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Chapter 166
Sacrifice for the Greater Good
"In what way?"
Ferda asked her.
"That human probably never intended to send Regent Ferda in the first place. The Emperor's son bowed his head and begged for his life, so he had no choice but to pretend to comply."
"But it seemed like he tried to send me when the word 'black mage' came up?"
"That's closer to an unexpected situation. But if we set that unexpected event aside, what then?"
Е̇ńuḿ ӑ
"Then the targets were......."
As they conversed like this, Ferda managed to grasp a clue.
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"Alexander and Duke Urey, the two of them."
Olivia nodded.
"From the moment that fat oppa lost his legion, there was never any plan to forgive him. Since she couldn't behead him anyway, she probably manipulated him into flailing about unsightly until only his ugly side showed. My throat is parched. May I have a cup of tea?"
"Yes."
W̄é bǹ ö_v̇è l̀ Е̌ nũ ṁ а.
Ferda handed her a cup of tea.
She drank the tea, brewed not too hot but just pleasantly warm, and continued speaking.
"Anyway, so Alexander has to step down from power temporarily as discipline. But she didn't drop him completely into the abyss; she left room. Making him compete with the second prince, but would that actually happen?"
"It wouldn't."
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"Right. The transfer of power becomes unclear for a year, and his supporters will seek stability and leave."
If you shake Alexander, those clinging to him fall away.
Wẽ b̆ n ô v̆ el̂ Е̊ñ û m а̄
What absorbs that exodus is an unshakeable, powerful force.
The one that came to mind as the representative of that powerful force was singular.
Valdemar Golt.
"What do you mean by targeting Duke Urey?"
"She likely had checking the Heinkel Kingdom side in mind. She knew Regent Ferda killed the Urey heir, but she had no intention of using that to bind the Regent."
"But I heard that when recruiting William, they tried to make him give testimony unfavorable to me."
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"Sir William's betrayal was probably calculated too."
"Why would Alexander's person do that?"
Alexander wanted to shift responsibility onto Ferda somehow.
Olivia elegantly lifted her teacup and chuckled.
"Alexander's person? Isn't that funny?"
"......."
É n u m̀ а̇
"What would be the reason for someone capable enough to recruit Sir William to attach themselves to someone already confirmed to be heading for the abyss?"
A planted spy.
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If so, it was valid to see it as Valdemar's aim.
"In the end, Duke Urey ended up in an inescapable situation. Now Sir Oldin Rooster, having caught the pretext, will pressure the Heinkel Kingdom and try to force it into submission under the Empire. Putting a leash on that fat oppa and kicking his swollen cheek once more to humiliate him was just a bonus. If it had ended there, I'd have thought they just gave and took......."
Olivia let out a stifled groan/sigh and said.
"A massive incident of demon worshippers broke out."
Ẇe b̆n о̌ v̆ ё l̃ Еn ŭ ḿ a
"That's right."
This part was something no one could have predicted.
"That became an unexpected windfall for Valdemar."
"A windfall?"
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"Because the demon worshipper just happened to be that damn fake."
The word 'damn fake' grated on him.
W̆ e b̀nо̃v̇е l Е̄ n̂u̇ m̈a
"You speak as if you knew from the start that Joseph Faust wasn't himself."
"I know. Joseph Faust was never the type to glance at my chest. I thought someone was imitating Joseph."
Olivia added, as if concerned there might be a misunderstanding.
"But I didn't know he was a demon. If I'd known, I wouldn't have left him to spectate like this."
Ferda decided to believe those words.
For Ferda too, the existence called Doppler was first encountered at the Grand Council, and it had been a secret hidden until now.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"Anyway...... because of that, the Alte Order's integrity and credibility are now in question. The ones who'll take the hit are the new nobility factions."
The nobility was divided into new and traditional factions, maintaining a balance of sorts.
For traditional nobles, it was relatively easy to gain recognition as long as they proved themselves worthy of their family's reputation.
But the new nobles had different circumstances.
They were those who rose to noble positions through great merit to the Empire, and the closer they got to the rulers, the more stringent conditions they had to pass.
"Among those is the Token of Faith given by the Alte Order."
Е̇ n̊ u m̆а
It was a procedure to swear an obvious pledge to resist demonic temptation and follow the light.
But what happens when it's revealed that the bishop granting this was a demon worshipper more vicious than demons?
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The Order's face destroyed the Order's authority,
And simultaneously created a pretext to suspect those beneath it.
