Kill the Emperor

Translator: AkazaTL

Pr/Ed: Sol IX

***

Chapter 110 : Knight Knocking on the Wall

“How could I dare to touch the sword the Former Family Head will use…….”

“It is fine, so try holding it. It will be a good experience for you too.”

Even though Ismael waved his hands, I repeatedly encouraged him to grab the sword.

Eventually, Ismael grabbed the handle with a cautious expression.

“……!”

The moment he grabbed the sword.

Ismael felt as if his Blade Aura was being sucked straight into the sword.

It seemed that it was not just his imagination.

Voom-

Actually, the sword that sucked up Ismael’s Aura began to flash, emitting an unusual light.

“Now you know, right? Why I made a Sealing Tool. This guy is a cursed sword.”

If Pierce or another Haken member carried this sword as is, they would not last half a day before collapsing from exhaustion.

That is how voracious an appetite this sword had.

“I remember saying I would find a sword that suits you. But a suitable item rarely appears. As you can see, it seems too much for you to use this guy.”

“Haha, yes, it seems that way. It would be too shameful if a martial artist collapsed unable to handle his own weapon.”

“Don’t blame yourself too much though. Actually, this guy is burdensome for me too.”

“Even for you…… Commander?”

“Yeah. This guy is too much for me too.”

To Ismael’s question, I nodded refreshingly.

When I first held this sword in the labyrinth a few days ago, I knew immediately.

With my current stage, I cannot handle this greedy fellow.

But…….

‘If it is the Famous Sword of Zodiac, the story is different.’

Is it because I broke through the wall of the 7th Star?

Redin’s stage as a swordsman, which was only blurry and unpredictable, felt somewhat visible recently.

‘The Former Family Head has probably far surpassed the stage of the 8th Star. Though he hasn’t reached the 9th Star yet. He is probably struggling somewhere on that boundary.’

The wall of the 9th Star was high and lofty, enough that even a genius like Redin could not easily cross it.

Even the Akrishima Empire, which is said to possess half of the sword masters in this vast continent, only possesses three knights who have achieved the stage of the 9th Star.

‘Well, if counting unofficial ones, the number would increase a bit.’

That Redin could not cross the wall of the 9th Star was a very unfortunate matter not only for himself but also for me.

‘Redin Reichart is one of the few top-tier products in this small country where there is nothing of value.’

He needed to increase his value for the sake of my plan as well.

And if it is the Falber Knight Order Commander’s Sword.

It was clear it would be a good stimulant for him, who was sinking while turning his back on the world due to the civil war.

‘Perhaps the characteristic possessed by that sword might become the key to letting the Former Family Head cross the wall.’

“And there is a matter to report to Your Excellency.”

“Speak.”

“The investigation results regarding the incident where Tombstone and Mikal Merchant Guild were caught smuggling a large amount of ‘Nihelm’ have come out.”

“When?”

“3 days before Your Excellency returned from the Empire, so ten days ago from now.”

I took the report containing the progress of the incident from Ismael.

If the results came out 10 days ago, the cross-examination must be finished by now.

‘In other words, the bastards listed here are definitely sons of bitches…….’

Bastards who brought in the devil’s powder that gnaws at the people’s minds and enjoyed pleasure just to gain a few pennies of profit.

“Did you report to the Chief Minister?”

“Yes. I told him as soon as the results came out.”

“What did he say?”

“He only said that since the execution of punishment is entirely Your Excellency’s authority, it is right to follow your instructions, and said nothing else.”

“Is that so?”

Hearing the answer Sheldrick gave, the corners of my mouth opened, drawing an arc.

‘That gentleman, he has a bolder side than I thought.’

As Sheldrick said, the execution of punishment was my authority as the Grand Duke.

However, the reason I asked for Sheldrick’s opinion was that this incident could have a great impact on internal affairs, or more precisely, national finance.

‘The Wind Tail Master will go crazy if the heads of the Tombstone and Mikal guys fly off. There is no way he wouldn’t know that if things go that way, it could damage the national finance.’

In other words, Sheldrick said he would support my decision even while enduring some confusion in internal affairs.

“Send someone to His Majesty to say I request an audience.”

I had already concluded in my head how to deal with the bastards involved in bringing in Nihelm.

But still, I had to at least give a heads-up to Friedrich regarding this problem.

Because he might face quite a troublesome problem due to my choice.

‘Since I have seen the Chief Minister’s boldness, shall I see how much guts His Majesty has?’

***

“I understand that Nihelm is an item strictly forbidden by national law. Is that correct? Grand Duke.”

“That is correct. It is written in the Grand Code that those involved in the smuggling of Nihelm are to be summarily executed in principle.”

“Hmm…….”

Friedrich frowned and fell into thought.

Specifically coming to talk about the handling of a problem clearly written in national law meant something.

Because it meant the repercussions of this matter would be unusual.

“Grand Duke, what is the scale of the Wind Tail Merchant Guild that is behind them?”

To the King’s question, I told him everything I knew.

That they have the southeast part of the continent as their main commercial sphere.

That they hold the status of one of the 5 Great Merchant Guilds of the continent with the merchant guilds they operate.

That since their main trade items are precious metals and luxury goods, even if the range of their trade network is limited, their trust among the nobles of each country is thick.

