V8 Chapter 15. The Guide And Gudwar

In the Gudwar Kingdom of Dominion’s Capital, the power struggle over who would succeed Crown Prince Izel’s position had already begun to heat up.

Who would be fit to succeed as the Crown Prince, and by extension, who would become the next Overlord?

Not only was the Royal Family involved, aristocrats and commoners, who were confident in their strengths, also joined in the fray. So, skirmishes were happening all over the place.

Since they had just had their war with the Empire, the scale of these fights was not large, but everyone in the kingdom knew that things were about to become rough in the near future.

At the Capital, there was an arena that closely resembled the Coliseum. Gudwar was there with its eight legs extended out, shaking them as if they were whips.

The target of the whipping was the Guide, who had regressed back into his hat form.

“No! It hurts! Stop!”

The Guide was being beaten and struck so many times that he was all dirty from rolling on the ground after being thrown around.

Gudwar was in a state of rage and refused to listen to the Guide.

“Izel was just one step away from becoming my servant, and yet…! This is all your fault! It’s all because of you!”

It blamed the Guide for interfering needlessly in their situation.

Not only were its legs swelled up, even its octopus head had turned red from anger.

The Guide, however, begged to differ.

(What a joke. I had my hopes up after seeing how confident you were, but in the end, that treasured child of yours couldn’t even beat Liam. Strongest my foot! My effort was wasted.)

He was furious as well, but he couldn’t beat Gudwar in his current state.

Knowing this, the Guide tried to placate Gudwar.

“I understand where you’re coming from, but—”

“What would you know?! Do you have any idea how much effort I poured into raising Izel?! Do you understand the excitement I felt every time he overcame challenges that I prepared for him, challenges that he could barely pass at the time? He was even able to overcome some that appeared impossible!”

An existence like Izel could only be born when multiple miracles overlapped.

For some reason, the Guide felt a bad premonition after hearing this.

(Then what about Liam who’s survived all the outrageous trials that’s been thrown at him?)

Gudwar had to undergo a lot of trouble raising Izel.

In comparison, Liam had always overcome the impossible without ever being fazed.

To the Guide, this was nothing short of horrifying.

(Wouldn’t it be better to leave him alone?)

The Guide was about to arrive at the correct conclusion, but his thoughts were interrupted by attacks from Gudwar’s octopi legs.

“Eyaa—?!”

The Guide shivered and let out a weird scream.

Then, Gudwar issued him an order.

“I expect you to cooperate with me. First, we’ll prepare warriors that can kill Liam. Then, we’ll equip them with the best weapons!”

If one Izel wasn’t enough, they’d simply equip mass-produced versions of Izel with excellent quality weapons and overwhelm Liam with numbers.

Or at least that was Gudwar’s plan.

The Guide fixed his crumpled hat and dusted it off with his small hands.

(If that’s all it takes to beat Liam, I wouldn’t be so troubled in the first place.)

He was thinking of running away and staying quiet until Liam passed away, but he couldn’t do that anymore now that Gudwar had caught him.

“Liam must die!”

Despite feeling scared, the Guide asked Gudwar a question.

“I thought you like people that are strong? Liam would fit the bill, wouldn’t he?”

The Guide was planning on handing Liam over to Gudwar before making his escape. However, he was denied this option.

“—It’s different. He’s not a warrior that I raised.”

“I-is t-that so.”

Apparently, it only acknowledged warriors that it raised itself.

Gudwar lifted the Guide with its outstretched legs.

“I’ll say it once again. I expect you to cooperate. If you try to run away—I’ll hunt you down and erase your existence.”

“Hiii!”

Due to his previous obsession over Liam, the Guide couldn’t escape anymore, further deepening his hatred towards him.

(Why did things turn out this way!? This is all Liam’s fault. Curse you Liam!)

His thirst for vengeance was rekindled, the evil hands of both the Guide and Gudwar were about to approach Liam.

◇

Having returned to the Capital, I had a meeting with His Highness Cleo before coming back to the hotel.

At the hotel, I’m greeted by none other than Rosetta.

“Welcome back, Darling!”

She jumps me and puts her arms around my neck, effectively latching onto my body.

I can feel her big breasts touching me, and she smells rather nice—but that’s not the problem here.

She’s embarrassing the heck out of me.

It makes me uncomfortable whenever I’m faced with such unconditional kindness.

“Let go of me.”

“Darling, I have something to tell you!”

“Later. I’m going to my room, so don’t let anyone in.”

The look of disappointment on her face after she separates from me reminds me of the feeling known as guilt, something which I thought I’d forgotten.

I really hope she returns to her strong former self.

