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Chapter 122
Chapter 122
Chapter 122 – Politicians (1)
The meeting at the royal palace had just ended.
“I…… I need sleep.”
“Well then, see you later.”
“With this, I’ve repaid my debt.”
Milon, clearly exhausted, headed straight home. Duke Herman and Duke Serin went their separate ways, claiming they had other business to attend to.
But,
“Let’s have a word, you rascal.”
Marquis Foltaine was different.
Without waiting for my response, he strode ahead with heavy steps. He seemed more vexed than usual.
Of course, I could see it—the genuine concern he held for me.
And so.
“I’m sorry.”
I bowed deeply in apology. Marquis Foltaine halted abruptly and turned to look at me.
“What’s with you all of a sudden?”
“I acted on my own without any prior notice. I’m sorry for causing you unnecessary worry.”
After a moment, he let out a dismissive snort.
“……Hmph. You were the one who decided to play with fire. Who am I to say anything?”
But as he started walking again, his steps were noticeably lighter. Only then did a faint smile appear on my lips.
‘Well, I can understand his concern.’
After all, Count Kaiman, who I was about to face, was far stronger than I had anticipated.
He was a force to be reckoned with, capable of holding his own against any Master in this kingdom.
No one was more aware of that fact than Marquis Foltaine.
‘……It’s time to acknowledge it. The Empire has not fallen behind even after twenty years.’
No, they’d grown even stronger. I already had a sense of why.
‘The ones they call the Three Heavens’.’
The current pillars of the Empire, known respectively as the Blaze, the Undefeated, and the Full Moon.
I was particularly interested in the ‘relationship’ between these three.
Usually, once someone reaches such heights, they tend to grow complacent. It’s often said, they fall into ‘the trap of habit’.
It’s only natural that power grants you endless indulgences—exquisite feasts, beautiful women, and loyal followers willing to lay down their lives at a mere flick of a finger.
However,
‘……The Empire now, well……’
From the information I’ve gathered, those three continue to constantly check each other, even to this day.
Power is never truly shared, after all. Of course, I had a theory as to why this was the case.
‘When rivals compete internally, building their power and influence, it’s bound to erupt sooner or later.’
But wouldn’t the Emperor be aware of that?
Of course, he would. That’s precisely why, right before the pressure boils over.
‘He’ll create a war, redirecting their focus outward.’
In other words, that will mark the beginning of a true continental conquest.
‘Yes, I admit it, Empire. Right now, you are strong.’
Acknowledging one’s opponent is vital. It’s difficult to acknowledge, but easy to deny and criticize.
But I’m different.
‘Emperor, if that is truly your intention……’
The words slipped out of my mouth unconsciously.
“……I’ll dig into that opening.”
The same goes for this country. Whether it’s the Empire or the Hart Kingdom, gaps exist everywhere.
“What openings are you talking about? Why don’t you just dig your nose instead, you rascal!”
It was as if he was shouting, ‘Stop blabbering and hurry up’
“Hahaha!”
A burst of laughter escaped me. It seemed I had fallen completely under his spell.
Now, even this gruff side of Marquis Foltaine was endearing to me.
After receiving a thorough scolding from Marquis Foltaine, I headed straight to another destination. It was none other than the Duke Serin’s mansion.
“You’ve come again.”
Fortunately, I wasn’t turned away at the door. On the contrary, it was as if he had anticipated my visit, as he greeted me with a smile.
“Before we begin, let’s clarify one thing.”
“Pardon?”
“Who holds the upper hand now? In terms of our dealings, that is.”
Duke Serin was quick to assert, ‘There’s no debt between us anymore.’
“Well……”
“I have a pretty good idea why you’ve come. Surely, you didn’t come here to ask another favor after I’ve just granted you one?”
This was clearly his way of throwing my own words back at me—back when I’d said that he’d only fixed the problem he caused.
After all, Duke Serin was the type who believed firmly in repaying debts.
“……No. I’m simply here to offer my thanks.”
Once again, I bowed sincerely.
Today alone, I had already bent my back twice for the wrong reasons, but what did it matter?
My body was still in good shape, far from wearing out.
“Thank you for your help. I never expected you to step up during the royal council meeting.”
“……”
“Thanks to you, I was able to enact my revenge. I even managed to drive out one of the principality’s own Masters with my own hands.”
At this, Duke Serin gave a knowing smile.
“Skip the preamble and get to the point.”
“That’s all I came for.”
“……So, you’re saying you came here just to offer some gratitude?”
His voice, dripping with displeasure, pierced my ears. I didn’t need to look up to know that Duke Serin was likely furrowing that pretty brow of his.
“You did say debts must be repaid, didn’t you? It’s only natural to express my gratitude for the help I received.”
“That’s really all there is?”
Duke Serin’s voice took on a mocking tone.
