The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 99: The End of a Bitter Tether (7)

I wanted to laugh like a madman.

Seeing Nicholas von Royce’s expression, as if he’d bitten into something foul, made me truly want to burst out laughing.

Of course, I didn’t actually laugh out loud, but I couldn’t quite hold back a few chuckles from slipping through.

“If you’re as wise as they say, one of the sages of the Empire, then you should know perfectly well that even if you invade now, there’s absolutely no chance of victory.”

— You know it too, don’t you? That if I personally take to the field, the tide of battle could change at any moment. —

“Whether or not you could truly overturn it… well, at the very least, I’ll acknowledge that you have that much power.”

A mage, by nature, has a greater capacity for large-scale attacks than a knight.

That’s why they’re evaluated more strategically.

And Nicholas von Royce, having reached the 9th Circle and standing just a single step away from the pinnacle of absolute power, was indeed someone who could influence the course of a battle.

But what good would that do him?

“If the Royce Marquisate’s opposition were limited to the Adalbert family, that might make sense. But is that really all there is?”

— … —

Nicholas fell silent, his expression hardening.

The Royce Marquisate could not wield absolute power in the west, not even in its own homeland.

In the west, the Altaria Imperial Family, the royal house, was the true power.

The influence of the Royce family had somewhat strengthened recently, bolstered by the birth of the Second Prince, their grandson, and the subsequent growth of his faction.

However, they still fell short of reaching the heights of the Adalbert family.

Meanwhile, the Adalbert family had succeeded in securing full control over the north.

“No matter how strong you are, you can’t defeat the entire north. If, by chance, you mobilize the Second Prince’s forces, then things might turn out differently. But in that case, the First Princess would step in as well.”

— Hah. —

At Martin’s continued words, Nicholas finally let out a sigh.

In his heart, he wanted nothing more than to tear his adversary to shreds right this moment.

But all things in life have their priorities.

And his top priority was to see his grandson, the Second Prince, ascend to the throne.

With the First Prince currently in the lead, he couldn’t afford to use up his forces recklessly.

The only reason he’d moved his troops was because of the support of the Adalbert branch family heads.

If they had rallied internally, he believed victory would be possible. But now, it was clear that everything had come to nothing.

— I admit it. I’ve lost this time. —

Aside from the loss of two units of the Black Night Order, his main force had taken no substantial damage.

But he couldn’t deny defeat, having failed to achieve any of his strategic objectives.

— But soon, we will fight again. And that battleground will be the western region. —

“Is that wise? Announcing so openly that you intend to start a civil war?”

— Everyone expects it anyway. All three faction leaders are conserving their strength for that very purpose. I’ll guarantee that in that fight, you’ll die, Martin Adalbert. I’ll snap your neck with my own hands. —

“Actually, that’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in this war.”

— … What did you say? —

When Martin laughed openly, Nicholas’ face contorted.

“If I were you, I would’ve crushed me in this war at all costs. Sure, you’d suffer tremendous losses. But if you’d killed me and taken control of Varehein City? That much damage would’ve been quickly recovered.”

With a deeper smile, Martin continued.

“That’s why I warned you ahead of time, didn’t I? This war was your first and last opportunity. Now that you’ve failed, it’s impossible for you to kill me or take the Adalbert family.”

Crack! Crackle!

Sparks erupted as Nicholas’s projection trembled violently.

The communication crystal was too weak to handle the sheer force emanating from his entire body.

“Still, I am grateful to you. By approaching this war with caution, you’ve allowed me to resolve all issues within my main house. Using the victory in this war as a stepping stone, both I and the Adalbert family will grow even stronger from here on.”

Martin looked Nicholas von Royce squarely in the eyes and made a declaration.

“I’ll promise you this, Marquis Royce. Whenever, however the civil war begins, I’ll be the one to kill you.”

Boom!

At last, the projection exploded, and Nicholas’ image disappeared completely.

Martin shrugged his shoulders lightly as he watched it vanish.

“He has a nasty temper.”

If he were in the same situation, he’d likely have reacted similarly.

But as the victor, he had no obligation to empathize with the defeated.

What mattered now was that he had nearly resolved all the issues of the main house and the north.

Of course, it wasn’t without sacrifices.

The recently fallen Rustal family and the Gustin family he’d just crushed were both branch members with considerable military strength.

Cutting ties with them meant a decrease in the overall power of the Adalbert family.

‘This will naturally resolve with time…’

Having regained the status of northern overlord and secured continued control over the dungeon’s entrance, their strength would gradually recover.

But with the civil war looming unpredictably, the need to recover swiftly was paramount.

If there was any consolation, it was that he had plenty of cards left to play.

‘I must succeed.’

He would accomplish the long-cherished unification of the north under the Adalbert family.

* * *

Three days after the war ended, Martin disbanded the army.

Then, leading only the Adalbert main family’s forces, he confidently returned to Varehein City.

During this time, word had spread widely that he had reached the level of the 8th Circle.

Already elated by the victory, the citizens were beside themselves with joy at the news. The moment Martin arrived in Varehein City, they declared a festival, throwing the entire city into a celebratory uproar.

However, there was one matter to be attended to before the festival could begin.

