Chapter 531
Chapter 531
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 531
Chapter Title: Reborn as the Plum Blossom Sword Master in a Count's Family
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"I shall bestow the count's title upon the son who achieves the greatest merit in this war."
It was a bombshell declaration that left the assembled nobles speechless and dumbfounded in an instant.
"...Are you in your right mind, Count?"
Marquis Petras's remark was somewhat rude, but it spoke for the feelings of most of the nobles, including myself.
Ention's statement meant he was sending all three of his sons—his potential heirs—straight to the battlefield. By any common sense, heirs were meant to be protected. They were the ones who would lead the family if something happened to him.
Even when nobles themselves went to war, they never sent their heirs. Heirs represented the family's future.
"I am perfectly sane. Jent, Kyle, Yujin. Step forward."
My brothers, scattered throughout the banquet hall, came forward. I maintained a blank expression as I observed their faces.
Jent grimaced for a split second before slipping back into his usual relaxed demeanor. I didn't miss the flicker of betrayal that twisted his features.
'I thought he knew Ention's intentions because he'd been paying attention to the mercenaries... but it seems he was completely in the dark.'
Kyle's expression remained stiff throughout. He clearly didn't like Ention's declaration either.
Ention looked us over once and spoke.
"The Prucker family was forged in war. Thus, those who bear the Prucker name must not fear battle. Nor must they be incompetent. Prove your worth in the war."
Ention continued.
"If any of you wish to sit this out, say so now. You will face no penalties beyond being excluded from succeeding the Prucker family."
But none of us had any intention of backing down.
"I will prove myself on the battlefield as you wish, Father."
Jent spoke first. Having lived on the front lines with Ention, war held no great terror for him.
"Father, what is the deadline? Until the war ends?"
Kyle asked for clarification.
"That is the baseline. However, if the war drags on, it will be three years. Three years from the start of the war, and I will personally evaluate the merits and declare the successor."
The other brothers had spoken, so I couldn't just stand idly by.
"What support can we expect from the family?"
"There will be none. Preparing for war is your own responsibility. You may enlist in the military and rise from the ranks, or join under someone else's banner. It doesn't matter. There is only one condition to becoming heir: establishing merit in the war."
This was going to be a headache.
Each brother had the means to command soldiers.
As the eldest, Jent had a solid foundation and could levy troops. The noble factions loyal to him would be a huge help.
The second son, Kyle, was an expert of the highest caliber. Soldiers would naturally follow him.
'On the other hand, I have money. Not a bad deal at all.'
None of us stepped back. Ention nodded in satisfaction at the sight.
"Tch. Every last one of those Pruckers rubs me the wrong way."
Marquis Petras muttered irritably.
"Second. When war breaks out, we will not content ourselves with defense alone. We will invade the Kingdom of Balt and seize territory."
The Kingdom of Balt.
The kingdom bordering the eastern frontier of the Kingdom of Rapelli.
"Count Prucker! What is the meaning of declaring that so boldly here?! Do you think there are no ears from the Kingdom of Balt present?!"
The duke raised his voice. Ention replied without so much as twitching an eyebrow.
"The Kingdom of Balt has been our enemy. In the last great war, tens of thousands of our soldiers lost their lives fighting them. The wars before that were the same. We have a history with Balt that cannot be undone. For our future, the Kingdom of Balt must be destroyed. Does Your Grace desire friendship with them?"
"... ."
The duke fell silent. Invasion was distasteful enough, but defending Balt would be treason.
"Everyone, war is approaching. Do not forget that, and enjoy tonight's banquet. My presence would only be a hindrance, so I shall take my leave."
Ention dropped his storm on the banquet hall and quietly exited.
The nobles sprang into action. Some followed Ention out, while others approached us brothers instead.
'Things are about to get busy. Minerals, armor, weapons, food... prices will skyrocket across the board. Other nations will gear up for war in earnest too.'
The war of resources had already begun. And I would be the victor in this war. I had prepared in advance, and I could even bring in goods from another world.
'Kukuku. Things have veered quite a bit from my expectations, but it's all good. I'll make a killing.'
As proof, nobles were already swarming me, plastering on friendly smiles. I was just a novice noble in their eyes, yet they were gauging my reactions.
"Baron Prucker. I am Viscount Renmidle, in service to Count Ripulg of the south. If it's alright, might we speak privately for a moment? It's nothing detrimental to you, Baron. It's for all of us—for the Kingdom of Rapelli itself."
"Your mouth always spills those pretty words. Didn't I tell you last time there's no sincerity in what you say? Baron Prucker, join me instead. I have a tale that will pique your interest."
"Baron Prucker is as popular as ever. I come with a proposal that will benefit you in flesh and coin. I promise—you won't regret it."
Nobles flocked to me in droves.
Most were drawn by my wealth and the Korea Merchant Company.
"Now, now, calm down. I'm not going anywhere. We have plenty of time, so let's talk leisurely."
???
The banquet continued without pause until the next day. But the number of revelers was less than half of the previous night.
An opportunity arose to speak with Princess Ailin. She had sought me out first.
