Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Chapter 14: Demon Subduing Hall (1)
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“Regardless of the failure, I don’t think we came away entirely empty-handed. We did confirm Martin Adalbert’s true capabilities, after all.”
“As Your Highness says. Even if Heinz Schwarzenbeck couldn’t fully demonstrate his power due to his advanced age, the fact remains that Martin Adalbert defeated an 8th Circle powerhouse. Considering his talent, we should also account for the possibility that he’ll reach the 8th Circle in the near future.”
“Damn. I’ve never once felt inferior about my own talent in my life, but this time, I can’t help it.”
Theodore shook his head slowly.
He was only 27 years old, yet he had already reached the 6th Circle.
That alone was more than enough to be hailed as a genius by the world at large.
In fact, he took great pride in his exceptional talent.
But even someone as narcissistic as him had no choice but to acknowledge that Martin’s talent was overwhelmingly superior.
“More importantly, his mental fortitude is terrifyingly impressive.”
“Exactly. I couldn’t help but admire his ability to set up the board and then execute it without hesitation. It looks like my dear little sister won’t be getting the drop on Martin Adalbert anytime soon.”
“Indeed. Sharing stakes in Akella City means they’ve essentially formed an alliance.”
“Do you think their union will produce any significant synergy, Marquis?”
“Considering House Adalbert’s military might and wealth, it’s safe to say they’re on equal footing with us. And since they’ve secured the dungeon entrance, they could even turn the tables on us down the line.”
“Without Ferdinand the family head in the picture, they’d be on par with my eldest brother.”
“Unfortunately, Your Highness is correct.”
“Alright. We’ve assessed the situation. Now, what’s our countermeasure? We can’t just take this lying down.”
Theodore’s eyes were as cold as ice as he posed the question.
Nicholas nodded in response.
“This time, we’ll utterly destroy Martin Adalbert.”
“You plan to declare a territorial war?”
“If necessary, yes.”
“With Akella City lost, that won’t be easy, will it? It’d be different if you stepped in personally, Marquis, but that’s not feasible right now.”
If his sister and Martin had truly allied, then Irina von Minert, a 9th Circle powerhouse, wouldn’t sit idly by.
If it came to a direct clash with Martin, she would intervene, and from the capital, the First Prince could exploit that opening.
One misstep, and they’d suffer losses on both fronts.
“And that’s not all. Martin’s northern tour was a resounding success, solidifying his grip on northern hegemony. Fighting the entire North? I’m not sure that’s the right call.”
“As Your Highness says, an all-out war isn’t ideal. That’s why I’ve prepared a card to bring him down.”
“Stronger than Jerome Metselder or Heinz Schwarzenbeck?”
“Far stronger, with forces that aren’t even comparable. And they’re already embedded within his ranks.”
“Oh ho. An internal enemy, then.”
“Yes. They’re also handling logistics. They’ve promised to recruit more sympathizers, so losing Akella City won’t derail the plan.”
“That’s reassuring to hear.”
Only then did Theodore appear satisfied.
Elite troops strike from outside while traitors sow chaos from within.
It was a tried-and-true strategy with proven results for ages.
“I can’t wait to meet that bastard Martin before you issue the declaration of war, Marquis. I’m curious what face he’ll make when we clash head-on with House Royce.”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Nicholas bowed his head.
Despite his impassive expression, his aura was utterly menacing.
Theodore responded with a savage grin.
* * *
Berenheim Fortress, located near the Imperial Capital of Reise.
If this fortress fell, the capital lay exposed, so its garrison maintained iron discipline.
Yet now, they stared downward with grim faces.
The fortress knights wore navy uniforms, while those below donned white ones.
“…That’s the White Dragon Knights.”
“They’re truly a match for the Imperial Guard Knights.”
The White Dragon Knights assembled before the fortress numbered 112 in total.
Excluding those away on missions, every member was present.
Order Leader Lucas Hoffman and Vice Leader Fritz Kahn stood at the forefront, with the knights arrayed in two lines flanking them.
Even standing still, an overwhelming presence emanated from them.
The Berenheim garrison prided itself as elite, but even they felt suffocated.
Kuooo!
It was then.
A tremendous aura poured from the sky, pressing down on them.
They looked up urgently and saw a man and woman descending slowly.
“Young Lord!”
“Young Lord!”
Lucas Hoffman knelt first, leading the cry, and the others followed in unison.
The sight completely overwhelmed the Berenheim soldiers.
“I heard he was 18, but… he still looks so boyish.”
