Chapter 76
Chapter 76
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: Chapter 13: Time of Purging (6)
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Martin spoke in an indifferent tone.
“It’s common knowledge that slavery has been officially banned across the Krasian Continent. And yet, Jerome Metselder, the former mayor of Akella City, turned a blind eye while countless people were enslaved, and he allowed the slave market to operate unchecked.”
“That’s not all. Enslaving elves and dwarves risks sparking conflicts with them, but he showed no will to resolve the issue. Therefore, in accordance with imperial law, I sentence the criminal Jerome to death.”
Even facing death, Jerome’s expression remained calm.
He had enjoyed everything life had to offer over his long years.
Now, he was content knowing his choice would protect his family.
‘Just a shame I won’t get to see my grandchildren grow up.’
That was the extent of his regret.
Watching him, Martin activated Distortion of All Things to manipulate the air around them.
A thin path of wind opened between him and his target.
Then, in a low voice filled with sincerity, he said,
“I’ll keep my promise. I swear it on the honor of House Adalbert. So go ahead and close your eyes in peace.”
“I believe you, Young Lord.”
With that reply, Jerome rose from his seat.
His steps toward the guillotine were light.
The recent conversation had dispelled his last lingering regrets.
The citizens watched the scene in silence.
Setting aside the slave market scandal, he had been an excellent mayor.
So outstanding, in fact, that he ranked among the greatest in the city’s history.
In the heavy silence, Jerome took his place on the scaffold.
“...Do you have any last words? I’ll give you time.”
“I want to convey my apologies to everyone. I caused you all profound disappointment through no fault of my own intent. If there’s a next life, if I’m given another chance, I’ll strive to do better.”
Many sobbed at the calm voice echoing through the square.
Unfazed, Jerome laid his neck on the block.
The executioner gripped the lever cautiously.
In case Martin might revoke the sentence at the last moment.
But nothing of the sort happened, and the executioner finally pulled the lever.
Clang!
The blade fell at terrifying speed, and blood sprayed like a fountain almost simultaneously.
Thus ended the life of Akella City’s 23rd mayor, Jerome Metselder.
Starting with him, Ditmaer Hesler and the others were executed one by one.
Swoosh.
Once everything was finished, Martin rose from his seat.
All eyes—citizens included—turned to him.
“I know this unfortunate business has everyone anxious, but there’s no need to worry. Free City Akella will be jointly governed by the imperial family and House Adalbert for the time being, strictly adhering to existing city laws. The new mayor will also be selected from suitable candidates. So please, return to your daily lives with peace of mind.”
Martin spoke in a steady tone.
The citizens’ reactions matched his demeanor.
Leaving them behind, Martin departed the square with Cyan.
* * *
After the executions concluded, Martin handed off his remaining duties to the officials who had accompanied Irina von Minert.
But one task still remained, so he contacted someone via the communication orb.
—It’s been a while, Young Lord.
She was a woman more beautiful than the most renowned elves.
First Princess Claudia Alteria.
The woman leading one of the capital’s three major factions smiled playfully.
Even through the communication spell, she exuded an intimidating presence.
Of course, Martin wasn’t overwhelmed.
‘When you get right down to it, she’s beneath me.’
House Adalbert’s standing was nearly equal to the imperial family’s.
As their young lord, he was practically a crown prince in all but name, so Claudia—still just a “normal” princess—could be considered a step below.
—Last time, you just stated your business and cut off, so this is our first real conversation.
“I sincerely apologize for that, Your Highness.”
—I’m not criticizing you. If anything, I’m grateful. Thanks to you, I’ve eased some financial pressures.
“I’m glad I could help.”
Martin smiled faintly.
The first time he’d contacted her, he’d made the proposal on the spot.
He would use the opportunity to completely eradicate Akella’s slave market, so she should send trusted aides when he gave the word.
She had asked what he’d offer in return.
Martin suggested splitting Akella’s interests fifty-fifty, and she accepted without hesitation.
‘Everyone knows her faction lacks funds despite its strength.’
Thanks to Irina von Minert, she wasn’t outmatched militarily.
The princess’s own talents kept the faction strong, but its greatest weakness was money.
Not penniless, but nowhere near her rival factions.
The First Prince was backed by House Ferdinand, one of the Three Great Noble Houses.
The Second Prince had the famously wealthy House Royce behind him.
In contrast, the First Princess’s maternal House Minert was a classic swordsmanship powerhouse, but not particularly rich.
Martin knew her weakness well.
That’s why he’d dangled Akella’s interests, and it had worked perfectly.
—We both got what we wanted from the deal, so does this mean we’re in the same boat now?
“I think it’s too soon for that. Deciding something so major over communication feels off, don’t you agree?”
—Come on. You’re already on Second Brother’s bad side. And I heard you killed Marquis Royce’s own grandson this time? Think you can handle House Royce alone?
