[WN] Emperor's Seventh Son : 10 - 4 Part 2

10-4 Part 2

The Mansion of Flame: The Lowest Method to Make the Prince Obey

- Vanity and Self-Preservation -

Translator : PolterGlast

「The moment you attacked royalty, it's high treason. You will be executed by me right here. Even if you run, you'll be hunted down. But if I stay silent, it's a different story. Let go of Aneue; that's your way out.」

「...Kuh, u-understood, I'll release her. So promise me, let me escape. If possible, with a full pardon...」

The sword dropped loosely from the cavalryman's hand. The fact that he didn't sheathe it means he still has hesitation.

「Yeah, at first I wanted to fucking kill you, but it can't replace Aneue's life. I promise. If you retract those words calling me an Abyss monster, that is...」

「Ashley-sama, you were holding a grudge over that...」

「Naturally. I am Father's son and Aneue's younger brother. That itself is my pride. I am not an Abyss monster. I am a Prince of this country. I have no intention of bending on this point anymore.」

「I see, I'm sorry, it was a slip of the tongue... Ashley-sama, please, deal with me leniently...」

The longsword returned to its scabbard, and he handed Princess Atomina over to me. It was a chance for a sneak attack, but it seems he had lost even the will for that.

Protecting Aneue, I held and supported the sleeping Princess together with Dulin, who came running.

「I am grateful... As promised, I will keep quiet about you; now go.」

「Prince Ashley, I will not forget you. To spare a villain like me—」

However, at a strange timing, a carriage happened to pass by and stopped right in front of us. It was an excessively expensive-looking black carriage drawn by blue roan horses. I knew that carriage.

「Oh my, isn't that Princess Atomina and the filthy abomination there.」

「M-Morak-sama...?! Why are you here...?!」

This is a surprise. I completely thought that guy from earlier—Hacchan—was the direct employer, but it seems they were acquainted.

「Who are you... Oh, what a tragedy. This filthy scum, to kidnap our Princess Atomina, what an audacious piece of trash there was...」

「Eh... Ah... wasn't it your order...! You said if I succeeded in this, you would return me to the military!!」

「As if this Morak could remember the face of a filthy commoner like you. ...Oi, do it.」

「Don't screw with me, you bastard!!」

Morak stepped back, and his private guard drew his sword. It seems this man—since the plan failed, he's moving to cut off the perpetrator.

Ah, I really don't like this...

「Morak-sama, but um, what should we do about him...」

「—?! A-Are you... What, why are you...」

Uncle Morak didn't even look at me. Well, that's how it's always been. He hated even keeping an abomination like me in his sights. To him, I am an ominous existence.

「Abomination of my older brother, what are you doing?」

「I don't want to see an ending with a bad aftertaste. I captured this man. He's my prey.」

「A... Ashley, sama...」

He was about to return to the carriage, but he turned back and finally looked at me with distaste.

After pulling the strings from behind to cause this incident, he says he's going to kill the perpetrator to silence him and run away. There's no way I can overlook this.

「That's why I said to kill him... I told him, you would definitely come to hate the Imperial Family... And yet he... raised a monster until it became like this...!」

「Are you talking about Father? Then you are far more of a monster.」

「Th-That's right! Ashley-sama is a kind and good person! D-Different from a bad old man like you!」

Dulin's words gave me courage. The fact that I was born deformed is something that can't be helped. That's exactly why being backed up made me feel deep relief.

「Hmph... Cursed abomination, let me revise my evaluation of you... You seem to be a man worth acknowledging. The rumor that you beat Georg doesn't seem to be a fluke either.」

「So what. I won't let you kill this man.」

「...Then do as you like. Do as you please with him and Erin.」

Surprisingly, that was a concession. Having blundered, Uncle declared he would withdraw his hands from this land of Erin.

But you know, isn't that a bit too convenient a story?

「You intended to kidnap Aneue and force us into submission. You sure can spout such blatant lies.」

Leaving Aneue to Dulin, I approached Uncle. Though my path was blocked by his private guards.

