Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Using Others' Logic as a Weapon. (4)
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'I have to get this through, no matter what.'
I appeared relaxed on the surface, but inwardly, I was burning with determination.
The taxes we'd paid to the imperial family so far had placed an enormous burden on Ovest Territory.
'Especially since that troll incident last time, we've been struggling with financial difficulties nonstop.'
In the original story, we'd collapsed so easily to Requiem because we hadn't fully recovered from the damage at that time.
On top of that, if tax pressure kept coming, we'd have no choice but to cut budgets elsewhere.
'Lord Diego never skimps on military spending.'
We couldn't reduce armor, weapons, or the knight order's salaries. Naturally, the territory's strength would weaken, and in the worst case, we could even go bankrupt.
'If I don't resolve this today, we're done for.'
Was I doing this out of love for Ovest Territory? Oh, please.
I just wanted to move freely as I pleased. For that, the Ovest Territory at my back needed to hold strong.
'The Kindriel family can't disappear.'
In this world, a family's name and a noble's title held immense power. I had no intention of letting go of mine.
'Alright, time to wrap this up.'
I subtly gauged the atmosphere around me. Everyone was glued to my poignant expression.
'Ha, my acting skills are on point.'
If there were an acting contest in this world, victory would be mine for sure.
It was time to put the final stamp on this agenda.
❖ ❖ ❖
Carlo gnawed at his lower lip.
'That damn pup...!'
Everyone was hanging on Abel's every word, and the mood shifted dramatically with each one he spoke.
It was a bad sign.
In politics, seizing the atmosphere early was crucial. Once the mood flipped, turning it back was incredibly difficult.
That's why he'd deliberately invoked the empire, coming on strong. The current tax calculation method was overwhelmingly favorable to him.
'A proportional system? What nonsense!'
If they adopted Abel's proposal, Carlo would have to pay several times the taxes he'd been paying before.
For him, who had amassed great wealth over the years, this was a devastating blow. He absolutely could not allow it.
But the problem was that this benefited every territory except him and a few families.
'The other territories would love it.'
Moreover, the amount Carlo had to pay extra far exceeded the reductions for the other territories.
In the end, the money flowing into Emperor Theodore's hands would increase substantially.
'That greedy pig won't refuse this!'
Carlo didn't hesitate to curse Emperor Theodore in his mind.
It was the kind of vulgarity that Saintess Rachel, far from this imperial palace, would applaud.
'I have to block it.'
He had to stop this system from passing, no matter what.
But then.
"And this is truly the path for the empire."
Abel annoyingly turned Carlo's own logic against him.
"For the empire" was an impregnable shield and a powerful weapon.
Before that logic, all of Carlo's counterattacks would paint him as merely greedy for his own territory's gain.
And furthermore.
"Have you heard of Magna Morten?"
The moment Abel's voice rang out, Carlo sensed things were about to get messier.
His face blurred with sorrow, his voice moist with emotion.
Abel's shift in demeanor instantly captivated everyone's attention.
'...Damn it.'
Carlo swallowed a curse through gritted teeth.
Abel knew exactly how to wield the power of his face.
'That pretty-boy fake!'
In terms of looks alone, Abel's smooth features rivaled Cain's.
To be precise, they were different types of handsome.
Cain had innate masculine lines and a bold impression. But Abel's were finer and more delicate, like a painting—exquisitely beautiful.
And such a face wielded greater power when stirring the public's emotions.
Just like now.
"Why bring that up here all of a sudden?"
Carlo scowled and shot back.
He actually knew about Magna Morten, but he pretended ignorance to avoid being dragged further into Abel's pace.
"Magna Morten?"
"Isn't that in Ovest Territory...?"
The lords murmured, then fell silent under Carlo's ominous glare. But one man wasn't cowed by the pressure.
"Magna Morten."
Emperor Theodore, already fully swayed by Abel's proposal, chimed in.
"I know of it."
He stroked his chin slowly as he spoke.
"It's the mausoleum in the center of Ovest Territory, isn't it?"
"A mausoleum—isn't that usually a place to honor the departed?"
Right on cue, Mikel chimed in. Carlo ground his teeth at the sight.
'That old tiger! He knows full well and pretends not to!'
The current situation was more than just an opportunity to explain Magna Morten—it was handing Abel the perfect opening.
"Yes, that's correct."
Abel replied with a heartbroken expression.
"Typically, territories have cemeteries for residents in the center. But Ovest Territory has a separate mausoleum."
Depth crept into his voice. His naturally soft timbre took on an even more alluring resonance.
"It's dedicated to the knights who fell defending the empire from the western mountains."