“Does my behavior seem to annoy you? Perhaps I should have brought a gift……”
“No need for that. Soon enough, I believe I’ll receive a much more entertaining gift.”
Duke Serin’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.
“Catching an arsonist is one thing, but what on earth were you thinking when you demanded the Black Swan? That land is teeming with monsters; it’s completely worthless.”
“I was already granted half of that territory by the Principality. It’s already a barren wasteland. I simply don’t want to invite foreign interference.”
My explanation made Duke Serin grimace.
“Well, it’s a deal that benefits His Majesty regardless. Whether you catch the arsonist or not, the outcome of the deal…… Is clear.”
With that, Duke Serin waved his hand dismissively, signaling that our conversation was over.
“Then, I’ll see you another time.”
“Hmph. Always acting tough……”
I pretended not to hear his muttered taunt as I left.
‘You’ll soon realize this is more than just an act.’
***
Meanwhile, Duke Herman was in a private conversation with Duke Kairos.
“Should I be thanking you?”
At Duke Herman’s question, Duke Kairos let out a chuckle.
“Feel free to curse me if you’d like. I suppose you’re wondering if I’m handing out the antidote along with the poison.”
“You senile old bastard, what are you up to this time? Another one of your political games?”
“……?”
Duke Kairos tilted his head, feigning confusion. Then, as if understanding the situation, he furrowed his brow slightly.
“Did I offend you? I was merely trying to mimic a certain someone I know.”
“……”
“I’ve been too quiet, hiding in the shadows all this time. I figured it was time to make my presence felt.”
“……”
“Didn’t you tell me to curse you if I’d liked?”
“……Haa.”
Duke Kairos finally sighed and shook his head in exasperation.
“I just don’t get it. Maybe it all started when that prince showed up? Ever since he came, everyone who gets involved with him, including Marquis Foltaine, seems to lose their mind.”
“Would you consider joining us? I’m sure you’ll soon see why it’s worth it.”
“I’ll pass. I have no desire to go senile just yet.”
“A pity.”
“Leave the camaraderie to the younger generation. As for me, I’ll stick to my politics.”
Duke Kairos gave a sly smile.
“Someone has to be the anchor for this country. That’s the duty of an elder statesman.”
“Personally, I have no fondness for that kind of politics.”
“Do you think I enjoy it? Sometimes you have to do things you despise for the greater good.”
“Regardless, my answer remains the same.”
“If that’s the case, you shouldn’t have become a noble. As I recall, you have a talented younger brother, don’t you? Why not pass your title to him and live that leisurely life you crave?”
Duke Herman shrugged.
“You’re well aware of my circumstances, yet you say that?”
“Hahaha.”
Duke Kairos chuckled quietly. The invisible battle of wills between the two continued.
Knock, knock, knock.
At that moment, a timely knock came from outside.
“Your Grace, you have a visitor.”
“A visitor……?”
Duke Kairos raised an eyebrow.
“I invited them.”
The unexpected guest stepped in.
“Why, if it’s not the prince? I thought you were busy catching an arsonist. What brings you here?”
“Whether it’s a pawn or a bishop, as long as I capture the king, isn’t that all that matters?”
“What on earth are you implying?”
“Who doesn’t know that the arsonist is the Empire?”
Duke Kairos’s expression darkened.
“……It seems the prince is in quite a hurry. Accusing foreign guests without evidence……”
“Count Kaiman admitted it to me himself.”
“……Huh?”
“He told me to just give him a pretext. If two out of the three dukes permit it, he claims that would be enough justification to withdraw.”
“……”
For a moment, Duke Kairos’s eyes widened before he regained his composure.
“I find it hard to believe Count Kaiman said that…… But isn’t Duke Serin already on your side? If he truly said that, then……”
“I don’t lie. My relationship with Duke Serin was purely transactional—one thing given, one thing received.”
Duke Kairos’s eyes glinted with intrigue.
“A transaction, you say…… This conversation is becoming more and more interesting.”
“That’s not all, either.”
A smile crept across the prince’s lips.
“After all, there’s no rule that says one can only make deals with a single person. And there are three of you, Dukes.”
Only now did Duke Kairos fully grasp the purpose of this unexpected visit.
“You’re asking me to side with you?”
“No. I’m suggesting you do what you’re best at—politics.”
“Hmm……?”
Seeing the bewildered look on his face, the smile on the my face deepened.
This was how one should deal with politicians—constantly creating new variables, forcing them to stray from their predetermined paths.
‘The world has grown too complacent.’
Beneath the Empire’s dark schemes, the continent had continued to enjoy a period of false peace.
The Emperor lulled everyone into a sense of security, and they’re stuck in a rut now. Each nation is preoccupied with its own internal power struggles.
Once that complacency reaches its peak, the Emperor will launch his conquest of the continent.
‘That’s why it’s my duty to shake them awake.’
To make them realize that if they keep chasing short-term gains, they risk losing everything.
* * *