Chapter 31: An Obedient Dog
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 31: An Obedient Dog
“Wait, Count Consilus! We are representatives of the Imperial Court!”
Karl emphasized the point once more, desperate to clear up what he hoped was a simple misunderstanding. He wanted to remind the Count that his path to promotion—his entire future—rested in their hands.
Consilus patted Karl’s shoulder, his expression one of pure pity.
“You’ve come a long way; you must be exhausted. To think the Empire would send you all this way for such a task, forcing you to harass innocent people.”
“Wh-what? What on earth do you mean…?”
This wasn't how the conversation was supposed to go. It was Count Consilus himself who had been ranting earlier about what a cursed bastard the Regent was. Was he changing his mind now?
No way…
Karl’s eyes darted between Ferda and Count Consilus. It was impossible. There was no way such a tight-knit bond could exist in the cutthroat world of the nobility.
“What are you doing?”
“Pardon?”
Ferda tilted his head, his voice cold.
“Hurry up and call the next witness.”
Ferda drummed his fingers on the table as if counting.
“There are still many witnesses left. Excluding the late Thesalos Wolcher, thirteen remain. Bring them all in and have them testify. If even one of them claims I am guilty, your job is done, isn't it?”
Even if ninety-nine said no, if just one said yes, the Purge Squad had the power to ruin a man. However, Karl knew that even if he called all thirteen, he didn't have a prayer. If Count Consilus, the true power of the Far East, denied the charges, those beneath him would surely follow suit.
“If you can’t call any witnesses, then show me what else you have.”
“Wh-what…?”
“Surely you brought more charges to disparage and threaten me? Bring them out.”
The atmosphere had completely flipped. Karl tried to force a show of bravado. With trembling hands, he pulled a parchment from his breast pocket.
“I—I heard that you kidnapped this child.”
It was a sketch of a girl with long, straight hair. One look at those vacant eyes was enough to identify her as Mori.
If he’s looking for Mori, then Helus Fobidas is behind this.
If Helus Fobidas had specifically pointed the finger at Ferda, it meant he had found the maidservant.
“I see.”
Of course, the threat itself was laughable. Karl knew that, too. It was just that his mind had gone blank, and he felt he had to do something—anything—to regain control.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I purchased that child. I obtained the servant’s consent and the legal transfer of ownership. It cannot be called a kidnapping.”
“……”
“But if you insist on claiming so, it wouldn't be a bad idea to speak with the party involved. So, what’s next?”
Karl didn't answer. Aside from those points, everything else was trivial—mere trifles used to fish for a few extra coins. He had no cards left to play.
“Then I suppose it’s my turn to speak.”
The floor shifted to Ferda. He turned his gaze toward Count Consilus.
“Count Consilus.”
“Yes. Speak, Regent,” the Count responded with a polite bow.
“This man openly demanded money from me.”
“Ho-ho, is that so? Since he traveled a long way, it’s only right to provide some travel expenses, isn't it?”
“The amount he demanded for his ‘travel expenses’ was 100,000 Golden.”
“My, that is quite a large sum.”
“What is the value of that money?”
“Values differ for everyone, so it is difficult to give a definitive answer.”
“I see. If you were to calculate it based on the money spent on your people, how much would it be?”
“It would be enough to feed my people for ten years,” Consilus replied. “They would never have to worry about a meal again.”
“I see.”
Ferda’s blue eyes glowed faintly.
“So this man tried to steal ten years from the people, all for himself?”
“Indeed.”
Consilus followed suit, glaring at Karl. The clear anger etched in his eyes replaced his previous easygoing smile.
“He has committed a heinous crime that would outrage both heaven and man.”
“Ah… ah…”
Even the cat he had brought in to corner the rat was in on the trap. Karl, who never imagined he would be the one cornered, began to shake violently.
“What are your thoughts, Count? What should be done with this man?”
“Demanding money and goods while bearing the name of the Empire… this is not the behavior of a knight.”
