Battle Race in the Fantasy World

Battle Race in the Fantasy World – 34

EP.34 Do You Think I’ll Just Let It Happen? No Way

“…”

Aias Mentain de Littorio. The head of one of only three Grand Ducal families in the empire.

He was the one who didn’t lose his composure even in the face of a sudden assault from the western kingdom.

But at this moment, even the Grand Duke of Littorio couldn’t help but be surprised.

“What is this?”

“It was sent by the young lady, and it is written on the surface that it is an apology from Jonathan.”

“An apology…?”

“That’s right. It’s even said to have been written by the second son of the Jonathan family.”

He doubted his ears. It was indeed a strange turn of events.

That incident, the one where his son was injured, had happened quite some time ago.

It was undoubtedly an unpleasant affair, but the provocation had started from their side.

It was unbecoming behavior for a scion of a great noble family.

Moreover, the Jonathan family was not one to apologize.

So, neither the Grand Duke nor anyone else had expected an apology of any sort.

And now, suddenly, an apology letter?

‘There must be something behind this.’

The Grand Duke extended his hand, and the butler presented the letter with a respectful demeanor.

The image that comes to mind when one thinks of Jonathan is, as always, one of unrivalled roughness.

It was assumed that their speech, actions, and all aspects of their lifestyle would be the same.

Most of the empire would think the same. Even the Grand Duke thought so.

However, upon examining the envelope that contained the letter, the Grand Duke let out a snicker.

From the outside, it was extremely neat and had an elegant air about it.

He wondered if Elga had something to do with it, but then doubted that the daughter of the Grand Ducal family would involve herself in such matters.

But then, upon seeing the words written in an exquisite script on the pristine paper,

all doubts vanished, and he could only let out an incredulous sigh.

‘Can this truly be the writing of a direct descendant of Jonathan?’

It wasn’t just the handwriting that was beautiful. The phrasing was as ornate as the script.

There was none of the simplicity or roughness that one would associate with Jonathan.

It began with an extremely polite inquiry about the Grand Duke’s well-being and lightly praised the Grand Ducal family.

What followed seemed like a text of profound apology.

The humility was so great that even the reader might feel embarrassed.

It was self-deprecating to the utmost, elevating the Littorio Grand Ducal family.

The content was such that it would not be out of place if it were written by a vassal of the Grand Ducal family, not another noble house.

Judging by the content alone, it seemed to cower before the authority of the Littorio Grand Ducal family.

Surely, others would think the same upon reading it.

But the eyes of the Grand Duke of Littorio still emitted a cold light.

[…Fortunately, thanks to the merciful young lady of the Littorio Grand Ducal family, who has kindly accepted my apology, I am somewhat relieved of the burden on my heart…]

Indeed, he had expected this. Yes, this is more like Jonathan.

He thought it was an extreme display of humility, but the real intention was hidden within.

‘The fact that he apologized to Elga means that she, that child, has positioned herself as the representative of Littorio. She must have known there would be opposition within the family, yet she still stepped forward.’

How interesting. Very interesting indeed. The Grand Duke smiled.

Though he was the father of the three siblings, he had thrust them all into the political fray.

It’s a position where nothing can be won without fighting.

Even if one were to luckily secure it, it would soon be snatched away.

One must prove that they are more suited for this position than anyone else.

To their father, to the people of the family, and to themselves.

Knowing all too well how arduous and difficult the position of Grand Duke is.

He tested his children with an extremely cold demeanor.

From that perspective, the eldest had long since been eliminated and confined to the castle.

The second seemed to be doing well but then suddenly became entangled without warning.

At that timing, Elga, who had been silent until then, stepped onto the main stage.

And not long after, that Jonathan came forward with an apology.

Is this a coincidence? Was it simply an inevitable event following Kyle’s enrollment?

‘Surely not. It can’t be.’

The Grand Duke of Littorio had already sensed that some exchange had taken place between Kyle and his daughter.

This could be immediately discerned from the next part of the letter.

[Please accept this apology so that any remaining resentment might be dissolved.]

Asking for the apology to be accepted in order to dissolve any possible remaining resentment.

For the record, Littorio had decided to remain silent about the incident that day.

Despite the heir of the family being injured, they had not demanded any apology.

Even if there is remaining resentment, it should not be shown.

The head of the family has already decided that it was as if nothing had happened.

Yet, this was mentioned by a freshman who hasn’t even been at the academy for a month.

What does this imply? It means there has already been a conversation between the two.

‘There are those at the academy who bother me. Please manage them well. Is that it?’

Such content is incredibly arrogant.

To send such a letter to the Grand Duke of Littorio, of all people.

Perhaps it would have been different if the true intentions were not hidden and the message was delivered directly.

This seems like a challenge, saying, ‘If you can decipher the meaning, then try.’

“Hahaha.”

A smile blooms. An irresistible smile.

