The Failure Marquis Is A Genius [EN]: Chapter 100

Chapter 13: The Summons: The Urged Scoundrel

South-central Arnia Continent.

An abandoned ruin.

The basement of a half-collapsed castle.

A familiar round table is visible.

As everyone knows, this is where the heads of Twilight regularly meet.

Gluttony, in the form of a small boy.

Wrath, in the form of a tall giant.

Lust, in the form of a blonde beauty.

Pride, in the form of a skeletal lich.

Finally, Sloth, with purple hair identical to Zion and wearing revealing clothing, and the Twilight Cult Leader, wrapped tightly in a gray hood, were seated.

Originally, all eight chairs, including the cult leader’s, should have been occupied, but for some reason, only six people were seated.

Perhaps that’s why.

The atmosphere in the conference room was heavy.

“So, what happened to Greed?”

Gluttony, who was, as always, fiddling with his game console and earning a glare from the cult leader, grumbled.

“Sloth, you must know. All the news of the continent reaches your ears.”

All eyes turned to Sloth, who runs ‘Black Night,’ the most prominent information guild on the continent.

Her beautiful lips moved slowly.

“There have been many times when Greed has lost contact before.”

“But he’s never been out of touch for this long, has he?”

“So, from what I’ve gathered…”

“Gathered?”

“He is presumed dead.”

Gluttony closed his mouth at Sloth’s conclusion.

The Twilight Cult Leader continued to ask.

“Is he really dead?”

“The body hasn’t been found, but it’s almost certain.”

“Have you found out who the culprit is?”

“After some digging, Tom was seen in Liang around the time of his disappearance. The evidence points to him.”

Wrath’s booming voice echoed.

“Tom… That’s the first time I’ve heard that name.”

“A gypsy who calls himself a Pilgrim.”

“Is that the guy who carries around junk?”

“That’s right.”

Unlike Wrath, whose memory was hazy, the Twilight Cult Leader remembered Tom in detail.

“If it’s Tom, he’s one of the Seven Stars [a group of powerful individuals].”

“That’s right. Greed was also from a gypsy background, so there must have been some bad blood between them.”

“Did he settle a grudge?”

“That’s the current assumption.”

The Twilight Cult Leader, who was tapping the table with his fingertips, spat out a word.

“Following Envy, even Greed died in vain… This is truly disappointing.”

Whoooooooo

As gravity intensified, the ground cracked like a parched wasteland. [This is a metaphor for the Cult Leader’s immense power and anger.]

The entire castle shook, and stone debris rained down from the ceiling.

The Seven Apostles, their faces pale from the suffocating pressure, barely endured.

How much time had passed?

The moment that felt like an eternity passed.

The energy that had been constricting his whole body vanished.

“I hope I never have to doubt your abilities again. If something similar happens again, I will consider replacing the apostles.”

“We will keep that in mind, Cult Leader.”

“Cult Leader~ Don’t worry. Greed and Envy were just too stupid to get caught. Hohoho!”

Pride answered calmly, and Lust tried to lighten the mood with a flirtatious tone.

Sloth, Wrath, and Gluttony also nodded heavily.

“Let’s move on to the next item on the agenda. How are the Druid search and the Golden Branch exploration progressing?”

The ultimate goal of the Twilight Church is the resurrection of the Demon King Baal, who was sealed 20 years ago.

To this end, the executives regarded the Golden Branch as the key to unlocking the seal and were searching the entire continent.

For reference, the Golden Branch is the key to unlocking the seal of the Heavenly Demon, not Baal’s seal. [This highlights the Cult’s misinformation or misdirection.]

Along with the Golden Branch, the Druid search was also being carried out.

This was due to the Twilight Cult Leader’s claim that Druids could sense the location of the Golden Branch from birth.

This was a baseless rumor, but the Twilight Cult Leader issued the order nonetheless.

Listening to the cult leader, Lust stepped forward.

“I searched the Theocracy of Belanus thoroughly, but I couldn’t find the Golden Branch or any Druids. It doesn’t seem to be in the Theocracy.”

