Bad Born Blood - Chapter 183



Only Noblemtl

183

Border City is a city inhabited by many different races. There is no more chaotic and multi-ethnic settlement on the planet Novas.

The Bellato Federation, which advocates the principle of diversity, is ultimately a human-centered nation. In fact, in the high-class schools, bureaucracies, and upper-class residences I saw, humans were the majority, and the further you went into the slums, the higher the proportion of alien races.

‘The racial diversity in Border City is excessive.’

Different races create differences in thinking and values. Even humans think differently due to hormones. Biologically, the differences in values ​​between different races cannot be easily narrowed.

Embracing differences is difficult and idealistic. It is like running after a rainbow that is nothing more than a mirage.

So the Bellato Federation is also a human-centered nation, and only races that conform to human values ​​can become members of the mainstream society. Reality is not a dream, so it is with us even when we wake up.

‘As the number of resident ethnic groups increases and cultural diversity increases, social costs increase.’

Border City solved this problem with a brilliant idea.

‘Give up the stability of society.’

Management itself was abandoned. The various races were simply thrown onto the harsh blade of reality. They did not care if they were in conflict with each other, had problems, fought like in wars, and killed each other.

A society that lacks stability usually self-destructs, but Border City’s explosive vitality swallowed up all of that instability. Border City was a city maintained by a delicate balance of chaos and confusion.

… … When I ramble on and on in my head, there is a reason.

“Do you think a human woman would like this?”

I stared at the inside of the gift box as I spoke. There was a severed finger of some kind, which I did not know. There was even a ribbon tied around the finger, and in elaborate handwriting, it said, ‘With my heart.’

Wiggle, wiggle.

The finger was cut off, but the nervous system was still responding. It was moving intermittently. It had great vitality.

“I guess he wants me to use his fingers for the night shift. It’s not the first time. I bet he has two fingers left now.”

Anguish Regina spoke from four paces away, looking discreetly inside the box.

“I’m looking forward to what you’ll send next.”

I threw a joke.

“Probably ‘that one’. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not really sure whether to send it or not. Oh, and don’t throw away that finger. I’m going to use it later.”

“what?”

I turned my head for a moment and looked at Anguish Regina. It was a remark that even made me flinch.

“I’m joking. Huh, you’re really surprised by this.”

Anguish Regina grabbed the box containing the fingers and threw it into the trash can.

‘… … Hmm, was that really a joke?’

This question will remain in my mind for quite some time.

Anguish Regina and I were on our second day of the tour. From morning to night, we performed at four different places a day. During that time, we used the branches of Japa Company located throughout Border City as our accommodations.

Ssuk.

I continued to open the gift boxes that Anguis Regina had sent me. Sometimes, there were dangerous items, so a bodyguard like me would check them instead.

‘Big dolls, perfume, cosmetics, handwritten letters… … .’

Most of the gifts were common sense. However, there were also some bizarre gifts like the finger I saw earlier.

It was a gift that surprised me, but Angus Regina acted calmly. She was more mature than I was in this regard.

In Border City, the morals, ethics, and values ​​of various races were intertwined. There were almost no unwritten social rules. In short, it was a society where common sense, such as ‘what is natural’, did not apply.

‘blood…….’

I opened the box, smelling a pungent smell. I saw a blood letter.

-If you don’t go out with me, I’ll die!

It was obviously a gift from a guy whose mental state was dangerous.

“Just looking at the gifts, it’s obvious there will be problems during the tour.”

“Probably. I’ve never had a problem before. In fact, it’s better that way.”

“Is it better?”

“If something provocative happens, people will pay more attention, and my fame will increase. People will think, ‘How charming and great must Angus Regina be for her to do that?’ Fame and popularity, when they reach a certain level, grow on their own. At my level, charm works like a halo in an invisible realm.”

Anguish Regina understood the public and popularity well. She was not moved by Jafar’s puppets.

“Did you learn that from Kinuan too?”

I sneaked a stab at her. It was a childish way, and Anguise Regina must have sensed my intentions.

But it will work to some extent. Angus Regina seeks stimulation and likes human games.

“Tell me the story of you and Kinuan. Let’s exchange one by one.”

“Anguise Regina said, pulling out a bottle of red liquid. The label read, ‘Wine from vineyards grown with snake manure.’

Ttorr.

Anguish Regina held the glasses between her fingers and poured the wine. She placed one in front of me and the other to her lips.

“You start with me. You just walked away after losing the last bet.”

Anguise Regina sat down at the window without answering. The sun had set when the performance ended today, and now it was even deeper into the night.

However, the pillars of light in Border City stretched out in all directions, emitting light pollution. Occasionally, the pillars of light would turn this way, and each time, the inside of the room would become as bright as day.

Anguise Regina sipped her wine and looked out the window.

“Kinuan was a very intelligent man. I never knew that a person could be so intelligent. And even though he was from the Empire, he was very affectionate and kind.”

I am guessing that Kinuan betrayed Jafar and Anguis Regina.

“How did you meet? The Kinuan I know is not a person who gives kindness without gain. There is a calculated intention behind every word and action of his.”

“Tell me your story here, and I’ll tell you a story Jafar will never tell.”

Anguish Regina smiled and lifted her glass lightly. I responded by bringing my glass to my lips and taking a sip.

The wine was sour and astringent.