「Hmph... Say whatever you want. I need power. To survive the coming era, I need power. If you can't ride the winning horse, you lose your standing, and at worst, meet the bitter fate of assassination.」

「Right. That's why I intend to abandon the Empire the moment Father passes away. You should do the same.」

「Don't say stupid things, don't lump me in with an abomination like you!! Do you think I could live a modest life on the frontier, trembling in fear of assassins?! I am a man who might have become Emperor!! I... next time for sure, I will...!!」

「I think it's much better than dying in a power struggle, though...」

This sounded like Uncle's true feelings. While terrified of the fierce power struggle that will begin from now on, he dreams of the Emperor's seat he couldn't reach in the past.

Even though there are no dreams in that life of living in isolation at the Red Dragon Palace. Many people harbor illusions about the position of Emperor.

「There is no profit in fighting further with the likes of you. Let's call a truce. As I said earlier, I will withdraw my hands from Erin. So this matter ends here, got it?」

「You sure can say that after doing whatever you pleased...」

「Then will you fight me? How will you win? I am the Vice-Chairman of the Senate, possess the greatest wealth in the Imperial Family, and have mountains of friends in the parliament. What are you in contrast, Ashley...」

「Just the Lord of Erin. I don't possess any other particular power. Not that I want it either...」

Uncle smirked. Then he stepped up into the carriage and sat on the seat.

「That's what it means. No matter how high your succession right rises, small fry are small fry; stay out of the way.」

「That depends on you.」

The carriage door closed, and the private guards climbed onto the driver's seat or mounted their own horses. Following the neighing of the black horses, the worst kind of villain departed from the town of Erin.

「A... Ash, ley...?」

「Ah, Oneesama!」

「Aah... Thank goodness, Dulin-chan... thank goodness...」

「Those are Dulin's words! Oneesama, thank goodness! Thank goodness!!」

Since Aneue regained consciousness, I also rushed over next to them. The disgraced soldier I saved didn't even know what to do, just standing there dumbfounded.

「I'm sorry, I could hear from the middle... Aah... what is going to happen to us, to the Empire from now on...」

After relief, Aneue was overcome with anxiety. Indeed, this incident was shocking. I hope they managed the firefighting at the Manor too, but...

「To think they would target me directly, I never even imagined... Between relatives, this is, a nightmare...」

「Then Aneue, when Father passes away, with me—」

「That is... no good. I cannot go. I am a Princess. Since I lived a more blessed life than everyone else, I have a responsibility to watch over the country. I can't just run away only when it's convenient.」

I knew I would be rejected, but it's a shock... Zirant's words were correct. Princess Atomina and Georg-aniue will dedicate their lives to the country.

Knowing that they, who desire a completely different way of life from me, won't be moved by my words no matter what I do, I just felt frustrated.

「Let's keep this a secret from Georg-aniue. Aniue is—」

「Right... if Georg knew, there's no telling what that child would do...」

Georg values Atomina above anything else. If handled poorly, it could invite his own ruin. Therefore, I thought we should do that for now.

However, such an outrage against Aneue. It is still unforgivable. Uncle Morak covered up this conspiracy and ran away, but I won't let him do that.

In place of Aniue, I will make him properly pay the price.

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[WN] A Hero From a Remote Village : Chapter 201

Chapter 201

The Clown Demon

Translator : PolterGlast

Wielding curved swords, the clown-like Demon Race launched irregular attacks. However, simply lacking in speed, its feints weren't acting as feints at all.

I waited to see my opponent move before launching a delayed counterattack. The Clown Demon moved first, but my attack was the one to land first.

My fist landed a clean hit on its solar plexus, bending the Clown Demon's body into a V-shape. Being humanoid, it seems even the Demon Race has the wind knocked out of them when struck in the solar plexus.

"——Guh. ...You bastard."

"Rest assured, I won't kill you until I've heard what you have to say. Also, glaring at me won't make me hold back my attacks."

