Published: July 5, 2025
The next day.
On the way to the capital of the Duchy of Atinjo, Kamphor, information was relayed from Zuluma to the two as they traveled.
"My clan... we are called the Gyuuga Clan, and we once served a nation that was destroyed by the grand duke's family. The lord of that nation no longer exists. Now, we take on assassination jobs for personal greed..."
"It seems like some assassination cult."
"..."
Ryo interjected into Zuluma's explanation, and Abel shook his head slightly.
"I believe the House Bubbly was mentioned in yesterday's conversation."
"Yes. Once... before the previous grand duke ascended to the throne, they were the great nobles of the Duchy of Atinjo, second only to the grand duke's family. However, they were stripped of much of their power by the previous grand duke. Even now, they are by no means weak... If they were to rebel, the status of that house might compel other nobles to follow them."
"Can we win?"
"If we were to clash head-on, it is likely that the grand duke's family would prevail. However, if the Gyuuga Clan were to assassinate the grand duke..."
Zuluma frowned.
Had it been the previous grand duke, such a thing would have been impossible.
Because he was a phantom being.
From the incident at the embassy, it seemed that Zuluma was unaware that Duke Helb and the previous grand duke were phantom beings, but he must have understood that they were astonishingly strong.
The elder from yesterday had referred to them as "abominations."
To give instructions, Zuluma departed from the two.
"Conflicts are happening all over the country."
Ryo grumbled, shaking his head.
"There will always be a certain number of people who seek power in any country."
Abel shrugged.
"In that regard, you are fortunate, Abel."
"Huh? Is it because Ryo doesn't crave power?"
"It's because our chancellor is not aiming for the throne."
"That's true."
"If Count Heinlein aimed for the throne, he'd definitely be taken down."
"That's also true. Well, if that time comes, I'd gladly yield."
At Ryo's words, Abel shrugged once more.
This king also seems to be the type who does not cling too much to power.
"By the way, I am the type who clings to power."
Ryo said with an oddly proud expression, puffing out his chest.
"Is that so?"
Abel questioned, skeptical.
"With power, I can obtain cake privileges!"
"What if you were told that if you relinquished your power, you could have free cake and coffee every day?"
"Of course, I’d definitely give up power. Free cake and coffee every day? It’s a no-brainer."
"Yeah, it doesn’t seem like you’re the type to cling to power. You seem more like the type to cling to food."
"Huh?"
The reason why the Naitorei Kingdom enjoys peace... a part of it was revealed.
That afternoon, the group arrived at the capital of the Duchy of Atinjo, Kamphor.
As the group arrived, they passed by troops exiting Kamphor.
"That's a large army on the scale of tens of thousands?"
"Is it for the subjugation of a local rebellion?"
Both Ryo and Abel watched, unsure of what was happening.
Ryo and Abel were guided by Zuluma into the royal palace.
"Welcome!"
The new grand duke Bash came down the stairs to greet the two.
He was smiling, indeed, smiling.
However, there was a shadow in his demeanor.
The reason for that was likely due to the unrest in the country.
"Duke Rondo and Lord Abel, I am sorry for involving you in our nation's conflict."
"Ah, no, your majesty, please raise your head."
Bash bowed his head, surprising Ryo.
"I heard a general explanation from Zuluma."
"Did Zuluma perhaps mention his clan's story as well?"
"Yes. It seems that those who attacked yesterday were from that clan, so he had no choice but to share."
"I see."
From the way Bash spoke, it seemed that not only Duke Helb but the new grand duke Bash in front of him also knew about Zuluma's origins and the fact that his clan had turned against them.
The two were led to Bash's private chamber.
"First, this Holy Sword..."
"Thank you very much."
Thus, the Holy Sword Tati-en was returned from Ryo to Bash.
"I must apologize for the timing of this."