The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 78: The Nest of Intrigue (2)

“Excuse me for a moment.”

The 3rd Prince, Müller Altaria, said as he looked at Sien.

She quietly stepped aside without a word and joined the members of the White Dragon Knights.

Müller naturally took the empty spot and looked at Martin, his eyes flickering in a peculiar way.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt admiration for someone. Especially for someone younger than me. This is the first time I’ve felt this way.”

“You flatter me. I don’t think I’ve done anything worthy of such admiration.”

“Too much humility can sometimes be a poison, young lord.”

Müller was taken aback as he watched Martin give a slight smile.

Taking down the Rustal family quickly, predicting the monster wave crisis and preventing it without significant damage—these were all incredible achievements.

But that wasn’t all.

Hadn’t he purged his opposition, or those who could cause future problems, under the guise of illegal activity during his Northern campaign?

In the process, he elevated the mining city Fratel to a free city, placing it under the direct control of the Adalbert family and thereby maximizing his own authority.

He had also successfully abolished the slave market, fostering ties with different races, and brought the free city of Akela under the influence of the North.

“Even just one of those accomplishments would earn you high praise, but how many have you already achieved? Any one of these deeds could place you among the top ranks of the heads of the three great noble families or even among the rulers who once dominated this continent. And you’ve done all this in just half a year. I can’t help but wonder how much greater your achievements will be when you ascend to the head of your family. The very thought makes my heart race.”

“I was simply fortunate.”

“Come on, I don’t see it that way at all. You were oppressed by the dragon’s curse, weren’t you? Even though you manifested your innate ability later on, you had little foundation within your family. Yet you still accomplished all of this. That’s the main reason why I respect you.”

Müller spoke in a low but distinct tone, his sincerity evident in every word.

Martin, too, was impressed.

But for a different reason.

‘He’s quite the actor.’

Though unintentionally, he had completely ruined one of the prince’s plans.

Even so, when Müller mentioned it, he only showed surprise without displaying any other emotions.

It was clear now why he was called the Empire’s greatest schemer.

At that moment, Müller lowered his voice even more.

“Though things worked out well in the end, have you ever thought that something is wrong with the current system of the Empire, or rather, the continent?”

Martin felt puzzled.

He had expected the prince to subtly probe him.

After all, there were parts of his situation that aligned with what they believed in.

But he hadn’t anticipated such a direct question.

‘Does he think I’m someone he can collaborate with?’

Martin’s curiosity grew.

He wanted to understand the prince’s true intentions hidden deep within.

So he took the bait the prince threw at him.

Or more precisely, he pretended to.

“The system… Are you referring to the fact that one’s status is determined by their innate abilities, Your Highness?”

“You’ve hit the mark. I thought someone like you might be dissatisfied with that aspect.”

“Well, it would be a lie to say I’m completely content with it.”

“I figured as much. While I understand the rationale behind valuing those with innate abilities, dungeons still threaten every nation on this continent, don’t they?”

“Yes. That’s why, regardless of country or race, all organizations prioritize those with greater potential.”

No matter how much one trains in martial arts or magic, the limit is the 5th Circle.

Only those who manifest innate abilities can aspire to greater heights.

“There’s no issue with respecting the strong. But there are many types of talents in this world. Ignoring all of them and solely prioritizing strength? Disregarding others with exceptional talents? I think that’s where things have gone terribly wrong, young lord.”

“Well, it’s a perception that’s been ingrained for over a thousand years, hasn’t it? Overturning it would be practically impossible.”

“It’s certainly difficult. But I don’t believe it’s truly impossible. That is, if a great hero like the first Emperor of Altaria were to rise again. Though perhaps using that example for the young lord of the Adalbert family isn’t quite fitting?”

“No problem. It’s true that he was an extraordinary figure.”

Regardless of Müller’s intentions in mentioning that name, the first emperor was the one who founded the first empire in the Cracian Continent’s history.

