Chapter 82

The Duke's Magical Genius - Chapter 83 (82/324)

83

Time flowed quickly.

During that time, my daily routine remained largely the same.

Studying magic, creating mana bombs.

In between, I trained my subordinates bit by bit and steadily prepared for the future.

Duke Seltarion.

I had also secretly approached the boy and warned him. If Adolph were to call, he must never go.

Perhaps because I had sternly and repeatedly warned him, I eventually managed to get his agreement.

I also spoke to Abel and added a few more knights as bodyguards, so at least some safety measures were in place.

‘He must be starting to notice.’

There were only three days left until the succession ceremony.

By now, Adolph must have realized that something was amiss.

Still, he would have no choice but to draw his sword during the succession ceremony.

If he were to start a rebellion after the succession ceremony, when the line of succession was fully determined, his power would be significantly weakened.

Plan a rebellion later?

Not only would the control over the soldiers be an issue, but his political standing would also be greatly shaken once the line of succession was firmly established.

The longer he delayed, the more disadvantageous the game would become for him.

‘Now is probably the best time.’

The boy had little time left.

In the training ground outside the annex, thirty swordsmen were training, drenched in sweat.

How many of them would survive when the time comes?

Probably not all of them.

Still, I had no intention of separating them.

Life is about give and take.

There must be mutual exchange for it to last long. I had already given the members of the Sword Demon Corps various things.

Now it was their turn to show loyalty to me.

After finishing my thoughts, I moved toward the training ground with Leonhardt. Saron, who was training the Sword Demon Corps, immediately ran over when he saw me.

“You’ve come, young master.”

“Yeah. I have something to say, so can you gather the men?”

“Yes.”

Thus, the thirty swordsmen stood before me.

“How’s life here? Are you all doing well?”

“Yes!”

In response to my question, the Sword Demon Corps, clad in high-quality black armor and weapons, shouted loudly.

From the bright glint in their eyes, it seemed they were quite satisfied with their treatment.

Despite the intense training, they were provided with high salaries, excellent living conditions, and free equipment.

I continued speaking.

“The reason I’m here today is simple. You all know me to some extent. If you show loyalty, I will give you a reward. That’s one of my values.”

I continued addressing the swordsmen, who nodded quietly.

“To cut to the chase, I believe I have given you quite a lot. I haven’t taught you sword techniques or mental training yet, but those can’t be taught overnight. Loyalty and skill. These two must be confirmed before I can teach you the family’s secret techniques.”

This was a very reasonable statement.

Who would teach their family’s secret techniques to a complete stranger, especially a slave or someone of uncertain status?

Therefore, no one had any complaints.

“Your treatment will improve over time. I, Kyle Seltarion, can promise you that. So, I have one question to ask.”

“...”

I looked at the swordsmen, who were quietly shining their eyes, and asked one question.

“I’m not the type to ask for loyalty without offering a reward. I believe a true loyalty requires a reward. I think I have given you a reward. Are you willing to risk your life for me?”

“... Yes!”

The response came a bit late.

Well, this was normal.

The treatment was good, but they hadn’t received it for long.

I could understand that.

However,

I intended to separate the wheat from the chaff here.

“Everyone values their own life the most. So, if you don’t act in a crisis, I won’t blame you. If you run away, I won’t catch you or punish you. You can act as you see fit.”

The swordsmen looked puzzled at my words.

Desertion usually led to the death penalty.

This applied to soldiers in the family as well.

In such a situation, it was natural for them to be confused when I, a direct member of the family, said such a thing.

Regardless,

I continued speaking.

“However, the consequences of your actions will be entirely yours. Let me ask you this: If you run away in a crisis, do you think you will have a future?”

The swordsmen fell silent at this question.

“Most of you are branded as slaves and probably have no home to return to. That’s why you came to me.”

“...”

All they had was a bit more combat experience than others.

‘They have some talent, but...’

The decisive issue was their age.

There would be few who would give educational opportunities to those in their late teens or early twenties. The importance of early education was the same in Korea and here.

“If you leave here, the best you can hope for is to become a farmer, a bandit, or at most a centurion. Honestly, it would be hard to rise any higher. Knight? No way. Am I wrong?”

The members of the Sword Demon Corps quietly nodded at my words. I was speaking the truth, without any lies.

“If you are willing to risk your life for me, you will receive a reward when you survive. Sword techniques and mental training? If you show such loyalty, I will naturally teach you.”

What I could offer them in exchange for their lives.

It was a vision of the future.

“Mutual exchange. This is what I believe loyalty means. Now, we are training peacefully, but a crisis will come eventually.”

