Chapter 488: For the Royal Family (1)
Viscount Domont paced around his office, deep in thought.
‘Bringing a priest of the Salvation Church…’
The king was making an unreasonable request.
There was no way a priest of the Salvation Church would offer treatment for free. They would undoubtedly impose conditions or demand a price.
Moreover, the Salvation Church had already been declared the enemy of the continent. If the king took their hand, he too would become a public enemy.
Once that truth came to light, the Marquis of Branford and the nobles who followed him would not stand idly by.
‘But… if we succeed…’
The tides could be turned.
Not all members of the Royalist Faction shared the same ideology. It was simply that the Marquis of Branford had the strongest influence, making him their de facto leader.
If the king regained his health, the nobles and lords who had been suppressed under Branford’s authority would rise. Perhaps they could even remove him.
‘There are quite a few nobles dissatisfied with Branford’s push to elevate the Count of Ferdium.’
Ghislain had a tendency to forcefully suppress the nobility to get things done. Because of that, there were many nobles who harbored resentment toward him.
‘Especially the nobles who lost their medicinal supplies and those from the eastern regions.’
The nobles who had their medicinal herbs seized, as well as those whose lands were taken by Amelia, naturally bore a grudge against Ghislain for supporting her.
That meant that as long as the king regained his strength, there was a fair chance of victory.
Of course, it was a dangerous move. If they failed, his own life would be at risk, and the king would become even more isolated.
‘I must do something.’
Despite that, Viscount Domont wanted to fulfill the king’s wish.
Having witnessed his pitiful state for so long, he had developed a deep sense of sympathy.
And more than anything, he wished for Berhem to reclaim his dignity as a king at least once. That was Domont’s way of proving his loyalty.
‘I have to find a way.’
It wouldn’t be easy. The Marquis of Branford had eyes and ears spread all across the capital.
Connecting with the ducal faction nobles was impossible as well. The moment war broke out, most of them had either fled or been captured.
‘As the royal chamberlain, I cannot leave the palace. If I do, Branford will capture me immediately.’
After much deliberation, Viscount Domont summoned his second son.
“You called for me, Father?”
His second son, Colhen, was put nicely an energetic man, and put bluntly a pleasure-seeker. However, he was also a promising knight.
He was always wandering around the kingdom, which made him the perfect person to move around during this temporary lull in the war.
Gripping his son’s hands tightly, Domont spoke with desperate eyes.
“I have a favor to ask of you.”
“What is it?”
“It is a task that may cost you your life.”
As Colhen looked at him in confusion, Viscount Domont calmly explained the king’s wish.
Hearing the plan, Colhen turned pale.
“W-What are you saying? If we get caught, our entire family will be ruined!”
“I know that. But even so, I must do this for His Majesty.”
“Even if I somehow manage to convince a priest of the Salvation Church to come with me, we won’t even make it to His Majesty’s chambers. There’s no way we can avoid the eyes of the Marquis of Branford.”
“I will take care of that. You only need to bring the priest here. You are the only one who can do this.”
“Father! Are you really willing to risk our entire house for this? Even if we succeed, Branford won’t just let us be! How long do you think His Majesty will live even if he recovers?!”
Terrified, Colhen’s shoulders trembled, but Viscount Domont gripped them firmly.
“This is for the royal family.”
“Father…”
“And if we succeed, our house could take the Marquis of Branford’s place.”
“…!!”
“Though we are central nobles, we have nothing to our name. No fief to establish our foundation, only my favor with His Majesty.”
Domont’s eyes burned with an indescribable ambition.
“With most of the military forces being deployed to the southern front, only the capital’s defense forces remain. The Supreme Commander is still in the capital, and the legion commanders’ families are here as well. The Royal Guard is on our side. Do you not see what this means?”
Gulp.
Colhen swallowed dryly and nodded. He understood exactly what his father was implying.
All they needed was for the king to regain his strength. Then, everything that followed would play out in their favor.
Colhen steadied himself. It was a dangerous task, but if it was for the sake of their family, it was worth the risk.
I had never known until now. Even my father, whom I had always considered quiet and calm, had ambitions.
"Can a priest of the Salvation Church… truly heal His Majesty?"
"Strictly speaking, it wouldn't be healing. However, based on what is known of their power, they should be able to restore His Majesty's vitality."
