abcnovels
Chapter 124:
Chapter 124:
Chapter 124:
!
Hendrick hadnt even sensed the presence of magical energy.
In an instant, something like a shadow appeared beneath Hendricks feet, swiftly climbed up his legs, and wrapped around his hand, which was holding Kalias hand.
Zzzt! Crack!
Uh, ah, ah!
With exquisite control, the current flowed only to the tip of Hendricks fingers and then dissipated.
Due to the tingling electric shock, Hendrick involuntarily released Kalias hand.
?
Kalia looked at Hendrick, who had been holding on tightly but suddenly let go, with a puzzled expression.
Why are you doing that?
Well, just now
Just now? Did something just happen?
Hendrick chuckled nervously without realizing it and stared blankly at his still tingling hand.
The movement of magical energy was so faint that it wouldnt have been noticeable to Kalia, but Hendrick, who directly experienced it, couldnt ignore it.
Exactly, the current that had climbed up to the tip of his fingers and then disappeared.
Who else could control magical energy with such precision?
Youre going too far. Are you both just happy to leave me out?
As if a long shadow had been cast, Simon approached without hesitation.
His selfishly beautiful silver hair and captivating golden eyes remained as stunning as before.
Was time passing by only for Simon Terroan?
The atmosphere had become more mature and serious compared to when they last met a few years ago, but strangely, he didnt seem to have aged.
Have you been well, Hendrick Canceller, branch manager of Lakoa?
However, what seemed strange to Hendricks eyes right now wasnt just Simons ageless appearance.
What is that?
Completely forgetting the tingling sensation in his palm, Hendrick stared intently at Simons chest.
No matter how he looked at it, something that didnt suit him was cradled on his chest.
Blinking, Hendrick unconsciously opened his eyes wide and looked again, but it was still
Abu?
It was a baby.
And not just any baby, but a baby who looked strikingly similar to him, enough to send chills down ones spine.
Although the hair color was different, as someone who knew Simon from his academy days, Hendrick wasnt unfamiliar with black hair either.
The baby had an expression that seemed annoyingly worldly for a baby, and his audacious golden eyes scanned the surroundings, just like Simons, giving the impression that they were cut from the same cloth.
No way?
Startled, Hendrick, forgetting what Simon had just done, asked in astonishment.
Have you finally succeeded?! Oh, my goodness! Its unbelievable
Excited, Hendrick alternated his gaze between Kalia and Simon, tightly clenching his fists.
Hes figured it out as intended.
One of Simons eyebrows rose arrogantly in response to Hendricks strong reaction.
He raised his chin and chuckled with a somewhat confident expression.
The meaning behind his smile was clearly affirmative.
As expected
Overwhelmed with excitement, Hendrick approached Simon and looked at the tiny baby he was holding with awe-filled eyes.
The striking resemblance in their features, the audacity emanating from every inch of their bodies, and even the unsettling aura!
Hendrick exclaimed in excitement.
To successfully replicate oneself! I hate to admit it, but you truly are a genius of the century! Oh, my goodness! To be so identical!
At that moment, Simons pupils shook.
Hold on a moment. What are you saying right now?
He hastily interrupted Hendricks words, but Hendricks excitement didnt wane.
Im talking about self-replication! This baby here, this baby is a replica of the Master!
Self-replication no!
What? No, but look at how identical they are! Then, does that mean this child is the Masters child? Ha, haha! Who would say such a preposterous thing!
Im sorry for interrupting.
At that moment, Kalia, who had been quietly observing the two, interjected.
She let out a sigh and extended both hands toward Sasha, who was in Simons arms.
Without hesitation, Sasha reached out and embraced her, and Kalia gently patted the babys back as she looked at Hendrick.
This child is mine.
What?
As if questioning what it meant, Hendricks head tilted slightly with a strange expression on his face.
His wavering pupils alternated between Kalia and the baby, who bore a striking resemblance to a certain man and was nestled in Kalias arms, staring at them intently.
As if denying the words she uttered, Hendricks irises shook uneasily.
Kalia, you need to be precise. This idiot wont understand otherwise.
Simon approached Kalia, wearing a joyful expression.
He reached out and casually placed his hand on her waist, then confidently leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.
This is our child.
Say it clearly.
With a determined gaze, Simon shot a piercing look at Hendrick.
Do you understand now?
For some reason, it felt like Hendrick heard Simons voice saying that.
* * *
Inside Hendricks office.
Derek glanced at his flabbergasted colleague.
Hendricks complexion went pale from astonishment, then flushed red, and repeated the cycle of turning blue again.
When he glanced at Kalia, who was holding Sasha, he had an indescribable look in his eyes.
I understand you, Hendrick.
Derek looked at Hendrick with a melancholic gaze and patted his shoulder.
