Jack of All Trades, Party of None

Felix Roots Kreuzer, having invaded the Nohitant Kingdom, hurried back to the imperial capital after discussing reparations and other matters with Lazarus Edington in Rugau.

As he walked through the imperial castle, his expression was so terrifying that it instilled fear in anyone who saw it.

Without hesitation, he quickened his pace and made his way deeper into the castle, forcefully opening the door to his destination.

Inside the room, the current emperor of the empire, Helmut Roots Kreuzer, was conversing with Oswell MacLeod, who had been the head of the magical weapon development office directly under the emperor’s control for about two years.

Both men turned their gaze toward the door.

“Your Highness, this is His Majesty the Emperor’s office. Entering without knocking is unacceptable, even if you are his son,” Oswell said sternly upon seeing Felix enter.

“Oswell? Why are you here instead of holed up in the laboratory as usual?”

“Holed up? That’s unfair. I’ve been working day and night for this country. Besides, I do go out sometimes. See? I’m here now,” Oswell replied.

“...I have an important matter to discuss with Father. Please leave,” Felix said sharply.

“I refuse. I’m also in the middle of an important discussion with His Majesty right now. Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”

“That’s correct. Since when have you become so arrogant? And what about the invasion of Rugau?” The emperor, agreeing with Oswell’s words, scolded Felix with a stern expression.

“...I apologize for my rudeness. But the matter I wish to discuss concerns precisely that invasion of Rugau.”

“Ha… So it turned out just as Oswell predicted…” The emperor sighed deeply upon hearing Felix mention the invasion.

“It is truly regrettable. Your Majesty, what shall we do?”

“W-wait! I don’t know what you’re talking about, but please listen to me!”

Sensing from the atmosphere between the emperor and Oswell that the situation was turning unfavorable for him, Felix anxiously opened his mouth.

“Your Majesty, you must not listen to this man. The moment you heed his words, he may be plotting to stab you in the back.”

“W-what... Oswell! What have you been telling Father?!”

“Don’t say such unpleasant things. When things go bad, are you planning to make me the villain next?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! You’re the one who came to this country and caused all this! It’s because of you that Father has become like this!”

“That’s a baseless accusation. And such words are an insult to His Majesty. Ah, but I suppose it doesn’t matter to you, since you are attempting to kill the emperor. Alas, to think you’ve become so arrogant. This is also our fault for failing to rein in Your Highness, who got a big head after conquering the Great Labyrinth in the west. My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“That is not your burden to bear. It is merely my foolish son’s immaturity. Felix, this is your last chance. Apologize to Oswell sincerely. If you do, I will overlook your earlier insolence by placing you under house arrest.”

“Wha?! Are you serious? Father, please remember all the things this man has been pushing since he came to this country! He is—…ugh, what’s happening suddenly—”

As Felix desperately tried to get the emperor’s attention, he suddenly grimaced and clutched his head.

Almost immediately, as if his magical tool had run out of mana, he lost consciousness with a faint snap and collapsed.

“Well done, Philly,” the emperor said, addressing the person who had taken Felix’s consciousness.

The space in the corner of the room shimmered, and Philly Carpenter, who had been hiding using Hide, appeared.

“I am honored by your praise, Your Majesty.”

“So, has he become my loyal servant now?”

“No. He is only asleep for now. I will proceed to brainwash him and turn him into a puppet who obeys your commands. Please allow me some time.”

“Very well. I leave it to you.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Your Majesty, the operation was a success. We have eliminated the chief troublemaker plotting rebellion and gained the most powerful piece on the board.”