The Greatest Estate Developer - Chapter 391: The Calm Before the Storm (3)

“You’re here? Come, sit down. The food is getting cold.”

“Yes, of course.”

The chair scraped against the floor as Lloyd sat down. He looked up to see the dinner table before him, laid out with dishes far simpler than usual. With all the maids evacuated, the Countess herself had prepared the meal for the first time in a while.

Across the table, the Count and Countess sat, both smiling warmly at Lloyd. Their smiles were kind, comforting even, but for Lloyd, it felt a bit overwhelming.

‘Do I really deserve to be looked at like this?’

Feeling a twinge of guilt, he shifted the conversation.

“What about Her Majesty?”

“The Queen? She said she’d be dining separately tonight.”

“Separately?”

“Yes, she mentioned that, with a great battle ahead, it would be best for us to spend a quiet evening with our family.”

“Oh… I see.”

It dawned on Lloyd then—the last supper before a great battle. That’s what tonight was.

The Count continued speaking.

“She also said that she didn’t want to see her loyal subjects and their family members suffer from indigestion. But Lloyd, tell me—does Her Majesty’s dining etiquette tend to be… a bit rough?”

“Ah, no, not at all.”

“No?”

“No. Her table manners are impeccable and elegant. The way she speaks can be somewhat imposing, but it suits her authority as a ruler. And she’s actually quite considerate of her subjects’ feelings and circumstances.”

“I see. So, Her Majesty was being considerate of us, worried that we might feel uncomfortable.”

“That’s likely it. She tends to be like that.”

“What do you mean, ‘like that’?”

“She acts all tough, but she’s actually quite caring.”

“Hmm, I see. But that makes it all the more puzzling.”

“How so?”

Lloyd tilted his head, puzzled by the Count’s words.

“Those who have served near the Queen often describe her as fair and strict, but also as someone with a very cold and distant demeanor. That’s what many people say.”

“Well, uh, that’s…”

“Perhaps you’ve seen a different side of her that others haven’t?”

“I suppose… that might be the case?”

To be honest, Lloyd was a bit flustered. How had the conversation taken this turn? And why were the Count and Countess looking at him with such knowing expressions?

“Hmm, it seems you’ve spent quite a bit of time with Her Majesty.”

“Well, it’s just…”

“We’ve heard.”

“Heard? Heard what?”

“About the two months you spent…”

“I’ll start eating now!”

Lloyd hastily began eating, too embarrassed to let the conversation continue. If this went on any longer, he’d surely get indigestion even without the Queen present. But the couple across the table continued smiling at him, their expressions still warm.

“It’s all right, Lloyd. We’ve come to terms with it.”

“…Come to terms with what?”

“It might not be the kind of relationship we’d expected for you, but fate has its own plans.”

“…What are you saying?”

“Still, you’re a Swordmaster, so I doubt you’ll be on the receiving end all the time, right?”

“…”

‘Ah, this is bad.’

Lloyd realized he was in a tight spot. This was why spending too much time with the Queen was a bad idea. Sure, he’d fixed her arm, but this… this misunderstanding was turning into something big.

‘How did we end up here? And why do people enjoy jumping to these conclusions so much?’

Lloyd felt his face flush with heat. He needed to change the subject, and fast.

“But aren’t you… afraid?”

“Afraid?”

“Of tonight.”

The Count’s smile faded slightly at Lloyd’s words.

“I was really surprised earlier. You didn’t join the evacuation. Tonight, this place might turn into a war zone… It’s too dangerous.”

Lloyd spoke earnestly. He’d been shocked earlier when, right after completing the evacuation, he found the Count and Countess still in the manor. They had simply smiled and said it was only natural for them to stay behind, even as they returned to the manor.

“It’s not too late. I can contact the dragon who lent us the lair, and you can still go over. I’m sure the residents would welcome you there. They’d need someone to lean on in such a foreign place.”

Lloyd spoke with sincerity, but the Count slowly shook his head.

“Lloyd, my thoughts are a bit different.”

