The audience gathered at the Agora was completely swayed towards Rupert.
By the time talks surfaced that banning comic books might correlate with neighboring Sylvania Kingdom stepping in to fill the void, even the nobles began shouting Rupert’s name in support.
It was only natural that Macbeth’s expression twisted in disbelief.
“Damn it, what sort of kid speaks so well?”
One of the reasons why Macbeth and the Empire’s parent-teacher association confidently called Rupert forth was his young age.
The older nobles, having traversed the political realm of the Empire, akin to the demon world, were specialists in twisting public opinion.
They assumed that a young kid like Rupert could be easily thrown off balance with a light attack, but instead, when faced with a calm onslaught, it was Macbeth who ended up flustered and unable to respond properly.
Still, he remained self-assured.
“After all, with Lios and Marquis Demian backing us up, we have the advantage!”
Duke Bluewell would certainly side with Rupert, and conversely, Lios and Marquis Demian were sure to support him, he was convinced.
Given the nature of the Agora, the judgments of the three Seven Great Nobles inspectors couldn’t be overturned, not even by the Emperor.
Even if the Crown Prince, standing in for the Emperor, were present, unless the verdict was grossly flawed, there was no room for intervention.
Of course, in the current situation, the Crown Prince was likely to side with Rupert, but if he kept pinning Macbeth with irrefutable logic, there would be nothing he could do.
“His argument is too emotional! Comic books are overly stimulating and contain only interesting content, which adversely affects the standard of Empire literature…”
“Stop! I’ve already heard enough from both sides, and I won’t listen further.”
But the Crown Prince ruthlessly interrupted Macbeth.
“Tch, what a blatant interruption.”
Though he was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince’s directive, Macbeth could only stew silently.
“Now, the judgments of the inspectors have been concluded, and I shall announce the winner of this Agora.”
As Crown Prince Alex moved to the center of the arena, tremendous cheers erupted.
“Our hero of the Empire, the Crown Prince!!!”
“The Steel Prince!!! Look at that right arm!”
“The tale of sacrificing his right arm for a mere soldier brings tears every time!”
Alex’s popularity already surpassed that of his father, the Emperor.
Each time the newly made Golem’s Arm glimmered in the sunlight, people’s admiration and cheers grew louder.
Not only had he led the charge to eradicate the Dark Wizard Organization that nearly brought ruin to the Empire, but he also sacrificed his right arm to save soldiers; it was a moving tale.
This story had been resonating throughout the Empire, recited by many bards and troupes, making it a favorite among the citizens.
As the cheers continued, the Crown Prince finally managed to calm the audience and proceed with the announcement.
“The outcome of the debate featuring Rupert Somerset and Macbeth, alongside 51 members of the Empire’s Parent-Teacher Association, is…”
The arena had quieted down, mesmerized by the Crown Prince’s voice announcing the results.
Finally, the Crown Prince’s lips opened to declare the verdict.
“By a vote of 3 to 0, I hereby declare Rupert Somerset the winner of this Agora!”
It was a flawless victory for Rupert.
Macbeth’s expression twisted not just with disbelief but in utter shock, his mouth agape as he stared at the judges.
Calmly smiling were the Crown Prince and Duke Bluewell, as well as Marquis Demian.
“It was a good match, Count Macbeth.”
As Rupert approached Macbeth, extending a hand for a handshake, he recalled their earlier encounters before the Agora opened.
*
“Aida has lost a lot of weight during the time I’ve been away.”
“Yes, Your Highness, it’s not just a joke! We were all surprised she slimmed down overnight!”
“What? Overnight! Is she perhaps unwell?”
“Fear not! We already called upon a famed doctor and priest for a diagnosis.”
Hearing that she was, in fact, in a very healthy state, Alex finally felt relieved.
However, a hint of disappointment lingered.
“I never realized before, but Aida was cute even when she was plump.”
Visiting the Somerset residence after a long time, Alex lifted Aida, who came running calling him “uncle,” just like before.
Of course, he was taken aback by her unexpectedly quick approach.
But that wasn’t the main concern.
Realizing that Aida felt lighter when lifted in one arm, Alex soon grasped that her formerly chubby figure had vanished.
Certainly, she was still exceptionally cute now, but Alex felt a twinge of disappointment at not being able to watch her dash about with the same plumpness as before.
As he played with Aida, he found himself dumbstruck by her agile movements.
Alex, as a royal, had a basic upbringing in swordsmanship and was skilled enough to claim the title of knight.
Yet, to see himself outmatched by Aida’s nimbleness left him bewildered.
“Uncle needs a new arm! Aida wants one too!”
“What? That’s not something that should happen!”
“If Aida had four arms, she could definitely defeat Witch Oun!”
Alex struggled to dissuade Aida, who sparkled at the sight of his Golem’s Arm.
At first, he thought she simply wanted to replace her own arm with a Golem’s Arm, but instead, she dreamt of attaching it to her perfectly healthy body, showcasing a thought he never imagined she’d come up with, leaving her looking slightly unsatisfied.
“I came here not only because I wanted to see Aida, but also because I have news to share with you.”
“Is it concerning the Agora?”
“Did you already know?”
Rupert nodded at Alex’s answer.
He had already learned through Guild Leader Esteban that the Empire’s Parent-Teacher Association intended to apply for the Agora.
“This is a troublesome matter; the Agora is not easy to intervene in, even for the Imperial Family.”
“Just being concerned is appreciated, Your Highness.”
“If it looks grim, do let me know. I am Aida’s godfather, and to me, you are like a brother.”
