Chapter 379: So, You Were Here (1)

No one knew exactly when the era of tribulation began in the previous life.

One day, monstrous beasts of unknown origin began rampaging across the continent.

What was certain, however, was that it occurred after the Lutania civil war ended and the duchy began developing the Forest of Demonic Beasts.

At the time, Ghislain was living as a mercenary, relentlessly honing his skills. It was only after playing a pivotal role during the era of tribulation that he rose to the position of Mercenary King.

'The timing lines up strangely well.'

He had definitely altered the future. He had defeated Count Desmond and seized dominance in the North.

Wars that didn't happen in his past life had now unfolded, and many things had changed. Because of this, people believed that Ghislain had expedited the civil war.

'That's not wrong, but...'

Looking at the current situation, it was true that he had accelerated the civil war. However, compared to his previous life, the timing of the civil war was nearly the same.

In his past life, the Royalist faction, already weakened by drought, had completely collapsed by this point.

'In the previous life, the weakened Royalist faction was easily crushed by the duchy around now.'

But this time, the duchy's move wasn't because the Royalist faction was weak; it was because Ghislain had thoroughly disrupted their plans. The duchy had been forced into action.

While Ghislain's actions accelerated the timeline, his support during the drought had delayed it once again.

It was almost as if events meant to happen at a certain time were destined to occur regardless.

'For me, it's actually advantageous.'

As long as the future didn't veer completely off course, controlling the situation wouldn't be difficult.

Ghislain's preparations extended beyond the civil war; he was also preparing for the era of tribulation.

Before that time arrived, he needed to eliminate certain obstacles.

"You need to decide quickly."

"Hmm…"

At Ghislain's urging, Marquis Branford only let out a low groan.

He was a proud noble who valued honor. He had never acted without justification, which was why he commanded respect among the kingdom's nobles.

For such a man, launching an attack without justification was a difficult decision.

Surprisingly, Maurice, the embodiment of simplicity, was better suited for situations like this.

"What's there to think about? They're bad guys, right? Let's hit them right now! I'll take responsibility!"

Having received an abundance of gifts, Maurice was in high spirits and seemed ready to attack anyone Ghislain asked him to.

Ghislain subtly chimed in.

"If it's uncomfortable for you, Marquis, I can use my forces to handle the capital first."

"....."

Marquis Branford let out a small laugh. The suggestion was absurd. It was no different from being reduced to a puppet while Ghislain took charge.

'Proving things through power, is it…'

It was already certain that fighting would happen. If they wanted to minimize risks, it was more efficient to strike suspicious targets first.

'It's also an opportunity to strengthen royal authority.'

True to his cunning nature as a seasoned politician, he considered the potential benefits. Using force without justification would instill fear, and that fear could serve as the foundation for strengthening royal authority.

All he had to do was set aside his principles and honor. Even if it meant being branded a servant standing above the king.

"I will distribute the list you provided. Launch surprise attacks before they catch wind of it. Notify the lords of each territory immediately."

Ghislain smiled as Marquis Branford made his decision, while the Royalist nobles tensed.

They were now about to wield their swords without any justification.

Only Maurice seemed unaffected, shouting enthusiastically.

"Gather the troops and let's hit them all right now!"

He moved eagerly, and the other Royalist nobles followed suit.

Shaking his head a few times, Marquis Branford, unable to hide his fatigue, turned to Ghislain.

"It seems you have more to discuss."

"Yes, there is a favor I'd like to ask."

"..."

Of course, this man never came without expecting something in return. What would he want to take now?

Sure enough, Ghislain grinned and said.

"I'd like just one gift."

"...What is it?"

"A piece of dragon heart from the royal treasury."

"....."

It wasn't a secret that the royal family possessed a few pieces of dragon heart. These were among the kingdom's most treasured relics.

The Kingdom of Lutania, with its long history, had managed to obtain only a single dragon heart. Since humans couldn't fully absorb its power, they divided it into fragments, passing them down to the most loyal retainers.

