielding the fear of this Black Land like a weapon.
"The people here have been abandoned. And though I rule over them, that doesn't give me the right to forgive in their name."
Lucia stared into Hyked's crimson eyes, as if drawn in, and let out a quiet hum.
Ian clicked his tongue softly. He had expected as much, having only confirmed the reality of what he'd secretly hoped wouldn't be true. Lucia's reaction seemed to come from the same place.
"But, Your Highness," Lucia replied with a tremor in her voice "if what you say is true, then even if the Black Wall falls... won't another war begin?"
Hyked's smile turned bitter. "Most likely. Unless they truly repent—not to the gods above, but to the people of this land. Sadly, I don't see that happening. And honestly, even if my people forgive them, I doubt they'd be willing to accept us as part of the Empire again."
"They won't," Lucia muttered. "They won't, Your Highness."
Hyked tilted his head slightly. "Then let me ask you something, Priestess. Just as I'm being honest with you now, please answer me truthfully."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"If the Great Church—or rather, the people beyond the Black Land—were to see me as I am now, what do you think they'd call me?"
Lucia held her breath. Ian, too, stared at Hyked in silence. His calm gaze and even tone made it seem like he already knew the answer.