The Failure Marquis Is A Genius [EN]: Chapter 170

20. Bloodline: The Scoundrel Who Found Out

The day before New Year’s Day.

I arrived at the hot springs with my comrades.

Sloth and Pahel, who had arrived earlier, greeted us.

“Is there a specific plan?”

“Ambush and overwhelm them immediately. There’s no other way.”

Fortunately, our goal isn’t to eliminate the target but to kidnap them. We don’t have to fight the escort troops. The moment we secure the Emperor, they’ll be neutralized.

“What’s the information on the opponent?”

“Twelve Imperial Knights directly under the Emperor. All Upper Expert level.”

“That’s quite a challenge.”

“The biggest problem is the leader, Knight Commander Hans.”

Knight Commander Hans.

I’ve heard that name before. The final piece of the Seven Stars [elite members of an organization] and the first among them. Known as the greatest swordsman on the continent, he’s definitely a formidable master.

“Here’s the outline of the plan. We ambush and charge in the moment we see an opening. The hot springs make it possible. There will only be the Emperor alone inside the bath, or at most one other person.”

“What if there’s no opening?”

“······”

The returning silence was answer enough.

We spent the remaining day designing the ambush site.

We created bushes where it was easy to hide and dug pits to get inside. The hot springs were in the middle of the forest, so it was a simple task.

I deliberately rubbed my body in the mud to hide my scent from those with sensitive noses. Naturally, the ambush site was created in a position against the wind.

As the sun set, we focused on eliminating all evidence that we had been here.

We erased footprints on the ground and removed awkwardly broken branches. We also straightened the grass that had been trampled down. We even brought animal droppings and scattered them around.

Campbell, Zion, and I showed excellent skills in this area. Our experience serving in the North was definitely helpful.

“I mentioned it before, but have you ever considered joining the Black Night Guild? The benefits are the best in the industry.”

“No, I don’t want to.”

I rejected Pahel’s absurd recruitment offer and hid in the designated ambush site. Now, all that’s left is to wait for the Emperor to come.

According to Sloth, the most important thing in this operation is me. Because the location where I’m hiding is closest to the bath.

The others are just playing a role to deceive and buy time, so ultimately, I’m the one who has to secure the Emperor.

Sloth decided to take on Knight Commander Hans. Hans seems to be a step above Sloth, but Sloth isn’t someone who gets beaten easily, so she’ll buy us some time.

The waiting time stretched on. Campbell grumbled quietly, seemingly restless from the overnight ambush.

“When is that Emperor coming?”

“Even an old man like me is waiting, so a young man like you shouldn’t complain. And use honorifics for His Majesty.”

“Campbell is uneducated and doesn’t know manners.”

“As if a maid would know.”

“Be grateful that we’re in the middle of an operation. Otherwise, I would have educated you a long time ago.”

“Look who’s talking.”

“Shh! Be quiet.”

Finally, the Emperor arrived.

A carriage pulled by eight magnificent steeds with a glossy sheen. It was easily recognizable with all the dragon sculptures attached.

The Emperor is important, but what matters more are the escort troops. I carefully assessed the twelve Imperial Knights protecting the carriage without a gap. They were truly elite troops that inspired admiration.

There wasn’t a single easy opponent. What would happen if we faced them head-on? I pictured it in my head. Even if we won, we would lose at least three comrades. Not a good outcome.

And this isn’t the end. There was the biggest obstacle. A middle-aged man exuding a strong presence at the front.

The man with half black and half white hair was scanning the surroundings of the hot springs with hawk-like eyes.

Even though he was far away, just looking at him made it hard to breathe, and it felt like a knife was under my chin.

It was enough to make even the Heavenly Demon [powerful and legendary figure] burn with competitive spirit.

-A worthy opponent has appeared. If I weren’t trapped in a sword, it would have been a fun fight.

Three guards set up bamboo partitions they had brought in advance around the bath where the Emperor would enter.

The knights who came out after the installation numbered two. That means one person is waiting inside the bath. I stored the information in my head.

Now, all that’s left is to find the opening Sloth mentioned and time our move. I stopped breathing as much as possible and watched the movements of the escort troops with bloodshot eyes.

I fixed my gaze on Knight Commander Hans. Even if I don’t know the others, we can’t even start if that man isn’t careless.

That’s when it happened.

Was it divine intervention?

Hans shifted his body and moved.

He was going to relieve himself.

I made eye contact with Sloth, who was ambushing on the opposite side. I could feel it without having to talk. This is the only chance.

The opponent is in a completely unguarded state. I slowly moved my body. My stiff joints screamed from sitting crouched for so long.

Rustle, rustle.

It was a very faint sound, but the monster-like Hans perked up his ears. I can’t hide anymore. I kicked off the ground and ran.

“Everyone, attack!!”

Sloth threw a dagger at Hans. At the same time, the rest of the group rushed into the bath all at once.

