The previous king had three children.
Among them, the first, who was installed as a crown prince earlier, was particularly weak.
As a result, he died of an illness at the age of twenty.
The two remaining children are Annette Alexander and Bernant Alexander.
The two competed for the throne.
At that time, Annette overtook Bernant, who had built up a huge power, and ascended to the throne.
‘That person came to see me… … .’
I couldn’t help but be concerned.
“Hey, how should I answer?”
I finished a short thought on the aide’s question.
“Tell me that I can’t go right now. I’ll be there tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, so if you have any business, please wait.”
“All right.”
In a way, it could have seemed a bit arrogant, but I had no intention of correcting it.
In the first place, it was a case where he came suddenly without any word.
Of course, if I had been an uncle in a normal relationship, I wouldn’t have done this.
‘There’s nothing good about getting involved with someone who was at odds with the Queen.’
In addition, the timing of their arrival was also subtle.
A week from now, you will be watching me at the gathering of the Alexander clan.
If it’s just a meeting, it’s okay to meet then.
If you have to come here now, it must mean that I have another business… … .
With these thoughts in mind, the next day, I returned to Ireland.
There was Bernant waiting for me there.
“This is the first time we’ve seen each other like this, Cruz.”
“It’s been a while, uncle.”
After a brief handshake, we sat down.
Maybe it was because of the arrogance of his impression when he heard the message?
I expected him to show an uncomfortable expression, but he was unexpectedly calm.
“It’s really noisy these days, isn’t it? Starting with the fact that it has changed, it has solved the twisted problems of the kingdom.”
“It’s just embarrassing.”
“I’ve only seen my nephew’s weak side, so I was really surprised this time.”
I felt a strange sense of déjà vu from Bernant, who smiled generously.
2 It was not the memory of the prince, but a sense based on my experience.
‘There’s something up.’
Maybe it’s because I’ve always been in competition with my surroundings since I was a child.
He tended to be more aware of the strange feelings felt by those with ulterior motives.
Personally, I’m more of the same type as Hones on the outside and inside.
It was easier to deal with a person who was openly plotting something like Bernant in front of him.
“And looking at it in person, it seems that the rumors are correct. I can’t see the stupid side of me at all.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“It’s quite normal to get bored with such nonsensical Seon dialogues.”
I couldn’t see any emotion like displeasure in Bernant’s low-smiling face.
It was as if he was delighted to meet someone worthy of dealing with.
“Don’t talk about business. Are you seriously aiming for the next throne?”
“Yes that’s right.”
“Then do you think you can defeat Morgan on your own?”
“I don’t think there is anything I can’t do.”
“ha ha ha! Indeed, he is my sister’s child. The talking bird is very similar.”
… … The Marquis of Brisman said the same thing, and so does this man.
It’s strange to hear that I look like the queen from the position of being possessed.
“Looking at the recent appearance, there is definitely a possibility. At least I think there are more than Hones.”
An appreciative tone continued, but I listened to him in silence.
“Your qualities may be better than Morgan. But the difference won’t be that big.”
“I respect you. You can think so.”
“It may sound offensive, but I think he’s competent enough.”
“I am not particularly offended. To some extent, it is a part of acknowledgment.”
“okay. And you’ve amassed quite a few supporters, but it’s going to be tough beyond that.”
I agree with Bernant’s point of view.
Although there were still those who were not attached to either side.
To put it bluntly, the odds of them joining me were slim with Morgan alive and well.
If I was going to make a decision at this point, I would have done it right away.
“That’s why I’m proposing, how about holding my hand?”
It was Bernant’s intention as he slightly lowered his body and lowered his voice.
Its tone and expression were those of a typical ambitious man.
“You want me to hold your uncle’s hand?”
“okay. I lost to Annette, and even though my personal influence died a lot… … It’s not like I can’t use it.”
What Bernant just said is probably true.
Even after fighting for the throne with the queen until the end, the reason why she was still running fine was because of that influence.
There were so many places where his breath reached each region, as well as his personal power.
Although its influence was greatly diminished because it was kept in check by the queen.
It still won’t be negligible.
‘It seems that he couldn’t let go of the ambition of power.’
It’s a guess, but maybe this offer was made to Hones as well.
They’re trying to get their influence back by intervening in a succession battle.
“How about holding hands with me?”
“well… … .”
“If you, me, and Hones come together, we can definitely surpass Morgan.”
I pretended to be worried.
In fact, my answer was fixed.
‘There is absolutely no reason to be together.’
Apart from the confidence that I can beat Morgan.
My future direction was very different from Bernant’s.
My ultimate goal is to strengthen the kingdom and fight against the giant families of the Feyer continent.
For this, after all, a strong royal authority was needed.
But the way Bernant does it is to borrow the power of influential people to increase his size.
This method has no choice but to collide with the direction I will move forward.
“Sorry, uncle. I will try to do it alone.”
It was an answer that came after pretending to be quite worried.
It is true that he is a character who has nothing good to do by pretending or hurting his feelings.
You don’t have to force it, but you don’t have to touch it either.
“… … Hmm.”
In response, Bernant stared at me with slightly deepened eyes.