With its breathing disrupted, the Clown Demon's movements instantly grew sluggish. Its pre-battle composure was nowhere to be found; now, it was entirely focused on fleeing, desperately trying to keep my attacks away from its vitals.

Having understood that its body structure was similar to a human's, I focused first on aiming for its calves to halt its movements. Aiming for its face with jabs, I whittled down its legs with calf kicks the moment its attention shifted upward.

Seemingly unable to brace its legs anymore, the Clown Demon's movements became even more extremely dull. It was a good harvest to learn that even with only one usable arm, utilizing it for jabs allowed me to fight sufficiently unarmed.

"——Oops, is that all? Feel like surrendering now?"

"Y-You! Just what on earth are you!"

"As the loser, you don't have the authority to ask questions. You will only answer mine. First, what were you doing here?"

"...Don't underestimate the Demon Race. Like hell I'd answer!"

Screaming that, the Clown Demon wore an expression of firm resolve—and swung the curved sword it was gripping right toward its own neck. I was momentarily delayed by the suicide attempt devoid of any hesitation, but I activated Hypnosis Magic before the curved sword could reach its neck.

Perhaps because I had already forced it to admit defeat, I was able to put it into a hypnotic state immediately. Thinking that it would have killed itself if I had been a little slower or if the hypnosis hadn't taken hold well, it was truly a close call.

Neither Ginia nor Aoi were here, so I wouldn't have minded if it died on its own accord... but if I couldn't extract information, there would have been no point in coming all the way to Denarifel Mountain. Taking a deep breath, I first made it drop the curved sword it was holding.

"Continuing from my previous question, answer me: what were you doing here?"

"...I heard there was a strong monster, so I came to recruit it under the orders of Mergel-sama, one of the Four Heavenly Kings."

"I see. You came to recruit it, so why did you kill it?"

"Because we couldn't communicate at all. I was attacked, so I had no choice but to kill it."

"And that was the moment I showed up, huh."

"Yeah, that's right."

Someone who was about to commit suicide to keep their mouth shut just moments ago was now easily spilling all the information. While reaffirming the usefulness of Hypnosis Magic, I also realized that this Clown Demon wasn't that big of a deal.

Being a subordinate of one of the Four Heavenly Kings means there's a high chance it's just a low-ranking lackey. If this guy had been that Mergel of the Four Heavenly Kings, I probably could have extracted a bit more information, but this Demon Race likely doesn't possess much significant information.

"I see. I know the reason you came here. From here on, tell me about the Demon King's Army."

Since the Hypnosis Magic took effect, I decided to throw various questions at it. I heard various things from there... but as expected, this Clown Demon had no useful information and truly was just someone who came because they were ordered to.

Like Cougar, whom I interrogated near Furo Village, killing it here seemed like it would only bring us disadvantages. ...However, this Demon Race had traveled dangerously close to human settlements.

If I didn't finish it off here, it might cause casualties down the line. And so, after delivering the finishing blow to the unconscious Clown Demon, I harvested a part of the Meteor Demon Bird and descended Denarifel Mountain. Without stopping, I returned straight to the city of Brembia.

Entering the Adventurer's Guild, the receptionist I had disappointed was there, directing a gaze at me that seemed to say, Are you still in the city? Since I had returned in the shortest time possible, she clearly didn't think I had subjugated the Meteor Demon Bird. ...Well, it wasn't actually me who subjugated the Meteor Demon Bird, though.

"I've subjugated the Meteor Demon Bird. These are the materials to prove it."

I showed the receptionist the claws and beautiful blue feathers I had just harvested from the Meteor Demon Bird. At first she didn't seem to believe it, but realizing the claws were genuine, she vanished into the back of the Adventurer's Guild in a great panic.

After waiting for a while, a male staff member with stubble appeared from the back. Perhaps he's the Guild Master?

"Are you the one who subjugated the Meteor Demon Bird?!"

"Yeah, that's right. These are the materials proving the subjugation."

".........I-It really is material from the Meteor Demon Bird! Thank you so much! Allow me to express my gratitude on behalf of the residents of Brembia!"

