The Failure Marquis Is A Genius [EN]: Chapter 169

20. Bloodline: The Kidnapped Scoundrel

As expected, Pahel reacts violently.

“Is forcing information out of people the Black Night’s way? That’s quite violent for someone who was just talking about paying the price.”

“You’re right. Pahel, calm down. You’re too worked up.”

At Sloth’s command, Pahel hesitated and sheathed his sword, but his eyes still burned with the desire for information.

“Do you know for sure who assassinated Empress Sandy?”

“I don’t know if it was a solo act or a joint effort, but they’re definitely involved.”

“That happened over a dozen years ago. How could you get that information? It’s hard to believe.”

“I found out using a Druid skill.”

“I can’t believe it.”

*If you can’t believe it, I’ll just have to make you believe it.*

This is Sloth’s space.

I placed my hand on the desk and activated the skill.

[Life Skill]

[Memory Recall]

I didn’t need to see much. I just checked what Sloth had eaten here for about a week and then deactivated the skill.

“Hmm… you had tomato soup yesterday. The day before, it was chicken legs and bread. You don’t like broccoli? I see you pushed it aside.”

Sloth, who had been half-lying down, straightened up.

“How did you know that?”

“I told you. Druid skill.”

“Can you really see into the past?”

“Not perfectly, but I can to some extent.”

“……”

Pahel, who was next to him, gaped.

“Someone who can see the past… Would you like to join our guild?”

“Nope.”

“Please?”

“Nope. I don’t want to.”

Anyway, I proved that I have the ability to uncover the Emperor’s assassin. Sloth spoke in a slow tone.

“I’ll believe the information you obtained. Who ordered the assassination?”

“You’re trying to get information for free?”

“As soon as you spit out the information, I will either pay the price or put the debt on the ledger.”

Sloth is a woman who is meticulous when it comes to calculations. I revealed the information as if I were paying in advance.

“The Emperor.”

“···Don’t lie.”

“It’s true. I don’t know if he did it alone or if someone influenced him, but the Emperor is involved in the assassination of Empress Sandy.”

*Thud.*

Pahel’s legs gave way, and he fell on his butt. *Well, the guy must be shocked. It’s like his own father ordered his mother’s assassination.*

“Think about it. Pahel, your very existence means that Empress Sandy died from assassination, not illness. But the Empire was strangely silent. They were too busy burying the case. Besides, the fact that the assassination was successful is also strange. The Empress of the Great Empire, who was quietly in the Imperial Palace, was killed by an assassin? There must have been hundreds of soldiers and knights guarding the place. This is impossible without the help of an insider, a key insider.”

As I pointed out each point, Pahel’s face darkened. *He must know it implicitly – that the Empress could not have died unless someone like the Emperor helped.*

“You’re also a member of the information guild, so you must have investigated your mother’s death extensively. Did you find any clues?”

“There was nothing conclusive.”

“Of course. It’s such an old case, and the person who ordered it was the Emperor, so it was possible to cover it up.”

“Why…”

In the end, Pahel arrived at the same conclusion as me: why the Emperor committed such a brutal act.

“Night Spider, I want to ask you for a favor in exchange for the information fee I just gave you.”

“I’ll listen to the request and then decide.”

“Looking at the situation, Pahel wants to know the Emperor’s motive for the murder, and so do we. So, I want you to arrange a meeting with the Emperor.”

Pahel tilted his head with a puzzled expression.

“I don’t know why you’re asking us. You can meet His Majesty the Emperor through the Sage on your side.”

“I left out one word. I want to meet him ‘forcibly’.”

When the word ‘forcibly’ was added, the meaning of the words completely changed. Sloth took a deep drag on her cigarette.

“Are you asking me to kidnap the Emperor?”

“That’s right.”

“Impossible.”

“What if we help?”

“……”

Of course, it’s not like I’m being impudent by asking only Black Night to kidnap the Emperor.

