Chapter 75 – Chapter 75 ― Everyone Has a Plausible Plan (3)
Episode 75 ― Everyone has a plausible plan (3)
The meeting before the end of the year is like a signal flare announcing the period of the New Year’s Festival for the nobility.
Normally, the nobles in the center would have finished the meeting and enjoyed the New Year’s banquet in peace.
But this year was different.
A large number of lord forces opposing the central nobility attend the meeting. In particular, all the high lords gather. The officials preparing for the meeting were secretive.
Because I couldn’t be embarrassed in front of the lords.
“Then, let’s start the 941st Great Conference.”
It is the first time in seven years that all four great lords have attended a meeting. Even so, it was rare enough to be counted on one hand after the death of the previous emperor.
Thanks to that, the seats in the conference room, which were usually sparsely empty, were full. It was a very foreign sight to most of the central officials and even to the nobles.
The most important thing was that the owner of the throne was sitting at the top of the conference room.
The lords who briefly returned from the battlefield were struggling to hide their surprise.
It was even more unfamiliar to see officials asking questions to the emperor and the emperor listening and sharing opinions.
The West Blood Lord’s eyes widened, and the East Hwang Lord shrewdly shared her opinions about the meeting with her aides. Only the Northern Baekryeongju smiled and occasionally flapped its cat ears and tail.
‘The momentum is great. I heard they prepared hard so as not to be intimidated by the lords.’
It must be because of the lords that the central officials feel that the day is standing today.
The central officials execute the Yellow Ming closely and in small pieces. Although they have less military power than lords, they are more likely to monitor the emperor’s movements and exert influence on the emperor or policies.
The lords, on the other hand, are far from the capital. He is like a king in his own domain, but staying close to the emperor is not easy.
Normally, the central nobility and lords would have tried to get in the eyes of the emperor by keeping each other in check.
However, until the summer of this year, there was no reason to enjoy power just because you were close to the emperor.
No, there was no way to get closer in the first place.
Because he was an emperor like a natural disaster.
So the lords were comfortable.
At such times, it is safest to hide in your own territory and enjoy a handful of power in your hands.
Central management? What are the advantages of staying in the center?
But the emperor has changed.
So the world has changed too.
The nobles, who were in charge of central administration, were now beginning to have powers comparable to those of the lords.
Fear disappeared from their eyes, and confidence returned. They had the pride that they were changing the whole of Evirgio together with the emperor.
The reactions of the lords who noticed this varied.
‘… It’s hard to believe even when you see it.’
The Grand Duke of Darkness buried his body deep in the chair and could not take his eyes off the emperor.
The first thing I felt when I saw the emperor entering the meeting room was that his momentum had been lost.
The violent and strong energy that even the great lord should feel uncomfortable has subsided.
The strange power that paralyzed the reason of the female nobles was also controlled, and several female lords who returned from the battlefield could be heard sighing in relief.
Young aristocrats with little knowledge were sometimes happy to see the emperor’s presence diminished.
However, the Grand Duke of Darkness, who was looking for an opportunity to challenge him, could not smile comfortably.
‘It’s a skill.’
A strong power that each person is born with.
What is called a “Skill” In the game.
After training, the form of power is established to some extent and you can use it familiarly.
However, in order to find out the root of the power and use it freely, the user’s constant effort is required.
There are many people who live without even knowing what their skills are.
Even if you can figure out its source with the help of magic, it takes time and effort to blossom and skillfully manipulate it.
And the swordsman who reached the closest level to the emperor in this country, he knew the Grand Duke of Darkness.
‘One more step up…’
The Grand Duke frowned at him. His entourage cringed at his appearance and looked at the grand duke.
The force that had violently strangled everyone’s necks had diminished. It was deliberately manipulated. This is evidence of increased proficiency. But that’s not all.
Even though the presence has been reduced, the source of momentum is still the same. It feels like you are blocking a large stream of water. Traces of leaking power cannot be faked.
Because the Grand Duke of Darkness is also a swordsman.
And there were two more high lords wielding weapons in this place. They too were thinking the same thing.
