I didn't mean to speak so quickly and threateningly as if I was blindfolded by the wind.
They will accept my offer anyway.
So I tried to take my time and speak leisurely, but I was attacked and had no time to spare.
And since I was already hurt, I spoke threateningly in an impatient manner, wanting to end it quickly.
I couldn't explain as much as I wanted.
Then, the faces of the northern nobles began to show discontent and opposition.
There were also clear traces of them worrying about what to do.
“It’s unconscionable to insist that you accept my offer without showing you anything.”
I would have liked to explain in more detail, but there wasn't much time left.
It's funny to even explain it in detail now.
“In two days, I will show you my will. After seeing that, you can decide whether to follow me or the royal family.”
Since it had come to this, I thought it would be good to give them some time to think while arousing their curiosity, so I just threw out the bait and got up.
"Ah."
The moment I tried to walk forward, my vision started to spin as if I was drunk and I lost my balance.
"Be careful."
At the same time, someone grabbed me from behind and wrapped his arms around my waist.
It was Perdes.
He was just in front of the warehouse door a moment ago, when did he come?
"Are you okay?"
When I nodded, Perdes' nose twitched.
What's okay is okay.
It seemed to say that.
“Are you okay?”
Count Martina also approached and asked worriedly.
The other nobles were also looking at me with concern.
I wanted to stand up straight and show that I was fine without Perdes' help, but unfortunately, I was in no condition to do so.
I told everyone with a little bit of pride because I was afraid that if I acted rashly I would end up even more embarrassed than I am now.
“As I said earlier, I had a minor accident on the way here, so don’t worry, I’m just a little hurt.”
Wait a minute. I think I could use this too.
For a brief moment, my head rolled quickly.
I let out a deep sigh, leaned against Perdes' chest, and spoke as if to myself, but in a voice that everyone here could clearly hear.
“No matter how much he coveted Leopold’s estate, I didn’t know he would send an assassin to kill me...”
It wasn't explicitly stated who sent the assassin, but anyone who wasn't stupid would have immediately figured out that it was the Emperor.
The nobles' eyes rolled quickly.
Some nodded their heads as if their minds had been made up.
It wasn't my intention, but getting hurt helped.
I wanted to shake the hearts of the nobles a little more, but now I really had reached my limit.
I spoke to Count Martina, barely holding on to my increasingly clouded mind.
“Now... let’s go back to the Count’s residence.”
As I was currently in no condition to ride a horse, Count Martina hurriedly brought a carriage.
All the way back to the Count's residence in the carriage, my mind drifted through the darkness like a sailboat in the storm.
I thought I had closed my eyes for a moment and then opened them again, but before I knew it, I was near Count Martina's residence.
“Are you awake?”
As I sat up, Countess Martina, sitting across from me, asked.
I nodded in response and looked at the empty seat next to me.
I don't see Perdes.
It seemed like we were definitely riding in the carriage together.
“His Highness the Prince entered the mansion first.”
"Count Martina said as if he knew who I was looking for without me having to ask."
“His Highness told me to sneak in while he is drawing the attention of others.”
“...Are you saying that we came out secretly?”
“I had to speak out to get His Highness’s help. I apologize.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for.”
As he said, he had to tell me what the situation was to get help.
The only thing that bothered me was that the person receiving help was Perdes.
Because I don't want to get help from him.
I sent him to a faraway country in the hopes that he wouldn't be involved in what was going to happen, but he ended up getting involved.
"Ha."
A sigh rose from the depths of my chest.
I know that not everything in life goes as planned, but I was annoyed and scared because things kept going wrong.
I'm afraid that even the most important things won't go as planned.
So I was scared that I would have to walk this damn road again.
Even then, I wondered if I could still maintain my sanity like I do now.
"Ha."
“Oh. You look like you’re in a lot of pain.”
Count Martina said with concern, thinking that the reason I was sighing repeatedly was because I was in pain.
“I should have gone to the hospital instead of the mansion.”
“If that were the case, everything I did outside the mansion would have been revealed.”
“But if it was really him who instigated the attack on Your Excellency the Duke...”
