Chapter 350: Who’s Crazier? (3)

“So, what did Rukan do?”

“Big Brother, you said you met monsters from the Demon Capital at the Sword of the South Tournament, right? Well, that wasn’t a coincidence. Prince Rukan was the one who released them.”

“Monsters of the Demon Capital...!”

A slime had entered the Sword of the South Tournament, a gathering of young knights with both talent and promise. That slime, originating from the Demon Capital, had been a formidable foe that none but Keter could defeat. Yet even such a slime was prey in the Demon Capital. It was merely one of the most common monster types. The Demon Capital was that terrifying of a place.

And now, Daat was telling Keter that Rukan was controlling monsters from there. He didn’t understand how. But then, something came to mind—what Ultima had told him after the tournament.

“Keter, it seems monsters from the Demon Capital are being sold like pets. It didn’t start in the Lillian Kingdom—it’s a trend that began among nobles from the Samael Empire. That slime at the tournament was one of them.”

At the time, Keter had waved it off.

“Handle it yourself. If there’s money in it, do it. If not, forget it.”

He had lost interest and forgotten about it completely, until the consequences surfaced now.

“So Prince Rukan was the one leaking Demon Capital monsters into the real world.”

Rukan hadn’t just trained them as pets; he had been taming monsters to use in war.

“If they’re Demon Capital monsters, it wouldn’t be strange for them to defeat Primes. But rumors say the monsters could distinguish friend from foe. That means there’s a tamer of the Demon Capital monsters. Isn’t that strange? Taming Demon Capital monsters?”

For thousands of years, countless people had tried to harness Demon Capital monsters since whoever could control such creatures would become a great power. However, every attempt failed. Even the Arcane Empire had failed to tame them. Yet suddenly, Prince Rukan, who had shown no remarkable talent or achievements, succeeded? It didn’t make sense.

“That means he has backing... and I know exactly who comes to mind.”

It could only be Alkione, the Godfather of Liqueur. For some reason, Keter sensed that he stood behind Rukan... No.

“The Godfather is manipulating Rukan. That’s the right way to put it.”

“That’s a terrifying hypothesis. It means our enemy is the Godfather,” Daat replied.

“That’s nothing new. I figured it would come to this.”

“It didn’t happen in your previous life.”

“Not that it didn’t happen. I just didn’t know about it.”

“Ah... Ah! You’re right.”

The Godfather hadn’t suddenly appeared behind Prince Rukan. He had always been behind Rukan—behind the Lillian Kingdom itself. If that was the case, everything made sense.

“There’s no need to speculate on the purpose. It’s obviously not to eliminate suffering and poverty from this world.”

“The goals of shady people are all the same—rule the world, or kill everyone. It’s cliché, but still a dream no one has achieved.”

“Thanks to that, I never have time to be bored.”

“Didn’t you say your dream was to retire quietly in old age?”

“Dork,” Keter said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “The more a human gives up, the stronger they become. And I intend to fight a god.”

He wasn’t being playful anymore. He knew that to fight a god, one must abandon not only life but even dreams. Even that would not be enough.

Understanding what he meant, Daat silently nodded. Keter playfully jabbed his cheek and grinned.

“You don’t have to worry too much. I’m not fighting for others. I’m fighting for myself. I’ll survive. Life’s meant to be enjoyed.”

“Right. Honestly, you suit a villain more than a hero, Big Brother.”

“Putting that aside, if Rukan used Demon Capital monsters, he’ll face concentrated attacks from other nations. Does he have enough monsters to risk that and justify everything afterward?”

“I haven’t seen them myself, but he must be confident enough to take on even the Samael Empire.”

Demon Capital monsters were a common enemy of all nations. If Rukan controlled them, he would become a public enemy. Additionally, the justification was perfect—they could send armies to punish him.

“Even if they don’t send armies, they’ll gather just to see how he controls them. Prince Rukan has really stirred things up.”

“Thanks to that, there’s a high chance that the entire Lillian Kingdom will become a battlefield. I’m not sure Rukan himself has that level of confidence, but if it’s the Godfather behind him, it’s entirely possible.”

“...How much damage did Rakan suffer?”

“His forces were estimated at three hundred fifty thousand, but seventy thousand were lost. During the retreat, one Prime was killed. Three cities were taken in a single blow, so he has seven left now.”

“...Ha.”

Keter stroked his chin in silence. Then he sighed deeply and scowled.

“This is irritating. I’m supposed to be the madman of this country, and those two are trying to take my place. I don’t think I can just sit back and watch.”

* * *

While Keter and Daat were busily discussing the madness of Rukan and Rakan, Sefira was holding a meeting on the very same topic.

“We must send the forces from the surrendered family alliance to the front lines! Unless Prince Rukan has completely lost his mind, he would never unleash monsters from the Demon Capital!”