"No need for thanks. I just took it upon myself to subjugate it."

"I can't just let it go at that! We formally issued it as a request, so if you subjugated it, I want you to accept the reward!"

"No, I don't need the reward either. Just being allowed to take these materials home is more than enough of a reward for me."

We went back and forth a few times after that, but the Guild Master refused to yield an inch, so I ultimately ended up accepting the request completion reward. Considering I hadn't actually defeated the Meteor Demon Bird, I wanted to refuse it, but...

He told me that if I had truly subjugated it, he wanted me to accept the reward. When told that receiving the reward is one of the responsibilities of a professional, I had no choice but to accept it. After thanking the Guild Master and receiving the reward, I decided to return to Biodasdal for the time being.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 292

Chapter 292

(Kyle Calendar Year 513: Age 20)

Awards Ceremony ② Main Act

Translator : PolterGlast

The atmosphere at the awards ceremony grew increasingly heated, and everyone present watched with bated breath as the recognitions of merit and rewards were announced.

However, the very people expected by everyone to receive high evaluations were relaxed and exchanging lighthearted banter, as if it were someone else's business.

"Takuhir—ah, no, my apologies. I hear that Your Excellency the Demon Territory Count recommended a very large number of people in this awards ceremony... but frankly, about how many did you recommend?"

"Lord Darek, the end of your sentence is..."

"Hmph, you sure are nitpicky. For me, starting with this stiff Erol here, I recommended three people from each unit commander..."

"Eh! Lord Darek... t-to think you would..."

"Gross. Don't tear up over every little thing. Your unit perfectly fulfilled the seemingly unglamorous role of acting as a lid. That's exactly why it was a complete victory, and why more people willingly became prisoners, right?"

Certainly, in this Ishtar battle, one's eyes tend to go to the military exploits of Alexis and my brother, but Erol's contribution was very significant.

Upon securing the entire mountainous area bordering the Demon Territory, Erol deployed units disguised as Imperial soldiers at key points along the invasion routes. Because of this, not a single soldier of the invading detached force escaped, and conversely, he captured all soldiers who intruded as messengers, completely blockading information.

This was largely because it was originally his own birthplace, and he was familiar with the detailed terrain.

Due to that, the First Prince in the Aegis direction remained unaware of the defeat on the Ishtar side until the very end.

Furthermore, touched by the compassionate response of Erol and his unit toward the prisoners, and their care and nursing for the enemy wounded, the Imperial soldiers shed tears of gratitude, and they subsequently cooperated proactively in calling out to the fleeing soldiers.

As a result, soldiers surrendering one after another appeared without shedding much blood.

I myself think this military exploit is extremely significant.

" I am of the same opinion. By the way, Brother, though it is not what we desired, you have now inherited the name of Margrave Hastburg. The formal appointment will happen later, but practically you and I are of equal rank."

"I suppose so... it's not a promotion to rejoice about, but I finally caught up to you. Well, I'll probably be left behind again today, though."

"Brother, weren't you going to be raised one rank to Frontier Duke? That's probably certain. As for me, even if I go up, there's a limit, after all."

"Hahaha, right. Above Duke, you have no choice but to become royalty, right?"

"I ALMOST DID, THOUGH..."

At the end of that commotion when Her Highness Clarice was summoned, I learned of the scheme of His Majesty and the Old Raccoon. Needless to say, I was astonished by the story proceeding without my knowledge.

"From here on, we will conduct the awards ceremony for battles in each area!"

This voice echoed, interrupting my chat with my brother. The venue fell completely silent at once.

"Note that since there is a wide variety of subjects this time, we will call all subjects before the throne and then announce the merit recognition. Please understand in advance that His Majesty's words are also directed to everyone. Then first, the Eastern Front! Those called, step before the throne. Margrave Hamish, ..., Baron Bawner."

Right, doing it one by one would take endlessly long.

"..., and finally, Demon Territory Count Solis!"

"Heh?"

