Chapter 490: For the Royal Family (3)
The nobles of the royal faction were currently overwhelmed with work. They had to reorganize the kingdom’s army and deploy it to the southern front as planned.
It wasn’t as simple as just rearranging forces and issuing orders.
Many had died, which meant new commanders needed to be appointed, and careful attention had to be paid to ensure that arms and supplies remained sufficient.
Even amidst their workload, the nobles’ eyes gleamed with hope. The Northern Army’s consecutive victories had kindled the expectation that the war was reaching its final stages.
“Once the war is over, that vast southern land will be left empty.”
“Hahaha, isn't it the kingdom’s richest granary, full of resources? The rewards will be tremendous.”
“We might have more than enough to divide among ourselves.”
For high-ranking nobles who never fought on the battlefield, war was nothing more than a numbers game. All they cared about was calculating how much they could seize once the war ended.
They probably wouldn't realize the gravity of war until a blade was at their own throats.
Watching these jubilant nobles, Marquis of Branford let out a sigh.
‘How is it that only men like these thrive?’
A noble was born a noble. Those raised in such privilege wouldn’t easily change their way of thinking.
That was why so many accidents had occurred during the war.
No matter how strong his authority was, there was nothing he could do about it. Unless everything was overturned and rebuilt from scratch, this would never end.
‘But not yet…’
Not all were like them. There were still noblemen who fulfilled their duties with honor.
Thanks to them, the kingdom had managed to endure thus far.
Steeling his thoughts, Marquis of Branford turned to the knight beside him.
“Have the Royal Chamberlain and that man still not come out?”
“No, my lord. We have no idea what they are doing. Only meals are being sent in at the appropriate times.”
“Hmm…”
Viscount Domont and the mysterious mage had remained inside the king’s chambers for days.
Even the king refused to meet anyone besides them.
“Prepare yourself. I will go there myself once this meeting is over.”
“Understood.”
After issuing his command, Marquis of Branford continued the meeting with the nobles.
But before long, an astonishing figure entered the room.
“Your Majesty!”
Someone shouted, springing to their feet. The other nobles, equally shocked, gaped in disbelief.
The king, who had been bedridden and unable to move properly, had appeared before them. He was still leaning on the Royal Chamberlain for support, but he was undoubtedly walking.
With a pleased smile, Berhem spoke.
“Hahaha, it has been a while, has it not? You have all endured great hardship in safeguarding the kingdom in my stead.”
Even the Marquis of Branford was astonished. However, he concealed his surprise and rose to his feet. Since the king was here, he had to offer him the seat of honor.
Still, he needed to assess the situation.
“Your Majesty, are you well?”
“Of course, of course. It has been so long since I have felt this good.”
Berhem slowly took his seat. Though his movements appeared somewhat stiff, he did not seem to have any major issues.
As he scanned the startled nobles, a twisted smile formed on his lips.
“I understand your confusion. You all must have thought I would never rise again.”
“Y-Your Majesty…”
“N-No, that is not what we meant…”
The nobles were flustered. They had, indeed, thought that, but they hadn’t expected the king to address it so bluntly.
Narrowing his eyes, Berhem continued.
“The mage standing behind me possesses extraordinary abilities.”
All eyes turned to Placus, who stood behind the king.
They had heard rumors. A wandering mage had brazenly claimed he could cure the king.
Most of them had dismissed it, believing he would soon be arrested alongside the Royal Chamberlain. Yet, he had truly restored the king’s vitality.
“This is Sir Placus. From now on, you shall treat him with the same respect you show me. He is the man who saved my life. And to think what exactly were the kingdom’s mages and priests doing all this time?”
At Berhem’s mocking words, everyone fell silent. Depending on how one interpreted it, he was implying that they had deliberately neglected his treatment.
Marquis of Branford glared at Placus.
The mage simply maintained his gentle smile.
At a glance, he truly seemed like a scholar of great wisdom and discipline.
‘Just what have you done…?’
The king had been bedridden for over a decade. If such a person could suddenly walk around perfectly fine in just a few days, it was surely not through ordinary means.
The king’s recovery was a good thing. It was something even the Marquis of Branford had wished for long ago.
But the method could not have involved sorcery.
They had to find out what Placus had done, even if it meant torturing him. However, since he had improved the king’s condition, they could not simply drag him away by force.
“Your Majesty, we must verify what means that man used.”
“What are you saying? My body has recovered so well.”
“If he employed some false sorcery, it will inevitably lead to worse side effects in the end.”
At those words, Berhem exploded in fury.
“Marquis! Are you telling me to lie down and wait for death?”
“Your Majesty.”
“No one is to touch that man! Unless you wish to be branded as a perpetrator of regicide.”
“……”
With those words, all the nobles fell silent.
It was not that they could not understand the king’s feelings. Who in their right mind would refuse a recovery of their health?
Glaring at the nobles, Berhem slowly rose to his feet and spoke.
“I shall take my leave for today. From the next state council meeting onward, I will take charge.”
With that declaration, Berhem left, supported by Viscount Domont.
