Chapter 138
Chapter 138
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 138
Chapter Title: A Royal Mess
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“However, I have two conditions.”
When Lee Si-woo, having accepted his proposal, followed up with a stipulation, Adrian frowned.
“Conditions? Do you not understand the significance of me, the heir to the Vampir family, supporting you? You've already received a generous reward that outweighs any condition you could possibly name.”
“You're not wrong, but aren't you supporting me for your own benefit, not mine, Lord Adrian?”
Adrian clicked his tongue, as if to say, ‘Look at this clueless fool.’
“Tsk, if it comes to it, I can always support one of your other brothers.”
“I wonder. Do you really think any of my other brothers would accept your proposal? Hmm, as far as I can tell, I'm the only desperate bastard among them who would snatch up support from another family.”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed subtly at Lee Si-woo's loaded words.
‘This bastard. I thought he'd be easy to use, but he has a sharp side to him.’
Adrian stroked his chin and asked.
“Fine, let's hear these two conditions of yours.”
“They're nothing much. I have no intention of making excessive demands on someone I'm about to get in the same boat with. First, Acumen's mercenary company. I want it.”
“The company Acumen treasures so much? Hmm, I heard he's particularly protective of it, being the Graves family's only mercenary business.”
“Yes. I've already done some groundwork, but I need you to drive in the final nail, Lord Adrian.”
“How so?”
“I'd like you to conduct a tax audit.”
“A tax audit...”
“Yes. Acumen is propping up a company that should have already collapsed, so there's a high chance he's cooked the books. A proper tax audit should be enough to bring it down.”
“Messing with a Graves family enterprise is a significant burden, even for me.”
“Use my name. If you proceed with the implication that I asked you for this favor, the blame will fall on me. The traitor who borrowed the hand of another family to attack his own brother. Isn't that quite the coveted title?”
“If that's how you want to play it, then it's not a particularly difficult task for me. Alright, your second condition?”
“This, too, shouldn't be too difficult for you, Lord Adrian. Tia Vampir. I want to meet her.”
Adrian glared at Lee Si-woo with an expression like he'd just stepped in shit on the street.
“...Her? Why?”
Lee Si-woo grinned.
It was a smile so infuriating it couldn't possibly be more detestable.
“I've fallen for her.”
Adrian scoffed at Lee Si-woo, his expression as cold as ice.
“Don't be ridiculous. She is not someone the likes of you should covet.”
“What do status and class have to do with love between a man and a woman? As long as their eyes meet, that's all that matters.”
“Her heart already belongs to another.”
“Hearts can be moved.”
“And her body is mine.”
“I'll buy it. How much will it cost?”
Finally, his fury boiling over, Adrian grabbed Lee Si-woo by the throat.
He glared at Lee Si-woo, his eyes filled with the murderous intent of an enraged tiger.
“She is not something that can be bought and sold.”
Lee Si-woo shrugged, even with a hand around his neck.
“Such possessiveness. I'm not saying I'll take her by force, just asking you to arrange a meeting. Is that really so difficult?”
“For me, it is.”
“Fine, I see. I didn't think it was such a difficult condition, but... since you seem to have no intention of accepting it, I'll give you another.”
“What is it?”
“I want you to handle the aftermath of any trouble I cause at the Royal.”
“Trouble at the Royal? What kind of trouble?”
“My brother Pames looks down on me. So, I'm thinking of using this opportunity to rip out the image he has of me in his mind... Won't you help me?”
“Hmm...”
“Don't overthink it. Just invite me to the Royal and publicly acknowledge me as your man. Then, no matter what I do, it will be seen as your will, won't it?”
“I don't like it. How can I volunteer for such a pointless act when I have no idea what you'll do?”
“Are you scared? The great Lord Adrian?”
Adrian snorted at Lee Si-woo's provocation.
“What a pathetic trick.”
“Then I will also withdraw from joining hands with you. How can I trust and rely on an incompetent man who can't even properly control the woman he desires, so much so that he can't even present her to others?”
