The Rich Cultivator
Chapter 165 - 164. Lutz’s Reason

Chapter 165: 164. Lutz’s Reason

"Hehehe... Well, never mind. Princess, you’re coming with me," the traitor said, his voice cold and sinister.

Lutz, trembling with fear, instinctively stepped in front of Astrid, his small frame shaking but determined to protect her.

"Hehehe... a hero, huh?" the traitorous bodyguard mocked before slapping Lutz with enough force to send him flying through the air.

But before he could hit the ground, he was caught—gently, almost effortlessly—by a woman who appeared out of nowhere, her presence commanding and fierce. She set Lutz down with care, her hand lingering on his shoulder protectively.

"You dare touch my son?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with lethal intent.

The traitorous bodyguard’s eyes widened in fear. Before he could react, the woman unsheathed her sword and struck with lightning speed. Her blade gleamed for only a second before it was back in its scabbard. In that brief moment, every remaining attacker, including the traitor, fell to the ground, lifeless. There was no sound, no struggle—just swift, merciless justice.

Lutz and Astrid stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Lutz!" Astrid cried out, running to her friend’s side, her angelic face filled with worry.

The woman, a figure of grace and power, knelt down to check on her son. With a teasing smile, she glanced between the two children. "Well, would you look at that. My son has an angel for a girlfriend."

Astrid, still innocent to the implications, smiled brightly. "Yeah! I’m a girl, and I’m his friend. I’m his girlfriend!"

Lutz’s mother, known as Evergreen, laughed, a melodic sound that cut through the tension. She was a renowned swordswoman, inheriting her skills from her father, a decorated war veteran. Her reputation was one of honor and valor, though few knew she had a son hidden away in the peaceful village.

Evergreen ruffled Lutz’s hair. "You’re lucky to have a friend like her. But next time, let’s avoid wandering off into dangerous forests, hmm?"

---

Later that evening, as the sun set and the day’s excitement settled, a visitor arrived at Evergreen’s house. He bore an elegant letter sealed with the royal crest of Rosefall. An invitation to the royal capital had been extended, and it was addressed to none other than Evergreen herself.

The gleaming capital of Rosefall Kingdom stretched out below as a flying boat descended toward the grand castle that stood at its heart. The sun bathed the stone towers in a golden hue, casting long shadows over the bustling streets. As the boat neared the castle grounds, the sound of flapping banners and trumpets greeted its arrival, a fitting welcome for the Crown Princess.

As soon as the boat touched down, the first princess, Astrid, excitedly leapt from it, dragging her friend Lutz behind her by the hand. Her infectious energy made her seem almost weightless, like a fairy darting through the air. Without a second thought, she raced toward the castle, her golden hair flowing behind her.

"Daddy!" she called out with a grin, spotting a dignified man waiting at the castle entrance. The king of Rosefall stood with open arms, his regal expression softening as his daughter approached. His outstretched hand paused in anticipation of a hug.

"Come here, darling," he said warmly.

But to his surprise, Astrid barely slowed her pace as she waved him off with a quick, "Hello, Daddy, I’m going to play!" She dashed past him, dragging Lutz with her.

The king’s smile froze, and his hand remained suspended in the air, unacknowledged. For a brief moment, the proud monarch was reduced to just a father left hanging.

Behind him, Evergreen, the legendary swordswoman, watched the scene unfold with a small, amused smile. She quickly concealed her expression, maintaining her respectful demeanor in front of the king.

"Welcome to the capital, Miss Evergreen," the king said, returning to his dignified posture. His voice carried the weight of his authority, though there was a hint of gratitude in his tone.

"It’s a lifetime honor to be welcomed by the king himself," Evergreen responded, bowing her head gracefully.

The king nodded, his gaze lingering on her. "Thank you for saving my daughter. I didn’t know the famous Evergreen had a son."

Evergreen’s expression softened as she spoke, the weight of her past evident in her eyes. "His father passed away because of my enemies. I avenged him, but... I didn’t want my son to suffer for my actions. I’ve tried to keep him safe, away from those who might seek revenge."

