The Discovered Double

Just as Lilith discovered something amiss in Sorok's palace, a figure seated upon the throne in the Throne Room raised his head.

"...Have I been discovered?"

With that muttered whisper, the figure on the throne revealed himself in full.

Looking closely, it was none other than Hermulin.

Hermulin, who had supposedly died, was sitting on the throne.

However, if anyone familiar with Hermulin had been present, they would certainly have noticed something was wrong.

Because the Hermulin of old had never been like the man currently seated on the throne. His gaze was not only incredibly sharp and filled with an edge, but his tone also carried an air of arrogant dominance.

"Was it Riezel Brihaut?"

Hermulin on the throne began speaking to himself.

"It seems you were exposed earlier than expected."

A black-robed figure suddenly appeared beside the throne and chuckled at Hermulin.

"It was indeed a little early." Hermulin sneered. "Give me a little more time, and the Re-Estize Kingdom would have fallen completely under my control."

"What do you plan to do now?" The black-robed figure spoke frivolously, as though watching a show. "Stand by and do nothing? Or strike directly?"

"Do you even need to ask?" Hermulin said without hesitation. "Of course I'll strike."

"As expected of you. You perfectly embody the meaning of being utterly unscrupulous." The black-robed figure laughed loudly. "But don't blame me for not warning you. If that person was the one who noticed something was off, you won't find it so easy to take him down."

Hermulin paid no heed to the black-robed figure's cold warning.

Or rather, he had already made preparations.

"Don't worry. I prepared a gift for him long ago." Hermulin smiled sinisterly. "I believe he'll be very pleasantly surprised."

"Fine." The black-robed figure shrugged. "Then I'll wait