Akashic Records of the Bastard Child Engaged to a Goddess

Chapter 76 I've discovered the culprit?

Holy Sword Tournament Arc

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Vanessa, Arthur's twin, was a plausible suspect in his potential murder, but given that the Cross Kingdom followed Male Primogeniture, it didn't make sense for her to do so.

Jericho, being the next in line for the throne, was a possible culprit, but everyone considered him a decent person incapable of such a crime.

It wasn't wise for him, the most likely suspect in such a scenario to commit such a crime.

Bluestella, Jericho's mother, could also be considered, given her desire for her son to succeed the king, especially since Arthur didn't yet have a son.

As we discussed the possibilities, Serena's melodic voice interrupted our thoughts, "What's our next plan of action?" I looked up, appreciating her keenly inquisitive nature.

"My first order of business is to interrogate Nerbas," I responded. Isadora, nodding in agreement, affirmed my decision.

I got up from my bed to leave.

Serena stopped me, beckoning me to sit down again.

"I have to go back to Trinodyne soon," she said, causing my surprise.

Trinodyne, realm of the Trifects.

"Why?" I asked eagerly.

"I need to keep All-Father updated on your progress," she replied, to which I sighed.

Curious, I prodded her for more information, "How long are you going to be gone?"

Serena paused for a moment to think before answering, "Roughly two weeks. I also need to catch up with my sisters."

I exclaimed at the length of time, feeling slightly disappointed at the thought of her departure.

"Don't worry, I'll be back in no time," she giggled, reassured me, and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

I nodded, letting her know it was okay.

"Alright," I said, turning to Isadora. "I'll go interrogate Nerbas and see if I can get some answers," I said, gradually exiting my room.

...

As I made my way through the posh hallways of the luxurious mansion, a bevy of maids and manservants bowed in reverence as I passed them.

I paused to gaze out of a window, and my eyes locked onto Garret, Genny, and the Knights of the Cross sweating profusely in the heat of the sun.

"They look more burnt than well-trained," I muttered to myself, noticing the sweat dripping from their armor. I forced a chuckle at the sight.

Despite their exhaustion, I knew they were training hard for the upcoming Holy Sword Festival.

The Holy Sword Festival was one of the most prestigious events of the kingdom, where the bravest and most valiant knights would showcase their sword fighting skills.

There was more to it, but as of now, it wasn't important.

(POV: Akashic Records)

It took Lumiere several minutes of searching the entire mansion to finally track down Nerbas, the deceitful maid. He found her in one of the many rooms, sorting through the clothes of Lady Lora. When she heard his footsteps, Nerbas turned to greet him, but his cold demeanor caught her off guard, and she hesitated before replying.

"Good day, sir," she said nervously.

"How are you doing?" he asked, a smile radiating on his face.

"I'm just sorting clothes for Lady Lora," she replied.

Lumiere nodded approvingly and watched her for a moment, before suddenly closing the door behind him. This caught Nerbas' attention, and she turned to face him, still sorting through the clothes.

"Why did you do it?" Lumiere's voice was cold, and it sent shivers down Nerbas' spine.

She wasn't sure what he was referring to.

"I don't understand," she said, stopping what she was doing for a moment.

Lumiere's eyes started to glow with a celestial red colour, and it made Nerbas freeze.

"You know what I'm talking about," Lumiere said, grabbing her wrist and pinning her against the ground.

Nerbas winced in pain, telling him that he was hurting her, but Lumiere didn't loosen his grip. "You wouldn't be in pain if you hadn't tried to poison Lana, or should I say, Arthur?"

Nerbas' eyes widened in shock. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"It doesn't matter how I know," Lumiere replied coldly, "What matters is that I know."

Nerbas cowered on the ground, clutching her wrist in pain as Lumiere towered over her, a fierce aura emanating from him.

Lumiere released his grip on her wrist and stepped forward, his foot landing with a sickening crunch on her already injured wrist, causing her to cry out in agony.

Nerbas tried to stand, but Lumiere's foot remained steadfast, trapping her there.

"Shut up," Lumiere snarled, his red eyes flashing in the dimly lit room.

Lumiere leaned down until his face was inches from hers, his eyes boring into hers like hot brand. "Listen carefully, Nerbas. Here's what you're going to do... you're going to tell me who put you up to poisoning Arthur, and you're going to do it now."

Tears streamed down Nerbas' face as she shook her head frantically.

But Lumiere wasn't satisfied with her answer.

With a cruel smile, he applied more pressure on her injured wrist, causing it to snap with a sickening crack.

Nerbas howled in pain, her body convulsing on the ground. "Please! I don't know anything!" she cried.

But Lumiere wasn't done yet. He leaned down again and whispered in her ear. "You know what'll happen if you keep lying to me, don't you?"

Nerbas' eyes widened in fear as she realized the gravity of Lumiere's words.

He wasn't bluffing, she was sure of it.

She took a shuddering breath and spilled out everything she knew about the person who had asked her to poison Arthur.

"It was - - -," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Lumiere nodded, an icy calm coming over him.

"Thank you," he said coldly before stepping back, giving Nerbas one last, withering look before turning and leaving the room.

Kindness and mercy were good qualities, but just like Lumiere proved in his battle against Fenghis - anyone who would dare harm his loved ones were as good as dead.

Unfortunately, the culprit would suffer the same fate.