Chapter 101
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 101
‘Damn it, I must be crazy. I should have just let it go instead of poking a hornet’s nest.’
Colin squeezed his eyes shut, feeling a sudden urge to punch his past self from thirty seconds ago.
However, since he couldn't turn back time, he had to at least try to salvage the words he had already blurted out.
“Your Grace, as you know, magic is...”
“Excuses are unnecessary. It wasn’t your fault, and he’s likely a mage you don’t even know.”
“That is true, but...”
“It would be ridiculous to curse every knight in the world just because a relative was murdered by one.”
At Lucian’s words, Colin nodded with a dubious expression.
It was perfectly logical, but most people in the world were not rational beings.
Usually, after being victimized by a crazed black mage, people tended to look at even a court mage as if they were their mortal enemy.
“The reason I cannot rejoice is that I haven’t yet shaken off my grief, not because I don’t want to see you. So, don’t be so tense for no reason.”
“T-Thank you, Your Grace.”
“What is there to be thankful for when it has nothing to do with you? Regardless, I’ll have you out soon, so wait patiently.”
“When might I be able to leave?”
“I don’t know the exact timing, but it should be resolved within a week.”
The image of the Emperor coughing up blood during their conversation flickered in Lucian's mind again.
With his health deteriorating, the Emperor wouldn't have the luxury of wasting time.
As soon as he regained consciousness, he would likely shave away what remained of his life to resolve Lucian’s issue.
If he didn't provide proper compensation, Lucian would have no reason to give up his position as the head of House Valdek.
“I’ll visit again later. I should have suitable clothes prepared by then. You’ll have to be commissioned and work by my side.”
“Yes, sir.”
Colin still wore a reluctant expression.
Whether Lucian’s words were true or not, it seemed he couldn't quite wrap his head around it.
The witch hunt that had lasted for centuries was being resolved through a single negotiation.
He would likely remain half-doubting until he actually stepped out of the prison and tasted the rights he had gained.
‘Well, he’ll probably go wild with joy once he experiences it firsthand.’
Lucian let out a short chuckle and left the dungeon.
His mind was still restless, so he intended to take a morning walk.
‘Anyway, now that Father has passed away, Valdek will fall into quite a bit of chaos. Even if the Emperor sides with Tristan, the brothers who won't submit...’
Lucian stopped in his tracks.
As his thoughts reached that point, a piece of recent news came to mind.
It was Hans’s letter, mentioning signs of rebellion from Jordi.
When Raymond saw the letter, he had dismissed it as nonsense.
He argued that a rebellion was impossible while the family head was still alive and well.
He claimed that if Grand Duke Sigmund returned and said a single word, the whole thing would collapse.
‘But not anymore. The situation has changed.’
Grand Duke Sigmund had died without naming a successor.
Even if the Emperor announced the Grand Duke’s last will, no one would seriously believe it.
If he were to reveal the true successor, why would he tell the Emperor instead of his close aides?
Because of who the messenger was, they wouldn't be able to raise an objection, but in their hearts, they would all suspect it was a lie.
‘The sudden death of the family head, a vacant successor’s seat, and external testimony that can’t be trusted.’
Such things happened often in his past life.
It wasn't rare for a family head to die suddenly during turbulent times.
And in such cases, what followed was usually the same.
The first one to seize it claimed it. Military action.
“That absolute bastard.”
Lucian’s face contorted in rage.
In truth, if Jordi became the family head through force, it wouldn't be a bad thing for Lucian.
With Tristan pushed aside, it would give him a blatant justification to take over Valdek himself.
But if this wasn't a coincidence, but intentional...
‘If Jordi really coveted the position of family head to the point of committing such a heinous act against his own father...’
Then Lucian would never let him die a peaceful death.
Lucian glared toward the south, where Valdek was located, for a brief moment before turning away.
He had too much to do to continue mourning his father.
The first thing Lucian did upon returning to his office was summon Thorkel.
Perhaps the side effects of the potion weren't as severe as expected, as he looked perfectly fine.
“I heard you called for me.”
“There’s something I need you to do. No, to be precise, you and your friend.”
“If you mean my friend...”
“The third son of the Beor family. It seems I’ll have to give him a task as soon as I see his face. Do you think he’ll accept?”
Nobles were creatures of prestige.
No matter how important the task, if it was thrust upon them without proper treatment, they could harbor resentment.
For Lucian, who had to entrust a mission where trust was paramount, the other person's character was a point of concern.
At Lucian’s words, Thorkel gave a wide grin as if telling him not to worry.
“He’ll actually love it. He’ll think he’s gained an opportunity to get closer to Your Grace.”
“Good, let’s meet him first. Can he come right now?”
“Of course.”
Thorkel headed outside, saying his friend had been ready and waiting for Lucian’s call.
Not long after, Thorkel returned with a tense young man by his side.
“Lesta Beor greets the Grand Duke. It is truly an honor to meet you like this.”
“Yes, Lord Lesta. I’ve heard much about you. I hear you’re a talented newcomer.”
“I’m embarrassed to say, but I have heard such evaluations from those around me.”
Lucian blinked as he watched Lesta, who didn't deny the pleasantries at all.
Rather than narcissism, it seemed he was intentionally showing a confident front to gain Lucian’s trust.
Lucian smiled with satisfaction at this unique way of handling himself.
‘Not bad.’
Having ambition and wanting to show off one's ability meant he would be just as proactive in his duties.
He was much better than those who tried to test the waters with half-baked politics or tried to back out of dangerous work.
