Chapter 124: “Events in the Imperial Territory (9) (Part 1)”

—Several days later, in the imperial capital of the Dolgaria Empire—

“We rejoice at the safe return of Archduke Kharon Listan!!”

This is the imperial capital of the Dolgaria Empire. At its center lies the royal court.

Archduke Kharon, who had come to the chamber of the High Council, was being welcomed by the chancellor and ministers.

The high officials were all praising Archduke Kharon with excited expressions.

They had likely read the report on the “Magical Beast Investigation.”

—That Archduke Kharon and Princess Liana had fought the scorpion-type magical beast “Nozerius.”

—That Archduke Kharon’s sword halted the beast’s movements, and Liana’s holy sword delivered the final blow.

—That despite facing a new, gigantic magical beast, there were zero casualties.

—That Archduke Kharon and Liana had captured the perpetrator behind the magical beast’s summoning.

All of it was a brilliant achievement.

To Archduke Kharon, a former Sword Saint, a new feat had been added.

It was no wonder the high officials were excited.

“You have accomplished a splendid feat, Archduke Kharon.”

Next to the empty throne, Prince Diaz spoke up.

The emperor was absent due to poor health.

As his proxy, Crown Prince Diaz appeared to be presiding over the meeting.

“I rejoice that Your Grace’s fame has grown even further. I also thank you for your excellent guidance of my sister, Liana.”

Prince Diaz spoke with deep emotion, then suddenly tilted his head and asked:

“But why didn’t you inform us of your return date beforehand? It was also unexpected that you entered through the back gate. The High Council was planning to hold a grand triumphal ceremony.”

“A triumphal ceremony is unnecessary. The achievements of the ‘Magical Beast Investigation’ do not belong solely to myself and Her Highness Liana.”

Archduke Kharon sat down in one of the empty seats among the high officials.

He was still in his travel attire.

Aside from tidying his hair and removing his coat dusted with sand, he appeared exactly as he had stepped off the carriage.

Summoned by the High Council, Archduke Kharon had parted ways with Liana on the way back.

After that, he entered the imperial capital through the back gate and came straight to the council chamber.

“We were only able to defeat the magical beast thanks to the help of brave individuals. The honor of a triumph should be given to them.”

“And who are these individuals?”

“The Demon Lord’s army.”

Archduke Kharon replied briefly.

“More precisely, General of Flame Reisenga and his unit. They defeated two of the Nozerius magical beasts and provided us with vital information. That’s how we were able to confront the beast safely.”

“We have received that report.”

Prince Diaz shrugged.

“Still, it is undeniable that you and Liana defeated the beast. Can the Empire not claim this as a success?”

“The problem lies in where that magical beast came from.”

“You mean the magical beast summoning incident at the fortress. Yes, I’ve heard.”

“Then, where is Minister of Magic?”

Archduke Kharon looked around at the faces of the high officials.

“I made it clear in the report that Minister of Magic Azim Rajin was involved in this summoning. I wished to hear his explanation.”

“Minister Azim has already been dealt with.”

Prince Diaz replied in an emotionless voice.

His words echoed through the council chamber, and the high officials looked at one another.

It seemed he was aware of the circumstances—but not entirely convinced.

As he looked around at the high officials, Prince Diaz continued:

“After receiving your report, I immediately sent subordinates to the Minister of Magic. He was then arrested and confined in the underground dungeon.”

“As expected of Prince Diaz. Your response was swift.”

“No, it was too late.”

Prince Diaz sighed.

“It seems that Minister Azim had prepared for the exposure of his actions. He had already sent his family abroad. After being arrested, Azim Rajin confessed to his crimes and accepted his punishment.”

“May I meet with Minister Azim?”

“We are currently investigating his connections. Once that is completed, you may.”

Upon hearing Prince Diaz’s words, Archduke Kharon looked at the high officials.

Their expressions varied.

Some seemed convinced, while others shook their heads with dissatisfied looks.

They murmured among themselves:

“The incident is already over.”

“Azim Rajin, the Minister of Magic, will receive his punishment.”

“We too bear responsibility for failing to notice his conspiracy.”

“In any case… the investigation should continue.”

—So they said.

Archduke Kharon made mental note of the names and faces of the dissatisfied individuals.

They might cooperate when he eventually launches an independent investigation.

(Even so, the First Prince moves swiftly.)

Archduke Kharon made a bitter face.

When the “Magical Beast Investigation” ended, he hesitated.

Should he send the incident report to the capital immediately, or disclose everything after arriving himself?

He chose the former for the sake of Princess Liana’s position.

