Chapter 13

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: A King’s Recognition
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#13

The lords listening to the story shook their heads, their faces grim. Unlike the somber lords, Walter’s expression remained impassive as he simply tightened his grip on the hand Lucy was holding.

Once the gloomy atmosphere had subsided somewhat, Lucy caught her breath and continued.

“We cannot know the Empire’s intentions for meddling in this chaos. However, a war is certain to break out, and the rumor that Dopein has joined hands with the Empire will spread quickly.”

“So. What is the correlation between the war and the reason Duke Kill cannot ascend the throne?”

“A moment ago, I said the ‘timing is not right.’ It would be fine at any other time, but if the rumor that the Empire is behind this war spreads, Duke Kill will be.”

“The Portmeier Strait.”

Marquess Rutherford murmured the words, staring at Lucy with wide eyes.

“That strait within the Kill Duchy… it has a maritime agreement with the Empire, does it not? A place where Imperial ships can come and go freely. Through that pact, the Duke has established friendly relations with the Empire.”

Portmeier Harbor, a free port that served as the greatest pillar of the duchy’s wealth.

The strait connecting to Portmeier Harbor was narrow and directly adjacent to the trade routes, making it a strategic hub always bustling with water transport and merchant ships.

Naturally, this strait, which likely saw the most ship traffic in the kingdom, had an agreement with the Empire.

No one was foolish enough to give up trade with the Empire, and Duke Kill had amassed enormous wealth because of it. As always, money brought favor, and Kill had consequently styled himself as pro-Empire.

If such a man were to establish a new dynasty, just as the truth that the Empire was backing a foreign nation spread…

“Does this mean… I could be seen as a puppet of the Empire?”

Having understood Lucy’s words, Kill bit his trembling lip. Reflected in his eyes was the image of the young woman staring back at him calmly.

“If Duke Kill becomes king, it won’t be long before the royal family’s prestige plummets, along with rumors that the new king of Parnas is a lackey of the Empire.”

“…A conspiracy. That’s absurd.”

“It is an injustice. I understand that. But the people of the kingdom will wonder if their king is a puppet of the Empire. Some will think we are about to become an Imperial colony, and public sentiment will fall into chaos.”

Lucy’s speculation was no exaggeration.

In fact, in her first life, the Crown Prince had led his marines through the Portmeier Strait to invade Parnas.

Since the duchy with the largest private army in the kingdom had fallen so helplessly, the other territories were no match. The Imperial army pushed to the capital in an instant, and despite Walter’s desperate defense of the city, Parnas fell into the Crown Prince’s hands in a short amount of time.

It became a colony.

“Your speculation is nothing but conjecture. Besides, if that’s the problem, can’t I just terminate the agreement with the Empire?”

“That is correct. It is only my speculation. But Duke Kill, do you have the nerve to terminate the agreement with the Empire based on a mere guess? As of now, the Empire has done nothing to Parnas.”

Unilaterally breaking a promise with a party that has done no wrong is something only a child would do.

When that promise was between a Great Lord of the kingdom and an entire nation, one could not even utter the word ‘terminate’ unless something extraordinary happened.

It would have been better if it were any other lord, but Kill, entangled with the Empire through their pact, could not rashly impose sanctions. Of course, as the lord of the duchy, he couldn't easily turn his back on them either.

Kill, who had been silent, finally let out a hollow breath, unable to contain his emotions. Fatigue and anger mingled in the wrinkles around his eyes, making him look older than his years.

“So, what is the conclusion you are trying to make?”

“I would like Duke Kill to act as my guardian until the political situation stabilizes. Until then, I will protect the throne.”

Kill moved his clenched thumb, slowly stroking the signet ring he wore. The corner of his tightly sealed lips trembled, betraying his agitation.

It was utter nonsense.

To be the guardian of this brazen girl of uncertain birth, a daughter of that concubine, who knew where or how she had lived just like her mother.

Was this it? Had she laid all this groundwork just to package this blatant self-interest?

Kill fiddled with his clenched fingers with his thumb and spoke in a low voice.

“An interesting proposal. You, become the king? I’d like to hear what you think of your own lineage.”

“Wasn’t the discussion of whether I am a legitimate heir or not already discarded the moment you decided to establish a new dynasty, Duke Kill?”

“Even if it’s not you.”

“If you are thinking of mentioning the third and fifth princes, let me tell you in advance. Do not speak such nonsense.”