“I have a task for you. It involves mobilizing troops. Can you do it?”
“...!”
Lesta’s face stiffened.
Anything involving the mobilization of troops usually had significant repercussions.
However, after only a brief moment of tension, he bowed his head with a determined expression.
“Just give the word, whatever it may be!”
Lucian’s smile deepened at the quick response.
With this much courage, he seemed trustworthy enough to be given the task.
“The task itself is simple. My retainers who were with the family will soon arrive in the North. Wait near the border and, as soon as you find them, escort them safely here.”
“...Is that all?”
“That is all.”
Upon hearing the details, Lesta reflexively showed a look of disappointment.
He had wondered what great task was being assigned, only for it to be a simple escort mission that could be done by anyone.
However, Lucian added a few more words as if he wasn't finished.
“You must bring them back safely, no matter what. Even if it means engaging in combat with pursuers.”
“Pardon? Pursuers? Are they being chased by someone?”
“They might be, or they might not be. But if someone is chasing them, it won't be an easy task.”
Lesta, who had been slumped, snapped his eyes open.
If truly dangerous pursuers were attached, then this wasn't just a ceremonial escort mission.
It was a mission of the utmost importance, entrusting the lives of key family members.
If he succeeded, he would surely gain Lucian’s trust.
“No matter who comes, I will not let a single hair on their heads be harmed!”
“Good, I’m counting on you. We need to hurry if possible, so can you prepare immediately?”
“Yes, Your Grace!”
Lesta quickly stood up and left the office.
Watching Lesta prepare to head to his territory, Thorkel laughed.
“That was an amazing display of leadership. By adding a risk factor to a seemingly minor mission, you gauged his personality and built a relationship of trust at the same time.”
“I wasn't lying, though.”
“Pardon?”
“I wasn't just making up a risk factor; there really might be one. I just didn't guarantee it because I wasn't certain.”
“Then...”
“If something truly dangerous happens, he might have to risk his life. Though most likely, it’ll end without much incident.”
Lucian had heard the news about Jordi when he had nothing.
Since he had come with nothing but his own body to reclaim the Grimaldi name, Jordi had no reason to be wary of Lucian.
As long as he took over the family, Lucian was as good as exiled, so why would he care about the people under Lucian’s command?
‘But the situation is different now.’
Lucian had gone from a young third son with nothing but his body to the Duke of Grimaldi and the Margrave of Asagrim.
If this news got out, Jordi would surely change his attitude and try to detain the retainers by any means necessary.
If he could hold hostages against the Conqueror of the North, it wouldn't be a bad deal for Jordi.
‘If possible, I wanted to send Hugo, Raymond, and Felicia, but doing so would draw the North’s attention there as well.’
If someone hostile to Lucian realized the value of Hans and Ian, a mess would break out.
Out of necessity, he had asked Lesta, who had a decent amount of troops while drawing less attention from others.
If Lesta stepped forward, it would be difficult to link him to Lucian, whether he was providing an escort or anything else.
“And Thorkel, I need you to step up as well. Your father is the most trustworthy lord at the entrance to the North.”
“...Surely you aren't telling me to go see my father again?”
“Why wouldn't I be? On your way, meet with Viscount Harald and borrow some troops. That way, it’ll be easier to drive off any pursuers.”
Thorkel’s face went pale, but he slowly nodded.
Given the gravity of the matter, he seemed unable to refuse even if he didn't want to go.
Just as Lucian was about to dismiss him, he remembered one thing he had forgotten.
“Oh, take this before you go.”
When Lucian pulled a bottle of Nectar from his robe, Thorkel’s eyes widened.
“My god, what is this? In all my life, I’ve never seen a liquid that glows on its own.”
“Nectar.”
“Nectar? Are you referring to the legendary drink of the gods?”
“It’s just a potion that took its name from that.”
“I don’t know who the creator is, but they are arrogant. To give a potion the name of the gods' drink.”
Lucian gave a bitter smile at Thorkel’s words.
It was exactly what others had said in his past life.
Of course, after they experienced its effects, such sarcasm vanished instantly.
“Anyway, why are you giving this to me?”
“If the people you’re escorting doubt your identity, show them this potion. They’ll drop their suspicions and follow you then.”
“It must be an important item.”
Yes, incredibly important.
Lucian swallowed his words and sent Thorkel out.
As long as he did his job properly, he would soon get to taste the effects of the Nectar.
After entrusting the escort to Thorkel and Lesta, Lucian decided to wait for the Emperor’s decree.
Ever since Lucian’s conversation with the Emperor, Glen had headed outside of Asagrim several times.
Since a dimensional gate couldn't be opened inside Asagrim, it seemed he was trying to open it from the outside.
However, unlike before, the dimensional gate did not open easily.
When the cycle of spending all day outside and returning empty-handed repeated, Lucian couldn't help but ask.
“Sir Glen, has some problem occurred?”
“No. The time simply hasn't come yet. I will see His Majesty soon, so you don't need to worry needlessly.”
He had a fairly calm expression, as if he suspected something.
Since Glen was someone who rarely hid his emotions, Lucian decided to believe him and wait.
And on the seventh day, a dimensional gate finally opened outside of Asagrim.
Glen, who had received something from beyond the briefly opened gate, soon came to find Lucian with a deathly pale face.
“Your Grace...”
“Sir Glen? What is it?”
A half-dazed Glen held something out to Lucian.
Lucian took the Emperor’s decree, which was clearly stained with blood, and trembled slightly.