This investigation was a joint effort between Archduke Kharon and Princess Liana.

If he had delayed the report and earned the resentment of the imperial family, Liana’s standing could have worsened.

Archduke Kharon could simply return to his duchy—but Liana could not.

That is why Archduke Kharon sent a letter ahead of time to the capital, detailing the investigation results and the perpetrator’s name.

As a result, the Minister of Magic who had issued the summoning was imprisoned.

It became more difficult for Archduke Kharon to uncover the full truth, but—

(Well, I’ll manage somehow. I’ve already sent my subordinates back ahead of me as a countermeasure.)

Kharon was a politician too. He had already made his move.

He had entrusted the report on the “Magical Beast Investigation” to his close aides and sent them ahead to the imperial capital.

Before submitting the report, they were ordered to investigate the Minister of Magic.

That’s why Archduke Kharon needed to return to the imperial capital as slowly as possible.

He used that time to talk with Thor and the others and to finish sightseeing around the borderlands.

It had been an extremely meaningful time.

And as he met and spoke with them, he made up his mind.

If it proved too difficult to uncover the mastermind behind the “Magical Beast Summoning,” then he would opt for tangible benefits.

And those benefits, he decided, would be used for the sake of Sophia, Liana, and the others.

(I’m not fond of scheming… I simply wanted to be a swordsman.)

Suddenly, the face of the alchemist Thor appeared in his mind.

If he had been like Thor, could he have devoted himself solely to mastering swordsmanship?

As he pondered such things, Archduke Kharon faced the high officials.

“The Minister of Magic, Azim, will be judged according to the laws of the Empire. That is the situation, correct?”

Archduke Kharon said.

Diaz nodded in satisfaction.

“That is correct. He will pay for the crime of disrupting the nation.”

“In that case, I have nothing more to say.”

“No, Your Grace. You must be rewarded appropriately for your accomplishments.”

“Covering the expenses of the expedition will be more than enough.”

“That alone will not suffice. After all, Your Grace has achieved a great success.”

Prince Diaz spread his arms wide.

“Even though your Grand Duchy is semi-independent, it is possible to increase your holdings. Or perhaps, would you prefer one of our treasured magical items?”

“In that case, I would ask for an expansion of territory.”

Without hesitation, Archduke Kharon replied.

“I would like a new territory granted to the Grand Duchy — although it would be a detached region, somewhat distant.”

“Which land do you have in mind?”

“The town of Nosa in the borderlands, and the surrounding area.”

Kharon’s words stirred murmurs among the high council.

The Grand Duchy lies west of the imperial capital.

It takes more than ten days to reach Nosa from there.

While it’s not unheard of for a noble to have a detached territory — not contiguous with their main land — this distance was extreme.

The high officials were all struggling to understand the meaning behind Archduke Kharon’s request.

“That area, while an imperial territory, has been under the control of a Margrave, correct?”

“Just as you say, Your Grace,” Diaz nodded.

“That land was under the jurisdiction of Margrave Garua. It’s too far for direct rule by the imperial family, so the Margrave sent a steward to govern it.”

“Then there should be no issue if the Grand Duchy assumes that role from here on.”

“But it is also distant from the Grand Duchy.”

“In that case, how about entrusting it to someone of imperial blood? Oh yes, come to think of it, Princess Sophia is presently in Nosa, isn’t she?”

Archduke Kharon offered his words with a fearless smile.

“What do you think of having her govern Nosa and the surrounding region?”

“…Sophia?”

“I had the chance to speak with Princess Sophia during the ‘Magical Beast Investigation’ and she is a most admirable person. She is beloved by the people of Nosa, and her ‘Omawarisan Unit’ even assisted in the subjugation of the magical beast Nozerius.”

Looking around at the officials, Archduke Kharon continued.

“Princess Sophia is loved by the people, respected by soldiers, and even maintains good relations with those from the Demon Lord’s territory. If it’s her, I believe she could be entrusted with land from the Grand Duchy.”

“…But Sophia is sickly. I doubt she could manage a territory—”

“Actually, she seemed quite well when I saw her.”

“What?”

“Perhaps the climate in the borderlands is favorable. Even I, Kharon, have felt much better since visiting. When the air changes, the mind clears as well.”

“…Are you implying that the air in the imperial capital is stagnant?”

“I meant no such thing.”

Facing Prince Diaz, Kharon gave a formal bow as an Archduke.

“A change of land leads to a change in thinking and perspective. A politician should strive to see from many viewpoints — that is all I meant, Your Highness.”

“I understand your thoughts, Your Grace.”

Prince Diaz nodded.

Letting out a long sigh, he turned to the high officials.