When Hendrick met Dereks gaze, Derek showed him a sympathetic smile.
It was as if he knew everything about Hendricks feelings.
He, too, was aware of the events that transpired between Kalia, Simon, and Hendrick during their academy days.
Even until just before Simon became their superior, Derek believed the rumors that Hendrick had done something terrible to Simon and was punished severely.
But as Derek worked closely with Simon and experienced his personality firsthand, he could speculate that the rumors might have been slightly distorted.
Of course, it was likely embellished or downplayed, given that Kalia was involved and it wouldnt be completely neutral.
And the exaggeration or downplaying would have been set in a way that favored Master.
Now I see. It turns out that Hendrick had feelings for Lady Kalia. Master knew about it and tried to separate them. Perhaps Master knew but pretended not to. No, he probably pretended to be the victim.
It was an assumption that was almost certain.
With cold sweat dripping down that pretty face, he might have discreetly revealed the source of the laxative to Lady Kalia.
At that time, she was practically Masters escort, so she would have immediately rushed to reprimand him.
The fact that he didnt expel Hendrick from the academy or seek revenge using his position itself was evidence that Simon was involved in that incident.
Even if it was a weak laxative, using it against the grandson of the Duke of Terroan, who was the imperial bloodline and a grand duke, could have resulted in severe punishment.
If you think about it that way, Hendrick at the time seemed genuinely innocent or foolish.
Or perhaps he was truly desperate.
Oh, now that I think about it
Suddenly, Derek slowly turned his gaze towards Hendrick, Simon, and himself.
His eyes sparkled and widened.
If I include myself, it becomes a love trio where all three of us had feelings for Lady Kalia, even if only for a moment.
It was a combination that was absurd to the point of being amusing.
The common factor was that all three of them were mages, so to speak.
Its not entirely unfounded to say that mages are attracted to swordmasters.
Humans are prone to desire what they dont have.
While Derek was lost in these idle thoughts, Allen entered with Drea in his arms.
With the appearance of another baby, Hendricks eyes widened as if in fear.
T-That baby too Could it be already the second?
In astonishment, Kalia widened her eyes and denied it.
That child isnt mine. Its Derek and Allens child.
Upon her words, Hendrick stood there speechless, his mouth hanging open, as he looked at Derek.
Then he cautiously removed Dereks hand from his shoulder and stepped back.
Well, well then. It seems like the world has become much freer without my knowledge.
As Derek and Allen locked eyes, they both shook their heads simultaneously and hurriedly denied it.
No, there are complicated circumstances here!
Now, what are you thinking about!
Hendrick covered his pale face with one hand and raised the other to stop the two men from speaking.
As he stood up unsteadily, he quickly gulped down some cold water and hurriedly began to speak.
Oh, no, its nothing. I dont want to receive any more shocks today. You mentioned that you wanted to hear the report about the demonic disease, right? I was actually in the middle of writing the report.
No, lets clear up the misunderstanding
If its the report, was it the report to be sent to the Mage Tower? How far did the epidemiological investigation progress?
Well, about that
Derek and Allen wanted to clarify the misunderstanding and engage in a conversation, but they couldnt find the courage to interrupt the serious discussion.
As Derek was trembling with injustice and frustration, Drea, who was being embraced by Allen, reached out to Derek for a hug.
Oh my, our Drea.
Forgetting the thought of clearing up the misunderstanding in such a rare situation, he hugged Drea tightly and spoke.
At that moment, Hendricks eyes met with Dereks once again.
Hendricks pupils trembled.
Today alone, his pupils were shaking like reeds, several times over.
Oh, no!
Derek hurriedly opened his mouth, but Hendrick turned his head faster.
Hendrick coughed nervously and quickly began to speak.
Well, um! The initial outbreak of the demonic disease in this area is suspected to have originated from the uppermost leader named Cantinue. About five days ago, there was an occasion where someone with dark bruised skin came secretly to see a doctor, complaining of itching.
Secretly? Why?
Well, it seems that Cantinues uppermost leader mainly deals with pharmaceuticals. However, if it is known that the uppermost leader who trades pharmaceuticals has a skin disease, it could hinder the operation of the uppermost leader. So, it seems they kept it hushed up.
What? How foolish If its the uppermost leader of pharmaceuticals, they should know how serious the demonic disease is, right?
Thats right. Thats how this tragedy began.
Hendrick sighed and roughly brushed his disheveled hair.
His eyes were swollen from not sleeping for several days.
That uppermost leader pretended that it was nothing and concealed the fact of the outbreak for two days. Within those two days, about 80% of the employees, which is 26 people, of the uppermost leaders operation were infected with the same disease. Its spreading too fast to say its non-contagious Its a rapid spread.