3 bar menu

Death’s Daughter Chapter 275

Author: FoodLovingPanda

CHAPTER 275: (HIDDEN) TENSIONS

***VITOU’S POV***

When I came back to my room, I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. At the dinner party, I was sweating nervously sitting next to Nao-chan. Her question about a war really caught me unprepared and I wasn’t able to hide my thoughts. She must have seen right through me.

Today, when I went to report the news about a successful purchase of wyverns to my father, I heard him talking with someone in his room. I couldn’t recognize the voice of the person talking, but the content of it made me speechless.

They were discussing the upcoming trip to Sunset Islands that Naoko will take and the dissatisfactions Vilikis has with her. While nothing concrete was said, it doesn’t take a genius to realize what they were planning to do. The instigation of war with Vilikis seemed like something already set in stone.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My father isn’t a cruel man. He wouldn’t start a war causing suffering to countless citizens for such a petty reason. But his words couldn’t help but make me realize I was wrong.

I backed away and let one of my servants bring the message. I spent most of my day thinking about what to do. In the end, I concluded that I should use my influence and overpower him, thus not letting him declare war. Right now, he still shouldn’t be aware that I know about his plans. I can use that to my advantage. I will win over the important people and prevent the worst outcome.

Over the years, my father arranged more and more work for me to do. It shouldn’t be hard to have everyone support me and my point. I will prevent war in my own way. Nobody needs to know about this. They will be at ease not having a reason to worry.

That is why, when Nao-chan asked about the war, I was stunned. She shouldn’t be aware of the things going on behind the scenes. So why was she asking me about it? I couldn’t help but shudder at the thought she might have a better network of spies than me. I could only count myself lucky I was in relatively good relations with her.

“Neutral, eh? I guess that goes along with her character of not wanting to be bothered with troublesome things.”

I looked at the direction of her room. I am afraid she will not be allowed to stay neutral. If my father and that man try to make a move, I will be there to protect her. I must go to Sunset Islands with her when the time comes and ensure she does not get into trouble.

“Vitou, are you here? Come and have a drink with me.”

It has been a long time since I sat down with my father for a drink. But right now, I don’t feel the same as in the past. I didn’t want to drink, but I still wanted to have a talk with my father.

“Father, did you say anything to Nao-chan earlier today?”

“Why, did she say anything? Don’t worry, I will not let anyone bully her. She is imperative to us. Her strength will greatly boost the power of Elicia. Just look at her beasts that she keeps, each and every one of them is uncommon. I won’t even mention her brother who stands behind her.”

Why does he want her power so much? We are not in a conflict with anyone. There are also the Heroes present. Elicia is strong. I should have known something was wrong, long before the situation today. When he insisted on letting me marry her, I should have thought that he had other plans in mind.

“She told me that in the future, no matter what happens, she will remain neutral. Father, is she expecting something to happen? Why did she tell me that all of a sudden? What is it that you really talked about?”

There has to be a reason as to why she brought up that topic all of a sudden. My father must have said something that made her feel like that. Either that, or she really knows much more than I do.

“Vitou, why do you think I am having you marry her? There is no way she can remain neutral at that time. In the public eye, she will always be your legal wife, if she doesn’t support you, she will be scorned. You should man up and face things with strong resolve. Don’t let those that wrong her off easily. Be decisive, be strong. Only then can you be eligible to sit on the highest seat.”

If this was any other occasion, I would be happy to hear such words. But now, I just want to refute everything he said and hold onto my opinion.

“Do you really think she will let anyone do her wrong? Don’t think her well behaved actions represent her real attitude. Besides, I don’t want to be known as a lovestruck fool that caused suffering to countless others all for the sake of a woman. I must make sure that my citizens are safe, first and foremost.”

“Do you think you are a saint or something to act that way? Only if there are no enemies can you talk about having true peace and ensure that our citizens are safe.”

“Then who are those enemies you are talking about? Is it the Black Hand? Or is it the Kingdom of Vilikis? Father, I don’t know who is whispering in your ears, but you need to wake up. Elicia and Vilikis have been allies for countless years. As long as I have a voice, I will argue to keep this peace we have.”

I could not stand these false pretenses anymore. If my father wants war, I will fight him. This was just a warning I am giving him. Soon the court will not be peaceful, but most of the people will not be affected by our infighting.

“Are you going against me? Vitou, you are foolish. Is this how you thank me after raising you all these years? Soon you will realize that these so-called allies and friends do not exist and the only thing you can count on is yourself. Don’t blame me when that time comes.”

I watched my father leave in anger. If that is what he really thinks, he has become muddleheaded. It seems that our fight starts from this moment on. When Nakamura and Ishikawa return, I need them to gather as many heroes as they can. I must not let them become part of my father’s forces.

That night was doomed to be a sleepless one. I was sending out letters and missives to all my contacts and nobles outside Kapitalia. In order to prevent the upcoming war, I must gain the support of those nobles. How things will turn out, only gods can tell.