The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 76: The Time of Reckoning (6)

Martin spoke in a calm, detached tone.

“It’s a well-known fact that slavery has been officially banned on the Cracian Continent. Yet, Jerome Metzelder, the former mayor of Akela City, allowed countless people to be taken as slaves and left the slave market unchecked.”

“That’s not all. Enslaving Elves and Dwarves can lead to conflicts with them. Even then, he showed no intention of resolving the issue. Therefore, according to Imperial law, I sentence the criminal Jerome to death.”

Even as he faced death, Jerome’s expression remained composed.

He had lived a long life and enjoyed everything he could.

Now, he was content with the knowledge that his family’s lives would be spared thanks to his choices.

‘I regret not being able to see my grandchildren’s faces again.’

That was all.

Watching him, Martin manipulated the air using Omni Distortion, creating a thin breeze between them.

Then, in a quiet voice filled with sincerity, he spoke.

“I will keep my promise. I swear on the honor of the Adalbert family. So, you can close your eyes without worry.”

“I trust you, Lord Martin.”

With that, Jerome stood up.

His steps toward the guillotine were light, having cast off his final regrets after their conversation.

The citizens watched the scene in silence.

Regardless of his involvement in the slave market, Jerome had been an outstanding mayor.

In fact, he was considered one of the best in the city’s history.

As a heavy silence hung over the plaza, Jerome took his place at the guillotine.

“…Do you have any last words? I’ll give you time.”

“I want to apologize to everyone. I caused extreme disappointment, even though it was unintentional. If there is a next life, if I am given another chance, I will strive to show a better side of myself.”

His calm voice echoed through the plaza, and many people began to weep.

Jerome, however, paid no mind to the tears and calmly rested his head on the guillotine.

The executioner hesitated, gripping the lever cautiously, as if Martin might retract the sentence.

But no such reprieve came, and eventually, the executioner pulled the lever.

Clang!

The blade fell with terrifying speed, and almost instantly, blood spurted like a fountain.

Thus ended the life of Jerome Metzelder, the 23rd mayor of Akela City.

Following his execution, Dietmar Hessler and the other criminals were also put to death one by one.

Swoosh.

When it was all over, Martin stood from his seat.

All eyes, from the citizens to the officials, were on him.

“I understand that the recent events have caused unease, but there’s no need for concern. For the time being, the Free City of Akela will be jointly governed by the Imperial Court and the Adalbert family. We will strictly adhere to the existing laws of the city. A new mayor will be selected based on those who meet these standards. I hope you can all return to your daily lives with peace of mind.”

Martin spoke in a calm, measured tone.

The citizens’ response mirrored his demeanor.

Leaving them behind, Martin exited the plaza with Sien by his side.

* * *

After the execution, Martin delegated his remaining tasks to the officials who had accompanied Irina von Meinert.

However, there was still one matter left to address, so he used a communication crystal to contact someone.

– “It’s been a while, Lord Martin.” –

The voice belonged to a woman whose beauty surpassed even that of the famed Elves.

It was none other than the First Princess, Claudia Altaria.

Leader of one of the three major factions in the capital, she was smiling playfully.

Even through a mere communication crystal, her presence was overwhelming.

Of course, Martin was not fazed.

‘After all, she ranks below me.’

The standing of the Adalbert family and the Imperial family was nearly equal.

As the heir to the Adalbert family, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that he was essentially on the same level as a crown prince. In contrast, Claudia, still just an ordinary princess, was technically beneath him.

– “Last time, you only got to the point and hung up quickly… This is our first proper conversation.” –

“I deeply apologize for that, Your Highness.”

– “I’m not scolding you. On the contrary, I’m grateful. Thanks to you, I’ve managed to ease some of the financial pressure.” –

“I’m glad to have been of help.”

Martin smiled slightly.

During their first contact, he had made a proposal.

He would completely root out the slave market in Akela City, and in exchange, when the time came, she would send one of her trusted subordinates.

She had asked what she would receive in return.

Martin suggested splitting the interests of Akela City, and without hesitation, she accepted.

‘It’s no secret she’s always been short on funds, despite her resources.’

Thanks to Irina von Meinert, the First Princess’s faction was never lacking in military strength.

Claudia’s personal abilities were also outstanding, and her faction’s power was not weak. However, their greatest weakness was finances.

While it wasn’t accurate to say they had no money, their funds paled in comparison to their competitors.

The First Prince was supported by the Ferdinand family, one of the three great noble houses.

The Second Prince was backed by the famously wealthy Marquis Royce.

In contrast, Claudia’s maternal family, the Count Meinert family, was a renowned house of swordsmanship, but they were far from wealthy.

Martin knew her weakness well.

That’s why he had offered her a share of the interests in Akela City, and it had worked perfectly.

– “Now that we’ve made a mutually satisfying deal, can we consider ourselves allies?” –

“I think it’s a bit early for that. Besides, it’s hard to make such important decisions over a mere communication crystal.”

– “Come on. You’ve already crossed paths with my brother, the Second Prince, haven’t you? And I hear you even killed the grandson of Marquis Royce. Can you really handle the Royce family on your own?” –

“Isn’t the First Prince there to help?”

– “That’s even more absurd. He’s tied to the Ferdinand family, and given their goals, they’ll likely reject any overtures from you.” –

Claudia’s point was valid.

