The Returned Sword King Decided to Become a Tyrant Episode 6
Back to the past (6)
“What? Suicide?!”
The king jumped up from his seat and shouted, because he had received a report he had never expected.
At this, the reporter who was continuing the report nodded while wiping away the cold sweat.
“Yes. We understand that he committed suicide after his involvement in the rebellion was discovered.”
“So what happened to the information about the accomplices?”
“We are sorry. When we found him, he was already dead… … .”
“Huh!”
I thought this was a heaven-sent opportunity, but I never thought I’d blow it so easily…
The King sighed and said, clutching his aching head.
“Are there any new findings?”
“Yes. First, we checked with the nobles who were usually friendly with Viscount Onoreo, and most of them were only superficial acquaintances who had no involvement in this incident.”
“……and?”
“Also, based on the passwords we have obtained, we are closely examining the viscount’s safes found in the mansion.”
“for a moment.”
The King raised his right hand and stopped the knight’s report. His eyebrows quirked in suspicion at the recent conversation.
“You got the password? Didn’t you say that the Count was already dead when you found him?”
“That, that… … .”
The knight, who had been biting his lips as if he was in trouble, answered in a crawling voice.
“I have completed the code based on the documents submitted by His Highness the Prince.”
“… … Is that document evidence that proves that Viscount Honoreo participated in the rebellion?”
“Yes.”
“It was the First Prince who found out that he was involved in the rebellion, and it was the First Prince who brought back proof of this. And it was the First Prince who gave us a clue to the code… .”
“… … .”
The Knights of Argon, the third order of knights under the direct control of the royal family. Unlike the Royal Guardian Knights who guard the palace and the Knights of the Sun who fight on the front lines of war, they are not a knight order specialized in battle.
What they are fighting for is internal order. They are a kind of investigative team that gathers intelligence and moves to enforce justice.
So, it was not the King who should be embarrassed now, but the Knights of Argon who had been diligently conducting espionage activities.
“Wasn’t the Knights of Argon originally investigating Viscount Honoreo?”
“That’s… … That, that’s right.”
“Huh! I was told to help the First Prince and punish those bastards, but all you did was stand by and do nothing? It would be fortunate if you didn’t end up holding the First Prince back.”
“… … I have no face.”
“Tsk, that’s enough. This time, I completely trusted and entrusted it to the First Prince.”
The knight bowed his head deeply and showed an attitude of reflection. Meanwhile, the king’s mind was filled with thoughts about the first prince.
‘Allen Esteban. When did you grow up so much… … .’
Memories of that time when I delegated full authority come to mind.
That day, when I called the first prince, who had finished his period of self-reflection, to tell him about the current situation.
While informing the nobles about the establishment of the information department, he tried to be as cautious as possible in hopes of not hurting the weak first prince.
but…….
-Trust me and leave the work to me.
The sight of my son, smiling coldly and brushing his hair back as if nothing had happened.
Not only did it feel awkward, but I was also taken aback by his overly confident appearance.
As if he had really anticipated this situation… … .
Since he had asked me to do it with such confidence, I entrusted him with everything as if I was possessed, if only to acknowledge his contribution in uncovering the Asus incident.
But what is this?
It hasn’t even been a week since I delegated full authority on the Asus incident.
It was amazing that he was able to resolve the issue so quickly and return in such a short period of time.
“What is the opinion of the nobles?”
“Most people are keeping a close eye on things for fear of causing unnecessary trouble. Of course, the prevailing public opinion is admiration for His Highness the First Prince’s abilities.”
“… … Is that so.”
Even though he had already defeated two nobles, public opinion was not bad. In any case, the nobles only saw him as someone who was taking the lead and moving forward for the sake of the country.
From the father’s point of view, it was not a bad situation, it was the best possible situation.
‘But if there is too much, it is worse than not having enough.’
The continuous purges that have continued since the time of Asus will inevitably create a sense of anxiety and fear among the nobles.
Especially now, when sensitive issues such as intelligence agencies overlap.
In the end, it didn’t matter how the First Prince got his hands on the information.
‘I hope it works out well… … .’
What was on the king’s mind now was not anxiety about the future.
Between the impatience to continue building a better country and the worry about my son carrying the burden.
Before we knew it, the first prince was no longer a weak being who created anxiety in the king’s heart.
“So what is the First Prince doing now? Is he finding out more information about the instigator?”
“… … That’s it.”
This time the knight, in a different sense, was in trouble, scratching his head and saying:
“He said, ‘There is enough evidence, so do what you want,’ and stepped away from the matter. He said there was something he absolutely had to do… … .”
“… … .”
In that moment, the king’s evaluation of the first prince almost changed again.
* * *
After a day of rest, I immediately called Baron Vidor. Soon after, the door to the office opened and the Baron appeared.
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George, who followed along as if it was a given, was a bonus.
“Your Majesty. Have you called?”
“hmm.”
“I heard that Your Majesty, with your foresight, you captured the nobles who were plotting a rebellion. You are truly amazing.”
“It looks like the rumor has already spread.”
Although they said it was for the sake of example, it wasn’t wrong because it was all planned.
By the way… … .
Although he summoned Baron Vidor, the one who really caught his eye was George.
A black suit and silver lanyard, a departure from the simple attire he had previously worn. Although it didn’t seem to go together, his demeanor was clearly that of an aide to a baron.
I tilted my head in confusion at the slightly odd situation.
“George’s clothes are strange.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Actually, that’s… … .”
Baron Vidor held out the documents he had in his arms with a stern expression. At first glance, the contents seemed to contain a sentence about the appointment of an aide.
