CHAPTER 132

Rodeo's face froze for a moment.

He never expected to be so openly humiliated like this.

He hadn't thought Elric would welcome him warmly. 

But with Prince Cromhel present, Rodeo assumed Elric would keep his composure, which he planned to exploit, using the situation to gain the upper hand and gradually steer the conversation towards Melvinger's inheritance.

But Elric didn't care for any of that and had humiliated him outright.

Rodeo's face turned beet red in an instant.

But Elric continued, undeterred.

"Oh? You're just going to stand there? Should I say it again? Not going to show some respect? Or should I write a formal letter to the Count?"

Elric cocked his head slightly, his tone dripping with sarcasm, giving Rodeo one more push.

In the end, Rodeo had no choice but to bow his head.

"…I apologize for my rudeness, Your Grace."

"If you know you were rude, then get lost. I don't want to see you."

"…."

Rodeo backed away awkwardly.

Elric brushed past him without a second glance, utterly disregarding him. Rodeo clenched his teeth in anger but couldn't dare to respond.

『What a fool.』

Mephistopheles snorted as he watched Rodeo.

After being humiliated like that in front of so many people, he should've either fought back or shown some attempt to reconcile. But the fact that he just stood there, holding it in, proved that he was nothing more than a small-minded coward.

For Mephistopheles, who had once respected the Franz family, seeing what they had become over time was laughable.

[That's exactly why I'm ignoring him. He just wants to flaunt his status.]

In truth, Elric didn't have fond memories of Rodeo Franz.

–I have no other choice, Elric. Father decided this. But there is a way... want to hear it? We can become family.

The Franz family had once been the most loyal vassals of the Melvingers—or so Elric had thought.

As a child, Elric had followed Rodeo's father, the head of the Franz family, calling him "uncle." Even Heize, who disliked most of the vassal families, had opened her heart to them.

But it had all been a deception.

The Franz family, while pretending to be loyal, had stolen what little remained of the Melvinger family's wealth.

And when the truth was revealed and the Franz family finally severed ties, they had the audacity to propose a marriage alliance as they left—offering to wed their eldest son to Heize to absorb the prestigious name of the Melvingers entirely.

Of course, both Heize and Elric had rejected the offer outright, after which they had been left to live in their deteriorating estate.

For Elric, the memory of that betrayal was still vivid, too painful for a child to have endured.

Now, seeing the source of that betrayal acting so arrogantly, Elric was barely holding back from hurling a fireball at him on the spot.

'So the Fourth Prince has aligned himself with the Franz family? Well, that's not very appealing.'

Elric sneered and then turned to greet Prince Cromhel, who was watching with interest.

"Head of the Melvinger family, current Duke of Radiant Star, Elric Melvinger greets His Highness, Prince Cromhel."

"A pleasure. I am Cromhel."

'Hmm? No big reaction?'

Elric realized something about Prince Cromhel, even without speaking much.

Despite his subordinate being humiliated, the prince wasn't offended, nor did he see it as a disgrace. Instead, he found it amusing.

This could mean one of two things:

Either he didn't care much for his subordinates.

'Or he knows exactly what kind of person Rodeo Franz is and found my reaction refreshing.'

Elric leaned toward the latter.

'If he didn't care about his subordinates, his actions toward the Border Guard wouldn't have been so genuine.'

With that, Elric confirmed his initial impression—Prince Cromhel was definitely more decent than the sniveling Crown Prince.

However, as Elric shook hands with the prince, something made him tense up.

[You used body strengthening art, didn't you?]

Elric was startled for two reasons.

First, Cromhel had used Sound Conduction, a technique that was supposed to be lost to time.

And second.

'He recognized the body strengthening art?'

Body Strengthening Art was an ancient discipline that had nearly been lost. Elric had been using it freely, assuming no one would recognize it, claiming it was just another form of martial arts.

Even Augustine had only been suspicious of it but never brought it up directly.

Yet Cromhel had noticed it immediately, which could cause complications.

So Elric played dumb.

[I'm not sure what you mean. If you're referring to martial arts, then yes, that's correct.]

[Ah, no need to worry. I'm aware that body strengthening art is considered forbidden by the Magic Tower. I have no intention of telling anyone, haha!]

[…]

'This guy's sharper than I thought.'

Elric clicked his tongue inwardly.

"Ah, let's not stand out here talking. Come inside, where we can continue the conversation properly. There are shower facilities as well, so you can clean up."

At Prince Cromhel's suggestion, Elric glanced at Herman, who nodded, and he agreed to follow.

Thus, the meeting began earlier than scheduled.

***

"…Elric Melvinger, how dare you!"

Rodeo Franz trembled with rage as he stood alone after Prince Cromhel and the others left the dueling ground, not a single glance cast in his direction.

Even the agent assigned by the 13th Division of the Inspection Bureau to protect him had abandoned him.

The moment they realized Rodeo was useless, they had discarded him.

This realization only deepened Rodeo's anger.

If Elric hadn't responded the way he did, this humiliation wouldn't have happened.

Now, he couldn't even carry out the orders his father had given him, which made him seethe even more.

'Damn it…!'

His eyes burned red with fury.

***

Elric changed into formal attire after the duel, quickly tidied his hair, and entered the room where Prince Cromhel awaited, accompanied by Sean.

The two had already discussed what Cromhel might propose. They expected him to offer various benefits in exchange for their support, which they planned to negotiate slowly.

Neither expected Cromhel to offer anything too substantial without some trust or rapport already in place.

But

"What do you think about restoring the old Melvinger territory?"

Cromhel wasted no time, immediately throwing out an unexpected proposal the moment Elric sat down.

For the first time, even the normally stoic Elric was visibly surprised.

