LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 81
Chapter 81: The Nest of Intrigue (5)
Thirty minutes before Martin and Sien entered the banquet hall, Richard Altaria left the northern palace.
“I pride myself on my abilities, but the world is truly unpredictable. This must be why they say that, while people may plan, it is up to the heavens whether those plans succeed.”
“You’re referring to Martin Adalbert, aren’t you?”
“That’s right, Uncle.”
Richard turned his head to the right.
There stood a middle-aged man with long ash-blond hair. His appearance was as refined as Richard’s, with a high nose and thick eyebrows, leaving a strong impression.
Jurgen Ferdinand, the current young lord of the Ferdinand family, one of the three great noble houses.
At 45, he was already a 9th Circle powerhouse and was widely expected to reach the 10th Circle in due time. He was currently assisting his nephew, Richard, on orders from the head of the Ferdinand family.
“To be honest, I was surprised. I never expected Martin Adalbert to escape the clutches of Marquis Nicholas von Royce.”
“I agree with you on that. Frankly, if we don’t nip him in the bud now, the entire balance of power will shift drastically. Martin Adalbert clearly has the potential to make that happen.”
“That would be the case if he survives. But I don’t believe he’ll last in this competition. While others might struggle, Nicholas von Royce never leaves anyone who crosses him alive.”
Marquis Royce’s notorious ruthlessness was well-known, even in the capital.
But Jurgen Ferdinand held a slightly different opinion.
“Do you think it will be easy for Marquis Royce to take action directly? With me and two other 9th Circle powerhouses keeping each other in check?”
“Of course, I don’t think he’ll move personally. But the Royce Marquisate has far more hidden power than most know. Meanwhile, the Adalbert family hasn’t fully resolved its internal conflicts.”
“Martin Adalbert defeated Valdemar von Rustal.”
“Which is why I don’t think he’ll last. The heads of the branch families, harboring their own ambitions, will no longer be caught off guard.”
“You’re not wrong, but it’s dangerous to underestimate him too much.”
Jurgen Ferdinand’s expression reflected his caution, but Richard remained calm and confident.
“It’s not an underestimation. Surely, Uncle, you know better than anyone how vicious and cunning Marquis Royce is.
From what I’ve seen, Martin Adalbert is far more capable than my dear younger brother or sister. But that doesn’t mean he can handle Marquis Royce.”
What made Nicholas von Royce truly terrifying wasn’t just his strength as a 9th Circle powerhouse.
His true power lay in other areas—his keen eye for talent, his immense political and administrative skills, and the fact that the Royce Marquisate was one of the wealthiest territories, just behind the three great noble families.
“Our task is clear, Uncle. We need Marquis Royce and Theodore to take over the Adalbert family’s territory, but we must ensure they suffer heavy losses in the process.”
“You plan to strike when they’re weakened and unable to recover?”
“Precisely. We can deal with the Klaus family afterward.”
“I agree with that. Neither the Adalbert family nor the Royce Marquisate compares to the Klaus family.”
“Exactly. So, we’ll deal with the Klaus family once we’ve swallowed up both the Adalbert family and the Royce Marquisate.”
With that plan in mind, Richard and Jurgen continued their leisurely conversation as they made their way to Claudia’s palace.
It wasn’t long before they noticed the power clash between Martin and Theodore, and Richard, out of curiosity, decided to intervene.
This also gave him a chance to observe Martin more closely.
“Hm…”
As Richard watched Martin, who stood calmly with a smile on his face, he couldn’t help but click his tongue in admiration.
It was the first time he had encountered someone like this.
Not a single person his age, or even younger, had ever reacted so nonchalantly to his presence.
Even his younger siblings, considered his competitors, and the direct descendants of the three great noble houses always approached him with caution.
Of course, Richard himself had never considered anyone a worthy adversary.
But looking at Martin, his opinion was beginning to change for the first time.
‘I’ll have to keep a closer eye on him. He’s someone to be careful of.’
There was no concrete evidence, but his instincts were screaming at him to be wary of Martin.
Never underestimate this man.
And, on top of that, Martin’s martial talent was already well-known in the capital.
Based on his current progress, it was entirely possible that Martin could surpass him in both speed and skill.
His calm demeanor and unreadable expression were further signs that this man was no ordinary foe.
‘Even Marquis Royce won’t have an easy time this time.’
Though Richard still believed Nicholas von Royce would ultimately prevail, Martin posed a significant threat.
Martin was still in the process of growth, while Nicholas had already reached his peak.
However, Richard couldn’t shake the feeling that Martin could deal a substantial blow to the Marquis.
‘This should be interesting.’
That thought, at least, was sincere.
—
Richard Altaria wasn’t the only one impressed by his opponent.
Martin, too, found himself in awe as he looked at Richard.
‘This man is different.’
The direct descendants of the three great noble houses and the Imperial family were inherently superior to others.
Even at the same level, they boasted superior physical abilities, greater mana reserves, and more potent innate abilities.
Among these individuals, the most exceptional were those like Martin himself, the direct heirs.
‘But this man is exceptional, even among the direct heirs.’
