“…So, what exactly is the connection between this proclamation and what you called ‘preparation for revenge’?”

To Dorothea’s question, Algind answered, “A long and complicated explanation, a moderately summarized explanation, or an explanation so summarized it’s hard to understand. Which would you prefer?”

“Let’s start with the last one first.”

“The radical faction within the Lennart Ducal family will have no choice but to either actively participate in this recruitment test or ignore the test itself and start a rebellion. Either way, crush them to death.”

“Then the second one.”

Algind continued her explanation naturally, as if she had expected this, “Originally, the Lennart Ducal family was a house deeply connected with this nation’s military power. In fact, it can’t be helped. While other families might have to put in effort at the family level for an excellent knight to ‘possibly’ emerge, in the Lennart family, it’s harder to find someone without martial qualities in a generation. Their physical abilities are laughably superior, their mana isn’t inferior, and after becoming strong so efficiently, they invest their remaining time in military strategy, making them capable as generals too. Not to mention the blood ties that push and pull each other. If the Imperial Family hadn’t intentionally set quota restrictions, the entire upper echelons of the military might have been filled with the Lennart Ducal family.”

Dorothea thought the introduction seemed a bit long for a summary, but she didn’t interrupt.

It was content she needed to know, anyway.

“Naturally, a situation where a nation’s military power is controlled by a specific family is never positive. Past emperors wanted to keep the Lennart family in check, but in an era of war, the choice to strike down the most powerful ally was not something that could be easily made. Knowing this, the Lennart family grew their influence even more.”

However, she said the situation was different now.

“The Iron Blood Emperor was truly a capable emperor. He pursued diplomatic peace instead of unnecessary military tensions with other nations, and used the remaining capacity to refine the Empire’s internal affairs. As the threat of war decreased, the role of the military also decreased, and with the Imperial Mage Association created by my master, the necessity of the Lennart family decreased even more. That’s why they desire war. If fighting starts again, their influence will grow.”

“What does that have to do with this test?”

“If an army separate from the existing military, listening only to His Majesty the Emperor’s orders, is created, where do you think their blades will be pointed?”

Adelaide cautiously interjected, “…If His Majesty’s army is created, does that mean they will attack Lennart?”

“We don’t know if it will actually happen that way. But just the possibility of it happening is enough to make the Lennart family’s blood run cold.”

Dorothea frowned, “If such a method existed, why didn’t they use it earlier?”

Before Algind could answer, Sophia spoke, “Because there’s a risk that the new sword they create like that might end up in Lennart’s hands.”

“That’s correct. If Lennart monopolizes the upper echelons of the newly established corps, instead of reducing their influence, it might only increase their power.”

Dorothea objected, “Couldn’t that be solved by appointing commanders separately from the start, or preventing them from seizing command?”

Algind shook her head, “It’s impossible to recruit the Emperor’s direct corps entirely with new personnel. Even if it were possible, such a corps would lack both authority and skill. To have the desired power and authority, the only way is to draw from existing forces, but doing this politically would result in a long and dirty fight, giving the opponent time to respond, and if it’s done purely based on ability, it would be Lennart’s solo stage. On the other hand, if only Lennart is forbidden from participating, that would cause severe backlash in itself,” Algind continued. “Participate in the recruitment test, and smash all enemies that stand in your way. If you make only the problematic factions within the Lennart family clash and mutually destroy each other, they might have something to say, but if they’re crushed in a direct confrontation by you, an outside force, they won’t have any grounds to complain.”

“…”

The party fell silent, deep in thought.

They were pondering whether Algind’s proposal was reasonable, and if there were any problems with it.

Then, Sophia opened her mouth, “May I ask three questions?”

“By all means, please do.”

“One. If you can freely manipulate the match-ups or content of the competitions, is there any guarantee that you won’t use us to eliminate ‘opponents uncomfortable for you’ that have nothing to do with Adel’s revenge?”