"Now they won't be able to prove themselves with the Alte Order's token or such. And they'll establish a new system."
"In what way?"
È ṅùm̂ а̃_. і̃ d̈
"Judging by the situation, it seems the traditional nobles will move to verify the new nobles' status."
Existing nobles certifying new nobles.......
To get certified, you have to flatter them, and the higher their authority, the stronger the power.
And in this Empire, the one with the strongest such power was Valdemar Golt.
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'Everything flows toward Valdemar Golt.'
Extremely speaking, whether new or traditional, they might create a situation where you can't continue in political circles without his acknowledgment.
Е̇ n̊ŭm ӓ .ĭ d̆
He may be called a Grand Duke, but his track record was no different from a king wielding absolute power.
Patriot my ass.
"......And my position became a problem too."
Olivia said, desperately suppressing her trembling voice.
Regrettably, she too had high dependence on the Alte Order.
"The Alte Order now has to watch Valdemar's mood, and they'll try to make me, an apprentice saintess taking lessons, return to being an imperial princess."
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"......."
"Those people aren't as steadfast as the Regent. They know it's easier to just give up on me."
Her greatest weakness was instability.
She had the potential to become a sturdy tree like the World Tree if she grew large, but for now she was merely a sprout with tender young leaves.
"Regent Ferda."
Olivia set down her cup and took Ferda's hand.
Е̌n um а̃ .id̆
Her beautiful hand was damp with cold sweat.
"As I said last time, please hand me over to Grand Duke Golt quickly. Before I completely lose all value to negotiate with."
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She said with a warm smile.
"I'll live as Olivia Arken Golt for a few years, no, maybe decades. If I just do that, the Regent's work will go smoothly. If only the Second Capital the Regent is building gets completed......."
She showed a benevolent smile.
It was similar to the smile she gave Young Master Lutetia, yet the feeling was different.
Wë b̊ ṅ о̌ vе̌l̊ Еnumа
"I'll endure any sacrifice."
* * *
Olivia left, and Ferda sat there, contemplating.
Only one word rose in his mind.
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'Olivia Arken Grand Duke Golt.......'
Just looking at the ambition she held, it was a truly magnificent name.
Ё n̂ u̇ m̌ а
If Princess Olivia's and Grand Duke Golt's forces merged, and they just promised to become the Far East's military strength, the Second Capital she spoke of would easily fall into place.
So there was no need to agonize separately.
It wasn't that Ferda treated Olivia like an object; Olivia herself chose it directly.
And not just once, but twice.
'Yet.......'
This unpleasant feeling showed no sign of resolving.
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Why?
'Olivia resembled me.'
When the Ferda of the distant future, who no longer exists, first entered the Imperial Palace,
Ferda knew the moment he saw Olivia's face.
That she too was someone who hated her family no small amount.
Fearing she might recognize him just as he recognized her, Ferda kept his distance from her.
Е ǹüm̀a
Ferda carefully retraced Olivia's footsteps.
She never married any man, aging as a noble flower.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Until she became the vixen who tilted the nation, she didn't seduce men and kept her chastity.
'Such a person is trying to marry her sworn enemy.'
Valdemar Golt would be someone she hates as much as family.
Ferda wouldn't be able to stay in the same space as his enemy for a few years, let alone a few months, no, not even a few days.
E numӓ.і̃d̂
Olivia was the same.
Then why did she make such a bold decision?
Because she truly cherishes the Empire's people?
Because she believes she can save everyone by sacrificing herself?
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Ferda couldn't know what was truth.
"Isn't everything working out well?"
Е̌ n̈u m̌ а. і́ d
Complex thoughts shatter.
What rudely barged in without even knocking was Jed.
Ferda suppressed his displeasure and spoke.
"It is working out well. Thanks to you."
"Thanks to me. Yet something seems to displease you?"
"Not something to discuss with you. Why did you barge in here?"
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I thought if he came in uselessly I'd give him an earful, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
In his hand was a notebook that didn't suit him at all.
"Do you know what I did in the Archbishop's room?"
"I heard you found a corpse in a private space."
"There wasn't just a corpse there."
Originally it wasn't a place to confine corpses, but a place where secret letters only the bishop could read were stored.
W̆е.b̂n ӧv ӗ l Еn̄ u m a
Jed handed over a notebook he brought from there.
"Those bishop bastards seem to be recording high nobles' confessions."
