The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 124: Founding Festival (9)

“…….”

Theodore and Nicholas exchanged silent glances.

Though they didn’t speak, both clearly understood how grim the situation was.

They weren’t dull enough to mistake the Emperor’s supposed opportunity as a real one.

“Whew.”

The silence was broken by Theodore’s sigh.

He frowned and spoke.

“At the moment, my older brother has the greatest advantage, followed by my younger sister. Regrettably, I’m in last place.”

Richard had the support of the Ferdinand family.

That meant he could pull the entire power of the East behind him.

Likewise, Claudia had an alliance with Martin and the Adalbert family, which gave her the support of the North.

And that wasn’t all.

Claudia’s maternal family was the Minert countship, granting her military supremacy in the West over Richard.

In contrast, Theodore’s situation was different.

Even combining the forces of the Marquis of Royce and his own, it was just shy of half of the West.

Sure, that was enough to claim the strongest power in the West, but in the current situation, it was meaningless.

Compared to Richard and Claudia, who had backing from a regional power, Theodore’s starting line was far behind.

“I apologize, Your Highness. If we had won during the territorial war and subdued Martin Adalbert, securing the dungeon’s entrance, none of this would’ve happened.”

Nicholas offered his sincere apology.

As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Martin was right.

They should have focused all their efforts on defeating Martin, regardless of Richard or Claudia’s reactions.

But they hadn’t, and now the Second Prince faced elimination from the most critical contest.

“I don’t blame you, Marquis. Then or now, our resources are limited. To defeat all of Claudia’s forces and then go after the Adalbert family? That’s as foolish as wishing for a miracle.”

“Certainly, rather than dwelling on the past, it’s wiser to find a breakthrough to navigate the current situation….”

“It’s incredibly difficult, though.”

“Whew. As Your Highness says. And considering that Martin holds leverage over you, it’s even more disadvantageous.”

“Nothing has gone smoothly since getting entangled with that wretched man. Everything’s in shambles.”

Theodore laughed bitterly.

Though he was trailing Richard, he’d managed to make his presence known.

But ever since clashing with Martin, everything he had built had crumbled.

He’d even been overtaken by Claudia, who he hadn’t considered a competitor.

If he didn’t find a way to overturn this disadvantageous situation, his faction would dissolve entirely.

Then, a voice echoed in the room.

“It seems both of you are burdened with many concerns.”

Theodore and Nicholas knew who the voice belonged to.

They’d just heard it, so how could they not know?

They exchanged glances, arriving at the same conclusion.

They decided not to attack.

Hum.

Then particles of light gathered in the room, forming the shape of a person.

The figure that appeared was none other than Werner von Klaus.

“I didn’t expect you to let me in so readily, Nicholas.”

“No point wasting effort on something pointless, especially when there’s mutual gain.”

“Looks like I made the right choice coming to you two.”

Werner smiled leisurely as he took a seat.

He gazed at Theodore and Nicholas.

“All I want is independence for the Klaus family and the South. I have no intention of overthrowing the Imperial family or the three great noble houses to replace the Altaria Empire. However, I can’t simply ignore them, either. If they all join forces, even I can’t take them on.”

“You don’t seem as bold as you did in front of His Majesty the Emperor.”

“In such settings, you have to put on a show.”

“Not wrong. But if you can confidently declare independence, you can’t be that weak.”

“Of course, if it’s only Ferdinand and the First Prince I have to face, I can undoubtedly win.”

While Marquis Royce pondered over these words, Theodore spoke in a calm tone.

“What do you want us to do?”

He had sacrificed everything to dethrone Richard and take the throne.

He was willing to do anything.

Even joining hands with the man who had cursed his father for years of suffering.

“It’s quite simple. Prevent the Adalbert family and the Northern forces from descending southward. Or, if you’d like, defeat the Adalbert family and head north to take control of the dungeon.”

“What will you do, Duke Klaus?”

“I will ensure Karl von Ferdinand and Richard Altaria are eliminated.”

“What about the entrance to the dungeon in the East? Will you take control of it?”

“As I said, aside from the independence of the Klaus family and the South, I have no interest. If I leave the East unchecked, those vying to replace the Ferdinand family will run rampant, further throwing the Empire into chaos. And that chaos is my freedom.”

“This deal is fairer than I expected. I thought you’d demand more, considering you hold the upper hand.”

“I don’t like overreaching beyond what’s necessary.”

“Can’t help but respect that.”

Theodore nodded in agreement.

If he took control of the dungeon’s entrance in the East, he would essentially control half the Empire, potentially proclaiming an empire of his own.

Defeating Karl von Ferdinand would open that door, yet Werner was casually giving it up.

