A Chasing Light

Rattle, rattle

On an unusually bright moonlit night, a carriage was crossing the roads of the Empire.

Though it was a common and unremarkable carriage for one passing through the Empires bustling streets, the people within the silent carriage were not so ordinary.

Clana, a powerful figure in the Imperial Family and is considered the closest to becoming the Emperor.

Serena, who was recently successful in usurping the Secret Lord of her family and becoming the real Lord, a fact that was quietly spreading among the higher echelons.

Irina, who had anonymously published dozens of new magical theories in academia and was certain to soar again once her mana exhaustion ended.

And Kania, who had been overseeing Freys secret projects and recently advancing in the underworld forces to a terrifying extent.

Each one was in a position that could dominate the Empire, yet none more so than the person seated in the middle.

Hey, guys?

The one in the middle who quietly looked around before speaking up was none other than Frey, the hot potato of the world.

So, whats going on?

Noticing their serious expressions, Frey asked in a low voice.

The journalists tried to storm into the orientation site for the second time.

Is that so?

Clana responded while looking down quietly, to which Frey tilted his head.

If its just that, then just leave them be. I had something to say

What else are you going to say? You cant.

Clana firmly shook her head, and Frey looked sullen.

Also, we detected signs of an attack.

What?

The look in Freys eyes changed when Serena, who was sitting next to him, spoke up sharply.

Whos behind it? And the countermeasures?

We havent identified the mastermind yet. But its a planned and simultaneous move.

So, it cant be the Imperial Family. Maybe the Church?

Thats also unclear, but

Serena spoke quietly, covering her face with a fan.

Well know when we confront them directly, wont we?

Frey looked surprised.

Dont tell me, youre luring them in?

These people have been nosing around recently. Its a good opportunity to sweep them all at once.

What if you get hurt?

Huh?

Seeing Freys worried face, Serena looked confused and pointed to her surroundings with her fan.

Does it look like well get hurt?

Ah.

Only then did Frey realize that the girls in the carriage were among the strongest in the world.

Im still worried, though.

But still, he couldnt help but worry.

Oh my.

Serena smiled shyly as Freys gaze fell on her stomach.

Its okay for now.

Then, covering her mouth with the fan, she turned her gaze out the window, gently patting Freys shoulder.

Because its still in the fertilized egg stage.

She lightly tapped her lower abdomen.

Whether the magic worked or not, Im not sure, but it might stay this way for a while?

Thats good to hear.

Frey responded quietly, his face not showing his usual tired and sunken expression, but rather one filled with a strange excitement.

Why? Do you find it fascinating?

I-It is fascinating

Hehe, I see.

Serena took Freys hand and gently guided it to her lower abdomen.

Take a rest for a moment, we dont know when the attack will come.

Serena softly whispered as she gently patted her belly with Freys hand, then Frey closed his eyes.

The seed should I just teleport it inside me?

After some time had passed, Irina, who had been observing quietly from the opposite seat, swallowed dryly and murmured.

Theoretically, if I set the coordinates correctly, its possible If I carry it first and make it a done deal

T-Thats cheating! Its against the rule!

Youre all so noisy. Fuck off all of you. Im going to do whatever the fuck I want.

Irina growled at Clana who slyly chimed in.

T-Then I also

Thats enough. If you wanted to, you should have succeeded in todays mission, you romance novice.

W-Well, I have a good reason. And youve never even held a mans hand, let alone been in a relationship!

Y-Yes, I have! Ive held hands with Frey!

The same goes for me!

Enviously eyeing Serenas lower abdomen, the two girls started bickering and trying to pick apart each others words.

Meanwhile, Kania quietly leaned her head on Freys shoulder on her right, while observing the desperate bickering before her.

Young Master, youre not sleeping, are you?

Kania whispered softly into his ear.

Congratulations on becoming a father-to-be.

Hearing this, Frey smiled softly, prompting Kania to glance at Serena.

Hmm

Serena looked away discontentedly with her arms crossed.

Isnt it fascinating? Your seed being carried by another, creating new life?

Young Master, I am already your eternal subordinate and secretary, but

Observing him for a moment, Kania stealthily held Freys left hand and put it under her legs. Then she continued to whisper.

In addition to that, I actually want to be your woman.'

Kanias legs began to move slightly.

The secret relationship between a master and secretary has always been in the limelight in the underworld since ancient times.

She brought her cheek to Freys neck, feeling his warmth as he blushed quietly with his eyes closed, and whispered once more.

We cant do anything about it now. So, you can enjoy it legally.

Kania

I guess Im a helpless woman, Young Master.

Kania spoke straightforwardly, not hiding anything at all.

My body trembles when I think of you, Young Master.

That

I want to be your woman. I want to spend a night with you. I want to carry your child in my womb, and I cant help but tremble when I think of you.

Kania said desperately , then she quietly wrapped her arms around Frey and concluded her words.

Please vaccinate this ungrateful secretary who dares to love you, and keep it concealed from your wife.

A lot of it.

Then suddenly, Kanias eyes turned cold.

By the way, the attack is coming.

She then enshrouded Frey with black magic while embracing him.

I know.

Irina and Clana, who had sensed it a while ago, now looked serious, their playful expressions gone.