No matter how strong Sloth is, the opponent is the Emperor of the Empire. Pahel and Sloth alone can’t win, even if they die and are resurrected.

But what if my colleagues, including me, Old Man Orneo, Zion, and Campbell, all join in?

Everyone is a super expert about to become a master, and Old Man is a Seven Star [one of the strongest individuals in the world]. If you add Black Night’s intelligence, it might be possible.

Sloth seemed to be running a similar thought process as me. She knows how strong my total power is. What kind of conclusion will she come to?

“It’s not completely impossible… It’s very difficult, but there is a slim chance.”

“Really! You can kidnap His Majesty?”

Old Man Orneo jumped up in surprise.

“It’s just a hypothesis.”

Sloth’s explanation continued.

“Originally, catching the Emperor is close to impossible. He stays in the Imperial Palace all year round, so no matter how hard you hit him with all your strength, it won’t work.

But there is only one chance.

That’s on the first day of the New Year.

It is the day when the Emperor leaves the palace and goes out.

The Emperor, who suffers from dry skin every winter, has severe boils on his back and calls a doctor every day.

In particular, the pain becomes severe on the first day of the New Year, the end of winter, and the Emperor visits a hot spring a day away from the Imperial Capital to soak his body.

Even if it’s an outing, the Emperor’s procession is heavily guarded. Still, it’s less than when he’s in the Imperial Palace, so Sloth argued that it’s theoretically possible if you aim for a gap.”

“It’s just a theory. If even a slight variable occurs, it’s over.”

“It’s too reckless. It’s a problem even if it succeeds, and it’s a problem even if it fails. Let’s pretend this never happened.”

“But Sage, ask His Majesty the Emperor a hundred times. Will His Majesty admit it willingly? It would be fortunate if he didn’t confine the Sage to the tower.”

“I agree with Henon’s claim. If the Emperor is really behind the assassination of Empress Sandy, it will be difficult to hear the truth without kidnapping him.”

Orneo grabbed his head.

The old man, who had been loyal to the Empire all his life, couldn’t believe that he had to doubt the Emperor and even kidnap him.

“Is this really the only way?”

“That’s right.”

The discussion with the old man was roughly over. Now it’s time to coordinate the schedule with Black Night.

“I don’t care because I decided to do everything Pahel wants as much as possible. If Henon is okay with it, I will replace the information fee with assistance in the Emperor’s kidnapping.”

“Please do that.”

“Okay. Then let’s meet again in a month. By then, the first day of the New Year will be just around the corner.”

* * *

After meeting with Sloth.

A rumor spread that a desert kingdom that had raised troops in the south was heading north like a storm.

Originally, they were a strong people who survived in a barren environment. The pot-bellied Imperial army collapsed like scarecrows.

The public sentiment in the Empire became rapidly uneasy due to the rumor that ten fortresses and twenty territories in the south were devastated and the central and southern regions were engulfed in war.

As the desert kingdom continued to win, the conspiracy theory of Empress Sandy’s assassination, which had only been dismissed as slander by barbarians, was re-examined.

Some argued that there must be a reason why they were advancing so fiercely.

The Emperor remained silent on this, and the press continued to report that the rebellion of the desert kingdom would soon be suppressed.

Back again.

Currently, I was sitting cross-legged, contemplating my inner self.

[Mana Awakening Status.]

[Mixing Rate Status]

[Green Mana Awakening 66%] [↑33.0%]

[Blue Mana Awakening 70%] [↑37.0%]

[Dragon Blood Awakening 68%] [↑27.0%]

[Mixing Rate 60%] [↑20.0%]

I was steadily melting down the Mermaid King’s Orb and the Philosopher’s Stone left by Coco, which were coiled in my dantian [energy center].

As a result, the awakening of blue mana and dragon blood increased significantly, almost close to 30%. The 75% mark was just around the corner.

The awakening of green mana also increased.

It was after I became a top-class druid with the golden branch I obtained from the underwater city. I expect the awakening will continue to rise if I acquire additional golden branches.

