Chapter 90
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: Gairin
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Gairin
Im not so shameless as to ask you to side with me after we've just met. However, I'd like you to think deeply before deciding to stand by Arthur's side.
His remark was completely unexpected.
Whether he thought it would be difficult to win me over or was simply being considerate, the First Prince was asking me not to side with the Second Prince.
Having returned from his travels and seen the world, the First Prince seemed to have matured a great deal.
I don't think I, His Majesty, or anyone else truly knows Arthur's real face. I'm just asking you to hold off on your decision until that side of him is revealed.
The First Princes eyes remained unwavering. He was certain his younger brother had another side to him.
But the Second Prince wouldnt take off that mask and reveal his true face until after he became king. The First Prince would die without ever seeing the Second Prince's true nature.
Of course, this is just my request. The final decision is yours to make.
I understand what you mean.
Im glad my intentions were conveyed.
He was being considerate of me in many ways. It would be a lie to say I didnt appreciate it.
Dont you also have an appointment with Arthur?
I do.
You should go. It was a pleasure meeting you.
I will visit again.
Of course.
After giving him a polite bow, I left the First Princes palace. As I was about to return to my quarters, a young nobleman who appeared to be an attendant was standing in front of the palace gate.
Greetings, Viscount Yuren.
Hearing Viscount after my name for the first time felt somewhat awkward and embarrassing.
I am Viscount Aechen Kenen, sent by His Highness the Second Prince.
A pleasure to meet you. I am Yuren Lox.
Yes. A pleasure.
Attendants, especially those of the royal family, were not mere servants, but the children of high-ranking nobles or lower-ranking nobles themselves.
They didn't just perform menial tasks but also assisted the royals, serving as secretaries or aides. Aechen, standing before me, was also like a secretary to the Second Prince.
Would it be alright to head over now? Or do you need some time to prepare
Its fine. Lets go now.
Very well.
I followed him to the Second Princes palace, located on the opposite side of the First Princes. If the First Princes palace felt comfortable and quiet, the Second Princes palace was more splendid and lively.
Isnt the garden beautiful?
It is.
His Highness the Second Prince planned and cultivated it himself. Every guest who visits is filled with admiration.
It is certainly a well-tended garden.
Indeed. Its even better than the central palace garden.
Thats what I said, but honestly, I couldnt really tell. The garden at my home, tended by my Master-level grand-uncle, looked much neater.
His Highness the Second Prince is waiting. Please, go on in.
Thank you for guiding me.
The honor was all mine.
Aechen led me to a terrace on the second floor of the princes palace before descending.
Youve arrived.
Yuren Lox greets His Highness the Second Prince.
Haha, please rise.
At the Second Princes words, I looked up at his face. No one could help but feel a sense of goodwill toward this handsome, blond man with a gentle smile that showed no hint of shadow.
But his true identity was that of a madman.
Name: Arthur Briard
Traits: Sword Authority, Venomous Mind, Charm Lv. 3, Emotional Deficiency, Enhanced Learning Lv. 3, Acting Lv. 3
Favorability: 0 (Neutral)
Current Mood: Wants to know what was said with the First Prince.
Emotional Deficiency, Venomous Mind, and Acting.
The Second Prince possessed both psychopathic and sociopathic tendencies.
With his ability to learn anything quickly and his Acting trait, he had been playing the part of a storybook prince all this time.
Please, have a seat.
Thank you.
I stood up and sat across from the Second Prince. From the terrace where we sat, the entire view of the garden I had just praised was visible.
The garden is magnificent.
Haha! Is that so? I planned and cultivated it myself, so hearing you say that makes me a little embarrassed.
He laughed at my compliment, but the Second Prince felt no emotion toward me. He was only curious about my conversation with the First Prince.
Was your meal with my brother to your liking?
Yes. The food was truly delicious.
Ive dined there myself on occasion. Its certainly better than it looks. The chef at my palace is also quite skilled. We should have a meal together soon.
If you invite me, I would be honored to attend.
For now, I responded politely while continuing to observe him.
Did you hear that my brother and I returned from our travels?
Yes, I did. I heard you toured the entire kingdom.
Thats right. It was a wonderful experience.
