Raul smiled. He wasn't worried that this might be an enemy ploy.
All it required was sending one high priest. Even if things went wrong, only that one person would be lost.
Losing a superhuman would be significant, but it was unlikely anyone would go to such lengths for such a meager gain.
"Viscount Domont, you sly devil."
If the King regained his strength, Marquis Branford would face a considerable headache.
Though he wouldn't be easily unseated as the leader of the Royalist faction, he wouldn't be able to prevent divisions among the Royalist nobles.
And at the center of this new power dynamic would undoubtedly be Viscount Domont, the orchestrator of these events.
He had always seemed quiet and composed—a trait that earned him his role as royal chamberlain.
But to think he harbored such ambition.
"This is a truly advantageous opportunity for us."
If the King regained his strength and began interfering in governance, it would inevitably cause chaos in the chain of command.
The King would undoubtedly oppose Marquis Branford to reclaim his own power.
In doing so, Branford's greatest justification—protecting the royal family as a Royalist—would crumble.
To create internal divisions, this mission had to succeed. Thus, Gartros carefully selected a suitable individual for the task.
"Flaccus, this mission must not fail. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir. Do not worry."
Flaccus, a middle-aged man with a gentle and virtuous appearance, looked like the ideal priest devoted to serving God.
Entrusted with the mission by Gartros, Flaccus and Collen immediately set out for the capital.
They had to act swiftly, before the kingdom's army regrouped and pushed toward the southern front.
The journey wasn't difficult. Flaccus, being a superhuman, effortlessly dealt with any bandits they encountered.
"Y-You're incredible," Collen marveled.
Flaccus responded with a soft smile.
"It's nothing. If you truly devote yourself to our God, you too can attain this strength. If all goes well, I'll recommend you for a high position in our church."
Collen nodded eagerly, his face flushed with excitement. The die had already been cast. If he could gain such power, he was willing to join the Salvation Church.
'I've been living like a frog in a well!'
He had believed the church to be a sinister organization simply because the kingdom and its institutions opposed it. But after spending days with Flaccus, he realized no one could be more gentlemanly.
Prejudice, he thought, was dangerous. Determined, Collen vowed to make this mission a success and attain immense power and influence.
The two entered the capital without incident. No one stopped them along the way.
Viscount Domont warmly welcomed Flaccus. He was overjoyed that his son had successfully completed the mission.
'Now is when it truly matters.'
Marquis Branford likely already knew that Collen had brought Flaccus to the capital. They had to reach the King before Marquis Branford uncovered the full truth.
Late at night, Domont and Flaccus entered the royal palace. Thanks to Domont's status as chamberlain, they weren't stopped initially.
But just before entering the King's chambers, they were blocked by knights.
"Please wait a moment."
"This is outrageous. I am answering His Majesty's summons."
"You cannot proceed with the company."
"....."
This much was expected. They would have to wait until Marquis Branford arrived.
Soon, Marquis Branford arrived and asked, "Chamberlain, who is this man you're bringing to His Majesty at such a late hour? I know your son brought him from his travels. What happened outside the palace for his attendants to disappear and for him to return in rags?"
As expected, Branford knew everything. Nothing in the capital escaped his watchful eyes and ears.
Domont steadied his trembling heart and replied.
"His Majesty wishes to meet this man."
"For what reason?"
"My son encountered bandits during his travels and was in grave danger. This man saved him. When His Majesty heard, he expressed a desire to meet and personally commend him."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Furthermore, this man is an exceptional mage and healer. His Majesty wishes to consult him about his health."
"Hmm, very well."
With a nonchalant expression, Branford nodded.
"Leave the man here."
"His Majesty wishes to see him."
"I cannot allow an unknown individual to meet His Majesty. I'll have him investigated thoroughly first. Take him away."
The knights stepped forward and grabbed Flaccus by the arms. Flaccus, visibly tense, glanced around nervously.
This situation had been foreseen by Domont. He had instructed Flaccus to trust him and not act rashly.
'If it comes to it, I'll have to kill Marquis Branford.'
It was a backup plan, but not a bad one.
