Choi Hyun-seok and Park Hyun-a came out of the conference room.

They intended to take a light walk to organize their thoughts.

“Older sister. What are you going to do?”

At Choi Hyun-seok’s question, Park Hyun-a irritably scratched her head.

“What choice do we have? Even if I don’t like Drason, we have to do what needs to be done.”

In fact, there was no choice in the matter.

Orlaben Grimier had simply clarified the situation up until now.

What he said was already a concern at Ultimoon Fes.

That was also why they gathered today to prepare countermeasures.

“By the way, the Drason Empire is incredible. I thought the Holy Empire guys were the strongest.”

This incident was quite a fresh shock for Choi Hyun-seok as well.

Until now, humanity thought there were no other powerful nations besides the Holy Empire of Gatren.

“Actually, before the demon race, the Drason Empire was the most notorious on the continent.”

At that moment, Kerbe Cowell, the leader of Ultimoon Fes, appeared.

He naturally stepped between Choi Hyun-seok and Hyun-a as he continued speaking.

“Gatren values keeping up appearances. As befitting the name Holy Empire, they pretend to be gentle lambs on the outside.”

“Is the Drason Empire different?”

“Very different. My homeland Drason openly trampled the weak and flaunted their power. Fear was Drason’s greatest weapon.”

As Kerbe Cowell spoke, his eyes were looking at the distant past.

That time when everyone surrendered themselves to the madness of the battlefield.

Kerbe Cowell was also one of the figures who contributed most to raising Drason Empire’s notorious reputation.

“… And Drason was famous for having the best intelligence network on the continent.”

“Intelligence network?”

“While every nation operates intelligence organizations, Drason was always several steps ahead. Seeing today, it seems their skills haven’t rusted. Heh heh…”

They not only knew the location of Ultimoon Fes that no one else knew but also pieced together various incidents happening on the continent to grasp the bigger picture.

Just this alone showed how remarkable Drason Empire’s intelligence capabilities were.

“So. You said your name was Choi Hyun-seok?”

“Yes.”

“What are you thinking of doing? Will you accept the proposal?”

The ‘proposal’ referred to Orlaben Grimier’s.

Before leaving, he looked at Choi Hyun-seok and Abelson and said:,

“I have a separate request for you two.”

What followed was completely unexpected.

“Please help restore the royal authority of the Mariette Kingdom.”

For Abelson Mariette to become the king of the Mariette Kingdom.

“Currently, the Mariette Kingdom has become Gatren’s puppet.”

The Mariette Kingdom was currently in great chaos.

The king, queen, and even the two princes.

All the royalty died in an instant, so it was natural.

Gatren had installed a puppet king and was freely manipulating the Mariette Kingdom under the pretext of providing aid.

“If the holy war succeeds, the Mariette Kingdom will naturally become Gatren’s vassal state. Before that happens, we must restore royal authority and shake off Gatren’s evil grip.”

Abelson Mariette’s expression was dark upon hearing this.

She seemed confused and pained by the fact that her homeland was in crisis.

“You’re not members of Ultimoon Fes. We’d be grateful for your help, but I don’t intend to force you.”

Kerbe Cowell said with a gentle smile.

“I’ll leave the choice up to you.”

“I’ll do it.”

Choi Hyun-seok nodded immediately.

From the beginning, he had intended to accept this proposal.

‘Ms. Abelson will surely want to do this too.’

How could one not worry when their homeland where they were born and raised faces destruction?

Especially if you’re the only one who can save your homeland?

If he found himself in such a situation, he would rush to save his homeland no matter what.

‘If Ms. Abelson becomes king… Would I become the king’s husband? No. Would I become king? Anyway, then we wouldn’t need a mansion. We’d have a palace right away…’

Moreover, this was also perfect for satisfying Choi Hyun-seok’s fantasies.

“For this mission, only Ms. Abelson and I will go. Older sister, please help the others prevent the holy war.”

At Choi Hyun-seok’s words, Park Hyun-a furrowed her brow.

“What nerve. Do you know how many Holy Empire guys will be stationed there?”

“Don’t we have a very powerful ally?”

“Ally? Don’t tell me you…”

Park Hyun-a shook her head.

“She’s an undead. How can you guarantee she’ll help?”

Choi Hyun-seok clearly intended to ask Sara Dunphy for help.

Park Hyun-a didn’t particularly want to recommend this.

Carrying out such a sensitive mission with an uncontrollable undead.

She would never do such a thing herself.

“If we persuade her well and take her along, won’t things work out somehow?”