“There isn’t,” Algind affirmed simply, almost refreshingly so. “To be more precise, the classification itself of ‘your revenge targets’ and ‘targets we want to eliminate’ is an extremely ambiguous concept. We’ve certainly identified the core list of the radical faction, but in the Empire, there are many who aren’t from the Lennart family but interact with them behind the scenes. We don’t know if you intend to exterminate such indirect associates or just blow away the topmost leadership that gave orders. As long as we don’t clearly know your revenge targets, it’s impossible to make that distinction.”

“Then, what’s the solution?”

“We’ll provide you with information. Information about the opponent’s background, affiliation, character, things like that. After receiving that, you can judge whether to completely crush them or just give them a light knock on the head.”

Sophia looked at her other companions, especially Adelaide.

As if asking if this was okay.

When Adelaide nodded, Sophia immediately asked her next question, “The second question is, with this method, we’ll have to participate in the test to become that ‘Emperor’s sword’ whether we like it or not. Doesn’t this naturally make us your subordinates, even after we achieve our goal?”

“The recruitment test only gives you the ‘right to volunteer’ for the newly established corps, whether you actually volunteer or not is an individual choice.”

“That might be true according to the rules, but we’re talking about the Emperor’s sword, right? If a participant who achieved excellent results turns it down and walks away, will the people of the Empire look kindly on us? Also, if they invite those who meet the conditions to a banquet and everyone is excited, and the Crown Prince himself comes out and loudly says something like, ‘From now on, my life will be with you all!’ can a person there dare to shout, ‘I’m not going to do it’?”

At Sophia’s words, Algind, for some reason, stared intently instead of answering.

Particularly at Dorothea and the Tin Knight.

She then added one sentence, “Were you people who cared about such things…?”

“…Hmm.”

An anomaly occurred where Sophia was momentarily at a loss for words, but the wise scarecrow was indeed in a different league.

“Isn’t it more problematic because you don’t care? It seems like it would be tiresome for you to deal with the aftermath.”

This time, even Algind seemed to have no words to deny, and she quietly rubbed her face.

“…Alright. Certainly, that part needs to be modified. Let’s greatly increase the consolation prize that can be obtained if one gives up the right to enter the corps. If not only you but also others make similar choices, it will relatively reduce the chances of only you standing out. There might be some bad rumors spread about those who chose private gain over loyalty and honor, but please bear with that much.”

Of course, in this case, there was the drawback that talented individuals who should have become part of the powerful imperial army might leak out to strange places for the sake of the consolation prize, but Algind seemed to judge that it was beneficial to draw in the Tin Knight’s party, even at that cost.

“Then it’s time for the last question. Even if things go well according to your intentions and a perfect imperial army is created, and the influence of the Lennart Ducal family is greatly reduced, that won’t immediately lead to their downfall. Let’s say we finish off the main force of the radical faction during the test, but how do you plan to deal with the remaining remnants and make the ducal family confess to the crimes they’ve committed?”

“That won’t be a problem,” Algind answered Sophia’s question. “—We’ve already finished speaking with the Guardian Duke.”

***

The office of the head of the Lennart Ducal family was originally famous for being a very uncomfortable place, even within the main house.

The Guardian Duke.

As the leader of all the lion’s bloodline and the highest minister of the Empire, there were extremely few who could dare to be at ease in front of him.

This was no exception even for his children, and even Maris, the Duke’s own daughter, had to straighten her back when meeting her father in the office.

But exceptions existed everywhere.

The old man, who had now come to the office, maintained a relaxed attitude as if out for a stroll, far from being tense in front of the Guardian Earl.

“The Empress has made quite a bold move. The children of the bloodline are agitated in various ways, so it’s truly a big problem.”

“She must have her own thoughts. Moreover, this matter could, in a way, be a great blessing for our family, couldn’t it?”

The Guardian Duke’s attitude towards the old man was also quite different.

While not to the level of addressing a superior, it was at least close to mutual respect.

But it couldn’t be helped.

The old man before him was privately a great elder of the family, and at the same time, the leader who dominated the Council of Elders.

The head of the Council of Elders asked, “A great blessing, you say. The head of the family is saying strange things. They are trying to forge a sword to strike down our family, how can that be a blessing?”

