304 – I am the Plunder King. (5)
Chapter 304 I am the Plunder King. (5)
Marquis Branford fell silent for a moment.
Old memories of Duke Delphine, whom he hadn’t seen in ages, surfaced in his mind.
Always wearing a leisurely smile, contrasting with his indifferent gaze. He was a character whose thoughts were utterly inscrutable.
Still, the Duke had a good reputation. It was mainly said that he was not authoritarian and kind to everyone.
However, after a certain incident, he had become a ruthless person. Rumors spread that he suddenly fell into madness, and the Duke hadn’t appeared in public for a long time.
Thus, even Marquis Branford had no clue what he was up to now. All matters of the Duke Faction were being handled by Baron Joseph, who held the real power.
“Baron Joseph… was actually suppressing the civil war? Not the Duke?”
Marquis Branford thought that the Duke Faction was continuing its current stance to minimize damage.
And he believed it was the Duke’s will. Even though there were rumors that Baron Joseph was the real power and the Duke was a puppet, it wouldn’t be easy to completely go against his symbolic wishes.
But the fact that Baron Joseph was persuading a Duke who desired war was hard to believe even after hearing it.
“I couldn’t believe that guy wanted to seize the kingdom either.”
In their youth, Marquis Branford and Duke Delphine were alumni of the same Academy.
The Duke had little interest in studying. He was more of a dreamer. He always liked to zone out and get lost in his own thoughts.
Whenever the ambitious Marquis Branford spoke about the kingdom’s politics and power, the Duke would always smile in response.
— Does human politics and power hold that much meaning? After all, they all fade and disappear with time.
— What are you talking about? That’s why the moment we live is important, isn’t it? Especially for people like us. How we act can change people’s lives!
— I… want to see further.
Unlike the passionate Marquis Branford, Duke Delphine often spoke words that did not match his position and status. Yet sometimes his eyes were filled with an unidentifiable yearning.
That’s why Marquis Branford couldn’t understand Duke Delphine.
It was the same when they clashed with the Duke Faction. He had no clue what the Duke was thinking.
He simply forcefully understood that he must have changed over the years.
“It’s fine. I must have misjudged him. A lot of time has passed, after all.”
Decades were enough time for a person to change. And the Duke had already become an enemy of the kingdom.
There was no need to try to understand someone incomprehensible. He didn’t show up, so even if he wanted to know, he couldn’t.
Who held the real power and what intentions they harbored no longer mattered.
“Everyone is already aware that the Duke Faction aims to seize the kingdom. They just pretend on both sides not to mention it. After all, no one would fail to anticipate that a civil war would erupt in the worst-case scenario.”
At the sharp words of Marquis Branford, Count Proud offered a bittersweet smile.
“But how many will die is another matter.”
“I won’t give up honor out of fear of death.”
“Even if countless people die in the war for the kingdom?”
“Is it just that?”
At those words, Marquis Branford looked at him with a cold expression.
“Even if everyone in this kingdom dies, the Duke will never become king.”
“What value does that have? Does that mean the royal family is more important than the lives of the people?”
“That is my duty,” Count Proud gritted his teeth and replied.
“Your Excellency, is there anything you can do in this kingdom without your commands? You are already like the king of this kingdom.”
“……”
“The King has been bedridden with illness, and the royal family has long turned to a mere puppet, hasn’t it? The moment the owner of that position changes, we can shed less blood.”
“Shut up!”
Bang!
Marquis Branford smashed the armrest of his chair and glared at Count Proud with a terrifying gaze as he continued.
“There are only wolfish scoundrels in this kingdom, and that is why I am trying to protect the royal family. If I don’t, no one else will be able to.”
“……”
“Tell the Duke plainly. If he surrenders that ambition and retreats, I too will step down from this position. If he turns against the royal family, I will fight to the end. Do you understand?”
“……I understand.”
Count Proud slowly bowed his head and withdrew.
