489

Episode 489: For the Royal Family. (2)

Raoul smiled. He had no fear that this might be an enemy trick.

All you have to do is send one high priest. If something goes wrong, you'll only lose that one person.

Losing a superhuman is a big deal, but there's no way he'd do something this big for such a small gain.

"Victor Domont. What a wicked man you are."

If the King regains his strength, the Marquis of Branford will be in for a real headache.

Although he would not easily fall from power as he was at the pinnacle of the pro-prince faction's power, he would not be able to prevent the pro-prince faction's nobles from splitting up.

And at the center of the new power will inevitably be Viscount Domont, who carried out this work.

I thought he was a very quiet and serious person. That's why he was promoted to the position of chief chamberlain.

But who would have thought he would have such an ambition?

"This is a really great opportunity for us."

When the king regains his energy and begins to interfere in state affairs, the chain of command is bound to become chaotic.

The King will try to oppose the Marquis of Branford, if only for the sake of his own power.

In other words, the Marquis of Branford's greatest justification for protecting the royal family as a pro-royalist faction has disappeared.

It was something that had to succeed in order to cause internal division. That was why Gatoros also chose the right person after much thought.

"Flaccus, this must succeed. Do you understand?"

"Okay, don't worry."

Flaccus was a middle-aged man with a gentle and kind appearance, the kind of appearance one might argue a priest should have.

Colhen and Flaccus, who had received the earnest instructions from Gatorus, headed straight to the capital.

Because things had to proceed quickly before the Royal Army reorganized and rushed to the southern front.

The journey was not difficult. The superhuman Flaccus was able to sweep away any number of thieves in one breath.

"Wow, that's amazing."

Flaccus responded to Colhen's admiration with a gentle smile.

"It's nothing. If Confucius truly believes in our god, he can gain this power. If things go well in the future, I will recommend Confucius for a high-ranking position in the religious community."

Colhen nodded with the aforementioned expression. It was already spilled milk. If he could have this kind of power, he felt he could throw himself into the Salvation Church.

'I've been living like a frog in a well for too long!'

I thought they were a truly evil group that the kingdom and the church were enemies of. But after spending a few days with them, I realized that there was no one as gentlemanly as them.

As expected, preconceptions are not good. Colhen was determined to succeed in this undertaking and gain great power and superhuman strength.

The two were able to enter the capital safely, without any interference until then.

Viscount Domont welcomed Flaccus warmly. He was overjoyed that his son had completed his mission so well.

'From now on, it's important.'

The Marquis of Branford will already know that Colhen has brought Flaccus. He must be brought safely to the King before he fully realizes the whole story.

Viscount Domont and Flaccus entered the palace late at night. Thanks to their positions as chamberlains, they faced no particular obstacles.

But just before they could enter the king's chambers, they were stopped by the knights.

"Please wait a moment."

"How rude. I am on my way at the summons of Your Majesty."

"You can't just go because you have company."

"… … ."

I expected this much. I had no choice but to wait until the Marquis of Branford arrived.

Let's wait a moment. The Marquis of Branford will soon arrive and ask.

"Your Majesty, who is this man that you are bringing to Your Majesty at this late hour? I know that he is the son who went on a tour and brought him. What happened outside that caused all the attendants to disappear and that you yourself came back like a beggar?"

As expected, he knew everything. Everything that happened in the capital could not escape the eyes and ears of the Marquis of Branford.

Viscount Domont said, calming his trembling heart.

"His Majesty has asked to see this person."

"Why?"

"My son was on a trip and was in great danger when he encountered bandits. This person helped him. When I told His Majesty about it, he said he wanted to see it in person and congratulate me."

"Hmm, is that so?"

"Yes. In addition, this person is said to be a great magician and healer. His Majesty also wished to see your condition."

"I see."

Marquis Branford nodded several times, answering with an indifferent expression.

"Okay, then you can leave him alone for now."

"His Majesty has asked to see you."

"I cannot allow Your Majesty to meet someone whose identity I do not even know. I will release him after a thorough investigation. Take him with you."

The knights approached and grabbed Flaccus' arms. Flaccus looked around nervously.

I had already heard from Viscount Domont that something like this would happen. Viscount Domont had told me to trust him and not to make any hasty moves.

'If that doesn't work, we'll have to kill the Marquis of Branford.'

It was a second-best option, but it wasn't too bad.