“What do the Chancellor and the ministers think of the Archduke’s proposal? It is possible to grant additional land to the Grand Duchy. However, giving such a distant detached territory and entrusting it to a member of the imperial family — to Sophia — is unprecedented. Let us hear your views.”

“Indeed, there is no precedent for granting a territory so far from the main domain.”

The Chancellor stood and answered Diaz’s question.

“However, if the land is to be entrusted to Princess Sophia, then that changes things. It would be treated as if the Archduke is offering land to the Emperor himself. To reject this would be to disregard the Archduke’s loyalty.”

With a nervous sweat, the Chancellor concluded his statement.

Hearing his opinion, the other high officials began to speak as well.

“If it is the wish of the Archduke, who has achieved such great merit, we should accept it.”

“The proposal is logical and serves the Empire’s interests.”

“I have also heard good things about the town of Nosa. If Princess Sophia governs it, it may prosper even further.”

“In any case, the Archduke will bear the responsibility.”

Accepting Archduke Kharon’s proposal would make the Empire’s borderlands stronger.

And strength was the supreme value in the Empire.

It seemed all the officials shared this view.

“Very well. Let us consider Your Grace’s proposal positively.”

Eventually, Prince Diaz nodded with a composed expression.

“However, I have a few questions.”

“Please, Your Highness.”

“Why did you evaluate Sophia so highly?”

“It is only natural to make use of someone with talent. Of course, there is also the meddling of an old man involved.”

Archduke Kharon scratched his gray hair with a troubled expression.

“If Princess Sophia is to remain as a ruler, so be it. If not, the Grand Duchy will take responsibility for the aftermath. That’s all there is to it. Naturally, I am also a subject of the Empire. I simply wish to utilize valuable personnel.”

“I have one more question.”

“Go ahead, Prince Diaz.”

“Why did you not only grant Sophia territory, but also place that town under the jurisdiction of the Grand Duchy? There must be a reason, mustn’t there?”

“Oh, indeed there is.”

With a sense of satisfaction, Archduke Kharon slapped his knee.

“As expected of the wise Prince Diaz. You noticed that I am wary of the borderlands.”

“Of course.”

Diaz nodded.

“If you only intended to support Sophia, there would be no need to make the area around the town of Nosa part of the Grand Duchy’s territory. That must mean you yourself have a reason to be wary of the borderlands.”

“The reason is simple.”

Archduke Kharon’s expression changed.

The pleasant look he had up to that point turned serious.

A look as if he were about to face off with a magical beast—so intense that the high officials gasped.

Then—

“Several of Geralt Zelger’s subordinates, who were conducting ‘Magical Beast Summoning’ at the fortress, have escaped.”

He stated the fact as if it were the most natural thing.

“The escaped subordinates were hired with money. They reportedly fled through the back gate of the fortress while the magical beast Nozerius ran amok. We must remain vigilant against those individuals. That is why, just in case, I wish to strengthen the vigilance along the borderlands. That is all.”

“Coming from someone like Archduke Kharon, this seems overly cautious.”

“Does it?”

“Only a few hired mercenaries escaped, correct? I don’t see the need to be that cautious about them.”

“Fortress commander Geralt Zelger said the escapees were involved in ‘Magical Beast Summoning’ and ‘Magical Beast Control.'”

Archduke Kharon spoke.

For a moment, silence swept through the high officials’ council.

Pretending not to notice, Archduke Kharon continued.

“In other words, there is a danger that the summoning ritual has been leaked. Furthermore, it is said that they were hired because of their skills in ‘Magical Beast Control.’ Now, Prince Diaz. Are there any individuals you can think of who might excel in ‘Magical Beast Control’?”

“…No way.”

“…You mean, survivors of that civil war!?”

Suddenly, the Chancellor interjected.

An elderly man, the Chancellor held knowledge equal to that of Archduke Kharon.

He must have remembered. The now-lost Marquis Tilik family was known for their expertise in ‘Magical Beast Control.’

“However, that family… perished during the civil war. I can’t imagine any survivors. That conflict was so fierce—”

“Calm yourself, Chancellor. The Archduke’s words are all speculation.”

Prince Diaz cut the Chancellor off.

Faced with Diaz’s piercing gaze, the Chancellor fell silent.

“Even so, we should accept the Archduke’s proposal. I previously stated that we would consider placing the border town under the Grand Duchy’s control, but if the Archduke senses a threat, we should decide here and now.”

“That is much appreciated.”

“Then, everyone, please raise your hands.”

A tense air filled the council chamber.

At its center stood Prince Diaz and Archduke Kharon.