"That's something that can only be given to those who have proven absolute loyalty to the crown."

And even then, it wasn't given lightly. It was reserved only for those truly deemed worthy.

In this generation, the royal swordmaster and the tower lord of the royal magic tower had each received a piece of the dragon heart.

In any case, there was no way it could be given to Ghislain. Not only did he lack loyalty to the crown, but his estate was also far removed from the royal family's interests.

Ghislain spoke in an exasperated tone.

"This isn't the time to be stingy with things like that. We need to increase our strength as much as possible."

"You're already a Master. Do you really need such greed?"

"It's not for me."

"Then who is it for?"

"You're aware that my estate has a 6th-circle mage, aren't you? She has the talent to break through the 7th-circle wall but lacks sufficient mana. Without a piece of dragon heart, this problem cannot be resolved."

"Hmm…"

"The duchy has Count Balzac and Ilois. Not to mention the excellent knights and mages under their command. In terms of quality and quantity, we cannot surpass the duchy's forces. We need one more superhuman at least."

"Hmm… But what if she fails to break through the 7th-circle wall?"

The royal swordmaster had succeeded after receiving a piece of the dragon heart. However, the tower lord of the royal magic tower had failed, becoming a 6th-circle mage with an excessive amount of mana.

Ghislain spoke firmly.

"I'm certain she'll succeed. She already possesses enough knowledge and enlightenment. She only lacks the mana to overcome the wall."

In her previous life, Vanessa had reached the 7th-circle despite using a flawed mana cultivation technique. Her talent for magic was unmatched on the continent.

Marquis Branford also knew Vanessa was exceptionally young for a 6th-circle mage. Such prodigies were rare in the kingdom's history.

Even so, handing over one of the kingdom's treasures didn't sit well with him.

If that lunatic became a Master, and his subordinate reached the 7th-circle, who could stop him after the duchy was dealt with? The thought alone was horrifying.

"Really? After everything I've brought? You're still going to hold out on me?"

"..."

"I told you I'm bringing three rounds of gifts. Three rounds!"

"..."

"You'll struggle with this war without those supplies."

"..."

Ghislain relentlessly pestered Marquis Branford, wearing him down.

With a sigh, Marquis Branford finally relented. Ghislain wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

And while he was a troublemaker, he was at least uninterested in the throne. Against the duchy, having one more powerful ally wasn't a bad thing.

"Fine. I'll consult with the prime minister and arrange to bring the fragment as soon as possible. Wait a few days."

"Thank you!"

Ghislain's smile was brighter than it had been in a long time.

Vanessa, a 6th-circle mage, would surely be able to absorb the fragment and ascend to the 7th-circle.

"While I wait, I'll help clean up the capital a bit. Let me know if you need additional forces."

"...Do as you like."

With a tired wave of his hand, Marquis Branford dismissed Ghislain.

As always, he got exactly what he wanted.

"Young lady, it's been a while. What business do you have with me? Is there anything you need?"

Jeffery, the head of the Kelia Merchant Guild, greeted Rozalin with a sly smile.

His guild, based in the East, primarily facilitated trade between the East and the capital. As such, he often stayed in the capital.

Jeffery conducted extensive business with Marquis Branford's household. With Rozalin overseeing many organizations, her needs for supplies were substantial.

Srrrrk.

Rozalin opened her fan, concealing her eyes below, and began to speak.

"You've profited greatly because of us, haven't you?"

"Pardon? Ah... It's always an honor to do business with the Marquis. Thanks to your patronage, our guild has been able to thrive. I'm always deeply grateful."

Despite the sharp edge in her tone, Jeffery responded smoothly.

Rozalin let out a faint laugh and continued.

"Our business ends today."

"What? What do you mean?"

"The Kelia Merchant Guild will shut down today. All its assets in the East will be seized by the Marquis."

"W-What are you talking about?"

