Chapter 51
Chapter 51
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: Servant Cedric (16) - Family Affection
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After Cedric departed.
A hellish silence hung over the garden.
Marquis Redbell sat motionless, lost deep in thought for a long time.
One of the vassals, who had been furtively exchanging glances while gauging the marquis's mood, finally stepped up and spoke.
"My lord. Shouldn't we punish that man's insolence?"
Marquis Redbell was one of the top three powerhouses in the kingdom.
Even the princes of this land couldn't treat him lightly and had to watch their step around him. Yet a mere servant like Cedric had dared to speak such words.
Even if nobles were expected to generously forgive and embrace the mistakes of the ignorant at times, Cedric had crossed that line by a wide margin.
If not for the marquis's deep aversion to his subordinates acting recklessly under the excuse of "for the lord's sake," the vassals under his command would have already stepped in to punish him.
"Insolence... Well, he was indeed a gravely impertinent fellow."
"Then."
"Let it be. Leave him alone."
"Pardon?"
The marquis curled his lips into a mischievous smile toward the vassal whose eyes widened in surprise.
"I said to leave him be, since meddling would likely bring no good outcome."
"......"
Not only the vassal who had spoken up, but all the surrounding retainers wore equally complicated expressions.
It was plain to see they had a thousand questions they wanted to voice, yet couldn't argue against the marquis's decision and were left stewing inwardly.
For vassals of the main family, who rarely showed emotions on their faces, this was truly unusual.
'Well, it is rather far removed from my usual conduct.'
Even so, the marquis didn't think his judgment was wrong.
'I had a vague suspicion even before meeting him, but he's definitely no ordinary commoner.'
His vocabulary, accent, natural handling of eye contact, and confident demeanor.
Though he masked it with deliberate clownish actions and words, Cedric exuded the unmistakable aura of someone well-educated.
'Magic is advanced knowledge to begin with. Reciting rote spells picked up from wandering mages is something even a common adventurer could manage, but modifying spells—family secret rituals, no less—to suit one's taste requires systematic training just to attempt.'
If Cedric's proposed modifications to the bloodbeast were truly feasible—or even half as effective—the marquis would gladly offer a fortune for that technique.
A bodyguard with knight-level strength was undoubtedly appealing, but how could it compare to a nation's security apparatus?
If an individual had achieved this, it meant a once-in-history superhuman whose name would echo through the ages. If a group's accomplishment, it pointed to a colossal force surpassing even House Redbell.
The marquis judged the latter to be the truth.
Being a rational and sharp-minded man, he couldn't arrive at the conclusion that "the weary crown prince of the Eisen Empire, exhausted from endless duties, is play-acting as a servant under his youngest daughter as a hobby, and modified the secret arts with his uniquely gifted present sense."
In truth, if he could deduce that immediately, it would be less inference and more divine possession—so deeming the marquis incompetent for this would be excessively harsh.
Unaware of his subtle miscalculation, the marquis began devising his next plans.
And his first move was...
"The family head says he's not feeling well, so meeting faces should be postponed. You may return home at first light."
The chief steward's words twisted the four siblings' expressions into something grotesque.
They had been summoned to the main house under the pretext of a family gathering after so long, only for the head to not even show his face and issue an order to leave.
Who wouldn't know that "not feeling well" was just an excuse?
Among them, the eldest son Armin looked the most grave.
He had planned to use this family meeting as a ploy to keep Claudia pinned at the main house.
Unlike Claudia, who lacked solid external allies, Armin only needed to hold her here for the Second Prince's faction to push forward the engagement on their own.
Even if Claudia scrambled to resist afterward, everything would already be done—that was Armin's calculation.
And the marquis couldn't have failed to see through such a scheme.
He had turned a blind eye until now, but shattering it like this?
'...You've changed your mind.'
Armin's face hardened.
The marquis hadn't explicitly aided Claudia or obstructed Armin.
If anything, it was closer to neutral non-interference, regardless of which way it went.
Of course, even without the marquis's support, Armin's advantage remained unchanged.
In what had been a near-certain victory for him, Claudia's side now had a faint glimmer of hope.
However, for Armin—who always tested bridges multiple times before crossing—the mere possibility of loss felt profoundly uncomfortable.
'Should I pull the plan now?'
Cancellation wouldn't be simple either.
