Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 38

“A guest from the Count Clausen Territory has just passed through the Royal Capital gate.”

King Edgar IV of Hispaña paused, his teacup halfway to his lips.

Count Lichten Clausen, it was said, had two sons.

The youngest, born late in his life, was fifteen years younger than his firstborn, whose mother had passed away.

‘Depending on their relationship, they could become either strong allies or bitter enemies.’

In the world of power and politics, blood ties were often worth little more than a fleeting pang of conscience.

Sometimes, those ties had to be severed more ruthlessly than any other.

‘In that sense…’

Edgar IV glanced at his daughter, Vanessa Lingle Hispaña, the First Princess of the Kingdom, who sat beside him, silently sipping her tea.

Only a year separated her from the First Prince, Erader Ragon Hispaña, yet they were as different as night and day.

Edgar IV was certain it was fortunate Vanessa was the younger sibling; otherwise, the royal family would have been plunged into utter chaos.

‘Erader has no major flaws, making his succession to the throne a foregone conclusion, but… I can’t help but feel sorry for Vanessa’s talent.’

Trying to mask his conflicted feelings, Edgar IV noticed a subtle hardening in his daughter’s expression.

The princess, who rarely displayed emotion, was showing a distinct displeasure at the news of Zion Clausen’s arrival in the Royal Capital.

‘She still remembers what happened back then.’

It had been a childish incident; she should have forgotten it by now.

Muttering to himself, Edgar IV casually spoke.

“I heard the Count Clausen Territory won the war against Nudia.

A decisive victory in less than half a month, and a successful defense.

A great achievement.”

“I heard that too, Father.”

“The guest has come to discuss the report on that and the aftermath.”

“…”

Vanessa remained silent.

Her expression remained stiff, as if deeply displeased.

Unable to bear it any longer, Edgar IV lightly tapped his teacup with a teaspoon a few times, drawing the princess back to her senses.

“I apologize, Father. I was lost in thought…”

“According to the reports, Zion Clausen contributed the most to the war. Count Lichten himself emphasized that.”

“…”

“It seems the immature boy who made a slightly excessive mistake towards you a few years ago has matured and grown up in the meantime.”

Vanessa could neither affirm nor deny Edgar IV’s words.

Her judgment wasn’t based solely on rumors; she had experienced it firsthand.

Wasn’t it Zion who had dared to scan her with a lecherous gaze at a royal party years ago?

Enraged by the nauseating look, she had lashed out, and Count Lichten had been forced to apologize on his behalf.

Zion Clausen himself never stepped forward, instead hiding behind his father.

‘To think such a person will become the Count Clausen in the future and be the shield that protects this country! The situation is simply lamentable and sad!’

Count Lichten was still healthy, but time waits for no one.

Someday, he would age and pass on his position, and that pathetic man would take his place as the Count—the very thought horrified Vanessa.

But recently, an unbelievable report had arrived.

The Count Clausen Territory had achieved a great victory in the war against Nudia.

And in the subsequent defense, they had forced the enemy to retreat without a single battle.

All of this had happened in just a few days, and the person responsible was…

‘The moment I heard that report, I doubted my ears.’

Zion Clausen.

That man.

The one who flirted with women, acted strong towards the weak, and weak towards the strong.

Suddenly, he had changed, as if mocking her very thoughts.

So much so that she couldn’t even comprehend it.

“Father.”

“Hmm?”

“…Could the report be exaggerated…?”

The princess trailed off, as if finding her own question ridiculous and foolish.

Was Count Lichten the kind of person who would condone such a fabrication?

And would Zion Clausen dare to present such a false report himself?

If the deception were exposed, he would face severe punishment on all charges, including insulting the royal family.

“I wonder. What do you think?”

“Erader said, ‘Could it be he’s working hard because he has someone he likes?’—an extremely strange yet surprisingly insightful answer.”

“I… I don’t know. It’s hard to judge based on reports and rumors alone…”

“Is that so? That’s fortunate. It seems the protagonist of this party has arrived at the palace, requesting a discussion with me.”

He had come to the palace before the party even started, seeking a ‘discussion.’

Vanessa knew what that meant.

To negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement—one as the star of the party, the other as the host.

“Your Highness, Young Master Zion Clausen has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

Edgar IV replied as the chamberlain announced, and a moment later, the doors opened.

Beyond them, a handsome young man strode in confidently, without hesitation.

There wasn’t a hint of uncertainty, worry, fear, or even nervousness.

“Zion Clausen of the Count Clausen Territory. I greet His Majesty Edgar Astarius Hispaña, the rightful ruler of Hispaña and head of the royal family.”

The nobles from the borderlands were often less familiar with the etiquette of the capital.

So the king usually overlooked minor mistakes.

But this young man delivered his greeting with precise adherence to protocol, without a single flaw.

“Raise your head. This isn’t an official occasion, so a rigid atmosphere isn’t very pleasant.”

Only after Edgar IV spoke did Zion Clausen slowly raise his head.

At that moment, Vanessa and Zion’s eyes met!

“…?”

In that instant, both Zion and the princess were surprised.

‘Damn it, what?! Why is the princess here? Wasn’t it supposed to be the prince?’

