Capítulo 181: Outbreak of War [1]
When different powers split into two opposing factions to compete.
I naturally quickly identified which unit belonged to which faction.
Based on a rough investigation, opinions among the units were also somewhat divided.
For instance, those supporting the alliance between the First Prince, Louis von Arkheim, and the Goff merchant group mainly came from families that wanted to avoid a major war. A representative of this group was Leon von Marvas, who recently lost his family head and many of the retainers in territorial disputes.
The ones supporting Princess Penelope, could be easily summarized as being most of my units.
This included Professor Lars, the sages and also my teachers, Astrid and Noah, Eleanor, and of course, the Zenos family and the Stilliner family, who serve Penelope.
Unexpectedly, Paracelsus, who despised the nobility, also supported the princess. Realistically, though, it was more because he hated the prince even more.
In fact, only Leon supported the first prince, and even then, honestly, his support wasn't exactly active.
He was merely aligning himself for the benefit of his family, he could return at any moment.
'Even if I outright asked his intention and tried to pull him to my side from the beginning, he would easily come over here'
Leon trusts me quite deeply. That's not a bad thing for me. His undead army could become my most powerful card.
One remaining of the dark family, Sader, seems indifferent and maintains neutrality. Understandably so, since they are located near the west, a region relatively free from the scrutiny of the central. They probably believed it didn't concern them much.
If a civil war were to break out, the Arkheim side wouldn't have enough forces to send troops to the west.
In some ways, it could be seen as the wisest choice.
They are taking full advantage of their geographical advantage.
Now then, let's reflect on this situation.
If so, then Nox von Reinhaver
And the Reinhaver family, which is deeply connected with him?
'As for me, I've already left neutrality behind entirely. I ended up siding with Penelope side'
This was inevitable.
Remaining neutral at this moment would require us to give some serious thought to the matter that might happen. Although my original stance was to avoid taking sides, but now that's no longer the case.
The biggest issue was that I might lose my units, no, comrades who trust and follow me. The second reason was that Louis, the First Prince, was an insane bad ending maker.
Therefore, I can now confidently say I stand firmly on the princess's side
'Though I don't know what will happen after the war ends, first, I have to think that way. Dealing with the immediate problems first is the right choice.'
However, an issue arose here that was beyond my control.
It was two groups connected to me.
"The Reinhaver Elder's council has convened, and due to internal strife, the family has split into two factions. One is led by the eldest son, Garen von Reinhaver, who plans to overthrow the Arkheim imperial authority. The other supports maintaining the imperial regime, led by the head of the family."
Hearing this news from Christopher, I let out a small sigh.
He looked quite exhausted, probably having rushed on horseback to deliver the news.
He hadn't even stopped by an inn, judging by the faint smell of sweat.
"….In the end, Garen, it seems he has caused trouble."
This was an unexpected variable.
I hadn't anticipated Garen moving so early. Why had he so hastily turned Theo into an enemy?
He should know better than anyone how powerful his father is.
Yet, something didn't add up.
"The Reinhaver don't have the military force to challenge the imperial family. Without the head's permission, even the Black Sword Knights wouldn't move. What exactly is Garen thinking…"
"That's…"
At this point, even the normally talkative Christopher hesitated briefly.
Christopher's large frame trembled slightly before he continued.
"Young master Garen, is said to have joined forces with a 'demon'"
"What?!"
As I raised my voice involuntarily, Christopher bowed his head.
"To be precise, he intends to use a demon to overthrow the Arkheim Empire… As such, the head of the family has finally disowned Young master Garen from the Reinhaver family."
"….This is no trivial matter."
"In addition… Forgive me, but even the opinions of the retainers about you, young master, were very sharply divided. It seems that due to the point that you attempted to form ties with the Imperial Family and your past. The current mistress, Lady Priscilla, her influence has grown bigger through her control over the Elder Council and the two young masters. As a result, there are currently many who do not trust the name Nox von Reinhaver."
"Even so, join forces with a demon to attack the Empire…"
Zitri crossed her arms over her shoulders in shock.
"We still don't know which demon is behind this."
"Yes, they say there's nothing confirmed yet. The family head has declared that he will not support any faction. However, regarding Young Master Garen, he has stated firmly that he will be punished…"
"What about their action on me?"
"It hasn't been decided yet. However, if you remain by Princess Penelope's side… it is unlikely to lead to a positive outcome."
Garen, this bastard has clearly gone mad.
I came to this conclusion, gripping my forehead. Just when things were quiet, this lunatic decided to stir up chaos at such a critical time.
If this goes wrong, it could jeopardize all the plans I've laid out.
I must resolve this as quickly as possible.
'Damn it.'
In the original story, such a thing did not occur in the main chapter episode 3.
