Lee Han opened his mouth as if he was convinced by her explanation.
“Anyway, I get that we hate each other.”
“…It’s not that simple.”
Isis seemed to have a regretful tone, as if she was thinking of giving a history lecture, but he only wanted to know the current reality rather than study history, and asked again what the significance of the prince's birthday was.
Okay then.
“I would have told you this time last year. Why Arthur’s presence is so important.”
“…?”
“Have you already forgotten?”
“I tend to only remember what I need to….”
“You worthless bastard…! Didn’t I tell you! My child is the bridge that will connect Pendragon and Britain!”
“I think that was the case?”
“…That rotten bastard.”
Isis had an expression on her face that said she would rather die than suffer, but she continued her explanation.
“My child Arthur is the only one who inherits the blood of both the House of Pendragon and the House of Brittan. This means that the presence of this child will be a great excuse to dilute the feud between Britain and Pendragon.”
In a monarchy, what ultimately becomes important is 'blood'.
Even if they are of noble blood, they are acknowledged by the people, and in the case of blood with the blessing of the dragon, such as Pendragon, they tend to be regarded as even more sacred.
Likewise… .
“Britain also values its own blood.”
In Britain, the worship of royalty continues even to this day.
In some ways, it might have been even more bloodthirsty than the Pendragon.
In that sense, the existence of Crown Prince Arthur, who inherited the blood of each royal family, would be an appropriate justification for uniting the two kingdoms.
so.
“This banquet is not simply a debutante party for young children. It is the first appearance of the future great king who will unite the will of the South. Therefore, this banquet must be a success and there must be no mishaps.”
“…….”
“You may think that’s the reason, but this is the realm of politics. So raising an army is something we should not do right now. We cannot afford for this banquet to fail.”
“…That’s certainly a reason I can’t accept.”
Lee Han nodded his head with all his might.
I guess I agree with what you said.
But, I can understand it, I can understand it… .
“Then how are you going to solve it? With so many uncertainties, are you going to go all the way?”
Lee Han asked.
Is there a solution to this problem?
For reference.
“This time I won’t solve it.”
“…….”
“I will help catch fanatics, but I have no intention of getting involved in politics. To be honest, I feel like this kingdom has become really incompetent lately. What happened to the kingdom being full of traitors?”
This wasn't the only time it happened.
Just look at all the people he has taken down in the past year, how incompetent must the kingdom be for so many traitors and collaborators to be there?
From the lower classes to merchants and even nobles, people of all kinds were cooperating with the Blood Crusade, and seeing this, this was what Lee Han thought.
“I know it’s a bit weird for me to say this, but this kingdom could have collapsed at any moment. If it weren’t for me and the others, it might have really come to an end. But how long do I have to keep coming out? Honestly, I just want to focus on the fanatics, but do I have to pay attention to those damn nobles? They keep coming out, not even flies….”
Incompetent. This was the most appropriate word to describe the current kingdom, and Lee Han clicked his tongue.
“There may be a shortage of people, and there is nothing that can be done about the lack of people. But at least, isn’t that what a kingdom shouldn’t be like? Sister, I’m sorry, but there is a limit to what I can do out of loyalty, and I don’t expect anything more in return from you. Oh, and by the way, the ambrosia has already been scheduled to be given, so don’t change the subject.”
“…What a fucking bastard.”
“So, is there anything wrong with what I said?”
“So that’s what you mean, you son of a bitch. You don’t say a single wrong thing…. You little shit, do you really have to beat your sister with words like that?”
Rarely did ISIS even refute, only getting angry.
No, to be exact, there was nothing that could be refuted.
If it weren't for him, this kingdom might not have fallen, but it would have faced dozens of more crises of equal magnitude.
But if she denied it, she would become a worthless person who did not know grace.
“Whew…. It is an undeniable fact that our country is on the verge of ruin.”
“…….”
It's embarrassing to see someone admitting their own shortcomings like that.
Because I knew you'd be as shameless as usual.
Is that why?
he is….
“…I’d rather ascend to the throne.”
I ended up unconsciously saying something a little too provocative.
“…….”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying this because I need money or a title. I’m just saying that if the King is lacking, you should step up and take the lead. … If I said something unpleasant, I apologize.”
“…….”
“Oh, I apologize!”
Still, perhaps because he thought she was angry, Lee Han grumbled and apologized, but she still held back her words.
And then soon… .
“Ahahahaha!”
“?”
… Isis started laughing like crazy.
As if I had just heard the funniest story in the world.
The way she smiled without even thinking about dignity or manners made her look like a country woman.
It was such a refreshing laugh.