I unintentionally let out a strange voice, drawing sneers from the surrounding nobles. My brother is desperately holding his stomach, trying not to laugh.

I hurriedly stepped forward and knelt before the throne, but even at that point, the question 'Why was I called?' didn't disappear.

"Eastern Front, first in merit, Margrave Hamish; due to achievements, the Margrave shall become a Frontier Duke and be given the new eastern territory. Note that for the newly acquired land, it is also possible to entrust a part to subordinate nobles. Reward: 500,000 gold coins!"

"Oooh!"

A loud stir occurred.

"Next, second place, ..."

But I'm out of place after all, right? I didn't do anything in the East this time. If I had to say, I just conducted Mage training in Ishtar.

"Third place, Demon Territory Count Solis!"

"Huh?"

"Ahem, this time, Margrave Hamish strongly recommended the Demon Territory Count as being appropriate for first in merit. Saying that the water attack tactics and tactics utilizing Mages you left behind reversed the situation and led to victory. Regarding your peerage, as there is another matter, we will announce it later, but as the third place in merit, you are granted 100,000 gold coins."

That... was just a mechanism imitating the barrier gate of Teigoon, right? But. That's all I did, you know?

While I was thinking so, the announcements ended, and His Majesty began to speak.

"Everyone did very well this time. It can be said that because the Eastern Front won first and stabilized, the Royal Capital Knights could rush to various areas. This achievement is significant. Good work."

"Next, Northern Front! Count Model, Count Clay, Corps Commander Hoffman, ..."

Somehow, I'm not fully convinced... but I'll make sure to thank Frontier Duke Hamish later. It was when I was about to return to my original position.

"..., Viscount Solis, and... Demon Territory Count Solis!"

"Hah?"

I did it again... Pulled by my brother who was laughing loudly, I stepped before the throne again. Even His Majesty looked like he was trying to hold back his laughter.

"Northern Front, first in merit, Count Model; due to achievements, the Count shall yield the duty of Minister of Military Affairs to his successor, become a Frontier Duke as the northern keystone of the Kingdom, and be given the new territory of the former Uros Kingdom. Note that for the newly acquired land, it is also possible to entrust a part to subordinate nobles. Reward: 500,000 gold coins!"

"My word!"

Another loud stir occurred. Count Model received Duke treatment, meaning a two-step promotion. Accurately speaking, since he holds the Minister position of Minister of Military Affairs, it's about a 1.5-step jump.

"Next, second place, Count Clay, ..."

But I'm out of place after all, right? I didn't do anything in the North this time. If I had to say, I just conducted Mage training in Ishtar.

"Third place, Viscount Solis! The deployment of cavalry that settled the stalemated battle line at once was truly splendid. Showing an example for each Frontier Knight order from now on is a matter to be highly evaluated. Regarding your peerage, as there is another matter, we will announce it later, but as the third place in merit, you are granted 100,000 gold coins."

"Next, fourth place, Corps Commander Hoffman, ..."

As expected of my brother. As Christoph also said, cavalry tactics and troop handling that rival the Commander's are naturally deserved to be evaluated. But still... why am I here?

"Fifth in merit, Demon Territory Count Solis!"

"..."

"In the final phase, the tactic that caused the enemy forces to lose their fighting spirit and led 4,000 to surrender without fighting was truly splendid. Therefore, fifth in merit, granted 40,000 gold coins, but regarding your peerage, as there is another matter, we will announce it later."

The words of the Internal Affairs Bureau are a fact, but not the truth.

Honestly speaking, it wasn't an operation carried out with the expectation of these results, and the fact that we achieved these results was purely due to coincidence and the sincere appeals of Aura and the former people of the Imperial Kingdom.

"Though hastily assembled, the Northern Front was well-led, fought hard, and held out tenaciously. Amidst Kingdom soldiers fighting each other, the tactic that endured until the final phase was splendid. I am counting on you to continue protecting the Kingdom's first-ever access to the sea."

His Majesty's last words made my heart dance too.

