Chapter 92

The secret talks of the Trio Not Quite Heroes.

The young devil king and his elite servant, plotting evil deeds, while the hardworking earl, though concerned, does not stop them.

The transfer from the Raditché ducal family to the Sandis royal family had been discussed many times. It intensified after Grail's death. Finally, the order, disguised as a consultation, arrived.

The celebration must be postponed until next year, so they agreed to move only the records in secret.

If they resisted here, it would be seen as opposition to Raditché. Given their current unstable positions, Kistaria and Latine had no choice but to accept.

If there were even one prince or princess of the royal family, they could have resisted.

Upon seeing the new letter, she snorted.

"Albertina von Raditché Sandis... huh.

Those who decided this don’t know the saying, 'He who chases two rabbits catches neither,' do they?

Isn’t it too obvious? Don’t you think it’s too greedy?"

"They probably want to thoroughly drain everything they can."

"Well, I kind of expected it."

"They’re really stubborn, aren’t they?"

"Hmm, the problem is how to explain it to Albert. She’ll definitely worry. No, no, I really don’t want to see her cry."

Raditché and Sandis. The two names side by side indicate that Albertina is a member of that family.

Albertina, a royal, still retains her position as the heir of Raditché—meaning they are trying to intervene in Raditché using Albertina.

They probably want to drag down Raditché, who has wielded power for so long, even a little.

"Very calm, aren’t you?"

"Of course. I knew it would happen. It’s easier to intervene in Raditché as Albertina’s husband than to take Raditché from me.

They probably want to have multiple children with Albert. Regardless of the color of their eyes, as long as they are Albert’s children, they are legitimate Raditché heirs.

Even if the other party is a scoundrel, considering Albert’s popularity, the servants of the Raditché ducal family won’t treat her children poorly. It’s more effective than the branch family complaining from the sidelines."

"Even so, you don’t intend to hand her over, do you?"

"Exactly," Kistaria shrugged, his face showing no shadow of darkness.

Few know the true reason Kistaria desires the ducal position.

Kistaria von Raditché, a handsome young noble and a renowned magician, is not widely known for being a devoted sister-lover.

But those close to him know it all too well.

Jibril, being of the same kind, often competes with him.

"I won’t do anything Albert dislikes. But honestly, if it’s Albert’s child, I can allow the continuation of the Raditché name. It’s less frustrating than being used by the branch family."

"Ha, you’re so head over heels."

"Of course. I could even take her child as an adopted child. If it’s Albert’s child, they would definitely be cute.

I was an adopted child myself. Albert cherished my mother and me. I am doted on by her.

Well, the best way to avoid causing a stir in the ducal family would be if the child were Albert’s and mine."

"That’s the one the elders hate the most. They are trying to prevent it with all their might."

"If Albert and I get married, especially if our child becomes king, no one can object.

The royal family will be Raditché, not Sandis.

It’s a close call, but Fortuna might still have a say."

"True. The elders have built their power by interfering in matters related to the royal consort and succession.

Unlike the pampered branch family, Kistaria is difficult to control.

Moreover, there’s a possibility that he could significantly weaken the elders... Grail also made them suffer quite a bit."

"Then they should properly manage the royal family’s successor, you old fools. Why does Albert have to do the dirty work for these old geezers?"

"Before King Lauses, there were promiscuous kings and princes. It’s the price of their negligence."

This has come full circle, focusing on Albertina.

For her, who would even go to a convent to support her beloved father and step-siblings, this must be hell.

To Kistaria, whether the obstacle is Grail, the royal family, or the elders, it doesn’t matter much. He intends to continue supporting and courting Albertina as usual.

"So, they’re getting really enthusiastic about interfering with Albert’s marriage, huh?"

"Exactly. The four major ducal families, Armandine and Flings, have already decided on their candidates.

The rest are likely to be chosen from the royal family’s branch lines. This is clearly influenced by the elders. They have narrowed it down to about twenty names so far."

Saying that, he handed over a piece of paper.

The list of names included their ages, titles, and which faction they belonged to.

Taking it from Julius, Kistaria scanned it and snorted.

"Wow, I haven’t received any consultations at all. How obvious—though, it’s funny that they’re in the branch family, isn’t it?"

They probably want to place a more manageable candidate on Raditché’s seat to control it, rather than someone already rumored to be close to the young devil king, Kistaria.

The branch family is also raring to replace the main family, without considering the heavy responsibilities that come with it or their lack of required abilities.

The Maximilian ducal family, for example, has not joined Kistaria’s camp for this reason.

Some appear obedient but have unknown intentions.

"... Why are you discussing this in my office?"

Finally, Mikaeris, who had been listening to the conversation above his head, interjected.

This place is the secondary residence of the Dmitrius earl family in the capital.

"To share the unpleasantness."

"Kistaria’s ducal succession documents have not been approved by the noble council yet.

There are no issues, and it should be fine. It’s as if someone is forcefully holding it back, isn’t it?"

"I know who’s doing it, so I told someone we don’t get along with. Let’s see how much they’ll stir things up."

He has a bad character.

Kistaria cannot show this side to Albertina.

Despite loving and believing in her cute and kind younger brother, she cannot hear such cynical conversations.