To think such an outstanding individual exists. In the world of Jonathan, filled with terrifying, almost inhuman beings, where physical strength is so prized that intellect is often unnecessary.

Who would have thought someone capable of writing such a letter, with such thoughts, would emerge!

Especially now, when the succession is in turmoil and the atmosphere among the vassals is tense.

He had been silent, deliberately seeking a more capable successor.

It seems that this has been misinterpreted as the Grand Duke stepping back.

What he wants now is a future successor, not an immediate Grand Duke.

But if there continues to be such commotion, who would just stand by and watch quietly?

“Hey, butler.”

“Yes, Grand Duke.”

“Let’s have a modest party tomorrow.”

“A party, you say? May I inquire about the theme?”

The Grand Duke of Littorio, having carefully folded the letter, then spoke.

“A consolation party for the vassals. At the same time, I’d like to hear about the children. How they’re doing at the academy, what they’re up to, I want to ask around.”

The Grand Duke of Littorio thought it was about time to refresh the vassal ranks.

====

***

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“Your Highness, are you really sure about this?”

“Why, are you scared?”

“Of course I’m scared. Who knows how much those people will stare.”

Logan Stefan, one of the empire’s top ten powerhouses, smacked his lips and hastened his steps.

He felt a bit queasy from using the teleportation circle, but there was no time to rest.

He remembered being at home, resting quietly just a few hours ago.

Somehow, instead of being at home, he found himself standing in the cold, desolate northern lands.

It wasn’t the usual envoy who came to deliver the imperial command.

He was summoned to the imperial palace and received orders directly from the emperor himself.

“Logan Stefan. You and the Fifth Princess are to head to the north immediately.”

“Your Majesty?”

“The teleportation circle is already prepared. Depart at once.”

The sudden imperial command. But whatever it is, it must be followed.

He had sworn loyalty to the empire and promised to serve the imperial family.

No matter how menial or dangerous the task, he was determined to accomplish it.

With that in mind, Logan sought out the palace’s chief minister to hear the details.

“Western kingdoms forming an alliance? And they’re trying to win over imperial nobles?”

“That’s correct, Sir Logan.”

“Those kingdom flies must have a death wish.”

Now he understood why the emperor had issued such a sudden command.

Himself and the Fifth Princess Yurika, just the two of them could easily erase a treacherous family.

They would painfully learn why the Empire’s top ten are called the top ten…

“By the way, the place Sir Logan is to visit is the Jonathan family.”

“…Excuse me? What did you just say? Where am I supposed to go?”

“The Jonathan family.”

“…”

Did he commit any act of disloyalty to the emperor? He should think carefully.

Otherwise, there’s no way they would send him, one of the Empire’s top ten, to the Jonathan family.

Surely the moment he arrives, they’ll come at him with fire in their eyes, eager for a fight.

They’ll want to see just how powerful the strength of the Empire’s top ten really is, shouting with excitement!

He has confidence in his own strength, a pride that he will not lose to anyone.

But the Jonathan family is a gathering of truly mad people, surpassing even that.

Either he will die defeated, win and keep fighting until he’s exhausted and dies, or one of those two seems likely.

“No, wait. Are you saying the kingdom flies really managed to sway the Jonathan family?”

“That’s what you two are going to find out.”

“Why are the princess and I going? Why not send an envoy?”

“Because that’s the only way they’ll let you directly into their territory.”

He had no rebuttal. If it’s Jonathan, that would be expected.

If members of the Empire’s top ten arrive, they’ll open the doors without even notifying the head of the family.

And everyone will gather to see. ‘Is this person truly strong?!’

“Your Highness, if Jonathan has been swayed, what shall we do?”

“Don’t ask obvious questions. It’s not worth answering.”

Right. It’s an obvious question. If they’ve been swayed, it wouldn’t be a fight but a defection.

At least, the two of them could somehow coordinate and look for an opportunity to escape.

After all, they’re among the fastest in the top ten.

The Emperor must have chosen the princess and himself with that in mind.

What followed was truly swift.

Upon arriving at the baronial family and revealing their status as members of the top ten, the doors opened.

As they entered, they were met with stares from all sides.

Most of those gazes were filled with thoughts like “I want to fight” or “Are they strong? I’m curious. Dying of curiosity.”

“Damn it. They’re really… monsters.”

Excluding the top ten, there are hardly any in the empire who could stand against him.

Yet here, even a mere guard. No, even a mere villager seemed threatening.

If it came to a fight, Logan would likely win, but he wouldn’t come out unscathed.

“Please follow me, members of the top ten.”

Names or origins don’t matter to these warrior people.

The only important thing is whether one is strong, that fact alone influences their judgment.

“Here they come.”

At Yurika’s words, Logan glanced up.

Then he muttered “Shit.” and hung his head low.

– Thud, thud. –

From the stairs, the lord of this small domain was coming down.

In each hand, he held incredibly heavy-looking dumbbells, not just one but two each.