Count Martina's voice suddenly became quieter.
He took a quick look around the carriage with only the two of us in it and spoke in a voice so small that only I could hear.
“I think His Majesty all know. That Your Excellency lied about going to the Count’s residence and sneaked out, and that you met with the nobles of the northern region and talked about that...”
“He may know the former, but he won’t know the latter. I killed all the guys chasing me before I got to the warehouse.”
By the way, what happened to their bodies?
I knew that the Great Sage had taken Diabolos to study him, but I had no idea where he had taken him.
If it's Perdes, he'll probably know something, so I'll ask him when I see him later.
How did we get to the capital already?
“...I think so, are you okay?”
A concerned voice pushed my thoughts away.
“Sorry. I was thinking about something else for a moment and didn’t hear what you said. Excuse me, but could you say that again?”
Count Martina shook his head.
“It’s nothing. It’s just personal curiosity, so don’t worry about it.”
When you say it like that, I get even more nervous.
Knock knock.
I was just about to tell him to speak when someone knocked on the carriage door.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
He was the butler of Count Martina's residence.
He was the only one among the servants who knew about our going out.
“His Highness the Prince has said that it is now safe for you to come in.”
“Good news. Please go in, Your Excellency."
"...Yes."
I was worried that I would fall over as soon as I stood up like before, but fortunately, the paralysis seemed to have eased a little and I was able to move my legs.
My mind, which had been as hazy as fog, became quite clear.
On the other hand, the left arm that had been cut off directly was still unable to move a single finger.
I entered the Count's room safely without being noticed by anyone else and looked down at my left arm, which felt numb.
I guess I'll have to take the antidote, but what should I do?
I was reluctant to go to the hospital because it seemed like it would reveal my injury to the world.
As this fact becomes known and the world's attention is focused on me, it will be difficult for me to move secretly.
...Well, once that happens it will all disperse quickly.
“If you are reluctant to go to the hospital, should I call a doctor on the street?”
Count Martina asked me again, pinpointing exactly what I was worried about.
Doctors who treated commoners were called street doctors.
“Yeah. I think that would be better.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? I bet street doctors aren’t as skilled as doctors working in hospitals.”
"It's okay."
Even if you don't have enough skill, you should be able to make a paralysis antidote and a wound-healing potion.
“And in this state, it seems like I won’t be able to return to the palace.”
“When you bring the doctor, we will also prepare a bedroom for you to stay in.”
In times like these, it's great to have someone who is quick-witted.
“I’m sorry for causing trouble to the Count in many ways.”
“No. As comrades on the same boat, we should do this much.”
What did he just say?
Comrades on the same boat?
“Does that mean you will accept my offer?”
When I asked in surprise, Count Martina laughed out loud.
“Why are you so surprised? Did you really think I would refuse?”
“That’s not it... I didn’t know you would accept it so quickly.”
If I had explained it properly, then I wouldn't know, but if not, then I thought I would have to wait at least two days.
“Well, I have no choice. I have already helped you this much, Your Excellency. If I were to back out now, wouldn’t that just seem ridiculous?”
“...Sorry for unintentionally dragging you into it.”
“No. I had planned to be independent from the beginning, so even if you asked me for help, I would have helped you.”
For a moment the smile disappeared from Count Martina's lips.
“So, there’s one thing I’m curious about.”
"What?"
“Your Excellency, since when did you know that he was trying to swallow up Leopold’s territory?”
“I’ve known for a long time.”
It's only been about 3 years since I was born, but if you include my past life, it's been a very long time.
Count Martina's expression became serious after hearing my answer.
He stroked his chin and muttered to himself.
“...So that’s why there’s such a story going around.”
“That kind of story?”
“Hey, did you hear that?”
"Yes."
Count Martina scratched his head as if in trouble, then sighed deeply.
“It is just an unfounded rumor, but I am telling you this because I think Your Excellency should know about it.”
I nodded, meaning to tell him whatever he wanted.
Count Martina took a deep breath and spoke in a voice so small that only I could hear.
“There is a story that His Excellency the late Duke Leopold did not die trying to save His Highness the Crown Prince, but was actually murdered.”