At this time, Garen was supposed to be strengthening his power and living in hiding.
However, he has changed. He is now moving immediately to seize imperial authority and, rather than elevating Reinhaver, he seeks to place himself in the highest position.
And he's doing so by borrowing the power of a demon.
'The only fortunate thing… is that I know exactly who his first target will be. The unfortunate part is that the person he's targeting is me.'
It's only natural.
Theo has truly marked me as his successor, and Garen's intent to reveal his position in the Elders council is unmistakable.
And in such a situation, war breaks out?
He would use the ensuing chaos to eliminate me and later even plan to deal with his father, Theo.
But the problem is, Garen's excessively cautious nature.
'He won't attack me easily. He'll target me when I'm off guard or alone. This requires some thought…'
For now, I decided to deal from the immediate issue.
I nodded after coming to this conclusion.
"First, I got it. Christopher, you've had a rough time."
After offering Christopher rare praise, untypical of ruffian, I pondered for a moment.
No, in fact, somehow the answer already come out.
"Young master, I will always follow your decisions. This Christopher. Has sworn loyalty to the family, but now the Reinhaver family needs you, young master Nox. Please relieve the enormous burden bestowed upon the family he… Theo-nim."
"…."
That statement, however, was not easy to agree with.
I can't easily agree with that statement, help Theo, me?
It wasn't an easy decision.
Theo, who became one of the ultimate villains by hosting a demon in his body.
While I didn't fully know the details, Theo von Reinhaver was a dangerous guy who later became a boss comparable to Nox, the final antagonist of the first part.
Though similar to Nox, he was less synchronized and weaker. Regardless, he was undoubtedly my enemy.
Moreover, I had previously declared that I would personally kill him.
Demon's whisper
They must have already reached Theo, and it was only natural he wouldn't stay still and leave a son who urged for his death.
I am an unworthy existence anywhere within the family.
Would anything change if I helped him in this situation?
While it's clear that something felt off, it was also true that I didn't have many options. For now, overcoming this was my top priority more than anything.
"I won't change my plan. I have reasons to help Princess Penelope. Moreover, the first Prince Louis is dangerous. I'll focus on stopping him."
"I will follow young master's will"
Christopher immediately gave a sword ceremony. His promise to protect me no matter what circumstance seemed not a lie.
Nox von Reinhaver.
how much time I have left, in fact, I even don't know.
But at least, I'll do everything I can.
So, even if the worst-case scenario comes to pass, I wouldn't have any regrets
———————————————
[Temporary School Closure Notice]
Due to an urgent matter, We inform you that the school will be temporarily closed.
We hope all students return to their respective families and protect themself until further notice.
Let us hope for the day when we can meet again with smiles.
Professor of the Esteemed Eldain Academy, Lars von Celestia
———————————————
At the brink of war.
The seeds of full-scale war finally sprouted, engulfed the continent.
Rumors spread that a massive army was assembling in the central region. Next, the First Prince Louis rallied noble supporters and urged them to eliminate Princess Penelope while promising the Goff Merchant Group immense wealth.
There were rumors circulating that the current emperor, [Esteban the fool], had already been killed by the prince.
At this point, Nox von Reinhaver, who could become a kingmaker, was not by the princess he vowed to protect, nor by Eleanor's side, but was standing alone in a different place.
The reason was simple.
"Nox von Reinhaver. For the sake of the family and great deed, you must die here."
"It's amusing to hear the great deed mentioned by an older brother who has already lost the name of Reinhaver."
This was because he already knew his half-brother, Garen, the oldest, who had now lost the Reinhaver name, would come to kill him.
In fact, some time ago, He had moved to the outskirts of the central wilderness without informing units like Zitri and Rona.
He already knew since Christopher had already informed him that Garen would arrive, but seeing him directly made him feel uneasy
At any rate, it's his world that becomes a reality.
Though he was his half-brother, the fact that his brother had come to kill him made his expression anything but bright.
Nox, who had once been indifferent upon hearing countless tales of Princess Penelope nearly being assassinated by the First Prince Louis, had thought, "I can just handle it carelessly" But things were different now. He was beginning to understand her.
The mere existence of such a tenacious pursuer was enough to drain anyone's energy.
"All bark, aren't you? Let's see if your skills are truly as impressive as people said"
"Do as you please."
Nox and Garen drew their swords almost simultaneously.
The brothers bared their fangs through their blades.
Their blades gleamed with an intent that surpassed mere malice. There was a surreal sense of pressure that could not be described in words
Perhaps it was because they both already knew that only one of them would leave this place alive?
Nox raised his sword, and with all his strength, he began swinging it toward his brother, no, his enemy.
Chaeeng—!
Paradoxically, cold flames imbued with a chilling aura burst forth, scattering in all directions.
That was the beginning.
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