The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

---

Chapter 491 – For the Royal Family (4)

Clang, clang, clang.

The sound of armor clashing announced Toleo’s entrance, leading the knights.

“Your Excellency, I believe it’s time for us to move.”

Behind him, Baron Connolly, the commander of the Capital Defense Force, followed in.

“Your Excellency, the defense forces are also prepared.”

All military forces stationed in the capital were mobilizing. The retainers of the Marquis House, overseeing the entire capital, had identified unusual phenomena.

Marquis Branford remained silent. He seemed to be deep in thought.

Toleo urged him,

“Your Excellency, we are also ready to capture the superhuman. The commander of the royal knights will have no choice because of His Majesty. We need to move quickly.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Marquis Branford stood up. He needed to suppress the royal knights and the castle defense force first.

If he didn’t, all the nobles who followed him would perish.

Still, Marquis Branford hesitated to issue an order.

— What’s different about you compared to that woman!

That thought echoed in his ears.

He had dedicated his life to the royal family and the kingdom. He planned to retire once this war was over.

But how did it come to this?

To think that he, who had worked for the royal family’s defense, would storm into the royal castle.

With a deep sigh, he slowly said, “…Begin.”

Immediately, all military forces in the capital moved.

“Attack!”

The waiting defense forces moved at an incredible speed, striking the castle defense forces that were gathered.

The castle defense forces, who had been preparing to strike Marquis Branford, were caught off guard by the sudden attack.

They had never imagined they would be ambushed first.

“Stop them!”

The castle defense tried to block the incoming forces, but they were outmatched.

From the start, the difference in numbers between the capital defense forces and the castle defense was enormous. They were quickly subdued.

“WAAAAAAH!”

With a cheer, the defense forces swiftly occupied the castle. Following them were the knights and soldiers of the Marquis’s house.

And it wasn’t just them. Knights of the nobles loyal to Marquis Branford soon gathered as well.

The royal knights and Flacrus, who had just finished preparing to move, were taken aback.

They had planned to ambush and capture Marquis Branford. If they could take him hostage, the other nobles would be powerless.

But to be the ones caught off guard first! Despite their careful preparations, they had been discovered.

The commander of the royal knights, Count Palantz, drew his sword and shouted,

“What is the meaning of this! This is treason!”

The response came from Toleo, leading the knights.

“Were you not the one who tried to strike us first?”

“How dare you… Do you not know who I am?”

Swoosh!

Count Palantz stepped forward, radiating overwhelming pressure.

He was a Swordmaster, capable of slaying thousands of soldiers by himself.

Yet Toleo chuckled and replied,

“I’m also a top-tier knight. And we have more knights than you do. We can definitely hold you down, Count. However… I’m worried about His Majesty’s safety in the meantime.”

“Y-you fool…”

Count Palantz gritted his teeth. He couldn’t make a rash move.

If he fought here, others would capture the king as a hostage in the meantime. Ultimately, he had to protect this place.

The priest of the Salvation Society beside him was also a superhuman, but he was currently drained from healing the king.

The forces assembled at this location were far too many for him to handle alone.

The high-level knights in the capital had all gathered. Fighting would only result in mutual destruction, leading to the king’s death.

Stuck in indecision, King Berhem stepped through the door.

He quivered and shouted, “You insolent fools… Do you dare to assassinate me!”

His face was filled with rage and fear.

He had just barely regained his health. He thought he would finally possess the majesty and power worthy of a king.

But now, these traitors were trying to strike him first!

“Bring Marquis Branford here! Quickly, have that traitor brought to me!”

Everyone stood quietly, not responding. Regardless of their grievances, they were hesitant to strike the king first.

The person who had to issue that order had yet to arrive.

While they all just watched King Berhem convulsing, Marquis Branford finally arrived.

“Your Majesty.”

“You! Are you attacking me? What is the meaning of this!”

After momentarily gazing at Berhem, Marquis Branford asked with a troubled voice,

“Why have you done this?”

“Are you asking because you don’t know? Have you not always ignored my wishes? Have you not always acted as if you were the king?”

“I do this for the sake of this kingdom and the royal family.”

“Shut up! I am the kingdom, and I am the royal family! Do you think this kingdom will run properly without me? I am meaningless without my existence!”

At those words, Marquis Branford closed his eyes.

He knew the king had been twisted since his youth. It must be the deficiencies of not enjoying what one ought to enjoy as a king.

Ultimately, this was akin to not possessing the virtues necessary to be a king.

Observing the silent Marquis Branford, Berhem pointed a finger at him.

“You are a traitor! If you were going to do this, why stop the Duke House? You said it was for the royal family! If you threaten me with a sword, what’s the difference between you and the Duke House?”

“…”

Marquis Branford couldn’t respond.

Though he aimed at the royal family, the subordinates of Duke Delphine had been governing the south quite well. Until the rift and the Salvation Society appeared, the south was the most livable place.