Finally, the mixing rate rose from 50% to 60%.

The mixing rate is a numerical value that visually expresses the relationship between the three mana. The three types of energy are fusing smoothly.

Just as I was about to finish my mind training with a deep breath, the door opened and Zion came in.

“Young Master.”

“What’s going on?”

“Reinforcements have arrived.”

Finally, the guest I had been waiting for arrived. I got up and greeted them.

“It’s been a while, everyone.”

The people who came to me were Rakan, the leader of the Blue Falcon Mercenary Group, Aiden, the vice commander of the Liang Guard, and Amelia, who came all the way from the distant Eastern Great Forest.

Just like during the last attack on the Imperial Palace, I called them because I needed force, and thankfully, they came running right away.

Originally, it would take a long time to come to the Empire, but fortunately, they quickly came here using the wormhole generator installed in the Sage’s Tower.

Additionally, I was going to call Rebecca’s palace troops, the paladin Johann, who became friends in the Holy Nation, and Theodore and Prime Minister Ilina, who I met in the underwater city, but I held back.

“Lord! It’s been a while! You’ve become even more divine.”

“Commander, come visit Liang sometime. The mayor is eagerly waiting for you.”

“Sasha says hello.”

Aiden and Rakan greeted me happily, and even Amelia, who still had a cold attitude, nodded slightly. Everyone who was supposed to come had arrived.

“But what are we gathered here for?”

“It’s not a big deal. There’s one person I need to kidnap.”

“Who is it?”

“Emperor Calon of the Empire.”

“……”

Everyone is speechless.

Rakan asked several times, doubting his ears, and Aiden laughed like he was out of his mind. Amelia was still expressionless.

*If you’re this surprised by just this, what are you going to do when you catch the Twilight Cult Leader or the Demon King Baal later?*

Of course, there was no one who gave up or refused the mission. There were quite a few moments when they shared life and death with me.

“Really, it’s hard to keep up with the Lord’s tempo.”

“I can’t help it. It’s my duty as a member of the Guard to help the Commander.”

“I’m just keeping my promise with Sasha.”

Everyone agreed to the Emperor’s kidnapping operation. Just in time, news came that Sloth and Pahel were also ready. All that was left was to wait until the first day of the New Year.

* * *

The symbol of the Calon Empire is a soaring dragon.

Not only foreign countries, but even their own nobles were not allowed to use flags with dragon patterns. This was a privilege only for the Imperial family.

Such a dragon flag was fluttering over the Osdin Gate in the middle of the night. It was because of His Majesty the Emperor’s outing.

“Loyalty!”

The pot-bellied garrison commander put on his uniform and shouted the salute for the first time in a while. Sweat dripped from his tense chin.

Knight Commander Hans watched the garrison commander with a solemn expression and opened his mouth.

“While His Majesty and I are away, you must become the bulwark of the Empire’s citizens. You know that well.”

“Of course!”

“Stay alert and work hard.”

“Loyalty!”

A splendid palanquin [a covered litter carried on poles] carrying the Emperor quietly passed through the castle gate.

Twelve elite knights carefully selected by the Imperial Family surrounded and guarded it from all directions.

You might think that twelve is a small number for the Emperor’s escort, but if you look at their faces, that was definitely not the case.

Each of them was a super expert who was called a master of swordsmanship, and they were seasoned knights who had reached at least the peak of Expert, not mediocre Experts.

Above all, Knight Commander Hans was in charge of the escort. He was the best on the continent and symbolized the Empire’s power.

It had already been 25 years since he reached Sword Master. He was in his prime as a swordsman, approaching middle age.

He could not participate in the final battle to defeat the Demon King under the pretext of escorting the Emperor, but everyone agreed that he was the best of the Seven Stars.

In the past, the Emperor had said this about Knight Commander Hans: ‘I would rather have Hans by my side than be escorted by ten legions.’ That’s how much the Emperor trusted Hans, more than Orneo, the brain of the Empire.