She sighed, her voice tinged with regret. "But it seems more people are aware of him now."

The king regarded her with understanding, his expression thoughtful. "You have my deepest condolences. If you’re comfortable with it, your son is welcome to grow up here, within the safety of the castle walls."

Evergreen hesitated, her mind racing with possibilities. There was more she had to consider, not just for Lutz, but for their future. Her instincts told her that this offer could provide Lutz with opportunities, but she also knew it would tie them closer to the kingdom’s political games.

Before she could respond, they were summoned to the audience chamber. The grand room was filled with courtiers and nobility, all awaiting the king’s next proclamation. At the head of the room, seated on his ornate throne, the king stood and raised his hand, calling for silence.

"Today, we honor a true hero," the king announced, his voice resonating through the chamber. "Evergreen, Sword Master of legend, saved the life of the Crown Princess. In recognition of her bravery and her service to this kingdom, I declare her a Hero of Rosefall."

A roar of applause erupted from the chamber. Courtiers clapped, and nobles bowed their heads in respect. Outside the castle, the news spread like wildfire. Soon, the streets were filled with joyous celebrations, and bards began to weave songs of Evergreen’s courage and valor, singing her name in taverns and markets alike.

Evergreen bowed her head before the king once more, her face composed, but her mind elsewhere. She knew the title of Hero would bring both admiration and scrutiny. For now, the kingdom celebrated her, but fame had its price.

Throughout the country, Evergreen became a symbol of strength and inspiration, especially to women and young girls who saw in her a role model of unmatched skill and independence. Her story echoed in every corner of the kingdom, sparking dreams of heroism in the hearts of many.

The news came suddenly, like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky: Evergreen, the Hero of Rosefall, was dead.

The kingdom wept. Streets that had once echoed with her name now fell silent, their people struck with disbelief. She had died while saving the Crown Princess, her final act of courage immortalized in sorrow. The bards who had once sung her praises now penned somber elegies, and the people of Rosefall Kingdom dressed in black, grieving the loss of their hero.

And for Astrid, the little Crown Princess, the loss was too great to comprehend. Her heart ached for her best friend, Lutz, who had been taken from her, whisked away before they could say goodbye.

┉┈ ◈ ◉ ◈ ┈┉

Back to present

"You... are the son of the Hero Evergreen," Tyler said, his voice booming across the hall. "Lutz Evergreen, the one who poisoned the king."

The crowd gasped once again, their whispers turning into a roar of disbelief.

The masked man’s hand shook as he reached up and slowly removed his mask, revealing his true face. His blonde hair turned into brown hair, and his features shifted, revealing a familiar face.

"Lutz!?" Astrid’s shout echoed throughout the wedding hall, her voice filled with a mixture of shock and betrayal.

"W- why?" She asked.

"Heh." He let out a mocking laughter and said, "The king really didn’t tell you what happened, huh?"

"Wh- what?"

"I am just here to avenge My mother. My mother was a Hero in the kingdom, but nothing but a plaything for your father. He forced her by using my name to threaten her and she had no choice but to yield." Lutz said with red eyes filled with anger.

"My father would never, no .. impossible." Astrid muttered she knelt down and vomited. Her stomach feels nauseous by the truth.

"She was killed by some bandits while saving the crown princess? No no... She was killed by your father." Lutz said.

"N-no it can’t be..." Astrid Muttered. Lily patted her back.

Lutz walked near her, Lily tried to stop him but Astrid stopped her and moved closer to him.

"I am sorry, I - I really didn’t know. I am sorry Lutz." Astrid said while sobbing.

Suddenly her voice stopped. A knife plunged into her heart.

"He took my loved ones from me. I will take his loved ones from him." Lutz whispered in her ears and said, "First you, then this kingdom."

"Noo..." Tyler shouted , it’s too late to save her.

"With the Royal blood and the Angel blood. Let the Labyrinth appear." Lutz said.

The whole kingdom shook. A big earthquake appeared.