EP.92
The House of Count Crutier was one of the prominent noble families making a name for itself in the central part of the Empire at this time.
Having built a reputation for swordsmanship since long ago—though certainly not to the extent of the House of Duke Pendragon or the House of Count Seryas—they were a count family of considerable standing not only in their home region of the central lands but also throughout the continent, to the point where their influence could not be dismissed easily.
In fact, simply knowing their name speaks volumes about the level of power that the count family wielded, which is something anyone could surmise.
Because in ten years, when the End approaches, nobles, commoners, and even slaves will all perish equally; it’s unreasonable to think that such status would simply be etched into my mind without any implications.
Being a noble does not mean you’ll be gently taken in pain, nor does being a commoner guarantee a painful demise that drives you mad.
It’s a fair death for all living beings and a meaningless rest to boot.
In the face of the End that treats all life on the surface equally, there’s nothing more absurd than worrying about whether one is a noble or a commoner.
As the End is not a foe that allows for leisurely division into nobility or commonality, the situation at hand was anything but relaxed.
Given that the world was on the brink of destruction, everyone at that time treated each other rather fairly, regardless of their status.
And as they treated one another fairly, gossip about the nobles that existed before the End naturally became a topic of conversation.
Anyway, with the world’s demise looming closer, what would it hurt to dig up a few secrets from the nobles and use them as fodder for discussion?
To be honest, since I’m not a resident of this world, I had no interest in how indulgent and debauched the nobles lived before the End. Yet, being among others, such stories inevitably drifted into my ears, whether I wanted them to or not.
– …So, what exactly has Pierre van Crutier done?
‘Well, it’s said that he has two fathers and three mothers.’
As I explained in a nonchalant tone, Erekaya responded with utter disbelief.
– …How is that even possible? How can such a lineage arise from a person?
Hmm, considering that the young lady of the House of Pendragon has lived a rather neat and upright life, it seemed that she had no immunity to stories of this kind.
After all, it’s rare not to be surprised by someone whose father has two companions and whose mother even surpasses that by having three.
Well, it can’t be helped. I must endure the slight filth of my words and kindly explain.
‘Count Crutier is such a lecherous figure that one wife simply couldn’t suffice; he took in two more women. Yet, that guy is the legitimate son, not a concubine’s child. Well, it’s strictly the outer appearance of the story, at least.’
– Outer appearance?
‘The lawful wife of the count… Well, she became displeased with how the count neglected her, so she had an affair. With none other than the count’s own brother.’
Of course, in noble families, if you’re not the direct descendant who inherited the title, all other bloodlines are treated as collateral relatives.
Naturally, even collateral relatives are initially regarded with noble status, but the further down the lineage you go, the harder it becomes to claim oneself as a noble.
To draw a parallel, it’s similar to how, during the Joseon Dynasty, the children of concubines had difficulty declaring themselves as the offspring of yangbans (nobles).
In other words, that scoundrel named Pierre holds himself up as the legitimate heir of the House of Count Crutier, strutting around proudly; however, if one were to trace the bloodline, he’s merely an unwanted child of the noble family.
Both Pierre himself and his biological mother, and even the count, are aware of this fact, but of course, one cannot go around announcing that a legitimate wife has given birth to an illegitimate child, so the count, in a situation akin to crying while eating mustard, has recognized the boy as his “son.”
– …So that’s where all this talk about having an odd number of mothers comes from?
‘Honestly, I don’t want to talk about such things either, but that guy really knows how to get under one’s skin.’
Well, I’m certainly not the type to enjoy spreading others’ private matters all over the place.
However, when it comes down to it, it’s truly frustrating to see someone with no merit looking down on others and subtly wielding their authority to pressure people.
So what can I do? Since they’ve thrown the first punch, I have no choice but to retaliate accordingly.
And, in the process, if I can take down those pompous fools, it could boost Kaya’s favor towards me.
“…H-how would you do that?”
Pierre’s eyes seemed to tremble as if experiencing a seismic shake upon hearing my words.
“It’s nothing special. I just happen to have good ears. There are sources that provide me with stories others might not know.”
I spoke in a truly casual tone while rising from my seat and walking behind Pierre.
In the suddenly quiet student council room, the only sounds resonating were my footsteps and Pierre’s ragged breathing.
“You, you…”
“Ah, don’t turn around, senpai. There’s the president right in front of you; don’t commit the rudeness of glancing elsewhere, would you?”
As I stood behind him, Pierre instinctively attempted to turn, so I carefully whispered in his ear.
“Also, I’m quite timid. If you were to look at my face with that authoritative gaze again like earlier, I might inadvertently spout some strange nonsense out of fear, don’t you think?”
