The Failure Marquis Is A Genius [EN]: Chapter 112

Chapter 14. Selection: The Whispering Bastard

10 a.m.

Not a single cloud marred the blue sky, and a gentle breeze softly caressed faces.

As the midday sun banished the lingering darkness of night, the nobles staying in Fontano entered the royal palace one by one.

Today was a momentous day.

Following Crown Princess Rebecca’s birthday celebration and the selection ceremony, the royals had convened and chosen the final consort.

And today, their chosen consort would be revealed.

The nobles from smaller and mid-sized territories, having gathered beforehand, were chattering, each predicting who would be named consort.

“It’s most likely Young Master Charlie Hilton.”

“Of course. He excelled in every aspect, be it personality or skill.”

“I heard from a reliable source that the Hilton family has already swayed most of the royal family to their side.”

“If that’s true, the chances of the decision being overturned are as slim as a dragon showing affection to a human.”

While nearly everyone seemed certain of Charlie Hilton’s selection, one noble, who had been quietly observing from a corner, cautiously voiced a dissenting opinion.

“I have a slightly different view.”

The people present were, after all, nobles.

Intellectuals who had received a quality education since childhood.

Listening to minority opinions was considered a basic courtesy among them.

“Is that so?”

“Which noble do you believe has a chance?”

“Are you perhaps thinking of Dodo Ebner? He was certainly an interesting fellow.”

“Or perhaps you’re betting on Lutio Holdings. He was timid, but undeniably kind.”

“What about Hobo Harun? He was ridiculously strong. Though, of course, he was nothing compared to Charlie Hilton.”

Various predictions filled the air.

The noble who had dared to disagree shook his head and whispered, barely audible.

“I think… Baron Henon Lloyd might become a consort candidate.”

The venue fell silent.

The nobles mentioned so far were all known to be pro-imperial.

To suggest that an anti-imperial candidate could be chosen as the final consort was considered audacious.

Everyone stared at the noble as if he had lost his mind.

“Are you out of your senses?”

“No matter what, it won’t be Henon.”

“That’s right. First of all, his background is… ahem!”

“I admit he has talent. But from his personality to his etiquette, he’s completely lacking.”

“Didn’t you witness his rude behavior at the banquet? His nickname ‘Bastard’ suits him perfectly.”

Thus, the noble who had cast his vote for Henon was quickly silenced and retreated.

Soon, the consort candidates themselves began to arrive at the royal palace.

The nobles, who had been animatedly chatting, reacted with lukewarm interest as the other candidates entered. But when Charlie Hilton appeared, they swarmed him like fans mobbing a celebrity.

“Hahaha! Who do we have here?”

“Baron, I’m Baron Rondo. Please remember my name.”

“Congratulations in advance!”

“Every time I see you, you seem to shine brighter. It seems the future of the kingdom is bright. Or should I say, the future of the empire? Hahaha!”

Amidst the fawning nobles, Charlie Hilton waved a hand, feigning humility.

“It’s all thanks to you.”

“How humble.”

“It’s because you are so outstanding, Baron.”

“That’s right. We were merely observing.”

The atmosphere was already celebratory.

Following the pro-imperial nobles, the anti-imperial nobles entered the palace one after another.

Their expressions were somber, and they exchanged few words.

It was a truly mournful sight.

Charlie glanced at them, confirmed that Henon, the presumed leader of the anti-imperial faction, was absent, and smiled wryly.

‘I knew it.’

He had been slightly surprised and wary when Henon had acted out at the banquet.

But that was all it was.

The tide had already turned completely, and even if Henon caused a scene now, the outcome wouldn’t change.

Rather, Charlie expected Henon to crumble on his own, dissatisfied with the result.

“It’s Baron Henon Lloyd!”

“He’s finally here.”

“His appearance is passable, but that’s about it.”

Finally, the ‘hot potato’ arrived.

Henon Lloyd was uncharacteristically quiet, unlike his previous appearance.

Some anti-imperial nobles greeted him as he entered with Andre Dupont, but their greetings lacked sincerity.

Charlie Hilton approached Henon.

“Who is this? Isn’t it Baron Henon, who registered as a consort despite having no intention of becoming one?”

The meeting between the presumed leaders of the pro-imperial and anti-imperial factions silenced the surrounding chatter, drawing everyone’s attention.

Charlie Hilton’s tone dripped with mockery.

Given Henon’s temperament, one would expect an angry outburst, but surprisingly, he remained calm.

“Baron Charlie, you’re mistaken about something.”

“About what?”

“Today is a day of celebration. Because it’s the day I become the consort. I’m in a good mood, so I’ll let your comment slide.”

Unfathomable confidence.

All the nobles, including Charlie Hilton, wore dumbfounded expressions.

Eventually, the entire venue erupted in laughter.

“Euhahahahaha!”

“Did he wander in from another world?”

“I guess he had a dream.”

“If you lack a sense of reality, you should at least be quick-witted, but he lacks both. Tsk tsk!”

The nobles roared with laughter.

Charlie Hilton simply shrugged.

“What can I say? I respect your unfounded confidence. A man must have a strong will.”