“How so?”

“Think about it—what is my role?”

“You’re the lord of this land…”

“Exactly. I am the lord of this land.”

“But…”

“No. I appreciate your concern, but I’m the one who governs this land by Her Majesty’s decree. I’m the one responsible for the people’s homes and fields here. I can’t just abandon that responsibility and run away because it’s dangerous.”

The Count’s voice grew more solemn.

“Even if everyone else evacuates, I must stay behind to protect their homes and lands. That is my duty as a noble and a lord, even if my presence here doesn’t make much difference.”

“But…”

“I understand what you’re trying to say, Lloyd. But I’m scared too. Your mother is as well. Still, we’ve decided to face that fear and stay here to fulfill our responsibilities. So, please, respect our decision.”

“…Yes.”

Lloyd had no choice but to agree. He had dozens of counterarguments in mind, but seeing the sincerity in the Count and Countess’s expressions, he couldn’t bring himself to say them.

All he could do was offer a simple plea.

“Then please, lock the doors tightly tonight.”

“Can’t I at least join the fight?”

“No.”

“I’ve even taken out my sword and armor after all this time.”

“Still no.”

“You’re firm on this.”

“I have to be.”

He had no choice. In a few hours, chaos would erupt, and he didn’t want to lose them in the midst of it. Maybe that was why an impulsive thought crossed his mind.

‘Should I tell them now?’

Tell them what happened to the real Lloyd Frontera—their son—how he met his fate, the struggles he faced, and the promise of a better life he eventually found.

‘This might be my last chance to tell them.’

‘No, it definitely is.’

In just a few hours, Hell’s Gate would open. Considering the answer he received from the Jewel of Truth earlier…

‘I should tell them.’

He had promised the real Lloyd he would. He had vowed to do so countless times.

So now, he needed to speak. Even if they might resent him afterward, there wouldn’t be another opportunity.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Lloyd took a deep breath, his heart pounding. His hand, holding the fork, trembled slightly.

“The truth is…”

But before he could continue, the Count spoke first.

“Wait, Lloyd.”

“…Yes?”

“I think I know what you want to say, but let’s save it for after we get through tonight.”

“Huh?”

“It’s a bit unsettling, you see. We know how much you care about us, but hearing that now… it feels like we’re tempting fate. So… let’s talk after we’ve safely made it through tonight.”

“I mean, I was just going to…”

“Please, grant your old man this one request.”

“…”

The Count and Countess looked at him with gentle eyes. Lloyd found himself unable to speak, and eventually, he could only nod.

“Alright. I’ll wait.”

“Thank you.”

The two of them smiled, relieved. Maybe they were trying to be strong for him. Maybe Lloyd was just looking for an excuse to avoid what needed to be said.

“Please, stay safe until tomorrow.”

With that, they finished their meal.

Lloyd stepped outside the manor. The evening sky of early summer cast a reddish glow over everything as he walked, trying to calm his fearful and conflicted mind.

But as he walked, he heard a voice behind him.

“So, what am I supposed to make of that confession about feeling a secret thrill from playing politics in Summoner’s Rift?”

The voice came from behind, joining him as naturally as a car cutting into traffic.

Lloyd glanced back to see Javier walking beside him.

Javier shrugged as their eyes met.

“You know, the secret you revealed when you used the Jewel of Truth earlier. I’ve been trying to figure out what you meant.”

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s exactly what I said.”

“I can understand the part about feeling a thrill from politics.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Where is this ‘Summoner’s Rift’?”

“It’s a place… It’s like a hellish battleground where carries and trolls fight and people scream for their mothers.”

“…Have you been sneaking off to such places?”

“Yeah.”

It was true. He’d often skipped cram school to go to internet cafes, so none of his answers were lies.

“But aren’t you afraid?”

“Afraid? Of what?”

“Of tonight.”

“The Hell Legion?”

“Yeah.”

They walked side by side.

“I’m scared, to be honest.”

“So am I.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Then I have something to say.”

