Chapter 154 Sangvis Ferri (3)
The chaos in the imperial palace was quickly resolved.
In fact, fighting the Iron Blood Knights in the middle of the imperial palace, where the emperor was located, was an act of treason worthy of punishment.
But we had clear evidence that Archbishop Catoleas was wearing the facial skin of Captain Saphias.
Professor Valentiano rushed to the officials attending the cabinet meeting and explained the situation, and Chaldeas, the secretary of the palace, also actively defended us.
Moreover, because the Emperor appointed me as the Commander of the Knights of Lichtenau and granted me authority equivalent to that of the Grand Duke of Lichtenau… In the end, it was passed without any punishment.
“It was a really dangerous situation.”
Seeing my face, Celine sighed.
“Regardless of the reason, there were so many alternatives that we should be punished for high treason. Otherwise, we would all have become traitors.”
“It seems that the atmosphere at the State Council meeting was harsh.”
“Yes, it was managed by the persuasion of Professor Valentiano, who has a high reputation among the eastern elite.”
Beside Celine who said that, Chloe smiled and said.
“Serine-nim, the ministers probably didn’t really intend to accuse us of being traitors.”
“On what basis do you say that?”
“Then, if we really decide to rebel, even the ministers will be in trouble.”
“Kh, Chloe, no matter how joking, that is… … !”
As Chloe said, the ministers would not want us to become traitors.
This is because there is no force within the Empire that can stop us at this point.
Now that the leadership of the Iron Blood Knights has been destroyed, only the Agrippa family can stop the academy… Regarding this case, the Agrippa family is in the same position as the Academy.
“Anyway, Sir Aernas.”
Chloe asked me.
“I heard that the Knights of Lichtenau were launched this time, and their leader, Aernas-nim, would be given authority equivalent to that of the Grand Duke of Lichtenau… Can I get more details?”
“Oh, I wanted to hear that too.”
Serene also nodded and looked at me.
“It’s not particularly different from now.”
I explained slowly.
“Until now, we’ve had several fights in the name of ‘Lichtenau Swordsmanship Academy’s extracurricular activities. Originally, the academy was conducting security maintenance activities such as subjugating monsters and demons in the west, so as an extension of that.”
“Yes, it was.”
“However, there was no choice but to be criticized for going beyond the academy’s duties. That’s why I had to secure a cause every time.”
In the meantime, even when we were fighting on the battlefield, President Aldbaut, who remained at the academy, was dealing with political issues by contacting various places.
No matter what, the identity of the academy is because it is an ‘educational institution’.
“However, the ‘Knights of Lichtenau’ are purely an organization for military activities. It’s an organization directly ordered by His Majesty the Emperor to defeat those who threaten the empire like the Dark Heaven Demonic Cult, so there’s no need to worry about that.”
“then… Is it just a difference that you can be more confident in your activities?”
“Yes, so there is not much difference in what we do. but… Our surroundings will change.”
“Nearby?”
“For example, if there is a family that is not cooperating with our activities, we can pressure them into disobeying His Majesty the Emperor.”
“ah… … !”
“Not only various families, but also various related ministries will cooperate. The entire empire serves as our allies.”
Now we have the Emperor on our backs.
It was possible to act with the entire empire as an ally.
“Then, now all we have to do is gather the power of the empire and move to subdue the Dark Heaven Demonic Cult.”
“Aernas-sama, but… Will they just watch?”
Chloe looked at me and asked.
“This measure is practically the same as appointing Aernas-sama as Grand Duke of Lichtenau… It must be difficult for them to accept.”
“I had that part in mind too.”
I nodded and said.
“I intend to speak to Agrippa myself.”
House of Agrippa.
At this point, you have to properly talk to the master of swordsmanship, who is the only one who can stand against the academy.
* * *
When I went to visit Brantley Agrippa, who was staying in the 4th district of the imperial palace, Heinrich was also there.
