LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 84
Chapter 84: The Nest of Intrigue (8)
As soon as Nicholas von Royce left, Claudia Altaria summoned Martin to her chamber, letting out an exasperated sigh.
“You’ve done something monumental right after forging our alliance, young lord.”
“He’s the one who started it, Your Highness. I’m merely the unfortunate victim,” Martin replied with a slight grin.
“Well, I can’t completely deny that… but you’ve definitely caused trouble for Marquis Royce several times, haven’t you?”
“In the end, Your Highness benefits too. One of your rival’s strongest forces has been weakened.”
“You really are insufferably smug, you know that?”
Claudia shot him a sideways glance, though it had no effect on Martin, who remained unperturbed. She sighed again, but her expression soon turned serious.
“Honestly, this declaration of war came as a surprise. Both Theodore and I should be focused on gathering as much strength as possible. But for the Royce family, the core of the 2nd Prince’s faction, to move already…”
Everyone knew that of the three factions, the 1st Prince’s was the strongest. The 1st Princess’ and 2nd Prince’s factions were both trying desperately to close the gap.
If the Royce family were to lose, the 2nd Prince’s faction would effectively collapse, and the current three-way standoff would come to an end. In such a case, the 1st Princess’ faction wouldn’t stand a chance against the 1st Prince’s power alone.
“If they’re moving now, it means they are confident of a decisive victory. They likely plan to offset any losses by seizing control of the dungeon entrance.”
“If the Royce family does win, the current balance of power will be dramatically overturned. So, tell me honestly, young lord. Do you think you can win this territorial war?”
“Of course.”
“What makes you so confident?”
“Under normal circumstances, Nicholas von Royce should not have declared war at all. He’s already lost Akela City, which served as his forward base.”
In any war, supply lines were critical. No matter how elite the soldiers, they couldn’t fight effectively if they were starving or poorly equipped. The loss of Akela City, which had served as a key supply point for the Royce family’s ambitions in the north, was a severe blow. With it went any influence they had been carefully building in the region.
“And yet, they’ve declared war. The meaning behind that is simple.”
“They’ve found a way to solve their supply issues, haven’t they?”
“Exactly. They’ve severed their ties with northern nobles, so how did they manage it? There must be a traitor. Given their confidence, it’s safe to assume they’ve amassed considerable strength.”
“I assume it’s House Gustin, led by Mateus von Gustin?”
Martin nodded in agreement.
Claudia’s expression darkened.
“Hm. The Gustin family is the most powerful of the Adalbert vassal families, right? I’ve heard reports that they’ve accumulated immense wealth over their long history. If other dissident vassals or nobles join them, even you might find it hard to handle.”
“Indeed, dealing with the Royce family and traitors simultaneously would be overwhelming.”
History was filled with examples of powerful forces crumbling from within due to internal betrayal. Martin had never assumed his family would be an exception to this.
“And that’s why I’ll need Your Highness’s assistance.”
“As your ally, it’s my duty to help. But as you know, we can’t openly fight the Royce family right now. A misstep could lead to a full-blown civil war.”
“And in such a war, the 1st Prince would undoubtedly emerge as the victor.”
Claudia nodded gravely. Even a direct confrontation between the 1st Princess’ and 2nd Prince’s factions would destabilize the balance, leading to mutual destruction and leaving the 1st Prince to claim everything.
“Eventually, this balance will shatter. With our alliance, my faction will grow stronger. But for that strength to fully develop, we still need more time.”
“I understand, and I’m not asking Your Highness to fight outright.”
“Then what do you need from me?”
“It’s simple. I need Your Highness to command the western nobles loyal to you to block Marquis Royce’s path entirely—refuse him access at every turn.”
Claudia tilted her head, puzzled by how simple his request sounded. But Martin quickly clarified.
“…That’s obvious, isn’t it? They wouldn’t just let the enemy through.”
“You’re underestimating Marquis Royce. If he exerts pressure, most nobles—unless they belong to the three great families or the imperial family—would be swayed. After all, life is precious. You need to make it clear that your side is ready for a full-scale confrontation if necessary.”
“You’re saying I need to show I’m willing to go to war against the Royce family?”
“Exactly. The Marquis doesn’t want a full-scale conflict either. If Your Highness takes a firm stand, they’ll likely back off. That alone will delay their forces from reaching the north, buying me the time I need.”
