Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Rift (2)
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‘It’s a trap.’
Martin’s proposal was far too tempting.
That was exactly why Mateus von Gustin was convinced.
It was sweet poison.
The problem was that even knowing this, he couldn’t simply ignore it.
‘The elders’ deepest wishes hit right on the mark.’
Aren Cruise, Marius Protal, Oriana Flores.
No one was unaware of the three elders of the Adalbert family’s desire to claim their own territories and become true nobles.
That was why the branch family heads had promised.
No matter who became the main family head, they would divide the main family’s lands and appoint the elders as lords.
That alone had eliminated any hesitation from the elders in cooperating, but Martin had openly offered the Rustal family’s territory as bait.
Naturally, the elders were shaken to the core, and seeing this, Mateus closed his eyes with a complicated expression.
‘If I’m not careful, the alliance between the elders and the branch family heads could shatter.’
It was then.
“Are you serious, Young Master?”
Oliver von Bittenfeld, head of the Bittenfeld family, posed the question.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Mateus opened his eyes and looked at Martin again.
“How could I jest in the White Dragon’s Chamber, no less during the grand assembly? You needn’t worry on that score.”
“Even if you are sincere, don’t you lack the authority to dispose of the Rustal family’s territory? By noble law, the lands of a rebellious branch revert to the family. Unless you ascend as head, you can’t handle them freely.”
“True, I can’t do it now. But my future self can. Since we’re holding the assembly anyway, why not elevate me to head right here? That solves everything.”
Martin deftly parried Oliver’s words.
Oliver could only grimace and deflect.
“...We can’t rush such a major decision amid this chaos. Surely you’d want to ascend with everyone’s blessing, Young Master.”
“In chaotic times, we need a clear authority figure more than ever—and that’s the head of the Adalbert family.”
“That’s...”
“Rest assured. I’m not pressuring anyone here.”
Martin replied in a leisurely tone.
Oliver, thoroughly toyed with, maintained a calm facade outwardly.
But he couldn’t help clenching his fist tightly.
Martin inwardly sneered at him.
Then he spoke, dropping a bombshell that wasn’t an overstatement.
“As I said earlier, a lord has a duty to reward branch members or vassals who swear loyalty and achieve merits. In that vein, I’ve one regret about the main family’s past heads. They exploited the branches too harshly.”
Supporters and opponents of Martin alike were stunned.
The heads of the Three Great Houses, including Adalbert, were practically kings in their own right.
Even vague phrasing could spark political backlash, yet Martin stated it outright.
‘His confidence is something else.’
Vincent chuckled softly.
It was proper for someone to call him out, but no one did.
Martin had already solidified his position as young master.
Picking at mere words against him?
That wasn’t confidence—it was recklessness.
‘Showing off his authority like this. He’s born to be head.’
It made Vincent all the more eager.
To see how Martin would handle the elders and other branch heads.
“The Adalbert family has dominated the continent for a thousand years. Countless branches rose and fell, all devoted to the main family. That’s why I’m sorry. Despite our power, they were scorned by lesser nobles simply for being branches.”
It was enshrined in noble law.
Branch heads could not receive titles above count.
They could appoint lesser nobles but couldn’t have branches of their own.
Half-baked nobles.
A term every branch head under the Three Great Houses had heard. Their power prevented open disdain, but the resentment was real.
“So I’m giving you all a chance. Destroy the core. I’ll keep my promise from earlier without fail.”
Martin looked at Mateus, Oliver, and Wilhelm in turn.
His gaze then shifted to Elders Aren, Marius, and Oriana.
Every one of them had complicated expressions.
‘Divide and conquer is the best, after all.’
He’d set the stage perfectly.
Even now, Elders Aren and Marius glared at Elder Oriana with fierce eyes.
They clearly believed she’d sided with him for the Rustal territory.
Meanwhile, Aren and Marius kept a subtle distance from each other.
Slight, but it signaled a shift from allies to rivals.
‘You’re no different.’
The branch heads harbored ambitions to become Adalbert head.
But that required proving he was unfit—a prerequisite.
After he’d fallen to commoner status, hadn’t they vied fiercely among themselves?
But that was the past, now irrelevant.
They couldn’t become head normally.
