Chapter 291: Treason If We Fail, Revolution If We Succeed (5)

Though they had appeared somewhat abruptly, Hissop invited the representatives gathered from various nations into the reception room and spoke with them. For confirmation, he asked what Keter had promised them, and the representatives told him everything without leaving out a single detail. After hearing it all, Hissop had expected as much, yet he was left speechless by the sheer scale of Keter’s ambitions.

It’s true that Sefira has plenty of empty land. It would even double if we acquire Bydent as well. But to take responsibility for all their residences, or their food and lodging? Setting aside the issue of money, I’m not sure whether Sefira can handle that.

Since Daat, who called himself Sefira’s strategist, was also present in the reception room, Hissop asked him with a glance whether this was truly all right. Daat simply formed a circle with his fingers. That alone wasn’t enough to fully reassure him, but it was better than showing hesitation.

After exchanging official business conversation for a while, Hissop looked out the window. They had only talked about official matters, yet the sun was already setting. Sefira’s future was at stake, but the Family War wasn’t over yet.

Hissop got up from his seat and said, “Let us leave the detailed matters recorded in a contract so that both sides can confirm them. That said, it seems the sun will set soon. I would like to offer you lodging, but I worry that we may cause you inconvenience as Sefira is currently in the midst of a Family War. Therefore, I will show you the way back before night comes.”

Though Hissop made the suggestion politely, a hostile noble from the Kingdom of Adeus grumbled, “From what I see, you completely have the upper hand against Bydent. It seems like you just find it uncomfortable to have us around.”

“I was taught that a war is not over until it is truly over. Just as Sefira lured and exploited Bydent’s carelessness, there is no rule saying Bydent won’t do the same.”

The Adeus noble continued grumbling to the end. “

Hmph

. Bowmen...”

No one stepped in to stop him, and there was no particular reason to. Watching Hissop’s reaction was entertaining, and it also served as a way to test his capabilities.

In response, Hissop handled it gently, but firmly. “I am aware that Adeus looks down on archery. That’s a coincidence. Bydent also looked down on archery.”

The Adeus noble clenched and unclenched his fists, showing his competitive spirit. “

Oh?

Then would you like to go at it now, Lord Hissop? I’m good to go right away.”

However, Hissop shook his head. “I cannot simply pit just anyone against a warrior who has risked his life to come from a neighboring nation. We must send Sefira’s best knight. However, he is not present here at the moment. Therefore, let us postpone that opportunity for another time.”

“

Hmm...

That is certainly a fair point. I won’t forget what you said about assigning your best knight.”

Hissop gently persuaded the fight maniac noble of Adeus. “Of course.”

The looks in the eyes of those watching Hissop clearly changed.

His worldly wisdom is quite impressive for his age.

You can tell he’s careful with every single word he chooses to say. Has he experienced politics before?

Perhaps it wasn’t only Keter we should have been keeping an eye on.

Just when the conversation came to an end and the atmosphere shifted toward everyone going their own separate ways...

“Lord Hissop, from what I saw today, the doctors at the infirmary seemed extremely busy. If it is okay with you, I would like to send doctors and herbalists of Blood Cross to support Sefira tomorrow. There should be no issues as Blood Cross is not associated with any particular nation.”

This was something Hissop had been considering, so he was grateful that the representative of Blood Cross brought it up first.

“Since you are offering support during wartime, we will pay you back double for security and medical expenses.”

“No, the doctors of Blood Cross do not accept treatment fees. We would only ask that you provide lodging and the supplies necessary for treatment.”

With the Blood Cross stepping up and creating a warm atmosphere, Saint Zarbella, the alchemist, didn’t hold back either.

“Lord Hissop, on my way here, I noticed that Sefira’s territory is rich in medicinal herbs. I can produce potions and elixirs by combining them. Would you permit their harvesting? If you provide the space, I will sell everything to Sefira at cost.”

The demand for potions and elixirs far exceeded their supply. Thus, offering to sell them at cost was an extraordinarily shocking proposal. Sefira, which was in fact short on potions and elixirs, had no reason to refuse.

Those affiliated with nations wanted to help but couldn’t do so freely, while unaffiliated groups sought to aid Sefira in whatever small ways they could. As long as it wasn’t an excessive burden, Hissop accepted everything with gratitude.

Then, just as it seemed that there was nothing left to discuss, and only departure remained...

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

“Hissop, there is one last thing I am curious about. Is my Keter doing well?”

Most people addressed Hissop with courtesy. However, the one who just spoke regarded Hissop as an equal, and he was in fact in a place to do so. It was Galois Scarla, the eldest son of Marquis Scarla, a noble of Baen Kingdom, the nation of engineering.

Hissop doubted his ears at Galois’ question.

My Keter?

They were certainly speaking the same common language of the continent, yet he wondered if the word “my” carried some other meaning he didn’t know of. Otherwise, why would Galoise say refer to Keter as “my Keter?”

The others wondered the same thing. No one could understand why Galois had referred to Keter that way.

