379

Episode 379 I knew you'd be here. (1)

No one knows exactly when the period of tribulation began in the previous life.

At one point, unidentified monsters were running wild on the continent.

One thing that is certain is that after the civil war in Rutania ended, the Duke's family pioneered the Forest of the Demons.

At that time, Jisel was a mercenary and was constantly training. Only after being active for a long time during the time of turmoil was he able to ascend to the position of the King of Mercenaries.

'The timing is strangely right.'

Clearly, he changed the future. He defeated Earl Desmond and took control of the North.

Because of her, wars that never happened in her past life have occurred and many things have changed. That's why people think that Giselle hastened the civil war.

'That's true, but… … .'

Looking at the current situation, it is true that he brought forward the civil war. However, compared to his previous life, the time when the civil war broke out was almost the same.

The pro-Prince faction, which had already fallen due to the drought, was completely destroyed during this period.

'In my previous life, the Duke's family easily pushed back the weakened royal faction.'

But this time, the reason the Duke's family moved was not because the Prince's faction had weakened, but because the plan had been ruined because of Jiselle. The Duke's family had no choice but to use force.

Although Jiselle's activities brought the timing forward, he ended up delaying it again by helping the royalist faction during the drought.

As if what was meant to happen had to happen at that time.

'It's actually a good thing for me.'

If the future doesn't go completely awry, it's not hard for him to control the situation.

It was part of this that Jiselle was now preparing not only for civil war but also for a time of turmoil.

Before that time came, everything that needed to be cleared away had to be cleared away.

"You have to decide quickly."

"Umm… … ."

At Giselle's urging, the Marquis of Branford only muttered.

He is a proud nobleman who knows honor. He has never acted without a just cause. That is why he was respected by the nobles of the kingdom.

It was extremely difficult for the Marquis of Branford to strike someone without a justification.

Rather, Maurice, the epitome of simplicity right next to him, was better at this.

"What are you worrying about? You're a bunch of bad guys! Let's hit them right now! I'll take responsibility for it!"

Maurice, who was in a very good mood after receiving so many gifts, was ready to hit anyone Giselle asked him to hit.

Jiselle also slyly intervened.

"If Your Majesty is uncomfortable, I will first clear out the capital with the troops I brought."

"… … ."

The Marquis of Branford chuckled. It was ridiculous. How could it be any different from setting up oneself as a puppet to do something?

'It's time to prove it with strength... ... .'

It's a given that we'll have to fight anyway. If we're going to do that, it's more efficient to hit those who seem suspicious first.

'It is an opportunity to strengthen the royal authority.'

As a wise politician, he also had another benefit in mind: If he wields his power without justification, many will fear him. That fear will become the foundation for the elevation of royal authority.

All you have to do is give up your own beliefs and honor, even if it means being branded a subject above the king.

"I will distribute the list I received. Let's make a surprise attack right away before they notice. Also, relay the news to the lords of each territory right away."

Giselle smiled at the words of the Marquis of Branford, who had made up his mind. And the nobles of the royalist faction looked tense.

Because now I have to swing my sword without any real justification.

Only Maurice cried out curiously.

"Let's gather the kids together and beat them all up right now!"

He moved with excitement. Other nobles of the royalist faction followed him.

Marquis Branford shook his head several times and asked Giselle, his expression showing no sign of fatigue.

"It looks like there's still more to talk about."

"Yes, I have a favor to ask."

"… … ."

As expected, this guy doesn't give anything away for free. What else is he trying to rip off?

Indeed, Jiselle said with a grin.

"Please give me just one gift."

"… … What is it?"

"I would like to obtain one of the Dragon Heart Pieces from the Royal Treasury."

"… … ."

It is no secret that the royal family possesses several pieces of the Dragon Heart. The pieces of the Dragon Heart are among the highest grade treasures in the royal treasury.

The Kingdom of Rutania, with its long history, only had one Dragon Heart. Since humans could not absorb it all, it was broken into pieces and used for loyal subjects for generations.