The nobles turned to Marquis Branford.
“This is… quite something.”
“His Majesty suddenly attending state meetings…”
“What does this mean for the future?”
The king had stayed out of governance for over a decade. The chancellor, too, had entrusted all affairs to Marquis Branford in recent years due to his own old age.
Now, if the king suddenly inserted himself into politics, there was no way state affairs would run smoothly.
Honestly, one had to understand the matters at hand to lead a meeting effectively.
Maurice, the Supreme Commander, furrowed his brows. He was currently stationed in the capital, overseeing reports from all military units and managing troop deployments.
“We are in the middle of a war. If His Majesty, who is unfamiliar with the situation, takes charge, decisions will only be delayed. Would it not be better to let him assume governance after the war ends?”
Marquis Branford remained expressionless as he responded.
“It is not unusual for His Majesty to lead the government. Prepare accordingly from now on.”
With those words, he, too, left the council chamber. Of course, his mind was not at ease.
“Toleo, what do you think?”
The nobles lacked the ability to sense or gauge a person’s energy. While they had learned swordsmanship as part of their education, few had reached a high level.
Maurice was of a high-ranking knight’s caliber, but he, too, seemed unable to sense anything unusual.
“I do not know for certain. If he had indeed used black magic or sorcery, we should have been able to feel its presence, but I sensed nothing. However…”
“However?”
“That mysterious mage is definitely suppressing his energy. I have felt it from the very first time we met.”
“Hmm…”
Indeed, unless the other party deliberately revealed it, even the most elite knight would struggle to discern the nature of their energy.
Let alone the king, who had been frail and had learned nothing there was no way he could notice anything amiss at a glance.
From that day on, Berhem attended every state council meeting without fail. His body continued to improve by the day.
“Haha! What a refreshing day! I now understand what a joy it is simply to move freely. So, how goes the war?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Most of the legions have completed their reorganization and are preparing to move to the southern front one by one.”
Having received various reports and roughly grasped the situation, Berhem spoke with some surprise.
“For us to have no supply shortages despite being at war… I had not realized how abundant northern production had become. It is completely different from before I fell ill.”
“It is all thanks to Count Fenris.”
“Count Fenris… My chamberlain has spoken of him often. Truly, a blessing to the kingdom.”
Though his words were full of praise, his gaze was not. Feeling the disparity between his words and his expression, the nobles anxiously observed Berhem.
Soon, Berhem spoke in a commanding tone.
“From what I see, the Rift and this war have caused too much suffering for the people. And so, I have made a decision.”
“What is it, Your Majesty?”
“I believe it is time to end the war. I shall open negotiations with the ducal house. I intend to pardon him and bring about a peaceful world.”
“……!!”
Marquis of Branford's eyes widened. The other nobles were just as shocked.
The ducal family had committed treason against the kingdom and initiated war first. Yet, the king himself now declared he would negotiate with them?
What kind of king would do such a thing?
Marquis of Branford responded with a cold expression.
"Your Majesty, that is out of the question."
"What do you mean?"
"The ducal family is a traitor who rebelled against the royal family."
"Did I not declare that I would forgive them?"
"That is not all. They conspired with heretics to create the rifts, killing countless people. If we do not punish those who have thrown the kingdom into chaos, even greater turmoil will follow."
At Marquis of Branford's words, Maurice also spoke fiercely.
"Your Majesty! Because of those bastards, countless royal soldiers have died! The soldiers of the allied forces who came to aid us suffered the same fate! How can the ruler of this kingdom simply overlook the deaths of his own people?"
The other nobles all voiced their opposition as well.
"The Salvation Church has been designated an enemy of the Four Major Temples! If we forgive them, the kingdom itself will become an enemy of the Four Major Temples!"
"This is absolutely unacceptable!"
"How can we trust the ducal family and the Salvation Church enough to even consider negotiations?"
In truth, some nobles did wish for the war to end. Since the king had risen, they were watching to see if the situation might shift.
However, none of them could go against the will of the Marquis of Branford. A powerless king was far less terrifying than the marquis, who held absolute authority.
As all the nobles voiced their opposition in unison, Berhem's eyes trembled with rage.
"This is the first decision I have made since rising again! And yet, you all dare to oppose it?"
"That cannot be allowed, Your Majesty."
Seeing Marquis of Branford's chilling expression, Berhem exhaled heavily, his fists trembling.
He was, after all, just a puppet.
Everyone was merely watching the marquis, gauging his reaction.
Bang!
Berhem slammed the table and rose from his seat.
"This meeting is adjourned. This matter will be discussed again soon, so halt the kingdom's military movements immediately."
With those words, he turned and left.
Once the king was gone, Maurice erupted in fury.
"I knew this would happen! This is a matter of utmost urgency, and yet no decision is being made quickly! There's a legion that has just finished reorganizing but hasn't even departed yet! My nephew is waiting what are we supposed to do?"
The legions that had already set out could use the excuse that they had moved before the king's decree. However, as long as the king opposed it, they could not freely mobilize the waiting royal forces.
