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429 p2. Noble Faction and New School Year [2]

「With skyrocketing growth and the ability to act beyond common sense, Allen-dono is an “unknown variable” and a “powerful drug”, so to speak. Depending on where you stand, all power relations may be turned upside down. You are evaluated the same way by the Royal faction as well, I surmise?」

「Well… yes.」

I feel like they said the same thing.

「Since long ago, it has been said that the most terrifying thing in war is irregularities. That’s why I want Allen-dono to be a “bystander” in the coming war. I want you to quietly watch over the future without exercising that mighty power of darkness.」

Patriot-san suddenly became talkative at this point.

Perhaps this is his true desire.

「The foolish and radical members of the Royal faction are speeding straight towards war! But if we continue to fight against the Empire, it is clear as day that our country will suffer devastating damage and will be ruled! The noble faction aims to build friendly relations with the Empire and to establish a joint government!」

He leaned forward and turned a passionate gaze towards me.

「Since you are wise, you must have already understood! The reason why I refer to the Royal faction as a mud boat! The fact that the Noble faction truly cares about the future of the Ringuard empire! Rather than being swayed by the temporary “patriotism”, we should pursue the long-term perspective of “practical benefits”!―Now then, Allen-dono, let’s join hands and create a bright future for the Ringuard empire!」

「…」

As I remained silent, Patriot-san softened his attitude.

「O-Of course, I am not asking for you to join hands without getting anything in return!」

「…What kind of “return” is it?」

「Naturally, I’ll prepare whatever you want, as much as you want, Allen-dono! House, land, money, status, women! I’ll prepare anything you want! I can even do it right now!」

He said while spreading his arms wide.

「I, see… In terms of practical benefits, the noble faction certainly seems to have a point.」

「Oh, as expected of Allen-dono! You understood!」

I fully understood Patriot Bornard’s point, that is, the ideology of the noble faction.

I closed my eyes and ruminated on all the information I’ve heard so far and drew my own conclusions.

「Patriot-san.」

「Yes!」

「Joining you is out of the question.」

「…Out of the question, you say?」

The smile disappeared from his face.

「Unfortunately, the ideal future that I envision seems to differ from that of the noble faction.」

「That’s absurd! “Patriotism” wins over “practical benefits”’!?」

「I wouldn’t go so far as to call it patriotism. Just that… There are many people who are important to me in this country. In order to protect those people, I will fight with everything I have.」

My swordsmanship is to protect the people I care about.

No matter what they say, this feeling won’t change.

「Is that so… I understand.」

After Patriot-san let out a small sigh, he smiled as usual.

「If you change your mind, please contact us at any time. We, the noble faction, will always welcome you.」

He said and turned to the butler behind him.

「Show Allen-dono the way back.」

「Yes, sir. Allen-sama, this way please.」

I left Patriot-san’s mansion under the lead of the butler.

Hiyobaa-san, who was waiting outside, said, “I shall send you back in the carriage,” but I politely declined.

I kind of felt like breathing in the outside air.

「Phew… that was quite a tricky situation.」

Patriot-san was not sincere the whole time he was talking to me.

The soft smile, the startled expression, and the disappointed look were all calculated.

He was always trying to probe the distance between us and taking turns to speak, like a turn-based game like shogi or chess.

Honestly, I don’t like that type of people all that much.

「Well then… If I’m too late, Ria will start worrying, so let’s hurry back home.」

After stretching my body a bit, I started running towards my dormitory.

■

Just as Allen Rodore was on his way home,

「Phew… I wasted my time.」

Patriot Bornard let out a big sigh as he sat down on the sofa.

「Great work, sir.」

In response to the words of appreciation from the butler, he responded with an arrogant “Umu” and then violently scratched his head.

The good-natured old man from earlier disappeared, and he was completely in his true state.

「But seriously, that guy is really useless. Just like the previous information said, he’s an absolute moron and an immature brat who can’t make adult decisions.」

「As you say, sir…」

「It sounds good to express him as “a naive young man with no selfish desires”, but if you look at it in another way, you could say that he has not established a firm ego of himself. Literally immature and has not seen the harshness of the real world, like a tadpole in a well.」

「Exactly so, sir.」

Patriot snorted “Huff” in satisfaction as the butler agreed with him and opened an old cigarette case.

From among a large number of cigars lined up in a row, he took out one of his favorites and cut the head with trained motion. He burned the entire foot of the cigar with a match and slowly inhaled the smoke into his mouth, taking his time.

「Fuuu… It’s always been said that “Fools and scissors have to be used in the right way”, but that was a big mistake. No matter how hard you try to convince a fool, he will always be a fool, and no matter how ingenious of a plan you come up with, the fool will never become a useful pair of scissors.」

「In other words……?」

「We’ll follow the original plan. We’ll dispose of that idiot quickly. –Use “Shin”.」

Thus ordered, the butler timidly states his own opinion.

「…Can he really win?」

「What?」

「Certainly, Shin is an existence that lies outside of reason. I am well aware of his strength. However, Allen Rodore is also an existence that lies outside of reason. I heard that he had the upper hand against the traitorous Seven Holy Sword Von Mustang and the former Emperor’s Four Knight Deal Reinstad at the same time. Will Shin really be able to beat Allen?」

「Haa… So you’re saying the same thing too.」

Some members of the noble faction said, “Would even Shin be a match for Allen Rodore?”. Patriot was truly stunned from the bottom of his heart when he heard that.

「There is nothing to worry about. Shin stands beyond the concept of “strength”. In a one-on-one fight, he is truly the strongest. There is absolutely no way he can lose.」

「Understood. Please forgive me for saying too much.」

After correcting the butler’s perception, the Patriot nodded with a satisfied “Umu”.

「In that case, I am looking forward to the next festival.」

「Acknowledged. I will put the plan into action right away.」

The butler bowed deeply and left the Phoenix Room.

「Fuhaha, this will end the long political dispute with the Royal faction. With this, I can become a “True Noble”!」

Patriot let out a wicked laughter as his eyes reflected greed and grand ambitions.