The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 125: Founding Festival (10)

“…….”

Richard gazed intently at the Emperor lying in bed with a hardened expression.

Werner von Klaus’ words had been true.

The Emperor had regained consciousness, but he was still dying.

The curse had been lifted, allowing the life force of a 10-circle supreme being to recover enough to keep him going, for now.

“There’s no need to worry so much. I don’t plan on dying until I see the fall of the Klaus family.”

“Please don’t say such things, Your Majesty.”

“Death is a natural order of life. What matters is how well you prepare before you leave this world. In that sense, I have no worries for the Empire’s future. Because you are here, Richard.”

Startled by the sudden compliment, Richard bowed his head.

The Emperor looked fondly at his eldest son, but only for a moment.

When Richard raised his head, the Emperor resumed speaking with a serious expression.

“But no matter how skilled you are, fulfilling the Imperial family’s aspirations won’t be easy. The power of Duke Klaus and the Klaus family is beyond what the Imperial family can currently handle. Ferdinand’s family will support you, of course, but in war, the advantage often belongs to the magicians.”

“If warriors seek depth, magicians pursue breadth. Since area attacks are more effective on the battlefield, magicians hold the advantage. Moreover, given Duke Klaus’ personality, he will likely avoid a direct confrontation with Duke Ferdinand whenever possible.”

“I agree. This civil war is bound to become a prolonged conflict.”

“Still, once the Klaus family is subdued, it will all be over. No matter what Martin Adalbert attempts, the Adalbert family alone can’t contend with the Ferdinand family. Though I personally regard him as a considerable threat.”

“It’s not a matter to take lightly. He could become a far more dangerous foe.”

At the Emperor’s words, Richard nodded.

Though not an immediate concern, over time, the Adalbert family could indeed grow as threatening as, or even more so than, the Klaus family.

“It’s true I owe a debt to the acting head of the Adalbert family.”

“That is as you said, Your Majesty.”

“To repay that debt, I gifted him the diary of the First Emperor.”

“Hmm… That could accelerate his growth.”

“Yes, the diary should aid the acting head’s development greatly. He could reach the 9th circle within three years… no, I dare say he’ll attain the level of a supreme being within ten.”

“He prevented the Empire from plunging into chaos by lifting Your Majesty’s curse. Given his contributions, I think he deserves at least that.”

“Even if that makes him a more formidable adversary?”

“The situation may become more challenging, but I’m not particularly troubled. Facing a worthy opponent is always thrilling.”

“It seems the blood of the Ferdinand family truly flows in you.”

“I believe it does.”

Richard smiled at that.

Then, it happened.

Whoom!

An intense aura surged from his entire body.

Massive amounts of mana erupted from the mana cores in his abdomen and head, enhancing his body.

Not only did his physical capabilities improve drastically, but his mana circuits expanded, allowing him to wield more mana at once.

But the most decisive change was elsewhere.

The number of rings in the mana core of his head increased from three to four.

The number of rings in the core in his abdomen also reached four.

Finally, he had succeeded in reaching the realm of the 8th circle.

“Congratulations, Richard.”

“Considering how long I was blocked by the wall of the 7th circle… I’m honestly a bit embarrassed.”

“Achieving the 8th circle at your age is impressive. Besides, haven’t you resolved the issues that were hindering your growth?”

“Your Majesty always sees through everything.”

Richard chuckled bitterly.

Conquering the Klaus and Adalbert families to elevate the Imperial family’s authority.

It had been a long-held dream, though he had once questioned if he needed the throne badly enough to clash with his siblings.

He knew he was the most capable, but his siblings weren’t entirely without talent, either.

“But now that you’ve acknowledged me as the one to lead the Imperial family and the Empire’s future, I feel certain. It’s like the obstacles I faced have all been blown away.”

“You’ll undoubtedly succeed, Richard. I have one request, though.”

“A request? Please, give me your command, Your Majesty.”

“I’m calling it a request because it may burden you. Even if you ascend the throne, I hope you won’t kill your siblings.”

For the first time, Richard fell silent.

It wasn’t a decision he could make lightly.

“…If it’s Theodore or Claudia, I believe I can comply. But as for Müller, I’m not certain. I mentioned this when you were bedridden, but he’s veering onto a dangerous path. While I understand his anger, I cannot condone his actions.”

“Of course, I understand your feelings. It’s merely a wish of mine, so don’t feel bound by it.”

“Thank you for understanding, Your Majesty.”

“It’s only natural. Now, I must rest, so please, take your leave.”

“Yes.”

Richard replied and rose from his seat.

Reaching the 8th circle didn’t change much immediately.

First, he would defeat the Klaus family to be formally acknowledged as Crown Prince.

Next, he would crush the Adalbert family to elevate the Imperial family’s prestige across the continent.

‘I will become the central figure of the Empire.’

The Altaria Empire was perhaps at its most unstable since its founding.

Restoring order to the Empire and securing control over two or more dungeon entrances could elevate him above even the First Emperor.

For the First Emperor hadn’t accomplished such feats.

Thus, Richard’s ambition, long held in his heart, burned more intensely.

—

‘Why did he come all of a sudden?’

