Chapter 130 – To Steal a Kingdom (2)
I understood how Duke Serin felt.
‘Sparing an enemy on the battlefield is, as he said, a foolish thing to do.’
Showing mercy to an enemy isn’t kindness. It’s foolishness that invites danger. However, if it was for another purpose, the story changes.
‘When a commander captures an enemy general, there are usually four major options.’
Execute them immediately to eliminate the threat.
Release them for a specific strategic advantage.
Detain them for prisoner exchange.
And lastly......
‘......Persuade the other side.’
Persuasion doesn’t always require sweet words. Sometimes, a single action speaks louder than a hundred words.
Just like right now.
“We don’t have much time, so let me get straight to the point.”
Duke Veder spoke quickly, as if being chased.
“The discourtesy at the palace was indeed due to my judgment, but sending assassins was not my intent.”
At least he had the right attitude for the conversation.
“Before we proceed...... I wish to apologize for my offense.”
Duke Veder began by bowing his head. Then, he went further, kneeling and lowering his head toward me.
Duke Serin frowned at the sight.
“......Are all nobles politicians at heart......?”
The cynical Duke Serin couldn’t take this act at face value.
Of course, I felt the same. After all, wasn’t this the same man who had, not long ago, debated killing or sparing me on behalf of Prince Enzi?
Even if it had been for a royal decree, there was no way such actions would sit well with me.
“I don’t think you came just to apologize, so what do you really want to say?”
“To be honest, I was impressed.”
His words made me tilt my head.
“Impressed?”
“Your Highness was driven from the palace with no foundation to speak of.”
“Get to the point.”
“My poor eyes never anticipated that Your Highness possessed such remarkable abilities, nor did I realize you could attract so many people to your side.”
Duke Veder’s voice continued.
“With the exceptional feats you’ve demonstrated here...... Yes. It must mean you’ve deliberately concealed your true self until now.”
He was free to misunderstand, and I didn’t bother to correct him. There was no point explaining that the reality was different.
“At your age, most would be eager to boast to their peers......”
“Ugh. This is embarrassing. Let’s cut the flattery. What do you really want to say?”
“If Your Highness would forgive my rudeness......!”
For a moment, Duke Veder’s eyes gleamed intensely.
“I would like to pledge my loyalty to you.”
“......!”
Duke Serin’s pupils shook immediately. He whipped his head toward me. His expression silently asked, ‘Was this what you were aiming for?’
“Well, it’s hard to believe you’d abandon the sturdy rope of my brother, only to grasp at the straws of the Seventh Prince, who has nothing.”
“I trust my own two eyes.”
“But I cannot trust you, Duke.”
“If you command it, I will swear an oath as a knight here and now.”
Knights, as a rule, value honor more than life itself. Moreover, in this situation, we had a Master and a Duke from another nation acting as a witness.
“Hah. Anyone can make a promise with their mouth.”
At that moment, a disgruntled voice interrupted. It was Duke Serin.
“Let’s not play games among those who understand each other. Speak frankly about your intentions. It’s fortunate His Highness is kind; if it were me, I would’ve already severed an arm. Blood debts are repaid with blood.”
I didn’t bother to stop Duke Serin. I knew full well that his actions were for my sake, and no one else’s.
Before we knew it, Duke Veder had disappeared entirely.
“Duke Veder!”
Prince Enzi had approached quite close.
“We should leave as well. Let’s avoid any unnecessary suspicions.”
With that, Duke Serin and I began walking side by side through the royal capital.
“I didn’t expect you to take my side so boldly back there.”
“Hahaha. Don’t read too much into it. I’m a politician. It means I could side with Prince Enzi at any moment.”
“Still, thank you.”
“......”
Duke Serin paused briefly and looked back at me.
“If you’re grateful, why not tell me? The second and third reasons, I mean.”
“You’re referring to what I stand to gain from this situation?”
“Yes. I already understand the first reason is about people.”
I nodded.
“If the first reason is securing talented individuals like Duke Veder, the second is about creating the right atmosphere.”
“Atmosphere?”
“It’s far from easy to show mercy to someone who tried to kill me. Especially considering how the Queen has been killing off princes who aren’t her children for a long time. Naturally, many people, including myself, have suffered under her orders.”
“And?”
“If I can forgive someone who tried to kill me, can’t I forgive those who have only caused minor inconveniences?”
Duke Serin exclaimed an ‘Ah!’ in realization.
“Duke Veder, now on my side, will reinforce this narrative upon returning. This will become fertile ground for me to establish a foothold in the Meeke Principality later.”
“Even so...... will they really believe in Your Highness? If it were me, I’d feel too guilty and resist with all my might......”
“You’re mistaken. They don’t need to trust me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m offering them an opportunity. Like Duke Veder, they’ll need to rush to me, kneel, and beg. Only then will they find a way to survive.”
“......!”
As expected, Duke Serin found my words intriguing. This was undoubtedly a fresh approach compared to mercilessly slaughtering adversaries.
“Oho...... That’s quite the fascinating strategy.”
“Isn’t it?”
“So, what’s the third reason?”
At this, I looked directly at Duke Serin.
“It’s because of you, Duke.”
“Me?”
“Didn’t I already tell you? I want to show you a world that doesn’t reek of blood.”
“......”
For a moment, Duke Serin’s eyes sharpened. Then, with a small laugh, he relaxed.
“Well...... This has been entertaining. I think I made the right decision in following Your Highness.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“So, about that......”
Duke Serin’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“I’d like to observe you more closely.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re heading to Black Swan, right?”
“How do you know that?”
“Do I really need to investigate? That’s your home now.”
Despite his words, he must have been monitoring my every move. After all, the capital was his domain.
“Take me with you.”
For a moment, I hesitated, then smiled faintly. Given the circumstances, his declaration to join me carried great significance.
“Sure. Let’s go together.”
* * *