If there's a sea, we can get seafood! Let alone another country, if Count Model—no, the Frontier Duke—whom I know well governs it, casually visiting to play or the coming and going of caravans will become remarkably convenient.

"Next is… the Western Front. Her Highness Clarice, Corps Commander Schultz, Demon Territory Count Solis, ..."

Well, I figured I'd be called this time. Since I just lent a hand a little at the end, following Her Highness and Corps Commander Schultz who fought solitary battles, maybe around third place?

"Western Front, first in merit, Demon Territory Count Solis! The achievement of saving them from a desperate predicament and saving Her Highness and the people of the Kingdom should be highly evaluated. Also, the skill of constructing defense bases and tactics in advance, and perfectly preparing for interception, is truly splendid and commendable. Regarding your peerage, as there is another matter, we will announce it later, but as the first place in merit, you are granted 500,000 gold coins."

Huh? Not third place? By the way, who is the Frontier Duke?

"On the Western Front, as many nobles had their houses severed, we will reorganize the territories including rewards. Regarding the new Frontier Duke, in addition to the former Margrave's territory, the Marquis Aquarato territory and Earldom territory will be added, and portions of Viscounty and Barony territories, an appropriate domain will be prepared."

"That is..."

A stir that couldn't be taken as either admiration or anxiety occurred throughout the venue. Certainly, as a territory, it becomes quite large, about twice the size of the current Margrave Hastburg territory, but looking at it from the premise of the previous Kyle Kingdom land not including new territories, this territory alone would become an outstandingly massive domain.

Moreover, what's the point of deliberately not announcing who will serve in this place?

"Next, second in merit, Her Highness Clarice! ... Third in merit, Corps Commander Schultz, ..., fourth in merit, ..., that is all!"

I was so lost in thought that I didn't really hear the rest. I think it continued up to the eleventh place in merit, but I feel like the last eight people were crying while praising Her Highness...

"Those who fought the Western Front. Against the Principality's Mage Corps, you fought through truly well. I am proud of you who defended the Kingdom with an indomitable resolve. And Demon Territory Count, I thank you once again."

"Then finally, Southern Front, Margrave Hastburg's representative Flora, Demon Territory Count Solis, Count Gorman, Count Solis, Viscount Solis, Viscount Cornell, Baron Bold, Baron Herald, Baron Kreitz. Step forward!"

As we lined up before the throne, silence fell for a moment. Then, His Majesty slowly opened his mouth.

"Everyone, my feelings are the same as everyone's. I lost the one who originally had to be at the forefront here, my sworn friend. This sadness is immeasurable. However... we must move forward. In order to answer the Margrave's feelings as well."

To His Majesty's words spoken with a grief-stricken expression, everyone looked down and listened quietly. I myself had my vision blurred by welling tears. My brother, father, and Count Gorman especially were leaking groans and crying manly tears.

Like me and my brother, it was the Margrave who heavily employed my father and Count Gorman and raised them as subordinates.

"To express respect to the late Margrave Hastburg, and with heartbreaking sorrow, I shall convey this reward myself."

Saying so, His Majesty purposely stood up and began to speak quietly and solemnly.

"First in merit, Demon Territory Count Solis. This country was saved precisely because of your exploits. Come to think of it, seven years ago, when you first met me, your solitary battle had already begun, hadn't it? Expressing respect for your untiring efforts and strategic vision focusing on the future, as the first place in merit, I grant you 1 million gold coins, and entrust you with the management of all the ceded Imperial territory. To be precise, everything will be granted to you once, and you are permitted to distribute it to your subordinates under your authority. From here on out, talk with the Frontier Dukes of each region as well, and become the keystone supporting the peace of the Kingdom."

"Wh-What!" "That is too much..." "No... that is"

The venue buzzed at once. Well, it's no wonder. I myself had been secretly informed of a part, so I wasn't that agitated, but...

"There may be voices of surprise or dissatisfaction at the overly prominent reward, but the rewards entrusted to each Frontier Duke are given in anticipation of the development of the new territories and the construction of defense lines. Probably even then, they will experience hardships feeling it's not enough. Much less the new southern territory, where everything surrounding it are enemies, will be the most dangerous and harshest forefront."