‘You’ve improved.’
The lord of the Eastern Hwangryong, Jeokgamgong glanced at the Northern Baekryong Lord. He is a wizard Perhaps he doesn’t notice the discomfort he feels.
The Count is just grinning as if he likes that he can breathe more easily than he did in the past.
The other side of the West Blood Command, the Grand Duke of Jeokru, stole tears from his emotions. The Eastern Hwangryeongju laughed inwardly.
Grand Duke Jeokru is a very affectionate person.
The male Dark Lord, the Dark Grand Duke, seemed not to like the Emperor’s appearance, and just stared at the lively young Emperor.
Ambitious enough to challenge the position of emperor at any time.
The growth of the emperor could not be liked by the Grand Duke, who was just waiting for the right moment because he was lacking.
Because he is a thoroughly dark grand duke who even mobilizes his daughter to find out about the emperor and try to create a weakness.
The reason he acts like that is simple.
This is because growing up is not easy for someone who is at the level of a great lord. Of course, the emperor too.
But His Majesty has grown.
There must have been a lot of effort behind it.
‘It must not have been easy.’
It is truly surprising to see the emperor, who had only seen a foolish side for years, talk about pending issues with officials like that.
I have a little bit of resentment, but I’m happy now.
‘I want to hear directly how he trained and what kind of mind he had.’
The Eastern Hwangryeongju made up his mind to see His Majesty as soon as the meeting was over.
But even that was not easy.
“Roan♡♡♡”
No one asked for an audience with the emperor, besides her fiancée, who was meeting the emperor in a few months.
Grand wizard. The daughter of the Southern Dark Lord. Besides, he is the hero of Evirgio this winter.
In the end, everyone who left the conference room waited for the next opportunity and left after bowing to Roan and Eleanor.
Empty hallway.
Roan hugged Elenir deeply.
Although we occasionally talked by correspondence, this is my fiancée whom I met after a few months. Besides, she did her best to keep her promise to Roan.
That’s why Roan’s eyes looking at Elenir were affectionate.
“Roan… ?”
“Good job. Eleanor.”
With an expression that Eleanor had never seen before, Roan said in a low voice while hugging Elenir.
Tears welled up in Erenia’s hardened eyes as she barely called his name.
“Huh…”
Eleanor cried.
“Thanks.”
A quiet hallway in front of the meeting room where the nobles left.
Roan just stood there hugging Elenir.
As if the painful memories of the past came to mind, Erenia was whimpering in his arms.
The (former) demon lord clearly told me to be wary of Eleanor, but hugging and comforting would be fine.
She is a fiancée with an unusual corner with +100 likeability, but as the (former) demon king said, the danger to the point of calling her a ‘crazy bitch’ is still unknown.
Wouldn’t it be enough to be vigilant and watch?
Roan thought while reading Elenir.
If she should give her attention to her, most of that risk to her is probably…
“It’s been a long time since I saw Yongan. Your majesty.”
Maybe it’s because of the author.
The Southern Dark Spirit Lord approached and bowed her head.
Although he was impeccably polite, hostility shone in his eyes as he raised his head.
‘… I managed to save him.’
Be strong
It was the first impression of the Archduke.
It was the first time I felt threatened inside the castle.
(Former) It seems that the demon king didn’t touch the troublesome one either. That’s probably why he avoided the great lords without fighting them.
He can’t be said to be stronger than himself, but the difference in skill isn’t so great that he can take care of it casually. If we fight one-on-one, I’m strong enough that it’s hard to guarantee that I’ll be fine too.
So I guess I’ll leave it open like that.
It was my second impression of the Grand Duke of Darkness.
A guy with open eyes.
He glanced at the emperor with an eerie look, and spoke to Erenier in a soft tone that was far different from his facial expression.
“To see tears in front of His Majesty. What kind of ugliness.”
“… I’m sorry, Roan. I’m sorry. Father.”
… What is this temperature difference?
Are you afraid of your father more than me, the emperor?
Roan unconsciously looked at Eleanor.