The public execution of the leaders of the rebellion.

Especially since it was revealed that Martin himself would personally execute Oliver von Bitenfeld, the former head of the Bitenfeld family, and Kalain Gustin, the heir of the Gustin family, citizens gathered in droves in the square.

“The first head of the Adalbert family wished for those who inherited the family’s bloodline to walk the same path eternally. He even granted branch members an opportunity to join the family. This was how the branch families began, with their role being to loyally support the main house. In exchange, they, too, would partake in the main house’s glory.”

With others watching, Martin declared this in a solemn voice.

In front of him, Oliver and Kalain knelt, both hands and feet bound tightly in iron chains.

Despite this, they glared at Martin murderously.

If looks alone could kill, Martin would have died countless times already.

“Share in the glory? Don’t make me laugh! During the Monster Wave, weren’t you the one who admitted it? You apologized, saying the main house had relentlessly exploited the branch families!”

“I don’t deny that. But given that we’re born ahead of others, thanks to our exceptional bloodline, fulfilling our duty is only natural. And yet, you betrayed the main house, despite enjoying all the benefits.”

“What benefits? We were always treated as slaves, while the glory remained solely with the main house!”

“If that displeased you, you should’ve shattered your mana core and lived a simple life.”

With a smooth motion, Martin drew the holy sword, Karadyl, from his waist.

Oliver twisted his body wildly, screaming.

“I may die here, but your end won’t be much better, Martin Adalbert! Those who stain their hands with blood meet the same fate someday!”

“Silence, traitor!”

“Shut up, now!”

“Though you’ve managed to hold on by manifesting a unique ability, the Adalbert bloodline has weakened! Even if I don’t live to see it, the Adalbert family will vanish into history!”

“Damned traitor, how dare you!”

“Kill him already!”

Oliver’s outburst incited the crowd, who burst into anger.

Unfazed, Martin raised Karadyl high.

Then, in a voice only Oliver and Kalain could hear, he murmured, “You’re fortunate, Oliver von Bitenfeld. Thanks to your daughter, your family avoided complete ruin. That’s far better than Mateus von Gustin or Valdemar von Rustal, wouldn’t you say?”

“Shut up! You think I would acknowledge a lowly-blooded girl as my daughter?”

“Strange words from someone who named her as your heir. You’ve said your piece; there’s no need for further regrets, is there? Then, farewell.”

“Martin Adal…!”

Swish!

Oliver’s final words never finished.

The blade of Karadyl fell like lightning, severing his head.

The head hit the ground, and blood poured from the severed neck, staining the ground bright red.

Martin, indifferent, turned his gaze away.

His eyes met Kalain’s.

“While I don’t forgive the traitors, I understand the desire for independence. So I don’t particularly despise them… except for the Gustin family. Frankly, even you must acknowledge your methods were vicious.”

The Gustin family had pretended to be friendly up until the very end, only to try and take everything for themselves.

Before his return, they’d even supported him with everything, just as the Igreet family did.

Then, just as he was set to become the head, they betrayed him, taking everything he had.

The despair and resentment from being played by them still burned fresh in his mind.

“People pay for toying with others’ trust. Don’t you agree?”

“…Before I die, I have just one question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Our family has dreamed of independence for a long time. After the previous head became head of the house, and especially after you were born, we even aimed to replace the main family altogether. But no matter our hidden aspirations, we always appeared loyal to the main house.”

“And?”

“We only decided to diverge completely after the Monster Wave. But even before you returned from the dungeon, you were suspicious of me and my family. What was your reason?”

“If you truly wanted to show loyalty, you would have openly declared support for me alongside the Igreet family. But what did your father do? He stayed silent and neutral. No one sees that as loyalty. It’s called waiting for an opportunity.”

“And you kept your distance from me because of that?”

“Well, that’s part of it… but honestly, it was your attitude. Unlike your father, you never could hide your jealousy. Do you think I’d consider someone like that a friend?”

Kalain sighed deeply.

There was a time when he thought Martin was wrapped around his finger, but to realize it was all a misunderstanding was truly humiliating.

“…Don’t think you’ll keep rising forever, Martin. Someday, you’ll pay the price for making so many enemies.”

“I have no interest in a loser’s curses. With that mystery resolved, it’s time for you to join your father.”

“Damn you.”

“No, that would be you.”

With all his strength, Martin brought down Karadyl.

Once again, the blade cleanly severed his enemy’s neck.

‘Finally!’

At last, he’d defeated his worst nemesis.

Though they no longer stood as serious threats since his return, it felt immensely satisfying to vanquish the one who had ruined his fate.

With Kalain’s death, every obstacle impeding the Adalbert family’s progress was now gone.

‘Now, the real beginning.’

Reflecting on the future, Martin turned back confidently.

Just then, Sien approached him.

“What is it?”

“The elves and dwarves have sent envoys, young master.”

“That’s faster than I anticipated.”

Martin smirked.

Since deciding to free the elves and dwarves from the slave market, he had been awaiting this moment.

The fact that they came to him first…

He was certain he knew why.

With this, the final pieces for the Northern Unification’s third phase had come together.

He would ensure everything aligned perfectly to complete the final step.

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