KFBRV Pt 2 Ch 91

[Odette has destroyed the source of the Calamity.]

The Emperor stared at the report from Johan and Zion, unable to believe the words even after reading them several times.

Resurrections were one thing, but this was absurd. Had she been swallowed by the Calamity only to return alive? At this rate, she wasn't just a Purifier; she was an immortal.

Destroying the Calamity was a feat meant for Transcendents. The Emperor couldn't accept that a Purifier—who possessed no special powers or physical abilities beyond her "miracle"—had destroyed the very source of the world's darkness.

Furthermore, the details were far too dramatic: a World Tree beneath the sea producing Calamities, and Charlotte acting as the mastermind who polluted it. It sounded like a play.

Most of all, he doubted the source. Johan, his own son, had spent the last two years making nothing but irrational decisions whenever Odette was involved.

The Emperor reached a cynical conclusion.

Johan destroyed the source himself and is clearly trying to give Odette all the credit!

He was certain his son, blinded by love, was acting like a fool.

While the Emperor denied Odette's achievement, the Great Cathedral moved first to make it official.

[Saintess Odette destroyed the source of the Calamity and saved the world! The Pope and the High Priests all received the World Tree's prophecy at the same hour!]

The Pope had devoted his life to the clergy, dreaming of hearing the holy voice of a divine prophecy. That wish had been granted. The vision that unfolded before him was vivid—it was as if he had stood in the deep sea himself to witness Odette's purification.

The Pope wasn't alone. At a meeting of High Priests, he discovered they had all shared the same vision.

Armed with this divine confirmation and the reports from the Transcendents, the Pope didn't hesitate. He announced Odette's achievement in the name of the Great Cathedral.

Special editions of newspapers flooded the capital. They carried the news that the Calamities were the work of 'Rosaline,' known as 'Charlotte,' and that Odette had destroyed the source.

[Citizen] "This…… how is this possible?"

[Citizen] "I don't believe it! This is clearly a plot to slander Lady Charlotte!"

The news was too shocking for some. Many citizens looked on with suspicion, spreading conspiracy theories or denying the reports.

However, a vast majority believed the news was real. They could feel the change in the world itself. The sky and the earth looked as though a filthy stain had been washed away.

The first change appeared in the capital's water. From the Rothbart River to the shallowest creeks, even the well water became transparent and pure. Fish swam with newfound energy, and the constant smell of brine vanished.

The heavy, hazy sky cleared. The ominous clouds that used to signal disaster disappeared, replaced by crisp air. Birds sang with more life.

Above all, the people wanted to believe the Calamity was gone. They wanted to believe the primal threat that had terrified humanity for ages no longer existed.

Once the news spread, the people began to worship Odette.

[Citizen] "Lady Odette saved us……."

[Citizen] "She was our Savior!"

Though she had always been welcomed, the people now offered her fanatical support. Savior, Redeemer, Benefactor—words of blatant worship and blind love poured toward her. Within a single day, flowers, gifts, and letters of gratitude piled up in front of the Count's mansion.

As the days passed, the Emperor finally had to acknowledge Odette's contribution. No new Calamities appeared, and the world grew more vibrant by the hour.

By the time he invited Odette to the Imperial Palace, even the doubters cheered as her carriage passed, showering it with flowers.

She entered the palace amidst cheers louder and more colorful than those for an Imperial procession. She was a hero returning from a war against darkness.

When she finally stood before the Emperor, he acted with feigned generosity.

[Gregory] "Ask for anything. I intend to grant whatever you desire."

Inwardly, he was nervous, wondering if he could even provide a reward fitting for such a feat. But her request was surprisingly simple.

[Odette] "Your Majesty, allow me to rightfully succeed the title of Count Albrecht."

---

The Count slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurred, as if a thick fog had settled in. Only after blinking several times did he realize he was staring at the ceiling of his own room.

Lately, even recognizing this familiar sight required a painful amount of effort. He felt a heavy weight on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

[Becker] "Ah, you're awake?"

Her voice came from his right. His reflex to turn his head was agonizingly slow.

[Ulrich] "Va……"

Vanessa.

Before he could finish the name, a burning thirst seized him. His throat felt scorched, as if he had swallowed desert sand.

[Becker] "You must be thirsty. The physician warned me you would be. He told me to give you water the moment you woke up."

Vanessa, dressed simply, held a wooden spoon filled with water.

He wanted to snap at her for treating him like a helpless old man, but his body felt wretched. He couldn't even sit up.

He wanted the water, but he knew Vanessa gained the most if he died.

He watched the spoon with suspicion, wondering if it was poisoned. After studying it for a long time, he decided it was pure water and opened his mouth. Vanessa patiently fed him several spoonfuls.

I suppose she is the only one left by my side in the end.

As he drank, his heart softened along with his parched throat. He felt a surge of affection for her.

Compared to Sasha, Vanessa was my most precious person after all.

Watching her tenderly wipe his lips with a handkerchief, the Count found a spark of hope.

[Becker] "Do you remember collapsing? You hit your head and suffered a mild concussion. Normally, it wouldn't be a problem, but at your age, such a shock could be fatal. The physician emphasized that you must rest."

[Ulrich] "Mir……ror."

[Becker] "Already? It's better to rest first—"

[Ulrich] "Bring…… the mirror."

His voice was thin, like the buzzing of a mosquito. Instead of arguing further, Vanessa brought it over. The mirror reflected a pale, withered old man.

He had prayed it was a dream, but reality stared back at him.

[Becker] "See, I told you not to look."

She calmly took the mirror away.

The Count's eyes grew misty. He wanted to hold back the sobs, but aging had made it impossible to even control his tears.

He looked down at his wrinkled hands. Perhaps age had brought a strange foresight, as he sensed he had only a few months left to live.

If so, do I not have a mission to complete before I go?

Revenge against Sasha. Punishment for Paula. Many had wronged him, but his greatest desire—his absolute necessity—was to kill Odette.

She was the enemy who killed his son, but more than that, she was Siegfried's daughter. He was certain the disgusting girl was nesting in this mansion just to steal back the title.

I will not let that girl take anything from the Albrecht name.

His strength was fading, but he still had enough power to pull a trigger. If he could reach the armory and secure a pistol, shooting Odette would be easy.

[Ulrich] "Help me…… up."

Supported by Vanessa, he reached for his cane.

Clatter!

Vanessa suddenly let go of his arm and kicked the cane away. With a dull thud, he collapsed onto the carpet.

---

To support the original author and publisher, please consider rating the official release on Kakaopage.