Chapter 10

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Geisel is a coward. He won’t attempt an assassination right in front of me.

If he attacks, it will be while I’m moving through the corridors.

“There they are!”

Laviala quickly threw a knife at the wall.

One of the assassins, who had been impaled through the chest, fell from the wall.

"Why are there assassins! Could it be that you intend to kill me?"

I deliberately raised my voice. This would force the assassins to come out.

The guide also tried to draw his sword, so I killed him before he could.

--Special Ability [Power of the Tyrant] activated. Physical abilities double during combat.

Sorry, but our movements are different!

The scene quickly turned into a melee. However, we were prepared for this. Our clothes had armor built into them.

We had the clear advantage.

"Lord Arslod, we’re fine here! Head for the viscount’s quarters!"

Laviala shouted while engaging the enemy.

Indeed, it would be troublesome if Geisel managed to escape.

"Got it! But you come with me!"

"Huh...?"

"When I protect you, I become even stronger!"

--That’s right. Each with the spirit of a tyrant. Charge forward as you are.

I received encouragement even from my inner voice.

I would do it even without being told.

Laviala and I ran towards Geisel.

There were enemies in front of Geisel as well.

But they were just cannon fodder.

--Occupation Bonus. Intimidate and reduce the abilities of blocking enemies by 20%. However, it has no effect on enemies who are confident in themselves.

I see, so it has this kind of effect.

This would bring even a warrior’s abilities down to those of a strong commoner.

The enemies clearly became intimidated when they saw me.

They trembled and couldn’t even hold their weapons properly.

"Out of the way! Don’t stand in the path of the tyrant!"

I swept them aside mercilessly, like ashes in the wind.

I began to understand the correct behavior of the Occupation Oda Nobunaga.

The more I live as a tyrant, the stronger my power becomes.

My current physical abilities clearly surpass those of a mere soldier.

Moreover, I was also trying to protect Laviala. That’s why I have this special ability.

--Special Ability [Pride of the Tyrant] activated. Attack power doubles when protecting one’s possessions.

Laviala is truly mine. I can now proudly say that.

With a single swing of my sword, the enemy’s weapon was sent flying.

With another swing, the enemy’s head was severed.

I won’t lose. I can’t lose.

"Since you were planning an assassination, the number of enemies isn’t much of a problem! Let’s keep going!"

"Right! We won’t let him escape, no matter what!"

The back door was already secured by our soldiers. There might be other escape routes, or perhaps he would try to escape in disguise from the front?

We cut down the two soldiers guarding the viscount’s room and burst in.

Geisel was in bed, trembling like a sick person.

"Brother, such a trivial scheme will change nothing."

"It’s not... It’s a mistake... I know nothing... I didn’t plan to assassinate my brother..."

--You coward. Just hearing your voice makes me want to wash my ears!

My inner voice barked.

To a tyrant, those who try to save face at the last moment are the least forgivable.

"Is your illness real, then?"

"Y-Yes... Right now, I’ll give you the Neivel territory! You are the Lord of Neivel from this moment on!"

"That is very generous. I humbly accept it."

I knelt on the spot.

I could tell Geisel was gripping a knife.

"Damn it! Die!"

Geisel swung the knife down.

He remained a scoundrel until the end.

"Remember this! Those who rebel against the lord are sentenced to death!"

--Thud!

I plunged my sword into Geisel’s heart.

Geisel dropped the knife.

I killed him with a single strike.

I had intended to give him a chance to survive, but he was completely clueless.

"Excellent strike, Lord Arslod."

Laviala said with a smile.

"No, it’s Lord Viscount now."

"That’s right. However, the territory of Viscount Neivel is only one and a half counties. It’s still too small. Minelia, a county, is ruled by a count."

I need to expand further.

First, I’ll crush the surrounding forces of similar size.

At that moment, Sivik entered.

This meant the suppression of the enemy was successful.

"All the assassins have been killed. There’s no more enemy movement."

"Understood. The situation has been handled. Tell everyone not to approach the viscount’s room until it’s safe."

Afterward, it was reported throughout the region that Viscount Neivel Geisel had transferred his position to his younger brother, Baron Arslod, on his deathbed.

Those who supported Geisel couldn’t claim that his illness was a lie, so the matter was settled. If anyone still refused to follow, I would crush them one by one.

I inherited the position of Viscount Neivel.

As a celebration, I temporarily reduced taxes throughout the territory. This would make the people welcome me.

●

Four days after the chaos subsided, the cleaning of Neivel Castle was complete, and I entered the castle.

The assassination attempt was explained as an attack by outsiders who aimed to sever the Neivel family line. They had tried to kill not only the ailing Geisel but also his successor, Arslod.

No one had the courage to claim that Arslod had killed Geisel in self-defense after being deceived.

I took my seat as the lord.

Below me, the new retinue lined up. Many of them had followed me, and their faces were lively. A new era for Neivel was beginning.

"I will not just maintain Neivel but develop it further. In short, I aim to become a tyrant."

Some were taken aback by my words, while others chuckled.

"It’s not a joke. I believe I have the qualities to become a tyrant. I rose from a territory of half a village to this. Even when my brother was alive, I was the second most powerful force in the territory."

Those who had laughed, thinking it was a joke, now looked ashamed.

I understand why they laughed, so I won’t be angry.

"Watch closely. Before you know it, the territory will be ten times larger."

However, I don’t aim for something as trivial as ten times larger.

I intend to found a nation.

The chapter on becoming a lord has ended since I have become one. From the next chapter, I will aim to expand my territory!