HPDBC Chapter 77
Chapter 77
“This rascal...!”
The knight’s menacing hand lunged towards my throat, and my body was lifted involuntarily.
Impressive strength.
“I simply cannot turn a blind eye. No matter how much the Emperor favors you, I cannot tolerate someone laying a hand on the Emperor’s body with ill intent.”
I chuckled softly as I watched the sword being drawn from their scabbard.
“Emperor? He’s not an Emperor anymore, is he?”
“He is the one who inherited the bloodline of Lionheart!”
Before the sword could swing down, I quickly drew out my dagger to block it.
Iron clashed with iron, sending sparks flying.
Immediately after, I spun around and kicked their chest, escaping from their grip.
I swiftly reached for my waist and drew out my sword.
“You were the first to resort to violence.”
“You speak as if you can win. A cunning businessman, indeed.”
The sword soared high into the sky.
As I prepared to parry, bending my legs and adjusting my stance, the wind cutting through the air accompanied the sword rushing towards me.
But at the same time, Eldrigan, with his swollen right cheek, quickly intervened between us and shouted.
“Stop!”
Their sword changed trajectory instantly and plunged into the ground, and the knight, abandoning their sword, rushed towards Eldrigan and embraced him.
“Your Majesty!”
They stood by Eldrigan’s side, shielding him from me.
“I will eliminate this impure individual! Please do not interfere!”
“Do not make things worse!”
“But...”
What a performance they’re putting on.
“See? Even your lord acknowledges it.”
I spoke with a sneer, but Eldrigan stood silently, gazing at me.
“Edward.”
“Do you feel it’s unfair?”@@@@
As I asked, Eldrigan lowered his head.
“Not at all. If anything, I owe you gratitude.”
“I’m feeling quite upset.”
“Well, I wanted to talk to you.”
“What a coincidence. I also have something to say.”
“But before we talk... there’s something I must do.”
‘Something I must do.’
I didn’t know what it was, but it was probably another futile gesture...
Just as I thought that I couldn’t help but blink my eyes.
“Your Majesty!”
“How... to such a lowly individual!”
The astonished advisors and knights screamed, and I silently looked down at Eldrigan.
“It’s all my fault. I apologize.”
He was kneeling on the ground.
Gradually, his head bowed down, and then he pressed his forehead against the floor.
“I know what I’ve done to you is unforgivable. I know it’s too late.”
“Get up.”
I grabbed Eldrigan’s body and lifted him.
Seeing the guys standing still as if they’d forgotten how to move, it seemed they would stay in that position for the rest of their lives if I didn’t intervene.
“It’s chaotic.”
“It’s not good for us, is it?”
And there were those who chuckled softly amid the chaos.
They were Viscount Woodbury, a noble aiming for the Emperor’s seat, and Viscount Flambeau, who had secretly infiltrated from the Northern Kingdom.
“Are you ready?”
“Of course. I’ve been training soldiers for this day. I’ve been waiting for a good opportunity to arise.”
“Excellent.”
“More importantly, Viscount, are your preparations going well?”
“Yes. We have spies infiltrated into the palace right now. They will be the ones to take the Emperor’s head first.”
“And then you’ll declare war on the kingdom.”
“That’s right. Your Lordship can occupy the key cities and gradually take control of the smaller territories.”
“Then we’ll talk later.”
***
Eldrigan couldn’t lift his head for a while and sobbed silently.
Without bothering to ask him, I looked out the window.
As I observed the intricate web of interests involving countless people, I couldn’t help but sigh.
Soon, everything would change.
“...Edward.”
Eldrigan, whose sobbing had ceased, called out to me.
“I’m truly sorry.”
“Tell me what happened until now.”
He slowly recounted what had happened during that time.
In summary, it went like this:
Since ascending the throne after the death of the previous Emperor, he failed to solidify his faction.
He couldn’t assert his intentions properly, hindered by the opposition of the anti-emperor faction nobles and internal power struggles within the palace.
Caught up in politics and alliances, he made wrong decisions and was entangled in complications.
Even the nobles of the anti-emperor faction, in their eagerness for power, flattered the inexperienced Emperor.
When their favor turned to betrayal, he lost the ability to make sound judgments...
Hearing this, the man I had despised so much felt pitiful.
I knew well the feelings of betrayal from someone you trusted.
“It’s shameful, but I wish you had helped me...”
“I’ll make sure to do so from now on.”
“...Really?”
“Not for the Empire or for you, Eldrigan. If the Empire fell into peril, Ania would be in danger. This is all for her.”
“Still, I’m grateful.”
It was a fleeting moment when Eldrigan smiled faintly and stood up.
I rushed to him and covered his mouth with my hand.
“What’s wrong, Edward...?”
“Quiet.”
I could hear something.
A faint sound, as if someone was walking along the castle wall.
I immediately grabbed Eldrigan and threw the both of us behind the desk.
At the same time, small throwing knives flew to where we were originally standing,
And the floor where the knives landed began to emit smoke and melt away.
“Enemies...!”
“Assassins. Hide yourself!”
It was immediately clear who the instigators of the commotion were.
The anti-emperor faction nobles.
The newly emerging entrepreneurs were not the ones who took the most advantage of abolishing the royal family.
Amidst this chaotic situation, some sought to eliminate the Emperor.
And they’re seizing their opportunity.
Before long, with the sound of windows shattering, masked figures clad in black barged into the study.