Setting aside the Adalbert family’s long standing wishes, Martin had no choice but to acknowledge the emperor’s capabilities.

“I believe you too possess the qualities of such a hero, young lord. Though you may need more time to realize it.”

“Your praise is too much for me to handle. I don’t have the abilities to live up to that.”

Martin shook his head slightly.

At the same time, he observed Müller, who was still gazing at him intently, almost uncomfortably.

‘He certainly knows how to stir emotions.’

Anyone else might have been swayed by Müller’s words.

They were so heartfelt that it was hard not to believe them.

It was clear to Martin that Müller possessed the qualities of a ruler, capable of igniting people’s passions.

But for someone like him, whose status had reached its limit, rebellion was inevitable.

“Different from me….”

Müller abruptly stopped speaking.

At the same time, Martin turned his head forward.

He had been so absorbed in their conversation that he hadn’t noticed how close they were to the capital.

But that wasn’t important.

What mattered was the presence standing in front of the city gates, radiating immense energy.

The woman had long green hair and amber eyes.

Her beauty surpassed even that of the elves, leaving an overwhelming impression.

But Martin held back a sigh with great effort.

‘This is why I dislike royalty. They always make things so complicated.’

Despite his inner grumbling, Martin fixed his gaze straight ahead.

At Princess Claudia Altaria, the 1st Princess of the Empire.

—

* * *

Claudia Altaria walked toward Martin as if she had been waiting for him.

Her unexpected approach didn’t faze the knights following her at all.

Even her closest aide, Irina von Meinert, seemed unconcerned.

It was as if this kind of bold behavior was nothing out of the ordinary.

Claudia approached the two men and looked at Müller.

“Why are you here, Müller? The young lord of the Adalbert family is my guest.”

“I apologize, sister. The young lord’s name has recently spread throughout the entire Empire. I just had to meet him.”

“I’m curious. If our brothers, Richard or Theodore, had invited the young lord, would you have taken the initiative as well?”

Claudia smiled brightly as she spoke.

Her tone was gentle, too.

But her words were anything but kind.

Müller responded calmly.

“Even if either of our brothers had invited him, I would’ve still sought to meet the young lord. My curiosity and desire to meet him were just that strong.”

“Now that you’ve fulfilled that wish, there’s no reason for you to stay here, right?”

“Yes. I’ll return to the palace immediately. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, sister. And young lord, I look forward to seeing you again at the palace.”

“Wait a moment.”

Müller was about to leave, but Martin called out, making him stop and turn back.

“I have a question I’d like to ask.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“‘Freedom isn’t something given or received; it’s something won through struggle.’ I’m curious to know what Your Highness, the 3rd Prince, thinks about that statement.”

It was a quote from Sara Meinert, the leader of Cry for Freedom.

Or rather, it would be more accurate to say it was something she had heard from someone else.

That ideal had formed the foundation of Cry for Freedom.

“… I think it’s a dangerous idea. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

With those final words, Müller entered the capital first.

Claudia watched her half-brother’s back intently.

“You never know what that kid is thinking, do you? Don’t you agree, young lord?”

“He certainly seemed to have a lot on his mind.”

“Just like you, young lord?”

“I always feel at ease.”

“Sure, that’s a lie no child would believe. Anyway, I’m sure his mind is tangled up. There’s only one thing he desires, but it’s not something easily attained.”

Claudia’s smile grew wider.

It was so beautiful that it felt as though the surroundings had brightened, but Martin remained composed.

Strictly speaking, he had no choice but to remain calm.

‘She’s a complete beast.’

Despite her stunning appearance, she was a terrifying individual.

Then again, it wasn’t as if Martin was much different.

“Only one thing, you say?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know, young lord.”

“I’m asking because I truly don’t know.”

