Cold sweat trickles down my back.
Caught between the Foreign Minister of the Empire and the Archbishop of the Vatican, I can only feel a chill run down my spine.
These n—powerful enough to make soone like disappear without a trace—fighting over is a situation I’d gladly avoid.
Yet here I am, right in the middle of it all.
To summarize the current situation.
I, Ian Blackangers, am credited with a decisive role in taking down Evan, the Fifth Disciple of the Bloodstone Cult.
The Empire and the Vatican have reacted to this achievent in very different ways.
The Britannian Empire is crafting plans to turn into a hero and use as a political tool.
They call it “hero-making.”
The fact that an academy student was able to eliminate a high-ranking mber of the Bloodstone Cult provides the perfect material for propaganda.
A hero is always a convenient figure to calm public unrest, especially amidst the Empire’s tense succession battles.
And who is this hero ant to be? None other than .
“…”
Soon, my na will be splashed across newspapers, and I’ll beco a household na overnight.
—Academy student defeats high-ranking mber of the Bloodstone Cult—
A story where the weak overco the strong is a universal favorite. It seems the Empire intends to exploit that narrative fully.
‘Even if they try, I have no intention of letting them use .’
On the other hand, the reaction from the Holy Constantine faction is as follows.
— Holy Constantine has a differing opinion. We’d prefer that the student’s custody be handed over to us.
They refuse to let beco a hero.
On top of that, they’re determined to take into custody.
The Vatican is making their intent to detain abundantly clear.
Sigh.
With this level of obsession, one might think I’ve crossed them in the past…
‘But a bit of reflection reveals the reason.’
The Bloodstone Cult.
The Vatican has more to gain than the Empire when it cos to using them for propaganda.
After all, the Bloodstone Cult is a religious sect, and rooting out such heretics should rightfully fall under the jurisdiction of the Vatican, which is founded on the Deus faith.
In short, this is a political tug-of-war.
Ordinarily, the Vatican of Holy Constantine should be the ones ousting the Bloodstone Cult and basking in the public’s praise.
But now, they’re forced to hand over that glory to the Empire.
— What’s the Deus Church even doing if they can’t properly eradicate a heretical cult?
If questions like this start circulating, the Vatican stands to lose.
It’s clear why they’re so adamantly opposing .
“Archbishop, this happened within the Empire’s territory.”
“I’m aware. However, we cannot compromise on this matter, Minister.”
And so the battle of wits between the Empire and the Vatican began with in the middle.
Thus began the standoff between the Empire and the Holy Constantine over .
The resulting tension is palpable.
“…”
I stole a glance at Count Lipenstein.
He too was gazing at with a solemn expression.
Now I understand why he said I’m vital to these talks.
Just as he ntioned, I’m at the very core of this eting.
Not as a person but rather as an agenda item.
Noticing my look, Count Lipenstein gave a dignified nod and spoke.
“Pardon for interrupting your discussion, gentlen.”
The two officials, who had been growing more heated, fell silent and turned to the Count.
Strictly speaking, there’s a considerable gap in rank between Count Lipenstein and these two high authorities, yet they showed him ample respect.
“If it’s Lord Lipenstein speaking, we should certainly listen.”
“Please, go ahead.”
He possesses an ability to command universal respect.
That is Count Lipenstein’s most formidable strength.
‘I’ll keep that in mind.’
I made a point of morizing his every movent and manner of speech.
Count Lipenstein smiled kindly, raising his hand slightly to capture everyone’s attention. With a light bow of his head, he began to speak.
“The reason I invited Ian here today is because I anticipated that this topic would beco significant.”
He gestured toward .
Was he telling to stand?
As I rose from my seat, the Count gave a small nod of gratitude.
He continued.
“Since Ian Blackangers is the subject of our discussion, wouldn’t it also be important to hear his own thoughts?”
The Empire’s Foreign Minister, Blitter, frowned slightly, barely maintaining his decorum as he replied.
“Hmph… Count Lipenstein, as you surely know, personal stories are powerless in the face of politics.”
Tap, tap, tap.
Blitter’s fingers drumd against the table as though he found the entire situation a waste of ti.
But Count Lipenstein remained unfazed.
“That is true. However…”
He let a mont of silence hang in the air, drawing everyone’s attention before continuing.
“Perhaps Ian Blackangers has certain… backing, shall we say?”
“Backing?”
