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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
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Chapter 148: I've Been Getting Chills All Day
After the first part of the banquet concluded, there was a brief intermission.
The orchestra, which had been forced to play deaf during the serious conversations, now filled the air with light and cheerful music, as if trying to lift the heavy atmosphere.
As the servants busily cleared the tables and brought out desserts to the tune of the music—
The direct descendants of Duke Grunewald each retreated to corners of the banquet hall or stepped out onto the balcony, engaging in serious conversations.
“I never expected things to turn out like this.”
Karl, who had stepped out onto the balcony, quenched his thirst with cold water instead of wine.
“Two things have become clear from tonight’s banquet.”
His aide, Nicholas, calmly summarized the situation.
“Young master Somerset has effectively been knocked out of the succession race, while Young master Allenvert has risen sharply. And this happened at a banquet attended by the Duke for the first time in years, with the Elder’s high praise backing him.”
As the two had intended, Allenvert had gained immense authority.
“Moreover, His Grace himself issued a warning against external forces crossing the line to intervene.”
“You’re right.”
Karl’s butler interpreted the Duke’s intentions this way.
“It seems the choices made by the Young master and Young Lady were correct after all.”
“Of course, Ulbhild’s choice had nothing to do with my intentions.”
Karl added with an uncharacteristically light joke.
“I also agree with her decisions.”
Karl looked at his father and mother, who were deep in conversation beside him.
‘So, this is how it’s turned out.’
Allenvert’s unexpected rise, his talent so great that even Karl felt threatened and jealous. This had changed Karl’s grand strategy.
‘He’s an incredible guy. Did he really hone his skills to this level while living in seclusion for seven years, unnoticed by anyone?’
Karl had also planted spies in Allenvert’s residence, but he hadn’t received a single noteworthy report in years.
Yet, those seven years couldn’t have been wasted. Seeing how Allenvert’s actions fit together like pieces of a puzzle, Karl couldn’t help but think so.
‘That’s why I’ve decided to ride on your momentum.’
In short, Karl’s current strategy was to position Allenvert as a counter to Verdzig while he himself strengthened his foundation from behind.
‘The top priority is to prevent Verdzig from taking the throne.’
That principle remained unchanged.
“How can I entrust the throne to someone who only seeks their own authority, regardless of whether Grunewald weakens or suffers harm?”
Karl wholeheartedly agreed with Duke Georg’s words.
Karl knew that Verdzig’s desire for the throne wasn’t driven by noble intentions to make Grunewald greater or to bring peace.
‘That snake will gnaw at Grunewald, poison it, and sow discord.’
So, what does he truly want? Power itself? Ruin? Wealth? Or is it revenge?
‘Perhaps it’s none of those things.’
Verdzig was that inscrutable.
‘Facing such a man isn’t something ordinary mental strength can handle.’
Like imagining ghosts and demons in the pitch-black darkness of night…
The unknown is always shrouded in the shadow of fear.
‘Therefore, to gather people under the banner of opposing Verdzig, a solid focal point is needed, and Allenvert is the perfect man for that role.’
But only up to that point.
After the second and third unite to overthrow the first, what then?
The remaining two will inevitably begin a new fight to determine the new first.
‘But by then, will I be able to handle an Allenvert who’s grown so powerful?’
Who knows? Only the gods can foresee the future. Still, for now, he had to choose what he believed was the best course of action.
‘Above all, I have the solid support of the Viscount of Visquera.’
Karl thought.
‘It’s only a temporary loan to Allenvert, after all.’
Of course, he had no intention of being stingy. Hadn’t he himself provided information about the remnants of Eisenach?
‘But to be honest, they’re just remnants who barely survived annihilation. What do they even have left?’
A handful of survivors, a small network cobbled together in the underworld. Could they really stand against the might of the Viscount of Visquera?
‘Understand, Allenvert… This is a fight for the throne. I can’t act purely out of personal feelings.’
Having drawn the line in his mind once more, Karl finished his long contemplation and raised his head.
“Nicholas.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Karl’s eyes narrowed as he looked toward the banquet hall.
“Where are Verdzig and Allenvert?”
“…”
The two were still missing from their seats.
* * *
Zizek was on the rooftop of the newly renovated general store, pawnshop, and branch office, looking down at the dimly lit streets.
‘Wow, that was close.’
Despite his composed expression, his heart was pounding.
Upon hearing that Huten, the inspector of the Bisakino Brotherhood, had ordered an investigation into their activities, Zizek had secretly instructed Rob.
Under the guise of patrolling the area, they were to thoroughly inspect the businesses under their protection and quietly identify anyone acting suspiciously.
“Boss, it’s confirmed. The Bisakino Brotherhood has been investigating us.”
Gut feelings are rarely wrong.
"Damn it. Of all people, why did it have to be Huten targeting me?"
No one who had been bitten by that snake-like bastard had ever come out unscathed.
"No matter how lucky you are, you always end up crippled in some way."
He was a man inherently cruel by nature, and the rules of the Brotherhood allowed for punishments like torture or even dismemberment for criminals.
Moreover, he was cunning and sharp-minded, making everyone in the organization wary of him.
"It's not just about me. I can't let Young master Allenvert and the name of Eisenach get dragged into this."
But the enemy was formidable. Even the Black Night Society struggled to handle them, and the power of their parent organization, the Bisakino Brotherhood, in the underworld was terrifying.
"Still, I can't just go running to Boss Karzan for help so easily."
I am a man who must be a reliable blade for Karzan and Allenvert. Expecting them to play the role of caretakers would be absurd.
"Rob!"
At Zizek's shout, Rob hurriedly ran up to the rooftop.
"You called?"
"Bring old man Gareth. We might need him to guard this place, just in case."
"Understood."