“Sigh. You won’t listen to me anyway. Fine. Do whatever you want.”

***

Choi Hyun-seok is obedient.

Since Park Hyun-a told him to do as he pleased, he immediately put it into action.

“From now on, we’ll save the Mariette Kingdom!”

First, he notified Abelson that he had accepted the mission.

Then he immediately rushed to Inessimot and made a proposal to Sara Dunphy.

“Would you like to come with me to save a kingdom?”

“That sounds fun.”

Sara Dunphy accepted the proposal without a moment’s hesitation.

He felt strangely proud as things seemed to be progressing smoothly.

“What do you plan to do from now on?”

At Abelson’s question, Choi Hyun-seok wore a confident expression.

“First, we’ll storm the palace.”

“And then?”

“We’ll take out all the leaders and Ms. Abelson becomes king.”

“That’s… It?”

Abelson asked back with a dumbfounded look.

Choi Hyun-seok continued to explain why he came up with such a plan.

“Right now, Ms. Abelson, aren’t you the kingdom’s only legitimate heir to the throne?”

“That’s true, but…”

“Then what else is there to think about? We go in, sweep them away, and declare ‘I am king!’ That’s all.”

Abelson heaved a deep sigh.

“Succession to the throne isn’t that simple. To begin with, I’m already branded as a traitor.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

At that moment, Rachel, who was standing nearby, interrupted.

“Of course! Hero, do you think this is some Demon King’s Army? Taking out the leaders and sitting on the throne… Your way of thinking is too barbaric!”

“…”

He had nothing to say.

Thinking about it again, Abelson and Rachel were right.

‘Maybe I’ve been too influenced by the Demon King’s Army.’

This world where nothing is impossible with power.

Perhaps it was the influence of staying with the most barbaric group within it.

His head wasn’t working properly.

It was largely because he didn’t know how monarchy worked in the first place.

“They’re right. For matters like this, justification is important.”

“Important people always emphasize justification.”

Duke Orlaben Grimier from the conference room.

Sara Dunphy here.

Everyone seeks justification.

Choi Hyun-seok couldn’t understand why this ‘justification’ was so important.

“It has to be. Without just cause, you can’t accomplish great things. This is deeply related to human nature.”

“Hmm…”

“Anyway, it’s interesting that the holy power user is a princess. You say she’s now the only heir to the throne?”

Abelson slowly nodded.

“First, we should go to your kingdom and see what the situation is. If we can peacefully take royal authority using your status as the legitimate heir, that would be best.”

“And if that’s not possible?”

“Then we’ll have to take it by force.”

Taking the throne by force.

Choi Hyun-seok wore a bewildered expression.

“Didn’t you just talk about cause and justification?”

“While justification is important, if you have overwhelming military power, it’s not particularly necessary.”

“So it’s whatever suits your needs.”

As Choi Hyun-seok shook his head, Sara Dunphy grinned.

“That’s how everything in the world works.”

There are no absolute truths in human affairs.

You just respond according to the situation.

That was Sara Dunphy’s conviction from living for half a millennium.

***

Labrun Mariette.

He is the son of ‘Liosa Mariette’, sister of the previous king of the Mariette Kingdom, ‘Valter Mariette’.

In other words, he could be called Abelson Mariette’s cousin.

“Your Majesty, the next agenda is…”

“Enough. I want to rest today.”

Only 5 minutes had passed since the regular report began.

Labrun Mariette waved his hand while openly showing a tired expression.

“Didn’t I tell you? Leave all such complicated matters to the experts.”

“But Your Majesty’s approval is needed…”

“Tsk! Didn’t I say I leave that to you too? How many times must I repeat myself for you to be satisfied!?”

“I apologize…”

Duke Maxwin Gordon, who was giving the report, bowed his head.

Labrun Mariette smiled good-naturedly and patted Maxwin Gordon’s shoulder.

“Don’t think too complicated. If the king meddles in every little matter, it makes it difficult for subordinates to work.”

“I’m sorry. I failed to comprehend Your Majesty’s wisdom.”

“Are there any remaining tasks then?”

“That’s all for today.”

At hearing the work was done, Labrun Mariette grinned.

“Then we must have a celebratory drink.”

A celebratory drink meant calling the capital’s beauties to drink and share their bed.

It was an event that hadn’t been missed a single day since Labrun became king.

“Did you hear? They say if you’re chosen by His Majesty, you receive lots of gold and silver!”

“My daughter is quite beautiful too… How should I send her to the capital?”

The rumors were already widespread throughout the country.