Abel cleverly said "the empire" instead of "the territory." It was an obvious ploy, but all the more effective for it.
The lords' faces grew solemn. Abel scanned them as he continued.
"I visit there every day to pay respects to the souls of those knights who gave their lives for the empire."
A meaningful glint passed over Abel's lips as he spoke. But it was so fleeting no one noticed.
"Seeing the bereaved families shed tears there tears my heart apart. I want to help somehow, but the dead can never return."
His words were a melody of tears, tugging tenderly at the listeners' heartstrings. The conference hall grew even more hushed.
"But they bury their grief in their hearts and muster strength in their faltering knees."
Abel continued in a dramatic tone.
"To live tomorrow, to serve and dedicate themselves to the empire."
Now, everyone in the hall wore expressions moved by Abel's speech.
"Ovest Territory has held up well, honestly."
"If not for the Kindriel family, the monsters from the western mountains..."
In that moment, Ovest Territory—in the remote corner of the empire's west—was elevated to the empire's guardian.
"For their sake, and for all territories and the empire. I trust you'll make the rational choice."
Abel finished and took his seat.
The hall was silent, overwhelmed by the atmosphere he'd created.
Carlo chewed on curses nonstop.
'...Damn it all.'
Until now, he'd dominated every meeting, manipulating the mood at will. He'd boasted it would continue that way.
At least, until Abel Kindriel appeared today.
'To some young punk like that...!'
Not only had he lost control, but being helplessly dragged along was unbelievable.
He was burning with rage inside. This was a first in his political career.
'If you're playing dirty, you think I'll sit still?'
But he hadn't lost completely yet.
Carlo glanced back.
"......"
He exchanged looks with his Ardante faction allies. One of them, Mason Lord, nodded.
Mason raised his hand.
"I understand Young Lord Abel's intent. But I've heard something."
A sleazy smile crossed Mason's lips.
"There are disturbing rumors about Young Lord Abel."
The hall's atmosphere wavered slightly. The lords began murmuring softly.
"Come to think of it, Abel Kindriel..."
"The rumors aren't good..."
"Famous as a playboy..."
Even hearing that, Abel smiled serenely.
"Does that have any relevance to this meeting?"
"It can't not. If trust in the speaker drops, it matters."
"Oh, does it?"
Abel's violet-blue eyes deepened like an unfathomable sea. A dark abyss flickered within.
"......!"
Mason flinched as their eyes met. Abel stared straight at him and spoke.
"I heard Mason Lord recently bought a very valuable necklace."
"...N-Necklace?"
"Yes. One with a Cardasan pigeon ruby in the center, chain made of diamonds."
Abel's lips curved deeply.
"I was curious who would receive it."
A secretive sparkle in his smile.
"Of course, the lady of the house, right?"
"—!"
Mason's mouth gaped open. His face drained of color as he floundered.
"No, what business is it of yours what I buy!"
He had no choice.
The necklace Mason bought was currently sparkling around his mistress's neck, not his wife's at home.
"Why bring this up out of nowhere? Are you threatening me?"
Abel merely tilted his head innocently at the outburst.
"I was just curious."
With the most innocent face. But his eyes gleamed coldly.
"Do you have something to hide?"
Mason couldn't withstand Abel's piercing gaze and sat down.
"Th-That... Ahem, hem hem."
He cleared his throat awkwardly and looked away. The lords murmured again at the sight.
"Looks like he has a hidden mistress."
"Wasn't he famous as a devoted husband?"
"He bragged about their good relationship everywhere."
Another from the Ardante faction, Tyler Lord, shot to his feet.
"What nonsense is this!"
He vented his anger with a furious face.
"How can you slander someone based on rumors?"
"But Mason Lord started it."
Abel widened his eyes.
"So I just shared what I'd heard."
Tyler flushed red and purple at the cheeky retort.
"Wh-What...!"
Just as he was about to explode,
"Pfft."
Laughter burst from spots around the hall. Mostly lords who harbored grudges against the Ardante family's influence.
They whispered with mocking faces.
"Young Lord Abel has a point."
"Shouldn't have brought it up."
"It's the pot calling the kettle black."
Tyler glared at them fuming. Mason stared at his desk, still pale.
"Oh, speaking of which."
Abel drawled toward Tyler.
"There's something I've wanted to learn from you, Tyler Lord."
"What...?"
Tyler looked confused at the sudden remark.
"How do you keep your ledgers so brilliantly?"
"L-Ledgers?"
"Yes. Slipping in nonexistent businesses to inflate costs."
Abel slowly licked his lips.
"I really want to learn that."