“—If it won’t take long. I’ll listen to what you have to say in 30 minutes, so have some tea prepared for us.”

Rosetta’s expression visibly brightens, and she smiles at me.

“Right away!”

Then she scurries away.

Wait, is she going to brew the tea herself?

Are you okay with that? You’re a frickin’ Duchess-to-be, you know?!

Ciel, Rosetta’s servant, hurriedly chases after her.

—Shoot. I was thinking of teasing her, but she’s already chased after Rosetta.

Amagi, who’s been listening to us, steps in.

“Then I will ensure no one enters Master’s room.”

“Amagi’s free to enter, though.”

I head to the office that’s been prepared for me.

Inside, there are people already waiting.

—One of them is Kukuri.

He’s waiting on one knee along with Kunai, who I’ve personally named.

When I sit down, Kukuri begins his report.

“The result of our investigation matches that of the information provided by Marion. The Kingdom of Dominion has its hands full trying to handle the civil war that’s erupted over who should become the next Overlord.”

Obviously, I didn’t take Marion’s information at face value. I had Kukuri and his men investigate its authenticity.

“We would win if we were to fight them now.”

“Only if it’s against the Kingdom of Dominion.”

Kukuri seems to think there are other sources of danger besides the Kingdom of Dominion.

“Which force is on the move?”

Kukuri must have received intel of other intergalactic nations eyeing the weakened Empire.

“For now, we are only certain about the Parallel Federation.”

The Parallel Federation—a massive intergalactic alliance formed by a number of independent nations. It can be seen as a gathering of intergalactic nations with a common set of laws.

It’s similar to the United Kingdoms in that sense, but the difference is that a presidential system is in place, meaning aristocracy isn’t a thing.

This may sound like what the Lustral Unified Government has in place, but the Parallel Federation isn’t as unified. As mentioned before, it’s more a gathering of independent nations.[1]

“The Parallel Federation… Hmm, I don’t have any connections there.”

“It’s situated very far from the Banfield Family’s territory, so there’s no need to worry about being called to the battlefield even if there’s a war, Lord Liam has already participated in the battle against the Kingdom of Dominion.”

I’ve fought with the Kingdom of Dominion and racked up some achievements, so it’s highly likely that I’ll be exempt in the next war.

However, if I am asked to participate, I’ll refuse. I’ll only provide funds and resources for the war effort.

“Now I can return to my territory and hole up.”

I’m finally done with my long training, so I can do whatever I wish from now on.

Amagi dumps cold water on me just as I’m getting excited over all the things to come.

“Indeed. Master has yet to wed Lady Rosetta, so a wedding would be in order when we return to the territory. Once the wedding is over, the Banfield Family will be promoted to a Ducal household.”

“—Eh?”

“Now that Master’s training is over, you’re considered a full-fledged aristocrat. Once you marry Lady Rosetta, you’ll become a Duke.”

“Y-you’re right.”

I forgot. I totally forgot that I had to marry Rosetta.

I’m interested in her family’s title, but do I have to marry Rosetta as she is now?

Will I truly be satisfied with marrying the current Rosetta, who’s acting like an easy woman, and not the previous Rosetta, who was a woman of steel?

But if I were to abandon Rosetta now, my reputation among the aristocrats would hit rock bottom, never to recover.

Seeing my reaction, Amagi looks at me with squinted eyes.

“Master, you aren’t thinking of running away from the marriage this late in the game, right? That would be unforgivable.”

Kukuri and Kunai remain silent, perhaps because they don’t wish to get involved in such a silly topic.

Y-you guys should be helping your Master!

It’s not like I can go against Amagi though.

“O-of course not! We’ll host the wedding when we’re back. Yup, when we’re back!”

I couldn’t go out and play during the training period because of the various inconveniences along the way, so I want to enjoy being a bachelor for a little longer.

Sorry Rosetta, but I’ll have to ask you to put up with it for a couple more years.

I’ll come up with some excuse to remain in the Capital so that I can play around!

A knock on the door is heard as I’m thinking hard about my plans for the future.

Eulisia’s voice is heard from the other side of the door.

“Lord Liam, Baron Exner and Lord Kurt are here.”

The Baron’s here? And Kurt?

◇

I meet Baron Exner inside the reception room that I rent from the hotel.

Kurt, who has officially become a soldier after finishing his training, is there as well.

He’s as tall and handsome as always, but he’s making a bitter expression.

Baron Exner performs a dogeza in front of me.

“Liam-dono, I’m truly sorry!”

Baron Exner bangs his forehead repeatedly on the ground and apologizes.

Kurt, who’s standing next to him, glares at Ciel. She’s also in the room, and looking down with teary eyes.