“…..”
At that statement, Pierre froze entirely, his body rigid as he faced forward.
Hmm, it seems we’ve finally cultivated an environment suitable for ‘persuasion.’
“About the swordsmanship club. I heard that it’s one of the most prestigious clubs in Nineveh. Is that true?”
“T-that’s right.”
“And I’ve also heard that it’s a long-standing club that includes many outstanding talents from noble families. To be able to take on the role of president in such a club means that you must possess great talent in swordsmanship, right?”
I spoke with a tone that felt genuinely sweet, and Pierre’s breaths appeared more stable than before.
“Th-thank you for your compliment.”
“However, you know, to be the president of such a club, I feel it might require more than just exceptional sword skills.”
“…S-something lacking?”
“Hmm. For instance, wouldn’t only someone of noble lineage, like yourself, who inherits the prestigious bloodline of the count, be eligible to lead such a club?”
“Hypothetically speaking, if rumors started circulating that you were someone who falls short of ‘qualifications,’ wouldn’t it hinder your ability to serve as the club president?”
With a sudden stillness, Pierre became as immobile as stone in place.
Next, I moved quietly beside Pierre to where the perplexed group was staring at him.
‘…Hmm, what was that guy’s name again?’
– Didn’t Serika von Valentine just say that the president of Antike del Tuan, the magic research club, was present?
Sharp wit. How is it possible to recall a name after just hearing it once?
– Perhaps he also knows personal weaknesses like Pierre van Crutier does?
‘Ah, weaknesses? I’m merely presenting materials for negotiation in the interest of peaceful discourse.’
Regrettably, the harmonious family life of Pierre van Crutier was something I learned purely by chance, and I only just found out that the entity known as Antike del Tuan existed moments ago.
However, even if I know nothing about that guy Antike, I do have a few tidbits related to the House of Marquis Tuan.
“I’ve heard that the House of Marquis Tuan is an incredibly wealthy family located along the southern coast of the Empire. Is that true, senpai?”
“Y-yes, that is true.”
It seems that unlike Pierre, Antike possesses some level of learning ability, as he responds obediently while staring straight ahead.
“Indeed, they must be in an environment that allows for such wealth. After all, the House of Marquis Tuan accounts for more than half of the Empire’s total salt production.”
As I spoke, I leaned in close to Antike’s ear and whispered softly, just as I had done with Pierre moments ago.
“However, I recently heard a rumor that a small quantity of unsanctioned salt has surfaced in the Empire’s black market. This is truly dreadful—trafficking in salt, what an atrocious act.”
I shuddered as if genuinely disturbed, then placed my finger on Antike’s carotid artery and tapped it lightly.
“If the royal family were to find out about this, I believe they would not sit idly by. After all, salt is a staple that enters the mouths of all the Empire’s citizens, isn’t it? To toy with such a vital commodity and even smuggle it away is indeed a heinous crime.”
In truth, it’s safe to say that the royal family is unlikely to take action. This is because the House of Marquis Tuan has been covertly smuggling salt with the implicit permission of the royal family in order to finance their own budget.
But there’s no way this brat, who isn’t an official heir yet, could grasp such subtle political dynamics.
Even if he did know, it wouldn’t matter. Discussions of this nature only yield trouble when they leak.
“…..”
Like Pierre, Antike stiffened up, his body as solid as stone.
“So, regarding the continuation of what we just discussed, senpai…”
I leisurely observed their rigid figures before speaking in a relaxed manner.
“My memory isn’t all that great, you see. What exactly were we discussing regarding the festival budget? I seem to have completely forgotten while having such a delightful conversation with you two.”
“The swordsmanship club is quite satisfied with the student council’s budget allocation. In fact, if other clubs desire it, we might be willing to share our allocated budget with you.”
“T-the magic research club feels the same way.”
Pierre and Antike stammered, their faces as pale as ghosts.
“Hmmm. However, I have this peculiar memory that states the two of you argued for other clubs’ budgets to be funneled towards your own… Am I mistaken here?”
“T-that must be a misunderstanding!”
“Y-yeah, we were just trying to appeal to the president that we don’t need any additional budget, that’s all! Yes, of course!”
“Indeed, you are both proud senpai representing the prestigious clubs of Nineveh. As a member of the student council, I feel incredibly fortunate to have such seniors like you.”
Hahaha, while I laughed heartily with the two of them, Serika and Erekaya sighed deeply, lowering their heads in silence.
“…Haa.”
– Sigh. Truly, what a bunch of scoundrels.
Well, there are exceptions.
“Indeed, my lord…”
There was at least one person gazing at him with admiration.
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