The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 57: Holy Sword

Chapter 57: Holy Sword

Earlier

In the room, the Northern Duke and Edward were conversing...

Across from Edward sat the Northern Duke, it was clear that he looked desperate but tried his best to hide it.

Benedict’s father had always held a reputation for being as impenetrable as the northern walls surrounding his estate, but today, the cracks were showing.

The Duke wasn’t the talkative type but today he had to be.

"I am aware your age doesn’t represent your capabilities so I will be straight with you, when I requested your presence I didn’t inform anyone of the reason why."

He had to take a deep breath to steady himself.

"Take your time, esteemed Duke. I’m not going anywhere, you paid the temple for my time after all..." He smirked.

"My wife’s condition has worsened. The doctors here have done everything they can. But she... She’s slipping away."

There was only so much their doctors could do when the illness was so mysterious. They tried their best but nothing came up. In such an impossible situation, he had no choice but to consult the Holy Temple.

Edward nodded slowly, feigning sympathy. He had seen the duchess once, long ago, when she was still the radiant jewel of the North. Now, her beauty had withered away, leaving her a mere shadow of her former self.

It was a tragedy, but not one that touched him personally.

"I understand your plight, Duke," Edward replied, carefully observing the changes in the Duke’s expression. "However, the condition you describe... Is severe. I cannot guarantee that even with the full might of the Holy Temple’s powers, I can reverse her state."

The Duke’s lips tightened, "Your answer is not surprising. I have long since accepted her condition, but for my son’s sake I have to keep trying." After a pause, he continued, "There has to be some way... I don’t care what it takes..."

Edward fell deep in thought. He was only giving an excuse earlier when he said he couldn’t do anything. He didn’t want to pull Benedict out of his misery. There was no reason for him to help him of all people.

But maybe he should consider it...

He knew of the disaster that would strike the Northern Duchy. The agricultural land will become barren and they lose their primary source of income. Benedict will pick up the sword and change the face of the Northern Duchy.

What Edward now aimed for, was that sword. The Holy sword was given to their ancestors by the Sun Goddess herself.

They slayed monsters and kept their territory safe. He wanted that sword. He wanted to cut off any means for Benedict to make a comeback.

And he had to act before Adeline does. He didn’t have much contact with her but things have changed. He couldn’t say for sure that she came back too.

Her having holy powers could hinder many of his plans. Annora was under his control in the last life.

Adeline was not, she was situated away from him and she had the House of Kendrick dedicated to her. It wouldn’t be so easy to get her under his control.

Before she tried to heal his mother, he needed to secure the deal.

Edward nodded slowly, his face was full of contemplation. He could see the Duke’s resolve crumble. And this was the moment he had been waiting for.

"I can," Edward began carefully, "But understand, Duke, that such miracles come at a price." He had a pitiful look on his face. At the end of the day, he was only a child... On the outside.

The Duke understood what Edward meant. He thought Edward was under strict supervision by the Holy Temple.

What could this child ask for that he couldn’t give? He thought.

Edward suppressed a smile, his heart swelling with dark satisfaction. "The Holy Temple has long been interested in a relic that belongs to your House. The Holy Sword of Rolfe."

He paused, gauging the Duke’s reaction. The man’s face remained unreadable, but the tension in the air thickened.

He slowly continued, "With that, the Temple will allow you to borrow me. You would also have enough leverage to add the clause that permits me and me only. Without my caretakers, I can work more freely."

"The Holy Sword?" the Duke asked, his voice quiet but firm. "That is an heirloom of my family, bestowed by the Sun Goddess herself."

Edward inclined his head, his tone slipping into something resembling reverence. "Indeed. A relic of immense power, a relic tied to the Sun Goddess..."

Edward looked at the Duke again, he wanted to secure this sword for himself more than anything.

He continued "It is no secret that our priests have sought it for centuries. In exchange for attempting to save your wife, the Holy Sword would serve as the Temple’s price."

The Duke’s hands clenched into fists, his jaw tightening as the weight of the decision pressed down on him. For a moment, Edward wondered if the man would refuse. That sword was a very important relic... An heirloom of the Northern Duchy.

"You want the sword in exchange for saving her life?" the Duke asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Edward nodded, and with a predatory glint in his eyes, he spoke. "Precisely. Such a sword should be with the Holy Temple, where it can be honoured properly. It is, after all, a gift from the Sun Goddess. It would be displayed for everyone to see, not hidden away in a vault."

He could feel the Duke’s inner turmoil. The man was faced with an impossible choice, sacrifice the pride of his house or watch his wife die.

"You said you couldn’t guarantee," the Duke finally said, his voice rough. "You can’t promise me that she’ll live."

Edward sighed and got up. He decided this negotiation came to a conclusion. "That is true. But without me, there is no hope at all."

Whichever choice the Duke made, there would be only one victor, Edward.

"Wait-"