Actually, it wasn’t a vague ‘eventually’ but in three days.

“So, think about it when the time comes. I won’t punish you if you choose to run. Of course, you won’t be able to return to the Sword Demon Corps. Whether you seize the opportunity in a crisis or let it go is entirely your choice.”

“...”

“Dismissed. Resume your training.”

With that, the thirty men returned to the training ground. Their eyes were heavy with thought, pondering how they should act.

Having dealt with one matter,

‘It’s time to meet Remton.’

The Duke.

I needed to give him a hint.

Actually, the reason he and his followers, including Adolph, were killed was because he appeared at the succession ceremony without any preparation.

‘If I just mention it...’

He wouldn’t be caught off guard.

There was a huge difference between being aware and not being aware.

Thus, Leonhardt and I started moving toward the inner castle.

Soon, I knocked on the door of the office and entered.

“It’s been a while, Father.”

“Indeed.”

Soon, a cup of tea was placed in front of both Remton and me.

“Have you completed the activation method for the Storm Sword’s Aura?”

Remton’s eyes were filled with expectation as he asked.

Actually, it was completed a long time ago.

But I wasn’t ready to give it to him yet.

“It’s still incomplete. It needs more refinement... To be honest, I want to give it to you when I become independent.”

“Boy, you want a reward?”

“It’s my family, but I can’t give everything for free. I need to live, too. The fief and the magic tower... Both will require a lot of money...”

“Fine. Since it’s almost ready, we can discuss it then. By the way, we found their ledger.”

“Really?”

The Storm Corps.

The knights seemed to have accomplished something.

The Duke nodded at my words.

“Yes. Lord Remington. His name was also on the list. Once the succession ceremony is over, I plan to attack Phrenus immediately.”

“I see.”

We both took a sip of tea.

How should I bring up the topic?

He probably hadn’t thought deeply about Adolph yet.

So, it would be difficult to casually bring up the topic of rebellion.

I might be branded as a villain who falsely accused his brother.

‘Talking about spirits is also a bit awkward.’

With Abel, the preparations were sufficient.

The 3rd and 4th Corps.

Two corps under Abel’s command.

Together, they numbered about 12,000.

The 5th Corps, which was filled with all sorts of riffraff, had an unusually large number of members.

If the 1st and 2nd Corps under Remton’s command also joined the defense,

Adolph.

He wasn’t stupid.

If he realized that such thorough preparations had been made, he would delay his rebellion.

Even if the 5th Corps went wild, it would be difficult for them to defeat the other four corps.

If he delayed his rebellion,

‘It would be the worst case.’

We wouldn’t know when he would move.

If he attacked at night when everyone was off guard, it could cause fatal damage.

Informing the Duke of everything now would be a poor strategy.

The best approach would be

‘A bit of suspicion.’

Just enough to make Adolph hesitate.

‘If he shows a bit of caution, he won’t delay the rebellion.’

Ultimately, the best strategy would be to create a situation where Adolph believes he has a chance of success.

With my plan set, it was time to bring up the main topic.

“Father, how is the preparation for the succession ceremony going?”

“It seems there are no major issues.”

“To be honest, I’m a bit worried.”

“... Worried?”

“Yes. After all, both my older brothers must have had some expectations. If the successor is chosen, one of them will be left out... Will they accept it quietly?”

Remton chuckled at my words.

“Both of them have gotten along well for a long time. Of course, they will be disappointed, but they will recover over time. I think you’re worrying too much.”

“Of course, but we can’t rule out the possibility. Although it’s unlikely, they might cause trouble. I’m worried that Father might be shocked by such a scene.”

“Ha ha. Now you’re worrying about me? You’ve grown, Kyle. Even if they do, I can understand. Both of them have worked hard for a long time...”

Oh well.

Understanding is one thing.

Seeing his son, who emits a continuous stream of evil energy, might make him fall backward in shock.

“Yes. If my brothers act excessively, I believe Father will understand. However, the difference between being mentally prepared and not being prepared is significant. I’m suggesting that Father think about this aspect. Consider it as a younger brother’s advice.”

After persistently pressing the issue, Remton finally nodded.

“Yes. You’re right. I’ve been too complacent about this. I’ll prepare mentally. Is that all?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

This mental preparation, of course, wasn’t a grand mindset to prepare for a rebellion, but that didn’t matter.

Because of my words, the Duke would pay more attention to Adolph, who would not be chosen.

A little more attention.

For a Sword Master, a little attention could make a huge difference.

The butterfly effect wasn’t just a saying.

The results were satisfactory.

With this, the preparations for the rebellion were almost complete.

Three days.

The time until the succession ceremony began to pass quickly.