The high officials could not avert their eyes from the two of them.

Under everyone’s gaze, Prince Diaz declared:

“Those in favor of placing the town of Nosa and its surrounding area under the jurisdiction of the Grand Duchy, and appointing Sophia Dolgaria as the governor of the region under Archduke Kharon’s patronage, please raise your hand.”

The high officials raised their hands.

Naturally. They had no reason to oppose.

The territory was granted as a reward for Archduke Kharon’s efforts.

Moreover, he had proposed to entrust that land to a member of the imperial family—Princess Sophia.

Seeing this as a gesture of loyalty, opposing it was out of the question.

“All members of the council are in favor. Archduke Kharon’s proposal is accepted.”

Prince Diaz announced as he looked around the chamber.

“Then, once we have received His Majesty the Emperor’s approval, we shall begin the arrangements immediately. If the Archduke is willing to support a town on the border, we could not ask for more reassuring news.”

“Indeed. I shall give it my utmost effort.”

“Your utmost effort, hmm…”

Suddenly, Prince Diaz narrowed his eyes.

With a chilling smile, he continued.

“This is a good opportunity. Would you allow me to see Your Grace’s strength after a long time?”

Prince Diaz spoke quietly.

“I, Diaz, am also a swordsman aiming for strength equal to the hero. Having fought huge magical beasts and gained more experience, I would like to ask Your Grace for a bout.”

“I don’t mind, but right now?”

“If possible. While Your Grace still retains the feeling from fighting the magical beast.”

“…Hmm.”

Archduke Kharon looked into Crown Prince Diaz’s eyes.

He could tell he was calm.

Archduke Kharon did not underestimate Diaz.

Diaz had been raised as the crown prince and was meeting the imperial household’s expectations.

Among the many princes and princesses, he was wise. It seemed unlikely he would challenge without a chance of winning.

“By the way, Your Highness Diaz, you bear the epithet ‘The Lightning Swordsman,’ don’t you?”

“It’s embarrassing. It’s a nickname my subordinates gave me on their own.”

“No, no, no need for modesty. I’ve heard that many who admired that sword technique gathered and formed their own unique knight order.”

“It’s embarrassing that even Your Grace has heard of it.”

Diaz bowed calmly.

“So, will you have a bout with me?”

“I would like to, but… if Your Highness is the opponent…”

“You seem reluctant. Then, shall we make a bet?”

“A bet?”

“If Your Grace wins, I, Diaz, will personally support the town of Nosa and my younger sister Sophia. I will provide the funds but won’t interfere… that’s the deal.”

“And if Diaz wins?”

“I would like Your Grace’s guess to remain just between us.”

Diaz spoke.

The ‘guess’ he mentioned referred to the escaped soldiers from the fortress and the Marquis Tilik family.

“I want you not to speak of that guess elsewhere. That civil war is a thing of the past. It is better not to needlessly stir the hearts of the people.”

“Your Highness Diaz—”

“Yes?”

“Do you have anyone you respect among your acquaintances?”

It was sudden.

Without realizing it himself, words flowed from the Archduke’s mouth.

“During this ‘Magical Beast Investigation,’ I met a boy I can respect and a girl I want to make my disciple. I want to be someone who is not ashamed before them.”

Archduke Kharon said this while recalling the two.

An alchemist who created a magic item that could fell the magical beast Nozerius in one strike.

A girl who reminded the former sword saint himself of a chilling sensation.

Both were rare talents.

Archduke Kharon had come to want to be someone not ashamed before them.

“Does Your Highness Diaz have such people?”

“I do not quite understand what Your Grace means.”

“That is unfortunate.”

“So, what about the bout?”

“It is Your Highness’s request. I cannot refuse.”

Archduke Kharon nodded with a bitter expression.

He circled his right arm and said,

“Very well. I shall accept Crown Prince Diaz’s challenge.”

“““Ooooooh!”””

Cheers rose in the conference hall.

The high officials here were renowned warriors and magicians.

Some were still active.

If it was a match between Archduke Kharon and the crown prince, the eldest son of the emperor’s family who revered the hero, it was natural for the excitement to rise.

“Thank you. If Your Grace’s sword technique is shown, His Majesty the Emperor will also be energized.”

“Is His Majesty still unwell?”

“The doctor said it was temporary. He should be fine just watching.”

“If His Majesty watches, I cannot hold back.”

“Oh? If His Majesty does not watch, do you mean you can hold back against me?”

“That was just a turn of phrase. If I offended you, I apologize, Your Highness.”

And so, the match between Archduke Kharon and Crown Prince Diaz was decided to be held.

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