Hearing Alex’s willingness to possibly pressure the issue if it seemed dire touched Rupert deeply.
‘He wouldn’t realize that pulling such a stunt would backfire and disrupt his own newfound smooth sailing…’
Before meeting Alex, Rupert had only seen him as a reckless character from the original work, but meeting him transformed that impression completely; he was far too good a person for mere words.
Rupert’s younger sister, Aida, adored and followed him closely, which was telling in itself.
Her judgment of character was keen; she would never cuddle up to someone she perceived as bad.
“We already have a plan in place. If you are concerned, this would be a great help.”
“What must I do?”
Rupert prudently explained the premeditated plans to Alex, who found himself sharing a slightly mischievous grin with him.
*
In the noble quarter, a mansion near the Imperial Palace, often referred to as the prime location of the Empire.
Indeed, it was the mansion of Marquis Demian, one of the Seven Great Nobles, and a guest had arrived early in the morning.
A most unexpected visitor, regardless of being a noble themselves, would typically be thrown out unless otherwise, yet for some reason, this guest was met with an order from the Marquis to be led into the reception room.
“It’s been a while, Guild Leader.”
“I have missed you, Marquis.”
“Well, it’s because we haven’t had any good business between us, hasn’t it?”
Marquis Demian chuckled while delivering pointed remarks, but Guild Leader Esteban expected this level of banter, sipping his tea and smiling.
“It seems you came rushing here early in the morning, quite a rush, indeed.”
“There’s a saying; bad news is best given at night, while good news should be served in the morning, don’t you think?”
“Is there such a saying?”
“If you hear bad news in the morning, your mood stinks all day long. If it’s good news, you carry that pleasantness throughout.”
“Well, that makes sense.”
-So where’s the good news?
Marquis Demian wasn’t just any high-ranking noble; he was also among the Seven Great Nobles.
Originally from a merchant family, the Demian family masqueraded as completely detached from the merchant world for nobility’s sake.
Even so, they still wielded significant influence in the Empire’s merchant scene, manipulating the Guilds from the shadows.
Naturally, those who knew of this fact had to tread carefully.
Should such knowledge escape the lips thoughtlessly, they might vanish without a trace, courtesy of the furious Demian household.
“I’m here to save Marquis Demian.”
“Oh? You intend to save me? Aren’t you likely mistaken?”
Esteban’s words drew a sneer from Marquis Demian.
He was already aware that Esteban’s appearance was motivated by the Agora’s planning.
It was certain that on the opposing side, the Empire’s Parent-Teacher Association would have pushed for his inclusion as a judge, likely seeking his favor.
To claim “save” was a tad audacious.
“I see this as a golden opportunity to obstruct Yuren Guild and block the path of Vera Guild.”
“Provided I win, that is.”
Esteban was already aware of this reality and recognized that at face value, the Empire’s Parent-Teacher Association appeared to have more support from the noble class.
-Winning before fighting is what war is about.
Esteban recalled Rupert’s reaction when he learned of the Agora.
The young Young Master had an uncanny knack for grasping the world’s truths.
“Most likely, Marquis, you will likely want to participate as a judge.”
“Wanting is not the issue. I desperately wish to check things out.”
“Do you have any idea who the other two judges will be?”
“Not yet… not unless?”
Marquis Demian’s widened eyes and response drew a smile from Esteban as he replied.
“Duke Bluewell will be attending. Thus, apart from the unspecified final judge, it’ll be divided 1 to 1.”
“… What are you trying to say?”
“If it’s 1 to 1, Marquis, your attempts to participate as a judge would yield you nothing in the end. However, if you were to side with us, securing a definitive victory would be within reach.”
“Even if I side with you, I would gain nothing.”
Marquis Demian conceded the fact that the competing Empire’s Parent-Teacher Association would find it hard to claim victory in such a situation.
Yet, he saw no reason to aid Rupert, gaining nothing in return; he would only find himself at a loss, most likely.
He should be siding against them instead.
“I can offer you benefits.”
“Benefits? What benefits can you offer?”
“Have you heard of the forthcoming animation?”
There was no way he could have missed it.
Being a background manipulator of the Guilds, Marquis Demian couldn’t have failed to catch wind of such information.
Yet, because the technology was complex and costly, he’d been nursing a bruised ego as it took far too long to develop.
“If you assist us, we wish to collaborate on the animation business with Vera Guild.”
“Collaborate? Are you serious?”
Marquis Demian could do nothing but be astounded.
In his view, animation—the new realm—would surely shake the Empire like comic books once had.
To share something like that along with him felt unfathomable.
“Is this not a delectable offer?”
“Ha ha ha! It seems the saying of needing to hear good news in the morning rings true! Someone fetch that wine we brought in last time!”
Having shared fine quality wine with Esteban since morning, the Marquis warmly welcomed a visitor from the Empire’s Parent-Teacher Association later, as the secret wasn’t concealed.
He had promised them he would serve as a judge and received an equivalent payment too.
And on the day he got his payment, he would inquire of the Empire’s Parent-Teacher Association members,
“Did you secure the last remaining judge? I’ll have Marquis Lios on my side.”
Thus, he had fetched an additional pile of compensation.
When Marquis Lios conveyed there was a debt he owed him, he would strive to ensure he served as a judge; the members were overjoyed and didn’t hesitate to reach into their pockets.
And he most certainly did participate as a judge. He merely never stated which side he would support.
Marquis Max Demian, after all, had a merchant’s essence within him.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
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