Chapter 424

Chapter 424

"..."

"..."

Silence lingered for a moment.

Mermaid King Poseidon, with a kitchen knife aimed at my neck, and me, needing to answer his question.

- Why should he, who lost everything to the Everblack Empire, not harm me, the third prince of the same empire?

I steadied my breath and then smiled.

Isnt it obvious?

Because only I, in this world, can save them.

Only I can provide... what they truly need.

"I will stop all persecutions of different races by the human race."

"...What?"

Mermaid King Poseidon let out a perplexed groan at my unexpected words.

But I didn't stop.

"I will return the lands that were originally yours."

"What...?"

"Driven from their homelands, confined to autonomous districts, exiled beyond the continent, scattered around the world... Different races all harbor deep resentment for their lost homes."

I placed my hand over my heart.

"I, Ash Born Hater Everblack, swear on my name."

"..."

"I will help you reclaim your homes. The land and seas you and your people have lost, and even your history and pride."

A tense silence filled the dimly lit parlor.

After a while, Mermaid King Poseidon slowly opened his mouth.

"I don't understand."

His deep sea-like eyes pierced into me.

"Why would you do that? What reason do you have to help us?"

"You have it backward, Mermaid King Poseidon."

I adjusted my posture to sit more comfortably.

"To protect the world, we need everyone's strength... That's why I'm offering a price that would willingly make you risk your lives."

Mermaid King Poseidon's brow furrowed at my words.

"Protect the world?"

"Crossroad is the front line that fends off monsters for all worlds."

I tapped the armrest of the sofa I was sitting on with my hand.

"But Prince Fernandez, the second prince, has given up the fight against the monsters and declared surrender to the King of Monsters."

"...?!"

"Thats why I intend to oppose him. And for that, I need as many allies as possible."

I spoke frankly.

It was a situation where it seemed okay to do so.

"The Everblack Empire, located at the center of the world... but that doesn't mean it's the whole world. Outside the empire, there are as many people as in the empire."

Small nations.

Different races.

Nomadic tribes. And those who don't even belong to these groups.

They are the 'Fallen Kings'.

"I intend to unite them as much as possible. And I know, between the victorious second prince from the imperial succession battle and the third prince who was dealing with monsters in the southern wilderness, which side has better odds. Most would side with the second prince."

"..."

"So, I'm offering a big deal. I'm raising the stakes because I want you to side with me in this unfavorable situation."

I promise what the different races most desire.

In short - it's a blank check.

If you help me defeat Fernandez, I will make sure you get such a reward.

A potentially victory-dependent, irresponsibly slick talk.

"..."

But still.

Despite all that, Mermaid King Poseidon's face sank into serious contemplation.

The rope I threw might be flimsy. But until now, no one had even thrown such a flimsy rope in their direction.

100 years-

Since the racial wars, during which the Everblack Empire seized world hegemony and flexibly manipulated the continent under the sun.

The losers who had to hide in the shadows.

Serenade earnestly cautioned me to be careful.

- I heard it from them back then. The current king of the merfolk is quite violent and emotional...

- ...

- Please be careful, Your Highness. I'll leave Elize here to monitor, just in case.

So... although it seemed like I was having a royal showdown with Mermaid King Poseidon, in truth, I had the insurance of Elize.

If things had gone south, Elize would have immediately intervened to protect me.

Even if Mermaid King Poseidon is a formidable opponent, Elize, an SSR-rated swordsman, could certainly protect me.

"It's always best to have a safety net when possible, right?"

There are times when one must gamble everything on a single move. But the best strategy is always to operate within a realm of certainty.

The more insurance, the better!

As I smiled, Elize cautiously observed me.

"...Excuse me for asking, Your Highness. I overheard your conversation while hiding above."

"Huh?"

"You said you would fight Prince Fernandez."

"..."

"Really... to gather the divided kings of different races and challenge Prince Fernandez, the victor of the imperial succession battle? Even Lord Lark, leading the elite first Imperial Army, was defeated."

Elize seemed quite worried.

That's understandable. Her mistress, Serenade, had committed her family and even her life to me.

And here I am, planning to face off against the victor of the imperial succession. It's natural for her to be concerned.

But.

"I just said it, Elize. 'If there's a safety net,' then I'll use it."

It's the same as the negotiation with Mermaid King Poseidon today.

I will prepare thoroughly and then challenge Fernandez. But before that, I'll prepare another 'insurance.'

Insurance to tilt the odds of victory in my favor...!

"I've devised a plan while wandering in the darkness. If things go as planned, the battle with Fernandez might be surprisingly easy."

I rubbed my hands together and grinned wickedly.

"Just watch. I'll give my smart older brother a taste of his own medicine..."

"..."

Elize looked at me with complex eyes.

She trusts me, but still, its undeniable that Fernandez is a formidable opponent.

Well, what can I do? I prove myself with results.

"You've worked hard on overtime, Elize. Let's go to the central square."

"Huh?"

"It's the night of the victory banquet. It would be a shame to end it just watching from the rooftop, wouldn't it?"

I led Elize out of the mansion and headed towards the central square.

Despite the late hour, the square was brightly lit, filled with the sounds of singing and lively conversations.

"Ah, Your Highness!"

"Why are you only coming now, Your Highness? All the alcohol is gone!"

"We've almost finished all the fish!"

The soldiers noticed me and erupted into noisy laughter.

Having just come from another battle of negotiations for alliance after the fight with the monsters... but no need to mention that.

"I ran out of drinks, so I came to refill them, you bastards!"

Just then, the Silver Winter Merchant Guild appeared, carting expensive alcohol stored in their warehouse.

Serenade, having finished her backlog of work, was leading them.

"Your Highness!"

Seeing me and Elize safe, Serenade showed a relieved smile.

I smiled back and thought to myself.

Mermaid King Poseidon is just the beginning.

Now, I will gather the fallen kings scattered across the world here in Crossroad.

I will make them an offer they cannot refuse.

Even if I have to borrow the rights of the victor, even if I have to bluff and mix lies, I will bring them all under my command.

In the end, it's a simple choice.

Either let the world be destroyed by monsters in defeat, or win and steer the world as I desire.

I no longer fear or hesitate before this choice.

The dice have already been cast.

I will move the world.