How To Live As A Third Son Of A Failure [EN]: Chapter 251

The explanation continued for quite some time.

Belinte, Marquis Halin Irfe, and Count Graham all listened to my story in silence. Of course, Jescal and Peter had already given their reports, but I was, after all, the main architect of the entire plan.

During the story about the Neros Order’s experiments, Count Graham’s eyes twitched, and Marquis Halin groaned when I mentioned that Allione Rodkius was being guarded by Unholy Knights.

As the story neared its end, Belinte nodded.

“I heard it in the report, but hearing it directly from the person involved makes it more vivid. I won’t deny it was a good heroic tale. But that doesn’t answer the strange rumors I asked about earlier.”

I shook my head at Belinte’s cold remark.

“I don’t know if they’re just rumors.”

“Oh, come on. Isn’t that a bit soft? If you wanted to convince me, you should have brought more solid evidence. Of course, I received a report about that hideous thing, the Mana Stone, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sign of summoning demons. The Magic Tower has already completed its investigation.”

“The Magic Tower, you say?”

That did pique my curiosity.

According to Pleta, the mages residing in the Capital Magic Tower were ‘heavy-bottomed folks who think their research is the most important thing on earth.’ They were so far removed from the desire for power or fame.

Marquis Halin chuckled, reading my question.

“They must have felt the situation was quite serious after seeing the reality of black magic. Ah, of course, it’s probably not out of a sense of justice. It’s closer to jealousy and anger towards those who try to get ahead using methods not allowed to them.”

“Is there a possibility of them joining the war?”

“It’s a matter of negotiation.”

A matter of negotiation…

Indeed, the Magic Tower was more like a place established for academic purposes, for research. Strictly speaking, the term ‘Mage Society’ might be more fitting than ‘Tower.’

It was built in the Capital because it was easy to obtain research materials and travel to and from various regions.

Of course, from the royal family’s perspective, there was no reason to oppose gathering and managing those eccentric individuals who could go in any direction. Especially considering that those eccentrics possessed formidable power.

Moreover, attacking the Capital meant destroying their society headquarters, making it an excellent means of defense.

But what if they could go even further and utilize that formidable war machine in an offensive?

That would be amazing.

That’s why Marquis Halin mentioned negotiation.

“If it’s negotiation…”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the mages were coveting the Neros Order’s research results. It would be valuable data that they couldn’t obtain without breaking the law.”

“Will you hand it over?”

“That’s something we’ll have to consider.”

Belinte waved his hand, having listened to the conversation.

Marquis Halin stepped back at that.

“I still haven’t received an answer.”

Here we go again.

But I wasn’t too worried. Belinte had already hinted at his true intentions. Now that I had caught on, all I had to do was satisfy what he wanted.

“It was for three reasons.”

“Three reasons, you say. Tell me.”

“The first is justification. Whether it’s true or not, it’s possible to pressure the Rodkius family based on the suspicions surrounding them, but that alone is not enough. My goal is the complete elimination of any instability. To do that, we needed a clear justification, not just mere suspicion.”

“Complete elimination?”

“It means we shouldn’t be satisfied with simply weakening the Rodkius’ power. Therefore, it was necessary to redefine the Rodkius’ position.”

“Redefine, you say…”

“Yes. Not just as an ambitious figure interested in the central territories of the kingdom, but as a demon worshiper trying to harm the continent itself. That’s why I spread the rumors you mentioned earlier.”

“But in reality, there’s no evidence that the Rodkius are associated with demons. Black magic and demons are on similar paths, but you must know they are distinctly different.”

“The Mana Stone, the Unholy Knights, and the Ghoul incident that the Capital residents still haven’t forgotten are enough. If we present the fragments, the public will eventually create the body themselves.”

“And?”

“The rest is simple. Cut off the disloyal head and plant the new seed we’ve secured, Allione. In short, the Rodkius family will become righteous again under His Majesty’s grace.”

In any case, the battle with the Rodkius must be a total war in the short term. Half-hearted attempts are worse than doing nothing.

To do that, we needed a strong justification, and for that, I included the chilling name of demons.

Moreover, this was a kind of insurance for me. If the Neros Order really was up to something demonic, then many who had seen my foresight would trust me.

Of course, it doesn’t matter if it’s not true. By the time all the truth is revealed, the entire continent will already be engulfed in war.

Whether he knew my intentions or not, Belinte raised the corners of his mouth after hearing my answer.

“You’re despicable. But that’s why I like you even more. Good. So, the second reason?”

“The second reason is for the goal I mentioned in the first reason.”

“Goal?”

“Yes. There are too many sewer rats in the Capital trying to harm the kingdom. We need to smoke them out of their deep burrows.”

There was no need for lengthy explanations. Belinte straightened his neck and smiled wryly.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of for a long time: catching and killing those who find fault with my kingdom with hollow words and try to undermine it.”

“…”

“Can you do it?”

“It’s possible with the help of the Head of the Inner Affairs.”

Marquis Halin Irfe, who was standing, nodded at my words. After confirming him, Belinte looked back at me.

“Now for the last one. So, the third reason?”

“It’s because there needs to be a prelude for the reclusive ones, who have been sleeping in the lush greenery, to break their long seclusion for the royal family and reveal the truth.”

A coughing sound was heard.

