295: Chapter 5, Inspecting the Swamp_1 295: Chapter 5, Inspecting the Swamp_1 “What have you done to me?”
Isabel asked angrily.
If glares could kill, Viscount Hudson would have been turned to mincemeat by now.
Her anger was boiling, yet her weakness prevented her from mustering the strength to resist.
She had fallen into Hudson’s arms, her angry eyes adding her allure, making the scene strangely bewitching.
Hudson reached out, pinched her smooth face, chuckled and said:
“My apologies, Miss Isabel.
You’re just too enchanting and I seemingly can’t help myself…”
“What a waste of breath, you wouldn’t believe the truth anyway.
Rather let me tell you something you would want to hear!
I’m somewhat of a coward at heart.
For safety’s sake, until I understand who you are, I really had to inconvenience you.
But rest assured, I did not drug you.
As a knight, I do adhere to some rules.
I’ve just learned a little magic spell, had no opportunity to test it yet.
Today just happens to be the perfect occasion, with your assistance Miss Isabel.
It’s purely negative energy which will temporarily deprive you of your resistance, but poses no harm to your body.
Answer my questions and your strength will soon return.
After all, I do have a knack for cherishing beauty.”
Through his simple introduction, Isabel felt a chilling sensation, as if falling into an abyss.
She trembled and asked:
“Are you a necromancer?
That’s impossible!
How could there be a necromancer so young?
Unless… you… are not Viscount Hudson…”
Isabel’s face turned pale as she contemplated the horrifying possibilities.
Her voice broken, nearly afraid to finish her thoughts.
If magicians are a bunch of truth-seeking fanatics, then necromancers are a group of madmen.
If she had fallen into Hudson’s hands under normal circumstances, Isabel might have tried to save herself.
She prided herself on understanding men’s desires.
With no reason to hate her, who would harm such an enticing lady?
But facing a necromancer who hand-picked bodies for his experiments, her allure was merely a joke.
Those magicians dealing with corpses day in and day out, their bodies probably lost all functions due to the corruption of dark energies.
Stripped off her charms and beauty, Isabel barely seemed more extraordinary than an average woman.
“Miss Isabel, you must choose your words wisely in situations like these.
However, considering your charm, I will give you another chance.
Which faction does your mysterious organization belong to?
If you can’t say it directly, it doesn’t matter.
I’ll give you the options, you just choose.
A hint will do if you prefer not to answer directly.
After all, I’m a sentimental guy.
How could I introduce a business to my friends without figuring out the identity of my trading partners?
Who do you belong to?
The clergy?
The Kingdom of France?
The Ding Kingdom?
Or is it Caesar III?
…”
Hastily listing all the powers on the Continent of Aslante, Isabel yet remained motionless.
Hudson furrowed his brow, his hand began to roam, frightening Isabel.
She hurriedly defended herself: “Sir, I really do not know!
Our organization has always worked on a need-to-know basis.
Beyond my contact, I know nothing about the other members.
From the missions I have accomplished over the years, I can only guess there might be some connection with the Clergy.
As for the truth, I have no idea!”
Her fear was genuine.
Falling into the hands of a necromancer, death is not the worst consequence; it’s the restless eternity of the soul which scares her the most.
“I see, you are just a pawn.
I’m afraid discussing this business with you won’t be fruitful.
Eat this pill.
Go back and tell your superiors to send someone who can make decisions.”
After speaking, regardless of whether Isabel was willing, Hudson forcefully fed her the pill.
Her body had regained a bit of strength, yet Isabel did not dare to make a move.
Lying obediently in Hudson’s arms, she asked softly: “Sir, what is this pill?”
“Rest assured, it’s something good.
As long as you’re obedient, nothing will happen.
This is not a few hundred years ago, meeting someone from the Clergy, we can still become friends.
Once the transaction is complete, we go our separate ways.
If you misbehave, however, I can’t guarantee what will happen.
Adding a beautiful puppet to my collection might be a good option.
Don’t worry, my technique is good.
Even if made into a puppet, your soul can be preserved, granting you immortality!
Of course, you can choose to tell the people behind you, gamble on whether they have the ability to solve the trouble in your body.
On account of our acquaintance, I suggest you talk directly to the Pope.
Others might not be capable.
Maybe he can request the Lord of the Dawn to personally take action and eliminate this hidden danger for you.”
Hudson was thoroughly enjoying this turn of events.
The fear that ordinary people harbor towards necromancers mostly stems from the unknown.
Although Isabel was part of an elite circle, her singer’s past did not permit her much insight into necromancy.
In outside rumors, necromancers, characterized as madmen, are said to be capable of anything.
Not just tampering with bodies, they were infamous for using living people for experiments as well.
Turning a living person into a puppet was considered a more difficult type of magic.