“And yet he’s reached the 7th Circle—even took down an 8th Circle. Secured northern dominance in a single tour.”
“No one’s talking about House Adalbert’s decline anymore. Hell, they might even prosper further…”
They murmured quietly among themselves.
All the while unable to tear their eyes from Martin.
Meanwhile, others were conversing while watching the scene.
“Isn’t this a bit too theatrical? We came all the way here together.”
“What can you do? He’s the young lord of House Adalbert—the acting family head—heading to the capital. We had to put on a show to make our presence known.”
“Fair enough. Speaking of, where’s the fortress commander? Shouldn’t he come out to greet the young lord of House Adalbert?”
“Guess he doesn’t want to bow to some northern bumpkin. Westerners always act like they’re the empire’s center and look down on outsiders.”
“Bunch of pricks, really. They couldn’t even handle the monster wave properly, but their pride’s through the roof.”
Martin and Sien’s lips moved faintly.
Aura enveloped their bodies, preventing sound from leaking, but given the occasion, they needed to project dignity.
Hence the theatrics, though Martin nearly burst out laughing at Sien’s words.
As she said, the West had suffered massive losses from the monster wave.
Berenheim Fortress itself had over a third collapsed and was still under repairs.
Untended monster corpses piled up along the roads.
“You can’t say that stuff in the capital, Sien.”
“What, you think I’m a kid who’d slip up like that?”
“Fair point.”
Thud.
Martin finally landed alongside Sien.
He scanned the White Dragon Knights with a composed expression.
“Rise.”
Snap!
At his command, they stood straight.
“The capital is near. Remember you represent House Adalbert in all things.”
“We obey the young lord’s command!”
Their resounding voices shook the air.
Nodding, Martin walked among the ranks.
Sien followed two steps behind.
Together, they reached the fortress gates.
“I’m Martin Adalbert. You got word I was coming, right?”
His low voice reached every soldier’s ears clearly.
“Yes! We did!”
“Open the gates!”
The gate knight shouted urgently, signaling the soldiers.
They pulled the lever swiftly, and the gates began to grind open.
Rumble!
With the gates wide, Martin entered the fortress.
‘Ah.’
He understood at once.
Why the fortress commander was absent.
He was with someone else—and heading this way.
Moments later, a white-haired old knight and a green-haired young man entered view.
“That’s…”
Sien’s eyes widened.
Lucas Hoffman and the White Dragon Knights were equally stunned.
Only Martin wore an amused expression as he regarded the green-haired youth.
In pure strength, he was weaker than the old knight beside him, but his presence was far more commanding.
It was inevitable, given his birth.
“I’ve seen plenty of knights, but this is my first time meeting you face-to-face. Pleased to meet you, young lord.”
“Pleased to meet you, Your Highness.”
Mueller Alteria.
Third Prince of the Alteria Empire.
But born to a commoner mother, he had no claim to the throne from birth.
Some called him the tragic prince for it.
‘In truth, he’s a terrifying man.’
In about three years, he’d earn a new title.
The empire’s worst criminal.
Martin had only heard tales, never met him in person.
“Why is a prince who should be in the capital here?”
“I just had to meet the sacred star of the North. I was curious what kind of man could shake the capital before even turning twenty.”
“I see. So, what’s your impression?”
“I never imagined there was someone in this world like my eldest brother.”
“Like the First Prince… You flatter me.”
“It’s not flattery. Just the plain truth. Worth coming to meet you first.”
Mueller smiled as he replied.
A smile tugged at Martin’s lips too.
Among his generation, the First Prince earned the highest praise.
Excelling in martial prowess, politics, administration—some called him flawless.
“I’m glad I didn’t disappoint. May I go now?”
“Ah, wait. I have one favor to ask the young lord. Since you’re headed to the capital anyway, would you travel with me?”
Sien and the White Dragon Knights all looked displeased at Mueller’s proposal.
Martin’s title was merely young lord, but he was effectively the family head.
This was House Adalbert’s pinnacle stepping into the capital for the first time—a moment laden with meaning.
If Mueller Alteria tagged along?
It would dilute the focus, which no one wanted.
Martin had to be the star.
“I don’t mind. Word of the young lord of House Adalbert traveling with the Third Prince would be huge news. But are you sure? You might end up as just an escort, Your Highness.”
“I’m used to the escort role, so no worries. Thank you for indulging my presumptuous request, young lord.”
“No trouble at all. Looking forward to your guidance to the capital, Your Highness.”
Martin’s smile deepened.
‘Now I’m really curious.’
What kind of man was the future empire’s worst criminal?