Kill, having the very words he had once said to the lords thrown back at him, took a deep breath and searched for a rebuttal.

Before Walter, who stood in the middle, could step forward, Lucy tightened her grip on his hand to stop him and spoke again.

“What’s important right now is not the question of who becomes king. Think rationally. Now is the time to end the plague spreading through the capital and prepare for war.”

“Do you think you are capable of handling such things?”

“The latter will be handled by the Grand General, and the former I can resolve myself.”

Marquess Rutherford, who had been gracefully fanning herself, shot up from her seat at Lucy’s words.

“You can resolve it…? Are you saying you can cure that disease?”

The plague that killed the king. To think that strange disease could be cured.

How could such a young woman claim to be able to treat a disease whose cause had yet to be properly identified?

It was preposterous. Heedless of the marquess’s bewildered stare, Lucy nodded.

“I heard that the families of those present are also suffering from the plague. I was told your eldest daughter’s health is quite poor, Marquess… Yes. I know the cause of the disease.”

“How, really…! If this is nonsense, then!”

“How could I dare to bluff in front of so many esteemed people? I also have a rough idea of the treatment. I cannot guarantee I can completely suppress the disease, but it will be enough to save lives for now.”

A commotion spread through the lords like wildfire.

Small whispers grew into confused shouts, and amidst it all, Marquess Rutherford, who had been speaking most loudly with her adjutant, snapped her fan shut with a sharp sound, her face flushed.

However, her question never left her lips. The person she needed to address was focusing their attention elsewhere.

“Duke Kill.”

Lucy ignored the nobles and stepped closer to Duke Kill, facing him directly. As the tall Lucy stood before him, their eyes met at the same level.

With her gaze fixed on the duke, Lucy gently turned her head toward the hall.

“Everyone must be very concerned, with someone who lacks proper qualifications suddenly appearing and speaking of the throne. I am well aware of my own shortcomings. That is why I need someone to guide me on the right path.”

“And you’re saying that’s me? That I must guide you on the right path?”

“Yes.”

The corners of Lucy’s eyes curved into a smile.

“What do you say, Your Grace? Are you inclined to join my clumsy plan for the future?”

Would Goedel Kill prioritize the rationality of the situation, or would he prioritize his own pride?

The answer came quickly.

“Clumsy. Just as you say, it’s nothing but clumsy nonsense.”

His eyes narrowing, Kill slammed his hand on the table in a fit of rage.

“Your words are mostly speculation! To suddenly appear and say such…! And curing the disease? How can you, who are not even a scholar, cure a disease! Are you not just trying to appear important in this situation? Am I wrong?”

He took the bait.

The true nature of Duke Kill, which he had kept so tightly under wraps, had finally surfaced. Facing the enraged old man, Lucy fought to keep the corners of her mouth from rising.

“I stated clearly that I know the cause. Whether you believe me or not will become clear if you just watch. And let me say one more thing.”

Lucy took a breath and slowly swept her gaze over the faces of the lords.

“I did not come here to volunteer my services. I will not share the cure with anyone who has not sworn to support me.”

At the thunderous declaration, the lords shot to their feet, their faces pale.

“That’s absurd…!”

“Are you blackmailing us right now?”

Cries of indignation erupted from all sides. Lucy paid them no mind and continued speaking calmly.

“You all seem to be mistaken. I am not standing here to grovel before you. And I certainly have no intention of clinging to the throne by fawning over you. You seem to have forgotten with whom I entered this hall.”

The crowd’s gaze shifted behind her. Only then did the lords realize that Lucy’s long self-defense and proposals were a courtesy extended to them.

She had appeared with the Grand General.

And the Grand General had, in the previous meeting, declared that Arsinoe was a legitimate candidate for the throne and had brought her to this very place.

That meant she was a person under the protection of the Grand General—the spiritual pillar and de facto ruler of the Royal Army.

“Grand General. Who is my father?”

At the unexpected question, Walter’s eyes widened slightly.

Realizing the intent in the golden eyes that met his, Walter looked around and answered in a voice filled with deep resonance.

“The King of Heavenly Punishment, His Majesty the late King Vissimonteus II Yenak Neoparnas.”

“Was it my will that brought me to this place, or yours?”

“…It was my will.”

“You are the head of the Royal Army. Believing your answer to be the will of the Royal Army, I ask you. Do you.”

Lucy tilted her chin down, staring up at Walter with upturned eyes as she asked in a decidedly firm tone.

“Recognize me as your king?”