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…

“Deal. I’m

smile widened.

do I know you’ll keep your

am a king. Kings usually keep their

doubt you’re that kind of

could still break it. This is about trust, dear boy. You either take the risk or

A long silence passed.

John exhaled slowly. “Fine.”

his hand.

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,

King Eglon’s smile faded.

He didn’t show it, but they made his skin prickle. Could it be true? It was too

mind flashed back to Abuchi’s earlier warning, he had said something almost identical. But when Eglon countered with proof that only five people had entered the

hearing the same story again, his suspicions

bluff? Or… was something being

back slightly, his fingers tapping the armrest of the throne

Abuchi had spoken with false confidence, almost boasting of an incoming army, Eglon had challenged him. He had called

hadn’t

like someone who had lost the only hope

memory whispered to him now like a

Eglon thought, If there really was an army, why

selling felt like a recycled lie. A last ditch effort to survive. And Eglon didn’t

Soft at first.