They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 338: Someone Betrayed Us… But Who?

“Are we really just going to stand here and let him betray us like that?” Karen asked, her voice sharp, angry.

The others didn’t respond. The weight of the situation was too much for words.

The guard led John through the dim halls of the castle, his footsteps echoing off the cold stone floor. Tension hung in the air like a storm cloud ready to break. After a short wait at the grand entrance, the doors to the throne room creaked open.

“Your Highness,” the guard announced with a bow, “this prisoner claims to have valuable information.”

King Eglon sat lazily on his golden throne, drumming his fingers on the armrest. His eyes sharpened with interest. “I see,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with threat. “So, how useful is this little secret of yours? And what do you want in return?”

John stood tall, hiding the guilt storming inside him. He locked eyes with the king for a few seconds, then answered steadily, “I know about a much bigger plan. One that none of your spies and cameras have caught. Bigger than just this rescue mission, something that could ruin you if it succeeds.”

King Eglon leaned forward, intrigued. “Go on.”

“I want freedom,” John said firmly. “Mine… and the others’. All of us.”

King Eglon burst into a laugh, low and mocking. “Freedom?” He shook his head, smiling coldly. “You’re asking for too much. What, you expect me to leave my dear brother and his family alive so they can be used as banners to rally rebellion?”

He rose from his throne and took a few slow steps toward John. “At best, I can spare you, the girl, and the other boy. But the royals? Their blood threatens my crown.”

He narrowed his eyes. “That’s the deal. Take it or walk back to your cell. If this so called ‘big plan’ of yours turns out to be as useless as your friends’ bravery, then you’ll all rot together. Except the prince and princess of course.”

John’s throat tightened. He knew this was a devil’s bargain, but the devil was listening. And the others didn’t know what he was planning next…

teeth. “Deal. I’m good with

Eglon’s smile widened.

wasn’t finished. “How do I know you’ll

amused. “I am a king. Kings usually

kind of king. I need something

contract in blood, I could still break it. This is about trust, dear boy. You either take

A long silence passed.

John exhaled slowly. “Fine.”

his

lowering his voice as if spilling a great secret. “There’s a bigger plan. We were sent ahead to get your guard down. While we kept your attention, dozens of soldiers were to

King Eglon’s smile faded.

like a stone. He didn’t show it, but they made his skin

warning, he had said something almost identical. But when Eglon countered with proof that only five people had

the same story again, his suspicions

a bluff? Or… was something being hidden under

mind wandered briefly as John finished his so called revelation. He leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping the armrest of the throne in a

false confidence, almost boasting of an incoming army, Eglon had challenged him. He

hadn’t fought

Almost like someone who had lost the only

to him now

was an army, why didn’t Abuchi double down? Why didn’t he

lie.

he chuckled. Soft at first.