Chapter 141: The End of Rodel Aiwood
The rebellion led by Marquis Aiger had reached its climax. Although the mastermind behind the uprising was slain on the battlefield, Rodel Aiwood, the nominal Supreme Commander and Third Prince, was captured alive.
Rodel’s mother was a concubine from the allied Geisel Empire. In determining the fate of Rodel, a meeting was arranged between the Empire and the Kingdom. During discussions among diplomats, it was noted that soldiers and mercenaries believed to be from the Empire had participated in the rebellion. However, the Empire naturally denied any involvement in the uprising. They claimed that the Empire’s soldiers had only acted as mercenaries, hired independently, and that they had not given any orders for such actions. Although there were soldiers among the rebel dead who appeared to be from the Empire, no concrete evidence could be found.
The Empire demanded the handover of Rodel and his mother, the concubine. Of course, the Kingdom refused. The negotiations between the two nations grew heated, but after lengthy discussions, it was decided that Rodel would be given the poisoned chalice, and the concubine would be handed over to the Empire.
From the Kingdom’s perspective, they did not wish to escalate tensions with the Empire unnecessarily, but they absolutely could not surrender Rodel, who could potentially be used as a banner for future conflicts. The Empire, on the other hand, could not afford to lose face by allowing their own concubine to be executed, yet they judged that they could not oppose the Kingdom, which had quelled the rebellion in just a day. Even the hawks within the Empire, who desired military action, seemed to agree that a war with the Kingdom was premature.
As a result, both sides accepted a compromise to avoid a direct confrontation. The death of Rodel, who bore the blood of the Empire, would undoubtedly fracture the alliance. However, given the Empire’s involvement in the rebellion, lingering resentment was unavoidable. The Kingdom, too, began to regard the Empire as a potential enemy, second only to the northern barbarians.
“…This concludes the results of the negotiations with the Empire. The poisoned chalice will be delivered in three days, so please find peace until then.”
“…………”
Even upon receiving the death sentence from the official, Rodel Aiwood, confined to his cell, uttered not a single word. He did not beg for mercy, nor did he curse the official. In silence, he resolved to accept the poisoned chalice.
His mother had already left the country. As a concubine, she had been cast aside by the King and tearfully bid farewell to Rodel. Raised by the Queen Dowager, Rodel had little contact with his mother, but it seemed she had not been implicated in the rebellion and thus faced no repercussions. Although the concubine had thought Rodel indifferent to her, he now realized that he had been loved, albeit belatedly.
“Is this how it ends for me…?”
Alone in his cell after the official departed, Rodel murmured softly. The cell was fit for nobility, with iron bars sealing the entrance, yet it contained a full array of furniture and lavish meals. He was even provided with water for bathing, ensuring a comfortable existence. If he wished, he could even summon a courtesan before his death, but at that moment, Rodel felt no desire for such pleasures. Once consumed by an insatiable lust for the touch of a woman, he was now surprisingly devoid of such cravings. The man who had once sought to ravage maids and noble daughters, even attempting to set ablaze those who interfered with his advances on his fiancée, was now in a state of profound acceptance.
(…If I were to act pitifully and struggle, I would surely disappoint that man.)
Such thoughts filled Rodel’s heart, directed towards his last foe on the battlefield—Rest Clover.
Rodel and Rest had clashed. They had dueled fiercely, unleashing their magic against one another. That battle had filled Rodel’s heart with an inexplicable sense of fulfillment. The exhilaration and satisfaction he felt then surpassed anything he had ever experienced, even in the embrace of the most beautiful women. Even after suffering defeat and being left half-dead, he cherished the wounds etched upon his body.
(Rest Clover…)
Just recalling that man’s face made the prospect of death no longer terrifying. It was not friendship, nor affection, and certainly not romantic love. This ambiguous emotion stirred within Rodel, yet he found no discomfort in it.
(Indeed… I found joy in it…)
Simply put, he had enjoyed it. The thrill of battling Rest, of having someone who could withstand his full strength, filled him with uncontainable happiness. He had trampled the weak countless times, but this was an entirely different sensation. There was someone standing on equal ground with him, providing him with a joy he had never tasted in his life.
(If only I could have been killed by you… No, perhaps that’s not quite right.)
Had he perished on that battlefield, he would not have reflected on his own foolishness. That felt unacceptable. He needed to reflect, to regret. This was the punishment bestowed upon him for allowing his empty pride to swell and hurt so many. Perhaps Rest had spared him to grant him this time for atonement.
(Thank you… Rest Clover. Because of you, I can reflect on myself and depart in peace.)
Was there anything he could do to express his gratitude? As he pondered during his remaining time, one thought emerged.
(Yes… I have my grandmother’s inheritance…)
There was a hidden fortune left by his grandmother, the Queen Dowager. Rodel was the only one who knew of its existence, concealed in a certain location. What if he left a will bequeathing that inheritance to Rest?
(There’s a risk it could be confiscated by the state… but perhaps my father and brother would grant at least a portion to Rest Clover.)
The Queen Dowager’s hidden fortune rivaled the national budget. Even if only a fraction were given, it would surely be of help to Rest.
“…Farewell, my soul’s worthy adversary. I sincerely wish for your success.”
Three days later, Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince, received the poisoned chalice and lost his life. Although it was not officially announced, Rodel, having participated in the rebellion, was denied entry into the royal family’s tomb. However, a temple was constructed in the borderlands by Rest Clover, who was granted a portion of Rodel’s inheritance, allowing him to rest peacefully.