Marquis Branford is known as a person of iron and blood. In fact, he thought that no words would reach him.
This was the last negotiation and persuasion.
“Phew……”
Once Count Proud left, Marquis Branford let out a deep breath.
He knew well how he was viewed by the world.
The most powerful person in the kingdom—someone who is not a king but holds a king-like position.
He wields such power that even the next king must seek his approval to ascend the throne.
Though it was not his intention, there was no choice but to do it to protect the royal family. Perhaps history would record him as a traitor.
“I’m getting old.”
Fatigue came more easily than before. It must be the aftereffects of being involved in politics for so long.
It was about time to properly raise an heir. His son, the military commander in the east, did not satisfy him.
‘Ghislaine Perdium…’
Strangely enough, whenever he thought of an heir, that guy popped into his mind. It wasn’t like he had pushed for him to that extent.
Although he remained nervous and uncertain, he couldn’t shake the thought that there was no one as capable as him.
‘If only he would remain loyal to the royal family…’
At that thought, Marquis Branford chuckled softly.
“There’s no way he would do that.”
Yes, even from every angle, he didn’t seem like that kind of person. On the contrary, Ghislaine seemed like someone who would overthrow the royal family if things didn’t go his way.
“Sigh…”
A sigh escaped him naturally. Neither of these guys seemed to be without their issues.
‘If only I could bring down the Duke Faction…’
At that moment, he thought it would be better to step down. That was Marquis Branford’s little wish.
*
Duke Delphine Faction.
No one really knows who his ancestor was.
There were theories suggesting he was a brother of the founding king of Ruthania, a descendant of a collateral branch, and even a reliable minister. There are even ridiculous stories that he is a descendant of the dragon that protected Ruthania.
The reason there are only theories is that all related documents have been lost.
For a very long time, the Duke Faction has been a Duke Faction. The master of the Delphine Duke Faction has always received treatment equivalent to that of royalty. That was the custom.
The dukedom occupies a massive area, taking up half of the southern region. It is said to be a blessed land rich in numerous resources.
The Duchy of Erlhardt occupies such a vast area that it stretches across half of the southern lands. It’s known as a blessed land, rich in numerous resources.
The Duke’s family has historically cultivated immense power based on this fertile land. But no one dared to threaten the royal family or covet the throne.
In fact, the owners of the Duke’s lineage have always shied away from public appearances, almost living in hiding.
Hence, various rumors circulated and faded over time, but the Duke remained silent.
Until this generation’s Duke revealed his ambitions.
At the center of the Duchy stands a massive, resplendent white castle. This is where the Duke resides—’Eclipse.’
In the core of the castle lies a place known as the Hall of Glory. Its ceiling is taller than that of any other castle’s banquet hall.
As a result, anyone entering the Hall of Glory couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by its overwhelming height.
In the center of the hall, there is a high platform with only one lavish chair on it.
Only the master of the Delphine Duchy is allowed to sit in this throne.
“So, Harold has been defeated?”
From this chair, a man resting his chin in his hand with his eyes closed spoke. His soft, gentle voice echoed through the hall.
With snow-white skin and flowing black hair, he looked like a youthful beauty. This was none other than the master of the Duke’s house, Erlhardt Delphine.
Remarkably, his appearance had not aged a day from his younger self, the kingdom’s most handsome man who had made many ladies’ hearts flutter.
If Marquis Branford were to see him now, he would be utterly astonished. The last time they met, the Duke looked like he was entering middle age.
It was absurd that a Duke, known for not having mastered any swordsmanship or magic, could regain his youth.
However, the Duke’s retainers all accepted this as a natural occurrence, having witnessed the Duke gradually becoming younger.
To Erlhardt’s question, Raoul, the brain of the Duke’s house, slightly bowed his head.
“Yes, it appears he has been defeated by Count Penris.”
“Penris… That’s a name I’ve been hearing frequently lately. Is he quite capable?”