So if he was going to kill the king anyway, there was no need to stop the Duke House.

Unless Marquis Branford himself wanted to become king.

‘I have no intention of becoming king.’

Marquis Branford could not do that. Striking the royal family was to deny the beliefs he had lived with for so long.

Then, he would just be a hypocrite who wielded power under the pretext of serving the royal family. Everything he had done until now would lose its meaning.

But the king had allied himself with the Salvation Society. They had brought chaos to the continent and snuffed out countless lives.

Even if the kingdom didn’t fall to the Duke House, as long as Berhem sat on the throne, the other kingdoms and the Four Great Orders would target Ruthenia.

‘This country is finished.’

Marquis Branford let out a bitter smile. He had tried to find a way to prevent the royal family’s collapse but had ultimately failed.

He felt that this too was due to his own shortcomings.

He had no intention of becoming king, nor did he want to hand the kingdom over to the Duke House. The reason he had come here was singular.

“Your Majesty.”

“Why? Do you want to leave a dying wish? I will haunt you as a ghost! I will curse your family forever!”

Berhem spat those venomous words, believing his end had come.

However, what escaped Branford’s lips were words that surprised everyone.

“I think I’ll take my leave now.”

“What? What did you say?”

Everyone, including Berhem, widened their eyes. They thought one side would have to die for this to end, so what did that even mean!

Marquis Branford displayed a detached smile and continued,

“However, I have one request.”

“What is it?”

“The reason I came here is simple. Please hush today’s events and forgive all the nobles who followed me. If I step down, they will follow Your Majesty once more.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes. If Your Majesty publicly declares this where everyone can hear, I will leave immediately today.”

Marquis Branford had pressured the king for this reason.

If he were captured having no card left to play, the nobles following him would be forced to fight the king for their survival.

However, doing this would allow for a peaceful resolution, with no immediate deaths.

Berhem looked at him with a suspicious glare. There were far too many soldiers following Marquis Branford.

What if he were to change his mind later? If that army turned its swords towards him, he would never be able to stop it.

“Where exactly are you going?”

At Berhem’s question, Marquis Branford recalled old memories.

He had once asked the same question.

Filled with curiosity and fear, he had asked that question. At that time, she had replied like this.

— Well… Anywhere but the royal family would be fine.

With that memory, Marquis Branford couldn’t help but grin. Had he walked the same path as her?

“I guess… anywhere but the royal family would be fine.”

Perhaps the commander of the Shadow Knight Group carried a wish to leave all along.

Now, he felt he could slightly understand her feelings.

After a moment’s hesitation, Berhem said with an enlightened expression,

“Stay in the capital. I won’t hold you and the nobles who follow you accountable for your crimes.”

Marquis Branford looked back at Berhem.

That must be terrifying. Avoiding the king’s gaze.

He had lost his freedom, but it didn’t matter. He already knew how this would end.

So, he nodded.

“I will comply.”

“Marquis Mackwery, the prime minister and commander-in-chief, Count Norton, Count Ailzbur…”

Names of powerful nobles who followed Marquis Branford rolled off Berhem’s tongue.

“They will also be the same. Do you understand?”

“Certainly.”

“Yes, yes. A wise decision. At least in the end, you’re showing some loyalty.”

Berhem smiled cruelly. He had dispatched the high-ranking nobles so easily. He never expected things to unfold so smoothly.

Now, he would leave only the nobles loyal to him. They could truly be called the Crown Prince Faction.

Spreading his arms wide, Berhem declared,

“I swear! Everyone disarm and return! As promised with Marquis Branford, today’s events will be hushed!”

All the commanders who followed Marquis Branford looked at him.

“Your Excellency…”

“Do as he says. It’s over now. I want to rest too.”

Marquis Branford lightly bowed his head to Berhem and turned away. His heart felt heavy beyond measure.

‘It’s truly over now.’

This kingdom he had tried to protect— it had come to an end. No, to be precise, the royal family had ended.

It wouldn’t be the Duke House that toppled the royal family.

It wouldn’t be the Salvation Society either, nor the other kingdoms and Four Great Orders.

‘Yes, there’s no one more fitting for that task than him.’

Ghislaine Perdium.

The shackles restraining him had now vanished.

And thus, he would sever the royal family’s life.

As Marquis Branford strode forward, the knights and commanders also turned around to follow.

Berhem ground his teeth, watching that scene.

They were still loyal to Marquis Branford. Probably, other nobles would be the same.

But that was fine.

‘Once I seize all the power, I won’t let them be.’

He couldn’t strike them now because he had publicly declared that.

Now was not the time. He would replace the commanders of each force with new ones and then move after completely seizing power.

Those fools were merely clinging to life until that time came. When the moment arrived, he would execute them under a fitting pretext.

“Hah…”

Taking a deep breath, Berhem spoke to Flacrus with a proud expression.

“What do you think? I’ve resolved everything.”

