Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 116: Exposed

"Lord Malakor and I shall deal with this ’Riku’ ourselves."

"Thank you. Everyone, the meeting is dismissed. Continue with your respective roles, and do what you must. However, failure will not be tolerated. " Malakor got up from his chair and spoke with finality.

"Understood, Lord Malakor." Everyone, including Riku, bowed and paid their respects. However, Riku noticed it once again.

The bodyguard - he was just standing there, without any movement or signs of bowing. It looked like he was in deep thought.

Was the person really just a bodyguard for Lord Malakor? Why did it seem like he was the one calling all the shots?

Just when Riku had almost left the hall, the bodyguard’s voice came from behind.

"Alaric, right? Please stay for a while. Lord Malakor would like to speak with you."

Lady Vayne wanted to stay back as well; however, her husband, Albus, motioned for her to leave Alaric alone and move on. Reluctantly, she gave a last look at her son and then left.

Riku stepped forward, addressing Malakor politely.

"What can I do for you, my lord?"

"Nothing, we just need to ensure your loyalty. Not that we doubt your loyalty, but it is more of a precautionary measure."

Oh? Looks like they want to brand my soul. Might be a good thing though, will allow me to gauge this Malakor’s capabilities. But still, I should feign some resistance to avoid suspicion. Riku immediately realized what this was about and planned his move.

"How.. how do you plan to do this?" Riku said, slightly stepping back.

"Nothing much. Come with us, it will only take a minute."

-----------------

Lord Malakor and the imposing bodyguard led Riku-as-Alaric away from the central room, towards a small, unassuming door hidden in the cavern’s far wall. Malakor opened it with a simple touch, revealing a dark, descending corridor.

"Lord Malakor, Mr. Bodyguard, I am curious. How do you intend to deal with this, Riku? He is my arch-enemy, and I would love to get a piece of him." Riku asked.

"That is exactly what we want to discuss as well. Just follow us." The bodyguard said, looking at Alaric for a second before continuing on.

The trio kept walking in silence. The air grew colder, thick with the scent of old magic and confined space. The corridor ended in a circular chamber, its stone floor covered in a complex, esoteric array of glowing purple runes. The air hummed with a contained, oppressive power.

Malakor gestured towards the center of the room. "The ritual will take place here, Alaric. My bodyguard will see it through. I will be back later to confirm."

Saying that, he left, closing the stone door behind him. Only Riku and the bodyguard were left behind.

"What will happen now?" Riku asked the hooded figure with a slight apprehension in his voice.

The bodyguard reached up and pulled back his hood. His face was surprisingly young, with sharp features and cold, intelligent eyes that held no trace of subservience. He looked Riku up and down, a predatory smile touching his lips.

"You played the part of the spoiled noble well," the bodyguard said, his voice smooth and dangerous. "But you made a few mistakes."

Riku, still in Alaric’s form, stiffened. "What are you talking about?"

"The Alaric I know is a petulant, wasteful fool. He’s arrogant, yes, but he’s weak. A peacock. He would not have dared to speak in front of someone like Malakor. You, on the other hand," he took a step closer, "carry yourself differently."

"What.... what do you mean differently?" Riku asked, still feigning ignorance.

"There is more. When you gave your report, you were too clean, too precise on Riku. So much that you completely forgot to report on his friends and others near him." The bodyguard continued, slowly inching towards him.

"I was just angry at him for humiliating me. There is no other reason..."

"Oh? And what did you do the last time you got angry on the Old Chamberlain?"

Riku paused. He had no idea how to answer this. After all, he had just asked a few questions to Alaric. He did not know every single detail about him.

"Cat got your tongue, eh? Do not worry. I will give you a chance to prove your innocence. This might hurt a little, but the creep will be able to mend you. So, do not resist."

The bodyguard did not wait for an answer. He lunged.

His speed was explosive, his fist slamming into Riku’s gut with brutal force. Riku crossed his arms to absorb some of the blow, but still allowed himself to be thrown back, crashing against the rune-covered wall. He feigned a pained groan, buying time.

"Hahaha, I knew it. A waste still in one piece after taking a blow from a Grand Master? Are you still going to pretend?"

"Who are you? How are you making all these decisions on your own? Are you not afraid of Lord Malakor?" Riku asked as he got up, still holding his disguise.

"Hahaha," the bodyguard sneered, advancing rapidly. He delivered a sharp kick to Riku’s ribs. "You think that Malakor is the head of the entire operation, don’t you? He’s just a shell! A vessel we prepared! If he falls, another takes his place. Our true leadership is untouchable!"

"A shell? Why would you make a shell to act as a leader?" Riku asked as he dodged another kick.

"Hate to say it, but that old bastard Harius is also a man like ’Riku’, fair, noble, just, and whatnot. We have to deal with the authorities day in and day out due to this. Someone has to take the blame if things turn south. A shell is the perfect scapegoat, leaving the real people to work freely." The bodyguard finally caught Riku by the neck, strangling him mid air.

"You.. then who is your real leader?" Riku desperately called out.

"You... are not qualified to know. Now, die."

Dark energy gathered around the fingertips of the bodyguard’s fingers, and he gave a final squeeze, intending to explode Riku’s head off. A small explosion occurred as the bodyguard detonated his skill.

As the smoke cleared, nothing remained.

"Well, that settles that."