He gazed into the distance as if reminiscing about his journey, but there was still no change in his emotions or thoughts. He wasnt reminiscing at all.
My brother didnt seem interested in the throne before, but he suddenly changed after returning from our trip. It seems he experienced something during his travels.
His words were a probe, an attempt to get me to talk about my conversation with the First Prince.
Ill play along.
He mentioned something similar to me.
I see. If my brother were to become king, the nation would surely be in good hands. But
He set down the tea he was drinking and looked at me with sincere and ambitious eyes. Still, there was no change in his emotions.
The Second Prince was merely acting out this emotion as well.
My brother is a good person, but he fails to see the bigger picture and focuses on trivial matters. If he becomes king, Krasis will grow complacent, fail to advance, and might very well hand over the country to the Empire when the embers of war ignite once more.
The Second Prince was openly disparaging the First Prince. To put it simply, he was calling his brother a man who would sell out the country.
The funny thing was, the one who would later hand the country over to the Empire wasn't the First Prince, but the madman sitting before me.
I want to become king to further develop this nation and make it a happier place. Unlike my brother, whose heart suddenly changed, I have a clear plan, just as I did when creating that garden. I would like you, Yuren, to be at the forefront of that plan, helping me.
The Second Prince looked at me with desperate eyes, as if he desperately needed my help, but his favorability didn't change, and his current mood was still one of viewing me as a mere object.
Seeing everything, I could feel a shiver run down my spine.
This is all too sudden. It hasnt even been a day since I received my title and fief
Of course, I dont expect an answer right now. You must have received the same offer from my brother, so I wanted to let you know what Im thinking and what I envision.
I understand. I will return and think on it seriously.
Thank you for understanding.
The Second Prince smiled and nodded. It was a genuine smile, with both his eyes and mouth smiling, but that too was an act.
The only thing about this monster that wasn't an act was his breathing.
I will take my leave now.
I will await a favorable response.
Yes. I will see you later.
After bidding him a courteous farewell, I returned to my original quarters.
Seeing him in person, hes a real psycho.
Knock, knock.
Just as I let out a sigh, a knock came from outside.
Ilia? You havent left yet?
I wanted to say goodbye. Did you meet with both of them?
Yeah. I was treated so well it was burdensome.
I bet. Have you made a choice?
Not yet.
Ilia knew exactly why I had been summoned.
Its not an easy decision. You have to think carefully. It might be easier to just remain neutral.
Yeah. Ill think about that too.
Are you heading to Gairin as soon as you get back to your domain?
Ill have a lot to do there. I plan to prepare and leave right away.
As you know, its a pretty rough place, but I guess that wont matter for you.
Ilia looked me up and down and nodded.
And
Hm?
Can I go there too?
Ilia seemed to have softened considerably since I had treated her.
Why are you asking as if youve ever announced your arrival? Just break down the gate like you usually do.
Haha, youre right. Thats not like me.
Ilias light smile seemed to brighten the entire room.
Oh, and my shoulder when I woke up, the pain and discomfort were completely gone. Thanks for the treatment.
Ilia casually rotated her shoulder.
Just in case, keep getting it treated.
As soon as its fully healed, Im storming your domain, so youd better be ready.
As you wish.
Hehe.
Ilia left for the Marcus domain with a laugh, and I returned to the Marquiss estate with Arin.
After asking Arin and the waiting Peru to gather everyone, I headed to the Marquiss office.
Congratulations, Viscount Yuren Lox.
Ha, why are you being like this?
Hahaha!
The Marquis already knew I had received a title and a fief. He rushed over, embraced me, and patted my back lightly.
All I can say is that youre truly amazing, Yuren!
Honestly, I was surprised too.
Of course! Even I only inherited the Marquis title from your grandfather. You have already surpassed me.
If you praise me too much, I might start to believe it.
Haha, Im serious! Absolutely serious!
The Marquis looked happier than ever. He was smiling so much that he looked ten years younger.
When will you be leaving?
I plan to leave as soon as preparations are complete. There will be many problems there, so I want to deal with them quickly.
Right. Gairin, you say. That will be interesting. Hehe.
The Marquis didnt seem worried about me, but rather about the troublemakers in Gairin.
Hehe.