Sensing the mood, Galois smirked and said, “Judging by your reaction, it seems you don’t understand. Well, that’s only natural. Hissop, this may take a bit of time, but let me move on to another question. Isn’t Keter’s ring finger longer than his index finger? On both hands.”

Hissop had never observed Keter that closely. After all, who would even check the length of someone’s fingers? He wasn’t some kind of pervert.

Hissop shook his head. “I’m not sure.”

“Wasn’t Keter ambidextrous from birth?”

“He is my half-brother, so I’m not so sure about that either.”

“Then you should know this.”

Galois grabbed the lapels of his top with both hands and pulled them wide open. His soft, muscleless chest and stomach were revealed. It wasn’t a pleasant sight, and everyone frowned, but Galois seemed unconcerned as he pointed to his abdomen.

Then he continued, “Doesn’t Keter have a mark here, just like mine?”

“I’ve never seen it. And what exactly is it that you are trying to say?”

“Don’t you know? That’s a shame, Lord Besil would have known. Still, I’ll tell you myself, Hissop.”

Hissop already disliked Galois. While everyone else acknowledged Hissop’s position and treated him with respect, Galois was the only one who continued to assert his own superiority to the end. On top of that, his excessive interest in Keter pricked at Hissop’s unease.

“I am formally requesting the return of Keter, the youngest of the Scarla family.”

“Keter is the youngest of the Scarla family?”

“What in the world is that supposed to mean?”

Hissop wasn’t the only one taken aback. The other representatives who also heard the secret of Keter’s birth couldn’t hide their excitement.

Then, someone stomped on the floor in anger.

“The more I hear, the more absurd it is!”

Hissop turned to see who shouted in anger in his place. It was the noble of the Kingdom of Adeus who had earlier looked down on archery.

Pointing at Galois, he shouted, “Keter is the son of Duke Kundeline! Watch your nonsense!”

With not one, but two people claiming Keter’s parentage, Hissop’s eyes naturally closed.

Father, when are you coming? Could you please come for just a moment?

Besil’s absence felt especially significant to Hissop today.

***

As Keter was killing time by sparring with the captured Grandmasters, a second guest came to visit him. Like Nila had done before, they summoned Keter discreetly.

Keter readily responded, “It was you, Ultima?”

“Sorry to interrupt you while you are having fun.” Ultima cheekily smiled.

Seeing that, Keter’s eyes narrowed. “Something’s up, isn’t there?”

“

Huh?

”

“You’re making it obvious you came because something is going on.”

“It’s polite to pretend you don’t notice, even if you did.”

“You should have hidden it better. So, what is it? What do you need me to do?”

Keter went straight to the point as usual, but Ultima didn’t act like he usually did.

“It’s not something I can say straight away. So hear me out first.”

“Alright, but keep it short.”

“I believe that my company has now become essential to Sefira’s revival plan. With Sefira’s financial power and manpower alone, managing Bydent, let alone persuading and managing those invited from various nations, will be difficult. Going forward, the support of our Ultima Merchants will be essential.”

“You said essential twice. Are you looking for a compliment? Fine, you did great. But you haven’t forgotten, have you? The one who saved you and built up your company was me.”

“I know. I remember. Even so, I want you to understand that I’ve followed everything without a word of complaint, and I will continue to do so.”

“I know, which is why I haven’t interfered with anything until now. Do you want me to interfere for once? Should I start controlling even when you need to go to the bathroom?”

Ultima lowered his voice, setting a heavy mood. “Keter.”

Normally, Keter would have flicked his forehead and told him not to lower his voice, but this time, even Keter’s expression darkened.

It’s something serious.

There was an unavoidable pressure in Ultima’s expression, something beyond his control. Keter knew exactly what that meant.

Ultima has run into a situation he can’t handle with either power or wealth alone. It seems I’m the only one who can resolve it.

Ultima wouldn’t have set the mood so heavily if it were something easy. It was clearly something dangerous or something impossible, even for Keter.

Well, it was bound to happen someday.

There couldn’t be clear skies all 365 days of the year. Someday, rain would inevitably fall. However, Keter had long since been prepared, and no matter what came, it was something he would ultimately deal with.

With anxiousness and anticipation, Keter asked, “I understand everything you’re saying. Now tell me the real reason you came looking for me.”

“

Phew...

”

Ultima couldn’t speak right away. With trembling hands, he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and brought it to his lips. Keter lit the cigarette for him. Ultima took a deep breath in, then licked his lips.

“Keter. I’ll say this in advance, this is unavoidable.”

“I know.”

“It’s unavoidable for me, and for you as well.”

“I said I know.”

“I could have handled this on my own without coming to you. But I truly want to see things through with you to the very end, which is why I came.”

“This is a warning. Enough with the stalling.”

After taking a deep breath and letting it out without the cigarette, Ultima twisted and turned before finally forcing the words out.

“Let me kill Hissop.”

The moment the words left his mouth, Keter’s fist slammed into Ultima’s face.