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"You took it?"
"I was just curious what dirty tricks those noble bastards were pulling. I figured I'd just watch it like a trashy drama...... but I found information worth the extra fee."
Jed opened the book with uncharacteristically serious eyes.
"There was this content."
Е̃ñ ŭm̄ а̄
Ferda read the contents.
The moment Ferda read it, he was shaken.
Words won't come out.
It feels like someone just struck the back of his head hard.
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"Ah......."
His mind went blank, to the point where going insane right now wouldn't be an exaggeration.
E numа
Driven to that limit, pushed off the cliff,
Ferda regained his composure.
"Jed."
Two syllables sunk deep in the abyss.
Jed tensed at the reaction more chilling than expected.
"Yes."
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"Bring Garnet. And you prepare too."
"Prepare as in......."
"The balance of power within the Empire is trying to break because of me."
Ferda rose from his seat and said.
"I'm going to fix that balance."
He only said that, but Jed could intuit it.
W è b n̈ о̆v е̊ ľ Еn úm̀а̌
Before tonight passes, a blood wind will blow somewhere.
* * *
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Acad Debelung's Mansion.
As a city accommodating the staggering number of 30 million, the noble mansions in the Arken Empire's capital were narrower than those of other nobles.
Living in a grand mansion with a garden yard in such a place was no easy task.
Especially with a Marquis's title, it was impossible.
W̆ӗb́ǹö vё l Е ǹu.mä
Acad Debelung lived in such a place.
That was the price of loyalty to the Empire's greatest power holder.
"Yes, Your Highness the Grand Duke. I've prepared what you mentioned. We can start right away tomorrow."
What they prepared was a proclamation about this major incident.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Content stating that demons had invaded the Empire and they must recognize the gravity of the situation.
The problem was that it didn't erupt from the lower classes like demon worshippers, but from the power class.
Ẃ e.b́ňо v̄е̌ l̄ Е̂n̂ um̄а.
Valdemar was quick at cost-benefit calculations.
He intended to use this chaos to strengthen his power another level.
He always said half the Golden Congress needed to be swept clean for it to be purified.
That time has come.
"Yes, surely the utopia Your Grace desires will be completed."
If this job is done properly, Valdemar's actual power will grow stronger, becoming a colossal force no one can touch.
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"Understood. I'll hang up now. Have a comfortable night."
Acad cut the telepathic communication and exhaled as if in ecstasy.
'With this...... everything falls into Valdemar-nim's hands.'
An absolute ruler no one can touch.
As that power's right hand, he can now purge without hesitation all those who kept checking him without knowing their place.
Acad liked that more than the incoming honor or money.
Ĕ nũ ṁ а
"For tomorrow, I should sleep soon too."
Since he'd be busy from the moment he opened his eyes tomorrow, he tried to finish organizing and head to his bedchamber.
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That was when.
The butler knocked and entered, delivering unexpected news.
"Family Head-nim. A guest has arrived."
"At this late hour?"
Ё n ũ m̄ а̄
Acad frowned.
Coming suddenly without an appointment was rude, and Acad particularly disliked those who didn't follow such rules.
"Who is it?"
"A person calling themselves Ferda Valdrova."
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Hearing that name, it felt like his blind spot was struck, and even his displeasure vanished.
"You mean the Grand Duke Valdrova's fiancé?"
Е ňů ḿа̌. і̇d̈
"That is correct."
Strange.
That man would have absolutely no reason to seek him out?
"Since it's late night, shall I relay a message to come tomorrow morning?"
Acad, who had been lost in thought, shook his head.
"No. Show him in. Have the remaining servants light up the entire house."
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"Understood."
Regent Ferda may be young, but through this incident everyone knew he wasn't an easy opponent.
'Besides, Grand Duke Golt-nim is also eyeing him.'
Though unspoken, just looking at his gaze toward Ferda was enough to know.
Such a man suddenly visited late at night.
'And he came to see me, of all people.'
Ё n ü m̂ а̊
Wasting time wouldn't be bad.
Acad walked to the door, and the butler opened it to usher the guest inside.
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A man in a black suit with ash-gray hair and blue eyes entered expressionlessly.
No killing intent was felt.
Acad greeted first.
"I pay my respects to the Regent. I am Marquis Acad Debelung."
Еnu m а́. і d
Ferda bowed his head along with him, greeting politely.
"You may speak casually."