“Just like a moment ago, your acting is really awful. Well, since this is our first meeting, I’ll let it slide for today.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. As you probably know, most of the direct descendants of the royal family and the three great noble families are born with exceptional talents. Müller is no exception. But his situation is a bit different from mine and our other siblings.”

The leaders of the various factions, including Claudia, were all born to noble mothers.

Müller’s mother, however, had been a commoner, and thus he had

no claim to the throne.

Even if his siblings were to die, the right to the throne would pass to families close to the imperial lineage, but he would never have a chance.

“Because of his mother’s low status, he’s been permanently denied the opportunity. Of course, resentment must have built up. The question is, will he continue to suppress it, or will he try to resolve it somehow?”

“You say such terrifying things with such ease.”

“Isn’t that a bit hypocritical of you to say, young lord? Aren’t you engaged in a fierce competition with the branch family for the position of family head?”

“Ever since I manifested my innate ability, I’ve never considered them to be competitors.”

“Ugh, how arrogant.”

Martin remained relaxed.

Claudia glared at him as if she couldn’t believe it.

Then she began walking briskly toward the capital, and Martin quickly caught up to walk beside her.

Their entourage followed closely behind.

—

‘It’s been a while since I’ve been to Raize City.’

Martin took in the buildings and roads made of red brick.

This was the imperial capital, Raize.

It was one of the four great dungeon cities of the Altaria Empire, and the largest city on the continent.

Famed for its population of over a million, it was now strangely quiet.

Many roads and buildings were damaged or destroyed, making it hard to appreciate the city’s beauty.

The only positive aspect was that there were no corpses to be seen.

Though the smell and traces of blood still lingered.

Claudia turned to Martin and asked.

“Come to think of it, you managed to stop the monster wave perfectly. What do you think when you see how wrecked the capital is?”

“I think I was lucky. I happened to discover the situation early and was able to respond.”

“You gathered a large number of adventurers, which meant that other regions failed to strengthen their defenses. To be honest, many of the nobles who follow me harbor resentment toward you.”

“I simply fulfilled my duty as the young lord of the Adalbert family. If they’re incompetent and blame me, I’ll leave immediately. Though I doubt that will happen.”

“What makes you so confident?”

“Aren’t you showing it off quite clearly right now? The fact that I’ve allied with you, Princess.”

At Martin’s question, Claudia no longer wore a sullen expression.

Instead, a playful smile spread across her face.

“Of course. Though your influence may not carry as much weight yet, you’re a powerful card. No matter who you side with, you can shake up the factional battles within the capital. Honestly, even if you supported Müller, no one could afford to ignore it.”

“So you’re trying to secure me first.”

“Obviously. And it wouldn’t be bad for you either, young lord, considering the threat Nicholas von Royce poses. Of course, if you’re still not interested, then we’ll part ways.”

“I don’t really care about preferences. It’s not too late to decide after we’ve had a proper conversation, Princess.”

“So you’re going to keep me on edge until the end, huh, young lord?”

Claudia shook her head in disbelief.

In all her 25 years of life, this was the first time she had to cling to someone like this.

And, on top of that—

‘It’s infuriating that I can’t even complain about it.’

The royal family and the Adalbert family were essentially on equal footing.

Therefore, Martin was practically on the same level as the crown prince, which meant he outranked her.

And that wasn’t all.

Martin had been acknowledged as the de facto head of the family after achieving tremendous accomplishments in the North.

In contrast, she had yet to establish herself publicly.

As a result, a significant gap had formed between their standings.

“There’s the palace.”

Martin ignored Claudia’s inner frustration.

He was more impressed by the sight of the palace after such a long time.

‘Kruger Palace.’

If Raize was the largest city on the continent, then Kruger Palace was the largest palace.

It was also considered the most beautiful.

Unlike the rest of the city, which had been ruined, the palace had retained its former splendor.

‘But in the end, it’s still a den of schemes.’

How many people would die in this place?

Even as he took in the beautiful scene, the strong scent of blood filled Martin’s senses.

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