I’m utterly confused as to why Baron Exner’s performing a dogeza.

“What’s wrong, Baron? Please, take a seat on the sofa.”

“That, I cannot do!”

Baron Exner keeps apologizing profusely. I turn towards Kurt, who’s still glaring at Ciel, for an explanation.

Kurt is also wearing an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry about this, Liam.”

“What’s the issue here?”

“—Ciel was doing things behind your back and interfered in matters regarding Rosetta’s personal guards.”

“I-is that so.”

Kurt must have scolded Ciel before I arrived.

She’s keeping her head down while looking like she’s about to cry.

—Sorry, but I knew about that… Is what I would like to say, but it doesn’t seem like it’s the right time to say it.

To begin with, no matter what she does, I’m informed about it.

Ciel makes up for the rebellious attitude that Rosetta lacks.

She heals me in a sense.

But how did Baron Exner and Kurt become aware of her actions?

No, there’s a bigger problem that must first be addressed—

“I understand that apologizing won’t be enough, so I’ll take responsibility for what has happened! Please allow Kurt to succeed me, and I’ll make sure that he properly compensates you.”

I wouldn’t be bothered all that much if he just intends on giving up his position as the head of family, but based on how he’s phrasing it, I think Baron Exner intends on taking responsibility with his life.

Thatwould be a problem! After all, he’s a fellow villainous lord!

Kurt scowls at Ciel.

“To think she’d be up to this sort of mischief inside the house that’s taking care of her. Liam, let me also apologize on her behalf. I’m really sorry that this has happened— Ciel, you should apologize too.”

Ciel bows her head with tears in her eyes, but I can see that her rebellious attitude is still there.

Fantastic, you should stay that way!

However, it appears Kurt has already made up his mind about what to do with her.

“If you’re willing to forgive her, we’re thinking of banishing her from the family and sending her somewhere remote. If you can’t forgive her for what she’s done—we’re willing to accept whatever punishment you have in store for her.”

You mean to say that you’re going to take her away from here?!

Among all the girls that I have right now, there’s no one capable of healing my soul like Ciel!

Chino has her own role, and Ellen’s role is that of my disciple—no, this won’t do.

No one can replace her.

While my mind is in a state of disarray, Rosetta, who’s been listening to our conversation, pleads for my mercy.

“Darling, can you at least spare her life? I’m also partly responsible and was involved in teaching this child, so please.”

Rosetta’s asking me to spare Ciel, but that was never the problem here!

The only thing on my mind is what I should do to make sure Ciel remains within my grasp.

I approach Baron Exner before calling out to him.

“Baron—how much will it be?”

“The compensation? Well, I was thinking of discussing that with Liam-dono as well—”

“No, no, no. How much will it cost to pardon Ciel?”

“Huh?”

Baron Exner seems to not understand what’s going on, so I give him a polite explanation.

“I’m willing to forgive Ciel. On top of that, I ask that you continue entrusting your daughter’s training to my household. Throwing her out like this will damage my reputation, you see. —So how much will it take for me to convince you, Baron? 5,000? 10,000?”

Obviously, I’m omitting a couple of zeroes at the end when I say 5,000.

“Eh? But why are we receiving compensation? Normally, it would be the other way around…”

You just have to nod your head!

“Then how about 20,000? Oh, and I have a lot of acquaintances in the army, so I can put in a good word for Kurt.”

Baron Exner shakes his head.

“No, no, we can’t possibly receive that. Allow us to take Ciel away and provide you with a formal apology.”

“And I’m asking if you could do something about that! Please just continue to entrust your daughter with us! —Okay, let us settle at 50,000. I’ll also speak to the military about Kurt. I’ll put pressure on them if that’s what it takes! He’d be guaranteed a double promotion at the very least!”

“Stop, this is getting scary” Kurt says, but this is all to keep Ciel by my side.

Ciel seems bewildered as well.

Rosetta admonishes her for what she’s done.

“—Listen carefully, Ciel. You were forgiven this time because Darling is just that nice. Normally, you’d be kicked out, no questions asked. That’s how serious your offense was, so make sure you reflect on your actions.”

“Y-yes, ma’am.”

Ciel doesn’t appear convinced, but with Rosetta beside her, she has no choice but to acquiesce.

Good thing too, since if she has a change of heart or something along that line, I will kick her out just like that. [2]

Please keep up with your rebellious spirit.

“That will do, yes?”

“—If Liam-dono is fine with that.”

The baron still doesn’t sound like he fully understands, but he accepts my proposal.

—Phew, that’s a relief.

Now, how did the information about Ciel get leaked?