“What about His Highness the First Prince?”
—That makes even less sense. House Ferdinand is glued to his side. Plus, considering their goals, they’d never accept you joining.
Claudia’s point was spot on.
She was the only one he’d reach out to, and he had no intention of denying it.
But he wasn’t about to accept on the spot, either.
“Well, I’ll decide after meeting you in person, Your Highness. Worst case, I can always pull out like House Klaus did.”
—Talent aside, I doubt you have the power for that yet, Young Lord. You should at least reach 9th Circle before talking big.
“You’ll see.”
—I never realized House Adalbert’s young lord was such a pain.
“First time I’ve heard that.”
—You’ll hear it plenty from now on. One last question, if I may?
“Of course.”
—When you first contacted me, you said Jerome Metselder was tied to House Royce. I was too busy to ask then, but how exactly did you know that?
“Do I have to tell you? It’s not that big a deal.”
Claudia stared at him in disbelief through the orb.
—You know that’s not a good enough answer, Young Lord. Even top nobles thought Marquis Royce only dealt with the Human King—they knew nothing about Jerome Metselder. But you knew everything. Even that the Human King was the Crimson Emissary.
“I can’t share the truth with someone I haven’t allied with yet. See you in the capital, Your Highness.”
—You’re impossible... Fine.
Claudia cut the communication first.
Alone now, Martin sank into the room’s sofa.
‘Phase one of northern unification is complete.’
Phase one had three key elements.
First: Purge forces unrelated to House Adalbert—those guilty of corruption or future betrayals.
Second: Seize Free City Akella and eliminate House Royce’s influence in the north.
Third: Create opportunities for exchange with elves and dwarves.
‘Time to move to phase two.’
Phase two was simpler.
Clean out traitors within House Adalbert, starting with House Gustin.
But that would come after his trip to the capital.
For now, focus on the capital.
‘This place has its own problems.’
The capital, Raize.
A den of ambitious schemers where relying solely on future knowledge would get him devoured.
Still, he had to go.
To identify allies and enemies.
And to recruit talent worth vassalizing.
‘I’ll do this right.’
Martin steeled his resolve.
* * *
“Well, well. Never thought I’d live to see the day.”
Second Prince Theoder Alteria grinned broadly.
His gaze was fixed on the robed elder, Nicholas von Royce.
“To survive being targeted by Marquis Royce himself—no, to counterattack and land a solid blow? I couldn’t imagine anyone besides the heads of the Three Great Noble Houses or my eldest brother pulling that off. The world’s full of remarkable people.”
Truth be told, Theoder’s description understated Nicholas’s losses.
For starters, he’d lost Jerome Metselder and Heinz Schwarzebeck—practically direct vassals.
Both were talents handpicked by the previous marquis, with massive investments in their development.
And those investments had paid off.
Jerome had gradually taken control of Free City Akella, eventually becoming mayor, securing House Royce a forward base to eye the north.
Heinz had met expectations too.
As an elder in the Adventurers’ Guild, he’d recommended promising adventurers to House Royce, bolstering their future forces.
As the Human King, he’d run the slave market, generating vast wealth for the house.
Yet both had died by Martin’s hand.
Before Nicholas could even grasp the situation and intervene.
“With Free City Akella gone, House Royce can no longer exert influence in the north. Supply lines will suffer when you target House Adalbert later. Right?”
There were other blows too.
The slave market’s destruction gutted their underworld clout, making it impossible to rake in slave-trade riches as before.
The total damage was incalculable.
“Well, this outcome might be a blessing for me. Now my dear grandfather can focus entirely on his grandson’s affairs.”
Theoder shrugged lightly.
Since coming of age, he’d raced toward the throne, aiming to surpass his eldest brother.
He’d wished his grandfather would help more aggressively, but the marquis refused.
Too fixated on dragging down House Adalbert.
Even if House Royce became one of the Three Great Noble Houses, would Nicholas aid him afterward?
Theoder couldn’t be sure.
“It’s a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding?”
“Both matter to me equally: Your Highness ascending the throne, and House Royce joining the Three Great Noble Houses.”
“What good does knowing that do? You failed miserably.”
“This incident was undoubtedly my oversight.”
“Hmm. You’re admitting fault too readily, aren’t you, Marquis Royce?”
“Underestimating Martin Adalbert was entirely my mistake. The fault is mine.”
Despite acknowledging failure, Nicholas’s expression remained impassive.
But Theoder knew well.
His grandfather rarely showed emotion, but true rage made him eerily calm.
In other words, he now saw Martin Adalbert as an enemy worth his full effort.
‘Not a bad development.’
Theoder didn’t want Nicholas obsessed with House Adalbert.
But he couldn’t let Martin Adalbert keep rising unchecked, either.
Not when it would elevate his sister, with whom Martin was clearly aligning.
‘Some checks are necessary.’
With that thought, Theoder continued speaking.