If he attacked the Marquis of Branford, he would die here, but he would sacrifice himself for the church.

Although the distance was not that far, Flaccus could not move hastily.

'The prayer of the guy next to me is not easy.'

Toleo, the commander of the Marquis's Knights who guarded the Marquis of Branford, was a knight of the highest rank. With his skill, he could have given the Marquis of Branford enough time to escape.

Flaccus also felt this and continued to struggle. The priests of the Salvation Church lacked combat skills, so if they wanted to launch a surprise attack, they had to succeed in one go.

'Damn… … You keep watching me.'

Toleo placed his hand on the scabbard and stood one step ahead of the Marquis of Branford. He never let his guard down, as was befitting a knight commander of the Marquis' house.

'What should I do?'

The best thing to do was to meet the King and persuade him. Then the royal army would either retreat or split up.

Flaccus decided to trust Viscount Domont a little longer and wait.

Indeed, Viscount Domont did not back down as usual.

"How can you do this? Even if you are the Minister of the Imperial Household, you cannot do this. Didn't His Majesty call you?"

"So you're saying we'll investigate and then release him?"

"Your Majesty's condition is getting worse by the day! What's the problem with this person seeing your Majesty's body for a little while?"

"The greatest magicians and priests in the kingdom have been trying for over ten years, but to no avail. Your Majesty is also seriously ill. Do you really think he can cure you?"

"This person is a great wizard. I have personally verified this! Even if he fails, it will not be any different from now! Why would you trample on even a small hope?"

At those words, the Marquis of Branford's eyes turned cold.

"A wandering wizard confidently cures diseases that even the magicians and priests of the kingdom cannot cure? Then that would not be a normal method."

"Wh, what… … ."

"I wouldn't say that unless it was black magic or sorcery. I can't allow the noble royal blood to use such methods."

The Marquis of Branford spoke coldly and nodded to the knights.

"Take him and go. I will immediately investigate whether he is truly an excellent wizard."

"Profit! What right do you have to say such things! How can you disregard His Majesty's authority like this!"

"For the royal family."

"How can you say you are serving the royal family when you disregard the king!"

The Marquis of Branford furrowed his brow at those words. Those were the words Viscount Dormont had said that he hated the most.

But the Marquis of Branford also knew how his actions would be perceived by others, including by the gossip of the world.

That's why he didn't make excuses. He just spoke coldly.

"Take the chief attendant with you. He's acting suspiciously, so we should investigate together."

Clank, clank, clank.

The knights moved and captured Viscount Domont. They surrounded the two men to prevent them from resisting freely.

Placus swallowed hard.

'Is it a failure?'

The timing for a surprise attack has already passed. Even if you can get through these knights, you won't be able to assassinate the Marquis of Branford in one go.

But Count Domont gritted his teeth, braced his legs, and held on. He shouted loudly and stalled for time. It was an action he took because he had something he wanted.

Just before the two people were about to be dragged away, a group of people appeared.

"Stop!"

The Marquis of Branford frowned.

What appeared were the Royal Knights, and Count Palantz, the Sword Master of the Kingdom of Rutania and the Commander of the Royal Knights.

The Marquis of Branford asked, not hiding his displeasure.

"Count Palant, what is the matter?"

"Your Majesty's command. Please stop."

"What?"

"His Majesty has arrived."

The royal knights spread out to the left and right to make way for them. Soon a skinny old man appeared on the back of one of the knights.

It was Berhem, the king of Rutania.

Berhem glared at the Marquis of Branford with bloodshot eyes.

"Didn't Jim… … call you… … ?"

"Your Majesty. This person is of unknown status."

"Wangin… … Didn't I say I called you!"

"… … ."

"You… … How can you… … be so reckless!"

"For the royal family."

"I… … am the king! Without me… … this kingdom… … has no meaning! What's the difference between you… … and that woman! Cough!"

Berhem, who had been crying out in sorrow, began to vomit up blood. His eyes rolled back so much that the whites of his eyes were visible.

The royal wizard standing next to him was startled and immediately cast his magic.

"Your Majesty! Please come to your senses!"

The royal wizard was not a superhuman, but he absorbed the dragon heart fragment and was filled with magical power. He poured out his magical power diligently and held onto Berhem's life.

Count Palantz spoke to the Marquis of Branford.

"Please give in just this once today. Your Majesty is in a very bad mood."

