Chapter 82. Checkmate (2)
【The Fourth Prince, Eulsis Renault Adratan, forms a Diplomatic Mission for Peace with the Holy Kingdom!】
The royal court was in turmoil due to an unprecedented event.
― We share a common enemy in the demons. To ensure their eradication, we must establish peace with the Holy Kingdom of Fernand!
Such was the noble intention of the Fourth Prince, Eulsis.
"For the sake of humanity, we must cast aside past grievances and confront the demons together."
Of course, the nobles and the Elder Council did not view his youthful actions so favorably.
【He's just scrambling to survive.】
【What choice does he have? Being distant from succession rights, the Fourth Prince must resort to such asures to avoid danger.】
【Is there no word from the royal palace? There's a truce, but he's still going on a diplomatic mission to the enemy's land.】
【You know well that Emperor Adratan is indifferent to such matters.】
Had these words co from common nobles or others, they could have been charged with lese-majeste and face execution.
But the Fourth Prince Eulsis wagered his title as "prince" to pursue his actions.
By doing so, he pushed the reactions of nobles and royalty to extres, invoking their sympathy, and extended his own lifespan.
【It's disrespectful to say, but it's a curse to be born as the Fourth Prince.】
【When you combine the princesses, there are seven above him in succession. It's as if fate was decided at birth.】
【A destiny out of sync with his blood.】
【Haha, what does it matter to us?】
This so-called 'peace' was seen as a political performance for survival, leading onlookers to mock him.
The most noble bloodline of the Empire faced death due to the very noblesse oblige that defined it.
【The Guard Commander of the Fourth Prince Eulsis' Diplomatic Mission.】
【The 'Blind Eyes', Yulian Cryphart Frason, is a strong candidate.】
However, the mockery shifted to sympathy as soon as the "guard leader" was nad.
Yulian of 'Blind Eyes', was selected as the guard commander, even though he wasn't a knight leader.
【Are they insane?】
【No matter how strong he is, it's ill-suited!】
【His life will be at constant risk throughout the journey.】
His notorious reputation was imnsely widespread in the capital.
The Smiling Executioner.
The Mad Dog of the royal family.
The sword that kills noble blood.
Despite an impeccable swordsmanship, his innate character was deed base.
The royal insiders whispered that he was unfit for a "peace" mission to the 'Holy Kingdom'.
【Maybe the other princes had a hand in this...】
【It could really be the case...】
Later, rumors spread throughout the capital.
It was a ploy to get rid of the Fourth Prince Eulsis by assigning "Yulian" to lead his guards.
The nobles, having read the official docunts, started whispering among themselves.
"Poor Prince Eulsis..."
"Even with no power, how could they appoint that demonic man to head the guards!?"
"But Schvalt, the captain of the Azure Lion Knights, was available!"
Naturally, their reaction was expected.
However, within that just reaction, sothing new began to take root.
"But you know, recently Yulian hasn't stirred any notable trouble."
"True. It's possible this might go without incident."
Recently, there hadn't been significant issues with Yulian's actions.
Rather, he eradicated so demons, slightly raising his esteed reputation over his notorious one.
The ill reputation he had built up till now could be shielded by the "royal family".
Adhering to the royal command was an obligation for the nobles.
***
【... Thus, Yulian of the royal agency "Blind Eyes" is appointed as the guard commander for the Fourth Prince Eulsis' diplomatic mission.】
Reading the official docunt from the secretariat left dumbfounded as I looked down at the papers again.
"It happened this quickly?"
I had anticipated that the Dawn Society would maneuver things, and it seed certain I would be chosen.
Yet, I didn't expect an announcent this soon.
Was this pre-arranged?
"Amazing. Although he's distant from succession rights, who would think the 'Blind Eyes' would lead the royal guard?"
Ordwin, having brought the docunt from the secretariat, spoke in a pleased tone, despite her usual stern deanor.
Yet, I noticed her voice was slightly tinged with excitent.
A faint thrill, a burgeoning emotion.
It was as if vibrant mirages were emanating from above her head, even if not visible to the eye.
Stiff Ordwin, I thought, wouldn't emotionally attach to a group like 'Blind Eyes'.
... Unexpected.
"You appear happier than I would've thought. I assud the 'Blind Eyes' didn't an much to you."
"Well, I see no reason to dislike it."
Indeed... that's not wrong.
"Despite being a nominal commander, it's a place I find suitable."
"Then that's good to hear."
"Sounds like you're teasing?"
"I'm not, huhut."
I truly ant it. The level of comfort she provided ... others wouldn't understand.
"But Yulian, when did you apply to be part of the diplomatic guard? I haven't heard a word until now."
... I haven't directly applied for it myself.
The Dawn Society, more specifically Tenelon, acted on its own, linking with the Sword Saint.
Claiming "The Dawn Society", or "The Arc Bishop Tenelon,", would have executed on the spot, regardless of being Yulian.
"... I didn't think it was necessary to ntion."
"Well, I know you're not one to share much or speak candidly with ."
Like always, Ordwin casually spoke, ignoring the hierarchy between the commander and a regular mber.
It was unsurprising that I found her comfortable.
***
As the royal family buzzed over the appointnt of the guard commander, I had a concern.
'I don't think I've ever spoken to him.'
My worry was exactly that: I hadn't exchanged a word with my charge, the Fourth Prince Eulsis, whom I was to escort to the Holy Kingdom of Fernand.
