Chapter 94: The New King

Fresh blood kept flowing from Brent’s mouth and nose, his gaze growing unfocused. “Hudson…”

“You mean your father?” Lin Wei frowned. “What do you intend to do with him? Kill him?”

At this moment, Lin Wei could clearly sense the complex emotions in Brent’s voice.

“No…” The blood seemed to have reached Brent’s throat, and he coughed violently. “Don’t kill him…”

Lin Wei smiled gently. “Make your decision quickly. You don’t have much time left for chatter.”

Brent managed a smile as well. “Imprison him… Imprison him for life, so he can taste the loneliness my mother once endured.”

“Very well.” Lin Wei nodded in agreement.

Seeing Lin Wei consent, Brent’s smile grew brighter. He shifted his gaze from Lin Wei to the sky above.

The sky was a deep blue, clouds as white as snow. Brent lay there, eyes fixed on the distant heavens.

“It seems… there’s little left to regret…”

Brent’s pupils began to lose their focus—the signs of life quietly fading.

Looking at Brent, Lin Wei let out a soft sigh.

…

At the Banseni Estate.

Hudson was still bound by Banseni’s sorcery. Several queens and princes and princesses stood nearby, their clothes somewhat tattered, and some still bore minor wounds from Brent’s hands, though none were serious.

Banseni’s expression was somber; his face as pale as if dusted with flour. The massive expenditure of magical power to accelerate those seeds had severely drained his body, sorcery, and spirit.

He kept his eyes tightly closed, quietly recovering and gathering his strength.

“Lord Lin Wei!”

Katherine, gazing into the distance, suddenly called out.

Banseni opened his eyes at once, seeing Lin Wei’s wizard’s robe torn and bloodstained—though whether it was his own or Brent’s, he could not tell.

“Senior.”

Lin Wei approached Banseni.

“How did things turn out?”

Banseni looked at Lin Wei with anxious anticipation. He was more concerned than anyone about Brent’s fate; if things weren’t handled well, not only might the Academy blame him, but his very life could be at risk.

“It’s all been resolved.” Lin Wei’s words eased Banseni’s heart. “Brent was the mastermind behind everything. I have already killed him.”

Hearing this, Banseni let out a long sigh of relief. Instantly, the color returned to his cheeks; the heavy matter that weighed upon his heart was finally settled.

Not only Banseni, but the other queens, princes, and princesses also visibly relaxed. In their eyes, the fourth prince Brent had always been a dispensable figure. Now that he had caused such terror, none among them would mourn his death.

Only Hudson, upon hearing the news, showed a trace of sorrow in his eyes. At this moment, Hudson’s entire demeanor radiated defeat. After being held captive for two days by Banseni and Lin Wei, and suffering the blow of Brent’s actions, he appeared to have aged ten years, bereft of the kingly presence he once exuded.

Banseni seemed to be pondering something. He drew Lin Wei aside.

“Lin Wei, about the wizard’s secret trove…”

Banseni hesitated but finally asked.

“The wizard’s secret trove?”

Lin Wei’s gaze toward Banseni suddenly turned odd, a hint of coldness and threat beneath the surface.

Banseni’s heart gave a sudden jolt. “I mean…”

“There is no wizard’s secret trove.”

Lin Wei still smiled, but his smile had a certain grimness to it.

He had long known that Banseni coveted the wizard’s secret trove. A second-tier wizard apprentice nearing the end of his days—nothing could tempt him more than the prospect of greater power and a longer life.

From the start, Lin Wei had no intention of denying word of the secret trove. If he claimed Brent hadn’t told him, Banseni would likely report directly to the Academy. It was far better to seize on Banseni’s weakness and threaten him directly.

“Hm?” Banseni was confused at first, then quickly understood Lin Wei’s meaning—Lin Wei wanted to keep it all for himself!

“Is senior really so interested in the wizard’s secret trove?” Lin Wei’s tone carried a hint of warmth, but Banseni felt a chill run through him.

“No, no… There’s no such thing as a wizard’s secret trove!” Banseni instantly changed his tune. Brent’s power had already frightened him, but Lin Wei had defeated Brent! Over the past two days, he’d come to understand his junior’s character—Lin Wei was the quintessential pragmatist among sorcerers, acting without concern for good or evil. He could solve royal troubles, but could just as ruthlessly eliminate anyone who stood in his way.

Seeing this, Lin Wei smiled faintly, patted Banseni on the shoulder. Had Banseni been less astute just now, Lin Wei wouldn’t have hesitated to do away with him.

Banseni forced a stiff smile.

“Senior.” Just as Banseni was at a loss for what to do, Lin Wei called to him again.

Banseni quickly put on a servile smile. “What is it?”

“When I arrived at your estate yesterday, those who greeted me were your direct descendants, weren’t they?” There was a peculiar undertone in Lin Wei’s voice.

Banseni paused, instantly catching Lin Wei’s intent—he was threatening him through his own progeny!

Since settling in the capital of the Kingdom of Layton, Banseni had gradually adapted to mortal life. He’d established a family, expanded his lineage, and lost his early passion for the pursuit of truth. His whole mentality had shifted to that of a noble, concerning himself with family and descendants.

Lin Wei was striking directly at his most vulnerable spot.

“Tomorrow, I want to meet your direct descendants. After all, I am a senior in the family…” Lin Wei’s youthful face contrasted sharply with the words he spoke.

He had no intention of harming Banseni’s grandchildren—just planned to apply a few measures as insurance.

“Very well…” Banseni squeezed out a reluctant smile.

Lin Wei nodded, then turned his attention to the motionless Hudson.

“How should we deal with him?” Banseni asked, looking at Lin Wei.

Lin Wei did not reply directly, but walked up to Hudson.

A flash of fear crossed Hudson’s eyes, and he swallowed hard.

“Hudson, do you think you can still rule this kingdom?” Lin Wei’s tone was calm.

Hudson was momentarily taken aback.

He had been held like a captive by Lin Wei and Banseni; his royal status had been trampled in the noble circles. To rule as before was now impossible.

At this realization, Hudson shook his head in dejection. He knew his time of glory had ended.

Lin Wei pulled the ball-shaped branch from Hudson’s mouth, his gaze locked on the man.

“Then tell me—who do you think is fit to be the next king of Layton?”