Jeffery cried out, dumbfounded by her shocking words.

Her fan concealed her face, but the killing intent in her eyes made it clear she wasn't joking.

"When did the Marquis become a band of thieves? All the nobles and merchants will condemn you and sever their ties with the Marquis!"

"I don't care."

"What... What did you say?"

"It's over now, you dogs of the duchy."

"What nonsense is this?"

"Attack."

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The knights and soldiers surrounding Rozalin drew their weapons and attacked Jeffery and his men.

"Ahhhhh!"

The guild's men were slaughtered before they could even draw their weapons. The Marquis's forces were some of the finest, making it a one-sided massacre.

Then, something surprising happened.

Ka-ga-ga-ga-kang!

Jeffery, who had somehow drawn his weapon, blocked the knights' coordinated attacks. His sword glimmered with a faint blue light.

Rozalin's eyes narrowed as she observed him.

A mere guild leader fending off elite knights?

It was unlikely but possible if he were naturally gifted. With wealth to afford the best food and ample time for training, such skill wasn't impossible.

But for someone of such caliber to remain obscure was strange. In this situation, suspicion was warranted.

Her doubts soon turned into certainty.

"You wretched woman! How did you find out?"

Jeffery snarled at Rozalin, spewing harsh words as he effectively confessed.

She smiled faintly and replied.

"You don't need to know. Stop struggling and die."

"You wench!"

Jeffery lunged at Rozalin in a fit of rage. But his movement was immediately intercepted by the knights and soldiers.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Despite his exceptional skills, Jeffery couldn't withstand the combined assault of the Marquis's forces. He was gradually pushed back.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Finally, Jeffery was stabbed repeatedly, his body riddled with wounds.

"Heh... heh..."

Bleeding profusely, he still managed a grim laugh. One of the knights approached, sword raised to deliver the final blow.

"Die!"

The knight swung his blade without hesitation.

Clang!

"What?"

To everyone's shock, Jeffery managed to raise his sword and block the attack again.

But that wasn't all.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

His body began to swell unnaturally, tearing through his clothes.

"W-What's happening?"

The knight stumbled back in shock, and the others also stared, dumbfounded.

Jeffery's muscles expanded grotesquely, veins bulging as if they were about to burst.

The air grew heavy with an overwhelming pressure of mana, making the knights' bodies tremble. It was unbelievable that such power emanated from someone who had been on the brink of death.

Jeffery, still bleeding all over, suddenly let out a deafening roar.

"Graaaaaaah!"

Anyone could see that he had lost his sanity. His monstrous transformation left everyone frozen in place, unable to act.

"Kill him now!"

Rozalin snapped her fan shut and shouted urgently. The soldiers nearest to Jeffery immediately thrust their spears at him.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

"W-What the..."

But the spears couldn't even pierce Jeffery's skin.

"Kaaaaargh!"

Slash!

With one swing of his sword, Jeffery decapitated the soldiers at the front.

"You bastard!"

The knights, finally snapping out of their shock, attacked simultaneously. But Jeffery charged forward, taking their strikes head-on.

"Young Lady Rozalin!"

"Block him!"

No one could stop Jeffery as he dashed forward. His target was clear—Rozalin.

Even in his madness, he hadn't forgotten his objective.

"This... this can't be…"

Seeing Jeffery close the distance in an instant, Rozalin's face turned pale.

The Marquis's knights could fend off most formidable enemies, but no one expected Jeffery to be this powerful.

No one anticipated he would turn into such a monster.

"Graaaaaah!"

Jeffery's twisted face seemed to sneer as if he were laughing.

As soon as he closed the gap, he swung his sword at Rozalin.

Rozalin squeezed her eyes shut, the knights still too far to intervene in time.

Swoosh!

Just before Jeffery's sword could reach her, a sharp sound ripped through the air.

Thud!

A spear, thrown from behind her, pierced Jeffery's body, stopping him in his tracks.

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