Survival 78

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After moving seats, the first thing Darius brought up was, 

“And that vampire incident, intentionally letting them go, are you in cahoots with the demons?” 

“How could that be?!” 

“It’s a joke.” 

‘Believe that with such a deadpan face, will you!’ 

Anyway, this guy’s mouth. 

Even if there’s no one around, there was no need to say it out loud.

Carelessly, this could lead to accusations of treason. 

Moreover, it’s difficult to take drastic measures against the heir of this domain. 

But the atmosphere eased a bit with the mention of it being a joke.

While Darius closed his eyes and fell into thought for a moment, I glanced around. 

Tapestries adorned with swords and shields. 

A small bookshelf set up in one corner of the room. 

Walls decorated with various weapons and stuffed animals hunted, 

‘…Definitely siblings.’ 

The desolate look of the room was so similar between the two, it was uncanny.

-Growl. 

The difference might be, instead of Friede, that creature taking up twice the space. 

The pleasant snoring of the bear occupying the expensive carpet, muttering in its sleep was… 

a feeling of breaking my understanding of pets.

Then, 

“I’d like to hear a detailed explanation before holding a trial, but, ah, you know that direct descendants of Speda have the right to immediate judgment?” 

But, despite the grim content, his face was smiling. 

‘Such a bizarre sense of humor.’ 

With a sigh that naturally rose.

“Honestly, I’ll tell you, there won’t need to be a trial.” 

As much as I needed to clear the charge of collusion. 

I laid out the facts straight. 

“Oh? The horns of high-ranking demons have that kind of effect?” 

“Yes. Adding the properties of Pama to a weapon. It’s often considered a taboo among demons themselves. I heard it from Bathory though.”

Sorry, Bathory. 

I’m using your name once more. 

Objectively speaking, you’re the one who knows the most about demons. 

Since you’ve already betrayed your kin, might as well hit them hard! 

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain under my foot but ignored it.

“So it is. Originally, when discovering a high-ranking demon, the principle was to cut off their wings first, but it seems we need to collect their horns, even if it means making sacrifices.” 

“However, they usually tend to be sluggish. This was a unique case,” they said. 

‘Bastard Lexton,’ ironically light on his feet because he came from lowly mercenaries. 

Treated poorly even among his kind, he was the one who would wander outside. 

Stupid in the head, but obsessed with revenge. 

‘Once provoked, he’d attack whenever he was bored, making for infinite resource farming…’ 

A pity, such a waste.

“But it’s too risky of an idea. High-ranking demons can easily threaten the safety of the northern people. Be more careful in the future.” 

“I will keep that in mind.” 

Fortunately, Darius was more forgiving than I expected. 

I thought he might issue a harsh command. 

Seeing the question on my face, he cracked a slight smile.

“Still, you’ve made your decision with the well-being of the North in mind, as I’ve heard of your loyalty before. It deserves respect.”

“I always do what can aid Lady Luciana.”

“Was advising to give up on the succession competition also for Luci’s sake?”

It seemed he was confident that my advice was behind Luciana’s actions.

But this was within my expectations. And compared to the shock of letting the demon go, this was nothing.

“There was a strong wish on her part.”

Yes, that child knew nothing but the sword from the beginning.

“Now that it’s mentioned, it seems you’ve been taking good care of Luci.”

He sipped the tea served by his personal maid.

I was given a cup of tea as a guest, but I did not dare to drink hastily and just pretended to do so.

“You flatter me. Lady Luciana herself is a radiant and noble person. I have merely stayed by her side.”

“It’s not flattery. I’ve heard about your deeds in the capital, through ears outside.”

…The events in the capital?

His leisurely voice made me think hard.

What exactly was he referring to?

The widespread duel initiated by Luciana at the social gathering? The near scandal with the crown prince?

‘He couldn’t possibly be talking about the time I visited the information guild, could he?’

“News travels fast.”

“I’m also a graduate of the academy. I have plenty of acquaintances who keep me informed, not to mention my father.”

Like Luciana, he had a slight frown.

The anger that briefly showed was quickly voiced.

“What was the crown prince thinking? Do the oaths made between families mean nothing to him?”

“I agree. It was a foolish choice, both personally and for the nation.”

Thankfully, it wasn’t about the information guild.

But.

I felt it in the gaze we shared.

The person in front of me was an ally.

Suddenly, an inner closeness surged crazily.

Personally?

That refers to the crown prince, who, despite having Luciana, knows no satisfaction.

His eyes were less than a wormhole,

And it was the same when viewed nationally.

The precious treasure of the North, the only daughter of the Speda Duke, respected and wary by the imperial faction.

The man who had put down his teacup gnashed his teeth softly.

“As you say. My sister is not that keen on political views either, but the crown prince is even less so.”

I nodded repeatedly.

