The Failure Marquis Is A Genius [EN]: Chapter 113

15. Accusation: The Accused Scoundrel

Central Arnia Continent.

The Holy State of Bellanus.

This nation, an autonomous territory within the Calon Empire, was founded by followers of the Bellanus faith.

Though smaller than the Elden Kingdom, its history spans over a thousand years.

Above all, the Bellanus faith boasts the largest number of followers on the continent, granting it such influence that even the Calon Empire hesitates to interfere.

The Holonium Grand Cathedral, located in the very center of the Holy State of Bellanus, stands as a testament to this power.

The massive cathedral, built in the Baroque architectural style, exuded a sense of pristine grandeur, its large circular dome a defining feature.

Believers of the Holy State, deeply reverent, visited this cathedral multiple times a day to repent for their sins or praise the greatness of their God.

Deep within the Holonium Cathedral lies a restricted area, off-limits to ordinary believers, where a spacious prayer room is found.

The room was lavishly adorned with expensive ornaments and luxurious furniture, seemingly defying the notion of ‘simplicity’ often associated with religious devotion.

Notably absent were statues of God or sacred objects typically found in a cathedral, blurring the line between a prayer room and a luxurious noble’s chamber.

In the middle of this opulence, a young woman was half-lying on a plush leather sofa, drinking alcohol straight from the bottle.

“When is he coming?”

She grumbled, her posture far from dignified, restlessly rolling around until a knock echoed through the room, finally prompting her to rise.

Knock knock.

The man who entered was a middle-aged archbishop dressed in pure white clerical robes.

With a dignified yet approachable demeanor, he perfectly embodied the image of an archbishop.

However, the words that followed were shocking, considering the setting.
The woman’s identity was the Saintess.

The only figure in the Bellanus faith with power comparable to the Pope, and the continent’s only Saintess, revered by all.

It was Refli, standing right in front of him.

“Hey, Francis. Why are you so late? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

The Saintess’s words and actions were unbecoming of a woman held in such high esteem.

Especially considering that Archbishop Francis was nearing sixty years old.

Despite having every reason to be offended, the Archbishop instead knelt before the Saintess with a fearful expression, readily obeying.

“I’m sorry. I was instructed not to disturb Father Johann during his training, so it took some time to summon him.”

“Has your work been subpar lately?”

“I’m sorry.”

The Saintess Refli, displeased by Archbishop Francis’s deep bow, cut to the chase.

“I have a mission for you.”

“Tell me your orders.”

“Go to the Elden Kingdom.”

The Archbishop’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Elden, you say?”

“Yes.”

“What am I to do there?”

“There’s a brat named Henon. Frame him for being possessed by a demon, and then have Johann judge him.”

It was an unbelievable statement coming from the mouth of a Saintess, a figure supposedly dedicated to praising God.

What was even more surprising was Archbishop Francis’s reaction.

Even after hearing the plan to murder someone, his expression remained unchanged, almost disturbingly calm.

It was as if he had orchestrated such conspiracies countless times before.

“Is there any external assistance?”

“The Hilton family will handle setting the stage. You simply need to wield the sword.”

“I will follow your orders.”

The Archbishop bowed his head.

Suddenly, a strange phrase escaped his lips.

“Everything is according to Baal’s will.”

And the Saintess responded in kind.

“Everything is according to Baal’s will. The Advent [the arrival or appearance of a notable person, thing, or event] is not far off. The Twilight Church’s long-cherished desire is just around the corner, so work diligently.”

“I will keep that in mind. ‘Lust’.”

That’s right.

The woman was Lust, one of the seven executives of the Twilight Church.

“Now that we’ve discussed everything, shall we go meet our cute Johann?”

Lust Refli wiped off her heavy makeup with water, revealing her bare face.

After tying up her flowing blonde hair, she donned a Saintess robe that covered her entire body, replacing the tunic that had revealed her skin.

She left the prayer room with Archbishop Francis and entered the adjacent chamber.

The next room was also a prayer room.

However, while the size was the same, the atmosphere was drastically different from the previous room.

Filled with sacred objects and statues of God, the solemn sound of an organ playing hymns from beyond the wall created a truly sacred atmosphere.

“Saintess, have you arrived?”

There was a guest in the prayer room.

A giant man, easily reaching 2 meters in height.

Johann, an Inquisitor and Executioner who accounted for more than half of the Bellanus Holy State’s military power.

