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Chapter 51: The Assassination Plot

Prince Alex and I continued our meeting, just the two of us.

To any outsider, it looked like a peaceful scene, two men sipping wine together on a balcony.

But what we were about to discuss was conspiracy, how to bring down the Vaffancrow Empire.

「First, allow me to share the information we’ve gathered.」

Prince Alex began outlining the current state of the Empire.

「Within the Vaffancrow Empire, the Emperor’s death is already seen as a foregone conclusion. Several provinces are already moving toward independence.」

The Empire ruled vast territories and many different ethnic groups.

Some peoples, like us in Barbar, lived on the Empire’s fringes under loose control. Others within the heart of the Empire were under firm, direct rule.

The provinces, or 「subject states,「 were once independent nations. The Empire dispatched governors to rule them.

「In provinces where the governors lack control, the moment the Emperor dies, there will be uprisings and calls for independence.」

Prince Alex spoke as though it were all inevitable.
But it was obvious that these things were not just happening, they were being orchestrated.

(「Oh please, don’t act like you’re not behind it.」)

I grinned, imagining how deep Algeas’ hands had already reached.

「If any of the provinces on the eastern continent declare independence, our Kingdom of Algeas will support them militarily. The real issue lies in the west. Can you and Barbar handle it alone?」

Prince Alex looked at me as he asked.
Honestly, just Barbar alone would be a stretch.
We didn’t have the numbers.

There was no point bluffing here.
I answered him frankly.

「Barbar doesn’t have enough soldiers. We’d be better off involving powerful nobles from the Kingdom of Ring.」

「The Kingdom of Ring, huh?」

From Algeas’ perspective, Ring lay beyond the Vaffancrow Empire, on the far western side.

They probably knew the name but didn’t have much contact with them.

I explained the internal structure of Ring to Prince Alex.

「I see… So the Kingdom of Ring is dominated by territorial nobles, and the king has little authority. You’re saying we should win over those powerful nobles, then?」

「I’ve got connections with a few lords in the southern part of Ring. If your country wants to approach them, I can help smooth the way.」

「Excellent! That would be most helpful.」

We’d worked as mercenaries for various nobles across Ring.

There were several in the south who’d hired us.

If I approached them alone, they might not take it seriously, but if the Kingdom of Algeas made an approach, they’d be far more likely to listen.

「Now then, regarding the imperial succession—」

Prince Alex shifted the topic to who would become the next Emperor.

There was Crown Prince Munoh, of course.
By default, he would inherit the throne.

But according to Alex, there were three other strong contenders for the crown.

「That’s why… we’re considering assassinating Crown Prince Munoh, and letting the remaining three fight it out!」

Prince Alex gave a cruel smile.

Crown Prince Munoh, huh…
No one would miss him.

Still, I voiced my objection.

「Leave Munoh alive.」

「What!? Why!?」

Prince Alex was visibly shocked.
He couldn’t hide how much he didn’t understand my reasoning.

I brought my wine to my lips and smiled slyly.

「Because he’s useless. A complete disaster of a human being.」

「If he’s useless, wouldn’t it be all the easier to assassinate him?」

「Exactly. But if you kill Munoh, and someone competent ends up on the throne, then what?」

I watched as Prince Alex fell silent, thinking it over.

「There are a lot of people with imperial blood, after all. If one of them’s actually capable and ends up as Emperor… that would be a real problem.」

I had no intelligence sources within the Vaffancrow Empire.

My only information came from Karanos or what I gathered personally during mercenary work.

If every member of the imperial bloodline were incompetent, there’d be no issue.

But odds were, at least one or two of them were competent.

Rather than risk a capable man seizing the throne after Munoh’s death, it was safer to let the worthless Munoh ascend and expect the Empire to spiral into chaos.

「Hmm… interesting. I’ll report this to my father and have him consider it.」

And so, my advice would reach the King of Algeas.

This made the second time I’d saved Crown Prince Munoh.
Though I wouldn’t be getting anything in return this time.

Once we’d wrapped up our main discussion, Prince Alex brought up a job proposal.

「We’ll be heading into battle soon. How about working for me this time?」

He said it with the same casual air as a salaryman inviting a coworker for drinks after work.

But the truth was, Prince Alex wanted to see how we fought, from the same side this time.
A test, of sorts.

Whatever his motive, Barbar would do what Barbar does best, fight.

I replied calmly.

「We of Barbar make our living as mercenaries. As long as the pay is fair, we’ll gladly fight.」

「Good! I look forward to it!」

Both Prince Alex and I bared our teeth in grins.

「So, who are we fighting?」

「The mounted nomads, the Kiritai, invading from our eastern frontier!」