Then, struck by a mischievous idea, Charlie proposed a challenge to Henon.

“Baron Lloyd, how about this? When the result is announced, go to the newly appointed consort, kneel, and congratulate him. Shouldn’t the person who will rule the country in the future demonstrate such courtesy?”

Charlie’s intention was clear.

Since he was virtually certain to become the consort, he wanted Henon to bow before him on this occasion.

It was also a subtle jab at the fact that while Charlie was a baron, Henon held the higher title of viscount.

“As you wish. I don’t care. But remember your words.”

Henon unexpectedly agreed without hesitation.

Charlie’s lips curled into a smile.

“Of course.”

The war of nerves between the two concluded.

The anxious wait began.

How long had they waited?

The inner gate of the royal palace opened, and King Alfonso appeared.

“His Majesty the King is here!”

Everyone bowed, paying their respects to the King.

King Alfonso, looking unwell as usual, leaned heavily on his cane and spoke.

“Cough! Seeing the brave pillars that support the kingdom, I feel nourished even without food.”

“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless!”

“Everyone knows why this gathering was arranged. I dislike wasting time, so I will announce the consort immediately.”

Count Hornet, standing beside him, presented the King with the scroll bearing the results. The King slowly read the words, one by one.

“The consort who will lead the brilliant future of the Elden Kingdom alongside Princess Rebecca is…”

The King paused slightly.

Everyone clutched their chests, their hearts pounding, focusing intently on the name about to be called.

“…It’s Baron Henon Lloyd. Please take good care of Rebecca in the future.”

* * *

After awakening Rebecca as a vampire.

With her help, I was able to sneak into the royal palace through a dog hole [a small, hidden entrance].

I heard that it’s a dog hole that maids often use.

It’s a hole for them to secretly meet men every night, but believe it or not.

Anyway, after infiltrating, I hid in the garden until the next morning.

As an Expert-level Druid, I wrapped my whole body with vines using the Bind skill [a druidic ability to restrain targets with plant growth].

It was a royal palace where there were no experts to compare with me except for Count Hornet, so I could perfectly erase my presence.

The plan was already in place.

As soon as the royal family meeting began, Rebecca took Duke Arnold, the head of the royal family, to the garden.

There were two purposes for this: the first was to persuade him with words.

Princess Rebecca felt reluctant to make her uncle, Duke Arnold, her blood relative and said she would persuade him with words.

I thought it was nonsense, but I said I would respect her opinion.

“Why did you side with the Empire? Did you have to join hands with the Hilton family and hand over the royal family?”

“The Princess is young and doesn’t understand these matters. Just listen to the consort and focus on continuing the family line.”

As expected, Duke Arnold, consumed by greed, treated Princess Rebecca as a mere tool. Faced with this, the Princess had no choice.

The second method, turning Duke Arnold into a blood relative [a vampire created by another vampire], was put into action.

“I’m sorry!”

Crunch!!

The elderly Duke Arnold couldn’t even react, his neck falling victim to the Alpha Vampire’s sudden attack.

Infection progressed rapidly, and an eerie energy settled in Duke Arnold’s eyes.

Soon, a frenzy of bloodlust overcame him, and I intervened.

[Bind]

Subduing an Alpha Vampire was easy, but subduing a Beta Vampire was like eating cold stew [an easy task].

As thick tree roots erupted from the earth, binding Duke Arnold, he was unable to move until the frenzy subsided.

“Hmm…”

The first thing Duke Arnold, his senses returning, craved was human blood.

I fed him some blood I had prepared in advance and attempted to speak with him.

“Uncle, are you feeling better?”

“What the hell happened?”

“Uncle is now a vampire.”

I explained the nature of vampires and their characteristics.

He became enraged at the revelation that he had lost his humanity.

“I’ve been locked in my room all this time, wondering what you’ve been planning, and you’ve been plotting such creepy things? No, I can’t allow this. I’ll contact the Bellanus Theocracy [a religious organization] right now and save you.”

Princess Rebecca’s eyes, as she gazed at the furious Duke Arnold, were cold.

“Don’t do that. That’s an order.”

“How dare you! Even as a princess, you can’t give me orders…”

Duke Arnold, vehemently protesting, covered his head with both hands as if battling an opposing will within him.

“Ugh!!!”

After struggling for a moment, he finally yielded.

“I understand. I won’t inform the Theocracy.”

‘Is it really a vampire?’

The infected vampire was powerless against the host vampire.

This was something I had already confirmed through Prince Andre.

Using this dynamic, Rebecca gave Arnold additional instructions.

First, she ordered him to persuade the royal family to select me as the final consort, and she forbade him from harming innocent people to satisfy his thirst.

Duke Arnold looked embarrassed, but when Rebecca spoke firmly, he soon nodded without resistance.

“I feel like I’ve been robbed in broad daylight. My mind screams ‘no,’ but my soul compels me to obey.”

Duke Arnold and Princess Rebecca returned to the conference room.

With the two of them now aligned, the outcome of the meeting was virtually assured.

* * *

Back in the Elden Royal Palace.

The King revealed the consort selection.

