Chapter 82. Checkmate (2)
【The Fourth Prince, Eulsis Renault Adratan, forms a Diplomatic Mission for Peace with the Holy Kingdom!】
The royal court was in turmoil due to an unprecedented event.
― We share a common enemy in the demons. To ensure their eradication, we must establish peace with the Holy Kingdom of Fernand!
Such was the noble intention of the Fourth Prince, Eulsis.
"For the sake of humanity, we must cast aside past grievances and confront the demons together."
Of course, the nobles and the Elder Council did not view his youthful actions so favorably.
【He's just scrambling to survive.】
【What choice does he have? Being distant from succession rights, the Fourth Prince must resort to such measures to avoid danger.】
【Is there no word from the royal palace? There's a truce, but he's still going on a diplomatic mission to the enemy's land.】
【You know well that Emperor Adratan is indifferent to such matters.】
Had these words come from common nobles or others, they could have been charged with lese-majeste and face execution.
But the Fourth Prince Eulsis wagered his title as "prince" to pursue his actions.
By doing so, he pushed the reactions of nobles and royalty to extremes, invoking their sympathy, and extended his own lifespan.
【It's disrespectful to say, but it's a curse to be born as the Fourth Prince.】
【When you combine the princesses, there are seven above him in succession. It's as if fate was decided at birth.】
【A destiny out of sync with his blood.】
【Haha, what does it matter to us?】
This so-called 'peace' was seen as a political performance for survival, leading onlookers to mock him.
The most noble bloodline of the Empire faced death due to the very noblesse oblige that defined it.
【The Guard Commander of the Fourth Prince Eulsis' Diplomatic Mission.】
【The 'Blind Eyes', Yulian Cryphart Frason, is a strong candidate.】
However, the mockery shifted to sympathy as soon as the "guard leader" was named.
Yulian of 'Blind Eyes', was selected as the guard commander, even though he wasn't a knight leader.
【Are they insane?】
【No matter how strong he is, it's ill-suited!】
【His life will be at constant risk throughout the journey.】
His notorious reputation was immensely widespread in the capital.
The Smiling Executioner.
The Mad Dog of the royal family.
The sword that kills noble blood.
Despite an impeccable swordsmanship, his innate character was deemed base.
The royal insiders whispered that he was unfit for a "peace" mission to the 'Holy Kingdom'.
【Maybe the other princes had a hand in this...】
【It could really be the case...】
Later, rumors spread throughout the capital.
It was a ploy to get rid of the Fourth Prince Eulsis by assigning "Yulian" to lead his guards.
The nobles, having read the official documents, started whispering among themselves.
"Poor Prince Eulsis..."
"Even with no power, how could they appoint that demonic man to head the guards!?"
"But Schvalt, the captain of the Azure Lion Knights, was available!"
Naturally, their reaction was expected.
However, within that just reaction, something new began to take root.
"But you know, recently Yulian hasn't stirred any notable trouble."
"True. It's possible this might go without incident."
Recently, there hadn't been significant issues with Yulian's actions.
Rather, he eradicated some demons, slightly raising his esteemed reputation over his notorious one.
The ill reputation he had built up till now could be shielded by the "royal family".
Adhering to the royal command was an obligation for the nobles.
***
【... Thus, Yulian of the royal agency "Blind Eyes" is appointed as the guard commander for the Fourth Prince Eulsis' diplomatic mission.】
Reading the official document from the secretariat left me dumbfounded as I looked down at the papers again.
"It happened this quickly?"
I had anticipated that the Dawn Society would maneuver things, and it seemed certain I would be chosen.
Yet, I didn't expect an announcement this soon.
Was this pre-arranged?
"Amazing. Although he's distant from succession rights, who would think the 'Blind Eyes' would lead the royal guard?"
Ordwin, having brought the document from the secretariat, spoke in a pleased tone, despite her usual stern demeanor.
Yet, I noticed her voice was slightly tinged with excitement.
A faint thrill, a burgeoning emotion.
It was as if vibrant mirages were emanating from above her head, even if not visible to the eye.
Stiff Ordwin, I thought, wouldn't emotionally attach to a group like 'Blind Eyes'.
... Unexpected.
"You appear happier than I would've thought. I assumed the 'Blind Eyes' didn't mean much to you."
"Well, I see no reason to dislike it."
Indeed... that's not wrong.
"Despite being a nominal commander, it's a place I find suitable."
"Then that's good to hear."
"Sounds like you're teasing?"
"I'm not, huhut."
I truly meant it. The level of comfort she provided me... others wouldn't understand.
"But Yulian, when did you apply to be part of the diplomatic guard? I haven't heard a word until now."
... I haven't directly applied for it myself.
The Dawn Society, more specifically Tenelon, acted on its own, linking me with the Sword Saint.
Claiming "The Dawn Society", or "The Arc Bishop Tenelon,", would have me executed on the spot, regardless of me being Yulian.
"... I didn't think it was necessary to mention."
"Well, I know you're not one to share much or speak candidly with me."
Like always, Ordwin casually spoke, ignoring the hierarchy between the commander and a regular member.
It was unsurprising that I found her comfortable.
***
As the royal family buzzed over the appointment of the guard commander, I had a concern.
'I don't think I've ever spoken to him.'
My worry was exactly that: I hadn't exchanged a word with my charge, the Fourth Prince Eulsis, whom I was to escort to the Holy Kingdom of Fernand.