*Crack!*
Finally falling for the provocation, Adrian punched Lee Si-woo in the face.
In truth, he wanted to forget all reason and just kill him, but he barely managed to hold back.
Because killing Lee Si-woo here would be tantamount to declaring war on the Graves family.
Wiping the blood flowing from his split lip with the back of his hand, Lee Si-woo said.
“Seeing as you went straight for a punch, it seems my words weren't entirely wrong.”
“...I'll acknowledge you. But, if you cause a meaningless scene and gain nothing, you'd better be prepared. I'll kill you myself before Pames gets the chance to crush you.”
Lee Si-woo's lips curled into a smirk.
Love, obsession.
What easily exploitable emotions.
Unlike him, Adrian, who had failed to win Ha-yun's heart, had no room for composure.
Yes, enough to lose his composure and be played by such a childish provocation.
But he was different.
In any situation, he was confident that Ha-yun was already his and would never be able to leave him.
“Do as you please. Ah, then I'll be taking my leave for today. My, my, I've upset a man of high station. I'm too scared to stay here any longer.”
As Lee Si-woo left with those words, Adrian glared at his back, then took out his smartphone and called his secretary.
-Yes, Young Master.
“You said the atmosphere between Tia and Alma was good at the ball the other day, didn't you?”
-Less 'good' and more 'unusual,' I'd say. Even considering your orders, the fact that they danced when they didn't have to was quite something.
“...Alma Graves. Make sure that bastard never gets near Tia again. Understand?”
-Understood.
After hanging up, Adrian glared fiercely at the spot where Lee Si-woo had just been standing.
* * *
Was it because he returned to his residence without being able to meet Ha-yun?
Or was it because he found it difficult to endure Adrian claiming Ha-yun as his own right in front of him?
Lee Si-woo, feeling unsettled, sat on the edge of his bed and spoke to Harman.
“Black Night has joined hands with the Vampir family and is looking for me.”
Harman frowned and replied.
“Black Night has already extended its reach to the Demon Country? Strange. Their reaction is too fast.”
“They probably used divination.”
“Hmm... But even for an outstanding arcane mage, it wouldn't have been easy to trace the footsteps of the Lord, a master of arcane magic.”
“Using the 7th Circle arcane magic 'Sacrifice' can dramatically increase the accuracy of divination. They probably... sacrificed more humans than we can possibly imagine.”
“So they're serious.”
“Yes, and thanks to that, I met Imago, one of the Five Great Masters, at the Vampir estate.”
Harman was startled when Lee Si-woo mentioned Imago.
“A Chairman-level being appeared? Huh, they should know that deploying Chairmen is a self-defeating move because of the Death-Ground Fortune.”
In the Infinite World, Black Night had dispatched Chairman-level beings several times to deal with Lee Si-woo at once, but they had to retreat empty-handed each time because of the Death-Ground Fortune.
Lee Si-woo shook his head, his expression grim.
“The Death-Ground Fortune didn't activate. Neither did the Scouter.”
“Does that mean...?”
“It means they've figured out my abilities to some extent and have started to counter them. Well, it's about time they learned. They're not amoebas; it would be weirder if they didn't improve after getting beaten for two years, right?”
“That's true. Hmm, in that case... we should adjust our plans.”
Lee Si-woo said firmly.
“There's no need for that.”
“My Lord. If Black Night has come to the Demon Country and is searching for you, they must suspect that Alma Graves is you. We need to revise the plan to be more cautious.”
“Revise it how? By hiding like rats and waiting for an opportunity? Or what? Should I put on a little show for them so they let their guard down? Hope they think I'm an idiot?”
At Lee Si-woo's attitude, which showed no intention of being cautious, Harman let out a groan.
“...You've already made up your mind, my Lord.”
“Two years of hiding and running is enough.”
“But you know as well as I do that a full-scale war with Black Night is premature.”
