The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

“…So, currently, there are five princes in the Ruben Kingdom.”

In Calix Castle, the capital of Raul’s First Viscounty. All personnel considered key officers of the territory, along with the management of the Purple Guild, were gathered in the conference room.

General Administrator Bernard, and Chief Intelligence Officer Kane, were continuing a briefing from the podium using a magical screen.

The content revolved around the current situation of the Ruben Kingdom’s royal family and the anticipated reorganization of power.

“In terms of age, legitimacy, and support base, the most prominent candidate is undoubtedly the Third Prince, Herdian. As the eldest son of the First Queen and the current Crown Prince, he is at the center of the current administration. His most significant backer is Marquis McNeil. It’s natural since the First Queen came from the McNeil Marquisate.”

As Kane explained, a list of key officials aligned with the Third Prince appeared on the magical screen.

“…This is substantial.”

“Well, considering he has been holding the reins of the government in the king’s stead for the past year, it makes sense that he would have replaced many officials with his own close aides.”

While nobles were busy managing their lands and paying little attention to the central government, the Marquis McNeil and the Third Prince consolidated their power by replacing or recruiting a significant number of officials.

Of course, they couldn’t touch the most crucial positions. The McNeil Marquisate wasn’t the only noble house of old, and right next to the capital was the territory of the Kingdom’s strongest, Duke Templeton.

“…Currently, the power structure in the capital, thuriam, revolves around the McNeil Marquisate and the Templeton Dukedom, with the Count of Randal and other noble houses vying for the remaining positions.”

“What about the influence of the Ashton County and our Viscounty?”

At Sir Philip’s question, Kane shook his head with a troubled expression.

“To be candid, we hardly have any influence. Although the Master has been trying to foster good relations with the royal officials and noble houses in the capital, it’s mostly at the level of friendly exchanges. There are almost no houses that would remain loyal to us in times of crisis.”

Murmur, murmur.

The gravity of the situation led to murmuring among the officers. At this rate, the First Viscounty might end up as mere spectators to the events unfolding in the capital.

At that moment, someone raised a hand to speak.

“Hugh Bryson, acting Lord of Bates Castle. Given the current situation, shouldn’t we also clearly define our stance? Whether to support the existing forces or to rally the neutral factions who are still observing and form a third force.”

A seemingly logical suggestion. The attendees began to debate which faction to join or who to ally with.

Bang, bang, bang.

“Attention!”

Bernard called for order when the conference room grew chaotic.

“Everyone, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s verify more information first and have a proper discussion. The crucial issue isn’t which faction to join, but who will be the next king, isn’t it? Sir Kane.”

“Yes. As mentioned earlier, the most likely candidate for the next king is the Third Prince Herdian. However, he is not the only candidate. There are two other princes currently under consideration.”

The magical screen displayed the profiles and histories of these individuals.

“First, the Fourth Prince Jonas. He is 27 years old and the son of the Third Queen. He has a calm disposition and decisive nature, and thus holds a good reputation within the royal family. During the last palace invasion incident, he was helped by the Master, making him somewhat favorable towards our territory. However, it seems he recently decided to accept the support of the Count of Randal.”

“Darn, Count Randal of all people?”

“It seems we were a step too late.”

Some attendees expressed their disappointment.

“The next is the Fifth Prince Edrad. He is 24 years old, the son of the Fourth Queen. He hasn’t had any notable external activities and is not well known. Moreover, no clear supporting force has emerged for him.”

“Then why is he being considered as a candidate?”

If he isn’t well known and has no support, what makes him a candidate for the throne?

“The only surviving queen in the royal family is the Fourth Queen, and she is the only one who freely enters and exits the seclusion chamber of the current king, thadeus II.”

“…I see.”

Everyone understood. The matter of royal succession is straightforward. Regardless of how the power structure or reputation may stand, once the king designates a successor, support is bound to follow.

The nobles maintaining neutrality will support the designated heir unless given a compelling reason not to. The Royal Knight and the Kingdom’s Central Army will also pledge their power to the successor.

The current chaos stems from the king’s failure to designate an heir for some unknown reason.

“Of course, the situation isn’t that simple. Even if the king announces a successor, too many factions have already consolidated their power for the other princes to just accept it quietly. And if someone other than the Third Prince is designated, the Third Prince is unlikely to stay still.”

“Are you saying he might defy the king’s decision?”

“Well, if the successor doesn’t gather significant support, that’s quite likely according to our analysis team. So, I must ask. Commander Dalton of the First Combat Unit. Where does the Templeton Dukedom stand?”

All eyes turned to Dalton. The Templeton Dukedom is indisputably the most prestigious and powerful noble house in the Ruben Kingdom. The choice of the Duke could sway the line of succession.

“My grandfather, the Duke Templeton, will not take any action. He has no interest in such matters. While my father or uncles might engage to some extent, they won’t take overt actions.”

Dalton’s words made the attendees nod in understanding. The Dukedom had rarely involved itself in royal succession matters, and the Sword Duke had shown no interest when the previous king was replaced.

“In that case, it will likely come down to a power battle between the McNeil Marquisate and the Randal County. Whichever side wins…”

“It won’t be a favorable outcome for us.”

The McNeil Marquisate.

The Randal County.

Both were not on good terms with the Ashton County. Especially after confirming that the McNeil Marquisate had meddled in the past Ashton household civil war, there was no chance of allying with them.

The officers were deeply troubled, and opinions were flying around.