Richard Altaria, the 1st Prince of the Altaria Empire, was hailed as a man whose talent rivaled that of the first emperor of the Empire.
As an individual, he was already terrifying, but with the backing of the Ferdinand family, one of the three great houses, he was the closest person to the throne.
Martin felt the truth of that reputation as he gazed at Richard.
Both men, sizing each other up, couldn’t help but admire the other.
Then, Richard turned his attention to his younger brother, Theodore.
“For now, I’ll leave the young lord to you. After all, we see each other often enough that it’s almost tiresome, don’t we?”
“…Do as you please.”
Theodore stepped back with that reply, though his gaze remained fixed on Martin, his eyes brimming with hostility.
Martin had discovered his most vulnerable secret, his one and only weakness.
With the recent exposure of the slave market in the free city of Akela, public sentiment had already turned against the use of slaves.
If his secret were to be revealed now?
It would trigger a wave of backlash, and both Claudia and Martin could use this to politically destroy him.
Having realized the gravity of the situation, Theodore steeled himself for what lay ahead.
‘I must deal with him.’
Only by doing so could he survive.
As Theodore ground his teeth in frustration, he heard Richard speak up.
“I am Richard Altaria.”
“I am Martin Adalbert.”
At last, Richard and Martin exchanged greetings.
“I’ve been wanting to meet you for some time, and now my wish has come true.”
“I’ve felt the same way.”
“Oh? Care to share why?”
“I was curious why Your Highness is considered the closest to the throne.”
As Martin said this, he glanced at Theodore.
It was essentially a provocation.
Yet, Theodore showed no reaction.
‘So he truly is the head of his faction after all.’
Even after his weaknesses were exposed, Theodore’s ability to maintain his composure was commendable.
Despite Marquis Nicholas von Royce being the greatest obstacle, it was clear that Theodore, too, was a formidable opponent.
However, right now, Martin had another opponent to focus on, and he returned his attention to Richard.
“So, having met me in person, what do you think? Do I differ from my beloved younger siblings?”
“If I said no, that would be a lie.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve also realized how terribly I’ve been mistaken. After manifesting my innate ability, I thought I was the best.”
“I felt the same. I thought the rumors were exaggerated, but not at all. The moment I saw you, I knew—you’re someone destined for great achievements. It only makes me more curious about how far you’ll go.”
“Hmm. Are you sure about that?”
“What do you mean?”
“If I live up to expectations, Your Highness will suffer as a result. Can you handle that?”
“If it were anyone else, I’d say don’t be cocky. But not this time. You have the potential to make that happen.”
Richard nodded lightly, but his smile remained.
It wasn’t a smile of confidence or composure.
It was one of enjoyment.
“That doesn’t bother me at all.”
“I’m curious why.”
“Because it would be interesting in its own way.”
“You’re quite confident.”
“You’ve got it wrong, young lord. No matter who I am, I can’t even show such ease when facing the head of one of the three great noble families. It’s just… thinking about fighting you makes me excited.”
“I think I understand how you feel, but… let’s leave it for now. The true star of this banquet has arrived.”
“The 1st Princess, Her Highness Claudia Altaria, and Countess Irina von Meinert of the Meinert family are entering!”
No sooner had Martin finished speaking than the steward’s loud voice rang out.
The doors to the banquet hall swung open, and Claudia Altaria appeared, adorned in an extravagant dress and jewelry.
Beside her stood Irina von Meinert, dressed in a neat military uniform.
With everyone watching, Claudia confidently made her way over to where Martin stood.
“I could hear you bothering my guest even from outside, big brother.”
“You must’ve misheard, Claudia. I was simply thanking him for supporting my beloved sister.”
“Thanking him?”
“I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked, and I’ve always felt sorry for you. Now that you’ve finally lightened your load, I’m relieved.”
“As expected of my big brother. You speak with absolutely no regard for anyone’s feelings—it’s almost admirable.”
“It’s better to speak your mind than keep it bottled up.”
Claudia’s sharp words were met with a shrug from Richard.
He then looked around.
Everyone in the hall was watching them, tension clear on their faces.
“Oh dear. It seems I’ve ruined the atmosphere of the banquet.”
“You certainly have. How do you plan to make up for ruining your little sister’s birthday?”
“I’ll liven things up again. Will you forgive me then, Claudia?”
“If you can manage that. What do you have in mind?”
“It’s nothing too complicated.”
Richard smiled brightly.
Seeing that, Martin had a thought.
It was as if Richard were a mischievous child about to play a prank.
And Martin’s instincts told him this was going to be very troublesome.
“How about a light sparring match, young lord?”
“What?!”
Sien, caught off guard, blurted out before quickly covering her mouth in embarrassment.
But no one paid attention to her.
Everyone else was just as shocked.
Even Jurgen Ferdinand, watching from behind Richard, shook his head.
Martin wasn’t much different.
‘Seriously, why are both these siblings so determined to bother me?’
It almost seemed like they had planned this together—though, of course, that couldn’t be the case.
“Phew.”
A sigh escaped his lips.
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