“Truly impressive. You truly are the lord of this kingdom.”

“I’m fortunate that he still has his wits about him. So, can you make me into a superhuman now?”

“Are you referring to that? First, we need quite a few prisoners. Their life force will strengthen Your Majesty’s body.”

“Yes, yes. That’s not difficult. Start immediately tomorrow. If there’s a shortage, just let me know. This kingdom belongs to me after all.”

“Understood. And I hope the promised negotiations will be conducted swiftly as well. ‘That’ is essential for maintaining Your Majesty’s health.”

“Do not worry about that. I will reposition the troops and replace the commanders. After that, I’ll deliver the royal family’s treasures.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Flacrus bowed his head and smiled. Things were going more smoothly than expected.

*

“Something seems off?”

Ghislaine tilted her head.

Even considering the time taken for the reorganization, it was too slow. By now, the Kingdom Army should have arrived, but there was no news at all.

Some of the allied forces had already reached the agreed-upon strongholds. They were merely waiting for the operation to commence.

Yet without the Kingdom Army, the Northern Army was stuck endlessly waiting.

“It seems something has happened… Send a messenger to find out what’s going on. Dark, you go along and report back to me immediately.”

At Ghislaine’s command, the messengers departed. After several days of waiting, a messenger arrived from the royal family.

The envoy uttered unexpected words.

“The Northern Army commander is now ordered to step down from his position. The Northern Army will be disbanded and return to their respective territories.”

“…?”

Ghislaine couldn’t help but tilt her head several times, thinking she had misheard.

“Say that again. What did you just say?”

Hearing such an absurd statement, her tone turned a bit rough. The envoy grimaced at her rudeness but eventually replied.

“The Northern Army will be disbanded. You should also return to your territory, Commander.”

Ghislaine’s expression turned grim.

“Whose order is this?”

“Marquis Branford has decided. All the nobles unanimously agreed.”

“Why?”

“They say they intend to negotiate a ceasefire with the Duke House.”

“Negotiation? They’re negotiating?”

“Yes. It seems they deeply wish to halt the war as the citizens of the kingdom are suffering too much…”

Watching the messenger ramble on, Ghislaine crossed her arms.

Marquis Branford wouldn’t do that. Even if the marquis did suggest it, Maurice wouldn’t agree.

It was obvious that agreeing to a ceasefire would make them enemies of the other kingdoms and The Four Great Orders. Would they really do something so foolish?

They had to know I would never agree.

“Honestly, tell me. What’s happening in the capital?”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

Ghislaine stood up. It seemed like a little pain would make him speak honestly.

At that moment, Dark, who had followed the messengers, spoke in her mind.

— Master, the Kingdom Army is retreating. Orders just came from the capital.

Upon hearing Dark’s words, Ghislaine looked at the envoy.

The envoy stood stiffly, still seemingly oblivious to the situation.

“Honestly, I said! I’m a bit impatient.”

“This is a document sealed with the royal emblem! What more do you want me to say!”

The envoy raised his voice in a show of bravado. Although Marquis Branford had sealed it, royal orders were issued by the king.

Yet, it was incomprehensible how he could act like this even after hearing that.

He had been rumored to be reckless, but…

The envoy’s mistake was that he didn’t realize Ghislaine was far more reckless than he thought.

“Something definitely happened.”

Ghislaine muttered to herself, pulling a hand axe from her waist.

She then struck the envoy’s shoulder, which bore a perplexed expression.

Crack!

“GAAAAAH!”

“Tell me.”

“A-ahh! Wh-what is…”

Crack!

“AAAH!”

This time, Ghislaine struck the other shoulder. The envoy knelt, blood gushing forth.

“P-please spare me, spare me!”

The envoy wailed, tears streaming down his face. He had never expected to be attacked so suddenly.

Ghislaine squatted down, looking into the envoy’s face and asked,

“Speak, what happened? I’m impatient.”

“W-well…”

Crack!

Again the axe struck the wounded shoulder. The envoy howled.

“AAAH! I’ll tell you! I’ll tell you! Marquis Branford has fallen from power!”

“What?”

“B-because His Majesty has regained his health! So, the nobles now…”

The envoy relayed everything that had happened. An unknown mage had healed the king, and afterwards, the king was proposing to negotiate a ceasefire with the Duke House, thereby opposing Marquis Branford.

Marquis Branford could have disposed of the king but voluntarily stepped down, and the other nobles who had followed him also retreated to house arrest.

Simply put, it meant only the king and the nobles loyal to him remained in the capital.

They had summoned the Kingdom Army and would soon replace all the commanders.

With all the information revealed, Ghislaine smirked.

“I see, so that’s how things ended up.”

“Y-yes! So, Commander, please…”

Thud.

Ghislaine grasped the envoy’s neck. It seemed the king knew far too little about her.

Considering that he sent something like this as royal orders.

Ghislaine smiled ferociously and said,

“It seems the king’s time to die has come.”