“Stop them!!”

Hans’ urgent voice. I, who had moved first, had already arrived near the entrance.

“You bastard!!”

A guard swung a blue mana sword. I twisted my waist to avoid the blow and increased my speed a little more.

[Wind Control]

[Haste]

[Instant Step]

A whirlwind wrapped around my ankles. At the same time, my already fast speed became even faster. My elongated figure broke through the encirclement as it was.

“Huh?”

The flustered knight tried to grab my tail, but he hurriedly took a defensive stance against Zion’s sword that immediately came at him.

Clang!!

“You’re fighting me.”

A similar scene unfolded one after another at the entrance of the hot springs.

Amelia and Rakan, Aiden and Pahel, Campbell and Orneo. Each wielded their weapons, clearing the way for me to run.

It was like American football. I’m the one with the ball. Several teammates helping with the carry. The difference from American football is that you can die during the competition.

Glancing to the side, Knight Commander Hans and Sloth, who had been relieving himself, were fighting fiercely. Every time auras collided, eardrum-shattering roars erupted.

Finally, I entered the hot springs.

A knight who had been waiting with his back against the bamboo wall drew his sword and charged.

“You shall not pass.”

He was one of the opponents I had been watching from the beginning. The strongest after Hans. An aura, or mana, was swirling around his sword. Proof that he was on the verge of becoming a Master.

“Annoying.”

He was focusing all his attention on my sword. Druid skills work quite well against such opponents.

[Wood Control]

[Enhanced Bind]

The tree roots, which had become much stronger since I became a top-tier Druid, sprang up from the ground. The wriggling roots showed agile movements like snakes and quickly bound the enemy.

“Ugh! What?”

The flustered guy quickly cut off all the roots with his sword, but the combo attack had already been activated.

[Crystal Control]

[Crystal Shield]

A solid crystal wall enveloped the knight. It was too late even if he broke the wall with his sword. I was already within striking distance of the Emperor.

Swoosh.

I swung the Heavenly Demon Sword and put it to the Emperor’s neck. It was a touchdown.

“Everyone, drop your swords! Or the Emperor’s life is forfeit!”

The voice I spat out with all my might echoed loudly through the hot springs.

The faces of my comrades, who realized that the operation was successful, brightened, while the guards wore expressions of dismay.

Guard Captain Hans took a stance to jump this way, but he gave up and dropped his sword when I pressed the sword close to the Emperor’s neck.

The Emperor was surprisingly calm, even though his life was in danger.

“Everyone, leave. I need to hear what these people want.”

We gathered all the guards, including Hans, at a point some distance away from the hot springs.

Our people also stayed close to monitor any possible sudden actions.

The only people left with the Emperor were me, Pahel, and Orneo.

“Kidnappers. First, I commend you. I can’t believe you’d pull off such a crazy stunt. What do you want? Gold and jewels? Power? Territory? Just name it. I’ll consider it to a certain extent.”

“The reason we’ve arranged this meeting is to resolve one question. I hope you’ll answer honestly for both our sakes.”

“That’s quite an extreme method. Well… I have a sword to my neck, so what choice do I have? Speak.”

“We want to know the truth about the assassination of Empress Sandy that took place about fifteen years ago. How much does Your Majesty know about that incident?”

The Emperor’s pupils contracted and his expression shook rapidly as soon as Sandy’s name came up. I didn’t miss that change and watched him closely.

“Were you also the type to believe the nonsense that the Desert King spouts at will?”

“Well, there must be a reason why Desert King Gazelle risked the fate of his country and raised an army.”

“Sandy was a pitiful woman who passed away with her child, unable to overcome the pain of childbirth. Now, stop tormenting the deceased and let her rest in peace.”

“You’re saying strange things. Empress Sandy was assassinated. Your Majesty was clearly involved in the process as well. Isn’t that right?”

Deep wrinkles formed on the Emperor’s brow.

His gaze reflexively scanned up and down, but there was no way to figure out my identity, wearing dark clothes and even a mask.

“Who are you people?”

“We’re asking the questions. Why did you kill the Empress?”

“I don’t know what information you heard from where, but Sandy died in labor. I have nothing more to say about this.”

He keeps denying it to the end. The Emperor’s attitude infuriated Pahel, who had been listening quietly.

“It’s a curse that I inherited your blood.”

“What?”

“Are you deaf? I’m saying that I’m ashamed to have seen the light of the world with your dirty seed.”

Pahel threw his mask on the ground and flipped his hat back. His eyes, roughly inhaling, were filled with anger.

White hair symbolizing the Imperial Family and bright yellow topaz eyes sparkling like desert stars. Genetic evidence that could never be faked was presented before the Emperor’s eyes.

“Who do you think I am?”

The Emperor’s fingertips trembled slightly. He seemed to have guessed some facts. He tries hard to deny reality.