If it were solely his initiative, perhaps—but the royal family was involved this time.
Unilaterally scrapping a plan tied to mutual interests would saddle him with a significant debt to the Second Prince.
After much deliberation, Armin steeled his resolve.
'No, push forward as is.'
It wasn't mere fear of political loss.
Armin was the sort who could endure and wait patiently if it meant ultimate victory.
But the marquis showing even slight favor toward Claudia was something he absolutely couldn't overlook.
This time it only leveled the scales, but next time, he might openly side with her—who could say otherwise?
Armin knew better than anyone what kind of man had sired him.
No matter how many achievements Armin piled up or offered to the marquis, if Claudia proved more useful, he would discard Armin without hesitation.
Armin's eyes grew icy cold.
To him, Claudia was no longer a lesser, inadequate sibling—she was a clear rival.
"The royal family of legitimacy, House Redbell of wealth, and Count Sarnos of military might. These three dominate the Kingdom of Birka."
A short while later.
In the study of Etched Territory, Cedric's private lesson for Claudia was underway.
"However, the royal family faces many issues at present. With the aging king, the next monarch must soon be selected. But the firstborn prince, the rightful heir, fell gravely ill with a fever and became a simpleton. Count Sarnos backs the royal uncle with his impressive record, while House Redbell supports the Second Prince."
It was a bizarre sight—a mere servant casually referring to the kingdom's ruler as "the king" instead of "Your Highness" or "His Majesty," expounding on the political landscape. But Claudia didn't point it out. They had come too far for that.
"Frankly, from a pure power struggle perspective, Redbell holds the advantage. Count Sarnos can't match the marquis in political acumen. However, Redbell has its own vulnerability: relatively lacking military strength."
"Sarnos lags behind Redbell in territorial management overall, but their military power is immense. Redbell has ample funds to recruit manpower easily, yet they can't compete in the quality of commanders or knights. This is a grave issue for both Redbell and the Second Prince they back."
"To address it, the Second Prince seeks to enlist an ally: House Beliare. They don't rank in the top three, but they're within the top ten, with strong military forces and a strategically perfect position between Redbell and Sarnos."
"If you connect with House Beliare, the Second Prince and Redbell alliance would gain the missing military muscle and a geographically potent shield. As a Redbell by birth yet carrying royal blood, you balance the alliance without tipping it. It's an ideal match for both the Second Prince and House Redbell."
"Moreover, House Beliare's finances are steadily drying up. Without royal or Redbell backing, even maintaining their prized military would be burdensome. That means they hold the leash—and should you marry into Beliare, it becomes your leash."
Cedric's hand paused on the chalkboard.
Meeting his gaze—as if asking if she understood so far—Claudia grimaced but nodded.
"In short, sacrifice me as an offering so the Second Prince and Redbell can thrive. Hilarious."
"A blunt summary, but sufficient."
"So, what's next? I hate the idea of being sold off without a say. Every rumor of them advancing my engagement behind my back sends chills down my spine."
Her tone was curt, but her voice brimmed with desperation.
Cedric responded to Claudia's pleading gaze, as if begging for help.
"Of course, there is a way."
"R-Really!? As expected of you, Cedric! What is it?"
"Stab the Second Prince in the back."
A brief silence fell.
Claudia tapped her ears with both hands, then asked again.
"Sorry, I must've misheard. Could you repeat that?"
"Of course, milady."
Cedric, with the innocently puppy-like face, calmly continued.
"Bring the royal uncle to your side and stab the Second Prince in the back."
Claudia stared blankly at Cedric's face.
His eyes were remarkably clear, gleaming with an odd luster.
Cautiously, Claudia spoke.
"Um, didn't you just say the Second Prince is the ally and the royal uncle the enemy?"
"The Second Prince is Redbell's ally, not yours. A true ally wouldn't proceed without confirming your will. Conversely, the royal uncle stands to suffer most if this goes through. In politics, enemies and allies can switch whenever interests align."
"Supporting your rival and striking from behind—won't the Second Prince just sit idle?"
"Milady."
Cedric spoke in an exceedingly calm and gentle tone.
"Your eldest brother will handle that. Aren't we family we can rely on?"
"......You're right!"
Claudia decided to let it all go.
A profound peace settled in her heart.
Trust in family was truly magnificent.