CHAPTER 146: GATEKEEPER SEO-YUN

Everyone fell silent. Only the crackling flames behind Serena could be heard.

Prince Ronald stepped forward, standing only a few dozen meters away from her, wearing a resentful gaze that left me wondering what had happened between them. While I could understand the struggle for the throne, the gleam in this man’s eyes was different. This wasn’t just a fight for power—it was a personal vendetta.

He looked like a man who didn’t care about victory or defeat. He just wanted to fight.

"For decades now, my mother has been holed up in the Second Ring City, trying to salvage what’s left while protecting our civilians there. The only reason the dwarves are yet to join the war is because my mother still fights—she’s on the frontlines!" Ronald snarled, then turned to the people.

"Who deserves to be your Empress?" he asked. "The woman who has been fighting on the frontlines, or the girl who has been hiding within this castle all her life, playing Empress?"

Murmurs arose amongst the people as glances were exchanged. I noticed Serena clench her fist but try to maintain a dignified visage, especially with so many eyes on her.

"Your mother’s sacrifice is truly admirable, as expected of a princess of this nation," Serena responded in a calm tone. "However, there are different roles in life. Some are born to lead, some are born to fight. Generals and strategists play very different roles on the battlefield—but does that make one less important than the other?"

I couldn’t help but nod in approval.

Not only had she successfully talked down the enemy by implying they were born to play different roles, she was also able to cover up for her sheltered life.

Ronald’s visage twisted with rage, and I chuckled, realizing this boy must have anger issues.

"Bitch, what did you say to me?" he blurted out like a thug.

"Ronald!"

The second thug, Caelum, screamed at the top of his voice and ran around the burning pyre, eager to exchange blows with the man who had just called his sister a bitch.

The two guards flanking Ronald unsheathed their swords quickly, and loud gasps erupted from the crowd as citizens stepped back.

"You fools," I said as my eyes turned pitch black and cracks began spreading across my eyelids. "How dare you ruin Althea’s funeral?"

The fight between families was none of my business. However, pulling their weapons in front of the burning pyre of the late Empress was something I would never condone.

Apart from that reason, I saw this as an opportunity to rebrand the gracious image of the Great One into a terrifying one—one that would make people shiver when they heard the name.

[Blood Ignition Activated]

Swoooosh!

[Strength: 21]

[Speed: 18]

In an instant, I moved past Prince Ronald and stood in front of the first guard, swinging my open palm ruthlessly.

Pa!

His head exploded into a bloody mist, and people screamed at the top of their lungs. Ronald turned around and backed away while Serena and Caelum’s eyes widened in shock.

Bam!

I moved toward the second guard who stabbed forward, but I casually walked around him, leaving behind fleeting black afterimages.

Pa!

His head exploded like a watermelon, and his body shivered for a few seconds before falling to the ground with a loud thud.

He was dead.

Two people died in an instant before anyone could do anything.

"I don’t care about your little family squabbles. But whoever draws their weapon in front of Empress Althea dies... Save the fight for after the funeral," I snarled, as a threatening red flash exploded from my eyes and the princes shivered.

They quickly tucked their fists behind them while the people clapped. Unmoved, I prepared to leave, but before I could take the first step, I froze—my eyes narrowing as my nose twitched.

Glancing to the left, my curious gaze fell on a figure hiding within the robes, and my brows knitted.

What is this feeling?

It was a feeling of familiarity.

But I have never met this man before?

I took a few steps toward the hooded figure, suspicion growing in my eyes.

"Who are you?" I asked, only to hear a scoff from beneath the cloak.

Even after watching me slaughter two people easily, this one wasn’t moved.

"The real question is, who are you?" It was a feminine voice—but haughty and annoying.

Without waiting for my response, she flipped the hood open, revealing her pale face and burning blue eyes. The girl had glowing black hair with white stripes and wore black lipstick.

She was beautiful—just as I was handsome—and strangely, her eyes were filled with confidence. Just like mine.

It took me a moment to place two and two together.

"A Gatekeeper," I muttered in genuine shock.

The girl laughed and pulled the cloak from her body in an instant, revealing gothic-style clothing and a slim yet curvy figure. Her assets were average—not too big, not too small. Just perfect.

Ding!

[Information Acquired]

[Gatekeeper Seo-Yun]

"I was curious when I heard Solinthar had found the Great One. Turns out it was just a corrupted Gatekeeper leaning into the dark side. I shouldn’t have expected much," she scoffed as she approached me fearlessly.

"This..." My fists clenched hard as the crimson light in my eyes burned brighter than ever.

Thud!

She stood inches away—our faces so close, we could feel each other’s breath.

"It doesn’t matter who you are," she said, looking directly into my eyes. "I plan to put this family on the throne. What are your intentions... Adam?"

Seo-Yun was direct and bold.

"I can’t have that. It will only end up ruining my plans for a new empire," I shook my head.

"Your new empire doesn’t necessarily need to have them on the throne, does it?" Seo-Yun retorted, causing my eyes to dilate slightly.

She had a point.

My plan didn’t need Serena to sit on the throne. It just needed someone willing to do as I say.

"We can become co-rulers in a unified empire," Seo-Yun’s voice was a whisper now, this part just for me. "There’s no need to fight amongst each other."

Saying this, she wrapped her slender hands around my neck while looking deep into my eyes.

"You’re handsome, by the way," she said, before pulling me in—and our lips pressed against each other.

At that moment, the world felt empty. It was only the two of us.

Normally, I would push people away.

But this time, I allowed it.

Why did I allow it?

I can’t tell.

But what I can say is—her lips tasted like peaches.

It was completely different from the tasteless human lips I was used to.