“Right. If we fight them as we are now, we have no chance of winning. That's why I'm going to buy time by causing a disturbance. It suits my temperament far better than cowering in fear.”
“A disturbance... Don't tell me?”
Harman, who seemed to have an idea what 'disturbance' meant, continued with a shadowed expression.
“My Lord. Didn't you seal that monster away, saying it was too dangerous?”
“I did. But in this case, it's an exceptionally useful tool.”
“One wrong move, and the Demon Country could be thrown into chaos.”
Lee Si-woo said with a smile full of malice.
“Harman. Don't you see? That's exactly what I want right now.”
“......”
Lee Si-woo gave another order to the silent Harman.
“And, contact the deposed prince of the Empire, Paris, and tell him we need to strike Imago, so he should send support. He'll understand what I want immediately.”
“You intend to use Paris's connections?”
“Yes, it would be difficult for me to face Imago alone as I am now. So what else can I do? I have no choice but to wisely throw fairness to the dogs. Now, let's be smart and despicable. Just like we've always been.”
Understanding Lee Si-woo's intentions, Harman spoke in a worried tone.
“Imago isn't the end of it. If things go wrong, the other four Great Masters could also appear in the Demon Country.”
“They're bastards I'll have to face someday anyway if I want to get my hands on the Five Divine Seeds.”
“But now...”
“Enough, Harman. That's enough. If you have plenty of time to prepare, it's not a war. Besides, with only a measly year left, we don't have the luxury of weighing our options. So let's focus on getting our hands on the Graves family before the rest of them show up. Ah, and the Vampir family too, if possible.”
“The Vampir family as well?”
“Yes. I met some vermin named Adrian or whatever today, and he acted as if Ha-yun belonged to him. I made up my mind then. I'll throw his body to the dogs and work his family like slaves.”
Harman heaved a deep sigh.
Adrian probably couldn't even imagine.
Just what kind of dreadful person he had gotten on the wrong side of.
* * *
A private gathering where only the children of prestigious families, particularly those of heir-apparent status, could be invited.
The meeting place for the 'Royal' varied from time to time, but there was one thing in common.
The gatherings were generally held at the mansions of influential families in the capital.
And, gloriously, the host of this meeting was Vince Casta, who had succeeded Rubin Casta at a young age to become the head of his family.
“Lord Adrian. Thank you so much for entrusting me, who is still lacking, with hosting the Royal.”
Adrian nodded with a blunt expression at Vince's words of gratitude.
“Hmph, you're too modest. Unlike us, who are mere heirs, how could you, who seized the headship at such a young age, be lacking? If anything, we should be thanking you.”
Despite his words, Adrian had faced considerable political pressure for backing Vince.
Rumors criticizing Adrian had spread everywhere because he had appointed Vince, who just days ago was involved in an unpleasant issue with Alma, as the host.
But Adrian didn't care.
Unlike the other riffraff who were still just heirs, Vince, despite the embarrassing incident, was now the legitimate master leading a count's family.
The flimsy reputation gained from nobodies versus the cooperation of the head of a count's family.
It didn't take long for Adrian to decide which of the two to choose.
Vince cautiously asked Adrian.
“Yes. By the way, Lord Adrian. There was something a little unusual about the list you gave me this time.”
“Unusual? In what way?”
“Wasn't it a principle of the Royal to only accept one person per family? But... strangely, the name Alma Graves was included.”
In truth, Vince was uncomfortable with Alma.
No, he was afraid.
Because he knew he was the Crown from the Infinite World.
However, Adrian, judging that Vince had brought it up with a different intention, spoke in a bitter tone.
“I know he's an uncomfortable presence for you. How could he not be? After you had to make a public apology on broadcast, you probably don't even want to see his face. I hear the compensation you paid was quite substantial, too. But still... I thought you would understand. Right?”
It seemed Adrian thought the reason he was wary of Lee Si-woo was not the underlying fear, but the recent unpleasant incident.
