Chapter 69: Phantom Thief Dauphin (13). Violence Without Pride
Originally, the Count of Sarnos had no intention of involving himself in the affairs of Lebruk.
It wasn’t out of any respect for local autonomy—of course not. He was simply preoccupied with other matters.
Political battles within the royal court.
The division of the Birka royal family had become a massive opportunity for both the marquess and count houses—the kingdom’s largest power blocs. Whichever side succeeded in placing their chosen candidate on the throne would gain national recognition and potentially become the true power behind the crown.
No—more than that. They could turn the royal family into a puppet and rule the entire nation from the shadows.
What’s that?
“It’s just one of many third-rate kingdoms on the continent, what’s the big deal?”
“Why fight over a crumbling state when the prize itself is meaningless?”
Foolish thinking.
For the powerful, the pursuit of greater power is instinctual.
Even in backwater noble houses or petty business ventures, people scramble and claw for leadership. How much more so when the prize is an entire country?
“I’ll win this, no matter what! I’ll crush that beast-stinking marquess and make him kneel before me!!”