"Do you remember their faces?"
"I memorized them clearly."
"Good. Those bastards. They had the nerve to tail me without fear."
Zizek laughed as he cracked his knuckles.
"What do you plan to do?"
"Let's catch them first. Lock them up, beat them, and keep them awake without letting them take a dump. They'll be tamed within three days."
"Wow..."
Rob clicked his tongue.
"Couldn't you at least respect human dignity?"
"Stop talking nonsense."
"Why are you cursing?"
* * *
I was walking down a deserted path, shoulder to shoulder with Verdzig.
"......"
As if by some unspoken agreement, we remained silent, not looking at each other.
Whoosh-
The gentle night breeze from the sea rustled the leaves. Everything felt infinitely distant, as if we were alone on a deserted island, surrounded by an eerie stillness.
But I knew this silence was the calm before the storm.
'It's time to gauge each other's cards.'
And I, Karzan, was originally the type to sweep the gambling table with psychological warfare.
'In my later years, I often took advantage of that fool Ivan.'
He had no talent for gambling.
'Come to think of it, Evan and Ivan—their names are quite similar.'
But my wandering thoughts were brief.
"There's no one left to overhear our conversation now."
Not only that, but Verdzig took out an artifact and explained.
"This is an item that blocks out our voices."
"Thorough, aren't you? If someone were to scream for help, no one would hear it, huh?"
Verdzig brushed off my sarcastic remark.
"Indeed."
With that kind of response, I didn't need to push further.
"Before we start, why don't we acknowledge each other's cards first?"
"Agreed. We don't have time to beat around the bush."
Having secured his agreement, I spoke first.
"Touching Peter was excessive, brother."
"Seeing how strongly you reacted, I think it was the right move."
Verdzig replied as if it were no big deal.
"Didn't I say before that if I ever found solid evidence, I'd come back and put a leash on you?”
"You did."
"So I thought I'd take this chance to put a leash on you."
"Even if it meant killing Grunewald's employee?"
"You're too soft-hearted, Allenvert."
"Caring for my people isn't a crime."
"It's not a crime, but it is a weakness."
Verdzig's response was a simple reminder of what kind of man he was.
"But I must admit, your attempt to secure Evan and shake the board is commendable. In chess terms, it's a surprise move. Securing his mother beforehand was also impressive in its speed and precision."
However, Verdzig continued.
"But you've admitted that Peter is your weakness. How did that happen?"
I knew what he meant. It was a threat that he could continue to exploit my weakness in the future.
"My weakness? I disagree, brother."
Verdzig raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"How so?"
"If I determine that someone has touched my people, no matter who it is, I'll assume it was your doing and come at you like a rabid dog."
"What?"
Verdzig's eyebrows twitched.
"At that point, you'll have to prove your innocence to me. Or better yet, take precautions to ensure such a thing doesn't happen in the first place."
"......!"
Verdzig burst out laughing at my unexpected response.
"Ridiculous. I've never heard such a threat before."
Verdzig smirked, as if unsure where to begin, then asked.
"Did you really think I'd be intimidated by someone like Evan?"
"Evan is just the beginning. Those who delve deep into the darkness tend to have many weaknesses."
"Is that so?"
Verdzig chuckled lightly and looked up at the night sky instead of responding.
"Let's talk about something else. Do you know what Somerset's mistake was?"
"Yes."
"You're different from him. You're not the type to cover up your incompetence by borrowing hands you can't control. That's why I'm certain."
"Certain of what?"
"You've already established your own loyal forces in the underworld. I just needed evidence to confirm it. I have no particular grudge against Peter."
"......"
"Let me ask you something, Allenvert. What are you aiming for in the underworld?"
It's almost laughable to play dumb at this point.
"Well, you'll find out someday."
That was all I said.
"Then let me make a guess."
Verdzig turned to me.
"I think your real goal might be to find the survivors of Eisenach."
"......!"
I maintained my composure with superhuman patience.
'Damn, how did he figure that out?'
I've been getting chills all day.
But don't panic, Allenvert. With a man of his caliber, it's entirely possible.
'The important thing is that he doesn't know we're still connected.'
As I pondered, Verdzig spoke.
"I think I understand the picture you're painting. With Ulbhild's support and maintaining friendly relations with Karl, it means the support of the Visquera Count family is leaning toward you."
"!"
"Add to that, if you can rally the survivors of the Eisenach clan, who, despite near annihilation, still possess considerable influence and legitimacy—"
Verdzig smiled faintly.
"Your forces would be far from lacking. Given enough time, you could rise to a level where you could rival me."
He saw right through my plan. Once again, Verdzig's ability to see the bigger picture was impressive.
'But.'
I confirmed that even he knew little about Eisenach.
'And one more thing.'
The fact that I had formed an alliance with Rudgarda.
"Since you've seen through your younger brother's heart, allow me to speculate on your intentions as well."
Verdzig nodded.
"Go ahead. This is interesting."
"If after today, Brother Somerset becomes unable to recover, the Agrippas will have no choice but to side with you. It would be difficult for them to join hands with me or Brother Karl."
Therefore, I continued.
"Wouldn't that mean you'd have the support of not one, but two Count clans?"
"If things go as you say, then yes."
Verdzig smirked.
"You keep exceeding my expectations, brother. I thought you might use Brother Somerset's scandal to cover up the Evan incident."
"Your insight is equally impressive."
Verdzig pointed at me.
"You're right. In fact, I almost feel grateful for Somerset's stupidity."
That idiot. He's practically handed over his own clan's legacy to others.
"But Allenvert, there's one thing you've overlooked."
I was taken aback by his unexpected remark.
"What?"
"The strategy I've prepared isn't limited to just this."
"......!"
A chill ran down my spine.
"What exactly are you talking about?"
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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