Next was Sloth’s turn.

“The Calon Empire is vast, making a complete search difficult, but I’ve mobilized all information networks. Unless the Emperor is hiding it, it’s not in the capital. We’re expanding the search to the outskirts.”

Pride, Gluttony, and Wrath added their reports.

“It wasn’t in the autonomous territory I rule. If there was a Golden Branch in the land where the undead roam, it would have been easily noticeable.”

“I’ve been letting the beasts loose to search the southwestern part of the continent, but I haven’t found it.”

“I am the gatekeeper who guards this place, so I have never moved, Cult Leader.”

The Twilight Cult Leader, who had received the reports from the executives, tilted his chin.

“The day of the end is approaching. Do not slow down the search. Remember that the moment you collect all the Golden Branches is the day the church’s long-cherished desire will be fulfilled.”

“”Yes!!””

The corners of the Twilight Cult Leader’s lips curled up slightly.

“That’s not all. Who was it? There was that brat who helped Karina of the Crimson Flame catch Envy, wasn’t there?”

Silence lingered in the conference room.

Sloth’s mouth fell open.

“Henon.”

“That’s right. That was his name. What happened to him?”

“Greed was supposed to take care of it, but he was caught, so there is no one to take on the mission.”

“Hmm, that’s how it is.”

“He’s too insignificant for the wise and great Cult Leader to pay attention to. Anyway, his father is one of the Seven Stars, so it’s risky to touch him. Let’s deal with him later.”

“Psycho unni [a playful term for ‘older sister’ or ‘woman’], leave that to me.”

Suddenly, Lust intervened.

She licked her lips, struck a suggestive pose, and smirked.

“I just got an interesting tip in our Theocracy. It seems like I can deal with that guy this time.”

Sloth paused.

She is always expressionless.

A face without any emotions.

She asked indifferently.

“Can I know what it is?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Then Henon’s case is entrusted to Lust.”

“Yes~ Cult Leader~ Just leave it to me.”

The meeting ended.

The executives left one by one.

When Wrath left, only the Twilight Cult Leader remained.

“Hehehe, it’s really soon. I can feel it. Baal’s agitation wriggling in the northeast.”

The Twilight Cult Leader, laughing eerily, lowered himself to the floor and began to sink downwards.

As if falling into water, he slowly descended, until his whole body merged with the floor and disappeared.

In the empty conference room, only a cold gust of wind blew.

* * *

After finishing the Elf War, I returned to Lloyd’s Marquisate as a triumphant hero.

Now, it’s an annual event for the territory residents to line up to welcome me whenever I arrive.

The suspicious glances have faded, and because I’ve been so successful since the Territory War, their eyes are filled with trust and admiration.

The family members in the Marquisate’s inner castle were just as welcoming.

Butler Sebastian greeted me with a pleased expression, and the soldiers and servants stared at me with admiration, while some maids stared at me blankly.

Because of this, Zion, my personal maid, was also treated like a celebrity.

A group of women followed Zion around, eager to get information about me.

Of course, it was a nuisance to Zion, who dedicates all her time to swordsmanship training except for her daily duties.

I’m currently in the office.

Facing Marquis Lloyd.

On the table was a teacup with warm steam rising from it.

“You did a great job this time too.”

Marquis Lloyd said.

“It was nothing.”

“To be honest, I knew you would regain Molt City because of your abilities. But I didn’t know you would go even further.”

“Are you talking about occupying the Elves’ base and stopping Grand Elder Richard’s plot?”

“That achievement is shocking, but more than anything, it’s amazing that you won over the other lords, including Viscount Piento. It must have been difficult with so many stubborn people.”

I clenched my fist tightly and shook it.

“Regardless of status, origin, or bloodline, everything becomes equal when you put this in front of their faces,” I said, likely referring to wealth or power.

“Euhahahahaha!!! Well done! That’s my son.”

He held his stomach and laughed heartily, wiping the tears from his eyes when he calmed down.

“Thank you so much. This Elven insurgency was a crisis for the entire family. Internal enemies who doubted the Lloyd family’s line of succession and external enemies who attacked the territory were carrying out pincer operations.”