“Ha! My brother-in-law was planning to make me die by hurting my stomach? If that was the case, I commend him. He almost succeeded.”
“Where on earth was the point of laughter?”
“Everything. It’s so funny how you talk about the throne so casually, like you’re adopting a pet, haha.”
“…Are you saying that I was arrogant?”
“No, that’s not it. You have every right to be arrogant.”
for example.
“Lord Garnok mentioned that you were stronger than him. That alone makes you one of the strongest men in the South.”
“Are you talking about that old man of Modred?”
"okay."
“…I’m probably 40 years younger than that gentleman, so of course I could be stronger….”
To these objections:
“-He was the vice-captain of the White Dragon Knights, and was one of the Ten Swords of the South, and was ranked as the Third Sword. Incidentally, the one who was ranked as the Second Sword is the leader of the Wolves of the current Wilderness, and is also known as the Mercenary King.”
“…….”
I was able to hear an unexpected history along with firm words.
“For your reference, in case you don’t know, the White Dragon Knights were once… no, they were the strongest knight order in the history of Pendragon. Regardless of origin, ethnicity, gender, race, or religion, they were said to be a knight order that ‘anyone who was strong could join.’”
“Then the captain…?”
“Of course it was Sir Baltar. Incidentally, he is the first of the Ten Southern Swords. …Unfortunately,”
“…….”
“Do you understand now? Even though you are old, your abilities are not inferior to those of your youth. Lord Ganok said that you are superior to him. This means that your strength has actually risen to a level that is considered one of the best in this kingdom. And if you were to put your mind to it, you could easily overthrow a castle.”
“…….”
Rather than listening to such praise, Lee Han was busy blinking at the influx of new information.
The White Dragon Knights, the Southern Ten Swords, and all that kind of childish stuff…
'Oh, is it something like the Ten Masters of Murim?'
Lee Han thought that it was childishness that made sense when he thought about it in the martial arts world's way, and he found it interesting that he knew quite a few of them.
Of course, Baltar and Ganoch, and in the case of the Mercenary King… .
'Didn't you say that our mercenary kid was that gentleman's disciple?'
It just so happens that I have a connection with a cadet under me.
I thought that this is why fate is so interesting, and when I was about to ask why Ganok, who was a Samgeom, defeated the Mercenary King and became the Vice-Captain.
“…But your true strength is probably ‘people’. You have a certain level of friendship with Galahad and Lionel, Tristan and Modred, and even Offen and Guinevere, and you have a strong cooperative relationship with the Guild. Looking at this, if you truly take my side, it seems like there won’t be a big problem even if you usurp the throne, hehe.”
Isis smiled happily as if she was happy just imagining it, and she looked at him with a gaze that said he was incomparably wonderful.
but.
“But that won’t do. No, at least I have to become king on my own. So unfortunately, I don’t think I can get your help.”
“…I guess it’s more romantic than I thought?”
Is it not your place to borrow other people's strength?
What are you talking about…?
“That’s not the case. If it’s about seizing power, are the means and methods important? It’s not about choosing the means and methods. However….”
“?”
“Unfortunately, it has a weakness.”
“Application, point?”
“My weakness. My father… is the one who knows my only ‘weakness’. That’s why I must ascend to the throne according to the rules. As long as I have that weakness, I can never use the help of others or even special tricks. The only thing allowed is the rules…”
“…….”
… it felt awkward.
Isis, this always confident lady, is the first to say something weak.
Also, the word 'weakness' was strangely engraved in my mind.
I don’t know what it is, but… .
'This really is a difficult weakness.'
Lee Han didn't even bother to ask or predict what her weaknesses were.
No matter how close you are, there is a line that must be kept, and there is no need for you to know that weakness yourself.
instead.
“I don’t know what it is, but cheer up.”
“…Thank you.”
“I’m not saying I’ll help you though.”
“……That damn guy. He controls people’s moods.”
Isis's eyes widened as if she was annoyed, but she didn't look upset.
like that.
“Don’t worry. I will take care of the pests in the kingdom without you having to shed any unnecessary blood.”
“Are you confident, really?”
“There is a hidden trick. Also, if I do something….”
Swish.
“I guess I’ll have to beg the insolent butler.”
“…….”
“I hope that doesn’t happen.”
“…Would you stop laughing and start lying, please?”
"oh?"
“Oh my, don’t even think about going somewhere and acting.”
Lee Han clicked his tongue.
What does it mean for the butler, a former heretic inquisitor, to step forward?
‘That butler, he definitely had a special talent when he was on active duty…’
-Did you say to exterminate the nine clans?
“Ugh….”
… Lee Han hoped that, if possible, none of his disciples’ families would have any connection to them.
