Chapter 95

Chapter 3 begins.

Two days before Marion, who had recovered, arrived at the lakeside villa, an elderly man sat in a luxurious chair, reading a report while receiving another.

The old man's name is Gaston Olivinus Farnese.

He is the father of Graf, Luria's father, and the king of the Oliviris Kingdom.

Despite being in his mid-sixties, Gaston is muscular and youthful, exuding vigor.

His hair is white, and his face is lined with wrinkles, but his beautiful blue eyes and features are identical to Graf's.

However, a deep frown is etched between his brows, and he makes no effort to hide his displeasure.

"…The Duke of Narvacia cannot attend due to illness."

Despite it being summer, the room was cool. The reporter, feeling intimidated, shrank back and was sweating.

"So?"

Gaston did not even raise his eyes from the report, rubbing his temples.

Recently, Gaston has been plagued by constant headaches, which have only worsened his mood.

"Father—"

"Hm?"

Gaston raised his face and glared at the reporter.

The reporter is Luria's uncle, the Crown Prince Gerald Olivinus Farnese.

"Y-Your Majesty. The Duke is ill—"

He corrected himself from "father" to "Your Majesty" and repeated the same words.

"So?"

"Yes—"

"I ordered the Duke to attend. Is that correct?"

The Duke of Narvacia is suspected of engaging in secret trade with a neighboring country and distributing prohibited goods in the city.

Therefore, Gaston ordered him to attend and explain himself.

"Yes, but—"

"But nothing. If I ordered him, he should come even if he has to crawl, is that not right?"

His tone was soft, but his words carried an unyielding force.

"But if he is forced to attend despite being ill, and his condition worsens—"

"Then he should die, shouldn't he?"

"Eh?"

"Die by my command. It would be his wish, wouldn't it?"

"Please wait. The Duke is also Your Majesty's uncle."

The Duke of Narvacia is the illegitimate son of the previous king and has a high place in the line of succession.

He is older than the king and one of the most powerful nobles with vast territories.

The king has executed many rebellious nobles in the past.

However, the Duke, being his uncle, is a different matter.

"Gerald."

Gaston put the report on the desk and beckoned Gerald over.

"Your Majesty?"

Thinking it might be a confidential matter, Gerald approached.

"Ugh, Your Majesty, what are you—"

Gaston grabbed Gerald by the collar and pulled him close.

"You fool! The Duke is mocking me!"

Gaston shouted at Gerald from a distance so close their faces almost touched.

"He thinks he won't be punished because he is a great noble and my uncle!"

"But—"

"To mock me is to mock the Kingdom of Olivinius!"

Gaston released Gerald's collar.

"Move the royal guards. Burn down the Duke's mansion and bring me his head."

"Please wait! That will start a war."

"Order them to do it."

"Your Majesty! At least, at least, give him a month. I will persuade the Duke."

Seeing Gerald's serious expression, Gaston sighed.

"…One week. Resolve it within one week."

"As you wish."

After seeing the Crown Prince Gerald off, Gaston sighed again.

Gaston began to regret entrusting the Duke of Narvacia's issue to the Crown Prince.

Gerald is too soft.

In this regard, Graf is better. Graf understands what happens when one is underestimated.

In the society of nobles, being underestimated means being devoured.

Therefore, Graf shows no mercy to anyone, whether it's the church or a group of sorcerers, if they oppose him.

He thoroughly crushes them to protect his family.

Moreover, to avoid suspicion of rebellion, he reports to Gaston regularly.

Graf does not underestimate the king.

Not underestimating means he can accurately gauge the power difference.

He acts calmly, without hesitation, obediently, and as if he has no claws or fangs.

"If anyone were to strike at me in my sleep, it would be Graf."

Since becoming king, no, even from childhood, Gaston has trusted no one.

This is because he has been targeted and betrayed many times since his youth.

The traitors include his own mother, siblings, and those he believed to be loyal subjects and close friends.

…No one can be trusted.

Still, sons are better than subjects. That's why he gave the order to the Crown Prince.

"Pitiful. …But Graf cannot be underestimated."

The Crown Prince is too soft, but Graf is too sharp.

Graf is aware of the king's suspicions.

Therefore, he has stepped down from his position and distanced himself from the palace to show that he has no ambitions.

"…Perhaps it's time to do something about Graf."

People get used to fear and forget.

Therefore, the king must regularly remind them of his terrifying presence.

While thinking about Graf, Gaston read through the report.

Gaston has "Shadows," his direct scouts, stationed throughout the kingdom.

Now, Gaston can only trust the "Shadows."

No, even the "Shadows" might betray him, Gaston thought.

"Hm?"

The report mentioned an incident that occurred at the lakeside villa yesterday.

In Graf's territory, a direct appeal from a commoner was resolved on the same day.

During this time, a large animal was seen following Graf's daughter, Luria.

"…Hmm. Interesting."

A young girl loved by animals.

One of the characteristics of the holy maiden who appeared in the royal family during the era of the Holy King.

"…Useful."

Whether she is truly a holy maiden is irrelevant. It's enough to claim she is.

It would be convenient to curb the growing power of the church and silence rebellious nobles.

"Investigate Graf's daughter, Luria."

Gaston muttered, and

"……"

A presence silently disappeared from the surroundings.

Afterward, Gaston issued an imperial command for Graf to bring his youngest daughter to the palace.