Book 14: Chapter 7: Disgrace

Book 14: Chapter 7: Disgrace

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The fleet led by Ellen, aka Knight Number Three, had arrived at the planet designated for invasion.

However, before their arrival, a dispute had erupted over who should assume the mantle of Family Head.

In essence, the late Viscount’s children and relatives were embroiled in a bitter struggle for his position.

They had each taken over a portion of the household’s military and were fighting tooth and nail against one another.

From the bridge of her flagship, Ellen observed as this unfolded, a deep frown on her face.

Instead of being wary of the enemies’ arrival, these people flocked around them.

On the bridge, holographic projections of the Viscount’s relatives were displayed.

[Admiral, I am the eldest son of the late Viscount! Please acknowledge my right to inherit my father’s position. If you do, our household will pledge absolute allegiance to the Banfield Family!]

[An incompetent trash like you dares to vie for leadership? What a joke! Admiral, I’m the younger sister of the former Viscount, and I’ve been assisting my brother for many years. Please appoint me as the next Viscount!]

[No, Admiral, I’m the rightful heir, not these people!]

The holograms hurled insults at each other, desperately vying for Ellen’s support.

The Viscount’s fleet only amounted to around 10,000 ships, whereas Ellen’s numbered around 30,000.

It was evident that the victor would be whoever secured the approval of Ellen and the Banfield Family.

Ellen posed a question to them.

“Isn’t this something the Empire should resolve? Why are you seeking my input?”

The eldest son’s gaze faltered.

[W-well, Duke Banfield is the head of our alliance, so naturally, we value his opinion on the matter.]

Not only had the subjugation force suffered a crushing defeat, but the Empire was also being besieged on all sides by neighboring nations, leaving it incapable of interfering with their affairs.

Consequently, they had to regard the Banfield Family as their leader in order to survive.

However, as Liam’s disciple, Ellen had her own thoughts about the matter.

(If we spare these people, they’ll no doubt defect to the Empire’s side at a critical moment.)

They might feign loyalty now, but once the Empire regained its former power, it was easy to imagine the Viscount family betraying the Banfield Family, even if the latter bestowed numerous favors upon the former.

(Knowing this, should we annihilate them or absorb them into our ranks?)

If she chose to accept their allegiance, the Banfield Family would be able to bolster its forces with little effort. However, there was a good chance of betrayal down the line.

On the other hand, if she chose to annihilate them, the burden on the Banfield Family would increase as it would have to invest resources in rebuilding the Viscount’s territory.

Ellen took a moment to contemplate, but before she could arrive at an answer, she realized something amiss.

“―To begin with, why is the Viscount’s position vacant?”

The people who had been hurling insults at each other widened their eyes in surprise.

The former Viscount’s sister replied.

[Admiral, you must be joking? Wasn’t it the Banfield Family that sent an assassin after him?]

Ellen raised her eyebrows upon hearing this.

She had been the one tasked with eliminating the Viscount and his household.

Did a different division snipe her kill? Or did someone at headquarters make a mistake? Either way, something was clearly off.

“What do you mean?”

[A swordswoman of the School of One Flash killed her way in. Surely, you won’t say the Banfield Family wasn’t involved?]

Ellen responded quickly to this, turning her back on the holograms and issuing orders to her subordinates.

“Have our units remain on standby. I will temporarily return to base on a high-speed cruise to seek instructions from Master.”

Her adjutant looked at her in surprise.

“Admiral!? You’re planning to leave?”

Ellen had realized that this no longer concerned the Banfield Family alone.

“I understand that I’m neglecting my duties as a knight. However, as a member of One Flash, I can’t turn a blind eye to this.”

Her sights were already set on a certain individual.

(Satsuki Rinho...you’re a disgrace to the School of One Flash!)

◇

When Ellen returned to the spaceport and disembarked, she was greeted with unbelievable news.

“―Master is furious with Ed, you say?”

Edward Tower!? What’s up with the name?

Just as my cheeks are twitching, one of my soldiers leans in and whispers to me.

“She’s the daughter of a high-ranking official, my Lord.”

Said daughter has her hands on her hips, her chest puffed out. It’s clear from her attitude that she’s been spoilt growing up.

“Doesn’t matter. Capture them all.”

“Understood!”

Following my orders, the ground troops pin the obnoxious girl to the floor and restrain her.

Witnessing this, the people around us criticize my actions.

“Stop! Where do you think you are!?”

Where, you ask?

“This is meant to be an office district. If you want to have fun, go elsewhere.”

I was quite the busy man even before the whole incident with the subjugation force.

I had to visit countless places, so quite a bit of time has passed since I last showed my face in the territory, which is why it seems a lot of them have forgotten who I am.

“Who are you to decide that? Listen, we’re the chosen ones, and the one in command here is―”

I don’t ever recall choosing you though.

As I’m having such thoughts, I catch a glimpse of someone coming down a grand staircase.

“Leave it at that. ―It’s been a while, Father. A few months, I suppose?”

Ed, wearing sunglasses and in a fur-like coat, looks down at me.

My cheeks twitch at the sight of my child’s ridiculous appearance.

“I didn’t know you were this stupid.”

My son’s fashion sense leaves me at a loss.

◇

Edward, observing his father from above, failed to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Even though Liam had stormed in with his ground troops, Edward believed all would be forgiven if he simply came forward.

Every time he took a step, his slippers made a strange sound.

Eventually, he arrived before Liam, dressed in a fashion that could be deemed unconventional at the Banfields.

Liam wore an inscrutable expression as he spoke.

“You should be aware that this is an office district. Why did you build an entertainment facility here?”

This ridiculously huge structure was like an amusement park for Edward, with new toys and games constantly arriving and people visiting to play all day long.

He had wanted a place like this, which was why he decided to build it.

“Obviously, it’s because of how close it is to everything.”

“―Hah?”

“Since we’re in an office district, it has stellar transportation. It’s close to the mansion as well, so I can swing by often. It’s convenient for a lot of other reasons too.”

For the development of the Banfield Family, Liam had prioritized the office district’s infrastructure above all others, which was the reason for its convenient location.

And yet Edward had constructed an entertainment facility on such a plot without permission, not realizing the seriousness of his offense.

Liam laughed when he heard Edward’s excuse.

“I see. Just for that, you built this here?”

“Yes, Father. Why not give the facility a try? I’m sure you’d like it as well.”

With this, it’s problem solved―just as Edward was thinking so, Liam’s fist slammed into his cheek.

“YOU SHITTY BRAT!!”

“!?!?”

Edward was flung away with such force that he eventually crashed into the wall before falling to the floor.

For a moment, his brain failed to process what just happened.

As he was about to get back up, Liam approached him with an expression that he’d never seen before.

“―Stand up, you foolish child. Since you broke my law, you’ll no longer be treated like a child from now on. You’ll learn to bear the consequences of your actions.”

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Brian ( ́ ゚ω ゚`ノ)ノ: “I-it’s painful!! Lord Liam has raised his hand against Lord Edward... but then again, it’s for a good reason.”