"It can only be given to those who have pledged loyalty to the royal family."

It's not like I give it to just anyone because they're loyal. I only give it to those who really need it.

In this generation, the Royal Sword Master and the Tower Master of the Royal Magic Tower were granted Dragon Heart Fragments.

In any case, it is something that cannot be given to Jiselle. Not only is he not a person who is loyal to the royal family, but his territory is separate from the royal family.

Jiselle said as if she was frustrated.

"Now is not the time to be saving up for something like that. We need to increase the power of even just one more person."

"Aren't you already a master? Do you really need to be that greedy?"

"It's not me."

"Then who are you going to give it to?"

"You know by now that there is a 6th circle magician in our territory, right? He has the talent to overcome the 7th circle barrier, but his magical power is too weak. Unless it is something like a fragment of the Dragon Heart, he cannot solve that problem."

"Umm… … ."

"The duke has Count Balzac and Ilois. And they have many excellent knights and magicians under their command. The quality and quantity of troops cannot overwhelm the duke. We need at least one more superhuman."

"Hmm… … But isn't it possible that it won't be able to overcome the 7th Circle wall?"

The Royal Sword Master received the piece and went over the wall. However, the Tower Master of the Royal Magic Tower was unable to go over the wall of the 7th Circle even after receiving the piece.

He is a 6th circle wizard with an incredible amount of magical power.

Jiselle said firmly.

"You can definitely get over it. You already have enough enlightenment and knowledge. You just lack the magical power to get over the wall."

Vanessa reached the 7th circle in her previous life even though she had a crappy mana cultivation method. When it comes to magical talent, she is second to none on the continent.

Marquis Branford also knew that Vanessa was a very young wizard to be in the Sixth Circle. Such geniuses were rare in the history of the kingdom.

Still, he was reluctant to give up the royal treasure.

If that idiot is the master and his subordinates are also 7th circles? After he kills the Duke, no one will be able to stop him. It's terrifying to even think about.

"Oh, really? I brought you such a big gift this time."

"… … ."

"I said I'll give you up to 3 rounds, up to 3 rounds!"

"… … ."

"If you don't accept all of that, the war will be difficult, right?"

"… … ."

Giselle was persistent in her pursuit of the Marquis of Branford.

Marquis Branford sighed. This guy will bully people until he gets what he wants.

And even though he was a loser, it was clear that he had no interest in the throne. In order to fight the Duke's family, it would be better to have at least one more strong person.

"Understood. I will consult with my minister and have the piece brought to you as soon as possible. Just wait a few days."

"thank you!"

Jiselle smiled brightly for the first time in a long time.

Vanessa has reached the 6th circle. She will be able to absorb enough fragments and reach the 7th circle.

"Then while you wait, I'll help you organize the capital a little. If you need any troops, please let me know."

"… … Okay."

The Marquis of Branford waved his hands wearily.

As always, what I wanted was a guy who was very picky.

* * *

"Miss, it's been a while. Why have you called me? Is there anything else you need?"

At the top of Kelia, Jeffrey greeted Rosalind with a vulgar smile.

He was a merchant based in the East, and he mainly focused on trade between the East and the capital. As a result, he often stayed in the capital.

He had a lot of dealings with the Marquis of Branford in particular, because Rosalind had a lot of groups, so she needed a lot of supplies.

Chorus.

Rosalind opened her fan, covered her eyes, and opened her mouth.

"You've had a lot of fun thanks to us, right?"

"Yes? Ah… … It is always an honor to do business with the Marquis. Thanks to your consideration, our company is able to operate in this way. I am always grateful."

Jeffrey took it easy on her words, which seemed to be holding something back.

Rosalind chuckled and continued.

"The deal ends today."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"As of today, the Kelia Upper House must close. All of the Upper House's properties in the East will also be seized by the Marquis."

"Wh, what are you talking about!"

Jeffrey cried out in shock at the shocking words.