Incoming in ten seconds. Then, the first wave of ambush will attack the carriage. Theres a significant force up front, and Im worried if our familys assassins can handle it.

Confirmed.

Reinforcements will arrive in about three minutes, theyre about five hundred meters away. But the enemy will likely do the same. It looks like its going to be a close call.

Serena analyzed the situation quickly and muttered quietly while covering her face with the fan.

Ive put the Demon Kings army, including Lulu, on standby, but well use that as a last resort.

Serena was about to stand up when Irina and Clana grabbed her.

Where do you think youre going?

I have to fight too. We need to identify those whove ambushed us

You stay here with Frey.

Why?

Serena asked with a frown. Irina, who had been fiddling with her scrolls, quietly answered.

We cant let them know Frey is here. He should still be safe even if todays incident leaks out. Anyway, were also going to disguise our appearances. Well cover our eyes, but we can come up with countless excuses

Not that, Im talking about me.

Serena asked her again, and Irina responded by pointing to her belly.

Do you really dont understand?

But

Youre not sure if the magic worked, right? Straining yourself in such situations can cause problems.

Before Serena could retort, Irina frowned and forced her to sit down.

I was actually against you coming here in the first place. So, stay put.

The magic should have worked

Dont argue about magic with me. That magic you used wasnt perfected until a day after the deed, right? And it couldnt have been perfected in the first place if it wasnt in that state. So, I repeat, stay here.

Serena, having heard this, quietly lowered her head and sat down.

Youre not on your own anymore. Youre practically carrying Freys baby. So now, its our duty to protect you.

Irina crossed her legs as she finished speaking, and Serena tapped her fingers on her leg with her head down.

I know, Im different from everyone else with my unstable magic, it nullifies the preventive vaccine if I get out of here but still

She muttered with a worried look while watching the girls prepare for battle.

Its sad not being able to fight alongside you.

Frey embraced her, while being surrounded by black magic, solar mana, and the protective shield devised by Irina.

Sometimes youre annoying, but I still want to help

Just help analyze the enemy using the magical tool.

And then suddenly.

BOOM!!!

A loud explosion came from beneath the carriage.

Sizzle

Irina tore up a bunch of mana replenishment scrolls, and her eyes flashed as she drew a complicated magic circle.

CRACKLE!

A magic circle with geometric patterns and intricate runes quickly formed in the air.

Crackle crackle

The impact was strong enough to flip the carriage, but it remained intact without a scratch.

High Gravity.

Screech!

Irina began chanting with her legs crossed, and the carriage started to feel heavier with an unpleasant rumble.

Gravity Regression.

As a result, the smoothly rolling carriage came to a stop at a secluded path on the city outskirts. Irina calmly uncrossed her legs and muttered.

Is that a chanting spell?

Huh? Yeah, why?

Is that something humans can do? Chanting in the Imperial language, not in runes?

Oh, its just I dont know something Ive researched recently and applied. Its not difficult once you understand the principles behind it.

Irina scratched her head as Clana asked her question with wide eyes.

By the way, those attackers arent ordinary

Indeed, they are not just any random thugs like we expected.

Clana was momentarily dazed and wailing at the difference in talent. But, she quickly regained her composure and started discussing the situation with Kania.

Boom, boom!!

Crackle!

The girls released a massive amount of solar mana and black magic from their hands, which swirled all around and passed through the carriage door.

Be careful, Young Master.

Stay inside the carriage, its fortified like a fortress.

Serena, please dont come out.

With the basic line of defense established, the three girls stepped out of the carriage.

If you look even a little disadvantaged, Ill intervene immediately. Keep that in mind.

No, you wont.

Frey said while tightly embracing Serena. Kania, who had stepped outside, smiled and whispered back.

Then, a brief silence ensued.

Whats that?

Not sure, but we now know where the attack came from.

The girls frowned upon seeing the scene before them.

If its not the Church, who else would commit such madness?

Seems like theyre making their move. I knew it, I thought theyd been too quiet lately.

They were humans with horrid things instead of arms.

Or rather, something resembling humans was staring at them.

.

.

.

.

.

At the same time

Helper System

[100 meters ahead, the destination is in sight.]

Huff, huff

Glare ran wildly using her fluidization magic and was focused on the navigation display in front of her.

Helper System

[Warning! Stop immediately!!]

Huh?!

When the system window suddenly turned red, she fell to the ground with a horrified look on her face.

Ow It hurts.

Rubbing the bump on her head, Glare stood up and looked around.

Hmm?

She noticed numerous thread-like lines in front of her.

Crackle

Whats this

After tentatively throwing a stone at it, she scratched her head in confusion when it evaporated instantly.

No, I dont have time for this.

She shook her head and raised her hand.

Snap!!

The next moment, the crisp sound of her fingers snapping echoed all around.

Fizz

Simultaneously, all the threads blocking her path shattered into pieces and dispersed into the air.

Who said you cant shatter the same object all at once?

Looking at it reminded her of something that happened a while ago, and she gritted her teeth and muttered.

You can shatter the same object all at once, you know?

She then entered a path filled with trees, and started running again while shouting vigorously.

Herooo!! Im coming!!

Whoosh

As her vigorous voice echoed through the lush trees, a tree that had been cautiously looking around peered out and slowly moved toward the entrance of the pathway.

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