“How, how would I know?”

“Don’t lie. You already know me.”

“I don’t know. I don’t know you.”

“Look at me straight! You son of a bitch!”

Pahel grabbed the Emperor’s cheeks with both hands and brought his face close. The Emperor’s convulsions were even worse than before.

“It can’t be… it can’t be… I was supposed to have received a report…”

“Report? Judge with your own eyes, not your subordinate’s tongue. Her son is right in front of you now.”

Pahel himself is a living witness and evidence. It is an undeniable and clear truth.

What attitude will the Emperor show? Will he deny that Pahel is his son? Or will he accept it?

If the situation flows in the negative, the Emperor will die in this place. Even if I try to save him, Pahel will kill him.

I hoped that such a picture would not come out, and fortunately, the Emperor had a shred of conscience. He looked at Pahel with trembling eyes and finally admitted.

“How did you live?”

“The midwife put me in a back alley trash can before she died. Do you understand?”

“I’m sorry. I just…”

“Shut up with your shitty apologies. What I’m curious about is the reason. Why did you try to kill me and my mother?”

The Emperor covered his face and sat down.

“Did I want to do that? I am also a victim and a sacrifice.”

“Tell me slowly. Why did you order the assassination of Empress Sandy?”

“I didn’t order the assassination. I found out about Sandy’s death later.”

The Emperor’s explanation that followed was this.

Sandy, who was married off as a symbol of peace between the Desert Kingdom and the Empire. The existing nobles extremely rejected her alien appearance.

This was also partly because Sandy was the Empire’s first Empress. As soon as she gave birth to a son, he would likely become the Crown Prince.

The nobles claimed that the Imperial Family’s noble bloodline should be prevented from being tainted, and they petitioned every day in unison. This became even more extreme when rumors spread that she was pregnant.

Eventually, some of the Empire’s powerful figures, including marquises and counts, even claimed that they would secede separately.

However, they could not accept these claims and depose Empress Sandy.

The moment she stepped down from the position of Empress, the enraged Desert King would surely lead a large army north.

Above all, Sandy was a considerate and kind woman. The Emperor himself did not want to abandon her.

But if time passed like this, the Empire would disintegrate in some way.

The Emperor had to choose.

“It was Duke James who suggested an alternative to me at that time.”

“Duke James?”

An unexpected name came out here.

Duke James.

He is a top executive who occupies the seat of Pride in the Twilight Church.

I wanted to deal with him a long time ago, but he was the most powerful person in the Empire and had strong personal power, so I was looking for an opportunity.

Why did such Duke James appear?

“James suggested to me, who was suffering from a headache, what if we disguised the Empress’s death?”

If the Empress became someone who died while giving birth, all conflicts would be resolved neatly.

The Desert King cannot hold Sandy, who died alone, responsible, so there is no justification for raising an army, and the nobles will no longer bite at the Imperial Family because she, who was a thorn in their side, disappeared.

“It’s a plausible idea, but would Empress Sandy have allowed it?”

“She allowed it. She said she would gladly give up the position of Empress and live as a dead person if it would make me happy.”

I am now standing in front of the biggest fool in history.

A moron who holds the highest position on the continent but lost the woman who sincerely loved him.

Knowing this himself, he is reminiscing about the past with a regretful expression.

“I didn’t know it at the time. I thought Duke James was completely on my side. He was always friendly to Empress Sandy as well. So I asked him to secretly take Sandy out of the palace.”

The Emperor even withdrew the escort troops protecting Empress Sandy, saying he would help James.

As originally planned, James’s people were supposed to take Sandy to a pre-prepared safe house.

There, Sandy was supposed to give birth to a child, pretend to be dead, and continue a secret and happy married life with the Emperor, but…

What Duke James sent was not a guide but an assassin. Sandy’s fate was decided there.

“Did I know James would do that? It was already too late when James reported Sandy’s death.”

“Unlike Your Majesty, Empress Sandy was wise. She must have realized something was wrong at the last moment. That’s why Pahel was able to meet Your Majesty today.”

Perhaps it was a woman’s intuition.

Unable to trust Duke James, she evacuated the child in advance, and as expected, she met her death when the assassin came.

At the same time, she even left a message to her husband saying that she loved him. Is she frustrating or smart? There is no such thing as pure love.

On the other hand, I properly felt that Duke James was a meticulous person.

He steadily built up trust with the Emperor and then hit him hard at the last moment.

Even if Duke James killed Empress Sandy, the Emperor cannot touch James. Because he is already an accomplice. If he reveals all the facts and self-destructs, the Emperor and the Empire will be over.

In the end, the Emperor had been living uncomfortably for the rest of his life, sharing a secret that he would take to the grave with Duke James.

It was a wickedness and cunning befitting the Twilight Church’s Seven Archdemons of ‘Pride.’