Chapter 73
Inside the Fortress.
Twelve individuals were gathered there.
Among them were Adolf and eleven senior knights.
“How is the training of the 5th Legion progressing?”
At Adolf’s question, one of the senior knights bowed his head.
“It is proceeding smoothly. However, lately, some soldiers have begun to deviate from our control. It seems they won’t be able to hold out much longer.”
“…There isn’t much time left. Ensure they continue their training without issues until then.”
Ten years.
For that one day, he had meticulously gathered and trained these soldiers.
Fourteen thousand elite troops.
For a decade, their minds had been suppressed, but now, even brainwashing techniques were starting to lose their effectiveness.
It was precisely because of this that soldiers were beginning to break free from control.
‘There isn’t much time left.’
There were now less than twenty days until the succession ceremony.
Adolf turned to look at the knights once more.
“What about Abel’s movements?”
“There is nothing out of the ordinary yet.”
“And the others?”
“The Third Prince is behaving similarly. Recently, he has been meeting with the First Prince more frequently, but there is nothing unusual beyond that. As for the Fourth Prince, he recently had a meeting with Count Neiron’s daughter.”
“Did she come to him personally?”
“Yes. She arrived via Gate.”
“For what purpose?”
“It was likely to discuss magic. There were rumors that she and the Fourth Prince had a magic duel at Count Neiron’s estate.”
“…I see. Understood. The critical moment is approaching, so be mindful of every action you take. You don’t need me to remind you of that, do you?”
“Yes, sir!”
The eleven senior knights who had received Adolf’s power.
Adolf glanced at them for a moment before speaking quietly.
“Then, you may leave.”
Once the knights had exited,
He leaned back in his chair and furrowed his brows.
Ten years ago.
His entire life had changed drastically after encountering a certain existence.
It was only then that he had been able to begin his full-scale movements to claim the vast Trastan Territory as his own.
Everything had gone according to plan.
As expected.
Exactly as planned.
For the past ten years, everything had gone perfectly.
However, lately—
He had a bad feeling.
When had it started?
“Jerome.”
As Adolf recalled Jerome’s face, he shook his head.
When he had offered him power—
That man had accepted without hesitation, vowing to follow him loyally.
Twin-Headed Ogre.
That monster decimating the 5th Legion’s troops had been a stroke of terrible misfortune.
Knowing Jerome’s personality, he must have hidden his full strength to avoid burdening his master and ultimately met his death that way.
Even after that, misfortunes continued to pile up.
‘Duke… Of all people, why did Abel have to take notice of him?’
His younger brother’s talent, discovered by accident.
To prevent complications, he had planned to eliminate him before making his move.
But of all people—
Abel had started approaching him.
‘…This won’t be easy to resolve.’
Right now, every action had to be made with caution.
If his rebellion failed, the cost would be his life and the lives of all his subordinates.
If given the chance, he would eliminate him.
But if that proved impossible—
‘Then I will deal with him later.’
Ever since he made a deal with that existence, any feelings of family attachment had long since vanished.
Now, the only thing left in his heart was an insatiable thirst for power.
As he set aside his thoughts on Duke, another younger brother came to mind.
Kyle Seltarion.
Throughout his life, Adolf had encountered countless types of people.
But Kyle was someone he couldn’t easily grasp.
What he was thinking, what motivated his actions, and even how he viewed him—
None of it was clear.
Someone who had been nothing but a minor nuisance had, in just a few months, established his presence.
‘A dangerous one, indeed.’
Ordinarily, he would have opted for elimination in such cases.
However, there was a reason he couldn’t make that decision lightly.
The rebellion.
Even if it succeeded, there would be countless problems to address afterward.
First, the overall military strength of the Marquessate would be significantly weakened.
And secondly—
Restoring the damaged Marquessate would be a massive undertaking.
He wasn’t rebelling just to seize a ruined half of a household.
Seltarion Marquessate.
The crown must be whole.
‘He’s too valuable to simply eliminate.’
The Empire’s greatest magic tournament.
With just five 1st-circle spells, Kyle had claimed the championship trophy.
He had proven himself.
His magic formulas were so remarkable that even the Hamilton Ducal Estate, the foremost family of magic, had no choice but to acknowledge them.
If he could obtain Kyle’s Hybrid Activation Method, the benefits would be immeasurable.
‘There are countless ways to utilize it.’
From the Imperial Family to the Magic Tower Associations—
As Kyle’s circle advanced, the competition to seize his magic system would become fierce.
Thus, as long as he could keep Kyle firmly within his grasp, resolving post-rebellion issues would become significantly easier.
The Goose That Lays Golden Eggs.
Even if this goose was a little dangerous—
‘It is still just a goose.’
He was confident in his ability to control him.
There was not a single thought in his mind about killing that goose.
‘The time is near.’
Marquess Remton.
Adolf clenched his fist as he recalled the massive knight’s shadow that had always overlooked him in favor of Abel.
If just a little more time passed—
Even those memories would completely disappear forever.
***
The training continued until the next morning.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to master the core principles of the original text.