I couldn't see her expression because her face was covered by a fan, but the murderous look in her eyes told me that what she was saying was no joke.

"Since when did the Marquis become a gang of robbers! All nobles and merchants will condemn the Marquis and stop doing business with him!"

"It doesn't matter."

"What, what did you say?"

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

"What are you talking about!"

"Hit it."

Chaang! Chaang! Chaang!

The knights and soldiers surrounding Rosaline drew their weapons and attacked Geoffrey and his followers.

"Eww!"

The men above were annihilated by the Marquis's forces before they could even raise their weapons. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the knights and soldiers here were of the highest level.

But soon something surprising happened.

Kagagaga River!

Jeffrey had taken out his weapon at some point and blocked all of the attacks from the Marquis' knights. His sword was covered in a blue light.

Rosalind's eyes twitched at the sight.

Blocking the attack of the best knights on a single topic?

The chances are very slim, but if you are born with talent, it is possible. Since you have a lot of money, you will eat well and have a lot of time to practice.

But it was strange that someone with such skills wasn't properly known to the world. In a situation like this, it was suspicious.

And that doubt soon turned into certainty.

"You fucking bitch! How the hell do you know!"

Because Jeffrey, who thought he was already caught, confessed while swearing at Rosalind.

She answered with a smile.

"I don't know. Stop being so ugly and just die."

"This bitch!"

Jeffrey tried to run towards Rosaline in one breath, but his movements were blocked by knights and soldiers.

Kaang! Kaang! Kaang!

Jeffrey's skills were excellent, but he could not handle the troops here alone. He was starting to fall behind more and more.

Phew! Phew! Phew!

In the end, Jeffrey was stabbed with swords all over his body and suffered serious wounds.

"Hehehe… … ."

A knight approached him, laughing and dripping with blood. He was about to cut off his neck.

"Die!"

The knight swung his sword in one breath.

Kaang!

"no?"

Surprisingly, Jeffrey raised his sword again and blocked the attack.

That wasn't all.

Ggggggggggg!

His body began to swell and his clothes began to tear without mercy.

"What, what is it?"

The knight was surprised by the strange phenomenon and took a few steps back. Everyone else also looked surprised.

Jeffrey's muscles grew massively, tendons bulging out as if they were about to burst.

The knights felt a strong pressure of mana that made their bodies tingle. It was hard to believe that such power could come from Jeffrey's body, which was almost dead.

Jeffrey, who was bleeding all over his body, suddenly screamed.

"Kuaaaah!"

Anyone who saw him saw that he had lost his sense of reason. No one could approach him hastily because of his monstrous appearance.

"Kill me quickly!"

Rosaline shouted hastily, folding her fan. The soldiers closest to Jeffrey immediately thrust their spears at him.

Kaang! Kaang! Kaang!

"what...."

But the soldiers' spears could not even penetrate Jeffrey's outer skin.

"Kaaaah!"

Phew!

As Jeffrey swung his sword, the heads of the soldiers at the very front were instantly blown off.

"this guy!"

The knights who came to their senses late swung their swords at the same time. However, Jeffrey ran forward while taking the attack with his whole body.

"miss!"

"Stop it!"

No one could stop Jeffrey, who suddenly ran out. He only ran towards Rosaline.

Even though he lost his mind, he never forgot his goal.

"This, this… … ."

Rosalind's face turned pale as she saw Jeffrey, who had come up to her in an instant.

The Marquis's knights could stop any strong man. I never imagined that Jeffrey would be even stronger than that.

No, it would be more accurate to say that I didn't know he would become such a monster.

"Kurrrrrr!"

Jeffrey's distorted face seemed to be smiling.

As soon as he closed the distance with Rosaline, he swung his sword.

Rosalind squeezed her eyes shut. The knights were running late, but it was already too late.

Saaaaak!

Just before Jeffrey's sword reached Rosaline, a sound like the air was being torn apart resounded.

Phew!

Suddenly, a spear flew from behind her and pierced Jeffrey's body.