“Brother, it’s wonderful to see you. Witnessing your magnificent presence, I can’t help but feel that this is also a blessing from Bellanus.”

Lust displayed an entirely different demeanor from the one she had exhibited in the previous room.

The image of her praising Baal while drunk had vanished completely, replaced by a devout woman solely devoted to Bellanus.

And Johann’s eyes, as he gazed upon Lust, were filled with respect and admiration.

“Oh, incarnation of the great Bellanus. Seeing you fills my inner spirit.”

“I, too, began the day with joy. But what am I to do? Today, while I was praying, I received news that would sadden Bellanus.”

Johann’s pupils dilated at Refli’s words.

“What are you talking about?”

“I heard that a person possessed by a demon has appeared in a small, remote country in the east.”

“Oh, dear!”

“So I was crying endlessly, even while praying.”

Tears like jade beads streamed from Refli’s eyes.

Her acting was so convincing that anyone unaware of the truth would have been deeply moved.

Johann, equating the Saintess’s sadness with the sorrow of the Bellanus faith, pounded his chest and flew into a rage.

“Where is this place? Just send me! This Johann will demonstrate the fiery wrath of Bellanus on behalf of the Saintess.”

“Should I ask you to…?”

“Of course. Just leave it to me, Saintess.”

“You, who participated in the final battle twenty years ago and are now a Seven Star [likely a high-ranking member or elite warrior], I can trust you, correct? Bellanus will surely recognize your hard work, brother.”

Johann, deeply moved by the Saintess’s words, kissed a sacred object and made the sign of the cross on his chest.

“Glory to Bellanus!”

“Glory!”

“I will surely eradicate the evil forces and return.”

“Please, brother. Go with Brother Francis.”

“I understand.”

Johann and Francis left the prayer room.

Just before departing, the Saintess and the Archbishop exchanged meaningful glances.

Francis subtly rolled up his sleeve.

On his forearm was engraved a seven-pointed star with a red eye in the center.

It was the mark of the Twilight [likely referring to the Twilight Church mentioned earlier].

* * *

Elden Kingdom.

Fontano, the capital.

The rumor that I had been chosen as Princess Rebecca’s final consort sent shockwaves throughout the entire kingdom.

The nobles and wealthy merchants, who had naturally expected Baron Charlie Hilton to become the consort, were stunned.

On the other hand, the majority of commoners were overjoyed to hear that I had become the consort and even celebrated with parties.

“An illegitimate child demon slayer becomes the consort. It’s a real rags-to-riches story.”

“Even a fairy tale would be criticized if it were written like this. Lord Lloyd is truly amazing.”

“Still, it’s a relief. Since he’s an illegitimate child, he’ll be different from the nobles who have grown up privileged since birth. I think he’ll understand the hardships of us commoners well.”

The most enthusiastic were the bards [traveling poets and musicians].

Like entertainment magazine reporters, they churned out songs praising me daily, with only slight variations in the lyrics.

The name Henon Lloyd slowly but surely permeated the lives of the Elden Kingdom’s people through the songs sung in every tavern.

Meanwhile.

Andre’s mansion.

The inside of the house was so cluttered with gifts from numerous nobles that it was difficult to move.

Originally, Andre had few servants in his mansion because he had not resided in the capital for an extended period.

However, with the spread of rumors that I had been chosen as the final consort and was currently staying at Andre’s mansion, everyone began sending gifts and letters.

As a result, the maids and servants tasked with managing this influx were working tirelessly, with dark circles under their eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s nothing. We are all working happily.”

Andre’s response.

Andre had always believed that his talkative and friendly personality was his greatest strength, but he discovered another one during this time.

He was quite clever, and as soon as he received the gifts, he meticulously recorded who sent what and its estimated value.

The nobles’ letters were also categorized into pro-imperial and anti-imperial factions, ranked by influence, and different replies were drafted accordingly.

This type of work was beyond Sion, who was a maid, and Campbell, who was a mercenary, making Andre’s assistance invaluable to me.

“I will definitely repay this favor.”

“You already saved my life from the bandits last time. That’s more than enough. More than that…”

Andre’s eyes flashed with a red aura, and he looked at me with an expectant expression.

“That… just a little…”

“I understand.”

As soon as I handed him a glass bottle filled with blood in advance, he eagerly snatched it and drank it all in one gulp.