Saying so, His Majesty's eyes looked as if gazing far into the distance. As if he were looking at those very lands...

There, Minister of Foreign Affairs Klein also added words.

"Let me add one more point to the lords. This personnel decision is also reflected in the peace treaty conditions. The Empire, in exchange for agreeing to unprecedented wartime reparations, designated giving the new territory to the Demon Territory Count and using half of the wartime reparations for the development of the new territory. Probably what the Empire is thinking are three points...

·         Dragging the undefeated Demon Territory Count out of his impregnable fortress.

·         Inducing discord with excessive rewards and isolating the Demon Territory Count.

·         Entrusting the citizens to the Demon Territory Count, who has a track record in good governance and development. It is something anyone can understand. We dared to ride along with their intentions. Believing in the Demon Territory Count, and in everyone gathered here."

At the words of His Majesty and the Old Raccoon, the assembly fell silent. It's as dangerous as walking naked into enemy territory; no matter what reasons you attach to it, it's nothing less than the Imperial side luring the most dangerous man into the position where he is easiest to strike down.

"Now then, shall we continue. Second in merit, Viscount Solis! Your achievements in this victory are also indispensable. Your activity in Ishtar was truly splendid. As the second place in merit, I grant you 300,000 gold coins. Also, from here on out, inherit the name of Margrave Hastburg, and you may call yourself Frontier Duke Hastburg. Your honor is also my friend's honor. Together with your wife, as the new Frontier Duke, support the Kingdom."

"Yes, Your Majesty! Certainly." "Yes, your words are more than I deserve."

Hmm? Strange. It might be my imagination, but don't my brother and I make two Frontier Dukes?

However, His Majesty clearly conveyed 'Frontier Duke' to my brother, but to me only 'talk with the Frontier Dukes of each region,' and didn't explicitly state my personal status.

What does this mean?

"Third in merit shall be given to the three people of equal rank. Count Gorman, Count Solis, Viscount Cornell, as third in merit, and each shall be granted 100,000 gold coins. Strangely enough, all of you are in the position of father, father-in-law, and uncle to the Demon Territory Count; please assist the Count as he struggles in the new territory. Those of Count rank shall be promoted to Marquis, and those of Viscount rank to Count."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The three replied with loud voices simultaneously as if synchronized, and bowed their heads deeply.

"Fourth in merit, the three Barons who inherited the honor of the former Count Falmus. Losing a revered general, I made you taste regret twice. I also wish to apologize again. And from here on, I want you to proceed on a new path. Fourth in merit, granted a total of 100,000 gold coins to the three. You may decide the distribution among yourselves according to your new roles. All three shall become Viscounts from now on, and I expect you to strive even further."

"I wish to convey Your Majesty's words to my late lord as well." "I cannot express my gratitude for your words enough." "Inheriting the will of the late Count Falmus, I shall push forward."

It was three different answers. Hmm? By the way, what was it? New roles?

"Now, from here on is the greatest award I shall bestow. I have already spoken personally with the relevant parties and obtained their consent, but... First, regarding the Frontier Duke of the western border, which was left vacant in the previous announcement... I entrust this to you, the new Frontier Duke Hastburg. I wish to entrust the western defense of the Kingdom to you."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"And, I wish to make a grave announcement to everyone from here."

What's with those words that scream, 'I laid the groundwork' feeling? I haven't heard anything, though? Including the matter just now, why is my brother acting so calm? Don't tell me he knew in advance?

Somehow I feel like I'm the only one left out of the loop...

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B random

Nepheos

ShitaiNoKootoRyuu

[Silver]

Corey Hicks

Creris

Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon

Jake Seagraves

Matthew Fraser

Tbaum56

[Bronze]

Anton Lim

Austin Lorenzo

Baelee

Ctdela

Curious Panda

nick nasca

openope

Radhitia Furqan

SD Fox

Yosua Lumbangaol

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