“I apologize. I wasn’t able to properly assess his abilities.”
Erlhardt nodded a few times at Raoul’s apology. He still had his eyes closed, a smile lingering on his lips.
Under the suffocating weight of his presence, Erlhardt slowly opened his mouth again.
“Kayen, I’ve heard you have met a boy named Ghislaine in person. What was he like?”
Beside the Duke stood a middle-aged man with eyes sharp as a lion and a build as massive as a tower.
This man was none other than Count Kayen Valjack, known as the Kingdom’s Greatest Sword, a swordmaster.
He had met Ghislaine while wearing a mask at a banquet hosted by the Branford Marquis.
“Yes, Your Grace. He appeared unmatched for his age. Considering his achievements, it’s not an exaggeration to call him a genius. Given more time, no one will be able to rival him easily.”
“I see.”
That was all the response Erlhardt gave. A momentary curiosity, nothing more.
A heavy silence fell upon the hall again. Everyone held their breaths. After a moment, Erlhardt slowly spoke again.
“Raoul.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“I know the pleasure of waiting for a gift. That is why I entrusted everything to you and have waited until now. Yet… I find myself feeling a bit parched.”
“Those who know the joy of waiting for a gift are rare. That’s why I’ve entrusted everything to you and waited until now. But… now, I’m feeling a little thirsty.”
“I’m sorry, Your Highness.”
Raoul bowed his head, sweating profusely. He had commanded everything up to this point, so the responsibility fell squarely on him.
And the reason for that was simple.
“Ghislaine Perdium… I should have killed that bastard back then.”
The scheme that had been carefully arranged for so long was starting to unravel because of that one Ghislaine. Anger surged within him.
Because Harold’s defeat led to the loss of the greatest power in the North. The only consolation was that Amelia, supported by Harold, had taken Raybold.
However, the momentum of Penris had now surpassed Raybold. To reclaim the North, they would need more time and strength.
Ernhardt slowly opened his eyes. The narrowed pupils gave off a chilling vibe, reminiscent of a reptile on the hunt.
“Raoul, have your thoughts not changed yet?”
“Taking the kingdom is easier than flipping a palm. But there’s still too much to do afterward. It won’t do us any good to deplete our talent and troops right now.”
Ernhardt chuckled dismissively at Raoul’s desperate persuasion.
“Haven’t you already lost Harold and the North?”
“There are still those who remain. Since Harold successfully sparked Raybold’s rebellion…”
“Tsk tsk, you are still fixated on trivial matters.”
Ernhardt interrupted Raoul, sounding bored. To him, occupying the kingdom was merely a ‘small task.’
But Raoul couldn’t rebut that claim. The Duke truly regarded most worldly affairs as insignificant.
“When should I expect to wait until?”
“…If you give me just a little more time, I will have everything finished.”
“Alright, if that’s what you desire. There is still plenty of time.”
There was no impatience on Ernhardt’s face. He remained leisurely as always, entrusting everything to Raoul.
“If you have nothing more to say, you may leave.”
“…We have received a message from ‘them.'”
“What is it?”
“They said they would send someone who could be of help. They claim these knights are quite skilled. They will operate under the guise of our people.”
Ernhardt slightly nodded, still wearing an uninterested expression.
“Take care of it.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Now, you may all leave.”
At the Duke’s command, everyone departed, leaving only Count Kayen Valjack beside him. Only he could stay by the Duke’s side.
But Ernhardt gestured to Kayen as well.
“You should also leave today.”
“Your Highness…”
“I want to be alone.”
With that command, Kayen also nodded slightly and exited the room.
Swish.
Once no one remained, the curtains were drawn, and all the lights went out. Soon, the Hall of Glory was devoid of any light or presence.
In that eerily silent space, Ernhardt maintained a moment of silence before muttering softly.
“…I hope that ‘day’ comes soon.”
In the thick darkness, only Ernhardt’s eyes flickered with ominous light.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