Meanwhile, the Grand Duke of Darkness, ignoring Elenir’s words, looked at the emperor with a hard expression.
“Your majesty. Please understand the wicked heart of a father who has a daughter. Why did you send this child to a dangerous battlefield?”
“… Father!”
Eleanor, who was about to say something, shut his mouth at the dark blue eyes of the Southern Dark Lord. Roan sighed inwardly.
(Before) It’s inconvenient not having to go to the Demon King.
“Long time no see. Grandee. It was a lot of hard work.”
“…”
The Grand Duke opened his eyes at the unexpected words.
In the past, he would have ignored him and turned away or growled, saying he didn’t care about you. No, he probably wouldn’t have been comforting Erenier like that in the first place.
However, the current answer is too common sense.
Just a reply to the greetings posted by the Grand Duke.
And Roan added a word.
“You must have felt very bad. Seeing that you start worrying about Eleanor without even having time to properly say hello.”
The Grand Duke’s mouth was tightly shut.
The emperor rebuked him for his actions.
As a scheming politician who rarely gives excuses to others, he couldn’t help but be taken aback by the unfamiliar situation.
The Dark Duke lowered his head hurriedly.
“… I’m sorry. Your majesty.”
“Okay. I understand.”
Roan said in a languid voice.
“I also had a lot of thoughts after sending Elenir. Still, thanks to you and Elenir’s victory, the armistice agreement became much easier. That’s great.”
“… It’s embarrassing.”
The Grand Duke, who lowered his head to hide his eyes, decided to hide his confusion first. He had to admit that the emperor had become much more like an emperor than he expected.
Putting aside numerous questions, the Grand Duke of Darkness raised his head. Roan’s forehead twitched for a moment so that no one noticed.
The Grand Duke of Darkness looked at Roan with a perfectly peaceful expression.
His face was so different that the look on his face when he first met Roan seemed like a lie.
He was a politician
“It is our lords’ job to follow the emperor at the cost of their lives. Your majesty. It’s just an honor to count. But, Your Majesty. It would be a bit premature to discuss a truce with the current momentum.”
Roan’s eyes turned to him.
The Southern Dark Lord smiled on his pale face. What is peeking out between the gaping mouth are the unique fangs of vampires.
“Are you against the truce?”
“If you seek the opinion of a lowly god, Your Majesty. God thinks it’s a waste.”
“Hmm.”
“At the current pace, we may be able to march towards Sprouse before spring arrives.”
Roan’s eyes widened.
That’s absolutely not the case!
If that happens, you will be the enemy of mankind!
There is no 100% guarantee of winning, and there is a reason why “Deep Winter” Is called that.
No matter how good the winter equipment is, it is difficult for the soldiers who overwork to fight through the snow and the wind to exert their full strength. Even if you march to Merde, what follows is a siege. It is a battle in which victory is difficult to determine.
Are you a person with a lot of greed for your major?
Is the loot so coveted?
Or not… Is there something else
“It is not an issue to discuss here. Grandee.”
Roan shook his head.
“Everyone is having a hard time in the deep winter. The war without gains has already been long.”
“Merdegun is also in crisis. Your majesty.”
“Enough of everyone is suffering. Grandee.”
Roan’s ‘overwhelm’ unfolded.
The grand duke’s eyes, which had been hiding his expression, trembled. The corner of his mouth, which had been laughing, went down and finally closed tightly.
Looking at the Southern Dark Lord resisting his ‘overwhelm’, Roan said coldly.
“I gave the order. There will be another opportunity to discuss. I’ll listen then grandee.”
With a hard face, the grand duke looked at Roan.
The Dark Duke’s bloody eyes were fixed on Roan, as if boiling.
In a low voice like grinding teeth, the Southern Dark Spirit Master replied.
“All right. Your majesty. It was regrettable that God stopped rude.”
“Okay.”
“Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. Then, as you said, other stories will be posted at the banquet and beyond. I will not interrupt your time any longer. I’ll just step away. Your majesty.”
The Grand Duke’s mouth was smiling.
“So be it.”
With just a glance, he seemed sure to be able to murder Roan.