『Haha! What a bold move! He knows exactly how to seize control of negotiations.』

Even Mephistopheles couldn't help but laugh in admiration.

Elric quickly composed himself and replied calmly.

"I'm not sure what you mean, Your Highness."

"I'm not one for drawn-out negotiations. I prefer to make things clear and simple. If the Melvinger family sides with me, that's what I can offer."

At that moment, an attendant whispered something into Cromhel's ear.

"Oh, it seems I made a mistake. My apologies. I meant a land equivalent to the old Melvinger estate... I'm offering you the border territory currently held by the Red Lion. How does that sound?"

The collapse of the Melvinger family had largely been due to their land being completely devastated.

During the height of the Demon Wars, the demons had cursed the land so thoroughly that it became a barren wasteland where nothing could grow.

The only property the Melvingers still owned was a small manor on the outskirts of their former territory.

Cromhel, upon being informed of this, corrected himself and offered Elric the land currently governed by the Margrave Wynz, which, despite being near dangerous zones, had become incredibly valuable after years of development.

Considering how many nobles were eagerly waiting for such rewards from Cromhel, his offer was incredibly bold.

He was essentially promising to deal with any backlash from other nobles himself.

However,

"I'm just a mere citizen of the Empire, Your Highness. I only serve at the pleasure of the Emperor."

Seeing there was nothing more to be gained from this negotiation, Elric decided to draw a line.

–Once the negotiations are over, flip the table.

–What? Then why are we even negotiating?

–Why? To see how much I'm worth.

–You crazy bastard…

Sean had been baffled when Elric had mentioned his plan earlier but eventually agreed to let Elric handle it.

The battle for the throne had yet to fully surface. There was no need to align with anyone just yet.

Elric's goal was to assess how Cromhel valued him.

If the prince threw a fit over the negotiation falling through, Elric would know he wasn't worth worrying about and could simply walk away.

"Of course. But my offer still stands, so consider it. If there's something more you need, I'm willing to add conditions."

But Cromhel's response was so direct and composed that Elric found himself at a loss for words.

Even Sean, surprised by the prince's straightforwardness, blinked in astonishment. Only Herman, who had known the prince's character, seemed unsurprised by how things had unfolded.

'Should I push it further?'

Elric was curious to see how far Cromhel's boldness would go.

"In that case, Your Highness, may I ask for one favor?"

"Anything, as long as it's within my power."

"You're aware of the history between my family and the Franz family, correct?"

"I am. And?"

"If you want the support of the Melvinger family, give me Rodeo Franz's arm."

"Hah."

Cromhel chuckled in disbelief, while Sean stared at Elric as if he'd lost his mind.

He was asking for an arm? That was basically demanding they completely cut ties with the Franz family.

"You do understand what you're asking, don't you? Even though I'm not fond of Rodeo Franz, the Franz family has pledged their loyalty to me."

"The Melvingers and the Franz family are like oil and water. I hope you'll consider it that way."

"This is madness."

Cromhel smiled wryly.

"Honestly, the reason I arranged this meeting wasn't just for negotiations. I simply wanted to meet you."

"Me, Your Highness?"

"Yes. A man who was once called a disgrace to his prestigious family but is now hailed as the Hero of Lacente... A man who vanquished the Winter General, the calamity that plagued the Black Snowfield… Naturally, as a warrior, I was curious."

Elric quickly glanced at Herman, who seemed just as surprised.

'Has the Inspection Bureau's reach extended even into the Black Snowfield?'

Or maybe the Border Guard had relayed the information to Cromhel.

Either way, it was clear that Cromhel's influence and resources were formidable.

"But now that I've met you, I feel even more certain that it was the right decision."

Cromhel's smile deepened.

"I wanted to make sure we could build a friendship first, before discussing any formal alliances. And for that, a token of friendship seems necessary. What should we do?"

Suddenly, Cromhel clapped his hands loudly, summoning a servant.

"You called, Your Highness?"

"Bring Sir Rodeo Franz here."

Sean's eyes widened in disbelief, while Herman watched the scene unfold with growing interest.

Elric, too, waited in curiosity, wondering how Cromhel would respond.

Before long, Rodeo, looking puzzled, was led into the room by the servant, unaware of what was happening.

Naturally, all eyes in the room turned to him.

"Sir Rodeo Franz."

"Yes, Your Highness. What is your command?"

Despite sensing something was off, Rodeo bowed respectfully, trying to read the situation.

In his mind, he thought Cromhel and Elric must have reached an impasse and needed him as a mediator.

'Yes, they need me. Elric, you fool. Do you think I'll let this go?'

The 13th Bureau had told him that Elric had already severed ties with the Crown Prince, and Cromhel needed the prestige of the Melvinger family.

It was clear that an alliance between them was necessary, and Rodeo was the best mediator to make it happen. If he played his cards right, he could turn the tables and regain the upper hand.

"You are my loyal servant, correct?"

"My family and I have long pledged our loyalty to you, Your Highness."

"So you'll forgive me for anything I might do, won't you?"

Rodeo, sensing that something was off, raised his head—only to see Cromhel's sword descending toward him.

Slicing through the air, it severed Rodeo's left arm in an instant.

"Aaaaagh! My arm! My arm!"

The blade had veered off at the last moment, sparing Rodeo's life but leaving him crippled, his left arm severed. Blood pooled on the floor as Rodeo screamed in agony.

With a smirk, Cromhel turned to Elric.

"How about now? Do you think we can be friends?"

At that moment, Elric realized something.

'This prince is one crazy bastard.'

It became clear that Cromhel was far more formidable—and far more insane—than Elric had initially thought.

[T/L: You can read ahead chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]