“Take a break.”

The carriage stopped when the Emperor signaled that he wanted to rest.

The elite knights rested while still guarding the area without getting off their horses.

The vice-knight commander approached Hans and spoke to him.

He was a quasi-Sword Master who was about to reach the wall of Master, and Hans was grooming him as the next knight commander.

However, his talkative side was a flaw, unlike his definite skills.

“Commander.”

“What’s going on?”

“I was wondering if you heard about His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Ah.”

*I heard the news.*

Sage Orneo and Crown Prince Alex, who had entered the palace after a long time, had a fight in the palace.

The two had been at odds since before, so it was not surprising. The problem was the martial arts shown by Count Lloyd, whom Orneo brought.

“Is it true? They say he subdued the Imperial Guard with his bare hands without even drawing his sword.”

Hans pictured the image in his head. *Could I do it?* The conclusion was that it was possible.

That was the problem. If Count Lloyd did what he, who had reached Master, could do, it meant that Count Lloyd was also a Master.

“How old is Count Lloyd?”

“I know he’s around 20.”

“A Sword Master at 20…”

“Of course, it’s nonsense. Even the Commander, the best swordsman on the continent, reached Master at the age of twenty-five, so how could that bastard have reached Master at a younger age than the Commander?”

“I don’t know. The continent is wide, and there are many masters.”

“There are many masters, but there is only one apex. I have never seen a genius who surpasses the Commander in my life.”

After chatting idly, they moved again.

After a while, they arrived at the hot spring.

It was thanks to the horses pulling the carriage being excellent and running at night without paying attention to the surroundings.

The sun was already rising in the distance.

A hot spring bath while watching the sunrise. It was His Majesty’s favorite moment.

Hans felt good thinking that he had timed it well. Now, all he had to do was escort His Majesty, who had finished his hot spring bath, back to the Imperial Palace.

Was that why?

As the tension eased, his bladder shook.

“I’ll go take care of some business.”

It wasn’t a big deal, just a small one. Nothing would happen in that one minute. Hans, who had been holding back water since the Imperial Palace, went into the bushes and relieved himself.

Several thoughts crossed his mind.

The first thing that came to mind was the desert kingdom’s revolt. Will the Empire be able to overcome the difficulties? If necessary, should I go to the battlefield too? What would happen if I fought Gazelle, the desert king who is also one of the Seven Stars?

While he was visualizing the battle with Gazelle and conducting a mock battle, he heard a faint noise in his ear.

*Rustle rustle.*

*Did I hear wrong? It was morning, so it was time for insects to move. But his beast-like intuition told him it was time to move.*

“Everyone, battle prepa…”

*Whoosh!!*

A dagger flying from somewhere barely grazed Hans’s head.

At the same time, masked warriors who had popped out from all directions were rushing towards the hot spring!

“Block them!”

*I should have known. The enemy aimed for the gap when he left his seat. I should have held back a little more.*

*It’s okay. Elite knights are guarding the front of the bathhouse.*

He decided to trust his men. They just needed to buy him a little time. After that, he could knock them all down.

First, let’s get rid of the guy who’s arrogantly blocking the way in the front. Hans, holding his sword, emitted aura and drew his sword horizontally.

“Die!!”

*Kwaang!!*

Hans expected the enemy to be cut off in one blow without blocking the aura blade.

But the scene that unfolded was very different from what he expected.

Even the opponent’s dagger emitted a dazzling aura and blocked his sword.

“Sword… Master?”

*It’s absurd. Why would someone who is a Sword Master do this?*

In the moment of panic, the situation ended. Other enemies blocked the elite knights, and the guy at the front went into the bathroom.

After a while.

A strange man’s voice was heard.

“Everyone, drop your swords. Otherwise, the Emperor’s life is gone.”

Hans, his legs giving way, knelt down. The escort was a complete failure.