Andre’s face was filled with ecstasy as he savored my blood.

“Really… even the Tears of the World Tree, which are only told in legends, or the nectar, which is said to be the drink of the gods, would not be better than this.”

Andre, having become a vampire, periodically drank blood from a glass bottle, and he strongly preferred my blood, being a druid’s [a member of the priestly class in ancient Celtic religions], to that of other people.

As for me, there was no reason to refuse a vampire who was thirsty for blood and willing to assist me so diligently.

In addition, the act of drawing blood was not a burden to me, given my rapid recovery of vitality, making this cooperation with the vampire quite beneficial.

“What’s so special about my blood?”

“Not only does it taste good, but the energy I absorb is different from when I drink other people’s blood. It’s as if I’m growing stronger with each drink.”

“I see. I’ll leave four individual warehouses stocked with glass bottles containing about three years’ worth of blood. If the storage runs out, come and get more.”

“Thank you.”

After finishing the conversation with Andre.

Count Hornet, whom I would be seeing frequently in the future, came to find me as soon as day broke.

“The Princess is calling for you, Consort.”

He bowed his head to me, clad in golden armor.

It was a gesture of respect for my position as consort.

I entered the palace in a royal-only eight-horse carriage, adorned with a soaring unicorn carved on the front.

Princess Rebecca, who had been waiting in anticipation, rushed to me as soon as she saw me and grasped my hands.

“You’ve come. Lord. No, I’ve decided to call you Henon.”

“You look well.”

“Of course. Because the man who understands my heart best has become my partner. I couldn’t feel any better.”

She wore a dreamy expression.

When I handed her a box full of blood, her joy doubled.

“I think I’ve become someone who can’t live without you now.”

“Don’t say things that people will misunderstand if they overhear.”

“But it’s true, isn’t it?”

Rebecca grabbed a glass bottle and drank the blood.

Her body trembled with each swallow, and her cheeks flushed, indicating her genuine enjoyment of my blood.

She even licked the blood from her lips cleanly and stared at me intently.

She was already a beautiful woman, and her provocative glances were undeniably alluring.

However, there was a more pressing matter to discuss.

“Rebecca, let’s discuss the future.”

“Ah… that’s right. We should.”

A slightly disappointed expression crossed her face.

What was she expecting?

“Now that you’ve become a vampire, your stamina and intelligence will have improved significantly. Ruling the kingdom will be no problem.”

“As you mentioned before, Henon, you won’t be involved at all?”

“Yes. The kingdom will be solely under your rule. I’m occupied with governing the Marquisate [a territory ruled by a marquis].”

Rebecca is a well-prepared monarch and will excel even with my limited involvement.

Furthermore, her success will reinforce the idea that women are capable of holding political power.

This will help to challenge the closed-minded thinking prevalent among the people of the Elden Kingdom.

“Henon, everything is wonderful, but there is one thing that concerns me.”

“What is it?”

“You will primarily reside in the Marquisate, while I will remain with the royal family. Will we hardly ever see each other?”

Rebecca’s face fell, resembling a dejected rabbit, worried about becoming separated like the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd [a reference to a Chinese folktale about lovers separated by the Milky Way].

I gently stroked her head and reassured her.

“I’ve already considered that.”

I possess numerous ancient artifacts that Pilgrim Tom gifted me previously, even if no one else does.

Among them is a wormhole generator capable of instantaneous long-distance travel, which I plan to install in both the royal family’s residence and the Lloyd Marquisate, allowing us to travel back and forth at will.

Upon hearing this explanation, Rebecca was overjoyed at the prospect of seeing me every day.

“That’s a relief! That’s truly a relief!”

How did I become so close to the princess of a country?

Originally, my intention was simply to greet Rebecca and establish a rapport.

Just as I was contemplating the unpredictable nature of life, Count Hornet strode over from afar.

I sensed that something unusual had occurred, judging by his stiff expression.

“Uncle Hornet? Did I summon you?”

Rebecca tilted her head in confusion.

Count Hornet, looking at her, spoke with a heavy heart.

“Princess, His Majesty the King has passed away.”

* * *

Alfonso de Ariadne Elden, 41 years old.

Died at the age of 65.

The kingdom, which had been in a festive mood due to the selection of the consort, was suddenly plunged into mourning.

On the day of his death, the people of the capital closed their shops without exception and prostrated themselves, facing the royal castle and wailing.