Of course, I knew his appearance. After all, he had his moments in the Imperial story as a supporting character.
"Sir Yulian, I heard the news!"
On my way back to the office from the command room, Fern approached me radiating enthusiasm.
"I heard you were selected as the guard commander for the Fourth Prince! Congratulations!"
It's not really... something to celebrate.
It's not as if I volunteered.
Still, I decided to view it positively.
Now that things were set, I thought of it as recovering the holy artifact, the 'Bell of the Silent Night'.
"Haha, thank you, Fern."
"The Azure Lion Knights' captain, Schvalt, is formidable. To be chosen over such a captain, the secretariat must have esteemed your feats highly!"
No. It was merely scheming by someone behind the curtains.
"Fern?"
"Yes!"
Upon calling, Fern snapped to attention with a military response, both feet together.
"Do you have something for me to do?"
His unmarred ceremonial posture reflected a disciplined knight, an exemplar of perfection.
Such demeanor made me curious enough to consider asking.
'Why didn't he leave the Azure Lion Knights, and joined the Blind Eyes instead?'
When I saw him before, he shuddered at the thought of the 'Blind Eyes', and now he had transferred.
It was intriguing.
If it meant ill intent, it would certainly be problematic for this side.
"Might I ask you something?"
"Yes! If it's Yulian asking, I'll answer anything!"
But with that enthusiasm, asking seemed difficult.
He appeared to regard me with admiration.
'Heh, that can't be.'
I'm no fool.
If someone harbors admiration for this 'Yulian', it's likely a sign of instability in their mental state.
Honestly, think about it.
Even if not currently, he was once a madman who cut people down with a smile and killed children without hesitation.
He'd always approach with a grin, with a tone that seemed respectful yet ultimately condescending!
'How could anyone like that?'
Even 'Lazorot,' who showed favor, ultimately was just a façade to play lackey.
'Definitely has ulterior motives.'
Such were my thoughts.
"Fern, if by chance you harbor malicious..."
Bang──!
The echo of a thunderous noise interrupted my musing.
Turning my gaze to locate its origin, I saw a man akin to a bear forcefully opening the entrance door.
"Where's Yulian?"
Contrary to his imposing entrance, the man quietly searched for me.
His eyes scanned the room until they finally landed on me.
"Ah, there you are."
The cold, piercing figure continued moving toward me, step after step.
'Schvalt.'
The leader of the Azure Lion Knights.
Despite his corpse-like cold demeanor, he was an odd fellow who treasured 'effort'.
He was also the person behind an article on "effort" situations in the recent professional magazine, "The Knights."
'Now that I see him, he's got quite a sharp look.'
He not only led the Azure Lion Knights, but he was a knight whose prowess was certified.
He was even said to have a setting where he could break a bi-horned demon's tusk with his bare hands.
"S-Sir Sc-Schvalt! What brings you here...?"
The former knight commander made an appearance, causing Fern to falter.
Watching Fern's reaction, Schvalt clicked his tongue once and shot a piercing gaze his way.
"Who said it was okay for lowly ones to speak?"
Though of the same knighthood, Schvalt harshly criticized Fern using bitter, dagger-like words.
"I, I apologize."
"Indeed, as you should be sorry."
Adjusting his collar, Schvalt glanced at Fern again.
"Because your transfer to 'Blind Eyes' besmirched the knighthood."
Examining his eyes, Fern visibly flinched.
Emotionless, yet filled with prejudice and contempt were his eyes.
"How dare a fallen noble..."
"What does it matter if they're fallen?"
Cutting into their exchange, an uncomfortable dread appeared on Schvalt's face.
Perhaps realizing this, his chilly visage reverted to its usual icy countenance.
"Fallen nobility are those who've breached the Empire's standards, leading to a descent in status. They are below common citizens."
"Therefore, you're seemingly insulting Ordwin, the commander of 'Blind Eyes'."
Ordwin too was from fallen nobility.
Just then, Schvalt's comment not only insulted Fern but also our commanders like Ordwin.
Not that I'd particularly defend her.
My intentions lay in duly reprimanding Schvalt for his rudeness infiltrating someone else's organization.
"Does it need my words to convey that?"
How shameless he seemed.
"You're no different. Cryphart's own Frason."
I can't comprehend why he's letting his mouth run like this.
Going out of his way to.
Though I had begun to fathom why he'd come, Schvalt's arrogance surpassed expectations, leaving me astounded.
'You're probably upset for not being appointed guard commander.'
I mean, frankly, while I did not partake in the selection itself, even with the Dawn Society's influence, it should have been the secretariat's choice.
Why go out of your way to act arrogantly?
The very same person who seemed smitten with the Sword Saint.
Yet as 'Yulian', I'd likely express,
"Ha-ha, are you certain it's okay to look down on me?"
"I'm not looking down, simply stating facts."
"Then for the noble bested by this 'lowly' Frason, what's the suitable label, I wonder?"
With those words, I presented Schvalt with the official notice of my guard commander appointment.
"If you're unaware, we might need to decide."
"This piece of garbage..."
"Garbage... seems excessive for not being chosen. 'Worm' might be more fitting."
My taunting tone caused the ice-cold Schvalt's face to crack slightly.
Such a level of scorn hardly felt like just "acting" anymore.
Clacky's Corner:
There really are this kind of characters. I don't encounter them often anymore, but when I encounter one, they always make my blood boil.