However, aside from Fire Arrow, I was able to teach her two additional 2nd-circle spells.
Perhaps that’s why—
Iris’ expression was filled with satisfaction.
She looked just like a cat with a full belly after devouring a feast.
After all, she probably never expected to learn three 2nd-circle spells in one go.
It was only natural that she felt satisfied.
Before she left—
“Take this.”
I handed her a book.
“…What is this?”
“A magic tome.”
“…A magic tome?”
“Yes. It contains the activation methods for ten 1st-circle spells. At your level, you should be able to learn 1st-circle spells on your own without my help. Consider this your homework. Before your next visit, master all the spells written in it.”
With her talent, she should be able to self-study and master 1st-circle spells on her own.
So, rather than teaching her directly, giving her a compiled magic tome was the best approach.
From now on, I would only be focusing on teaching her 2nd-circle spells.
That was why I had taken the time to compile this tome.
‘Heart Eye is really convenient.’
Since I could see the mana circuits within the body, it made explaining the activation methods much easier.
As she flipped through the pages of the magic tome—
She suddenly looked at me with sparkling eyes.
“…You’re really giving this to me?”
“Do you think I’d fake it? However, once you’ve finished reading it, I’d like you to dispose of it. Burning it would be best.”
“I’ll do that.”
Well, if she wanted to continue learning from me, she would naturally keep it hidden.
She knew better than to reveal it carelessly.
“Oh, and next month—please come as late as possible.”
“…Late?”
“Yes. Sometime near the end of June would be ideal. As you know, the succession ceremony is happening soon.”
“So what? Can’t I just come? It sounds like it’ll be entertaining.”
Well, well.
She was speaking with sparkling eyes, as if the succession ceremony were just some lively festival.
Not surprising.
After all, during power transitions, it was common for grand festivals to be held to inform the citizens of the event.
‘A festival, huh.’
More like a festival of blood.
If I let this slide, this reckless little girl might actually take the Gate here on the day of the succession ceremony.
That would be a disaster.
I wasn’t even entirely sure if I could protect my own people during that time.
Adding another burden was out of the question.
I hardened my expression and looked at Iris.
“Lady Iris.”
Flinch!
Speaking in a serious tone, I saw her body tremble slightly.
“…Why are you talking like that? It’s scary.”
That’s exactly what I wanted.
I quietly leaned in closer to her ear.
“…This is no joke. You must obey me. If you come here during that time… I can’t guarantee your safety.”
As I whispered ominously, I could see the tension growing in her eyes.
“…Are you serious?”
“It’s only my prediction, but I expect something major to happen during the succession ceremony. So remember my words. Do you understand?”
“…Alright. But then…”
Judging by her expression, she had already sensed something.
A succession ceremony.
In a Marquessate where the factions were split into two, what could possibly happen during such an event?
It was as obvious as it could be.
From the way she looked at me, it was clear she had many things she wanted to say.
Why aren’t you preparing for it?
Why haven’t you asked for reinforcements?
Why haven’t you reported the rebellion?
‘That’s probably what she’s thinking.’
If you suspect something will happen, the first thing most people would think to do is make preparations.
I smirked as I looked into Iris’ eyes.
“I think I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not that simple.”
If it were that easy, I would have done it already.
With Adolf’s watchful gaze on me like a hawk, the moment I made a suspicious move, my head would roll.
“I have my own countermeasures in place, so don’t worry too much.”
“…Then…”
“Lady Iris. You must keep this matter a secret. Don’t tell the Count, or anyone else. If you do, I will be in danger.”
Iris had gotten quite close to me.
If she, out of goodwill, reported this to the Count or any other authority—
It would backfire.
Whether the Count informed the Marquess or sent reinforcements,
The moment any suspicious activity was detected, Adolf’s surveillance would intensify.
With the rebellion approaching, Adolf’s watch was at its peak.
If I got caught—
I might disappear without a trace.
The safest plan was to ensure that Iris did not come here during the ceremony.
“…Alright, I won’t say anything. But… doesn’t that mean you’re in danger?”
Of course, it would be dangerous.
‘But then again—’
From the moment I fell into this world, I had already accepted that possibility.
Obviously, I had no intention of dying, so I would do everything in my power to survive.
“I have my own way of staying alive, so don’t worry too much.”
As I said that, Iris stared at me for a moment before speaking.
“…I’ll keep my promise, so you have to make one too.”
“What is it?”
“Promise me you won’t die.”
Well, damn.
Now I’m getting life advice from an eight-year-old.
This world really is something else.
“Are you worried about me?”
She smiled slightly at my words.
“There’s still a lot left for me to learn from you, isn’t there?”
“Alright. I promise. Next month, our lessons will continue as usual. Satisfied?”
“Good.”
With that final confirmation, she finally started heading back toward the inner fortress.
Since I had made it clear, I wouldn’t be seeing her on the day of the succession ceremony.
With one task completed—
It was time to craft an artifact for Seron.
I had already acquired all the necessary materials through a little ‘misappropriation.’
Now, I had more than enough to create an artifact to assist his mind.
—
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