"No. Even so, you're also the one who will become Grand Duke Valdrova's consort, and you presided as Chairman at that time, so it couldn't be helped."
Acad smiling broadly.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"But what brings you at this late hour?"
"I came to convey my gratitude."
E n̈ùmа̂
"Gratitude?"
"I heard Count Ulbera Consillus made the potion you'd drink. With work piled up until evening, I ended up visiting rudely without notice. My apologies."
"Ah, not at all! Come right in! I'll prepare tea!"
Ferda's eyes scanned the long corridor.
In one of the largest mansions in the imperial capital, not a single servant was visible in this corridor.
"This mansion doesn't have many servants."
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"Ah, it feels rather empty, doesn't it? Except when there's major cleaning to do, we don't use them."
"Alchemy is delicate work, so that makes sense."
"It's not that delicate. I just don't like complicated things."
Engaging in light chat, they arrived at the reception room.
Acad dismissed the butler, and the spacious reception room held only the two of them.
"I'll prepare the tea."
Е̊ n u m а́
"You could have a servant do it, it would be troublesome for you......."
"It's a precious tea requiring delicate work. Our butler can't do that, so I always serve precious guests myself."
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"Is that so? Then......."
Acad put leaves in the teapot and delicately poured heated water inside.
It held a delicacy that forced acknowledgment of an alchemy family member.
The hand's work was done, now just waiting.
Еn u m̀ а̄
Acad glanced sidelong at Ferda.
He wasn't in the guest seat.
Instead, he was closely examining a painting hung on the wall.
One could dismiss it as mere interest in the painting, but it wasn't so.
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The paintings on that wall numbered over 40.
Yet among them.
Еn̄ um̄ ã . î d̄
Just one.
He was looking at only one.
It was an abstract painting with paint roughly splattered.
"Do you like that painting?"
Acad approached Ferda and asked.
Ferda replied with a startled look, like someone lost in thought.
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"I'm feeling a strange mood. How to put it, I feel a power drawing people in."
At Ferda's evaluation, Acad hee-hee'd laughing.
Ferda was the first to pull out such a pleasing answer.
"Well, well...... since you say that, I can't help but boast. Actually, I painted that."
"Is that so?"
"My skill is poor, so I slipped it in among masterpieces to make it look impressive."
E ňùm̆а̀.іd́
"Not at all. If it were poor skill, there's no way that would catch the eye first, is there?"
Ferda looked at it with emotion-filled eyes.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"This is the first time I've felt such burning passion in a painting."
Acad found Ferda increasingly likeable.
Not simply because he heard nice words.
Countless people praised the paintings around him.
W еb nӧv е l̃ Е ṅ u m̂а
There were some who specifically picked that abstract painting.
But people who understood the emotion this painting should evoke, like Ferda, were rare.
The chest of Acad, racing toward 40, throbbed.
Perhaps.
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'This man might be a kindred spirit.'
If so.......
Е̃ n̆ u_mа. і d
Maybe he'd understand that too?
"Regent-nim."
"Yes, Marquis Debelung."
"You praise my poor skill, so empty pride swells a bit. So I'd like to show the Regent another painting......."
Acad asked shyly.
Ferda nodded.
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"If there's another painting, I'd be the one wanting to request it."
"Haha, understood!"
Acad beamed and pressed a crevice in the reception room's wall.
Then, with the sound of machinery moving, the gap between two masterpieces widened and a hidden space revealed itself.
That hidden space also had a painting.
It was a painting with a similar style to the abstract painting Ferda saw.
Wêb n о v е̌ l Еn um а
The name of the painting Ferda saw was 'Passion'.
And this one he showed was titled 'Acad Debelung's Love'.
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"How is it?"
Acad anxiously awaited inwardly.
Like a child waiting for a score, expecting full marks because everything studied appeared on the test, he waited for Ferda's answer.
"This is......."
W̊ еb̌ n̂ о́ v е̌ l̆ Еn̂ǔm̂ а́
He gave the score.
"Disgusting."
What fell before him was a failing grade.
Acad's face hardened.
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"......What did you say?"
"I don't know what you expressed...... but it feels a bit disgusting."
W ěb̄ ṅ оvel Е̌ǹum̌ӑ
Ferda's brow furrowed, and he covered his nose as if smelling a stench.
He trampled and violated so calmly what was shown without hiding.
"Is this expressing the disgust Marquis-nim felt?"
His love, shown without reservation.
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