...What?
They will accept my offer anyway.
So I tried to take my time and speak leisurely, but I was attacked and had no time to spare.
And since I was already hurt, I spoke threateningly in an impatient manner, wanting to end it quickly.
I couldn't explain as much as I wanted.
Then, the faces of the northern nobles began to show discontent and opposition.
There were also clear traces of them worrying about what to do.
“It’s unconscionable to insist that you accept my offer without showing you anything.”
I would have liked to explain in more detail, but there wasn't much time left.
It's funny to even explain it in detail now.
“In two days, I will show you my will. After seeing that, you can decide whether to follow me or the royal family.”
Since it had come to this, I thought it would be good to give them some time to think while arousing their curiosity, so I just threw out the bait and got up.
"Ah."
The moment I tried to walk forward, my vision started to spin as if I was drunk and I lost my balance.
"Be careful."
At the same time, someone grabbed me from behind and wrapped his arms around my waist.
It was Perdes.
He was just in front of the warehouse door a moment ago, when did he come?
"Are you okay?"
When I nodded, Perdes' nose twitched.
What's okay is okay.
It seemed to say that.
“Are you okay?”
Count Martina also approached and asked worriedly.
The other nobles were also looking at me with concern.
I wanted to stand up straight and show that I was fine without Perdes' help, but unfortunately, I was in no condition to do so.
I told everyone with a little bit of pride because I was afraid that if I acted rashly I would end up even more embarrassed than I am now.
“As I said earlier, I had a minor accident on the way here, so don’t worry, I’m just a little hurt.”
Wait a minute. I think I could use this too.
For a brief moment, my head rolled quickly.
I let out a deep sigh, leaned against Perdes' chest, and spoke as if to myself, but in a voice that everyone here could clearly hear.
“No matter how much he coveted Leopold’s estate, I didn’t know he would send an assassin to kill me...”
It wasn't explicitly stated who sent the assassin, but anyone who wasn't stupid would have immediately figured out that it was the Emperor.
The nobles' eyes rolled quickly.
Some nodded their heads as if their minds had been made up.
It wasn't my intention, but getting hurt helped.
I wanted to shake the hearts of the nobles a little more, but now I really had reached my limit.
I spoke to Count Martina, barely holding on to my increasingly clouded mind.
“Now... let’s go back to the Count’s residence.”
***
As I was currently in no condition to ride a horse, Count Martina hurriedly brought a carriage.
All the way back to the Count's residence in the carriage, my mind drifted through the darkness like a sailboat in the storm.
I thought I had closed my eyes for a moment and then opened them again, but before I knew it, I was near Count Martina's residence.
“Are you awake?”
As I sat up, Countess Martina, sitting across from me, asked.
I nodded in response and looked at the empty seat next to me.
I don't see Perdes.
It seemed like we were definitely riding in the carriage together.
“His Highness the Prince entered the mansion first.”
"Count Martina said as if he knew who I was looking for without me having to ask."
“His Highness told me to sneak in while he is drawing the attention of others.”
“...Are you saying that we came out secretly?”
“I had to speak out to get His Highness’s help. I apologize.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for.”
As he said, he had to tell me what the situation was to get help.
The only thing that bothered me was that the person receiving help was Perdes.
Because I don't want to get help from him.
I sent him to a faraway country in the hopes that he wouldn't be involved in what was going to happen, but he ended up getting involved.
"Ha."
A sigh rose from the depths of my chest.
I know that not everything in life goes as planned, but I was annoyed and scared because things kept going wrong.
I'm afraid that even the most important things won't go as planned.
So I was scared that I would have to walk this damn road again.
Even then, I wondered if I could still maintain my sanity like I do now.
"Ha."
“Oh. You look like you’re in a lot of pain.”
Count Martina said with concern, thinking that the reason I was sighing repeatedly was because I was in pain.
“I should have gone to the hospital instead of the mansion.”
“If that were the case, everything I did outside the mansion would have been revealed.”
“But if it was really him who instigated the attack on Your Excellency the Duke...”
Count Martina's voice suddenly became quieter.