He couldn't be certain, but Viscount Domont was convinced that they could do it. After all, they were the ones who used human life force to open Rifts and create Crusaders.
Colhen sat in silence, deep in thought. Viscount Domont waited patiently.
After finishing his deliberation, Colhen nodded with a determined gaze.
"I will do it. I will bring back a priest of the Salvation Church, no matter what."
"Thank you… If you succeed, our family will prosper greatly."
From that day forward, Colhen resumed drinking and wandering about busily. Since he had always been fond of such leisure, no one found it suspicious.
"Isn't the war practically over? Being cooped up in the capital is driving me mad. I need to go hunting or something."
Muttering such complaints to those around him, Colhen left the capital a few days later, taking a few escort knights and attendants with him.
No one particularly stopped him, but Colhen remained wary.
‘I need to shake them all off.’
Even though they were knights and attendants of House Domont, he was certain that some of them were acting under the Marquis of Branford’s orders.
As he wandered south under the guise of traveling, Colhen was eventually stopped by his escort knights.
"Young Master, you cannot go any further. This area is dangerous. If bandits appear, our numbers will not be enough to handle them."
He had only brought three escort knights and two attendants. Moreover, the knights weren’t particularly skilled.
The further south they traveled toward the frontline, the worse the security became. If bandits attacked, they would be in serious trouble.
"Hmm, I see. I suppose it's time to turn back. Let’s camp here for the night. I’ll take the first watch."
After days of wandering aimlessly, Colhen's escort knights and attendants were exhausted. Once they finished their evening meal, they quickly fell asleep.
When the time came for the guard shift change, Colhen confirmed that everyone was asleep before slowly drawing his sword.
He had deliberately traveled further than necessary today, ensuring that they would all be too exhausted to stay alert.
Even if the knights weren’t particularly strong, there were still three of them. He had to take them down quickly.
Thunk!
“Guh—!”
The knight, whose throat was pierced while he slept, let out a sound, causing the other two to jolt awake.
However, Colhen had already anticipated this and moved a beat faster.
Slash! Slash!
“Gah… Why…?”
Caught completely off guard, the knights had no time to react before they were cut down.
They died without ever finding an answer to their questions.
As Colhen turned his gaze toward the trembling attendants, he let out a bitter sigh.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know which of you was spying on me."
Schk!
The attendants were killed without resistance.
After eliminating his entire party, Colhen pulled a hooded robe over himself, his expression resolute.
Now, the real challenge began. He had to cross a lawless region and reach the south safely.
It wouldn’t be easy. Bandits roamed everywhere, and scouts patrolled the area.
But he had to succeed. He had already memorized a route where he could travel alone and remain hidden.
"Father, I will succeed."
The man he needed to meet was Viscount Raul Joseph the mastermind of the ducal house.
Gritting his teeth, Colhen spurred his horse forward.
* * *
"The Royal Army and the Allied Forces are regrouping."
"The Northern Army is stationed a little further away. We can’t predict their movements."
"They seem to be pressuring us from all sides, waiting for an opportunity to strike at our weakest point."
After listening to the reports from his strategists, Viscount Raul Joseph twitched his lips.
The tide of war had completely turned. With the Northern Army on the offensive, the rest of the enemy forces had regained their confidence and were now daring to invade the south.
If this continued, the encirclement would soon be complete. Once that happened, their side would be in trouble.
"The Northern Army’s strength is formidable. And now, even new Transcendents have joined them…"
Even now, they still hadn’t determined exactly how many Transcendents were in the Northern Army.
Rumors suggested that the Guardian of the World Tree was among them. That information came from a priest who had barely escaped with his life from the defeated Second Legion, his arm severed.
"There's also a rumor that the Saintess of War has joined them…"
There was also Alfoi, a 7th-circle mage. Rumors were spreading that Gillian had also ascended to the rank of Transcendent.
It was hard to believe, but hadn’t they suffered enough by relying on common sense? They had to assume the worst and prepare accordingly.
"Lord Gartros, I believe you must personally join the battle this time."
At Raul’s words, Gartros nodded.
"Very well. I shall take on the Guardian of the World Tree."
The Guardian of the World Tree had been a long-time enemy of the Salvation Church. Facing her required a warrior of equal stature.
