Chapter 125 – The Fire? That Was My Doing (2)
Narakas received an unexpected guest. This ti, it was soone in the guise of an old man.
However, they hadn’t bothered to disguise their voice. There was no need to, as the other party already knew their true identity.
“I never expected you, my lord, to ask for first.”
“I hope I’m not being too much of an inconvenience.”
At Marquis Foltaine’s words, Narakas offered a gentle smile.
“Inconvenience? The wealthiest man in the Hart Kingdom requested a eting—of course, I’d drop everything and rush over.”
“Heheheh. I’ve got nothing but money, true. At my age, I’ve little to spend it on, too.”
“Perhaps you have a request?”
“Indeed.”
Marquis Foltaine’s smile turned bitter as he replied.
“Before that, are you familiar with the political situation in this kingdom?”
“I know as much as most.”
“Well…… I suppose the question was pointless. You’re the illustrious leader of the Mask of Night, after all.”
Marquis Foltaine chuckled again.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to that rascal. Without that connection, I wouldn’t have been able to et soone as esteed as you.”
“There’s no need. Even without Ancelot, I would have co to you myself.”
Both n knew this was rely a polite remark.
After all, wasn’t Narakas known as soone who didn’t even bow to the king of an entire nation?
Deciding the pleasantries had gone on long enough, Marquis Foltaine shifted to the main topic.
“I must admit, it’s embarrassing to show you our shaful side.”
“Please speak freely. As you know, the Mask of Night places the highest value on mutual trust.”
Finally, Marquis Foltaine nodded.
“This ti, to replace an incompetent leader, we even involved external forces. While we claid it was to minimize the national loss from civil strife, the truth is…… There was a more critical deal in play. The Empire wanted our trade route with the dwarves……”
“It involved Her Majesty, the Third Queen, didn’t it?”
“……!”
Marquis Foltaine’s eyes glimred sharply for a mont.
“As expected of the Mask of Night. It was a secret even to the person involved……”
“That person would be Duke Herman.”
“……Yes.”
Narakas began quickly recounting what he knew.
“Her Majesty, the Third Queen, maintained an inappropriate relationship with Duke Herman. Angered by this, the late King lio II exiled her to the Empire. Normally, the Empire uses the pretext of ‘peacekeeping’ to keep foreign royals as virtual hostages. But a queen being exiled? That was unprecedented. Overwheld by longing and sorrow for her holand, Her Majesty ultimately hanged herself in despair.”
Narakas’ gaze darkened as he finished.
“Is what I know correct?”
“……The truth differs, but what you’ve stated matches the official narrative perfectly. That’s also why Princess Winley still harbors ill feelings toward Duke Herman.”
“What’s the truth?”
“That alleged affair was orchestrated by the late king himself.”
“……I see what might have happened now.”
Narakas nodded thoughtfully.
“King lio II was endlessly jealous of Duke Herman, the Queen’s forr lover, despite the fact that neither of them harbored feelings for each other anymore. I’m sure it was out of his own guilty conscience.”
“I understand. Then, what did you request from the Empire in return for this trade agreent?”
“They inford that Her Majesty left behind a will and so personal effects. While all her other belongings were returned, these were secretly kept. That’s what they told .”
Narakas nodded knowingly.
“As expected of the Empire…… In any case, you wish to resolve the misunderstanding between Duke Herman and the princess.”
“Correct. In hindsight, all of this feels like the Empire’s ploy. They lured us in with bait we couldn’t resist.”
“The Empire rely added fuel to an already blazing fire.”
Narakas offered a faint, bitter smile.
“I understand. I’ll investigate the Third Queen’s will and belongings and contact you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you!”
Marquis Foltaine grabbed Narakas’ hands in gratitude.
“How much do I owe you for this service?”
“It’s free of charge.”
“F-Free?”
Taken aback, Marquis Foltaine stamred, while Narakas smiled warmly.
“All I ask is that you continue to take good care of that child.”
“……!”
After a mont of silence, a broad smile spread across Marquis Foltaine’s face.
“Of course. He’s my child, after all.”
***
Count Kaiman shocked everyone, leaving the three dukes with very different reactions.
Duke Herman was furious and Duke Kairos was flustered. Lastly, Duke Serin stared at him with disdain that bordered on outright disgust.
-Did you honestly think we’d stand by and watch as you weaker nations gathered together and got all buddy-buddy?
Count Kaiman’s voice rang in my mind alone, brimming with cold arrogance.
-How narrow-minded, unbefitting of the Empire’s size and power.
“Hahaha, no, not at all. This is how the Empire got to where it is today. They say it’s not the strongest who survive, but those who survive, no?”
It was clear what the lunatic was thinking. It was obvious why he would suddenly admit to being the one who set the fire.
-When word gets out, the majority of nobles in the Hart Kingdom will hate , regardless of their usual political leanings.
-Of course they would. A foreigner tried to burn their palace to the ground. If they didn’t get angry even after that, then they wouldn’t be true patriots.
-So go ahead and spread the news far and wide. Weren’t you asking for my support earlier? Tell them I’m the one who lit the fire. You’ve got three witnesses here, all three of which are perfectly credible!
For a mont, madness flickered in Count Kaiman’s eyes.
-After that, unite the nobles of this kingdom around yourself, Your Highness. Rally them under his banner.
-Hah……
-Aren’t you grateful? I’m giving His Highness the perfect opportunity to grow even stronger.
Right.
Again, all this lunatic desired was a war, but fighting the Empire with just the Hart Kingdom would be suicide. Without forming an alliance with other nations, it would be like smashing an egg against a rock.
The problem was—
‘Will the other nations cooperate willingly?’
The continent had been rotting under the guise of peace for two decades. Without undeniable evidence of the Empire’s sches, no country would act rashly.