“Aernas… … !”
“Heinrich, sit down.”
Heinrich glared at me and stood up, but Brantley raised a hand to stop him.
“Aernas, it looks like you have something to say.”
“Yes, Mr. Brantley.”
“Sit down for now. I don’t think it’s going to end easily.”
After sitting down as instructed, Brantley instructed his entourage to prepare the tea.
When the aide who had prepared the teacup left the room, only the three of us were left in the room.
“Looks like you’ve been appointed as the head of the Lichtenau Knights.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Even in the past, temporary knights were formed several times at the direction of His Majesty the Emperor.”
Brantley said in a calm voice.
“However, this is probably the first case in the history of the history of appointing a graduate who is still a student as the leader of the knights.”
“… … .”
“You managed to convince His Majesty the Emperor, Aernas.”
Brantly’s cold eyes stared into my face.
“I’ve vaguely felt it since before, but it seems that you are as good in politics as you are in swordsmanship.”
“… … .”
I closed my mouth.
When I first came to this world, I thought I had to survive in this world with the power of swordsmanship.
However, after living in this world, I realized that it is also important to use my brain to acquire a position that is advantageous to me.
My current move is very different from Ernas in the novel, but… There was not much difference between Aernas in the novel and the appearance of securing an advantageous position through strategy.
“From the moment you provoked Claubice at the meeting of the Six Swords, you must have been planning everything. After destroying several families, he must have tried to take the initiative in the empire himself.”
“You’re overestimating, Mr. Brantley.”
“I don’t think it’s overrated.”
As I said that, Brantley stared straight into my face.
“Rather, I still feel like I haven’t grasped your full picture.”
“… … .”
“Ernas Landstein, what is your final goal?”
Brantley asked, glaring at me.
“I have a feeling that you are ultimately trying to reach the pinnacle of this world.”
“… … !”
Heinrich, who was sitting next to Brantly, opened his eyes wide.
“I don’t think the emperor’s seat… … !”
“Answer me, Aernas.”
Leaving his stunned son alone, Brantley continued to stare at me.
“You can answer lies. I want to hear your answer.”
“… … .”
“What is your final goal?”
Even if you answer lies, I will see through your true heart with my own eyes.
It was a voice that said so.
“Brantley, I’ll make it clear.”
I answered in a calm voice.
“I am interested in the pinnacle of this world.”
“… … .”
“Aernas, you bastard… … !”
Brantley glared at me silently, and Heinrich jumped up from his seat.
But I didn’t care and said it.
“But this is by no means the pinnacle of power.”
“Isn’t that the pinnacle of power?”
“What I am interested in is the pinnacle of the sword. The pinnacle of power… It’s out of the question.”
“… … .”
“The seat of the emperor? I am not interested at all.”
this is my sincerity
Because they have no interest in ruling the country.
“Are you serious, Aernas?”
“Yes, I am serious.”
“… … .”
“If I show any signs of overthrowing the throne, either Brantley or Heinrich, slit my throat right away.”
I pretended to hit the neck with my hand.
“Even if I run away, I won’t resent you.”
“i get it.”
Brantley nodded slowly.
“Let me remember those words.”
After saying that, Brantley turned his gaze to his son, Heinrich.
“Heinrich, you should also remember it.”
“father… … .”
“If Aernas shows a suspicious appearance, he must beheaded.”
“All right.”
In any case, this part seemed to be agreed upon by both of them.
Then it’s my turn to get to the main point.
“Looks like the misunderstanding has been resolved… Brantley, can I tell you about my business soon?”
“Okay, Aernas.”
Brantley looked me in the face and said.
“Tell me your business.”
“Today I came to ask Brantley a favor.”
“Please.”
Brantley, who heard me, furrowed his eyebrows slightly.
“Are you asking us to cooperate with the subjugation of the Dark Heaven Demonic Cult?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“It’s what His Majesty ordered you to do, so it can’t be helped.”