His attitude was certainly respectable.

“Understood. We’ll defeat the Adalbert family and Claudia’s forces. Afterward, I’ll take the throne, and Marquis Royce will seize control over the Adalbert family and the North.”

“I’ll bring down the Ferdinand family, rendering the East a power vacuum. Then, by eliminating Richard, I’ll ensure your path to the throne is clear.”

Swoosh.

Werner extended his right hand toward Theodore.

Without hesitation, Theodore grasped it.

‘I’ll make sure to utterly ruin you, Martin Adalbert, before I take the throne.’

He wouldn’t be satisfied with merely killing him.

He would unleash all the resentment and grudges he had accumulated.

And he would also punish Claudia, who had pushed him to the brink of ruin by allying with Martin.

Theodore’s murderous intent surged more fiercely than ever.

—

After his conversation with Claudia, Martin intended to take a rest.

But he couldn’t.

An unexpected, formidable guest had arrived.

‘This is a bit overwhelming.’

He tried to appear as calm as possible, but it was difficult.

However, he didn’t feel particularly ashamed.

Facing Karl von Ferdinand, the head of one of the three great noble families, was a challenge for anyone.

“I was disappointed by your predecessor, the former head of the Adalbert family, but at the same time, I felt sorry for him. It wasn’t his fault that he lacked talent or that his only successor couldn’t fully manifest his unique ability.”

Martin remained silent at Karl’s words.

His opponent continued, unfazed.

“But now, it’s a relief that he can watch his son in peace from the heavens. You’re leading the family admirably as his successor. My family will be fine for the next generation, but I do worry if my grandchildren will be able to handle you. I feel assured that setting my sights on a goal was the right decision.”

“To destroy the Klaus and Adalbert families… When did you decide on that?”

“I set my goal after meeting your father, the former head. And after learning of Werner’s aspirations for independence, I made up my mind.”

“The Empire has survived for a thousand years because the three great noble families and the Imperial family balanced and checked each other. If only the Ferdinand family and the Altaria royal family remain, there will inevitably be conflict. Ultimately, the Ferdinand family could face annihilation.”

“I don’t know which will fall, but I agree that there’s a possibility the two forces could clash. However, I would never attack my grandchild or son-in-law.”

Karl’s composed reply.

Martin, still confused, questioned him again.

“I’m curious about why you’d want to destroy and absorb the other two noble families, even at the risk of your own family’s downfall.”

“Just as Werner dreams of independence, I have an ambitious goal of my own. I want the Ferdinand family to establish an Empire greater than the East’s dominion, not a makeshift alliance like the Altaria Empire, but a truly grand nation.”

“…It’s daunting to think you might achieve that simply by taking down Duke Klaus.”

“As I said, I have no intention of attacking my son-in-law or grandchild. Either way, absorbing just one of the Klaus or Adalbert families would make me the greatest head in our family’s history. So, I’ll leave the rest to future generations, even if they’re eventually defeated by the Altaria royal family.”

Upon hearing that, Martin remembered the ironclad rule of the Ferdinand family:

‘To compete and win by fair means.’

He never imagined it would be taken to such an extreme.

What could one say to someone indifferent to their descendants’ potential defeat?

“This civil war is your first and last opportunity, Acting Head of the Adalbert family.”

“…You mean you’ll come after me the moment the Klaus family falls.”

“You’re exactly right. But until then, I won’t harm you in any way. In fact, if you ask for help, I’d consider it.”

“The reason you’re showing mercy… is because I’m not yet your equal, right? The contest wouldn’t even be fair.”

“Your judgment is exceptional. Grow as strong as possible and struggle to survive. That’s your only way to live.”

“I won’t go down without a fight.”

“That’s exactly what I want to see.”

Karl replied with a smile.

Martin shook his head as he watched him.

He’d met many people, but none were as unfathomable as the man before him.

After issuing a kind of unspoken declaration of war, Karl left Martin’s room.

Martin thought he might finally get some rest, but he was mistaken.

Knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door.

“Yes.”

Upon his reply, Sien entered, a wry smile on her lips.

“You have another guest, Martin.”

“Can’t you turn them away? I’m exhausted already.”

“I don’t want you to be burdened, either… but I don’t think that’s possible. A royal has come to see you.”

He’d already spoken with Claudia, and he’d confirmed Karl von Ferdinand’s intentions in place of Richard.

Theodore would never come to see him directly.

With all other candidates ruled out, there was only one person it could be.

‘Müller Altaria.’

He had no idea why he’d come.

But he had no choice but to meet him.

“Let him in.”

“Understood.”

As he watched Sien leave, he thought that today would be a long day indeed.