Teleportation devices, which could instantly move people or supplies, were rare but available.
However, they had limitations. The greater the distance, number of people, or amount of material, the more magic stones required, which increased exponentially.
Large-scale transportation via teleportation was impractical, except for small, urgent groups.
“So, I understand your plan now. You intend to deal with the traitors before the Royce family’s forces can reach the north.”
A sharp, dangerous smile spread across Martin’s face, saying more than enough.
“Hm. That’s quite bold. If everything goes as planned, the Royce family’s forces won’t even get a chance to draw their weapons. They’ll fail to achieve their objective.”
“That’s exactly what I’m aiming for.”
“You’ve achieved tremendous things so far, young lord. I’ll place my trust in you again. Spread your name far and wide, Martin Adalbert.”
“With pleasure.”
Even Martin couldn’t guarantee absolute victory against Marquis Royce. Despite the Adalbert family’s greater surface strength, Royce had many hidden forces.
But traitors and vassals? That was different.
Before his regression, Martin had learned every weakness and strength they possessed.
He even knew the Gustin family’s deepest secrets.
‘I can already imagine your face full of regret, Nicholas von Royce.’
The future, in this case, felt practically preordained.
“So, you’ll return tomorrow, young lord? There’s not much time to prepare for the war.”
“I’ll be leaving in two days. I have someone I need to meet in the capital.”
“Haven’t you already met everyone? I’ve introduced you to all of my faction’s key figures.”
“This is personal.”
“Well, knowing you, I’m sure it’ll work out. I’ll see you off when you return north.”
“Understood.”
With that, Martin rose to leave.
While he gave little thought to Nicholas’ declaration of war—Royce’s options were limited after losing Akela City—his heart raced at the thought of tomorrow’s meeting.
‘This person must come with me.’
Martin steeled his resolve.
—
The next morning, Martin left the palace with Sien at his side.
“It’s a rare occasion, isn’t it? You personally are going to recruit someone. Though Sir Christian did come at your invitation, it’s only because you offered him the Rustal family’s lands.”
“True enough.”
“Judging by the path we’re taking, it doesn’t seem like the person we’re meeting today is very famous.”
“It’s impossible to recruit someone prominent from the capital. They’d already be aligned with one of the three factions.”
“That makes me even more curious. They’re not well-known, yet you’re personally going to meet them. What’s convinced you?”
“Don’t get your hopes up, Sien. I’m just going based on rumors. I’ll decide whether they’re worth it after we speak. You know better than anyone that some people fall short of their reputation.”
“That’s true. But you’ve never made a wasted move before. That’s why I’m excited.”
“Now you’re just putting pressure on me.”
Martin shook his head with a smile as they made their way to the 11th District in the western part of the capital.
At the heart of the district stood several large buildings.
“That must be the Raize Grand Library. I’ve seen it in newspapers and books, but I never thought I’d visit it.”
“It’s certainly impressive.”
Agreeing with Sien, Martin surveyed the massive structure.
The Raize Grand Library was the intellectual and academic center of the Altaria Empire, known for producing numerous famous mages and scholars over centuries.
Even though the estates of the three great families had their own educational institutions, the library’s reputation was so grand that many aspiring mages and officials from all over the empire came here at least once to study.
The two strolled past scholars in robes and those carrying thick tomes before finally reaching their destination.
“I’m Martin Adalbert.”
“W-Welcome to the Raize Grand Library!”
Upon recognizing Martin, the guards immediately shouted in formal greeting.
Although the 11th District was typically known for its quiet atmosphere, the presence of such a significant figure warranted a break from decorum.
“I’m here to see Kurt Steinhoff, one of the head librarians. Could you let him know?”
“We’ll find him at once!”
The guards hurried inside, and shortly after, Martin and Sien
were escorted to a VIP room.
Inside, they found a young man in his late twenties waiting. He had long, auburn hair and a gentle demeanor. His glasses added to his scholarly appearance.
‘So this is Kurt Steinhoff.’
Martin recognized the man. This was the genius who, in the future, would serve as the Chancellor to the 3rd Prince, Muller Altaria, one of the empire’s most infamous criminals.
The man before him was known as a strategic genius who would rise to power as the “Demon Chancellor.”
And Martin had finally succeeded in meeting him.
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