“The scale of funds they operate will easily exceed Zodiac’s one-year budget.”

“Haha, so to summarize, it means that if they endure some damage, they can sufficiently throw this country’s finance into confusion.”

“That is correct.”

“…….”

Although the scale is large, was the fact that a country’s finance could be shaken by the trickery of a single merchant guild sad?

The King of the small country showed a serious expression.

‘The problem is that this isn’t all.’

I conveyed the information I heard from Mikhail inside the airship heading to the Empire, that the Wind Tail Merchant Guild is scheduled to become very close with the Esper Kingdom.

“To think Wind Tail Merchant Guild is scheduled to become the State-run Merchant Guild of the Esper Kingdom…….”

Friedrich could only bite his lips automatically.

Because ‘enduring the ill-temper of a colossal merchant guild’ and ‘becoming an enemy of a State-run Merchant Guild of a Kingdom that possesses 2-3 times the national power of Zodiac’ were completely different problems.

“……What are your thoughts, Grand Duke?”

Friedrich, who had been lost in thought for a while without saying a word, asked for my opinion.

“I think we must proceed with the public execution as planned.”

I answered without a shred of hesitation.

“What is the reason you think so?”

“Because that is the right path, Your Majesty.”

“…….”

“Of course, while running state affairs, there may be cases where you need to exercise flexibility. However, at least for this time, you must not do so.”

I took out a pouch containing blue powder and placed it on the table.

“Refining this handful of Nihelm produces enough to poison a thousand people.”

“Just…… a thousand people with this amount?”

“That is correct. And the sinners smuggled as many as 5 sacks of Nihelm. They brought in an amount that could produce tens of thousands of addicts every year, a 5-year supply all at once.”

Upon hearing the words tens of thousands, a little more strength went into Friedrich’s teeth biting his lip.

“This is the same as declaring that these people will gnaw at the minds of Zodiac’s people over several years. And unfortunately, there are those inside the Kingdom who sympathized with their vicious behavior and coveted private interest and pleasure.”

Thinking of them who would be trembling in the underground prison by now, I spoke with a firm expression.

“You must cut it out. Of course, some difficulties may occur due to the aftermath of this matter, but if you retreat here, there will be no further future for this country.”

Friedrich closed his eyes.

Then, the pupils that were exceptionally sparkling with intelligence hid themselves inside the eyelids for a moment.

“Thank you. Grand Duke.”

The King’s eyes, opened again, were shining, containing a resolute will.

“Actually, as soon as I heard their charges, I thought I should not forgive them. But at the same time, there was something I was worried about. Wondering if I was making a choice that could bring a large loss to the national finance in the long term, swept away by momentary emotion.”

“…….”

“But after hearing the Grand Duke’s words, I felt certain that I made the right judgment. Grand Duke!”

“Speak, Your Majesty.”

“Punish the villains as severely and firmly as possible. So that the whole world can know that there is no tolerance whatsoever for those who try to gnaw at this country.”

Looking at Friedrich’s expression which he rarely showed, I thought.

‘This is already the second time. That this kid surprises me.’

At first, I thought it would be enough if he just didn’t hold me back.

But now thinking that I might be able to expect more than that from this boy, I bowed my head.

“I will obey Your Majesty’s command!”

Looking at me bowing my head, Friedrich spoke.

“Thank you very much for awakening this person who almost wavered. I am truly grateful and fortunate that the Grand Duke is by the side of this lacking person.”

***

“Ismael, there are no changes. The execution will proceed as planned, so set a date soon and publicly execute those bastards.”

“I will do so, Your Excellency!”

This time too, Ismael did not ask for the reason regarding my decision.

‘Fortunate that I am here?’

In the mind of me who was sitting on the chair writing orders, the words the King said a while ago came to mind.

‘Since the kid sitting on the throne showed that much guts, I should give a corresponding answer too.’

Writing the order to be issued with my characteristic neat handwriting, I threw a question to Ismael.

“Ismael, if the fact that the heads of the smugglers flew off enters the ears of the Wind Tail Master, what reaction will that person show?”

“Hmm, it is a matter I cannot be certain about, but it seems clear he won’t stay still.”

“Do you think so too?”

Watching the Lord’s smile directed at him, Ismael felt a chill running down his spine.

Because from past experience, he knew too well what state those who heard the evaluation of ‘unspeakable bastard’ from his Lord’s mouth ended up in.

“It would be a dereliction of duty to stay still when it is obvious that a son of a bitch is targeting this country and pulling dirty tricks.”

Ismael’s expression, receiving the order handed by me, changed unusually.

Because there were a few ‘excessively interesting’ contents written in the order.

“As you know, proceed with everything as secretly as possible. Especially pay special attention to the letter.”

“……Understood. Your Excellency.”

“You have to put a muzzle on the snout of a dog running wild in advance.”

I smiled coldly looking out the window in the direction where the Esper Kingdom is located.

***

Two days later.

“S-Save me! Please!”

“I will offer all my property so please just spare my life!”

“D-Do you think you guys will be safe after doing this! Do you know who is behind us- Cough!”

The public execution of those who tried to smuggle Nihelm proceeded.

The heads of ‘Darren’ and ‘Huddle’, salted, were put in a wooden box and headed for the Wind Tail Merchant Guild Headquarters.