[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Chapter 113: The Price to Quell Hatred
Before contacting Allenvert, Rudgarda had a private conversation with Ulbhild Grunewald.
“I never expected the ti for our eting to co so soon.”
“6th Commander… didn’t I tell you?”
Ulbhild’s face revealed her pride in her younger brother.
“Allen is a once-in-a-lifeti prodigy.”
Rudgarda was surprised to see Ulbhild, who was usually so composed, acting so doting toward her brother.
“I heard he completed the mission to retrieve Countess Webern’s tiara all on his own?”
“Let tell you, that was no easy task. Even the Special Operations Division struggled and nearly failed multiple tis.”
Ulbhild nodded.
“The most impressive part is that a greenhouse flower like him, with no prior experience, managed to flawlessly execute such a delicate mission in the unfamiliar and treacherous underworld.”
“Exactly.”
Ulbhild reminisced.
“There were quite a few like that fellows like dead Mordecai. It’s clear there are those outside who are plotting against the Grunewald underworld.”
That was crucial information for the Special Operations Division to monitor.
“But it seems His Excellency, the Black Fog Duke, holds high expectations for Young Master Allenvert.”
The Black Fog Duke Georg. It was a title that carried both power and an air of mystery, evoking fear due to the secrecy surrounding his true intentions.
“And for good reason. The talent Allen has shown is truly exceptional.”
“……I see.”
Rudgarda brushed her hair back.
“So now he has the quiet support of the Black Fog Duke and your full backing, Your Grace. On top of that, he’s surrounded by capable vassals, young but undoubtedly talented—”
For a mont, she marveled at just how much support he had managed to gather.
“The Allen I t was a man with grand ambitions. But before he can challenge for the throne, there’s an issue he must resolve.”
“You an his grudge with Angantyr, don’t you?”
“Correct. That’s why Allen needs…”
Ulbhild’s pale hand pointed at Rudgarda.
“The assistance of soone who shares a common enemy in Angantyr—soone with proven strength and capability.”
“Before I respond to that proposal, there’s sothing I’d like to ask first.”
“Ask away. I don’t mind at all.”
Rudgarda posed her question.
“Your Grace, why are you so intent on making Young Master Allenvert the king of this duchy?”
Ulbhild answered without hesitation.
“Because I believe Allen is the only one who can stand as a worthy rival to my brother, Verdzig.”
“……That won’t be an easy task. You, of all people, know best how formidable a man Verdzig is.”
“Of course.”
Ulbhild let out a soft laugh.
“That’s exactly why I’m trying to help him. It’s not an opponent he can face alone.”
“Now that I hear it, my question seems foolish.”
Rudgarda sighed heavily.
“Very well. Then I’ll et the Young Master in person and make my judgnt.”
A small smile appeared on Ulbhild’s lips.
“Thank you, Sixth Commander. I know this wasn’t an easy decision for you.”
“Thank ?”
Rudgarda shook her head.
“If anything, I should be the one expressing gratitude. I, too, could never have achieved revenge or survival on my own.”
Rudgarda was well aware of it. If things went well, an alliance between her and Allenvert could be the best choice for both of them.
However—
“Will the Young Master truly forgive ?”
“Allen is a wise man.”
Ulbhild answered, then added with a slight cough.
“Though he does occasionally lose his temper and act out, even in front of his brothers and mother. If he does sothing unexpected, don’t be too startled or take it too personally…”
“I’m already accustod to earning others’ hostility.”
Rudgarda replied calmly.
“A little humiliation won’t bother . If that man is truly worthy of entrusting with the fate of my people, I’m prepared to set aside my pride.”
Abandoned by her father and sent away as a hostage, she had struggled to prove her worth.
Amidst cold indifference, she maintained a respectful deanor but never hesitated to bare her fangs when necessary.
As a result, Rudgarda overca countless slights and obstacles, achieved rit, and eventually ca to lead an independent unit within the Special Operations Division.
How many scars remained on her body, and how many more on her heart? All that was left in Rudgarda’s barren heart was a burning desire for survival and revenge.
“How do your vassals feel about this?”
“Half worried, half hopeful. But if I’ve made up my mind, they’ll surely trust and follow .”
“I see.”
Ulbhild nodded. She knew well the extent of loyalty Rudgarda’s vassals held for her.
“……I have no intention of pointlessly clashing with Young Master Allenvert. But before I assess his capabilities, it’s only right that I prepare a gesture of goodwill on my part.”
Ulbhild tilted her head at the unexpected remark.
“Goodwill? Are you planning to prepare a gift?”
“Yes.”
Rudgarda smiled faintly.
“……It will likely be quite a good gift for the Young Master.”
* * *
With the treasured sword Voyager of the Night at my waist, I headed to Ulbhild’s residence. Officially, the purpose of this visit was to receive training from Ulbhild.
“Young master, the sword suits you very well.”
When Peter flattered , I responded with a haughty tone.
“You’ve got a good eye, I see.”
“Hehe, of course.”
Peter grinned awkwardly. I could see right through his thoughts.
“You don’t have to force yourself to cheer up.”
“O-oh, is that so?”
Peter imdiately deflated.
“But if I were in your position, young master, I don’t think I’d feel at ease.”
“It’s not like I’m going to war or anything. Do I look like so fool who can’t tell the difference between public and private matters, like Barclava?”
“No, but… why bring up Young Master Barclava all of a sudden…”
“Shut it. It’s my mood.”
As I walked along the well-polished path, I recalled the conversation I had with Ulbhild.
“She must resent her father.”
When I asked Ulbhild about Rudgarda Angantyr’s feelings, she replied.
“That’s sothing you’ll have to confirm for yourself.”