In the end, they would have to pressure the king into issuing the order. It was becoming a real headache.
"Ah, damn it. If only the old crone were here, I’d have asked her what to do."
"……."
Everyone fell silent.
To Maurice, the Fortune-Teller Crone held more authority than the king.
He had already dispatched search teams to the southern front, desperately searching for her.
Rising from his seat, the Marquis of Branford spoke.
"For now, let's try persuading him for a few more days. Government meetings are always this tedious, are they not?"
Thus far, decisions had been made quickly only because of the marquis' influence. Normally, such meetings were always bogged down in delays.
Though he spoke as if there was no choice, the marquis had already made up his mind.
"That mage must be eliminated first."
It was clear that the ducal family and the Salvation Church were scheming something. Otherwise, the king would never have spoken such nonsense.
That mage was undoubtedly a priest of the Salvation Church. The king must have orchestrated this for his own recovery.
Marquis of Branford turned to Toleo.
"Toleo, treat the target as a transcendent being. Gather knights, mages, and troops. The moment the opportunity arises, we will strike and kill him."
"Understood."
If the target was a priest of the Salvation Church, he had likely reached the level of a transcendent.
To capture him, the marquis' house began mobilizing its finest knights and mages.
Even if the enemy was a transcendent, there were ways to deal with him if he was alone. There would be sacrifices, but they had to take him down no matter what.
While the Marquis of Branford made these preparations, Berhem continued attending meetings for several days, persistently advocating for negotiations with the ducal family.
But he faced unanimous opposition from the nobles, preventing him from moving forward as he wished.
When nothing went his way, he returned to his chambers, venting his fury.
"Marquis of Branford! That damned bastard! How dare he defy my will! If he is not a traitor, then who is?!"
Berhem was anxious. His current improvement in health was only temporary. To fully recover, he needed to obtain something from the ducal family.
The ducal family had agreed to exchange it for the royal family's treasure while also demanding a ceasefire negotiation.
However, Marquis Branford's opposition made that impossible.
Some legions were on standby, but the ones that had already mobilized couldn't be stopped. It was clear that Marquis Branford was feigning ignorance while fanning the flames from behind.
At this rate, war would break out again before he could even get what he wanted.
"What am I supposed to do? Marquis Branford refuses to listen to me."
At Berhem’s urgent words, Placus gave a gentle smile.
"It seems we must advance the lion hunt."
The lion was the emblem of the Branford Marquisate. In other words, he was talking about capturing Marquis Branford.
Berhem asked cautiously.
"Is it possible?"
"I did expend quite a bit of energy treating Your Majesty, but if the Royal Knights join me, it is not impossible."
Placus had exhausted a great deal of his energy in healing Berhem. To replenish it, he required a special ritual.
For that ritual to be conducted smoothly, Berhem needed to seize powerful authority.
"Then what must I do?"
"Demand a ceasefire at every meeting to stall for time. Meanwhile, I will coordinate with the Royal Knight Commander to set the date."
"Understood. You must succeed."
Berhem spoke with a trembling voice.
Marquis Branford wielded absolute power. They had to prepare while avoiding his eyes and ears. Naturally, that made him nervous.
From that day forward, Berhem caused a commotion at every meeting, wielding his royal authority.
The nobles were at a loss. The war needed to resume quickly, but the king was holding them back.
In the end, Marquis Branford stepped forward as the representative.
"Your Majesty, we must not delay any longer. The ducal family is preparing for battle as we speak."
"I have said that I want negotiations!"
"My apologies, but this is a matter of the kingdom’s survival. That is not an option."
After saying that, Marquis Branford turned to Maurice.
"Order the legions on standby to move immediately. From now on, follow the orders of the Northern Army Commander."
"Ah, understood."
"Your Majesty, I ask that you hand over the chamberlain and the mage. They need to be investigated."
Berhem, who had been listening, erupted in fury.
"You bastard! I am the king! I am the king, I say! How dare you act as you please!"
"……"
"You insolent wretch! You are the traitor! You are the traitor here!"
"…Escort His Majesty."
There was no other choice, given his outburst. Marquis Branford simply turned and left the conference room.
"You treacherous cur! How are you any different from that woman?! I am the king! This kingdom is not yours!"
Berhem’s enraged shouts echoed from behind.
Hearing them, Marquis Branford closed his eyes.
'The war just needs to end.'
Once the ducal family was eliminated, there would be no one left to threaten the kingdom and the royal family. Once that was done, he intended to retire.
But it seemed things would not go as smoothly as he had hoped.
Late into the night, as he worked in his office at the marquisate, his steward entered with a report.
"The Royal Knights and the palace guards have begun to move. Their target is this place."
Marquis Branford said nothing. His expression remained indifferent.
The steward, also expressionless, continued his report.
"The knights and soldiers are all prepared. Additionally, the capital defense forces have mobilized and completed the encirclement of the royal palace. The operatives infiltrated inside are ready to act."
"……"
"Just give the order."
Placus and the Royal Knights had begun moving in secret to strike at Marquis Branford.
However, Marquis Branford had already been informed of everything.