“Is it not? Furthermore, he demanded that I look upon him as if he were the Emperor himself.”
“Hahaha! Surely he wouldn't do such a thing? For a mere knight to dare equate himself with His Imperial Majesty.”
“If that were true, what would happen?”
“He would have no right to complain even if he ended up like Thesalos. Thesalos Wolcher had a hole put through his forehead, did he not?”
“He did.”
Karl couldn't even breathe properly as he listened to their one-sided conversation. He couldn't say a word; he just looked back and forth between the two, breaking out in a cold sweat.
“But before that… how about we lodge a formal protest with the Empire regarding the solicitation of bribes and the impersonation of royalty?”
“A fine idea. But if someone as young as I protests, will they even listen?”
“You needn't worry. I shall prepare it myself.”
Most nobles knew the Purge Squad did the dirty work. However, it was a different story if someone made it a public issue. No one would dare ignore a statement from Count Consilus, who had guarded the front lines into his old age.
Count Consilus…
A sense of betrayal welled up in Karl’s eyes. It was the work of this old man, laughing and chatting over there, that had led him into this snare.
He trapped me… and the Purge Squad!
Consilus and Ferda Valdrova had conspired together to create this disaster. Karl tried one last desperate struggle.
“W-we are a direct unit! Even if you protest like that, nothing will change—!”
“Do you really think so?” Ferda replied coldly. “What is your value?”
“My value…?”
“Would it be easier for the Empire to protect you, or to cut off your head to ‘correct’ a personal lapse in judgment? Which do you think is more convenient for them?”
There was no need to ask. The latter was overwhelmingly better.
“And even if you somehow survive, do you think your kin will stay quiet? Your younger brothers will likely come to take your head with their own hands.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“Think about it, eldest son of House Harvest. You have two younger brothers, don't you? Even if you are on good terms, do you think they will stand by while their older brother runs around committing acts of corruption?”
There was no way they would. They were the ones who looked at everything Karl enjoyed—simply because he was born first—with eyes full of envy. If they knew the honor of a knight, they would strike him down for the glory of the family. If they were merely worldly men hungry for success, they would strike him down for their own advancement. Karl, who was worth more dead than alive, was perfect prey.
In a situation where everything was closing in on him, Karl realized too late.
The dragon wasn't the problem.
This Regent, whom they had been mocking until just a few days ago, was the one they truly should have feared.
“Tell me.”
Karl snapped back to reality at the sound of Ferda’s voice. As always, he spoke with an icy detachment.
“What do I look like to you now?”
A sharp chill ran down Karl's spine, as if an icy blade were held to his throat. He felt that the moment he gave the wrong answer, that blade would sever his neck. Trembling with fear, Karl managed to answer.
“Y-you are the Great Regent of Valdrova.”
Submission bled through his voice.
“Yes. The one who rules the Archduchy of Valdrova on behalf of the Archduchess.”
Ferda stood up and placed a hand on the shoulder of the shivering Karl.
“And I believe you should become the master of the Purge Squad.”
A sweet, devilish whisper.
“Do you wish to become the master of the Purge Squad, or would you rather die nobly for its sake?”
It was a foolish question. There was no nobility in the Purge Squad. Karl bowed his head low.
“Please… accept my loyalty.”
Ferda shook his head at the answer.
“I have no need for your fickle loyalty.”
Just as Karl’s heart sank to the floor, Ferda added, “What I need is an obedient dog.”
“A… dog?”
“A dog that does only what it’s told and doesn't do anything unnecessary. One that wags its tail at the occasional bone and knows how to wait quietly for its master. If you can do that, I can open the path to success for you. Do you understand?”
Karl nodded frantically.
“I-I understand. I will be a dog. I will be… your dog, Regent.”
“Good.”
Ferda patted his shoulder.
“Stay here for the night. I need to have a collar made for you.”
“…Yes.”