I was certain her answer was an unspoken affirmation.
But I hadn’t expected the ti for that confirmation to co so soon. After all, the precondition for our eting was that I reach the 4th-tier.
“Young Master, welco.”
Harold, Ulbhild’s adjutant, greeted .
“It’s been a while.”
“Young Lady is waiting for you.”
“Thank you for your guidance.”
As I followed Harold inside, I spotted another familiar face.
“Chase, it’s been a while.”
Perhaps because he had picked a fight with during our first eting and ended up embarrassed, Chase responded awkwardly.
“It’s been a long ti, Young Master.”
“You’re welco to spar with anyti.”
“Ahem, I’ll have to decline. I’d only end up humiliating myself if I faced you now.”
“Good instincts.”
I often exchanged casual banter with the Special Operations Division mbers. Chase glanced at and lowered his voice.
“Young Master, actually, we were recently tasked with retrieving Countess Webern’s tiara.”
“Oh, is that so?”
I asked, surprised.
“I was curious about how that mission was going. Turns out it was you guys handling it.”
“Yes. We had a really tough ti with it.”
“I can imagine.”
I nodded.
“How did you manage to do it all by yourself?”
At Chase’s naive question, I bestowed upon him a wise lesson.
“That’s why I’m considered a once-in-a-generation prodigy.”
“…….”
When I looked back, Harold was staring at with a look of disbelief.
“What, got a problem?”
“Not at all.”
.
.
.
“Allen, co in.”
“It’s good to see you, Sister.”
“It’s been a while. I’ve always been keeping up with your stories.”
Ulbhild smiled faintly.
“By the way, you’ve made quite a difficult decision.”
“It’s only natural, considering how much you’ve done for your younger brother, Sister.”
I replied politely. Harold was staring at with a look of disgust, as if I were so insufferable creature.
“Let’s go. I’ve prepared a private chamber.”
Ulbhild addressed Harold and Peter.
“You two, wait here.”
“Yes.”
“Yesss.”
Ulbhild conjured a blue mana orb in her palm to illuminate the dark corridor.
“Forgive . This matter requires the utmost secrecy.”
“I don’t mind at all.”
As I followed Ulbhild, I took a mont to reflect on her intentions.
‘Ulbhild is acting according to her own sches and grand strategy.’
Her goal is to prevent Verdzig from becoming the next Duke of Grunewald, and she’s chosen as the counterbalance to him.
Then, as an ally, she’s trying to pair with Rudgarda—her comrade, my enemy, and soone disowned by her own family.
‘It’s not an easy idea to conceive, nor is it an easy plan to execute.’
Even though I’ve done nothing for her, I’ve unexpectedly found myself in her debt. Therefore, it’s only right that I respond in a manner befitting her sincerity.
“Allen, don’t let your emotions get the better of you.”
Ulbhild offered a word of caution, tinged with concern.
“Just as you’ve endured deep anguish and trials, she too has faced her own share of hardships.”
“…….”
She’s right. She’s probably worried that the flas of hatred within might burn out of control, beyond even my own reason.
“…….”
If it weren’t for the calming effects of the Eternal Ocean Chain Technique, I might not have been able to maintain my composure.
‘Calm down.’
The boy curled up in the depths of my mind seed to stir uneasily.
‘Do you plan to let yourself be consud by hatred and burn to ashes, accomplishing nothing? Sorry, young and weak boy, but self-destruction isn’t my style.’
As if understanding my words, the pounding of my heart gradually subsided.
“Phew.”
I exhaled deeply and spoke.
“I’m truly fine now, Sister.”
“……Go in. From here on, it’s a conversation just between the two of you.”
Ulbhild stepped aside.
And the door to the private chamber opened.
***
“……Are you Allenvert Grunewald, the Fourth Young Master?”
A warrior with an exotic appearance, sun-tanned skin, and an impressively trained physique was waiting for .
“So, you are Rudgarda Angantyr.”
There she stood—the daughter of the enemy who usurped my grandfather’s throne and destroyed the lives of my mother and .
‘Stay calm, Allenvert.’
Clear away the fog of hatred and let wisdom guide you.
“……I am grateful that you agreed to et , Young Master.”
Rudgarda was a warrior with black hair, slightly tanned skin, a well-developed fra, and intense eyes.
She bore the appearance of the mountain tribes, or as so would call them with disdain, the barbarians.
‘Unbelievably strong.’
Even with her aura suppressed, I could easily sense that Rudgarda was a rare powerhouse and a master of her craft.
“Let introduce myself formally.”
A warrior who could easily take my life if she wished, cautiously gauging my reaction, began to speak.
“My na is Rudgarda Angantyr. I am a descendant of the mountain tribes from the sacred Virgenhrid Mountains, one who carries the blood of a usurper. I am a daughter abandoned by her father, a hostage in the Grunewald, and the commander of the external unit in the Special Operations Division.”
A fla of anger rose within , but I suppressed it and held it back.
“My na is Allenvert Grunewald. I share the blood of the mountain tribes like you, a descendant of the Grunewald lineage. I am the grandson of a usurped king, one who has returned from seclusion and despair, and an avenger.”
I don’t know if this is Angantyr’s custom or a unique tradition of the mountain tribes. I simply responded in kind to Rudgarda’s greeting.
At my words, Rudgarda’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
“……However, I cannot help that my body feels hatred for the blood of Angantyr.”
I picked up a water bottle placed nearby, poured it into a cup, and spoke again.
“So tell , daughter of my enemy.”
My outstretched finger pointed at Rudgarda’s heart like a blade.
“What can you promise in exchange for joining hands with ?”
I needed a price to quell my hatred.
[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
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