He took a quick look around the carriage with only the two of us in it and spoke in a voice so small that only I could hear.
“I think His Majesty all know. That Your Excellency lied about going to the Count’s residence and sneaked out, and that you met with the nobles of the northern region and talked about that...”
“He may know the former, but he won’t know the latter. I killed all the guys chasing me before I got to the warehouse.”
By the way, what happened to their bodies?
I knew that the Great Sage had taken Diabolos to study him, but I had no idea where he had taken him.
If it's Perdes, he'll probably know something, so I'll ask him when I see him later.
How did we get to the capital already?
“...I think so, are you okay?”
A concerned voice pushed my thoughts away.
“Sorry. I was thinking about something else for a moment and didn’t hear what you said. Excuse me, but could you say that again?”
Count Martina shook his head.
“It’s nothing. It’s just personal curiosity, so don’t worry about it.”
When you say it like that, I get even more nervous.
Knock knock.
I was just about to tell him to speak when someone knocked on the carriage door.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
He was the butler of Count Martina's residence.
He was the only one among the servants who knew about our going out.
“His Highness the Prince has said that it is now safe for you to come in.”
“Good news. Please go in, Your Excellency."
"...Yes."
I was worried that I would fall over as soon as I stood up like before, but fortunately, the paralysis seemed to have eased a little and I was able to move my legs.
My mind, which had been as hazy as fog, became quite clear.
On the other hand, the left arm that had been cut off directly was still unable to move a single finger.
I entered the Count's room safely without being noticed by anyone else and looked down at my left arm, which felt numb.
I guess I'll have to take the antidote, but what should I do?
I was reluctant to go to the hospital because it seemed like it would reveal my injury to the world.
As this fact becomes known and the world's attention is focused on me, it will be difficult for me to move secretly.
...Well, once that happens it will all disperse quickly.
“If you are reluctant to go to the hospital, should I call a doctor on the street?”
Count Martina asked me again, pinpointing exactly what I was worried about.
Doctors who treated commoners were called street doctors.
“Yeah. I think that would be better.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? I bet street doctors aren’t as skilled as doctors working in hospitals.”
"It's okay."
Even if you don't have enough skill, you should be able to make a paralysis antidote and a wound-healing potion.
“And in this state, it seems like I won’t be able to return to the palace.”
“When you bring the doctor, we will also prepare a bedroom for you to stay in.”
In times like these, it's great to have someone who is quick-witted.
“I’m sorry for causing trouble to the Count in many ways.”
“No. As comrades on the same boat, we should do this much.”
What did he just say?
Comrades on the same boat?
“Does that mean you will accept my offer?”
When I asked in surprise, Count Martina laughed out loud.
“Why are you so surprised? Did you really think I would refuse?”
“That’s not it... I didn’t know you would accept it so quickly.”
If I had explained it properly, then I wouldn't know, but if not, then I thought I would have to wait at least two days.
“Well, I have no choice. I have already helped you this much, Your Excellency. If I were to back out now, wouldn’t that just seem ridiculous?”
“...Sorry for unintentionally dragging you into it.”
“No. I had planned to be independent from the beginning, so even if you asked me for help, I would have helped you.”
For a moment the smile disappeared from Count Martina's lips.
“So, there’s one thing I’m curious about.”
"What?"
“Your Excellency, since when did you know that he was trying to swallow up Leopold’s territory?”
“I’ve known for a long time.”
It's only been about 3 years since I was born, but if you include my past life, it's been a very long time.
Count Martina's expression became serious after hearing my answer.
He stroked his chin and muttered to himself.
“...So that’s why there’s such a story going around.”
“That kind of story?”
“Hey, did you hear that?”
"Yes."
Count Martina scratched his head as if in trouble, then sighed deeply.
“It is just an unfounded rumor, but I am telling you this because I think Your Excellency should know about it.”
I nodded, meaning to tell him whatever he wanted.
Count Martina took a deep breath and spoke in a voice so small that only I could hear.
“There is a story that His Excellency the late Duke Leopold did not die trying to save His Highness the Crown Prince, but was actually murdered.”
...What?
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