Karl’s face remained deathly pale, showing no signs of returning to its natural color.
* * *
Karl left the drawing room. From now on, he would likely be enjoying dinner with the subordinates he had brought along. Of course, for the man himself, it was nothing more than a final meal before an execution; he wouldn't even know if the food was going into his mouth or his nose.
Meanwhile, Ferda spoke with Count Consilus. The Count explained the entire situation regarding how the Purge Squad had come to be there.
“So you’re saying the reason the Purge Squad came here with such confidence was because of you.”
Count Consilus bowed his head.
“I have committed an act worthy of death, for which there is no excuse.”
“It doesn't matter. So, how did you reply to that letter?”
“That you are a clean, upright, and wise ruler who cares for the Far East…”
Count Consilus grinned.
“I felt that I shouldn't answer like that.”
“And why is that?”
Ferda asked, though he already suspected the answer.
“The Purge Squad is like a swarm of locusts. Once they catch the scent of food, they swarm in, tear everything apart, and vanish. The Far East is currently seeking development. They always target the weak first and slowly swallow them whole. Once they set foot here, it’s as good as over.”
It was one of the Purge Squad’s primary strategies: slowly isolate the powerless areas and then consume them.
“However, your image had already been tarnished because of Thesalos Wolcher.”
On the surface, Ferda was already isolated. It was enough to make the Purge Squad think the nobles were waiting for a chance to stab Ferda in the back. If they were given confirmation of that, they could be easily manipulated.
“You used me quite well.”
“I apologize for causing you concern. It was all my plan, so if you must punish someone, please punish this old man.”
Ferda waved his hand dismissively.
“No, it’s fine. You simply dealt with the dogs prowling around for the sake of the territory’s development and peace, did you not?”
“But wouldn't it be unpleasant to have been tested by me?”
“It doesn't matter since you told me the truth. As long as you remain loyal to the Archduchess, I don't care how you use me. I didn't come here to enjoy the authority of a king. I came here to devote myself to my King.”
“Ah…”
Count Consilus was a man who could easily see through the superficialities of the nobility. He could feel that Ferda was sincere to his very core.
“So tell me. To whom do you owe your loyalty?”
“To be honest, I was loyal to the Empire. I was a man whose heart leaned more toward the Emperor than the Archduchess nearby…”
Consilus gave a bitter smile as he spoke the truth.
“As one grows old, one becomes fearful. Perhaps that is why, as time passes, I sometimes forget why I rose to this position in the first place.”
“Have you remembered what you forgot now?”
“Yes. Thanks to you, Regent, my eyes have been opened.”
Consilus looked out the window. Not far off, the contaminated land—the Land of Demons—stretched out. It was a view he could never see from his own castle because of the elevation.
“From the moment I took this position, I accepted it with the conviction to protect the people. I am loyal to the Empire because the Empire exists to protect its subjects, not because it raised me up.”
“You are a noble aristocrat.”
“You flatter me.”
Consilus chuckled. He was the spokesperson for the Far East. But as was always the case, there was nothing to light a fire in their hearts. Even though countless soldiers had died, all they gained was a worn-out heart and fear.
“Count Consilus.”
“Yes.”
“Does that conviction still dwell in your heart?”
“It does.”
Ferda reached out his hand.
“Then join me. To protect this East, I need someone like you.”
Consilus’s eyes widened at the proposal, and he shook his head.
“No. Please do not say such things. I am the one who should be saying that, not you, Regent.”
Consilus knelt and carefully placed both of his hands over Ferda’s. The hands that had gripped a sword to protect the people were rough and coarse.
“Please lead this East, where only death lurks. I shall always remain loyal to Her Highness the Archduchess and follow the will of the Regent.”
* * *
Karl was suffering from a massive hangover. In his position, where he had to hide an unspeakable secret, he had drunk like a madman, wishing he would just die. But instead of death, only a killer hangover and the morning sun greeted him.