The Marquis seemed to feel a sense of pride just looking at me, his laughter flowing continuously like a stream in a valley.
Ah, our dear Viscount must be busy. I suppose Ive held you up for too long.
Stop it. Ill stop by again before I leave.
Alright. Go and get ready.
I bid the Marquis farewell and headed to the fourth training ground. Arin, Klyde, Peru, Giranox, and Brika were all there.
I stood before the bewildered group and looked at each of them in turn. Though few in number, they all had the potential to become great figures.
While at the royal palace, I received a title and a fief from His Majesty the King.
Gasp!
I-is that true?
Wow! Grand Prince! Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Everyone except Arin was shocked, their eyes wide and mouths agape.
I have received the title of Viscount and the Viscounty of Gairin, the domain right next to Lox.
Whoa! Gairin is my hometown, Big Bro!
Huh?
Wh-what!
At Brikas words, everyone turned to him with dumbfounded expressions. Brika, realizing his mistake, clacked his teeth together.
Y-you crazy bastard! I told you not to say that!
S-sorry. I apologize.
As Peru grabbed Brika by the neck and wailed, Klyde moved in front of them.
What did you just say? Calling the Grand Prince no, Viscount Yuren, Big Bro! Have you lost your mind?
No, it was just a slip of the tongue. I said I was sorry
A slip of the tongue? Does that make any
Klyde and Brika together. How interesting.
In the original story, these two were rivals and best friends.
Klyde, who was diligent and calm but had the Berserker trait, and Brika, who was flippant and thuggish but had the Guardian trait, disliked each other yet got along surprisingly well, making for an interesting dynamic.
Klyde. Thats enough for now.
Yes.
Brika.
Yes, sir!
Its your hometown?
Thats right!
Brika answered with his head held high, like a soldier.
Its been a long time since I left, but its close to here, so I visited often. I still know where everything is.
Thats good. Everyone here is one of my people, so you will all be coming with me to Gairin.
Understood.
If anyone has a problem with going to Gairin, raise your hand.
No one raised a hand.
Arin, inform the knight order and get ready immediately.
Understood.
Peru, you pack your things and mine as well.
Yes, sir!
Arin and Peru replied and immediately set off.
Giranox.
Yes!
Im sorry, you must have just gotten used to the workshop.
Not at all. Of course I have to go. Besides, my skills are no longer dependent on a workshop!
Giranox pounded his chest as he replied. It was a gesture Testane used to make; like master, like apprentice.
I like that confidence. Youll be the busiest. Get help from Peru and put the heavy luggage in a magic pouch.
Understood.
With Giranox gone, only Klyde and Brika remained.
Klyde.
Yes, Grand Prince.
Its been a while, hasnt it?
It has.
Have you been training hard?
Lady Arin helped me a lot, so Ive gotten somewhat used to it.
What Klyde and I were talking about wasn't simple swordsmanship, but the power of the Berserker trait.
Name: Klyde
Traits: Berserker, Superhuman Strength Lv. 2, Heavy Sword Lv. 2, Body Enhancement Lv. 1, Mental Focus Lv. 2
Favorability: 51 (Strong Liking)
Current Mood: Wants to show his accomplishments.
Klydes traits have increased quite a bit. Whats especially important is Mental Focus; a high level in that is necessary to maintain ones reason in a berserker state.
Good.
I took off my coat and draped it to the side.
Lets see your progress.
Ive been waiting for you to say that!
Klyde checked his equipment and immediately drew his sword.
Brika.
Yes!
Watch carefully.
Ah, I will.
Because you and Klyde will be lifelong rivals.
Klyde. Come at me with all youve got.
Of course!
Klyde gripped his sword with both hands and began to activate his Berserker trait.
Fwoosh.
The red flames of a Berserker began to burn on his shoulders and the back of his neck. But the flames didnt stop; they continued to spread.
Fwoooosh.
As if he had become Ifrit, the fire spirit, his entire upper body began to blaze ferociously.
His growth is faster than I thought
To be honest, I was planning to test out the Lightning Blade Body Technique and the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist while checking Klyde's progress, but his growth as a Berserker was unexpectedly fast. This sparring session was going to be more interesting than I thought.
This will be fun.