Lordain, who was sitting next to me, seemed to have choked while drinking tea. Graham gripped his sword hilt, but Belinte raised his hand to stop him.

Soon, a servant, who I didn’t even notice approaching, wiped the tea from Lordain’s front and disappeared.

Belinte glanced at Lordain and then looked back at me.

“I shouldn’t say this with the person present, but I have to. Is there something more than just preventing the elves from attacking our rear during the war?”

“Yes. As you may know from the Magic Tower’s investigation, the Mana Stone has the power of spiritism [communication with spirits] added to it. And when it comes to spiritism, no one is more knowledgeable than the elves. We must cooperate.”

“Only because of that?”

“That’s not all. The elves of the Great Forest possess considerable power, as long as their history. Considering the Neros Order and the Unholy Knights in addition to the Rodkius, their help will be quite effective.”

“Cooperation doesn’t come without a price.”

“If you promise the expansion of the Great Forest and the improvement of relations between the kingdom and the elves after the conquest of the Rodkius, it’s possible.”

“If we can keep the vast South under the royal family’s control and punish that damned Marquis Rodkius, it wouldn’t be too painful a price. But…”

Belinte, who trailed off, narrowed his eyes.

“All of that can only be achieved if we win the war. In a way, Cain, you’re urging me to bet the kingdom on a possibility.”

“…”

“But it’s also foolish to give up even though you have a good hand. Black magic, Mana Stones, and the Capital attack on the founding anniversary. The justification is sufficient. The means are also excellent. We have integrated the barbaric East and made it our weapon.”

Belinte nodded.

“Three reasons? They were good excuses. Cain Arpen, you have proven that you are not a fraudulent gambler. And if it weren’t for them, Count Graham would have drawn his sword.”

Was it just my imagination, or was the back of my neck getting chilly? Feeling Count Graham’s gaze, I bowed my head.

“I’m grateful that you understand.”

Belinte waved his hand at my gratitude.

“Stop with the flattery. Was our first meeting at the tournament? I remember you, who was known as the notorious scoundrel of the world, wanting to read the Great Emperor’s Chronicles in front of me.”

How many years ago was that?

I nodded awkwardly at the unexpected reminiscing.

“That’s right.”

“Then suddenly, you shook me with a plan to expel Basarak and reinstate Flores, using the power of the East to strike at Rodkius.”

“That was also possible because Your Majesty considered it.”

“I entrusted you with the task because you were also a Lindayer, but you put a mask on me and put me at the gambling table.”

What are you trying to say?

Belinte raised the corners of his mouth as I questioned his expression, as if this was a sudden, absurd conversation.

“Are you coveting the Capital, Cain Arpen?”

“…How could I? My only goal is to punish evil and bring peace to the kingdom.”

“I see. At least that much remains unchanged and is always true.”

His tone was strange. As I looked at Belinte with a question, he slowly raised his left hand.

A ring with a dragon engraved in gold was on his left ring finger.

“It’s a ring passed down in the royal family. It can distinguish whether the person facing me is fabricating a lie or telling the truth.”

Marquis Halin Irfe, who was standing next to him, sighed softly. It seemed to be a fact known only to the most loyal confidants who were deeply rooted in loyalty.

“Of course, it doesn’t perfectly read the mind. It’s just an abstract feeling. But that alone is enough to weed out the rats that infest the royal family.”

Finally, I understood the mask that Belinte had been showing. Even a sane person would go crazy if they had to play dumb among people with dark intentions.

Then I became terrified.

It meant that if I had plotted anything in front of Belinte, I could have been purged without anyone knowing.

But unexpectedly, I had always told him the truth.

I wanted to read the Great Emperor’s Chronicles, so I said I wanted to read them, and I said I would unite the East and conquer Rodkius because that’s what I thought.

Finally, when asked if I wanted to be king, I said I didn’t, because I really had no intention of doing so.

“…Is that so.”

Belinte gave a faint smile, perhaps realizing my slightly hollow feelings.

“You don’t have to worry, Count Cain. I don’t think I need a perfectly truthful person. That’s a person who has shackles on their life. They’re also difficult to handle.”

Belinte snapped his fingers, and a servant hidden in the shadows approached and adjusted his clothes.

As he prepared to leave, Belinte nodded.

“I will hold a ball at the palace next week.”

“A ball, you say?”

“Yes. Of course, it’s not a time to enjoy such entertainment. But didn’t you create a reason to hold it?”

“I understand.”

“Head of the Inner Affairs.”

Marquis Halin Irfe stepped forward at Belinte’s call.

“Yes.”

“Report in detail after talking with Count Cain. Support him with whatever he needs.”

“I understand.”

“I can have good dreams today.”

After finishing his words, Belinte got up from his seat. Then, as he left the mansion under the escort of Count Graham, Marquis Halin let out a small breath.

“That’s a relief.”

“What is?”

“That you didn’t die.”

“Is that so? That’s good to hear.”

Marquis Halin chuckled at my indifferent answer and sat across from me. Then he looked at me with a satisfied face.

“So, what’s the plan?”

“Plan?”

“Yes. I need to know what to prepare for you. Tell me what you need for the stage.”

The stage…

I smiled faintly as I thought about what would happen in that festival of pleasure, the ball dominated by luxury and indulgence.

“Songs, good wine, and many guests, I suppose.”