Damn it…
He wanted to run away. But he didn't even have the courage for that. So, he had to sit and wait like a pig trapped in a slaughterhouse.
Someone entered the room. Thinking it was Ferda, he started to stand up to bow, but—
“Oh, hello?”
A gloomy-looking woman with black hair walked inside.
What? Who is this woman?
But she was no ordinary person. Based on her outfit, she looked like one of the administrators employed by the castle. However, an ominous aura that couldn't be hidden beneath her plain appearance made him want to back away immediately.
She raised a hand awkwardly in greeting.
“I’ll be acting as the representative for the Archduchess to handle the contract. And… um…”
Her black eyes slowly scanned Karl’s face.
“You aren't as handsome as I heard.”
Her voice sounded pitying. He felt like he was being mocked, but he didn't even think about getting angry.
“My name is Echidna Philias.”
“…Philias?”
His hangover vanished instantly.
Philias? That means she’s a witch belonging to the Philias line?
Philias. They appeared among women who had awakened the Red Circle, and once they entered into a contract, they inevitably became witches. They were famous for their extreme hatred of men and for never cooperating with anyone outside of Philias.
He recruited a witch… and is using her?
How on earth? He forced himself to swallow the scream-like question that wanted to burst out. In Karl’s mind, his evaluation of Ferda was being completely rewritten.
“Here is… the contract… Would you like to read it slowly?”
“Yes.”
Karl checked the pages one by one, feeling as if he were grasping at a lifeline.
A loophole… I have to find a loophole…
But it was impossible. There was no way Karl, who wasn't well-versed in the law, could review a contract dozens of pages long by himself.
As expected of a witch…
Witches were said to be the most hideous after demons when it came to contracts. When Ferda said he would put a collar on him, Karl thought he would perform some basic contract magic, but he never imagined he would use a witch to do it.
After reading about three pages, Karl gave up and began writing his name on each sheet. One way or another, the fact that he was becoming a dog remained unchanged.
As he finished signing the last page, the contract began to glow.
“Ugh.”
Karl groaned at the pain rising from beneath his skin. A stinging sensation carved the mark of the contract onto his wrist. With that, the contract with this gloomy witch was complete.
“Yes. I’ve confirmed it. From now on, you… have to be careful with your words, okay?”
“What do you mean… careful with my words?”
“I—I expected as much, but you really didn't read it well… So… um… if you try to do anything against the Regent’s will, or try to drop hints about this contract… your head will go BANG!!”
His shoulders flinched.
“It’ll just fly right off. You have to be careful with your thoughts and words at all times, okay?”
Even though she stuttered like a simpleton, the way she spoke of death so casually made her seem even more cold-blooded. 5th Tier contract magic held absolute power within the terms of the contract. If there were no loopholes, one would have to force a cancellation, and even that process was difficult and cumbersome.
The Tier is a secondary issue.
Karl had made a contract with a witch. If that fact became known, he would not only be beheaded by the Empire, but he could also be killed by his brothers, who were constantly eyeing his position. He had to keep it hidden at all costs.
“……”
“Ehehe, I—I’d like it if you answered me.”
He shuddered. An ominous aura was pouring out of her. In that awkward smile of hers, he saw a madness devoid of bloodlust. That made it even more terrifying.
“Y-yes, of course!!”
“Okay, I got your answer. You can go now. Bye-bye~.”
Karl fled the room as if running for his life. Echidna smiled and waved at Karl as he scurried away.
Just as he thought he could catch his breath after escaping the tiger’s den…
“The contract finished quickly.”
Another tiger was prowling about. This tiger placed a hand on Karl’s shoulder and spoke.
“I shall give the first mission to the member of the Purge Squad and the dog who has sworn loyalty to the Archduchy of Valdrova.”
Karl could no longer avoid it.
“What is the mission?”
Ferda answered.
“Helus Fobidas.”
The man called the Sage of Water.
“Bring him here.”
He intended to reel that one in as well.