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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Teottry
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A blush lingered on Usebia’s snow-white skin, delicate as a winter flower. She resembled a nameless winter bloom, bravely pushing through the cold to unfurl its petals.
“Um…”
Usebia’s dark eyes flickered like a sailboat caught in a storm.
The surrounding noblewomen and young ladies, who had been holding their breath, began to whisper behind their fans. Usebia’s blush deepened, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
Yet, she didn’t pull her hand away from mine. She flinched adorably when I subtly rubbed her palm with my thumb.
“Usebia.”
That was when Baroness Adelia intervened. Usebia, startled back to reality, released my hand and stepped back.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“It is this knight who should be apologizing. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Adelia looked up at me intently, having placed Usebia behind her.
However, Usebia continued to peek at me over her mother’s shoulder. When our eyes met, she blushed even deeper and quickly looked away. She was adorable.
“You are absolutely right. My apologies, Lady Usebia, for my impertinence. I feared you would disappear like snow that melts away the moment i touch.”
“I’ll… still be at the castle. I’ve always been here, and I always will be.”
Adelia’s brow twitched.
“Usebia.”
Her voice was sterner this time. Usebia flinched and disappeared into the group of noblewomen, but not before offering me a curtsy.
It seemed I had made a good first impression. I scratched my arm, which had erupted in goosebumps. It was worth memorizing that cheesy poem. After all, they say first impressions are half the battle. This was a perfect start.
However, it seemed to have had the opposite effect on Adelia.
“It would be wise to be mindful of your words and actions within the castle. If you truly care for someone, you should protect them from unwanted scandals. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Adelia, with her snow-white skin and dark eyes, resembled Usebia’s older sister, though with a significant age gap.
The only difference was her hair, styled in an elegant updo, which gave her a refined and dignified air. Her demeanor was as calm and serene as the morning mist. She was the epitome of a true noblewoman.
Despite the prevalence of early marriages, she must have been at least forty, considering she had two grown sons. Her youthful appearance was remarkable.
“I hope that scandal becomes reality.”
As befitting someone from a distinguished family, Adelia usually spoke in veiled, diplomatic terms. This blunt, almost audacious statement must have been a first for her. Perhaps that was why she was speechless.
Conversely, the whispers among the surrounding noblewomen and young ladies intensified. Usebia, caught in the middle, fidgeted nervously.
Adelia, a seasoned noblewoman, quickly regained her composure. She frowned and looked up at me.
“That’s improper.”
“I agree. I acted impulsively. Therefore, I shall return with more decorum next time.”
Adelia’s frown deepened at the implication of a “next time.” I bowed my head slightly and turned away. Segeric, who had been watching with his mouth agape, hurriedly approached.
“My, my! I wondered why you requested an introduction, but it seems you had ulterior motives.”
“My apologies for my impertinence.”
Segeric waved off my insincere apology.
“Hahaha… it was entertaining, so no harm done. To think you could anger my mother, who rarely shows any emotion! However, be careful. Father won’t be pleased if he hears you were making advances on my sister.”
The greedy Baron wouldn’t take kindly to some nobody trying to steal the jewel he had cherished for nearly two decades.
“It’s something I have to face eventually.”
Segeric’s eyes widened, then a sly grin spread across his face.
“Are you serious? Hmm, it won’t be easy. Do you have any idea how many have tried to woo my sister with her beauty alone? None have received Father’s approval. To satisfy him, you’ll need to be at least the son of an Earl. Or offer him something of equal value. It’s impossible.”
I thought differently.
“Something of equal value, you say. Would doubling the size of his territory suffice?”
Segeric stopped dead in his tracks.
“Ha, even reclaiming our lost territory will be difficult. Are you saying you intend to conquer Baron Debussy’s entire domain?”
“Baron Debussy proposed seizing a portion of our land as a condition for the truce, did he not? There’s no reason we can’t do the same.”
“Hmm…”
Segeric seemed troubled. His initial offer of support was a hastily devised ploy to one-up Ailgar. He was naturally hesitant to commit to further assistance.
I pressed on before he could refuse.
“This would also benefit you, Lord Segeric.”
“Benefit me?”
“Isn’t Lord Joang the biggest obstacle among Lord Ailgar’s supporters? Would Lord Ailgar even dare to challenge your authority if it weren’t for him?”
Segeric nodded in agreement.
“You’re right. He’s the one causing discord within the family by whispering in Father’s ear.”
“This is an opportunity to remove that thorn from your side.”
“I’d like… to hear more.”
I led him towards the terrace, leaving his waiting entourage in the dust. We didn’t care.
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After confirming we were alone on the terrace, I continued,
“As a chief advisor, he cannot escape responsibility for this defeat. His eagerness for a truce is merely a ploy to mitigate the blame.”
“A transgression cannot be concealed, no matter how hard he tries. He’s shameless.”
I nodded.
“Wouldn’t Lord Joang’s incompetence become even more apparent if we were to reverse this defeat? It would mean that the Baron’s strategist is less capable than a youngster like myself.”
“And I, in turn, would demonstrate my foresight, strategic thinking, and decisiveness, earning my father’s trust and solidifying my position as his heir.”
I responded with a smile.
Segeric’s gaze intensified. His assessment of me was clearly rising.
Despite being the eldest son, he was being overshadowed by Ailgar. He likely lacked capable vassals.
Therefore, I, who appeared to possess both exceptional martial skills and strategic acumen, was more valuable to him than any treasure.
‘Everything is relative.’
However, a higher assessment wasn’t always a good thing. Segeric’s eyes narrowed as he studied me.