He pretended to be quite worried, so I expected him to invite me a few more times.
Surprisingly, it didn’t.
As if I realized that my trouble was my stomach.
“Sorry, I wanted to work with you.”
“Thank you for a good look.”
“The business is over, so don’t go. See you next time at the Proof of Struggle.”
“Then take a look, Uncle.”
* * *
Six days after meeting Bernant.
When it was time to prove my struggle, I headed to the Alexander clan’s estate.
It was in the northwest of the capital.
Originally, part of the royal capital belonged to the Alexander clan’s territory.
It is said that they separated while establishing the kingdom.
Because of that, it is said to be a royal domain, but the scale was very narrow.
[I thought it would be grand because it’s the land of royalty, but it’s not really like that.]
‘It is said that when the kingdom was established, all fertile land was absorbed into the royal capital.’
The current territory of the Alexander clan was virtually rugged.
If the royal capital is in danger, it is a position where you can move immediately.
I was managing the habitat of the second strongest demon.
[Well, was it a civil war in the palace? There weren’t many royals living there, so I was curious.]
‘It’s usually where the king’s lineage or retired people stay.’
In other words, the Alexander Manor was a de facto military district.
It was also a place where it was allowed to train more knights than other families.
That’s how we got on Mark and arrived at Alexander’s estate.
At the entrance, there were knights wearing blue lion-patterned armor.
These were the Blue Lion Knights of the Alexander family.
“Welcome, poor Cruz.”
They were famous for their high standards even within the kingdom.
With the exception of the Royal Guard, it is known that there is no place in the kingdom that can beat them with average power.
“I will see you from now on.”
“Yes, please.”
The place where they arrived on the carriage prepared by the knight was none other than the barracks.
It was not a place to entertain guests, but a place for knights to stay.
I didn’t come to meet people, I came to take a test, so I was guided here.
‘Still, I wouldn’t normally bring them here right away.’
This was also the spirit of the Alexander family, who valued practicality.
I thought that the original intention that did not change even after more than 150 years as a member of the royal family was quite remarkable.
‘But it’s very quiet.’
No one was seen inside the barracks.
Of course, it wasn’t nonexistent.
A minimum number of people are standing in the border area.
While silently following the knight, I saw an unexpected person.
“Are you here, brother?”
It was none other than Hones who said hello.
He showed a slightly puzzled expression at his sudden appearance.
Hones, who read this, said with a smile.
“I came to see. My older brother is also here.”
“okay?”
Come to think of it, at the New Year’s party, we talked about it as if we would meet again soon.
I must have mentioned the proof of struggle as a provocation to get a peek at my exact skills.
“You said you finished last year?”
“Yes, so I know the road too. Please follow me.”
After that, I followed Hones.
After some progress, I could understand why the barracks were so quiet.
‘Everyone seems to be over there.’
Beyond the large building in front of me was a fairly large parade ground.
I could feel the presence of quite a few people there.
I can’t hear anything, so they’re probably gathered there.
As if to confirm my prediction, Honess said.
“We only need to go to the parade ground.”
“Are all the knights gathered?”
“Not all, but quite a few.
Eventually, we arrived at the parade ground.
The appearance of the knights lined up caught my eye.
It was really impressive to see them wrap around them.
“Welcome, Cruz.”
In the center of them stood a middle-aged woman wearing the armor of a blue lion.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Of course, Isabel Ozong.”
“ha ha ha! Just call me Isabel.”
Isabel Alexander was the queen’s aunt and the captain of the 2nd Division of the Blue Lion Knights.
The white cloak proving his rank as a captain was impressive.
“Oh, it’s the first time I’ve said hello in person, but you managed to know.”
The one who spoke next was Kielus Alexander, a man standing next to her.
He was a man about the same age as Isabel.
In terms of relationship, he was a male equivalent to the queen’s uncle.
“I don’t know all of my relatives, but at least I have memorized all those who belong to the Knights.”
“Then you don’t even need to introduce myself.”
Kielus was wearing a blue cloak, different from Isabelle’s.
This was the attire that proved that he was the leader of the Knights.
“of course. Who doesn’t know who the leader of the Blue Lion Knights is?”
Kielus’s eyes brightened as if he was slightly surprised at the remark to lighten the mood.
“It is very different from what I have heard. Or did it change and become like this?”
“Thank you for your compliment.”
“Brother, do I like him? Hones didn’t have this taste.”
I was talking while looking at Hones, who was standing next to me.
He only bowed his head in greeting.
“Well, I won’t give extra points to the evaluation, so don’t expect it.”
Isabel’s voice, which had been excited, sank slightly.
On the contrary, I smiled.
“Of course, I will prove it proudly, so don’t worry.”
“It’s quite interesting. Has the recent surge boosted your confidence?”
Kielus spoke in a rather stern voice and pointed across.
There was another building there, but at first glance it seemed that it was not intended for military purposes.
“There are people watching you over there. We will make the judgment, but be aware that their opinions are included.”
I stared at the building Keelus pointed out for a moment.
There must be Bernant and Morgan too.
“Yes, Mr. Kielus.”
“Then let’s see your skills. I will see how much skill you have.”