“In this case, isn’t it better to take an independent path?”

“We’ve already fallen out with McNeil. It might be better to team up with the Randal County and aim for an upset…”

“How about convincing the Templeton Dukedom? After all, we have Dalton…”

Most of the suggestions were coming from branch managers or interim lords among the middle tier of officers. They seemed to be feeling a sense of crisis in the current kingdom situation.

This was understandable. Whenever a king changes, purges and power reconfigurations typically follow. Given the current government considers the Ashton County and the First Viscounty as outsiders, it was only a matter of time before trouble arose.

“Everyone is overthinking this.”

Raul, who had been quietly observing the discussions, finally spoke up.

“I understand your concerns. It is indeed unsettling to sit idly by and watch the succession race unfold. But in this battle for succession, we will not make the first move.”

“……!”

“Let me ask you this. Why do you think the Templeton Dukedom has maintained its noble strength despite always remaining neutral during succession periods?”

Raul’s question prompted the people to ponder.

“Isn’t it because of the power the dukedom possesses? The strength of the Sword Duke and the knights is something even the royal family cannot ignore.”

Raul nodded at Ken’s response.

“Exactly. The dukedom has avoided the tumult of political strife because of its power. So, how are we now? Do we really need to pay heed to them?”

“No! They should be the ones wary of us!”

“Our knight order is not weak!”

Swish.

Raul drew his sword. Simultaneously, the officers of the First Knight Order led by Sir Philip sprang up and drew their swords.

Vwoom.

And from Raul and the knights’ swords, dazzling aura blades surged forth.

“……!”

“My goodness, are those all aura blades?”

“Oh my!”

Raul, Philip, Jake, Pierce, Kane, and Dalton.

From the swords of these six, unmistakable master-level aura blades were shining brightly. Additionally, from the swords of other executive-level knights like Ken, homer, davidson, and Josh, temporary aura blades arose.

As the aura blades symbolizing superhuman prowess lit up the conference room, the executives of the First Estate, as well as the Purple Guild players, watched the scene in awe.

“We are strong! We have no reason to be swayed by the trifling succession games of princes. Therefore, I declare here and now. Regardless of who becomes king, we will walk our own path! I want you to believe in me, Raul de Ashton! And in yourselves, and to fulfill your duties in your respective positions.”

“Yes, Master!”

No embarrassing shouts or applause followed. The attendees finally understood the true meaning of today’s general meeting.

Pride.

It was a gathering to instill confidence and pride in the strength of the First Estate.

‘An estate protected by six masters.’

There would be no other family in the continent with such incredible strength. And their master, Raul.

A genius among geniuses who reached the rank of master at just seventeen. What was there to feel insecure about when serving such a master?

In truth, they struggled to suppress their swelling chests and heightened emotions. They didn’t want to dilute the current sense of awe with mere displays of giddiness.

The burden of the succession race that had unsettled them so far had completely vanished from their minds.

“Let’s continue with the meeting. The next agenda item concerns the newly appeared high-grade gates…”

The meeting continued, and the expressions of the officers leaving the conference room couldn’t have been brighter. Most of the attendees had left the meeting room.

Raul, accompanied by Kane and Bernard, had a separate conversation with the top brass of the Purple Guild. Unlike earlier times, these one-on-one meetings or specific conferences with them had become more frequent, so there was no awkwardness.

“Chairman, what should the players do then? If the policy of the First Viscounty is neutrality and non-intervention, shouldn’t we instruct the players not to participate in the main scenario…?”

“No. I’m not planning to exclude players from the main scenario just because of the viscounty’s policy.”

Raul addressed players and Earth staff with formal speech. It felt less awkward that way and helped eliminate any perceived distance. Raul’s firm response left Ilwoo looking puzzled.

“Then what should we…?”

“Mr. Ilwoo.”

“Yes.”

Raul looked into Ilwoo’s eyes and asked,

“Do you truly think our territory can completely avoid the war in this succession battle?”

Ilwoo pondered Raul’s question for a moment. It had been a year since he rose to the position of Purple Guild’s Vice Master. And six months since he became the president of the First Players’ Association.

Having operated from a position of responsibility rather than as an ordinary employee, he was beginning to get accustomed to reading the broader trends.

“…It will probably be hard to avoid war. If the Third Prince ascends to the throne, the McNeil Marquisate won’t leave us alone. If our territory’s power gets exposed before that, any faction will try to pull us in or counter us. Ultimately… this scenario foretells that the entire kingdom will get dragged into war. It’s hard to imagine we would come out unscathed.”

“Correct. It’s probably just a matter of time before we get drawn in. So what do you think is best for our territory?”

Ilwoo thought he knew what Raul was aiming for.

“Profiting from the conflicts. You plan to intervene after other forces have clashed and are weakened?”

“Exactly. So, do you understand how the First Players’ Association should act now?”

“Yes, I do.”

Ilwoo was suddenly curious about Raul’s mind. Honestly, having six masters is an incredible strength. One might think of taking initiative and leading something, yet this young chairman seemed to leave nothing to chance.

He waited, hidden till the last moment, aiming for the weakened prey with utmost precision. It was easy to say but not many could actually put it into practice. The composure and foresight amazed Ilwoo.

“Ah, and make sure not to deliver it too directly as instructions. You know that, right?”

“Of course. I’ll discuss it with the guild members and coordinate it so there’s minimal resistance from the players.”

The next day.

The notice from the First Players’ Association was delivered to the players.

(To be continued…)