Today was a strange day. Maybe it was because of what he’d heard from the Jewel of Truth earlier, but Lloyd found himself wanting to say things he normally wouldn’t dream of saying.

“Thank you, for everything.”

Because if he didn’t say it today, he might never get the chance.

“I wouldn’t have made it this far without you. I couldn’t have accomplished what I have. Sure, you grumble sometimes, but I never resented you.”

Javier remained silent, listening.

“So, thanks. And I’m counting on you today, too. But don’t push yourself too hard. Don’t be reckless, and don’t get hurt. Okay?”

Lloyd spoke sincerely. He hadn’t expressed these feelings to Javier before, and if he didn’t say them now, he might regret it forever.

But Javier’s response was…

“It’s said that people do unusual things when they’re about to die.”

“…”

“It’s worrying. To see you acting out of character like this.”

“…Hey.”

“Yes?”

“You didn’t feel any sincerity from what I just said?”

“No.”

“…”

“But I did feel something else.”

“What?”

“My sense of caution is rising.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m wondering what sweet talk you’re going to use to trick me into working harder this time.”

“I’m not some heartless, exploitative boss, you know.”

“…”

“Is that really what you think of me?”

“Absolutely.”

“…”

“But Lloyd.”

“What?”

“I just wanted to say thank you, too.”

“I’m not falling for it.”

“Honestly, I just feel that way.”

“I’m not falling for it.”

“If it weren’t for you, Frontera, the people here would be living much more miserable lives. You’ve always worked hard for them, never showing it, and I’m grateful and respectful of that.”

“I said I’m not falling for it.”

“So I’ve made up my mind. If we survive tonight and see tomorrow’s sunrise, I’ll serve you with even greater dedication.”

“Listen, this is exactly what I mean by a death flag, okay?”

“What’s a death flag?”

“It’s something you should avoid raising, especially today. Should I throw salt over my shoulder or something?”

“…”

“Anyway, let’s head back. It’s time.”

“Understood.”

With Javier by his side, Lloyd turned back. The time for reflection was over. It was time for action.

‘The invasion is set for midnight.’

That’s when Hell’s Gate would open, unleashing countless Hell Knights, Satans, and the Demon King.

They needed to be fully prepared before then.

Of course, everything was ready.

♣

Several hours passed.

The sunset faded, and night deepened.

The thick darkness painted the sky as the Constellation of the Pleading Prisoner appeared.

Throughout this time, the members of the Frontera Territory Defense Alliance waited in silence for midnight.

They took their positions according to Lloyd’s plan.

Some hid in the bushes, wiping away nervous sweat.

Others stood on the rooftops of the apartment buildings, anxiously biting their lips.

Tension and fear hung in the air before the battle, but no one wavered.

They had prepared well.

They trusted Lloyd Frontera, known for his meticulous planning.

They believed that tonight’s battle would go according to plan.

As the full moon rose high in the sky, signaling the start of the fight, everyone was confident.

‘The plan will work!’

At that very moment, a change began.

Pachooozzz!

A sound like thunder, or perhaps the beating of ominous wings, echoed through the night as a red flash streaked across the sky, turning the full moon crimson.

Hell’s Gate opened.

Pachooch!

One hundred meters above the central village of Frontera, a sinister red ring appeared, spewing forth the heat of hell.

And with it came beings far more terrifying than the hellish flames—the vanguard of the Hell Knights.

Clank! Clatter!

The Hell Knights, clad in their dark armor, emerged through Hell’s Gate.

With the sound of clanking armor and snorting hell steeds, they crossed over, breathing in the air of this world, ready to engulf it in death and destruction.

One by one, they leaped down from Hell’s Gate, aiming for the ground below.

The moment they descended, every member of the Frontera Territory Defense Alliance clenched their fists.

They were all certain.

‘The plan is working!’

And with that certainty, the first Hell Knight fell—not onto solid ground but into a pool of holy water.

It was a perfect dive into a pool they hadn’t expected or planned for at all.

Splash!