Even if Flaccus died here, assassinating Marquis Branford would deal a significant blow.
However, the knight beside Marquis Branford exuded an intimidating aura.
'The man guarding him is formidable.'
The knight, Toleo, was the commander of Branford knights and a high-level knight. His presence ensured Marquis Branford could escape if attacked.
Flaccus, sensing this, hesitated. Priests of the Salvation Church were not known for their combat prowess. A sneak attack had to succeed on the first attempt.
'Damn it... he's watching me closely.'
Toleo had one hand on his sword hilt and was standing slightly ahead of Marquis Branford. His vigilance was befitting of a knight commander.
'What should I do?'
The best option was still to meet the King and persuade him. Only then could they sow division or force a retreat among the kingdom's forces.
Flaccus decided to trust Domont a little longer.
Sure enough, Domont, unlike his usual self, didn't back down.
"What is the meaning of this? Even as minister of the royal court, you cannot act this way. His Majesty summoned me!"
"I told you, I will release him after the investigation."
"His Majesty's condition worsens by the day! What harm could come from allowing him to briefly see His Majesty?"
"Many of the kingdom's finest mages and priests have examined His Majesty for over a decade without success. His condition is critical due to severe aging. Do you truly believe this man can succeed?"
"This man is a brilliant mage. I've confirmed it myself! Even if he fails, we lose nothing. How can you crush even this small glimmer of hope?"
Marquis Branford's gaze turned icy.
"A wandering mage claims he can cure what the kingdom's finest could not? If so, it cannot be through ordinary means."
"Wh-what are you suggesting?"
"It would have to involve dark magic or witchcraft. I cannot allow such methods to be used on the noble bloodline of the royal family."
Marquis Branford coldly signaled to the knights.
"Take him away. Investigate thoroughly whether he truly is a brilliant mage."
"You! By what authority do you defy His Majesty! How dare you disregard the King's authority like this!"
"For the royal family."
"How can you claim to serve the royal family while disregarding the King himself!"
Marquis Branford's brow twitched. Domont's words hit a nerve—he hated being accused of undermining the King's authority.
Still, Marquis Branford knew how his actions appeared to others and was well aware of the rumors about him.
He didn't bother defending himself, simply responding coldly.
"Take the chamberlain as well. His actions are suspicious and warrant investigation."
Clink, clink, clink.
The knights moved in, capturing Domont as well. They encircled the two men to prevent any resistance.
Flaccus swallowed hard.
'Is this... failure?'
The opportunity for a sneak attack had passed. Even if he could cut through the knights, killing Marquis Branford in one blow was impossible.
But Domont gritted his teeth and shouted loudly, stalling for time. It was a deliberate ploy.
Just as the two were about to be taken away, a group appeared.
"Stop this!"
Marquis Branford narrowed his eyes.
The newcomers were the royal knights, led by the Kingdom of Lutania's Sword Master and commander of the royal knights, Count Palantz.
Branford, unable to hide his displeasure, asked.
"Count Palantz, what is the meaning of this?"
"By His Majesty's command, cease immediately."
"What?"
"His Majesty is here."
The royal knights parted to reveal a frail old man being carried on the back of a knight.
It was Berhem, the King of Lutania.
Berhem glared at Branford with bloodshot eyes.
"I... summoned them... did I not...."
"Your Majesty, their identities are unclear."
"I, the King... summoned them, did I not!"
"...."
"How dare you... how dare you... act so outrageously!"
"For the royal family."
"I am... the royal family! Without me... this kingdom... is meaningless! How are you... any different... from that woman! Cough!"
Berhem, shouting in anguish, began coughing up blood. His eyes rolled back, showing only the whites.
The royal mage, alarmed, quickly began casting a spell.
"Your Majesty! Please, stay with us!"
The royal mage, though not a superhuman, had absorbed a fragment of the dragon heart, overflowing with mana. He desperately channeled this energy to cling to Berhem's fleeting life.
Count Palantz turned to Marquis Branford and said,
"Just this once, yield. His Majesty is in a most fragile state."
Marquis Branford glared at Viscount Domont. It was clear that they had coordinated their plans.