"Baron Prucker. Might we have a word?"
Princess Ailin's voice was polite. Or rather, emotionless.
"Of course. I have time. There's an empty room. Shall we go there?"
Princess Ailin had her maid in tow, and I brought Yuria. The maid trailing behind Princess Ailin was no ordinary person. I knew her from the original story.
Aridna.
A woman with neat black hair and mysterious gray eyes. An assassin at the upper aura expert level. Stronger than most knights.
Princess Ailin and I sat facing each other. She glanced at Yuria standing beside me.
"The maid who holds the real power in the Korea Merchant Company, I presume. Yuria, was it?"
As expected, Princess Ailin knew a fair bit about Yuria.
Yuria looked to me for guidance. I nodded, and she replied to the princess.
"Yes. Yuria Grace."
"Far too beautiful to be just a maid. That must cause problems."
"Nothing for Your Highness to worry about."
"Silver hair and blue eyes. The hallmarks of the Helbritt Ducal House. Any relation to the now-extinct Helbritts?"
"None whatsoever. It's just a coincidence in hair and eye color."
I interjected between Princess Ailin and Yuria. The princess was openly probing about Yuria.
Yuria was my wild card. I intended to keep her hidden as long as possible. I had no intention of giving the princess any information now.
"Your Highness, didn't you come to speak with me? This is unpleasant."
"...My apologies, Baron. With the Korea Merchant Company involved, I was curious about the one holding the reins."
"The Korea Merchant Company... What seems to be the problem?"
"Low-ranking nobles and merchants associated with the Korea Merchant Company have been dying periodically. And those deaths always seem to benefit the company."
"Is that so? What a curious coincidence."
Everyone knew—we at the Korea Merchant Company used assassination without hesitation. Princess Ailin knew, I knew, and everyone watching us knew. But no one could officially acknowledge it. The company had grown too powerful to touch lightly.
"I thought someone with real power might know something. Perhaps even something done behind your back."
"Even if Yuria holds the reins of the Korea Merchant Company, she's always by my side. Nothing like what you're imagining."
"... ."
"... ."
Our gazes clashed in the air. Hers was calm. No anger, no hatred. Mine, on the other hand, stared her down openly.
"Baron. It's not too late yet."
"Too late for what?"
"My brother has no royal qualities. If he becomes king, the kingdom won't last ten years before it crumbles."
"Your Highness, a king doesn't have to prop up the nation alone."
"...Your stance seems firm, Baron, so there's no need for further talk. I'll take my leave."
Princess Ailin rose. I read hostility in her previously unreadable eyes.
"I won't see you out. I have some thinking to do."
Princess Ailin departed.
This was probably her last olive branch.
'Given her personality, she'd use me like a hunting dog and devour me in the end. Considering what I've done so far, it's only natural.'
I had no intention of getting chummy with Princess Ailin. One day, she'd kneel between my legs.
Bang!
The door flew open, and an uninvited guest arrived.
A man with a face resembling Princess Ailin's. Prince Aiden.
"...What is this, Aiden? I don't recall agreeing to meet separately."
"What is this? That's what I want to ask you! What did you talk about with that wench?!"
His speech was as crude as ever. I'd let him run wild with my sponsorship funds, and now he didn't know his place, strutting around arrogantly. I considered giving him a reminder of his manners but held back.
"She told me to come under her."
"That damned bitch...!"
Prince Aiden trembled with rage. I could sense his fury and anxiety. With the Helbritt Ducal House wiped out by Yuria's hand, I was his only hope.
"...Baron. You haven't joined hands with her, have you?"
"Why would I, when I have you?"
At my response, Prince Aiden sighed in relief, patting his chest.
"Phew... Good. She's my sister, but she's too arrogant. She's ignored her big brother me since we were kids, and even with me, the eldest, still hale and hearty, she eyes the throne without knowing her place. Baron, that wench's mouth is a viper's. Don't believe a word she says."
"I know. More importantly, you haven't forgotten our promise."
"Of course. Make me king, and Ailin is yours. Use her as a slave, chop off her limbs and execute her—I won't care. Personally, I think the latter would be cleaner."
"I'll decide what to do with Princess Ailin. More importantly, you should watch your own safety."
"Watch my safety? What do you mean? Is someone targeting me?"
Fear and unease immediately clouded Aiden's face.
To make a pathetic worm like this king... I truly was something else.
"Princess Ailin. The king's condition is worsening, isn't it? The only reason she hasn't killed you is deference to the king. But as he nears death, there's no one left to fear."
"Th-that wench would go that far...!"
"You think Princess Ailin wouldn't? She has many followers. Sacrificing one to assassinate you is nothing."
"Y-yeah, she'd do it. Damn it. What do I do?! G-guards! Assign me knights!"
"You already have guard knights. As long as you don't do anything stupid, they'll protect you. No problem."
The knights guarding Aiden were listed in the Helbritt duke's ledgers and rolls. They couldn't betray him easily.
"Got it. What do I do now?"
"Go back to your room and sleep."