Chapter 112: Betrayal and Change of Heart Are a Fine Line

Duke Alito had sensed that the recent atmosphere was unusual.

Then, upon receiving a summons from the King, he entered the royal palace. The Great Hall was already filled with ministers.

The Duke found his place and stood.

During that time, Duke Alito’s gaze met that of Queen Elina, who was seated beside King Laskan.

They exchanged uncertain looks, neither knowing what this was about.

“It seems everyone has gathered.”

“What is the matter, Your Majesty…?”

In response to the Duke’s question, King Laskan Canel opened his mouth.

“It has already been over a year since the princes left the royal capital to govern their respective territories, has it not?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“I have gathered everyone here today to review the reports that have come in thus far and discuss them together.”

At those words, murmurs spread among several of the ministers.

Duke Alito could not grasp what King Laskan was thinking.

“Your words are most reasonable, Your Majesty.”

“Good. Then, let us discuss them. Ashuran is in Virand, Valet is in Dolianche, and the youngest, Raion, is in Kanas. What does everyone think?”

At that question, one of the nobles under Duke Alito’s influence spoke up.

“Virand and Dolianche are among the finest of the territories, Your Majesty. Thanks to the two princes’ wise governance, the people there are prospering.”

Naturally, this was an attempt to curry favor with Duke Alito and Queen Elina. If his words helped highlight the two princes’ accomplishments, all the better.

However, King Laskan was not one to accept opinions based solely on appearances.

“You are not wrong. Yet, aside from those two territories, the taxes coming in from the surrounding lands have been steadily declining. Should the two princes not show concern for those as well?”

Such a remark would not have been made if the tax disparity were not significant.

That much difference meant that the taxes collected from territories other than Virand and Dolianche had drastically fallen behind.

At that, Duke Alito quietly stepped forward.

“Your Majesty’s words are not without reason. However, the princes have only just begun to learn politics, diplomacy, and trade. Would it not be difficult to expect too much from them so soon?”

“Duke, I understand that as well.”

“I thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Then what of Kanas, governed by the youngest Prince Raion? What are your thoughts on that?”

Once again, murmurs filled the hall.

As most of the nobles and ministers were under Duke Alito’s influence, none stepped forward readily.

Then, one of the King’s closest counts spoke.

“Kanas is a territory where trade and commerce are practically impossible, Your Majesty. No taxes have been collected there; the people must sustain themselves through their own means.”

“That is something every citizen of the Canel Kingdom knows.”

“However, there have been recent rumors circulating about that very territory.”

“What kind of rumors?”

The count glanced around before continuing.

“They say that many of the goods currently popular across the continent, including those in our Canel Kingdom, originate from Kanas.”

“Do you believe that to be true?”

It was difficult to verify such a rumor, for Kanas was a dangerous place.

Furthermore, during the princes’ period of testing, no aid or interference was permitted from the royal capital.

So far, they had only heard such things as rumor.

“I believe there is some credibility to it, Your Majesty.”

“Oh? And why is that?”

“Not long ago, there was a dispute in Hasein over the exclusive rights to distribute one of those goods. I heard that the lord of Hasein suffered greatly because of it.”

At that, the count’s gaze almost turned toward Duke Alito before he stopped himself.

He knew well who had been involved in that affair.

But he chose not to mention it further.

“Then that means the territory governed by Prince Raion is flourishing, does it not?”

“As Your Majesty knows, the profits reported from Kanas have indeed increased considerably compared to the previous year.”

At that claim, another noble interjected.

“Kanas is a barren land, Your Majesty. Even a slight improvement in commerce there would naturally make its profits appear vastly greater than before.”

He was doing his best to belittle the revenue coming from Kanas.

King Laskan almost found himself agreeing with the explanation—

almost.

For the numbers reported from Kanas were far too significant to be brushed off so easily.

“Fair judgment is the way of governance. I shall appoint several ministers to conduct an interim evaluation. What say you?”

“Your Majesty speaks wisely. We shall select the personnel as soon as possible.”

At Duke Alito’s reply, King Laskan nodded and added,

“Have you also heard of the recent rumors circulating?”

“What kind of rumors, Your Majesty?”

“The one that says a Sword Master and S-rank adventurer have appeared in the Praizen Territory.”

At those words, Duke Alito’s brow twitched.

He had thought he had managed to suppress that rumor, yet it had spread nonetheless.

“Hahaha, I have indeed heard such a rumor, Your Majesty. But as it came from wandering adventurers, I am unsure how credible it is.”

“Is that so? But if it’s true, wouldn’t that be a fine opportunity to recruit him as a knight of the Canel Kingdom?”

Hearing the already-determined tone in King Laskan’s voice, Duke Alito found no room to deflect further.

“Your Majesty speaks wisely.”

“Then, we must select someone suitable to find and persuade that adventurer.”

At that moment, Duke Alito judged that this was his chance.

“It would be best if the person were agile, cautious, and trustworthy in both words and actions, Your Majesty.”

