The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 87: Begin For War

Chapter 87: Begin For War

The captain of the army stationed at the Holy Temple crossed his arms, his gaze steady and unimpressed as he looked at Edward. "And why, exactly, should we follow you?"

He didn’t bother hiding the mockery in his voice. Why exactly would he follow a child? So what if this boy was someone held in high regard by the Head Priest?

He met the captain’s gaze with calm eyes, his confidence unwavering. Edward knew exactly what he was doing. He had anticipated the captain’s scepticism and was prepared for this moment.

"Think carefully about the plague that’s spreading in the capital," Edward said, his voice soft but laced with venom. "Surely, you’ve heard of it by now." It was a threat, straightforward and direct.

The captain raised an eyebrow, and Edward could see the flicker of unease in his eyes. Everyone in the capital knew about the illness creeping through the city.

Although it hadn’t fully spread to the Holy Temple yet, the rumours were enough to instil fear and cause chaos.

The captain, like anyone with a family, had reason to worry. But he kept his expression cool, feigning disinterest. "I know about it," he said with a dismissive wave. "What’s your point?"

The Captian was a seasoned veteran who could sense danger, and he could sense that very danger coming from Edward, he was some simple child. There was something sinister about him. Still, he intended to hear what this child had to say.

Edward smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Do you really think the Emperor cares about you? About your soldiers or your families? When the sickness reaches you, and it will reach you, who do you think will be prioritised?"

If there was one thing Edward knew, it was to provoke people. He knew exactly what to say to push people’s buttons. He carefully observed the changes in the Captain’s expression. He wanted to get a reaction out of him.

Most importantly, what he wanted was the Captain’s loyalty. All the guards stationed here would only follow the Captain, and the Captain followed the Emperor. He wanted to change that.

The captain rolled his eyes. "Of course, it’s always the nobles who get the best care first. They’re the only ones who can afford your outrageous prices." He blamed the Holy Temple outright and did not fall into his manipulation. But, his voice still had a hit of bitterness.

And that was enough for Edward to work off of.

"Exactly," Edward replied, nodding. "And that is the problem. You and your men risk your lives every day, yet when disaster strikes, you’re treated as disposable. But I can change that."

The captain scoffed, shaking his head. "And how could you possibly do that? You are all the same, greedy pigs who never think of anyone but yourselves, you will never change. I know very well why you are telling me this, Edward."

His eyes narrowed, and he was ready to leave the discussion. It was nothing but a waste of his time.

Edward didn’t take offence to his insults. He heard a lot worse in both his lifetimes. Commoners would use much cruder language, not that any of it fazed him.

His expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "That may be true, but I have something the Emperor and his nobles don’t. I possess a power they’d never dare use."

The captain wasn’t convinced. He looked Edward up and down, assessing him with a wary eye. "Words won’t make me betray the Emperor. You’re just a child, and the Imperial army has always been loyal to the Empire."

Edward sighed, almost as if he was disappointed. He spoke quietly, mostly to himself. "I didn’t want to do this." He began muttering in a language the captain didn’t recognize, his words barely more than a whisper.

Before the captain could react, a bolt of purple energy shot from Edward’s hands, hitting him square in the chest. The force of it knocked him back.

He could feel a dangerous energy surrounding him. Slowly creeping up his back to his mind and grasping it with tight hands.

He fell to the ground. He was writhing in pain. His vision slowly dulled. The last thing he saw was Edward slowly making his way over to him. Just what did this boy do to him?? He had to escape!

His eyes which were widened in surprise slowly turned blank as the magic took effect. He was now completely under the control of Edward.

Edward watched the captain with a detached expression as if this were merely a routine task. He stepped closer, looking down at him with something bordering on pity.

Edward tsked in annoyance, muttering under his breath. "This method is becoming exhausting," he sighed. This feeling was too familiar, he used it numerous times yet still couldn’t get used to it. His head felt dizzy, it felt like he was losing consciousness.

A part of his mental capacity would be stripped away whenever he takes control over a person.

Forbidden magic took a toll on him each time he used it, and keeping multiple people under his control was draining, both physically and mentally. But he didn’t care.

The control it offered was invaluable, and he was willing to sacrifice his own well-being to achieve his goals.

If worse comes to worst he could heal himself... But no, as he gets consumed by the forbidden magic, his affinity with Holy Power decreases. But what was the point of keeping that power?

It was the only way he was still connected to her but that voice... That voice ruined everything, it cut off his connection. His affinity to holy power was nothing but a useless burden.

Getting rid of it and instead using forbidden magic would be far easier... He needed to achieve his goal. He will NOT fail again. His fists were clenched.

He looked coldly at the Captain who was barely responsive. "From now on," he instructed, his tone firm, "You will follow my orders. You will convince your men to shift their allegiance from the Emperor to me. And you will speak of this to no one."

The captain nodded, his eyes dull and lifeless. The fire that had once burned with loyalty and defiance was now extinguished, replaced by the hollow obedience of one who had been robbed of his free will.

Edward smirked, satisfied with his work. This was precisely how he had already gained control of the head priest of the Temple.

He wasted far too much time in his previous life. This time he would have none of that.

"Go now," Edward commanded, waving his hand dismissively. "Return to your men and start preparing for war."

When the door closed behind the captain, Edward allowed himself a moment to lean against the table, breathing heavily as he tried to regain his focus. He had pushed himself harder than usual, and it was starting to show.

"You can’t escape this time... I will find you."

He allowed himself a small smile, a flicker of satisfaction amidst the exhaustion. "Soon," he whispered to himself.

The fact that Annora had been missing meant nothing to him. He wished she would die in that snow but he would be left disappointed.

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