Rebellion was their only path, but with Valdemar von Rustal crushed so easily, they wouldn’t move lightly.
Now a new option had appeared.
With one sole chance on the table, would they cooperate or compete?
‘Either way, I’m the only winner.’
Martin held back from saying, *Kill each other from now on.*
* * *
Martin declared they’d decide dungeon troop placements at tomorrow’s meeting.
With that, the first day’s assembly ended, and everyone returned to their lodgings.
But Martin stayed alone in the White Dragon’s Chamber.
He still had business to attend to.
“You’ve seen enough. Time to show yourself.”
Martin spoke, staring at one exact spot.
Whoosh!
At that instant, blue flames bloomed in midair, warping the atmosphere.
A man appeared, his golden hair faintly glowing red, amber eyes striking.
His mischievous smile framed a face so handsome anyone would concede.
Rivaling even Martin, one of the empire’s top beauties.
‘But his power is what’s truly impressive.’
His presence alone evoked flames.
Christian Habertz.
34 years old, an A-rank adventurer who’d reached the 7th Circle.
Recognized for his skills and feats, the guild dubbed him the Fire Dragon Sword.
“Wow. Spotting me right away—tricking a space-affinity user’s eyes is tough.”
“I’d have to quit as young master if I couldn’t find you nearby. And you impressed me. Refracting air with flames to hide perfectly.”
“Just a trick.”
“I wouldn’t call fooling the main family elders and branch heads a mere trick. Impressive, maybe.”
Of course, their carelessness made it possible.
Who’d imagine an outsider at an Adalbert-only assembly?
“Haha. Thanks for the praise, Young Master.”
“Just stating facts. So, how’s it feel? First outsider to witness an Adalbert assembly.”
“You’re a once-in-a-millennium talent in continental history. But beyond that, I realized you’re a scary person.”
“Me? Why?”
“You shook the elders and branch heads with the Rustal territory bait. They know it’s a ploy, sure. But how many could resist such temptation?”
Martin grinned at Christian.
Christian met his gaze steadily.
“Watching that, I thought human society’s all the same. Tangled in interests and schemes.”
“Well, it shows how messed up the main family is. This wouldn’t happen in Ferdinand or Klaus.”
“Their heads are absolute powers topping not just the empire but the continent. You’d better tread carefully if you want to live.”
“Fair point.”
Martin’s smile deepened.
Before his return, he’d only heard tales—never met Christian.
He seemed affable from stories, and he was even easier to talk to than expected.
Not just brute strength; he had a friendly, trustworthy vibe.
“Anyway, answering my call means you’re open to becoming an Adalbert vassal?”
“Hmm. More like you’re one of the candidates.”
“Too honest, aren’t you?”
“I’m just that popular. Offers to serve as vassal alone would top two digits easily. I turned them all down. Know why?”
“You want to be a lord?”
“Spot on. My dream’s solely to become a lord. I avoid binding myself to one house.”
“Fair, but granting territory to someone I just met? The moment you take it, you’re an independent lord. What makes me trust you?”
“True, we need to build trust.”
“Exactly. So serve as Adalbert vassal for a while. I’ve got plenty of cards. Prove yourself, and I can give anything.”
“Hmm. Isn’t it just the one Rustal territory?”
“Who says that’s all I can offer?”
“...Planning to smash a branch too?”
“Branches aren’t the only ones needing cleanup.”
“Whoa. Telling a near-stranger all this?”
“To recruit someone of your caliber, I need to show this much sincerity. Only then can you relax.”
“Thanks for the kind view. But you haven’t delivered on the latter yet? Luring with fake bait’s no good.”
“It’s not entirely fake. The Rustal territory’s already in my grasp.”
“True. I get your intent, Young Master. But I have one more unspoken condition.”
“What?”
“My liege must be stronger than me.”
“Not an easy one.”
Nobles with lands were capable, but few reached 7th Circle or higher.
8th Circle? Christian’s demand was brutally tough.
“Higher circles? Or just beat you?”
“Doesn’t matter... but that sounds like you can beat me.”
“Oh, you nailed it.”
Martin nodded readily.
“If I win, you become Adalbert vassal... Piece of cake.”
He drove the nail home with a grin.