“Baron Henon Lloyd will become Rebecca’s partner, guiding the country towards a prosperous future and ensuring peace within the family.”

The atmosphere suddenly turned frigid.

There was no applause or cheering, only stunned silence as everyone struggled to process the unexpected result.

The silence was broken by Charlie’s outraged shout.

“That can’t be! There’s been a mistake!”

Charlie Hilton, his face flushed and nostrils flaring, could barely contain his fury as he pointed a finger at me.

“Why is Baron Lloyd the consort? Please verify that there wasn’t an error in the results!”

Count Hornet stepped forward.

“All procedures were conducted with meticulous care, and there were no errors. Are you questioning His Majesty’s decision?”

“That’s not it, but this makes no sense! How can a bastard with a foul temper be chosen to stand beside Princess Rebecca? Even a stray dog would laugh at this decision.”

His language was remarkably crude.

I’ll need to teach him a lesson.

I approached Charlie Hilton.

As I drew closer, radiating an aura of power, he flinched, momentarily hesitant.

But as if ashamed of his brief retreat, he barked like a puppy unaware of the tiger’s presence.

“What kind of underhanded tricks did you resort to? Reveal them now! A man like you is unworthy of being a consort. Rebecca is a woman I should have claimed… Cough!”

I seized his uvula and slammed him against the wall.

Kwaaang!!

The sound was deafening. As Hilton’s back collided with the wall, a roar echoed through the hall, and debris rained down.

“Ugh! Ugh!”

Suffocating, he clawed at my thick arms, desperately trying to pry them loose.

Of course, it was futile.

I was channeling mana into my arms, and my mana reserves far surpassed Charlie’s, who had only reached the Expert level through the use of elixirs [magical potions].

A literal overwhelming power difference.

No matter how fiercely he struggled, Charlie Hilton’s face grew pale as his airway remained blocked.

As he suffocated, the fear of death washed over him.

Tears streamed down his face as he coughed, begging for his life.

“Keok… Save… Keok… Please… Keok!!”

It was a stark contrast to his earlier confident condemnation of me as a bastard.

I released my grip, and Hilton Baron, gasping for air, collapsed to his knees.

“Heok! Heok!”

I leaned down, whispered in his ear.

“I’ll consider your kneeling just now as a sign of respect to the consort and let this go. But if you bother me again… there won’t be a next time. Do you understand?”

I turned away from Charlie, surveyed the room, and bowed my head.

“First, I apologize for causing a disturbance before His Majesty and the assembled officials.”

I offered an apology, but the confidence and power emanating from my very being conveyed a completely different message.

Unless they were blind, everyone present understood who held the upper hand between Charlie and me.

King Alfonso intervened to defuse the situation.

“Ahem, Baron Lloyd, please take good care of my daughter.”

“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless.”

“Let’s conclude this gathering. Everyone, return home safely.”

The nobles departed one by one.

Soon after, news of the selection spread like wildfire, and it was only a matter of time before the capital, Fontano, and the entire kingdom were thrown into turmoil.

* * *

Capital Fontano.

The Hilton family mansion.

Charlie Hilton sat dejectedly before a crystal ball [a magical communication device], defeated.

Beyond the sphere, the image of a dignified middle-aged gentleman appeared – Charlie Hilton’s father, Count David Hilton, the so-called ‘real power’ behind the kingdom.

-So… you weren’t selected as the consort?

“I apologize. I was completely caught off guard.”

-What was Duke Arnold doing? Didn’t he agree to support us?

“That Arnold betrayed us. He swayed the royal family and pushed Henon forward. He’s not even answering my calls.”

David Hilton stroked the short beard on his chin, deep in thought.

-Arnold’s actions are perplexing. What he did is tantamount to self-destruction. The Arnold ducal family is deeply intertwined with our Hilton family. He must know that his entire family will be ruined if he betrays us so rashly.”

Charlie Hilton responded.

“I’ve considered this and reached a conclusion.”

-Speak.

“Isn’t it possible that Henon Lloyd possesses some significant leverage over Duke Arnold? Otherwise, the Duke’s sudden change of allegiance makes no sense.”

-That’s a plausible hypothesis. But what kind of secret that greedy old man would protect even at the risk of his family’s destruction, and how Henon discovered it, remains a mystery.”

Hilton Count, muttering to himself, continued.

-Regardless, Duke Arnold has chosen the wrong side. I assure you, the moment the kingdom falls to the empire, the ducal family will be destroyed even before the Lloyd Marquis family. Our Hilton family wields that much power.”

The Hilton Count family possessed the wealth, influence, and political power to contend for the highest position in the Elden Kingdom, so David’s words were not mere boasts.

“Father, that damn bastard has been chosen as the consort. What do we do now?”

Despite Charlie’s anxiety, David remained calm.

-A truly powerful person always prepares for every eventuality. I took precautions in case this situation arose.”

“Are you referring to the secret weapon you mentioned previously?”

-Yes.

David Hilton nodded, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

-Soon, a bishop and inquisitor [religious officials] from the Bellanus Holy Kingdom will be arriving in the capital. Prepare to welcome them.”