“And what do you gain from this? Ah, don’t bother with talk of loyalty and fealty. I don’t trust those without ambition. They’re the ones who always betray you in the end.”
He was suspicious of my motives. A skilled vassal could easily manipulate his lord. To earn his trust, I had to appear both capable and controllable.
In truth, the performance had already begun.
“Haven’t you already seen what I desire?”
I glanced back at the banquet hall. My eyes met Usebia’s. Startled, she quickly averted her gaze and looked away.
“Were you serious?”
Segeric had seen it too.
“If your position is secure, you’ll also have the power to recommend a suitable husband for your sister to the Baron. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Segeric’s grim expression softened, replaced by a sly grin.
“Something Ailgar, who can’t even attend the advisory council, could never do. Hmph, you’re a true man, aren’t you?”
He saw right through me. Ironically, it was his intentions that were transparent. I feigned ignorance and smiled. Regardless of his true motives, he had ultimately accepted my proposal.
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Meanwhile, the Baron and Joang Conrad, who had left the banquet hall, were conversing in the Baron’s office.
“My Lord, are you truly going to accept that ludicrous proposal?”
Joang Conrad reiterated what had been discussed in the banquet hall, but the Baron remained silent, fiddling with a soldier-shaped chess piece.
A map on the table between them was covered with various military figures and colorful flags.
“The truce negotiations are already halfway concluded. Resuming the war now will only infuriate Baron Debussy and lead to harsher terms. We must prevent this.”
The Baron’s hand, reaching for another chess piece, froze. He finally looked up at Joang Conrad.
Joang Conrad, who had been speaking passionately, fell silent under the Baron’s calm, impassive gaze.
The Baron spoke,
“Baron Debussy won’t be able to demand more. If we push him too hard, we’ll have to worry about Earl Dressten joining the war.”
“The Earl will demand even more than Baron Debussy.”
Nothing in this world came for free. Help always had a price.
“That’s why I said ‘if we push him too hard.’ Baron Debussy doesn’t think I’ll do it, but he can’t discount the possibility, so he won’t be able to demand more.”
He meant that while he would be pleased if Allen succeeded, he wouldn’t lose anything even if he failed.
“So you don’t trust him.”
“Skill in combat doesn’t guarantee skill in command. However, if he displays even a modicum of leadership, combined with his exceptional martial prowess, he could certainly surprise Baron Debussy.”
That alone would give them a significant advantage in the upcoming truce negotiations.
The Baron narrowed his eyes and looked at Joang Conrad.
“This is strange. You’re not one to overlook this. Did something happen between you and him?”
Joang Conrad flinched. The Baron was right. He had been more agitated than usual and hadn’t thought things through. It was all because of Allen’s brazen provocations. He gritted his teeth.
“I was simply taken aback by his audacity.”
“Taken aback, you say. Well, that’s understandable.”
Despite his words, the Baron’s gaze hardened.
Joang Conrad, sensing the shift in the Baron’s demeanor, broke out in a cold sweat. The Baron was ruthless and would discard even his most trusted advisor without hesitation if he deemed him useless. He couldn’t afford to be complacent, not even over a small mistake.
“Then I’ll prepare accordingly.”
Gritting his teeth at the thought of Allen, the source of his troubles, Joang Conrad bowed and hurriedly left the office.
“Hmm…”
The Baron watched him leave with an impassive, unreadable expression.
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By the time Joang returned to the banquet hall, the feast was over. Josephine, who had stayed behind, approached.
“What happened to that scoundrel?”
“He sided with Segeric.”
Joang’s already furrowed brow deepened.
“What?! Honestly, there’s nothing redeeming about that man.”
“I found him quite appealing. He’s handsome, and the way he looks down on others has a certain regal quality that’s rather exciting.”
Josephine shivered, her face flushed, lost in her fantasy. Joang Conrad frowned.
“Control yourself.”
“What’s the big deal? We’re alone. And don’t worry, Father. He seems to have a weakness for women. He not only subtly ogled me but also flirted with Usebia! Honestly, what does he see in that foolish girl? Given enough time, I can easily sway her to our side.”
Joang Conrad’s face brightened.
“He flirted with Lady Usebia? He’s digging his own grave. The Baron won’t be pleased, even if he returns victorious. And he won’t return victorious.”
“Why? Even I, who know nothing about swordsmanship, could tell he’s exceptionally skilled. Especially his strength… Hmph.”
Josephine fanned herself. Joang Conrad clicked his tongue and shook his head.
“No knight can win a war alone. He’ll need mercenaries, but how much could a knight’s son possibly afford? He’ll only be able to scrape together a ragtag bunch, and they’ll scatter like rats the moment they hear the first horn blow.”
That was why he had dismissed Allen’s proposal without a second thought. Josephine smacked her lips.
“Still, it seems like a waste to let such a skilled individual die. What if we recruited him…?”
“No. He’s too unpredictable. Such a variable is too dangerous for our grand plan.”
Allen was set up for failure. There was no point in being angry at a dead man walking. Even if he returned alive, he would pay a heavy price for his defeat.
Finally relieved, Joang Conrad smiled. However, his smile didn’t last long.
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As if waiting for this moment, Allen immediately summoned his mercenaries. Soon, a group of mercenaries arrived at the gates of Polton.
There were thirty of them, elite mercenaries with discipline unusual for their kind and well-maintained, if not expensive, equipment.
At the front of the group, leading them, was a fully armored figure, who, judging by his equipment, warhorse, and commanding presence, appeared to be a knight.
Joang Conrad’s eyes trembled as he saw them.
“How could a mere knight’s son afford such mercenaries?”
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All in and head to war!!!! You bet this is a scroundler power mate 😏
