## Chapter 531 – 531. The Plum Blossom Swordsman Reincarnated Into The Baek Family
531. The Plum Blossom Swordsman Reincarnated into the Baek Family
“I will pass the title of Count to my son who has made the greatest contribution in this war.”
It was a bombshell of a statement that left countless nobles speechless and dumbfounded for a moment.
“…Are you out of your mind? A Count?”
Marquis Petras’s words were somewhat rude, but they represented the feelings of most of the nobles, including myself.
Ention’s statement meant that he would send his three heir candidates, his own children, to the battlefield. In common sense, an heir is someone who must be protected. They are the ones who must lead the family if something happens to the current head.
Even if nobles themselves go to the battlefield when a war breaks out, they never send their heirs. The heir is the future of the family.
“I am in my right mind. Gent, Kyle, Eugene. Step forward.”
My brothers, who were scattered throughout the banquet hall, stepped forward. I tried my best to maintain a blank expression while observing the faces of my other brothers.
Gent’s face momentarily crumpled before he put on his usual relaxed expression. I didn’t miss the moment when Gent’s face twisted with betrayal.
‘I thought he knew Ention’s intentions since he was showing interest in mercenaries… It seems he had no idea at all.’
Kyle’s expression remained stiff throughout. It seemed that Kyle also didn’t like Ention’s statement.
Ention looked at the three of us once and said,
“The Prucus family is a family that was built in war. Therefore, those who will carry the name of Prucus must not fear war. They must also not be incompetent. Prove your worth in war.”
Ention continued,
“If you want to withdraw from the war, say it here now. There will be no disadvantages except that you will not be able to become the heir of the Prucus family.”
However, no one had any intention of withdrawing.
“I will prove myself on the battlefield as my father wishes.”
Gent said. He had lived on the front lines with Ention. There was no reason for him to be greatly afraid of war.
“Father. What is the deadline? Is it until the end of the war?”
Kyle asked about the end.
“Basically, yes. But if the war drags on, it will be three years. Three years after the start of the war, I will directly assess your contributions and declare the heir.”
The other brothers spoke up, and I couldn’t stay silent either.
“What kind of support can we receive from the family?”
“There is no support. Preparing for war is also your responsibility. It doesn’t matter if you join the military and rise from the bottom. It doesn’t matter if you participate with the help of someone else. There is only one condition to become the heir. It is to make contributions in the war.”
This was going to be troublesome.
Each of my brothers had the power to lead soldiers.
As the eldest son, Gent could mobilize soldiers with his solid foundation. The noble forces that followed him would be a great help.
The second son, Kyle, was a top-tier expert. Soldiers would naturally follow him.
‘On the other hand, I have money. It’s not a bad condition.’
None of us backed down. Ention nodded in satisfaction at the sight.
“Tsk. Those Prucus bastards are all displeasing.”
Marquis Petras muttered in annoyance.
“Secondly. When war breaks out, we will not only focus on defense. We will invade the Valt Kingdom and seize territory.”
The Valt Kingdom.
A kingdom that bordered the eastern border of the Rapelli Kingdom.
“Count Prucus! What is the meaning of saying that so proudly here?! Do you think there are no ears of the Valt Kingdom here?!”
The Duke raised his voice. Ention answered without even raising an eyebrow.
“The Valt Kingdom was an enemy nation. In the last great war, tens of thousands of soldiers lost their lives in the war against the Valt Kingdom. The same goes for the previous wars. We have already built an irreversible history with the Valt Kingdom. The Valt Kingdom is a nation that must be destroyed for our future. Does Your Grace wish for friendly relations with the Valt Kingdom?”
“……”
The Duke closed his mouth. Invading was not pleasant, but defending the Valt Kingdom was an act of treason.
“Everyone. War is approaching. Do not forget this fact and enjoy today’s banquet. I will be a hindrance if I stay, so I will withdraw now.”
Ention threw a storm into the banquet hall and quietly slipped away.
The nobles moved busily. They either followed Ention out of the banquet hall or approached us brothers instead.
‘Things are going to get busy. Minerals, armor, weapons, food… Everything will go up in price. Other countries will also start preparing for war in earnest.’
The war for resources had already begun. And I would be the winner of this war. I had prepared in advance, and I could also bring things from another world.
‘Hehe. Things have gone a bit differently than I expected, but it’s good anyway. I can make a lot of money.’
As proof, nobles were already approaching me with the best smiles they could muster. Even though I was clearly a young noble in their eyes, they were watching my every move.
“Baron Prucus. I am Baron Renmidle, serving Count Repulg of the South. If you don’t mind, could we talk for a moment? It’s not a story that will harm you. It’s a story for all of us, and for the Rapelli Kingdom.”
“Your mouth is full of empty words again. Didn’t I tell you last time that there was no sincerity in your words? Baron Prucus. Talk to me. I have a story that will pique your interest.”
“As expected, Baron Prucus is very popular. I have come to offer you a proposal that will be beneficial and profitable. I promise you will not regret it.”
Numerous nobles flocked to me.
Most of them were coming because of the money I had and the Korea Trading Company.
“Now, calm down. I’m not going anywhere. There’s plenty of time, so let’s talk slowly.”
***
The banquet continued until the next day. However, the number of people enjoying the banquet was less than half of the previous day.
I had a chance to talk with Princess Eileen. Princess Eileen had sought me out first.
“Baron Prucus. May I have a word with you?”