Prince Erader, lacking exceptional talent but also without major flaws, was the most likely heir to the throne.

Zion had expected to find him with Edgar IV, but instead, an unexpected woman was present.

After a brief glance, Zion lowered his head again with an ‘Ah.’

“I greet Her Highness Vanessa Lingle Hispaña, the First Princess.”

“…”

The princess remained silent.

So much so that Edgar IV, who had been quietly observing, tapped his teacup again to draw her attention.

*Ting-ting—.*

“Ah, I’m sorry. Young Master Zion. Welcome to the Royal Palace.”

“Thank you, Princess.”

Zion replied, turning his gaze to Edgar IV.

The princess felt a strange pang of disappointment that he seemed to pay her no attention.

‘It was the complete opposite a few years ago…?’

Zion Clausen had stared at her strangely from their first meeting.

She still remembered the lustful glint in his eyes that had made her stomach churn.

He had even glanced at her while speaking with other nobles.

But this young man, who had returned as a war hero after those few years…

He had truly, drastically changed.

His eyes sparkled with energy, a faint smile played on his lips, and above all, his voice resonated with strength.

“Yes. You said you had something to discuss with me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Before that, I would like to report on the progress of the war and the post-war negotiations. Would that be acceptable?”

“I already know the details from your father’s report, but it wouldn’t hurt to hear it directly from the person involved. Sit down. The stories of heroes should be heard firsthand.”

It was a great honor for the king to offer a seat like this, especially one so close to him.

Most nobles would have hesitated, feeling unworthy, but Zion displayed no such reluctance.

As if simply following the king’s orders, he sat down beside him without hesitation, yet without being impolite.

That placed him directly across from Vanessa.

“The war began with Nudia’s declaration, and accordingly, we Clausen…”

The same information from the report flowed from Zion Clausen’s mouth.

However, his words also included his personal feelings, decisions, and actions.

Edgar IV raised a hand, interrupting him.

“I heard this was your first time participating in a war.”

“That’s correct.”

“But Count Lichten said you stood at the forefront of the battlefield. Not the rear.”

“That’s true.”

“And that you charged into the enemy lines to save a soldier, fulfilling a promise you had made.”

Huh?

What does that mean?

The princess looked at Edgar IV, slightly flustered.

She knew nothing about this.

He charged into the enemy lines to save a soldier to keep a promise?

“Count Lichten’s report only mentioned ‘He gave a speech,’ but not the content. I suspect it’s related to the promise you made to the soldiers.”

“That’s right. I suppose the Count omitted that part, deeming it unimportant…”

“I’m not blaming your father. I’m simply curious.”

Edgar IV leaned forward slightly, studying Zion.

“Can you tell me? The speech you gave before the battle. And the promise you made to the soldiers.”

Zion hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking.

“I said I couldn’t promise anything.”

“Hmm?”

“…?”

“I said I couldn’t promise victory, divine protection, or even a safe return. Instead, I promised something else. I said I would be at the very front when advancing, and at the very end when retreating.

And that I wouldn’t leave anyone behind on that terrible battlefield. Whether we win or lose. Whether they are dead, injured, or alive, we would all go home together. That’s why I fought at the front, stood at the very end, and couldn’t abandon the lagging soldiers.”

Zion’s words hung in the air, but neither Edgar IV nor Princess Vanessa spoke.

Zion Clausen was not a simple soldier or knight.

He was the eldest son of a family with influence comparable to a marquis [a high-ranking noble, below a duke].

He didn’t have to say those words, take those actions, or make those promises.

He could have simply ordered them to fight well, watched from behind, and left first.

“…Was that so? Alright, continue with your report.”

The subsequent account of the war was even more shocking.

The Nudia forces had rushed towards Clausen Castle with reinforcements.

In response, Zion hadn’t locked the castle gates; instead, he had thrown them open wide.

Nudia had retreated on its own, facing the unspoken challenge to enter if they dared.

Even if it was a trap, the siege would have been over once they entered the castle.

‘Is this even possible?’

Was this the same crazy, damn nobleman from a few years ago?

The one who fawned over young ladies, avoided the sons of powerful noble families, and boasted to the local gentry.

Was this really ‘Zion Clausen,’ who seemed to have nothing but his handsome face?

Vanessa couldn’t understand it at all.

“…When the royal party is held this time, a considerable number of nobles will focus their attention on me.”

“I suppose so. As a war hero, it’s only natural they would welcome you.”

“That’s right. So I’m thinking of stirring up their patriotism and loyalty to the royal family.”

“What?”

Edgar IV’s expression faltered at the unexpected words.

Caught off guard, the king responded without concealing his surprise, questioning not the meaning, but the feasibility.

“It’s simple, Your Majesty.”

Yes, it’s a very simple thing.

The way to motivate people is very simple.

Just touch their emotions a little.

‘The Clausen’s playboy, that infamous rascal, is going to show off his patriotism in front of everyone, so the so-called honorable nobles can’t help but try to outdo him.’

Ah, what a royal party to look forward to!

Zion chuckled inwardly!

[Author’s Note]

I did four consecutive chapters for two days….

Ugh….

I’m dying….

But if there are a lot of recommendations, I might be able to do another series of chapters someday….