Blood of the Apex Seat (4800)

A torrential downpour had filled the official road leading to Mistveil Port with standing water. The entire mountain pass had become a temporary river, its rushing, filthy waters carrying the carcasses of wild beasts from the surrounding forests and floating trees. Even aquatic Magic Beasts would find it difficult to cross under such conditions.

The driver grumbled that they should have bought one of those "amphibious vehicles" or even an "alchemical flying car" that had appeared in recent years, so they would not be left stranded whenever something unexpected happened. Still, he was happy enough to take a few days' rest.

The official road to Mistveil Port had not originally been like this. An earthquake several years ago had diverted the nearby Pushiu River, and the valley where the road lay had collapsed somewhat as well. That was why it turned into this endlessly surging torrent whenever it rained, blocking so many travelers and adventurers here.

Wilde Ellen, who was concealing his identity while conducting a secret investigation—Marquis Ellen himself—was among those stranded by the blocked road.

Watching the roiling dark clouds and rain mist beyond the carriage window, thunder rumbling endlessly in his ears, the head of the Ellen Family, whose affairs had lately gone from bad to worse, could not help falling into a daze. He wondered whether he had done too many things wrong in this life, and whether that was why he was always so unlucky.

This handsome middle-aged nobleman, whose youthful beauty could still easily be imagined, recalled scene after scene from his reckless younger days.

Blinded by desire, he had committed an immoral act at home with his cousin; despite knowing full well that his family was riddled with troubles, he had married Alice without considering the consequences; though he loved his wife, guilt