Martin suppressed his annoyance as he looked at Müller Altaria, who had come to see him.

Müller was smiling brightly, as if thoroughly pleased.

“I heard the news that you lifted His Majesty’s curse. Thank you for saving him.”

“I simply did what needed to be done.”

“You’re as humble as ever. Honestly, hearing about your feats has been my greatest joy these past months. Not only did you shake off the Marquis of Royce’s grasp, but you also used it to eliminate all the unstable elements within your family. People have been astonished by your remarkable abilities.”

“It was all possible thanks to the preparations of the former family head. Without the arrangements he made for me, I would never have been able to achieve victory.”

“Utilizing what one has is a skill in itself. Consider how many have fallen due to failing to fully harness their potential. But what I personally admire most lies elsewhere.”

“Oh? And what might that be?”

“Your outreach to other races. Not only did you take elves and dwarves as adventurers, but you also allowed them to operate their shops in the city of Varehein. This is an unprecedented accomplishment in the history of the Cracian continent—a genuine achievement.”

“I appreciate the praise… but it’s been a long day, and I’m quite exhausted. Could we skip the small talk and get to the point?”

After conversing with influential figures of the age, his mental exhaustion was considerable.

Adding meaningless chatter would only drain him further.

Seeing Martin’s reaction, Müller’s expression turned serious.

“I’ve mentioned this before, I believe. I dislike the current social system of the continent. But simply harboring discontent changes nothing. So I decided to take action to change the world myself.”

“Action, you say… What sort of action?”

“The secret society, Cry for Freedom. I’m the leader of this organization. I’m also the one who spoke with Sara Meinert, whom you appointed as mayor of Fratel City.”

“I never expected someone to openly admit to violating imperial law in front of me. I’ve taken down countless violators of imperial law.”

“I believe that, unlike others, you would sympathize with our cause. As the only direct descendant of one of the three great noble families, you’ve been relentlessly oppressed merely for failing to manifest your unique ability. That’s why I personally believe that you, of all people, are the superhuman who could bring our ideals to life.”

“Hm.”

Martin clicked his tongue inwardly.

He was aware that his actions had already altered the Empire’s history significantly.

Just the fact that the Klaus family had formally declared independence and issued a declaration of war against the Altaria Empire was evidence enough.

But he hadn’t anticipated that he’d gain the recognition of the most notorious criminal who would one day strip noble families of their lands to build his own power.

‘Well, it’s true I’m an ideal figure for them.’

Just as Müller had suffered all sorts of humiliations due to his lack of succession rights, Martin had also endured severe hardships because he couldn’t manifest his unique ability.

Both were victims of the Cracian continent’s fundamental system.

Meanwhile, Martin had managed to seize control of the Adalbert family, a formidable power.

If he declared his support for the ideals of Cry for Freedom, the impact would be tremendous.

Of course, he had no intention of doing so.

“As Your Highness pointed out, I agree there are many flaws in the continent’s system. I appreciate your high opinion of me, but I currently have no time to focus on reform or ideals.”

“I find that difficult to understand. The Empire has entered an era of turmoil with the Klaus family’s declaration of independence. If you were to support our ideals, those harboring grievances would rally from all corners. This would be a powerful asset for someone like you, who has even extended their influence to other races.”

“Well…”

Martin made his decision.

The person in front of him had yet to be branded as the Empire’s worst criminal.

He was merely a fool blinded by ideals.

“Indeed, there will be those who respond to the ideals Cry for Freedom pursues. But even if they gather, I doubt it would provide the strength needed to survive in such turbulent times. In fact, it would only bring ruin to me and the Adalbert family.”

He had rejected the very foundation of the Cracian continent, not to mention the Altaria Empire.

For the nobles, there was no better excuse to attack him.

‘Unfortunately, no matter how hard they try, powerless people have their limits.’

He understood that their numbers were far superior.

But on the Cracian continent, a large number didn’t guarantee absolute strength.

Those who reached the 7th circle alone were considered one-person armies.

And there were those even more powerful.

Trusting only in those numbers under the current circumstances was nothing short of suicidal.

With the era of chaos in full swing, he couldn’t afford to expose any weaknesses.

“…What a shame. I thought, of all people, you would join us.”

“Once again, it’s not that I dislike the ideals themselves. If that were the case, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”

Müller flinched.

His words had been calm, but the chilling undertone made Müller shiver.

“Until this chaos settles and my position is secure, my priority will be the survival of the Adalbert family. I apologize for not being able to join you.”

“Whew. I understand. I suppose we’ll have to wait for another chance. I apologize for bothering you when you’re already so tired, my lord.”

With those words, Müller left the room, visibly deflated.

Martin watched him leave.

‘It’s best to keep an option open.’

Even if he was a fool, the boldness and charisma he would later display in rallying people were impressive.

Thus, while not a comrade, he was open to accepting him as a subordinate.

He was even willing to allow gradual reforms under his command.

However, if Müller chose to pursue an independent path…

There would be only one course of action.

With this thought settled, Martin leaned back in his chair.

“Finally, it’s time to return to the family.”

He couldn’t wait to see Arelia.

He wondered how the founder, who helped establish the Empire, would assess and perceive these turbulent times.