“What are you talking about? Prince Rukan has already lost his mind! And if the prisoners defect to his side, who will manage this vast southern territory?”

“The land... Sell the land! Dig the earth and connect it to the rivers to create an enormous moat. We should turn the entire south into an island to ensure safety...!”

The meeting was absolute chaos. Everyone shouted their proposals, and all of them were extreme. However, they weren’t being unusual or overreacting; that was how terrifying Demon Capital monsters were. Even crying children fell silent when told they were coming.

And now that news had arrived of Prince Rakan’s crushing defeat, Sefira’s fear had only intensified.

“We must devise a strategy while Prince Rakan is still holding out!”

“Isn’t Sefira the greatest defensive power in the world? Let’s build the walls higher. Construct watchtowers in every direction! Even Demon Capital monsters can’t do anything if we shoot them from afar!”

“If they are Demon Capital monsters, the Samael Empire, which fears them even more than beastfolk, will intervene. Rukan has chosen the path of self-destruction. All we need to do is watch.”

“And what if they invade Sefira while we watch? It will be too late to prepare then!”

It was no different from a marketplace brawl. Hissop pressed his fingers against his forehead before rising from his seat. Though the patriarch had stood, no one reacted. This was proof of how deeply absorbed they were in the debate.

Reganon, seated beside him, reached for the gavel to restore order, but Hissop shook his head.

“I’ll step out for some air.”

“Very well. I will organize the vassals’ opinions in the meantime.”

It wasn’t like Hissop had a clear solution either. His chest felt tight. He exited through the side door and looked up at the sky.

“

Sigh...

nothing comes easily.”

Each day drained him dry. Such was the weight of being the patriarch. Naturally, the person who came to mind was Keter.

“I’d like to hear Keter’s opinion.”

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He had sent a servant earlier requesting his attendance, but Keter had not come.

Then I’ll have to go myself.

At least this time, he knew where to find him. Hissop headed toward the hill where Keter was said to be. It was only a ten-minute walk, yet countless thoughts crossed his mind.

What countermeasures should I propose? Father would have commanded the vassals with greater charisma... What ingenious method would Keter devise to overcome this crisis? What if he isn’t there? What if he vanished again without a word? Should I feel relieved or uneasy that I—Sefira—is depending on Keter?

Even Hissop himself could not sort through the turmoil.

“The fact that I’m entertaining such useless thoughts must mean I’m truly exhausted.”

He spotted Keter sitting on the hill. He was not alone. Daat, the strategist, sat beside him, the two chatting and laughing.

Keter noticed Hissop and waved casually. Hissop returned the smile and approached.

“What were you discussing so enthusiastically?”

“We were discussing international affairs.”

“...Hmm?”

It was not a fun topic at all.

“Whether foreign kingdoms will observe Rukan from afar or intervene directly. Or what about organizations beyond national borders, like the Order of the Sun? It wouldn’t be surprising if they declared a holy war.”

“Hm. You’re not wrong.”

He had expected Keter to be debating something like what to eat for dinner, yet he was engaged in such a weighty discussion. Hissop looked at him anew.

“Big Brother, that expression suggests you thought we were debating what to have for dinner.”

“N-no, that is... Is it that obvious?”

“I was joking.”

“...My apologies.”

“Now you’ve made things more awkward by apologizing. Anyway, what do you think? What course of action should Sefira take?”

“Um... Honestly, nothing comes to mind. The vassals’ suggestions are all conventional measures. I came to hear your and the strategist’s opinions.”

Snap!

Daat snapped his fingers and spoke in Keter’s stead.

“Then you’ve come at the perfect time. We just decided what to do.”

“Oh? And what would that be?”

Keter and Daat had never been wrong. They had always led Sefira to victory. Of course, each victory brought great upheaval and hardships, but the results were what mattered.

On the walk here, Hissop had already steeled himself. He had gained experience as the patriarch; he had nothing to fear.

Keter glanced around, then leaned in close.

“You must be the only one who knows this, Big Brother. You can’t tell even the elders. No matter how tight our security is, the atmosphere alone can betray us to the enemy.”

“I understand. I will remember. Even if Father returns, I will not speak of it.”

“If it were Taragon, I wouldn’t trust him. But since it’s you, I will.”

Gulp.

Hissop tensed. He wondered how secretive it was for Keter to be this cautious and hesitant.

“Rukan and Rakan have both done something insane,” Keter explained.

“...That’s true.”

“And I’m the crazy one in this family, right?”

“That isn’t entirely wrong...”

“At least when it comes to madness, I cannot lose to the two princes.”

“...?”

Keter grasped both of Hissop’s shoulders, his expression deadly serious.

“I can’t remain merely this family’s madman.” He leaned closer. “I must become this country’s madman.”