Chapter 109
(Kyle
Calendar Year 507: Age 14)
Schemes in
the Royal Capital
Translator : PolterGlast
As summer approached,
those planning to enroll in the academy began to gather in the Royal Capital.
Flora, Margrave Hastburg's daughter, also arrived in the capital with her
father and was preparing for her enrollment.
"Simultaneously
with your enrollment, we plan to announce your engagement to Lord Darek
here," the Margrave stated.
"Yes, Father.
I've been looking forward to meeting Darek-sama."
Seeing his beloved
daughter's overflowing smile, the Margrave's heart ached slightly. He was using
his precious daughter's marriage as a tool in political strife. And he knew
that she and Darek would inevitably be drawn into the unavoidable conflicts of
the Royal Capital.
"As a noble, born
into a house that influences the future of the Kingdom, you will endure
hardships from now on. But we must secure this country's future with our own
hands."
"Father, being
born into the Margrave's house means being born under such a destiny. My older
sisters, too, have married into other families and are admirably fulfilling
their duties."
"From now on,
various schemes and baseless slanders may torment you. You may even resent me,
your father, for throwing you into such a maelstrom."
"I am able to
marry the person I myself desire. That alone makes me happy enough. Please, do
not worry so much. Together with Darek-sama, I will admirably fulfill my role
as a pillar supporting the Hastburg family and this country."
"I'm
sorry..."
The Margrave
apologized with just a single word to his daughter, who responded with a
strong, determined gaze, utterly unlike her usual demeanor. A lot of emotions
were put into those short words.
※
Similarly, in another
part of the Royal Capital, those who called themselves the 【Restorationist Faction】, possessing their own intelligence network, gathered
to discuss their future actions.
"Nevertheless, it
was a blunder to fail in bringing him into our fold and making him our
lapdog."
"Ah, that rascal!
Ever since he returned late last year, he's become as docile as a leashed
puppy!"
"The invitations
from our subordinates who infiltrated the academy, and the coquetry from noble
daughters—the monkey showed no reaction at all!"
"Someone must
have put a collar on the monkey; what an utterly unnecessary thing to
do..."
Four of the six men in
the room spoke in turns about a certain man.
"So, what do we
do? Isn't he about to announce his engagement to the Margrave's daughter?"
"Well, there's no
point regretting the past. The Margrave himself desired to take on a new source
of discord. For now, that should suffice."
"So, how's your
progress?" One of the two who hadn't participated in the conversation spoke
to the other man standing beside him.
"Yes, it's
progressing smoothly. Sometimes, the straighter a tree grows, the easier it is
to entwine it. Now seems to be the time to meticulously spread our roots and
intertwine with the branches."
"Big words are
fine, but you should be well aware that, ordinarily, a mere viscount like
yourself wouldn't even be able to participate in this meeting." One of the
four who had been leading the conversation sneered venomously.
"Yes, I
understand. I am grateful to the Count who recommended me, and it would be a
profound honor if my house could serve as a vanguard for your far-sighted
schemes."
"And how about
the other one?" The Count, who had recommended him, pressed the question.
"We are
proceeding with preparations cautiously. We are currently weaving our web so
that the arrogant one will caught in it like a spider's web."
"Unlike the
monkey, he doesn't reveal his hand much. He's also sharp-witted, so be careful
in dealing with him."
"I gratefully
accept Marquis's advice." The man bowed solemnly.
"By the way, I
hear a peculiar envoy recently visited the King?"
"Their faction
has kept that information secret. We can't grasp the tail, so we don't know the
details."
"We can probably
infer, but if it's true, it cannot be overlooked."
"Ah, for that
would give them time to gather strength."
"Then, we shall
continue our investigation and begin solidifying our position within the royal
court to ensure our will is carried out," the man called Count replied,
and the meeting concluded.
※
The next day, in the
King's audience chamber, with everyone else dismissed, two people conversed.
"Margrave,
accompanying your beloved daughter to the Royal Capital for her enrollment—your
doting nature is quite apparent."
"Your Majesty!"
"I understand.
Using this as a pretext, it's about the letter from the other day, isn't it?
There are bothersome individuals here. This audience, too, is likely seen by
others as merely for obtaining permission for the engagement."
"Yes, Your
Majesty, precisely so. Regarding the fortress to be built on the border, and
also the other matter, I humbly request Your Majesty's approval..."
"The first
matter... should be no problem. Even if there are those who oppose it, I can
push it through with my authority."
"Then, the other
matter?"
"That is the
difficult one. There's also the matter of the previous rewards I granted. Many
complain that it was an excessive treatment for a mere frontier Baron. However,
I too have my own thoughts, and I am currently devising a plan for it."
"Then!"
"Do not rush. I
have spoken with Gouras as well. He was quite reluctant, but the conclusion
will come after that plan proceeds."
"Understood. Your
Majesty's profound foresight extends beyond my imagination. If you could share
even a glimpse of it, I would be at ease."
"You, too, must
have heard about the envoy from the Empire, yes?"
"Yes, Your
Majesty, though I do not know the details..."
"Since this
concerns you directly, I permit you to read the letter. If this matter is
mishandled, it could alter the future of the Kingdom. Examine it thoroughly,
and I wish to hear your thoughts."
The Margrave read the
missive from the Gryphonia Empire, handed to him by the King.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Gryphonia Empire
proposes to put aside past resentments with Kyle Kingdom and conclude a truce
treaty.
As a token of
friendship, we wish to exchange (repatriate) prisoners captured by each side in
the recent campaign, making it a bridge of amity.
The Empire, having
more prisoners to return, is prepared to pay compensation (ransom) to the
Kingdom in accordance with the number.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The gist of it, along
with the sender's name: Gralt von Gryphonia, Third Imperial Prince of the
Empire, felt slightly off to the Margrave, not just the content of the letter.
"A missive from
the Third Imperial Prince, who is in charge of the southern front, rather than
the First Imperial Prince...?"
"Indeed, the
struggle for the imperial succession continues unabated over there. They must
have various circumstances on their side. I hear that the Third Imperial
Prince's army has now taken over the southern border defense, replacing Margrave
Goth, whom you defeated."
"The Third
Imperial Prince's army?! I hear they are no less, or perhaps even more, elite
than the First Imperial Prince's Imperial Guard. This is... troublesome."
"Well, if their
entire army were to turn this way, it would be a serious matter, but they also
have various troubles on their side. That's why this missive."
"So, what are
Your Majesty's thoughts?"
"Before reaching
a conclusion, there are two things I wish to confirm. One is to hear the
details of your plan, and the other is to hear your thoughts on the
missive."
"And the
other?"
"That is the plan
I just mentioned," the King said, smiling mischievously.
"Only Gouras
knows about this matter. If it leaks, various troubles will arise. We are
proceeding in secret, setting up the stages so that by the time they realize,
it will be too late."
The Margrave, upon
hearing the King's "plan," was astonished.
"Your Majesty!
That's...! Surely not such a thing..."
"Your reaction is
the same as Gouras's. If so, those who plot in the Royal Capital surely won't
be able to imagine it."
The King laughed
gleefully.
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