“Crisis and opportunity are two sides of the same coin,” the Guardian Duke calmly continued, with a relaxed attitude as if this much was nothing. “If we can get our hands on the corps that will be created this time, the name of Lennart could prosper even more.”

“Hmm, well. This old man finds that truly strange.”

The head of the Council of Elders stroked his long beard.

While his outward appearance was like that of an immortal, his eyes held a cunning light like that of a snake.

“A competition to select the Empire’s own sword, separate from existing military forces. Such an event is not something that can be easily held. It’s only possible after greatly burning the political power of the Empress’ faction and taking the risky move of advancing the coronation ceremony that should have waited a few more years. If this attempt fails, the Empress’ side will have to remain silent for at least ten years just to clean up the aftermath. They might even lose their voice forever if things go wrong.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“This old man has watched the Empress since before she gained the name Arcturus, from when she was just a bold girl from the Haidern Marquisate. Ignorant fools say the Empress secured her position with just her outstanding beauty, but that’s nonsense. That girl doesn’t engage in battles she thinks she might lose. Conversely, this means that in her view, this matter has ‘sufficient chances of success’.”

The eyes of the Council head stared directly at the Guardian Duke.

“Head of the family. You are the leader of this Lennart and the father who should protect and lead the lions. Are you fulfilling your duties as the head of the family?”

While this could be interpreted as a challenge to the authority of the family head, the Guardian Duke was also far from an ordinary person.

He proudly said, “Yes, I am doing my best for the family.”

“…Is that so? Well then, this old man will also do what he can. Fortunately, the Magic State is currently in a very chaotic situation. Even if the Lion of Nemea leaves his post for a while, there shouldn’t be a big problem.”

The Lion of Nemea.

When that name was mentioned, the corner of the Guardian Duke’s eye twitched slightly.

It was a reaction that lasted only for an instant, but the Council head didn’t miss it.

However, instead of provoking the Guardian Duke with cheap provocation, the Council head silently turned and left the office.

The golden-haired, violet-eyed girl, Hilda, followed him.

After the office door closed.

Behind the Guardian Earl, in a space where no presence had been felt, a man revealed his existence as if a shadow had gained substance.

Conrad. The Guardian Duke’s bodyguard frowned.

“It’s not just simple bluster or lies, is it? Who would have thought that person would side with the Council of Elders.”

“It’s too early to jump to conclusions. Uncle is a person whose true intentions are difficult to guess. But… it seems things might become a bit troublesome.”

The Guardian Duke fell into thought for a moment, then asked his bodyguard, “How was Hilda?”

“…It’s embarrassing to say, but she was aware of my presence almost perfectly. To be honest, I can’t guarantee victory in a direct confrontation.”

“She’s fast. Excessively so.”

The Lion of Nemea. Werner.

The Guardian’s Sword. Conrad.

The Natural Prodigy. Hilda.

These were the three strongest of Lennart, representing the old, current, and new generations respectively.

And their strength also seemed proportional to their age, with Werner of the old generation being the strongest, and Hilda of the new generation being the weakest.

This was possible due to the slow aging and long prime characteristic of the Lion Duke’s bloodline.

If things had progressed normally, by the time Werner retired, Conrad would have grasped the position of the strongest.

However, Hilda was already eyeing Conrad’s position as the strongest of the current generation.

And with an abnormally fast growth rate at that.

“…Not only is her innate talent hard to find precedent for, but they’ve also deliberately increased her strength with all sorts of elixirs and magic tools. It’s a troublesome matter.”

The Duke was the head of the Lennart family.

But he was also a subject of the Empire.

He was trying to find a way to maintain both simultaneously, but this was a path difficult for the bloodline to support.

The fact that the Duke, who was more powerful in terms of sheer strength, was repeatedly outmaneuvered by the Council of Elders was because the path he had to take was not a smooth one, but an uphill battle.

While thinking it would be a difficult struggle, he silently immersed himself in the behind-the-scenes work.

***

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