To drag them all away now would mean risking a confrontation with the royal knights. He was confident in victory, but such a clash might very well kill the King.
Grinding his teeth, Marquis Branford gave Berhem a slight bow.
"I shall withdraw for now."
Berhem, half-conscious, could not respond. He merely gasped for air, his breaths labored.
Marquis Branford turned to his knights and said, "Once the audience is over, arrest both the chamberlain and that man."
With that, he turned and left. In his mind, Berhem's earlier words kept echoing.
— How are you... any different... from that woman!
He knew it. He was becoming more and more like the "Commander of the Shadow Knights," the very person he had loathed in his youth.
But there was no choice. The kingdom was on the brink of collapse.
The nobles' corruption was rampant, the Duchy had instigated war against the royal family, cultists roamed freely, and monsters had emerged.
The people of the kingdom suffered daily in misery. It was a kingdom on the verge of ruin.
'No. I won't let it collapse.'
He had held the kingdom together by force, dragging it forward to this point. Even now, he was barely managing, thanks to Ghislain.
It was becoming increasingly difficult, but he could not falter. If he fell, the nobles he suppressed would run rampant, and the kingdom would inevitably crumble.
'Please, do not do anything reckless, Your Majesty.'
The situation was too coincidental, too suspicious. He couldn't shake the thought that the Duchy and the Salvation Church might be connected.
That made him worry even more. What if the King, in his desperation, tried to oust him?
That could not be allowed—not for his own sake, but for the royal family's.
The Duchy wasn't the only threat.
'Ghislain Perdium.'
Thanks to Branford's support, Ghislain had risen quickly, building the kingdom's strongest army. That support gave Branford leverage over him.
Their relationship was one of mutual need, but Ghislain, being someone who understood gratitude, tended to yield to Branford.
It was Branford's presence that had managed to restrain Ghislain to some degree.
'If I disappear....'
Ghislain wasn't like other nobles. He didn't care about appearances or pretexts.
Anything that stood in his way, he would eliminate without hesitation.
If the King became an obstacle, Ghislain wouldn't hesitate to turn his blade on the royal family.
So this ominous feeling, Marquis Branford hoped, was nothing more than his imagination.
If the royal family was to survive, it had to be.
***
Berhem lay in bed, his breaths shallow and weak.
His eyelids grew heavy. Resentment and frustration consumed him.
He looked at Flaccus, the priest of the Salvation Church, with blurred eyes and spoke with difficulty.
"I can feel... that my time... is nearly up...."
"Let me examine you."
Hearing this, Berhem's gaze softened into one of pleading.
"Yes, heal me... make me one of you... and I will give you... the royal treasure... and fulfill all your desires...."
Flaccus took Berhem's hand and smiled gently.
'Do not worry, Your Majesty.'
"I have been King... but I have never lived as one... I have lived my whole life as a puppet.... I cannot die like this. If you heal me... I will reclaim my power... and make the Salvation Church the kingdom's state religion...."
"Such words are both humbling and an honor to hear. I will heal you, Your Majesty."
Flaccus raised his hand, and a black energy began to swirl and rise from it.
Viscount Domont and Count Palantz swallowed hard at the sight.
Especially Count Palantz, a superhuman himself, felt an ominous unease from the energy. What he had only heard about in rumors now felt palpably sinister.
Yet, to save the King, they would have to take this risk. Count Palantz steadied his wavering heart. He had resolved to protect the King until the end.
'I will protect him.'
If the Salvation Church tried anything deceitful, he would stop them. Though Count Balzac surpassed him in fame as the Kingdom's Finest Sword, Count Palantz believed his own skills were no less.
Battles, after all, are decided in the heat of the moment. Count Palantz had walked the highest path with the full support of the royal family.
Thus, he was confident he could protect the King.
Whoooosh...
The black energy emanating from Flaccus's hand grew thicker and more intense.
He brought his hand to Berhem's chest and spoke in a whisper.
"As Your Majesty desires... soon, the hunt for lions will begin as well."
Flaccus's normally gentle smile twisted into a grotesque and eerie grin.
[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]