"Count Fenris will be handled by Count Balzac. And Alfoi will be taken care of by Sir Elois. As for the rest, we should deploy as many high-ranking priests as possible."
That should make them a match for the Northern Army. The real issue was the Royal Army and the Allied Forces.
"We'll have to hold out with as few troops as possible. Once we deal with the Northern Army, the rest will be nothing more than a disorderly rabble."
"It’s going to be a tough battle."
"There's no other choice. The Northern Army has become too powerful."
"What if they charge in as one unified force?"
"That would actually be easier for us. We could also consolidate our strength in one place. Our forces lack the mobility of the Fenris Army."
Based on past encounters, it was impossible to match the Fenris Army in mobility.
If anything, it would be more manageable if they moved as a single unit.
"Fenris' technology must be quite something."
The Fenris Army was equipped with advanced materials. They also carried new combat rations.
Yet, no one knew exactly what these technologies entailed.
Both their combat rations and equipment were exclusively produced within the Fenris territory, kept under strict secrecy.
Thus, the only option was to estimate their mobility based on previous encounters.
"It would be best to strike first as soon as we gather enough forces."
Even if their preparations weren’t perfect, this was the better option. If the Royal Army and Allied Forces fully assembled and pressured the south, things would only get more difficult.
As Raul was discussing the finer details of their strategy with his advisors, the commotion outside grew louder, and knights entered the room.
Raul furrowed his brows and asked,
"What is it?"
"Someone is demanding to see you, my lord."
"Who?"
"He claims to be the son of the Royal Chamberlain."
"Hmm?"
Raul tilted his head in curiosity. This was wartime. There was no middle ground with the Royal Faction it was a fight to the end.
And yet, someone from the Royal Family had come? Not even an official envoy, but the Chamberlain's son?
How had he even made it here?
His curiosity piqued, Raul flicked his fingers, signaling them to bring him in.
The knights dragged in Colhen. He was covered in wounds and looked utterly wretched, like a beggar.
As soon as Colhen entered, he collapsed to the ground and cried out,
"My lord! I am Colhen, second son of the Chamberlain! We met briefly at a banquet long ago!"
"Lift your head."
Raul scrutinized Colhen’s face.
Despite the grime and his disheveled hair, it was indeed a face he remembered.
"Ah, yes. I recall seeing you before. Now tell me, why have you come all this way to see me? Are you unaware that there’s a war going on?"
From his condition, it was clear Colhen had endured great hardship to reach this place, likely sneaking past many watchful eyes.
Raul was curious to hear what he had to say.
Yet Colhen’s words were far more shocking than expected.
"I was sent here by His Majesty!"
"What?"
"I evaded Marquis Branford’s watchful eye and came all this way! I am here to take a priest of the Salvation Church to heal His Majesty!"
Raul and Gartros exchanged glances. Gartros gave a slow nod.
Feigning a smile, Raul asked,
"Oh? So you wish for us to heal the king? Tell me more."
Colhen relayed everything he had heard. That the King wished to obtain power akin to that of the Salvation Church, and that he wanted to get rid of Marquis Branford.
Then, in a solemn tone, Colhen revealed the price they were offering.
"If you comply... the Royal Family’s greatest treasure will be yours, and anything else you desire will be granted."
"Hooh…"
A cold smile curled on Raul’s lips.
This was no lie. He already knew of the king’s deteriorating health.
And there was no way such a scheme would be devised simply to take a few priests hostage.
"You said… the Royal Family’s greatest treasure? And that they’ll grant whatever we ask?"
"Yes, but only if you ensure His Majesty regains his strength. That is the priority. Can you do it?"
"Hmm…"
A smirk played on Raul’s lips as he turned to look at Gartros.
Gartros, who had been silently listening, stood up.
He stared at Colhen and declared,
"Oh, it is certainly possible. If His Majesty so desires, I can even make him a Transcendent."
His eyes glowed with eerie excitement.
This was the perfect chance to claim what he had always wanted.
Trembling, Colhen raised his gaze toward Gartros. The very act of meeting his eyes, dark and exuding an ominous aura, sent shivers down his spine.
With a shaking voice, Colhen asked,
"W-Who… are you?"
"You need not know who I am. Simply see me as the one who will grant your wish."
Leaning in closer, Gartros grinned a smile brimming with unrestrained ecstasy.
At that moment, he looked just like a demon in disguise.