Chapter 35

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: An Idealist's Gambit
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#35

He glanced around, wary of listening ears, before asking in a low voice.

“I've been meaning to ask, but what is the connection between receiving the loyalty oaths and Goedel Kill?”

“Hm?”

“It's just that sparing Duke Kill and your recent visit to the temple seemed a bit unusual. You appeared somewhat downcast that day, so I held back my questions, but...”

Walter glanced at the cluttered table before turning his gaze back to Lucy.

Despite her casual demeanor and seemingly careless nature, she was quite meticulous and left no room for error.

It was impossible to know what she was thinking. He would often wonder about her intentions when receiving orders, only to realize later, with a chill, that everything had been part of her plan.

Surely there was a reason for sparing Duke Kill and going to meet him.

It was also strange that she hadn't absorbed the Kill duchy's lands into the royal domain. What on earth is she thinking?

“Did I seem to be in a bad mood that day?”

“It felt as though you were hiding your displeasure. I doubt anyone else noticed.”

As a soldier born with senses twice as sharp as others and constantly needing to be aware of his surroundings, Walter was adept at sensing people's emotions.

Of course, his perception was even keener when it came to discerning Lucy's feelings, colored as it was by his personal affections.

“Hm... I suppose so. Duke Kill is just so stubborn, it was a little frustrating. I was being deferential, but he was still so difficult.”

“Why go to such lengths to accommodate Duke Kill?”

“No matter how I look at it, there's no one better than Duke Kill to keep the lords in line. I know it's a risk to trust him again, but the duke has contributed greatly to Parnas, and he's not a bad person.”

Hearing the unexpected answer, Walter furrowed his brow ever so slightly.

“There's no guarantee that a man who has betrayed you once won't do it again.”

“That's true. And that's exactly why I intend to reinstate Duke Kill.”

“Pardon?”

“I told you recently that there's likely a traitor within the council, didn't I? I need Duke Kill to get rid of them.”

The answer seemed to come out of nowhere, and Walter tilted his head. Lucy swept a pile of miscellaneous items from the seat next to her onto the floor and motioned for him to sit.

“Walter.”

“Yes.”

“I know what kind of men you and Goedel Kill are. Do you know what you two have in common?”

“...I can't say that I do.”

“You're both idealists who live for Parnas. You protect the kingdom with your strength, and the duke protected it with his resourcefulness. Although his ideals went too far and put him at odds with me, the fact that he loves Parnas remains unchanged.”

Idealist.

Unsure if it was an insult or a compliment, Walter shifted his eyes, and Lucy nudged his shoulder, assuring him it was a compliment.

Walter abandoned the stern expression he was about to make and nodded for her to continue.

“But the other lords are different. They only want to protect their own domains; they couldn't care less about anything else. As long as their own lands are running smoothly, they wouldn't mind whether this country is called Parnas, Dopein, or the Empire.”

“Is that why you can't let go of Duke Kill?”

Lucy hugged her knees, rested her chin on them, and nodded.

Each time she moved her head, her long, waist-length hair rustled, tickling Walter's hand where it rested on the sofa.

An idealist who loves his country.

Could there be a more fitting description for Goedel Kill? Walter admired her choice of words, but at the same time, his brow furrowed at the thought that reinstating a traitor was still wrong.

He agreed that there was no other suitable candidate to unite the lords, but did it really have to be Goedel Kill?

Walter toyed with his lower lip with his thumb as he began to speak.

“What about Marquess Rutherford and Duke Witten? Surely they are different from the other lords. I believe their devotion to the kingdom is second to none, not even Duke Kill's.”

“Hm. What do you think of Marquess Rutherford, Walter?”

“Marquess Rutherford, you say...”

Vanessa Rutherford.

A fierce fighter with an unrivaled competitive spirit. Yet, her graceful gestures and gentle smile made it easy to let one's guard down.

Walter pictured the fan bearing the Rutherford crest and answered in a slow tone.

“She has a natural talent for politics. It was certainly a waste for her to remain in the shadow of her late husband, the previous marquess. She is respected within her domain and has a good reputation among the other nobles.”

“They say she's affable and cultured, unparalleled in social circles?”