“Do you have someone suitable in mind?”

“There is one named Hampton Nathan, the vice-captain of the Red Bear Order. He is well known in both the Order and the royal capital for his sociable nature.”

“Do you believe he can persuade the rumored adventurer?”

“He’s a man of excellent swordsmanship. Moreover, his eloquence and affability are such that most of the knights under him were personally recruited by him.”

Duke Alito was not the Chancellor of the Kingdom for nothing.

He could draw out the information he needed from any situation, swiftly and precisely.

King Laskan spoke again, impressed.

“Not bad. Do any of the other ministers have suggestions?”

At that moment, Trine Diego, who had been standing at the right rear side, stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, I, Trine Diego, sword of Your Majesty, have a knight to recommend.”

“Oh? And who might that be?”

“Martin Jeffrey, vice-captain of the Wind Wolves Order.”

“And your reason?”

“Among all the knight orders, the Wind Wolves are known to be the most active and outwardly engaged. If the adventurer we seek knows of the Canel Kingdom’s renown, their fame may serve to persuade him.”

King Laskan nodded in understanding.

It was a reasonable explanation.

“Good.”

“However, Your Majesty, the Wind Wolves Order is primarily responsible for major events within the royal capital. Sir Martin, being in charge of practical affairs, may cause disruption if he were to leave.”

“I agree with that. Then, how about this?”

Everyone turned their attention toward King Laskan, curious.

Confirming that all eyes were upon him, the King continued,

“Would it not be better to send both of them together? Duke Alito’s point is valid, but this is an important matter. Rather than sending one alone, it would be wiser to send both — to demonstrate not only the renown but also the initiative of the Canel Kingdom.”

It was a decision no one could easily object to.

Everyone bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

“Ugh… my ears are so itchy.”

Raion organized the paperwork that had piled up on his office desk.

Then, as his ear itched intensely, he scratched it hard with his pinky finger.

“If you need, I can help clean them for you,” Patrick said.

“No, I’m fine. How about checking Dejir’s ears over there instead?”

At that, Patrick turned his head.

Dejir, who was standing near another wall, was also picking his ear.

Seeing that, Patrick coughed awkwardly.

“Ahem. Ahem.”

“My apologies. It just started itching suddenly…”

“More importantly, have you made up your mind yet? I noticed you haven’t tried to contact Duke Alito.”

“It’s a difficult decision.”

“If you’ve wandered across the kingdom for so long, you should know better than anyone.”

“What do you mean?”

“The starvation and oppression happening in the southern and eastern territories. Do you really think that’s just the lords’ problem?”

At Raion’s serious tone, Dejir let out a low groan.

“That is…”

“If you plan to cover your eyes and pretend not to see… I’ll pluck those eyes out myself.”

“…”

A chilling aura of killing intent spread.

Dejir flinched in shock, bowing his head immediately.

It was the first time he had ever seen Raion like this.

“I intend to completely overturn this kingdom.”

“Do you mean after you ascend the throne, Your Highness?”

Even the First Prince, Ashuran, had never reached the rank of Sword Master.

That alone made Raion someone no noble or minister could oppose.

“Who said I’d ascend the throne?”

“But… Your Highness just said—”

“I have no intention of inheriting this kingdom.”

“What? Then… rebellion?”

“Can one even call it rebellion when the kingdom is already nearing its end?”

In the original future, the Canel Kingdom was fated to walk the path of ruin.

Behind it were Duke Alito, Queen Elina, and Ashuran, who would later inherit the throne.

The Canel Kingdom, already corrupted beyond repair, had sprinted toward its end the moment the Empire declared the unification of the continent.

“But…”

Dejir couldn’t bring himself to finish his words.

Raion, however, remained calm.

“You can tell the Duke. I won’t stop you.”

“What gives you such confidence?”

To rebel wasn’t only to defy Duke Alito — it was also to raise a banner of revolt against King Laskan Canel himself.

No matter how Dejir saw it, Raion’s composure was incomprehensible.

“You’ve seen it yourself, haven’t you? Everything that’s been happening in this land.”

“I do think it’s impressive. But why would you stray from the easier path?”

“Easier path? How is stepping into filth an easy path?”

“That is your duty as a successor, is it not?”

“Even when there’s no hope? I refuse to drink from a poisoned cup.”

“And you think you can overturn everything?”

King Laskan Canel’s authority remained firm.

Even if Duke Alito had somewhat overshadowed him, no one dared disrespect the King.

It was nearly impossible to challenge the kingdom with just a single territory.

“I don’t plan to overturn it now. There’s someone else who will.”

“And who might that be?”

“You’ll see, if you wait. If you have conviction, stay. If not, you can leave tomorrow.”

Dejir was a man of great potential.

That was why Raion had wanted to recruit him — but it wasn’t easy.

“Understood. I’ll think about it and give you my answer by tomorrow.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Hearing that, Raion returned to his work.

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