Albertina’s innocent smile, proud of Kistaria’s kindness, comes to mind. It hurts in many ways.

But the Kistaria in front of him manipulates adults much older than himself with ease, without any guilt or remorse. He even seems to enjoy it.

Moreover, he intends to sit back and watch the chaos he sows, without getting his hands dirty.

Grail also doted on Albertina, but Kistaria is quite fixated.

Incidentally, Julius, the viscount and servant, always has a very good smile.

He seems to be doing various things behind the scenes.

"... I think the situation is not good. Even if it’s unavoidable, it’s a blow to have Albertina under control.

Regardless of her personal wishes, the factions around her are not few in wanting to exclude you."

"I don’t intend to let them have it for free. There will be plenty of opportunities to build achievements in the future."

"Mm," Mikaeris agreed, sliding his pen across the paper.

What Kistaria lacks is achievements. As a young son, he has contributed little to the Sandis kingdom, though he has within the Raditché family.

The red fountain pen, a gift from the Rose Trading Company a few days ago, was deep pink for Jibril.

The matching design featured the Dmitrius family crest, crossed swords, with a glossy and sharp appearance, symbolizing a sword. The red pen had a gradient of deep and light shades, reminiscent of flames for Mikaeris and roses for Jibril. The nib was polished to a bright silver, resembling a miniature sword.

"What do you intend to do?"

"Nothing much, just silence them with my strength."

"---On the battlefield?"

"Of course... it’s coming, isn’t it?"

Mikaeris nodded. The fortresses along the border and the rumors suggest that the movements of the Goyulan country are becoming increasingly suspicious.

Merchants, sensitive to the situation, are fleeing the country in a hurry. They are likely targeting this country.

The death of Grail von Raditché, the strongest sword of the Sandis kingdom, is leading to war.

It’s still minor skirmishes, but the tension is steadily increasing.

"Abundant water and fertile land. To Goyulan, a country with many deserts, Sandis must be something they would do anything to get."

"Also, as a slave trade country, it has a large number of high-quality goods.

Since Sandis prohibits slavery, many who have fled from countries where slavery is allowed have sought asylum here.

Goyulan, lacking basic resources like food, industry, and manpower, must seize new resources soon to ensure the survival of the country.

Given the popularity of such drugs, it’s probably too late to do anything."

"Ha, I’m amazed... How did they decide to start a war with Sandis?"

"The royal family’s magic is not offensive, making it easier to act.

Coincidentally, the biggest obstacle, the marshal, has just passed away."

Grail had repeatedly suppressed minor skirmishes with his overwhelming intellect and magic.

He was a national defense asset worth more than a thousand soldiers.

His mere presence was enough to intimidate the surroundings.

"This country has too many pampered nobles.

The older generation crushed the young, who have no experience in actual combat. They have never been conscripted and do not actively participate in expeditions.

Families like Mikaeris and mine, who are knights and closely involved with the military, have the knowledge and resolve.

Moreover, we have not experienced being abandoned in dungeons or thrown into uncontrollable stampedes."

Recalling this, the three of them had distant looks.

This was due to the training from Grail since their childhood.

When Grail approached them without Albertina, it was dangerous.

Tests were given on a whim. It was more like a death test. Sometimes, they were sent out with magic seals and told to procure weapons on site.

Their friendship, transcending their status, was also a support group for Grail’s victims, having escaped many battlefields and death lines.

If something happened, it was probably just that level in Grail’s mind.

Incidentally, during this time, Grail was enjoying his beloved daughter.

While Kistaria and the others were crawling around, covered in mud and blood, he was enjoying himself.

He probably thought it was a two-for-one, or even a three-for-one, deal, as he could drive away insects approaching his beloved daughter while also tormenting and training them.

After all, when they finally returned, they usually had rather unimpressed faces.

"Even the central army of the country has become a mere decoration.

Despite Duke Fortuna’s strict discipline, they continue to linger, changing names and forms. Punishing them is difficult as they are of high status.

Without my father, the decline in the national army’s command and strength is inevitable.

In this situation, can they let me go? I know I have abilities comparable to a human weapon. I don’t lose to the royal palace magicians.

They must have seen my abilities in the audience chamber. I don’t think they would take the risk of going to the front lines themselves.

It’s impossible. To lead the army, I need a significant position and power."

Otherwise, as a noble, he would have to offer himself or his children.

The nobles in the capital, who live a leisurely life, cannot achieve accomplishments in a place where blood and dust fly, and they would try to find excuses to escape.

Kistaria, speaking eloquently with a smile, exuded a captivating and sinister presence.

His smile was alluring yet eerie, and his voice, resonating like a song, combined sweetness and cruelty, almost intoxicating.

Unfamiliar people would be drawn to him as if enchanted, overwhelmed by his presence and intense aura.

"Since they are incompetent, they have no choice but to flatter me.

On the battlefield, death is equal, regardless of status. The weak die first. Whether a commander or anything else, in the end, the strong win."

In personal combat, it might be different, but in group combat, Kistaria is stronger.

His specialty is wide-ranging and high-powered magic, perfect for the battlefield. Being able to use all four elements