“Kinuan was my teacher. There were more than one or two people who taught me, but more than half of my abilities now come from Kinuan.”

“Did you like Kinuan?”

“I didn’t hate it.”

“But I’m sure you’ve thought at least once about risking your life for Kinuan.”

There’s no denying it. It’s true. Even a cynical person like me felt a sense of affinity and affection for Kinuan.

“… … That’s right.”

“I was the same way. Jafar was the same way. We loved Kinuan. Kinuan acted like he could do anything, and he did. We relied on Kinuan when we had problems. My ‘father’ too.”

A new character appears. It is Anguise Regina’s father.

“Did your father die at the hands of Kinuan?”

“That’s a rude question.”

“We’re not in a relationship where we can be polite like that.”

I spoke indifferently and ran my finger along the rim of the glass. The friction made a squeaking sound.

“My father’s death was related to Kinuan, either directly or indirectly.”

“So you’re looking for Kinuan to get revenge.”

“Maybe so. I think it’s my turn to ask a question this time… … .”

Anguish Regina kept brushing aside my questions. But this information was enough for me. I was starting to get a sense of direction.

“… … Even if it wasn’t Jafar’s request, you would still be looking for Kinuan, right? Because of what happened in the past?”

“I guess so, but it’s not a priority. I don’t care if I don’t find it.”

“Lukaus Custoria.”

I squinted my eyes. She knew about me.

“Why are you bringing up that name?”

“There are quite a few people from the Empire among my acquaintances and fans. I’ve heard the name Lucius Custoria a few times. Oh, and of course I won’t tell anyone that you’re here.”

“That would be good, for your sake and Jafar’s.”

I said it with several meanings.

“It is said that you were quite popular even a decade ago. It has waned now, though. When Crimson Francesque was the political associate and advisor of the current Emperor, your name was a tool of Imperial propaganda.”

I also know the general situation.

‘The Empire has been in a rather unstable state since the Storm.’

The Empire was in turmoil both above and below. The Empire actively used my name to quickly unite the masses below.

Born into the lower class, he was selected as a member of the guard, and his talents and abilities were recognized, so he was adopted into a prestigious family. He even received the favor of Crown Prince Francis. It was a very dramatic life.

The Empire is fair. Anyone can rise if they try. Look, isn’t there Lucius Custoria? He killed many corrupt nobles and still enjoys the favor of the imperial family. The imperial family is still by your side.

During the storm, I sided with the people. It had nothing to do with my beliefs. I just actively used my background because I needed power right away.

“It is said that because of you, the noble families of the empire began a trend of adopting children from the lower classes. Thanks to the chaotic situation and your fame, social mobility within the empire was active for a while. You are also a person of many merits.”

“I appreciate the compliment, but I don’t want to hear my story from your own mouth… … .”

As I spoke, I noticed a message forcibly popping up on my retina display. Of course, it was Jafar’s call.

-The tour is cancelled. Please prioritize the security of Anguish Regina. I will give further instructions later.

I checked the location of the safe house that Jafar had sent. I could hear the footsteps of the Equsian mercenaries coming this way, as if they had received Jafar’s instructions.

… … But the sound of footsteps soon stopped. It was an artificial silence.

“Did you see Jafar’s message? Looks like something happened.”

Anguish Regina also frowned with sparkling eyes.

“I saw it, but I stopped the tour… … .”

I stood up and extended my hand. Angus Regina sensibly kept her mouth shut.

Creak.

I quietly held the hilt of the knife, trying to feel the foreign object while sharpening my senses.

‘It feels like I’ve experienced this before… … .’

I parted my lips slightly and took a gulp of air with my tongue. The environmental information was fed into my brain through my taste buds. It was hard to pinpoint anything, but the metallic smell of combat-related equipment tickled my tongue like poison.

Squeak.

The door opened. The first thing I saw was an Equusian mercenary. But I already knew he was dead.

Bam.

The Equusian mercenary was pushed helplessly inward and fell to the floor. Red eyes were staring at me through the crack in the door.

Kiiing!

I pulled out the Hwagwangyedo. The blade was covered in a faint glow due to the friction of the scabbard. It was still not hot enough to see the effect of enhancing cutting power. Later, I should ask Lapis for a piece of equipment that could act as a flint.

Crackle, crackle.

The distinctive noise of a voice modulator could be heard beyond the door.

“Hwagwang?”

It was just one word. My memory searched back through the past. I could immediately see the identity of this sense of foreboding.

… … I’ve met that assassin.

Click.

I took out the combat mask that was hanging inside my coat and put it on. The enemy probably didn’t recognize me yet. I must have changed a lot from my past self.

“Call the other guards… … .”

“They’re probably all dead, just leave them alone.”

I said briefly. The enemy’s skills are very great.

Even if the enemy beyond the gate remains at the level of his past powers… … I cannot guarantee victory. Especially since he will have become more experienced and stronger.

‘The female assassin with twin swords who attacked Francesque.’

A bitter memory came to mind, like the wine I had just drunk.

It’s one of the fights that remains vivid in my memory. I managed to protect Francek, but I really felt defeated.

‘You overwhelmed me with pure skill alone.’

A crisis had come to me, but I felt a corner of my heart flutter with anticipation.

If I fight that assassin, it will become clear whether I am weaker or stronger than before.