Princess Eileen’s voice was polite. It could be said to be emotionless.
“Yes. I have plenty of time. There is an empty room. Let’s go there.”
Princess Eileen had a maid with her, and I brought Yuria. The maid who was following Princess Eileen was no ordinary person. I knew because she appeared in the original story.
Aridna.
A woman with neat black hair and mysterious gray eyes. She was an assassin at the upper level of an Aura Expert. She was probably stronger than most knights.
Princess Eileen and I sat facing each other. She turned her gaze to Yuria, who was standing next to me.
“The maid who holds the real power of the Korea Trading Company. Was her name Yuria?”
As expected, Princess Eileen knew about Yuria to some extent.
Yuria looked at me. When I nodded, Yuria answered Eileen.
“Yes. Yuria Grace.”
“She has a very beautiful appearance for a maid. There must be many problems.”
“There are no problems that Your Highness needs to worry about.”
“Silver-blue hair and blue eyes. The characteristics of the Helbrit Duchy. What is your relationship with the destroyed Helbrit Duchy?”
“I have no relationship. The color of my hair and eyes just happened to overlap.”
I intervened between Princess Eileen and Yuria. Princess Eileen was openly trying to dig into Yuria.
Yuria was my wild card. I planned to hide her as long as I could. I had no intention of giving Princess Eileen any information now.
“Your Highness. Didn’t you come to talk to me? I’m offended.”
“…I’m sorry, Baron. I was curious about her, as she holds the real power, because it is related to the Korea Trading Company.”
“The Korea Trading Company… What’s the problem?”
“Lower-ranking nobles and merchants related to the Korea Trading Company are dying periodically. Their deaths seem to benefit the Korea Trading Company.”
“Is that so? What a strange coincidence.”
Princess Eileen knew, I knew, and those who were watching the Korea Trading Company knew that we were using assassinations without hesitation. But no one could officially acknowledge it. The Korea Trading Company had already grown to the point where it could not be easily touched.
“I thought she might know something, as she holds the real power. Perhaps she did it without your knowledge, Baron.”
“Even if Yuria holds the real power of the Korea Trading Company, she is always by my side. There is nothing that Your Highness is thinking of.”
“……”
“……”
Our eyes met in the air. Her eyes were calm. She showed neither anger nor hatred. On the other hand, I stared at her somewhat openly.
“Baron. It’s not too late yet.”
“What do you mean?”
“My brother does not have the qualities of a king. If my brother becomes king, the kingdom will not last even ten years.”
“Your Highness. A king does not necessarily have to support the country alone.”
“…It seems that your opinion is firm, so there is no need to talk further. I will leave now.”
Princess Eileen stood up. I read hostility in her eyes, which had felt nothing.
“I will not see you off. I have something to think about for a moment.”
Princess Eileen left.
Perhaps this was the last chance she had given me.
‘Given Princess Eileen’s personality, she will use me like a hunting dog and then boil me alive in the end. It’s only natural, considering what I’ve done so far.’
I had no intention of getting along with Princess Eileen. She would kneel between my legs someday.
Bang!
The door opened, and an uninvited guest arrived.
A man with a face similar to Princess Eileen’s. It was Prince Aiden.
“…What are you doing, Aiden? I don’t remember agreeing to meet separately.”
“What am I doing? That’s what I should be asking! What did you talk about with that bitch?!”
His tone was as rude as before. I had let him do as he pleased while supporting him with funds, and he had become arrogant without knowing his place. I was about to instill some manners into him like before, but I stopped myself.
“She told me to come under her.”
“That damn bitch…!”
Prince Aiden trembled. I could feel his anger and anxiety. Since the Helbrit Duchy had been destroyed by Yuria, Prince Aiden’s only hope was me.
“…Baron. You didn’t join hands with that bitch, did you?”
“Why would I when I have you?”
At my answer, Prince Aiden seemed relieved and patted his chest.
“Whew… That’s a relief. That bitch is my sister, but she’s too arrogant. She’s been ignoring me, her older brother, since we were young, and she’s aiming for the throne without knowing her place when I, the eldest son, am still alive and well. Baron. That bitch’s mouth is like a viper’s. Don’t believe her words.”
“I know. More importantly, you haven’t forgotten our promise, have you?”
“Of course. If you make me king, I’ll give you Eileen. I don’t care if you use her as a slave, cut off her limbs, or execute her. In my opinion, the latter would be cleaner and better.”
“I’ll decide what to do with Princess Eileen. You should be more careful about your own safety.”
“Careful? What are you talking about? Is someone targeting me?”
Fear and anxiety immediately appeared on Aiden’s face.
To think that I had to make such a worthless guy a king… I really seemed like a great guy.
“It’s Princess Eileen. Isn’t the king’s condition worsening? The reason Princess Eileen hasn’t killed you is because she’s watching the king’s eyes. As the king is dying, there’s no need to watch his eyes.”
“Th, that bitch would do such a thing…!”
“Do you think Princess Eileen can’t do it? Princess Eileen has many followers. It’s nothing for her to sacrifice one of them to assassinate you.”
“Th, that bitch would do that. Damn it. What should I do?! A, a bodyguard! Get me a bodyguard!”
“You already have bodyguards. If you don’t do anything foolish, they will protect you, so there’s no problem.”
The knights who were guarding Aiden were those who were listed in the Helbrit Duchy’s ledger and register. In other words, they were people who could not betray him easily.
“Okay. What should I do now?”
“Go back to your room and sleep.”