The only person Martin could reasonably approach was the First Princess, and he had no intention of denying that.

Still, he wasn’t going to concede that easily.

“Well, I’ll decide after we meet in person, Your Highness. If things don’t go as planned, I can always back out, like the Klaus family did.”

– “With all due respect, I don’t think you’re in any position to make such bold statements, Lord Martin. Perhaps when you reach the Ninth Circle, we can talk like that.” –

“You’ll see soon enough.”

– “I had no idea the heir to the Adalbert family was this aggravating.” –

“That’s the first time anyone’s ever said that to me.”

– “Get used to hearing it. Now, may I ask you one last question?” –

“Of course.”

– “When you first contacted me, you mentioned Jerome Metzelder’s connection to the Royce family. I didn’t get the chance to ask back then, but how exactly did you know that?” –

“Do I really have to tell you? It’s not that big of a deal.”

Claudia looked at him with a mixture of incredulity.

– “You realize how implausible that sounds, right? Even the highest-ranking nobles only suspected the Royce family’s ties to the Dark King. No one knew anything about Jerome Metzelder. But you knew everything, even that the Dark King was the ‘Crimson Reaper.’” –

“I can’t reveal the truth to someone I haven’t formed an alliance with. I’ll see you in the capital, Your Highness.”

– “You really are… Sigh. Very well.” –

Claudia ended the communication first.

Now alone, Martin sank into the sofa.

‘The first stage of the Northern unification is complete.’

The core of the first stage had three parts.

The first was to eliminate corrupt or treacherous forces unrelated to the Adalbert family.

The second was to secure control of the Free City of Akela and ensure the removal of the Royce family’s influence in the North.

The last was to establish relationships with the Elves and Dwarves.

‘Now it’s time for the second stage.’

The second stage was simpler than the first.

It involved dealing with the traitors within the Adalbert family, starting with the Gustin family.

However, that would have to wait until after his visit to the capital.

For now, his focus was on the capital.

‘There’s plenty to deal with there.’

The Imperial capital, Raize.

A den of ambition, where relying solely on future knowledge would certainly lead to failure.

Yet, Martin had to go.

To confirm who was friend and who was foe.

There were also talented individuals he wished to recruit.

‘I’ll have to do my best.’

Martin steeled himself for what lay ahead.

* * *

“Wow. Who would’ve thought this day would come?”

The Second Prince, Theodore Altaria, smiled brightly.

His gaze was fixed on an elderly man in a robe—Nicholas von Royce.

“Who would’ve imagined that someone could survive being marked by Marquis Royce? And not only that, but to strike back and land a proper blow. I never thought anyone other than the heads of the three great families or my eldest brother could do such a thing. Truly, the world is full of remarkable people.”

In fact, considering the damage Nicholas had sustained, Theodore’s description

didn’t quite capture the full picture.

Nicholas had lost two key vassals—Jerome Metzelder and Heinz Schwarzenbeck.

Both were individuals handpicked by the former head of the Royce family, and raising them had required a significant investment.

Of course, the investment had been worthwhile.

Jerome had gradually taken control of the Free City of Akela, eventually being elected mayor, which allowed Marquis Royce to establish a forward base for targeting the North.

Heinz, as a guild elder, had recommended promising adventurers to the Royce family, securing future strength for them.

As the Dark King, he had also operated the slave market, bringing in massive profits for the Royce family.

Both men had been killed by Martin before Nicholas could even react.

“Now that the Royce family has lost the Free City of Akela, they can no longer influence the North. When they eventually try to target the Adalbert family, even their supply lines will be disrupted. Isn’t that right?”

The damage didn’t stop there.

With the slave market gone, the Royce family’s influence in the underworld had also significantly diminished, and the enormous wealth they had once earned through slave trading was now a thing of the past.

All combined, the losses were incalculable.

“Well, in a way, the outcome might be fortunate for me. Now my beloved grandfather can focus entirely on helping his grandson.”

Theodore shrugged lightly.

Since he had become aware of the world, his goal had been to defeat his elder brother and ascend to the throne.

He had always hoped his grandfather would offer more active support, but Nicholas had been too preoccupied with his obsession to bring down the Adalbert family.

But if the Royce family were to become one of the three great noble houses…

Would Nicholas still help him afterward?

Theodore wasn’t sure.

“That’s a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

“Both goals are equally important to me. Ensuring that you ascend to the throne and that the Royce family becomes one of the three great houses.”

“And what good is that when you’ve failed so miserably?”

“This recent incident was indeed my fault.”

“Hmm. You’re accepting that rather easily, Marquis Royce.”

“It was entirely my mistake to underestimate Martin Adalbert. Therefore, the blame rests with me.”

Although Nicholas acknowledged his failure, his expression remained indifferent.

However, Theodore knew better.

His grandfather, who rarely showed emotion, was at his calmest when he was truly furious.

In other words, Nicholas had now recognized Martin Adalbert as a foe to be taken down with full force.

‘Well, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.’

He didn’t want Nicholas to be fixated solely on the Adalbert family.

But at the same time, he couldn’t allow Martin to continue rising uncontested.

Especially since his sister, who was clearly aligning herself with Martin, would also rise along with him.

‘I’ll need to keep an eye on things.’

With that thought, Theodore continued speaking.

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