Not to ntion,
‘My actions have already strained relations with the eke Principality.’
If a similar victim cried out, ‘We were also kicked out for ridiculous reasons!’, it would be seen as strange to others.
Above all, the eke Principality was nothing but a rising dark horse. Recently, they had gained another Master, elevating themselves to a national power that other countries count not ignore.
‘That damned lunatic probably accounted for all this when he spouted such nonsense.’
In short, he wasn’t hoping for my growth—he simply wanted to revel in my struggles.
Even now, look at him. He’s licking his lips, as if it’s truly a sha. If he leaves like this, he’d have to go back without seeing the sight he longs for.
-Everyone must be seething with rage! You understand, right? Push hard for them to fight back against us! If the three dukes take your side, the other nobles will see the prince in a whole new light!”
Unable to hold back, I finally voiced my thoughts.
“This son of a bitch.”
“……!”
“……!”
“……!”
Duke Herman, red-faced with fury, froze in shock. Duke Kairos snapped his head to glare at , wide-eyed.
Even Duke Serin, who was always composed, stared at with trembling pupils.
‘What’s your plan?’
The dukes’ expressions seed to ask . But no matter how angry I was, my rage couldn’t compare to theirs.
“Let’s just raise an army and invade imdiately. Burn the Emperor’s palace to the ground while we’re at it. That’s the only way to get proper revenge, isn’t it?”
“……?”
Among those present, it wasn’t just the three dukes witnessing this exchange.
Their retainers, royal knights, and even lower-ranking nobles were also nearby. Of course, they hadn’t heard Count Kaiman’s insane confession.
That had been shared only between the four of us.
-What’s your plan here?
Duke Herman’s voice echoed in my head again, filled with concern. anwhile, Count Kaiman reclined theatrically, taking a deep breath.
-The point is, the others should see what kind of twisted freak this guy really is.
-This isn’t a trivial matter. This could lead to actual war!
-And do you think a war won’t happen anyway?
“……!”
At that, Duke Herman’s transmissions stopped.
“The Emperor’s conquest of the continent is inevitable. Look around—every nation is too busy fighting among themselves to pay the Empire any heed.”
This wasn’t just the Hart Kingdom’s issue; the sa dynamic existed in every other country. At the very least, I had to ensure that this kingdom got its act together.
‘Thanks, you lunatic. You’ve just made my job easier.’
Count Kaiman likely thought I was here to wallow in revenge or plot my return to power in eke, but he was mistaken.
‘To cut down the Empire.’
That was my one and only goal. Everything else was rely a ans to that end.
-Oh, and about Duke Kairos. Didn’t you ntion he’s been greedily eyeing my possessions?
-’……!’
Duke Herman’s eyes widened. He then slowly shook his head.
-Are you trying to provoke him just because you might as well?
-Let’s call it a side. The shock therapy is the entrée.’
As we exchanged words, Duke Kairos finally broke the silence, having finally co to his senses.
“……Then, safe travels, Count.”
His tone was curt as he turned away.
“I have pressing matters to attend to, so I’ll head back now.”
“Oh, dear. Well then, do take care.”
“……Right.”
Duke Kairos paused mid-step and looked back.
“For the record, the remarks of the 7th Prince of eke earlier have nothing to do with .”
“Hahaha. Thank you for seeing off.”
“……Then, I’ll be on my way.”
Duke Kairos cast a final glance before disappearing toward the palace.
See that?
Even now, he only cares about himself. Anyway, he won’t dare spew any nonsense about broken promises or bullshit about being Black Swan’s rightful owner.
“……Since it seems the main parties failed to reach an understanding last night, I’ll excuse myself as well.”
“I look forward to our next eting, Duke Serin.”
Duke Serin, who had been watching in silence, turned to with a faint smirk before conveying a thought.
-A revenge sche as fiery as it is bold.
With that, he too disappeared from sight.
“……We will……”
Finally, Duke Herman’s voice, low and brimming with suppressed fury, broke the silence. The gaze of the two remaining people was fixed on Count Kaiman.
“……We will not suffer this indignity much longer, Empire.”
“……!”
Count Kaiman’s eyes sparkled at Duke Herman’s words as he broke into a bright smile.
“How disappointing. I thought we’d see eye to eye, Duke Herman.”
“The idea that I could ever align with a madman like you is revolting.”
“You’re the one who ca to for help.”
“You’re the one who spread false information!”
Herman hissed through clenched teeth, but he turned sharply on his heel. He was unable to argue further with so many ears around.
“……I won’t forget this insult.”
“Good. Please don’t. That’s exactly what I want.”
Count Kaiman’s final taunt hung in the air as he tilted his head mockingly.
“Your Highness, aren’t you leaving?”
“May I offer a piece of advice?”
“Oh, by all ans!”
Count Kaiman’s curiosity was piqued as he straightened his posture.
“You ntioned earlier that you’re still undecided about who to serve?”
“……Pardon?”
Clearly expecting sothing about the fire incident, his confusion was palpable.
“Oh, yes, I did.”
“Let recomnd one for you.”
Count Kaiman’s eyes glead with interest.
“Go ahead.”
“Choose either of the remaining two—not the Knight of Blazes.”
“……May I ask why?”
I transmitted my answer telepathically.
-After all that agonizing over your choice, wouldn’t it be tragic if your new master didn’t last long before being killed by soone else?
-What do you an?
“What else? That Blaze of yours will burn your Imperial Palace to the ground. Consider this my warning.”
Count Kaiman stiffened before bursting into laughter.
“Hah! Hahahaha! Ahahahahaha!”
‘Go ahead, laugh now.’
My deal with Theorg was already set in stone.
‘But if Count Kaiman chose The Knight of Blazes as his master anyway—
I’ll send you both to the grave on the sa day.’
* * *
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