“Appointment of an aide… … .”
“I have decided to follow His Majesty’s wishes to appoint George as his aide, but I have judged that he will not be able to properly carry out his wishes if he is merely educated.”
“I appointed you as my aide for better practical training?”
“Yes, that’s right. After all, this incident also happened, and if Your Majesty is uncomfortable… … .”
“Well done.”
“… … Cancel immediately… … Yes?”
Baron Vidor’s expression suddenly changed to a blank one. I said as I carefully placed the documents in the first drawer.
“Isn’t that your decision based on my consideration? Why are you making that face?”
“Ha, but… … I dare to ask the person who will become His Highness the Crown Prince’s aide… … .”
“I prefer situations that benefit me to useless formalities.”
Even if an action was done without permission, if it turned out to be right, it can be tolerated.
Of course, if it was a perfect decision like this one, it would be even better.
“Please continue to work hard for me in the future.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“Then let’s get to the main point.”
Gulp-
My voice lowered as I looked at the calendar displayed on one side of the office. The Baron’s throat trembled at the sudden change in my mood.
“What is the official schedule for this month?”
“A month from now, a diplomatic delegation from the Federal Empire will officially visit the palace.”
“I see. You finally took the bait.”
Asus, who had attempted to assassinate the king and stage a rebellion, was no longer called a count.
Also, his family is in a prison in the palace, waiting for the day of death.
It was a given that the same thing would happen to Viscount Onoreo.
In the midst of all this, the strong protest sent to the Empire must have been too heavy a subject to be swept under the rug. But the important thing now was not about them.
“What else?”
“Well, there’s nothing planned right now.”
“A month… … It’s pretty short.”
I can’t help but sigh.
The one month before they came was the only time we had to prepare for the uncertain future.
‘The things I know about the future are only what happens when the sequence of events meshes together like gears.’
But it was already clear that the future would be greatly distorted by the aftereffects of my actions.
In particular, killing Count Asus, who was the king’s closest confidant and the center of the nobles, would not have been a light matter.
‘As if there were people trying to restrict my actions.’
Although I had strengthened my position by showing the appearance of a righteous royal family, it was only natural that forces hostile to me would arise in return.
That’s why I had to start moving steadily from now on, to establish a foundation that was strong enough to withstand even the pressure of the empire.
I said to George, who still had a sullen look on his face.
“Can you guess now why I need you?”
“… … Well, I heard that they thought highly of my work-related abilities.”
“What I want to hear is not such superficial reasons.”
George looked at me as if asking why I was asking such a thing. Then, as if he had noticed something, he reluctantly nodded and continued speaking.
“You probably wanted to do something covert, like embezzlement, deception, or conspiracy. Like you showed me this time.”
“hmm.”
“If there is anything His Majesty desires now… … I think it would be to the extent of gathering information.”
“That’s correct.”
“Now, just a moment!”
The conversation between the two progressed at a rapid pace. Eventually, Baron Vidor, who did not understand the situation, hurriedly joined in the conversation.
“What’s going on?”
“Secret actions? Embezzlement? What kind of nonsense is that?”
Out of the blue?
There’s no way such words would come out without a reason, right? I answered in a nonchalant tone.
“Of course I’m saying that because that’s what his abilities are specialized for.”
“Ah, so you specialize in that kind of thing… … Huh?!”
I looked at the Baron, whose face was becoming increasingly astonished, and smiled.
“Haven’t you heard yet? That guy is a criminal who has been committing all sorts of frauds at the top?”
“Th, what the heck is that… … .”
“Judging by your reaction, it seems you didn’t hear it.”
You mean you appointed me as your aide without even knowing that? I said, patting the Baron on the shoulder, who was making a dumbfounded expression.
“I expect a proper education. If the Baron’s budget runs out, I will pay for it instead.”
“Eww!”
Then, the Baron starts acting strangely, muttering incomprehensible words like, “I’m screwed”, “I’ve been tricked”, etc.
Leaving this behind, I approached George.
“Gather information. That is my first order to you. Use any method you like.”
“… … Well, I guess I get what you mean.”
“You seem confident.”
At first glance, it seemed like he was just giving a half-assed answer, but to me, who already knew his abilities and personality, his simple statement that he had a rough idea was the most reliable.
“So, what information do we need to collect?”
“Do you know my current situation?”
“I heard that public opinion among the nobles has been in turmoil since Asus was killed.”
“You know very well.”
I nodded and continued.
“There must be others manipulating public opinion, aside from the idiots we just killed. Let’s find out about every single one of them.”
“… … Is that all? At least bring me the weaknesses of those nobles… … .”
“I hate being told twice. Did I just ask you to find out that?”
Then the guy narrowed his eyes as if he didn’t like it.
“You look down on me.”
I feel the same way. I don’t doubt his ability, to be exact, but I think he lacks experience.
I deliberately pushed the guy away with a tone of voice that was rude.
“You can think whatever you want. I gave you plenty of time, so you won’t use the excuse of an adjustment period, right?”
“You may regret that it was useless information.”
It didn’t matter what information I brought in the first place.
Because even a single bit of information he brought could be an important clue to me, who knows the knowledge of the future.
‘It’s something that can be done just by combining the flow of events.’
That doesn’t mean the information he brings is useless. Rather, it could be said to be the most necessary information in the current situation.
The calculations had already been completed.
All subsequent actions as well.
but.
‘… … There must be something I have to take care of before that.’
My eyes landed on George, then quickly looked away.
It was a gaze that was surprisingly calm and settled.
