Emperor's harem: Transmigrated with SSS mana talent
Chapter 98: [Alright. That was a bit… much]

Chapter 98: [Alright. That was a bit... much]

He paused at the threshold, eyes sharp, unreadable.

"Let’s not keep them waiting."

And with that, he walked toward the hall—each step measured, as if going to war.

Kael descended the stairs in silence, each step echoing softly through the grand corridor.

Behind him, Selene followed—quiet and watchful, her eyes scanning ahead.

Halfway down, Kael’s gaze passed through the railing and landed on the main hall below.

And there he was.

Eiden.

The one face Kael had hoped not to see.

Standing at ease in the center, Eiden wore that same unreadable calm.

Beside him stood Elara, her presence composed, distant—just as Kael remembered.

Slightly to the right was a tall man, perhaps in his mid-twenties, broad-shouldered, arms crossed, gaze already flicking toward the stairs.

Kael’s eyes narrowed.

Yue, now beside Selene, leaned slightly toward him and whispered,

"That man... he’s a Rank 4 magician.

Be careful."

Kael gave the faintest nod.

But beneath that calm, his thoughts twisted with quiet irritation.

Fuck... he cursed inwardly, this chicken brought the whole coop with him.

Then his attention shifted—to a boy about his own age.

Young, yet with the quiet strength of one who had seen battle.

He wore the colors of the War God Temple, the sigil etched across his chest in bold gold.

And then—Selina.

Kael’s breath caught for a moment, his expression tightening almost imperceptibly.

Her too? he thought darkly. What is she doing here?

He cursed inwardly, but his composure did not falter.

There was no trace of panic in his face.

He was certain—if she had revealed what happened, this visit would not be so civil.

Still... her presence unsettled him.

With calm steps, Kael continued his descent, each footfall deliberate.

Eiden’s eyes finally caught sight of Kael as he descended the last few steps.

His cheerful expression lit up even more as he took in the dark, formal attire—the noble insignia, the posture, the controlled air around Kael.

Recognition dawned immediately.

Without hesitation, Eiden stepped forward and—before anyone could react—wrapped Kael in a sudden, open-armed hug.

"Ah, the young Duke himself! It’s good to finally meet you," he said with genuine enthusiasm.

"I’ve heard plenty—and from what I see, the rumors weren’t exaggerated. And you," he added.

He gave Kael a firm pat on the back.

Kael stiffened.

’Why the hell is this bastard touching me?’

His expression didn’t betray the irritation clawing at him, but inside he cringed.

’If it were a beautiful girl, fine... but this? Gods...’

With a strained smile, Kael stepped slightly back, raising his hands as if casually adjusting his sleeves—subtly pulling away from Eiden’s grip.

"I’ve also heard," he said slowly, voice level,

"Of the prodigy son of the Royal Academy’s headmaster...

Eiden Ravenheart."

Eiden laughed, the sound light but not without pride.

"You flatter me, truly. Coming from you—Chosen of the War God Temple—that’s quite something."

Kael remained silent, his gaze steady.

Eiden, ever the one to fill silences, gestured next to the man standing calmly beside him.

"This one here... my so-called protector," he said with a dramatic sigh.

"Father forced him on me. I told him I didn’t need a watchdog—I wanted to slay that cursed devil myself."

He gave a helpless shrug.

"But... in front of Father, I couldn’t refuse. His name is Darius."

The man, likely in his mid-twenties, gave Kael a slight nod. His eyes were quiet, calculating.

Kael returned it with a brief, polite "Darius."

Eiden turned again, this time pointing to the younger boy standing stiffly to the side, his arms folded, posture sharp.

"And here—this is Rovan, chief disciple of the War God Temple. The temple sent him directly... to hunt devil."

Kael’s gaze settled on Rovan.

The boy didn’t greet him.

In fact, his lips curled slightly, like he was holding something back.

Kael raised a brow. "What’s with this bastard?"

Yue leaned in just a little, amusement flickering in her voice.

"You took the ’Chosen One’ title last month. He’s jealous."

Kael gave a small, understanding nod, then turned to the last person.

Eiden gestured with a flourish.

"And this is Selina, chief disciple of the Night Goddess Church.

The high priestess sent her herself."

Kael’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

High Priestess... he thought. That means Nyra.

He cursed inwardly.

That woman... I’ll deal with her soon.

Personally.

His gaze returned to Selina.

Calm. Cold. Controlled.

Selina stiffened the moment their gazes locked.

Kael smiled.

"Selina."

His tone was civil, almost pleasant.

But beneath it was a quiet threat—like a knife still sheathed, yet very much present.

She flinched. Just a flicker. But enough.

Then, forcing composure, she returned the gesture with a tilt of her chin.

"Duke."

But there was fire behind her words. And hatred in her silence.

The others remained unaware.

Eiden clapped his hands once, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"Well, I don’t need to introduce you two, right?" he said with a grin, motioning between Kael and Elara.

"You’re already in a... marriage alliance, after all."

His voice trailed off toward the end—less confident, less playful.

Kael’s smile didn’t move, but inside, a chill coiled down his spine.

Why does it feel like death just looked at me?

The hall seemed colder. Not from magic.

Just... instinct.

Then Kael noticed it.

Eiden wasn’t looking at him.

He was looking at Elara.

Eyes soft. Mouth slightly parted. Something unspoken lingering.

Kael’s lips curled faintly.

Interesting.

But the smirk didn’t last. A pulse of unease thudded in his chest.

Wait.

He turned his gaze back to Eiden.

Watched the slight blush, the too-long stare, the flicker of something hopeless and earnest.

Kael blinked once.

This idiot’s in love.

And then he truly understood the depth of it—what this could become.

His blood ran cold.

"Oh... shit," he muttered under his breath.

This lovesick fool... and he sees me as the obstacle?

Elara coughed softly into her hand.

It wasn’t from dust or discomfort.

It was the kind of cough that tried—politely—to snap someone out of a stare.

Eiden didn’t notice. Or pretended not to.

Her jaw tightened.

She turned toward Kael, her voice cool and precise.

"Kael. As you know, the devil bears the Godsbreaker Mark. That alone makes him a threat to the divine order."

Kael remained still, listening. He already knew where this was going.

"As followers of the gods," she continued, "it is our duty to hunt him down."

Her eyes were sharp now—serious, unwavering.

Whether it was because of the devil... or because of who was watching her, Kael couldn’t say.

He nodded solemnly, playing the part.

"I see," he said.

Elara gave a crisp nod.

"That’s why... we’re inviting you to join us."

Kael didn’t flinch. He had expected it. Every move until now had led here.

He answered without hesitation.

"Alright. I’m in."

Elara blinked.

"You’re coming?" Elara asked, voice lowering, her brows drawing together.

Kael nodded slowly, his expression shifting—noble, solemn, a portrait of righteousness carved in stone.

He took a step forward, chest slightly lifted, like a knight about to march into a holy war.

"I have always," he began gravely, "done what is best for the people. If sacrificing myself on the battlefield is what it takes to purge evil from this land..."

He paused for dramatic weight.

"Then I will gladly shoulder that burden."

Silence.

The room didn’t applaud.

Elara stared at him.

Expression: deadpan.

Selene blinked once. Slowly.

Even Yue, who was usually the first to feed Kael’s nonsense, just gave a sideways glance as if to say: Really?

Kael coughed into his fist.

"Alright. That was a bit... much."

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