The funeral was held at the royal palace.

All the nobles residing in the capital attended.

Even those who received the news late from the provinces joined in, and the funeral hall was overflowing with attendees.

Major nobles, including Marquis Lloyd and Count Hilton, did not attend due to their high status, but instead expressed their condolences in writing.

“His late Majesty was the true light and hope that illuminated Elden, and we were able to spend decades in peace under His Majesty’s benevolent rule…”

The minister officiating the funeral continued the memorial address, and the nobles lined up in turn to offer white chrysanthemums.

Princess Rebecca and I, as the newly appointed consort, also completed the offering and took our seats in the upper section.

Once the offering was concluded, there would be a three-day period of mourning with the coffin placed in the royal palace before the funeral procession.

However, before that, the king’s last will would be announced, and the task of reading the will fell to Count Hornet, the captain of the royal guard and the king’s closest confidant.

“I, Alfonso, sensing that I do not have much time left to live, write this will…”

As the time for the reading of the will approached, all the nobles in the hall perked up their ears.

The content was lengthy.

It lasted for nearly three hours.

The primary focus was on the distribution of the king’s personal property.

“I bequeath the golden candlestick to Baron Roden, 200 majigi [currency] from the royal fief to Baron Radne, and I present the silver cup that my beloved cousin, Baroness Audrey, often used during her lifetime…”

The reading was extensive, but everyone patiently focused on the content until the very end.

Traditionally, the most important part of the will was revealed at the conclusion.

“Lastly… my beloved daughter Rebecca and the newly appointed consort, Lord Henon Lloyd.”

Finally, the main point.

“I do not wish for my funeral to be held in an atmosphere of sadness and depression. One ending can signify a new beginning. I reiterate that Lord Henon Lloyd is a clear and legitimate member of the Elden royal family, and I desire that Rebecca’s coronation and Lord Lloyd’s appointment ceremony as the royal consort be held simultaneously during my funeral.”

I understood the king’s intentions.

Currently, my position as consort was somewhat precarious.

This was due to the fact that a number of pro-imperial nobles, including the Hilton family, did not recognize the legitimacy of the selection ceremony.

In light of this, the king should have intervened to solidify my position, but his sudden death prevented him from doing so. Therefore, he urged the swift execution of the coronation ceremony, even in his will.

Regardless of the underlying circumstances, once the coronation and appointment ceremony were held, it would become exceedingly difficult to remove me.

Count Hornet also seemed to have been informed in advance, and as soon as he finished reading the will, he looked at me and Rebecca and announced.

“…With that, I conclude the reading of the will. In accordance with the last wishes of the late King, Princess Rebecca and Lord Lloyd should immediately begin preparations for the coronation and appointment ceremony.”

Everyone in the hall rose to their feet, ready to cheer for Rebecca, who was about to become the new sun of Elden.

Rebecca also straightened her posture.

Meanwhile, I turned my gaze towards Charlie Hilton, who was sitting with his legs crossed among the pro-imperial nobles.

‘That guy is definitely not going to remain silent.’

I knew the Hilton family too well.

Based on my experiences thus far, that family was not the type to passively watch a rival family seize power.

Just as the minister who had prepared the congratulatory speech for the coronation ceremony was about to step onto the platform.

The very thing I had feared occurred.

Charlie Hilton, who had remained quiet throughout the funeral, suddenly jumped up and pointed directly at me.

“Henon Lloyd! You are not qualified to be the consort, let alone the royal consort!!”

Was that so?

In an instant, the hall was filled with murmurs, and the atmosphere was shattered.

Count Hornet, who was overseeing the event, frowned and spoke.

“Baron Charlie Hilton, your words and actions are difficult to comprehend. Are you acting out because you were not chosen as the consort?”

“How could that be? I no longer harbor any desire for the position of consort or royal consort. I am simply concerned that an atrocious individual will control the fate of the country, and I am thinking only of the future of the Elden Kingdom.”
Count Hornet was furious.

“To call the prospective royal consort who will stand beside Queen Rebecca in the future an atrocious individual!! Apologize immediately for your rudeness!”

Charlie, hearing the Count’s roar, raised the corners of his mouth and gave a peculiar sneer.

And then he responded to the Count’s words.

His answer was enough to turn the royal palace upside down.

“In this gathering of esteemed individuals, I accuse Lord Henon Lloyd of being possessed by a demon.”