The Speda Ducal family is the most powerful supporter of the imperial faction.

Kicking away an engagement that solidifies relations with such a loyal supporter was absurd.

Moreover, it would cause cracks in the balance between the imperial and noble factions, currently in alignment.

“Well, my father seems to share the dissatisfaction with the royal family, so he might make a decision soon.”

“…A decision, you say?”

“Considering a shift to the noble faction might be worth contemplating.”

I got chills.

The head of the imperial faction contemplating a shift to the noble faction was unthinkable to anyone.

However, the ambition blazing in his eyes was filled with sincerity.

“With the abundant food from the East and the financial resources of the South, if we receive support from those two great nobles, conquering the North might not just be a dream.”

His will to strike at the land of the Evildon Empire and subjugate it.

Not just from enthusiasm, but aura was emanating from his entire body.

“Sir. Darius, please calm down.”

“Oh, I got carried away and was rude in front of a guest. Thank you for the advice.”

After his personal maid intervened, he managed to calm his intense energy.

He’s quite something. Darius, too, must be a green noble, having not long graduated from the academy. Yet, already his insight into the political landscape is far from ordinary. Connecting incidents from social gatherings to the benefit of his family must have required considerable thought. 

‘And even talking about a northern conquest. If successful, the north’s prestige would surpass even the royal family’s.’

Even with his natural martial prowess, he could easily sideline the foolish crown prince who has forgotten his royal duties.

“…To open up about such matters to me, it’s an honor, but why?”

It was curious why he would reveal such crucial decisions for his family’s future to me, a mere servant of Luciana. To be honest, being from the west, I’m an outsider. Plus, there was a subtle hostility towards the royal family in his words. It was a statement that might as well be top secret.

“Have you considered leaving Luciana’s side to work in a higher capacity for the Speda family?”

As expected, there was a reason he summoned me. The demon release was just a pretext.

“The position is too grand for me. I’m far too lacking…”

“No, I decide what I need.”

His gaze, burning with passion, was piercing.

***

He was tempted. Like his father, his craving for talent is no different from any ruler’s. Looking at the servant before him, a desire to have him under his command flared up like a fierce flame. 

Darius. 

He was also known to have a keen eye for talent.

But beyond that. The most important martial skill in the north? Winning a martial arts tournament, repelling a guardian deity, subduing infiltrating demons, and even this recent mansion intrusion. Hans Byron. He has proven himself. His abilities far exceed what’s required for a knight.

However, something else caught his interest even more.

‘Considering what Luci did in the Central, there weren’t many who spoke ill of it. Instead, a cheeky servant took her place.’

A servant willing to duel in place of his master. He knew his sister well. It was clearly intentional. He read the political currents and took the hit to prevent any adverse flow towards Luciana. His ability to assess situations, flexible handling, and blind loyalty must have led to such an outcome.

And this was the talent Darius most desired and needed.

“The Speda family needs talents like you right now.”

The greatest issue and limitation holding back the north, something his father, the head of the family, and he lament over every moment.

A person with talent?

The North is a land of harsh cold, barren soil, and lurking dangers. Warriors who have endured it are plentiful. 

Instead, there’s a dire shortage of those who can envision the future and possess political acumen, forcing the region to hire from elsewhere. 

As a result, the North often ends up at a disadvantage in most negotiations outside its borders.

“Come with me. I assure you the highest position and honor.”

“…How far are you talking?”

“The North values ability over lineage or finance officers common in other regions. Even someone from another region or a commoner can rise to the position of treasurer.”

The young Duke Darius smiled confidently. 

In the future, when he becomes the Duke, he intends to entrust the Speda family’s finances to him. 

‘Wouldn’t this be tempting enough?’ He thought of buying his loyalty with the promise of a bright future. 

Following him would ensure Luciana’s future shines as well, so there would be nothing to lose.

Especially since he’s from the desolate West, a third son of a baron with little chance of inheriting any title. 

Talented in both martial and strategic aspects, but consistently hindered by his background. 

However, even with the strongest offer he could make, there was no particular reaction from him. 

No, rather, the slight tilt of his head conveyed indifference.

That arrogantly meaningful attitude confirmed it for Darius. 

Indeed, this servant knew his own worth. 

Too precious to merely stand by his lovely, kind, beautiful, and stubbornly cute sister.

“I mentioned earlier, the position is too grand for me…” 

“Put aside useless formalities and pretensions. As person to person, I want to recruit you for your talent, so tell me what you desire so I can fulfill it.”

Darius eagerly entered into what seemed like a negotiation masked as loyalty. 

Artifacts of significance? He could give them. 

Wealth, power, fame? He promised to secure all. 

However, the usually warm and friendly face of his interlocutor hardened.

“I truly appreciate your high regard for me. But, I cannot.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I am Lady Luciana’s servant.”

