Chimaera's Conquest: The Legend Of The Devourer
Chapter 140: Another Battle (2)

Chapter 140: Another Battle (2)

Vincent and Clara were setting up a fire in their makeshift camp when they heard footsteps rapidly approaching. They were alert but didn’t draw their weapons. The elven guards stationed around them would be dealing with the danger, if any.

Yes, the guards were there for protection, and that was their sole duty. The responsibility of setting up the fire, preparing the food, and maintaining the camp fell squarely on the shoulders of Vincent and Clara.

They were left to fend for themselves, as per Shu’s orders, the guards weren’t permitted to lend a hand.

Since the guards didn’t react, he knew it had to be his cousins arriving, which they did. Vincent immediately got up and put on his best fake smile as Shu walked in, accompanied by his wife, Reena.

"It’s good to see you—" Vincent moved to greet them but was met with a resounding slap, which threw him on the ground.

The elven guards standing nearby observed the scene impassively, making Clara wonder if they were even alive or mere robots.

"What the hell-" Vincent yelled, only to be kicked by Shu, who then began pummeling him with his fists.

Clara took a step to break the fight, but the elven guards withdrew their swords, and that was all they had to do as Clara retreated, watching Vincent be beaten to a pulp by his cousin.

Vincent clenched his fists as the beating continued. Had he wanted, he could have put Shu in his place by retaliating in kind, but he held himself back.

He knew better than to provoke a confrontation with Shu, especially in front of his guards. Shu’s status in the elven royalty was superior to his own as he was a member of the direct bloodline, and any altercation would only end in disaster for Vincent.

Besides, he was confident in defeating Shu, not his wife. No one in the royal family wanted to mess with Reena due to her connections, and Vincent was the same.

’If I lay my hands on her dearest husband, she’d make it her mission to turn life into hell,’ Vincent thought as the beating continued. ’As humiliating as this is...I’ll have to endure.’

Shu ignored Vincent’s shocked expression as he finally had his fill. The encounter with Adrian and his warnings had put him in a foul mood, so he took it out on the brat responsible for the mess.

"Be grateful I stopped when I did," Shu mumbled and snapped his fingers, summoning an attendant who handed him a towel. "Your stupidity has ruined any chances of us monopolising the resources the Wilderness has to offer."

With a casual flick of his wrist, Shu wiped his bloodied hands clean and tossed the towel at Vincent’s feet. Then, he threw a potion towards Vincent before continuing.

"I was this close to accomplishing the Elder’s orders. We could have formed a partnership with the Banurs and reap the rewards after getting rid of the Tulkas. But you just had to mess it up, didn’t you?"

He continued, "Thanks to your foolishness, Adrian has turned against us, and so did the Banurs. It’s a miracle we’re still alive!"

"How was I supposed to know-" Vincent tried to shoot back, but Shu cut him off.

"Of course, you didn’t know anything. Why would the family bother telling a useless bastard like you anything?" Shu sighed, taking deep breaths to calm himself. "If only you had been half the man Rowan is, we wouldn’t be in this situation."

Vincent dug his fingers into his palm at Rowan’s mention. No matter where he went or what he did, Rowan would always be stuck to him like a thorn.

Clara noticed the blood coming from Vincent’s palm but didn’t dare interfere in their royal business. Besides, the more distressed he got, the more vulnerable he’d be.

’It might not be too bad if Shu drilled more into him,’ Clara thought, hiding her smile behind the veil of concern.

"Get ready," Shu commanded everyone. "We’re leaving for Nexaria. Then, we’ll arrange our return to Alfvania. The sooner this imbecile is back at home, the better for our plans."

At that moment, Vincent forgot about everything and got into Shu’s face. The guard immediately drew their weapons, ready to kill if necessary, but Shu raised his hand, stopping them.

"I can’t leave without dealing with that swine, Adrian!" Vincent yelled.

Shu looked at him and smiled before his hand struck again, delivering another sharp slap to Vincent’s cheek. He proceeded to grab Vincent’s collar and got into his face. All facade of calmness was gone from his face.

"Don’t you ever dare to cross paths with Adrian again if you value your life," Shu snarled. "You didn’t see what Adrian did to Ahuli! He tore him apart with his bare hands! You think you can fight against someone like him?"

Vincent’s eyes widened in shock. He knew Shu wouldn’t make such a big deal about Adrian without reason, but he couldn’t believe someone like him could do such a thing.

"That... you’re lying!"

"Look at this brat..." Shu sighed, raising his hand to hit him again, but what good would that do?

Vincent was probably grown to be shit upon in his time in Nexaria. No amount of hitting from Shu would make a difference now.

That’s when Reena stepped up, caressing Vincent’s cheek and said, "I don’t care what your deal with that human is. All I know is that Adrian is not your concern anymore.

She continued, "Our priority is to return to Alfvania safely, and you’re coming with us. The only question is whether you’ll walk beside us or be forced in chains."

Vincent stared at his feet, realising he had no choice in the matter. With the decision made, Shu turned away, ordering his soldiers to prepare for departure.

Suddenly, Shu’s gaze shifted to the dense foliage surrounding their camp. A feeling of unease settled over him, and he gave Reena a concerned look.

"What is it?" Reena asked.

Shu shook his head, looking around carefully.

"Nothing to worry about," he said shortly, gripping his sword tighter. "Let’s go. We don’t have time to waste."

With one last glance at the dense foliage, Shu led the way as they left the camp behind, their footsteps echoing in the forest’s silence. But even as they disappeared into the forest, he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched and that their troubles were far from over.