I agreed with the Marquis’s assessment.

The future of the family depended on the achievements made in this war.

If I had scored 50 points, I would have gotten a result worth 50 points, and if I had scored 70 points, I would have gotten a result worth 70 points, but I came back with a score of 200 points on a 100-point test.

It’s far beyond expectations, completely eliminating any potential dissent within the Marquisate, including the subordinate families.

“I’ve been thinking carefully about what reward to give you for your success.”

“I’ve only done what is natural as the heir to the Marquisate. A reward? I’m embarrassed.”

Of course, it was just a formality, and inside, I was eager to see what kind of gift I would receive.

“You’re right. You’ll inherit everything from me anyway. And you seem to have plenty of money. So, I was worried for a long time.”

He got up from the sofa, picked up a book from the desk, and placed it in front of me.

“What is this?”

“Do you remember the sparring we had before?”

“Of course.”

It would be strange if I didn’t remember.

Before leaving for Liang, I sparred with Marquis Lloyd several times.

At the time, even with both of us at full strength, I couldn’t even swing my sword properly and lost.

The reason was the ‘domain’ created by Marquis Lloyd. [A ‘domain’ is likely a specialized skill or technique.]

My father, who had lost his leg and retired from active duty, built a domain with his sword to overcome his weaknesses, and I couldn’t find a way to counter it.

Later, I asked the Heavenly Demon for a solution, but only received a vague answer that I should create a domain in the same way.

“I recently heard from Sebastian that your swordsmanship skills have improved even further. Now, you are on par with Sebastian in swordsmanship.”

“Butler Sebastian has been very generous. He is always humble and quick to praise others.”

“How many years have you spent with Sebastian? Would he say something he doesn’t mean just to be polite? There must be a good reason.”

The Marquis continued, after catching his breath.

“So, I judged that the time has come for you to seriously explore a new realm, and I have compiled my insights on the domain into a book.”

Oh my gosh.

Is it a secret manual?

It even contains the essence of a Sword Master.

That’s priceless.

Because a Sword Master wouldn’t sell their swordsmanship secrets, honed throughout their life, just because they were short of money.

“I don’t know how to react.”

“Just accept it gratefully. Seeing your expression, I’m proud that it seems to be of some help.”

Looking at Marquis Lloyd, who was smiling kindly, the events that happened in the Elves’ Sanctuary suddenly flashed through my mind.

“Father, I found an unexpected letter while searching Grand Elder Richard’s quarters.”

I told Marquis Lloyd the truth about the vile deal between Grand Elder Richard and Count Hilton.

In addition, I submitted the letter as evidence.

Marquis Lloyd’s face contorted as he carefully read the letter.

“That David has finally crossed the line. No wonder the Elves attacked as soon as I deployed troops to the territory border. I thought the timing was suspicious.”

“I guess even Father didn’t expect it.”

“There was a reason for that. I thought the Hilton family was holding a military demonstration for a different reason.”

“Did you think it was revenge for the Territory War surrounding Albus Castle last winter?”

“There’s that too…”

The Marquis, who trailed off, suddenly changed the subject.

“Henon, you must be tired from traveling a long way.”

Why would he ask about my condition after talking about the Hilton family?

“I’ve been through a lot, but I’m fine. My stamina has already recovered.”

“That’s a relief.”

“But why are you asking?”

“Can’t a father ask about his son’s condition?”

“That’s right. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Okay.”

A moment of awkward silence followed.

Marquis Lloyd, who had been coughing repeatedly, finally revealed his true feelings.

“Ahem, actually, there’s something I want you to do.”

That’s right.

He probably felt awkward asking me to work again so soon after my return.

“Don’t worry about it and tell me. I’m more uncomfortable this way.”

After urging him several times, Marquis Lloyd brought up the matter.

The content was so surprising that it was one of the most shocking things to happen since I came to this world.

“Go to the Royal Capital. His Majesty the King has summoned you. And meet Princess Rebecca as well.”