As I told Serine and Chloe earlier, the emperor’s order has fallen, so the Agrippa family has no choice but to cooperate.
From noble mtl dot com.
“i get it. We will share as much information as we can. I will also send troops.”
“thank you. But that’s not what I’m asking for.”
“what?”
“Brantley.”
I looked straight at Brantly and said.
“Please serve as the vice-captain of the Lichtenau Knights.”
“… … !”
vice-captain.
Hearing that, Brantley’s eyes widened.
“Actually, it would be right for Brantley-sama to be in a higher position than me, but there is no higher position.”
The emperor entrusted me with the command of the knights.
And since I also gave the authority equivalent to that of a ‘Grand Duke’ of Lichtenau, Brantley, the ‘Duke’, has no choice but to come under me.
“How are you, Brantley?”
“What are you thinking, Aernas?”
Brantley said, glaring at me.
“I, the head of the Agrippa family… You’re going to make me the vice-captain of the Lichtenau Knights?”
“The Knights of Lichtenau are independent of the Academy. There is no problem with Brantley, who is outside the academy, taking over as vice-captain.”
“… … .”
“Brantly-sama, I believe that Brantley-sama’s strength is essential for this operation.”
As the emperor said, there are not enough graduates at the peak right now.
If Brantley, who is at the top of the peak, is with him, he will be able to deal with the archbishops of the Dark Heaven Demonic Cult.
“Father, I think it is right to accept the offer.”
At that time, Heinrich suddenly opened his mouth.
“Subjugation of the Dark Heaven Demonic Cult is the long-cherished wish of the Agrippa family. If they offer you great authority, I think it’s right to accept it.”
“Heinrich… … .”
“And that.”
Heinrich looked at me and said.
“If my father takes over as vice-captain, Aernas will take over the command when the Dark Heaven Demonic Cult is defeated.”
“… … .”
“The Agrippa family will be in command of the Lichtenau Knights.”
Hearing that, I laughed.
“You are right, Heinrich.”
Listening to Heinrich’s words, I confirmed that he still had fighting spirit.
I thought the emperor might have been disappointed because he gave me the authority equivalent to that of the Grand Duke of Lichtenau… It’s still competitive.
“Brantley, how are you?”
“I understand, Aernas.”
Brantley nodded.
“I will take my entourage and join the Knights of Lichtenau. Let’s clearly show the strength of the Agrippa family.”
“Yes, please.”
with this… I made the best of Brantly Agrippa on my side.
In the fight ahead, Brantley will help more than the academy professors.
What will happen after the subjugation of the Dark Heaven Demonic Cult… You’ll know when you go then.
“then… Heinrich.”
“what?”
“I’m done talking with Brantley, so now I only have to talk to you.”
“You have something to say to me?”
Heinrich looked at me with a suspicious expression.
“What is it?”
“The Chaldeas secretary also brought up the story, and I thought it was about time.”
“Is it related to Archduke Liechtenauer?”
“Yeah, right.”
“… … .”
Heinrich’s eyes became serious.
It was the look in his eyes that did not give up on becoming the Grand Duke of Lichtenau.
“Heinrich, you can’t look at me like that.”
“what?”
“Because it might scare you.”
“Are you scared? who?”
Looking at the speechless Heinrich, I smiled.
“Your Highness, the princess.”
“Her Highness the Princess… … ?”
“Yes, he’s only 12 years old, but a guy with a sharp look like you would freak out if he looked at you like that.”
If the emperor dies, the next emperor will be crowned… Emperor’s only daughter.
It was time to meet her.
“From what I’ve heard, Her Highness seems to want to meet us too.”
“Us… … ?”
“okay.”
I nodded and smiled.
“Because one of us will be the fiancé of Her Highness the Princess. As Her Highness, the princess can’t help but wonder what we look like.”
“… … !”
Heinrich made a puzzled expression at my joke.