If you share the king’s bed in the capital, you receive enough money to live on for life.

Thanks to such rumors, all the beautiful women in the country flocked to the capital Scolbon.

‘The country has gone mad.’

After the royal family died in one night.

The Mariette Kingdom was falling deeper into the abyss every day.

The newly installed king was stupid and devoted all his attention to being the Holy Empire of Gatren’s puppet.

As a result, all the nation’s wealth flows to Gatren, knowingly or unknowingly.

This is also why beauties are flooding into the capital now.

With taxes rising and all wealth flowing to Gatren, it’s natural that common people’s lives become difficult.

In desperation.

They flock to share the king’s bed as if grasping at their last lifeline.

If they don’t do this, they have no choice but to die of hunger clutching their empty stomachs.

‘At this rate, a rebellion is just a matter of time.’

Even now, the nobles’ movements are suspicious.

Each of them is trying to claim the next throne by putting forward someone with Mariette blood.

There were three assassins this week alone trying to assassinate the current king, Labrun Mariette.

Though that fool didn’t have even a shred of vigilance.

“Assassination? Don’t worry! We have the Holy Empire of Gatren! With God’s protection, how could I fall to mere assassination?”

Maxwin Gordon found this situation frustrating, but there was nothing he could do.

Right now, the Mariette Kingdom is completely in the grip of the Deusis faith.

Even the most powerful noble was merely a naked human before the Deusis faith’s influence.

“Well then, Lord Gordon. I shall…”

Just as King Labrun Mariette was about to leave his seat.

A servant came running in hurriedly.

“Your Majesty! Cardinal Vincenzo has arrived!”

“The Cardinal?”

“Yes! He says he wishes to see Your Majesty right now…”

Normally, one should announce their visit days in advance and wait for permission to meet the king.

“It’s been a while, Your Majesty.”

But Cardinal Vincenzo ignored such procedures and barged into the audience chamber.

Even bringing fully armed holy knights of the Deusis faith with him.

“Please forgive my rudeness in coming with urgent matters.”

“Haha! The Cardinal is welcome anytime!”

Labrun Mariette laughed heartily as if to say not to worry about it.

“So, what brings you here?”

“I have urgent matters to discuss, could you clear the room?”

“Of course.”

Labrun Mariette ordered the guards and servants around him.

“Everyone leave. I have important matters to discuss with Cardinal Vincenzo.”

“Your Majesty, please reconsider dismissing the guards…”

Though Maxwin Gordon pleaded to at least leave the royal knights, Labrun shook his head.

“Are you saying the Cardinal would harm me? Stop worrying needlessly and go.”

“As you command…”

Shortly after.

All the servants and royal knights left the audience chamber.

However, Gatren’s holy knights didn’t move an inch.

The priest of the Deusis faith and armed holy knights remained in the king’s audience chamber.

It was clearly an improper situation but no one pointed it out.

“Now then, let’s talk. What brings the Cardinal here?”

Labrun Mariette asked while leaning back on the throne.

Instead of answering, Cardinal Vincenzo nodded slightly.

At that, the holy knights moved to drag Labrun from the throne.

“W-what is this outrage?”

“Insolent fool…! How dare you hold your head high before God’s messenger.”

Unlike before, Cardinal Vincenzo’s face was twisted with anger.

Only then did Labrun bow his head and tremble.

“I-I’m sorry… I momentarily lost my mind…!”

Labrun kneeled and pressed his head to the floor.

Cardinal Vincenzo ignored him and naturally sat on the throne.

“Labrun Mariette. Don’t forget who lets you keep that pitiful throne.”

Cardinal Vincenzo placed his foot on Labrun’s head.

“You are Gatren’s dog. Your role is to bark when told to bark, and roll over when told to roll over.”

The holy knights restraining Labrun pressed down more roughly.

Labrun spoke with difficulty, feeling the pain.

“I-I’ll keep that in mind…”

“I told you, didn’t I? We’ll give you all the women and alcohol you want, so don’t do anything until I give orders.”

“Yes! I really didn’t do anything like you said…”

“Then what’s this?”

Cardinal Vincenzo threw down a piece of paper.

Labrun Mariette’s face twisted as he saw the paper on the floor.

“This is…”

“It’s a royal order to lower taxes in the Palein territory and use the treasury to aid refugees in the territory.”

“…”

“Tell me. Who said you could do such a thing?”

“I am innocent! I absolutely never…”

At that moment, Labrun’s eyes went wide.

“Gordon! It was Maxwin Gordon! He must have done this!”

He sold out his subject to save himself.

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