The Marquis of Branford glared at Viscount Domont. It was clear that they had already agreed on a deal.

If I were to drag them all out here, I would have to risk an armed conflict with the Royal Knights. I was confident I would win, but if I did, the King would really die.

The Marquis of Branford gritted his teeth and bowed his head slightly to Berhem.

"I'll take my leave now."

Berhem was already half out of his mind and couldn't answer. He just kept panting.

The Marquis of Branford spoke to the knights.

"After the audience, arrest the attendant and the author."

With those words, the Marquis of Branford turned away. Only the words that Berhem had shouted continued to linger in his mind.

― You… … What's the difference between you and that girl!

I knew that I was becoming more and more like the 'Shadow Knight Commander' that I had hated so much in my youth.

But there was nothing that could be done. The kingdom was gradually declining.

The aristocrats' evil deeds were still sky-high, the dukes were targeting the royal family and starting wars. Socializing was rampant and monsters were running rampant.

Because of this, the people of the kingdom were groaning in pain every day. In fact, it was a country that would not have been strange if it collapsed at any time.

'No. I can't just let it fall apart like that.'

The Marquis of Branford had brought the kingdom to this point by force, and was still barely holding on thanks to Giselle.

As time goes by, he becomes increasingly powerless, but he cannot allow himself to collapse. If he collapses, the oppressed nobles will run wild again, and eventually the kingdom will collapse.

'Please do not do anything dangerous, Your Majesty.'

This situation was so coincidental and so suspicious. I kept suspecting that the Duke and the Salvation Church might be connected.

So he became even more worried, that the king might do something foolish to get rid of him.

It shouldn't have been that way. Not for the Marquis of Branford himself, but for the crown.

The Duke wasn't the only one in danger. In fact, there was someone else who was even scarier.

'Giselle Ferdium.'

Thanks to his push, he was able to grow quickly and acquire the strongest army in the kingdom. Thanks to that, he was able to act as a shackle for Giselle.

They had maintained their relationship until now because they needed each other, but since Giselle was a grateful person, she tended to give in to Marquis Branford.

It was because of his confidence that he was able to suppress Jiselle to that extent up until now.

'If I disappear… … .'

He was different from ordinary nobles. He neither cared about saving face nor sought justification.

He was the kind of person who had to clear away everything that got in his way to feel better.

So, if the king gets in the way, he will not hesitate to point his sword at the royal family.

So… … the bad feeling I have right now must be just my own illusion.

If you really want the royal family to not fall apart.

* * *

Berhem lay on the bed, breathing thinly.

My eyes kept wanting to close. I was overcome with resentment and anger.

He looked at the priest of the Salvation Church, Flaccus, with blurry eyes and spoke with difficulty.

"I feel like my life… … doesn't have much time left… … ."

"Let me take a look."

Berhem's eyes looked pleading at his answer.

"Yes, hurry and bring me Jim… … heal Jim… … make me like you… … . Then… … I will give you my royal secrets and grant you everything you wish for… … ."

Placus smiled gently as he took Berhem's hand.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty."

"I… … was a king, but I did not live as a king my whole life… … I lived as a puppet my whole life… … . I cannot die like this. If you cure me… … I will definitely regain power and make the Salvation Church the state religion of the kingdom… … ."

"I am truly honored and humbled to hear from you. I will definitely treat your Majesty."

Placus raised his hand. A black aura rose and shimmered from his hand.

Viscount Domont and Count Pallantz swallowed dryly when they saw that.

In particular, Count Palantz, who had become a superhuman, felt firsthand that the aura he had only heard of through rumors was extremely ominous.

But Count Palantz calmed his agitated mind, thinking that he must take such risks in order to cure the king. He too was determined to assist the king to the end.

'I can protect you.'

If the Salvation Church tries to do something stupid, he can stop them. He was confident that although he might be inferior in fame to Count Balzac, the greatest swordsman in the kingdom, he would not be inferior in skill.

Isn't it true that you have to fight to know for sure? Count Palantz has only walked the best path with the full support of the royal family.

So I was confident that I could protect the king.

Paaaaa… … .

The black aura rippling from Placus' hand grew darker.

He brought his hand to Berhem's heart and whispered.

"As Your Majesty wishes… … we will soon be able to start hunting lions."

The corners of his lips, which were always gently curled upward.

It was distorted in an extremely grotesque way.