“What? Ah, yes. Of course. I understand completely. How could I not understand a request from you, Lord Adrian, who invited me to the Royal and even gave me the honor of hosting? It's just... I was worried that there might be trouble with Lord Pames...”
“Trouble? Of course there will be. But you should pretend you don't see it as much as possible. I'll be doing the same.”
“If you say so, Lord Adrian... then of course, I must.”
Just then, as if on cue, Pames approached with furious steps.
“Adrian!”
Seeing Pames's expression, which clearly showed he was completely pissed off, Adrian suppressed the urge to smirk and said.
“What brings you all the way over here? You're the devil who usually hates to even breathe the same air as me.”
“What the hell do you think you're doing! Inviting Alma to the Royal?! Surely you know that bastard is our family's problem child!”
As Pames pointed a finger and raised his voice, Lee Si-woo approached, swirling a cocktail glass, and said in a slick tone.
“Brother. You should be happy to see your younger brother in such a fine place. Why are you so angry? Like a petty little man.”
“Shut up. Do you even know where you've crawled into! This is not some laughable place for riffraff like you to enter!”
“Is that so? Hmm, then what about our third brother? With Brother Acumen's status... I don't think anyone would find fault with him being here.”
“What? Who's coming?”
“Who else? Brother Acumen. That gentleman. I invited him.”
The moment Lee Si-woo finished speaking, Acumen strode towards them.
Seeing this, Adrian shot a sour look at Lee Si-woo.
‘That bastard... he called Acumen? Hah, what the hell is he plotting?’
Lee Si-woo, ignoring Adrian's glare, greeted Acumen with a bright face.
“Well now, Brother Acumen. Thank you for coming all this way when you must be so busy.”
Pames snarled beside Lee Si-woo.
“Acumen. You bastard. How dare you come here...”
Acumen didn't even glance at Pames, staring intently at Lee Si-woo's face.
“Should I bow my head? Or bend my waist?”
To Acumen's question, Lee Si-woo asked back nonchalantly, as if he had no idea what he was talking about.
“What's that all of a sudden?”
“I'm asking what I have to do for you to stop the tax audit.”
“Ah, the tax audit? But I'm not the one who sent them.”
“...The audit team said you sent them.”
“Yes. It's true they were sent at my request. But the one who actually sent them wasn't me, but the one I serve.”
“The one... you serve?”
“Yes. I took a liking to your mercenary company, and Lord Adrian was kind enough to pull some strings. So if you want to make a request, ask him. I have no power to call or call off an audit team.”
Without a moment's hesitation, Acumen turned around, bowed his head to Adrian, and pleaded.
“Lord Adrian. Please, call off the audit team. That company is a business my father entrusted to me, and it's as good as my everything.”
Adrian looked at Lee Si-woo with a flustered expression.
Lee Si-woo had definitely said he would take all the blame.
But words can be twisted; Lee Si-woo had cleverly shifted the blame to Adrian, framing him as the mastermind while claiming to be his subordinate.
The situation was taking a strange turn.
“Wait! I was only acting on Alma's request! I have no grudge against the Graves family whatsoever!”
“Yes. He said he needed me to keep Pames in check, and told me to serve him as my master. So I agreed. Then Lord Adrian asked me what I wanted. To name anything. So I made a request. I can't stand the sight of Brother Pames, but I can't stand Brother Acumen either, so I asked him to get rid of him.”
Adrian stared at Lee Si-woo, dumbfounded.
This would make Lee Si-woo a world-class traitor who betrayed his brothers, the utter disgrace of his family.
The problem was, this didn't just make Lee Si-woo the bad guy.
Facing the fiery gazes of Pames and Acumen, who were now caught in the crossfire, Adrian cursed inwardly.
‘Alma. This piece of garbage dares to...’
Lee Si-woo enjoyed Adrian's bloodshot glare, cleaning his ear.
He even yawned as he spoke.
“Well, well, look at this. The situation's a real mess, isn't it?”
In that moment, Adrian swore an oath.
That he would, without fail, beat that detestable bastard to death.