[??·? Quest 1 ?·?]

The long-awaited first quest!

Gather diverse information about the labyrinth.

?Condition: Listen to stories about the labyrinth at least twice.

?Reward: Silver Dagger+1

Underwear of Illusion (Men’s)+1

Do you want to accept?

So, everything until now was just a teaser.

Setting foot into the game genuinely made my heart race. And no, it wasn’t because of the ‘Underwear (Men’s)’ reward.

Soon, it was time for the meeting, and I stood side by side with the attendants in the conference room. Everyone, as if on cue, bowed their heads in a neat, dignified posture.

“Let’s begin the 52nd executive meeting of the Elmaze Empire under Emperor Hermerkan. Our main agenda is related to His Majesty’s demise.”

While the tedious meeting went on, our role was merely to stand by the bureaucrats, ready to serve them. There might have been occasional requests for water or tea, but with the cups already filled, there were hardly any interruptions. Essentially, we felt more like a human folding screen than attendants. Overwhelmed by boredom, my eyes wandered.

Then, a striking man caught my eye. Seated at the head of the ‘D’ shaped table arrangement, he was breathtaking.

‘Royalty? He’s ridiculously handsome…’

He had golden hair that flowed down to his chest, reminiscent of a river of gold coursing through heaven. The solitary figure in a red uniform looked seductive, and occasionally, his dignified smile in response to the speaker seemed almost divine.

Beside him sat Karzan, exuding a dark aura. While he appeared older than the young blonde man, his beauty was unmatched. With hair as black as ebony, a sharply pronounced nose, and a full yet elegant jawline, he had a uniquely serious and mature aura. Together, these two men presented a magnificent sight.

‘It’s like a flower garden.’

My eyes darted, taking in the beauty of two handsome men sitting together.  It was at that moment, as I continued to roll my eyes around in delight like marbles.

One elder opened his mouth as if pouring cold water.

“Karzan, our last meeting was short, so I didn’t get a full explanation… 

When Duke Karzan’s gaze fell upon him, the elder continued speaking.

“You mentioned there were suspects present during His Majesty’s murder. Two in total, both maintenance staff. One committed suicide and the other was interrogated before being burned.”

“That’s correct. We didn’t find any evidence and had him executed.”

“But my sources say there was a third person interrogated.”

“…”

Suddenly, I felt a chill. Was he talking about me? I focused intently on their conversation.

“You may be good at managing, but there are a lot of eyes and ears in the castle. What happened to that third person?”

I couldn’t bring myself to look at the elder’s face. I was afraid that if he happened to be looking in my direction, I wouldn’t be able to control my expression. How in the world did they find out about me?

“I didn’t manage them separately. I conducted the interrogation and, finding no evidence of wrongdoing, released them.”

“Released? Who was it?”

Karzan, with his placid expression, responded, “Confidential.”

“Confidential? The agony of those about to be burned is fresh in my memory. It’s only right they face the utmost punishment. Even if one escaped interrogation, they could still be the culprit, so it’s natural for them to be sentenced to death for treason,

Yet, You’re saying another person was interrogated and released afterward? And without any suspicion?”

The words were appalling. Not only did they view the tragic deaths of the witnesses as a given, but they also assumed another tortured individual was likely guilty and should therefore be put to death. Given my intuition, the form of execution in this perverse game world was obvious – it would be the epitome of every imaginable cruelty.

Hmmm. Karzan rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought. He looked as if he was contemplating who might have leaked my presence, or perhaps he was debating whether or not to reveal me at this gathering.

His face was so impassive; it was hard to read.

‘Surely, he wouldn’t just leave me to be executed? Please, please…’

I looked at him with desperation. Beads of sweat began to form and trickle down to my chin.

“Since even a hint of the assassin’s identity hasn’t been revealed, shouldn’t we disclose who was interrogated yesterday?”

The old man spoke with an intensity in his eyes, suggesting that if he could find out, he would secretly carry out the execution himself.

At that moment, Karzan spoke up, voice steady.

“I don’t disclose the names of those I’ve killed, nor those I’ve spared. I don’t take questions or critiques on my investigative process. If you wait, I’ll identify the culprit.”

His words, though languid, retained a dignified tone, addressing the petty doubts raised.

The elder’s point was valid. The demand to disclose another witness was reasonable, and anyone within the palace would have been curious. However, the response seemed somewhat irresponsible.

“I’m well aware of your capabilities, but there are also laws within the palace regarding governance…”

“That my actions don’t violate any laws is an old fact.”

His voice was impressively composed. Suddenly, I remembered that Karzan might be one of the highest authorities in the palace. If he wasn’t in such a position, this audacious attitude wouldn’t make sense.

Perhaps I was right, as the elder slightly softened his tone. 

“True. The late Emperor trusted you as if you were his own nephew. I’m well aware that he granted you an untouchable status. 

But as the head elder of the reigning imperial family, I find it hard to accept this imbalance. After all, I am a descendant of the honored lineage. Is it not unjust that I should always defer to your reports? Especially now that the Emperor has passed…”