Of course, I knew his appearance. After all, he had his monts in the Imperial story as a supporting character.
"Sir Yulian, I heard the news!"
On my way back to the office from the command room, Fern approached radiating enthusiasm.
"I heard you were selected as the guard commander for the Fourth Prince! Congratulations!"
It's not really... sothing to celebrate.
It's not as if I volunteered.
Still, I decided to view it positively.
Now that things were set, I thought of it as recovering the holy artifact, the 'Bell of the Silent Night'.
"Haha, thank you, Fern."
"The Azure Lion Knights' captain, Schvalt, is formidable. To be chosen over such a captain, the secretariat must have esteed your feats highly!"
No. It was rely scheming by soone behind the curtains.
"Fern?"
"Yes!"
Upon calling, Fern snapped to attention with a military response, both feet together.
"Do you have sothing for to do?"
His unmarred ceremonial posture reflected a disciplined knight, an exemplar of perfection.
Such deanor made curious enough to consider asking.
'Why didn't he leave the Azure Lion Knights, and joined the Blind Eyes instead?'
When I saw him before, he shuddered at the thought of the 'Blind Eyes', and now he had transferred.
It was intriguing.
If it ant ill intent, it would certainly be problematic for this side.
"Might I ask you sothing?"
"Yes! If it's Yulian asking, I'll answer anything!"
But with that enthusiasm, asking seed difficult.
He appeared to regard with admiration.
'Heh, that can't be.'
I'm no fool.
If soone harbors admiration for this 'Yulian', it's likely a sign of instability in their ntal state.
Honestly, think about it.
Even if not currently, he was once a madman who cut people down with a smile and killed children without hesitation.
He'd always approach with a grin, with a tone that seed respectful yet ultimately condescending!
'How could anyone like that?'
Even 'Lazorot,' who showed favor, ultimately was just a façade to play lackey.
'Definitely has ulterior motives.'
Such were my thoughts.
"Fern, if by chance you harbor malicious..."
Bang──!
The echo of a thunderous noise interrupted my musing.
Turning my gaze to locate its origin, I saw a man akin to a bear forcefully opening the entrance door.
"Where's Yulian?"
Contrary to his imposing entrance, the man quietly searched for .
His eyes scanned the room until they finally landed on .
"Ah, there you are."
The cold, piercing figure continued moving toward , step after step.
'Schvalt.'
The leader of the Azure Lion Knights.
Despite his corpse-like cold deanor, he was an odd fellow who treasured 'effort'.
He was also the person behind an article on "effort" situations in the recent professional magazine, "The Knights."
'Now that I see him, he's got quite a sharp look.'
He not only led the Azure Lion Knights, but he was a knight whose prowess was certified.
He was even said to have a setting where he could break a bi-horned demon's tusk with his bare hands.
"S-Sir Sc-Schvalt! What brings you here...?"
The forr knight commander made an appearance, causing Fern to falter.
Watching Fern's reaction, Schvalt clicked his tongue once and shot a piercing gaze his way.
"Who said it was okay for lowly ones to speak?"
Though of the sa knighthood, Schvalt harshly criticized Fern using bitter, dagger-like words.
"I, I apologize."
"Indeed, as you should be sorry."
Adjusting his collar, Schvalt glanced at Fern again.
"Because your transfer to 'Blind Eyes' besmirched the knighthood."
Examining his eyes, Fern visibly flinched.
Emotionless, yet filled with prejudice and contempt were his eyes.
"How dare a fallen noble..."
"What does it matter if they're fallen?"
Cutting into their exchange, an uncomfortable dread appeared on Schvalt's face.
Perhaps realizing this, his chilly visage reverted to its usual icy countenance.
"Fallen nobility are those who've breached the Empire's standards, leading to a descent in status. They are below common citizens."
"Therefore, you're seemingly insulting Ordwin, the commander of 'Blind Eyes'."
Ordwin too was from fallen nobility.
Just then, Schvalt's comnt not only insulted Fern but also our commanders like Ordwin.
Not that I'd particularly defend her.
My intentions lay in duly reprimanding Schvalt for his rudeness infiltrating soone else's organization.
"Does it need my words to convey that?"
How shaless he seed.
"You're no different. Cryphart's own Frason."
I can't comprehend why he's letting his mouth run like this.
Going out of his way to.
Though I had begun to fathom why he'd co, Schvalt's arrogance surpassed expectations, leaving astounded.
'You're probably upset for not being appointed guard commander.'
I an, frankly, while I did not partake in the selection itself, even with the Dawn Society's influence, it should have been the secretariat's choice.
Why go out of your way to act arrogantly?
The very sa person who seed smitten with the Sword Saint.
Yet as 'Yulian', I'd likely express,
"Ha-ha, are you certain it's okay to look down on ?"
"I'm not looking down, simply stating facts."
"Then for the noble bested by this 'lowly' Frason, what's the suitable label, I wonder?"
With those words, I presented Schvalt with the official notice of my guard commander appointnt.
"If you're unaware, we might need to decide."
"This piece of garbage..."
"Garbage... seems excessive for not being chosen. 'Worm' might be more fitting."
My taunting tone caused the ice-cold Schvalt's face to crack slightly.
Such a level of scorn hardly felt like just "acting" anymore.
Clacky's Corner:
There really are this kind of characters. I don't encounter them often anymore, but when I encounter one, they always make my blood boil.
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