“That is correct. Even foreign envoys sing her praises. If you are considering diplomacy, I believe there is no one more suitable.”

“Diplomacy... diplomacy...”

Lucy wiggled her toes, muttering the word "diplomacy" over and over. A moment later, she posed another question.

“Then what about Duke Witten?”

Bon Witten.

Tall and always impeccably mannered, Duke Witten, contrary to his kind appearance, had a rather irritable and perfectionistic streak.

“The House of Witten has a long history as a loyalist family, staunch supporters of the crown. The current duke was also loyal to the late king and built a strong relationship of trust with him. He prioritizes principles and rules, which the younger nobles find difficult, but he is highly regarded among the elders.”

“Between the two, who do you think is better? Uh... from a personal standpoint.”

Walter paused at the blunt question. After a brief moment of thought, he continued in a monotone voice.

“Personally... I find Duke Witten slightly more agreeable.”

“Is that so? Why?”

“As a member of the Royal Army that serves the royal family, I inevitably feel more favorably toward Duke Witten, who represents the royal family's position first, rather than Marquess Rutherford, who prioritizes reform. Furthermore, unlike the calm Duke Witten, Marquess Rutherford has a very bold and direct personality, which can be disconcerting at times.”

“I see... Marquess Rutherford does have a bit of a hot-tempered side.”

Lucy, who had been listening intently, asked with an amused smile.

“Then, one last question. Between Witten and Rutherford, who do you think would be the better choice for chairman?”

A look of deep contemplation spread across Walter's previously impassive face.

Walter gazed at the wheat-colored hair tickling the back of his hand before slowly raising his eyes. He flinched, startled by how close Lucy's face was, and pulled his upper body back.

His vision filled with the sight of his sovereign looking up at him, her jet-black pupils filled with fascination. Walter frowned and averted his gaze.

“To be honest.”

“Yes.”

“I was wondering why Your Majesty was bombarding me with questions, but now I understand. Yes. Neither of them is a suitable candidate for chairman. More importantly, Your Majesty.”

“Yes?”

“I would appreciate it if you would move back a little.”

Lucy crinkled her nose and gave a mischievous smile. “Correct,” she said, pushing Walter to the side.

Of course, his muscular body didn't budge from her gentle push. As Walter awkwardly shifted a little further away, Lucy nonchalantly lay down, resting her head on his thigh.

“That's right. They both have political sense and are highly skilled, but their positions are awkward. Personally, I prefer Rutherford, but she isn't in a position to command the elders. And Witten... hmm.”

Lucy paused for a moment before continuing with a sigh.

“Well, whichever one I choose, it will cause a stir among the lords. No matter how I think about it, Duke Kill is the better option.”

“But if you reinstate him, you'll be plagued by gossip for some time.”

“The rumors will die down soon enough, so it's fine. Well... it can't be helped. It just seems much easier to win over one Duke Kill than to try and coax every single lord.”

Lucy gazed languidly at the area around Walter's chin.

There was a tiny, barely visible mole under his chin, and as if mesmerized, she raised a finger and pressed it.

“Hmm...”

Becoming king is one thing—that can be handled with force—but how do I bring the lords together?

In truth, this was a problem she had been worried about ever since Duke Kill had raised his banner in rebellion.

Should she crush him and rule the lords through fear, or should she somehow win over the unbending duke and use him as a loyal dog?

She still hadn't reached a conclusion.

Duke Kill, that stubborn old man. As she pictured the duke's angry face, the image of the second son he doted on also came to mind.

“How is Atlind Kill? The duke's son, I mean.”

“Yes. He seemed confused at first, but after being informed of the duke's safety, he is slowly regaining his spirits.”

The image of Atlind Kill flickered faintly in her slowly opening eyes.

“Since he heard the duke is at the temple, he seems to be diligently researching the nameless god. He was already known as a bookworm, and now it appears he does nothing but bury himself in books all day.”

“Hmm... The House of Kill is known for being a family of warriors. It's unusual for such a family to have such a delicate and sensitive son...”

“Everyone has their own unique traits. Just because it's a family of warriors doesn't mean a warrior must be born into it.”

Lucy looked up at Walter with incredulous eyes at his ridiculous statement.