volume 3 - Chapter 200 (1/2)
Chapter 200 – Dividing the loot and the plan to revive the dukedom
Veronica looked at Brendel with a perplexed expression. The youth’s perception of the Empire was exceptionally bad. It was true that the Kirrlutz Empire and Aouine regarded each other poorly because of the past feuds, but she could not understand why an astute person like Brendel would act so blatantly hostile towards them without even conceding a little ground.
But she was mistaken about Brendel’s reasons for being hostile. It was because the Empire had a hand in Aouine’s destruction in the future, not the past. Still, it did not prevent Veronica from admiring the youth’s insight, and she had a faint smile on her face which unfortunately made the latter feel unsettled.
“You know this point better than I do, Lady Veronica, most of the Empire’s Imperial Council would never agree to restore Mephisto’s territory. Even if your Emperor supports this idea, it wouldn’t pa.s.s because of the objections…… No, in the first place, why would the Emperor even support it? Mephisto attempted to a.s.sa.s.sinate him and killed countless young elite officers who were supposed the Empire’s future pillars. Millions of Tor coins are offered as bounty for his head.”
“Hmmm. You seem to know the Empire’s events very well?”
“Certainly not, definitely no more than the gossipers amongst the n.o.ble circle.” Brendel hurriedly changed his tune. There was no telling what this woman was planning if he continued to talk badly about the Empire.
“Hmph! This idiot keeps on criticizing our Empire. It’s as if there’s some kind of secret feud with us and he’s trying to study our history to find a weakness.” Faena interrupted them and rolled her eyes.
[Huh. Even though the snotty princess sounds like she’s mocking me, she’s actually trying to get me off the hook by stating a ridiculous notion. But I feel like there’s a chill on my back…… Why is this girl trying to be nice out of a sudden? There must be some kind of scheming involved!]
Brendel’s hair was standing up.
Veronica, however, nodded at Brendel’s thoughts: “You are right. The Empire will never agree to it.”
Brendel’s mouth opened and he could not help but feel impressed at Veronica admitting it so easily, especially when Mephisto was in listening range. This woman was a politician, no, she was even more thick-skinned and villainous than the average politician!
“Is your head filled with nothing but cynicism? Why is the younger generation nowadays full of scheming thoughts? As a commander of the Empire, my promise isn’t made lightly and I will definitely restore Mephisto’s territory.”
“…… Didn’t you just agree with me?”
“Yes, the Empire will never give back his land. But you can.”
“Me? Huh?” Brendel suddenly realized what Veronica was trying to do: “Why would I help him restore his territory? Even restoring his House is an onerous task. Also, why are you getting me involved in the transaction that both of you made with each other!”
“Boy, what do you mean by you’re not involved?” Veronica’s words were slow and p.r.o.nounced with a pointed stare. “Mephisto and I risked our lives to aid you with Andesha. We could have walked away instead. Don’t you think you owe us this favor?”
Brendel shook his head like a dog’s wagging tail: “The Empire owes Aouine a lot for what they did several centuries ago. Didn’t I help out in protecting your little princess as well? So we don’t owe each other anything.”
Veronica’s smile cracked. The brat was not acknowledging their efforts to stop Andesha? He did not owe them anything?
She poked repeatedly at his forehead with a finger: “How can things be settled so easily? Besides, taking part in this deal isn’t something that’s completely bad. I’m sure you know this point very well, so why are you trying to plead with that big innocent eyes of yours!”
“I apologize, my lady, I do not understand what you’re trying to say,” Brendel’s mouth and eyes were slightly widened, trying to show that he was surprised and puzzled.
Veronica’s lips could not help but turn up at the corners:
“Is that so? Then let me spell out everything for you. Earlier when I asked you for your aid to find Faena, you refused me and said that you’re helping out the Druids? The Fire Seed in Valhalla, hmmm? It sounds like you’re after this legendary land. I a.s.sume you already have the qualifications of a Pioneer Knight, and you have the authority to own it the moment you light up the Fire Seed, yes? It’s a wonderfully calculated move, but is it truly realistic?”
Brendel did not respond, so she continued to speak.
“n.o.body has made it past the Loop of Trade Winds for centuries and no one even knows that a primeval Fire Seed exists here. Once it’s lit up, the Dark Forest will be converted into stable land. Valhalla would not be just limited in the Loop of Trade Winds but the area around it as well. In fact, the size of this territory could almost compete with the entire Aouine kingdom. This temptation is surely too much for your kingdom’s n.o.bles. None of these people would care whether you acquired this land legitimately, and you ought to know that the word ‘legitimately’ is merely just a word. A primeval Fire Seed? It’s enough to cause a civil war.”
“What about you?” Brendel regarded her a little warily.
If she suddenly wanted to stab him with her pointy blade and try to take this land for the Empire, he probably could not stop her.
“Me?” Veronica looked like she had heard something funny: “Why does the Empire want a land that requires at least a month of traveling to reach it? However, I might be tempted if the owner of this land is next to the Empire.”