Blitter’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“A re Academy student from a defunct noble house? What sort of backing could you possibly an?”
Blitter turned his gaze toward . It was clear that he’d done so basic research.
He must already know a fair amount about —though probably not as much as Count Lipenstein.
Lipenstein’s voice broke the tension.
“Minister Blitter, you are a known supporter of the First Princess, are you not?”
“Indeed.”
“I assu you’ve considered how utilizing Ian Blackangers might benefit Her Highness, the First Princess.”
“…I cannot deny that.”
Count Lipenstein’s piercing line of questioning did not relent. He turned to next.
“Ian Blackangers, who do you support?”
It was a sharp question, and his eyes were clear and unyielding, almost as if they could pierce through .
So this is why I was important.
It was clear what the Count wanted from : to declare which of the three imperial successors I supported.
I smirked slightly.
Part of wanted to ask just when he had figured it out.
Was it when the Princess first arrived at Lichten Academy?
Or had he eavesdropped on one of my conversations with her?
Whatever the case, I gave it a mont’s thought.
Should I reveal that I’m aligned with the Third Princess?
‘There’s no reason not to.’
Asteria Estrid, the Princess of Rebellion.
A political declaration of my support for her.
Though I’ve kept it hidden until now, it would soon beco public knowledge as she began to act in earnest.
The timing was right.
‘Besides, she’s not plotting treason at this stage.’
In that case, coming out with it now was advantageous.
If my revelation could prevent a war between the Empire and the Holy Constantine, then not saying anything would be foolish.
“I support the Third Princess, Asteria Estrid.”
“And to what extent?”
Blitter imdiately pressed further.
I responded firmly.
“Enough to consider myself one of Princess Asteria’s closest aides.”
Scratch, scratch.
Blitter scratched his bare forehead, clearly troubled.
It was only natural.
For the sake of the Empire’s interests, he would have to make use of .
But for the sake of the First Princess, whom he supported, he would have to abandon .
Balancing personal loyalty with national interest was a dilemma even seasoned politicians found challenging.
Finally, Blitter spoke.
“If the First Princess were to make you a hero?”
“Even then, no.”
“What about gold, treasures, or wealth?”
“My answer remains the sa.”
“A high-ranking position in the imperial governnt?”
Persistent questions.
I bowed politely to Blitter.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve already received great assistance from Her Highness Princess Asteria. I cannot part from her.”
“Hah.”
Blitter let out a brief sigh and leaned back in his chair.
He closed his eyes montarily, lost in thought.
The dilemma between national interest and personal power—what would he choose?
“… This matter shall be considered null and void.”
Naturally, his personal gain took precedence.
Just monts ago, he was vehently refusing to hand over to the Holy Constantine.
Now, he had cleanly abandoned the effort.
I held no intention of blaming him for it.
His choice might very well align with the nation’s best interests. Power, after all, allows one to influence more the greater it becos.
To achieve larger ambitions, sotis one must withdraw from smaller battles.
Politicians are inherently calculating beings.
“It seems this matter has been resolved.”
The fox-like Count Lipenstein said with a warm smile and a nod of approval.
‘Well, I guess the sa goes for .’
After all, I was here simply to resolve the “war crisis” flag.
Count Lipenstein and I were temporary allies with aligned purposes. And it seed our objectives had been fulfilled brilliantly.
The remaining disputes were skillfully handled by Count Lipenstein.
I began to relax.
At this point, it seed there was no need to worry about a war between the Holy Constantine and the Empire.
Even an assassination attempt didn’t seem like a significant threat in the current circumstances.
‘With the level of security surrounding the eting hall…’
Assassination wouldn’t be easy.
Though, a na of soone capable of bypassing such security did co to mind.
‘But I already dealt with her.’
She had already lost to and disappeared.
As for the Bloodstone Cult, if they had anyone capable of an assassination attempt, it would’ve been Evan with his shadow manipulation techniques.
And I had already defeated him too.
‘… Maybe it’ll go smoothly like this.’
A fleeting hope crossed my mind.
But as always—truly, without exception—such hopes are usually misplaced.
— Ziiiiiiiiing!
Suddenly, my ears were ringing.
I realized what had happened only after hearing the subsequent explosion.
A thin beam of light, like a laser, had pierced through the roof and carved its way down.
— KABOOM!
An enormous explosion erupted right next to Minister Blitter.
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