Darius was puzzled. 

He was well aware of the outsider, Hans Byron’s, profound loyalty. 

Indeed, it would be more beneficial for Luciana if he were on Darius’s side.

“I have already mentioned this to the Sword Master, but it was only after coming here that I felt it. Lady Luciana is the lord I am destined to serve.”

“The object of service merely changes. Working for the Speda family would benefit Luci too, as your achievements-“

“No, that’s meaningless.”

With barely open eyes, a strong will emanated from the barely visible pupils.

“Being by Lady Luciana’s side, supporting her, is my fate, my supreme mission.”

“…But there’s a position available that would allow you to advance further.”

“If I cannot share it with Lady Luciana, what meaning would it hold?”

Only then did Darius understand.

‘I thought it was loyalty, but was I mistaken?’

It was loyalty, indeed, but strangely twisted. 

Obsession. 

It seemed like catching a glimpse of that ugly sight often shown by zealots. 

‘However, he will never cross the line… That’s disappointing.’

***

So, it seems convincing you right now is out of my reach. 

“Thank you for understanding.”

Darius, once again losing his serious demeanor, could only send him off with a smile. 

After the door closed. 

The seemingly invisible personal maid refilled his tea and asked, 

“Is it alright to have revealed so much? He was, until recently, competing in the succession for his lady.”

“It’s fine. He has no desire for power.”

Darius had a good grasp of Hans Byron as a person. 

Undoubtedly, devoted only to Luciana. 

A loyal shadow, moving only by his sister’s will. 

Of course, he could forcibly take Luciana’s personal servant if he wished. 

But while he might be an invaluable tool and weapon for Luciana, he would never show his capabilities in Darius’s hands. 

“It makes me envious of her fortune.”

A sincere frustration was evident on Darius’s face. 

All the connections he had formed were based on transactions. 

“Aren’t I here?”

“That’s true. I spoke out of turn.”

With an apologetic heart, Darius met his maid’s eyes and smiled wryly. 

But. 

Persuasion isn’t the only way. 

“Don’t worry. I’ve found a way to bring him in.”

“How could you possibly…”

Facing his maid’s incredulous look, Darius winked. 

The relationship between the prince and his sister is currently clouded with dark clouds. 

If that relationship deteriorates further. 

Wouldn’t he have to find her a new match? 

“Of course, if he remains merely a servant, it would be difficult.”

A story possible only after he becomes Duke. 

But with a man of his talents, surely he’ll move to a higher position. 

In the not-so-distant future, it seemed entirely feasible. 

Hans Byron. 

Whether he wants it or not. 

The world won’t leave him be. 

***

“Phew, what a scouting offer.”

Only after entering my personal room could I finally reveal my true feelings. 

Maintaining my composure from the moment I was in front of the young duke was utterly draining. 

“Exactly. Such a lack of manners!”

A familiar face emerged from the shadows, biting her lip in vehement agreement. 

Seemingly forgetting the moment earlier when her name was used in vain, she was quite upset. 

“Ha. Why so angry again?”

“Reaching out carelessly to another’s retinue?! When this side has no intention of granting permission.”

Bathory, fuming, strode over to me. 

Close enough to feel her breath. 

Her cold gaze bore into me as she admonished, 

“Remember. We are bound by a deep relationship known as a vassal contract.”

“Of course. How could I forget?”

Perfectly exploitable, indeed. 

Hiding my true feelings, I flashed a warm smile at the contractor. 

“Besides, with such a blunt refusal, they shouldn’t think of approaching again.”

Already bound to Luciana by life itself. 

Plus, leaving my favorite character behind isn’t something I could do. 

Still, I shook off the uneasy feeling with a flick of my hands. 

“Come now, it’s getting late. Let’s head back to your room.”

“Wait, wait! Still going on about privacy and such nonsense…!”

-Bang!

I closed the door behind her with a loud noise, wiping the sweat off my forehead. 

“All this trouble because of my mouth, and I’m already swamped with work.”

I’ll have to be even more careful in the future. 

It’s my own mess, after all, no one else to blame. 

“Do I have to pull an all-nighter?”

The academy’s entrance period is soon. 

Not only do I have to prepare for Luciana’s and my own admission, but I also need to ensure Bathory’s servant status is approved. 

And if I have to take care of Oparn’s simple identity proof, sleep will have to be sacrificed. 

‘First… I need to find a suitable mercenary guild to take that guy in.’

Taking a break, but not for my sake, always for others. 

I couldn’t help but let out a sigh. 

***

“Really, acting like a maid who can’t even get the basics right. You’re planning to send a servant who cares for you straight to the guillotine.”

“…What?”

Bathory’s face twisted horribly. 

Something had gone terribly wrong. 

The guillotine? Is Hans’s life in danger?

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