The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master – Chapter 144

Chapter 144: The End of the Rampage (8)

The core of the Second Prince’s faction naturally consisted of Theodore Altaria and Nicholas von Royce.

Their structure was such that the fall of either leader would lead to its collapse, and that’s precisely what happened.

When Sien and Adel captured Theodore and Martin defeated Nicholas, the surviving members immediately surrendered.

Theodore and the other high-ranking nobles were set to stand trial in the capital, with Claudia tasked with overseeing their transport.

—

“I have much to say, but I should start with this. Thank you, Young Lord, for sparing my younger brother.”

With those words, Richard Altaria bowed his head to Martin.

Martin gazed at him expressionlessly before replying.

“Raise your head. I’m sure you know I didn’t spare him for the First Prince’s sake. There’s no need to thank me.”

They had captured Theodore alive, but that was as far as it went. Once they arrived at the capital, he’d face trial and would likely be sentenced to death.

“Still, I am grateful. At least I’ll have one last chance to speak with him before he dies.”

“Conversation… I wouldn’t recommend it. He might perceive it as mockery. Despite everything, the Second Prince has always harbored feelings of inferiority toward you.”

“…Sigh.”

Richard let out a weary sigh at Martin’s response, thinking about how effortlessly he could touch upon such painful topics.

“But we’re still family. I want to hear his true thoughts, if only once more, so I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Martin shrugged at Richard’s words. Whatever the man felt was his own business. There was no point in contradicting him; it was easier to let it go.

Watching Martin, Richard shifted the subject. Partly, he didn’t want to dwell on uncomfortable topics, but there were matters that needed addressing.

“I’m beginning to lose track of how many times you’ve surprised us.”

“What do you mean?”

“Reaching the eighth circle at eighteen was already unprecedented, yet you reached the ninth at nineteen…”

Richard Altaria looked at Martin in astonishment.

He had only just reached the eighth circle himself, attaining a level comparable to Martin’s, but within mere months, the gap had widened again.

No matter how exceptional Martin’s talent, this was almost beyond belief.

“Just luck, I guess,” Martin replied with a smirk, holding Richard’s gaze.

Richard maintained his calm demeanor as he continued.

“You once told my grandfather that you would struggle against him to the end. At the time, I thought it was just youthful arrogance.”

“That’s understandable. No matter how exceptional one’s talent, only those who reach the tenth circle are truly significant.”

Only a tenth-circle Absolute could stand against another Absolute. On the Cracian Continent, this was an unassailable truth.

“Of course, people say that both of us will likely reach the tenth circle someday. But I thought it would take at least ten years. At your current pace, reaching the tenth circle next year wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Next year… I’d certainly like that. It’d solve all the troubles that keep piling up.”

“So, you think becoming a tenth-circle Absolute would allow you to handle both the Ferdinand family and the Imperial Family? You’ve got some nerve, but I suppose you’ve earned the right to say it.”

Richard’s expression turned unreadable.

Instinct warned him that Martin was growing exceedingly dangerous, and he agreed with that assessment. It was clear Martin would become a future threat.

If he could, he’d eliminate Martin as soon as possible.

‘If only my grandfather hadn’t guaranteed him a chance…’

But Karl von Ferdinand had made a personal promise: Martin and the Adalbert family would be targeted only after the Klaus family was destroyed.

Unless he went back on his word, openly targeting Martin was risky.

That didn’t mean he’d sit back idly, though.

“Now that Theodore’s faction has fallen, you and Claudia can head south.”

“I was planning to discuss that. Though I’ve grown stronger, the war has left both the Adalbert family and the northern lands heavily damaged, especially around the free city of Akela. It’s a complete mess. So I intend to focus on internal affairs for the time being.”

“Hm. Why not just say it outright? That you’re waiting for our conflict with the Klaus family to end in mutual destruction.”

“Oh, that’s not it. If I were to involve myself in Imperial matters, it’d be alongside the First Princess. But given her forces are still recovering from the recent defeat, I’d say we’ll wait until she’s fully re-established her power before heading south.”

Both men knew the truth.

The Adalbert family would never head south.

With the ideal future of the Ferdinand and Klaus families’ mutual destruction in sight, there was no reason to make the first move.

“As long as you’re content to quietly rebuild your strength in the north, we won’t interfere. But if you set your sights elsewhere, that changes things.”

“I’ve no intention of any pointless maneuvers.”

Martin’s tone was relaxed.

If he had a comparable adversary, taking advantage of an unguarded moment might be worthwhile.

But the situation is different now.

His only path to survival was to overcome Karl von Ferdinand.

Understanding that, it would be senseless to provoke him unnecessarily.

‘It’s the other side I need to worry about.’

Unlike his honorable grandfather, Richard was not above using underhanded methods.

“Alright. Here’s the last topic… Congratulations on ascending to the White Dragon Throne. Next time we talk, I might have to start using honorifics.”

“I hope that day comes soon.”

Martin’s comment brought a faint smile to Richard’s face.

With that, Richard ended the communication, leaving Martin alone in his office.

Knock knock.

Shortly after, a knock echoed through the room.

“It’s me, Young Lord.”

“Come in.”

As Claudia’s voice came from behind the door, Martin responded immediately.

When the door opened and she entered, her expression was somber.

‘Looks like she’s steeled herself for something.’

Martin wondered what topic could make her so resolute. A sense of both curiosity and unease filled him.

—

Claudia took a seat across from Martin.

“I won’t drag this out unnecessarily. There’s no point in doing so.”

“The way you’re setting this up is making my heart race.”

“I know you’re joking, but it doesn’t work with that expression. Anyway, I only have one question. Do you have any intention of declaring independence from the Empire, Young Lord?”

Hearing Claudia’s question, Martin pressed his lips together, staring at her in disbelief.

Her expression had been serious since she’d entered, and now, as they made eye contact, she showed no sign of hesitation.

“…Did you hit your head?”

“I’m asking sincerely.”

“Even so, isn’t it a bit much to ask that outright?”

“You declared that you wouldn’t bow to the Imperial Family or the Ferdinand family’s threats. Unless you’re planning to sacrifice your family, the only option left is independence. Am I wrong?”

“Hmm. You’re right in a way, but… it’s hard to admit as much with a Princess of the Empire sitting across from me.”

He couldn’t exactly admit to treason while in front of an Imperial Princess. Though she had come on so strong that he didn’t see the need to deny it outright.

“It’s not like I have any value left in the Empire. Losing to my brother was bad enough; failing to make up for it was worse. All the glory belongs to you now, for defeating him.”

“Do you resent me for that?”

“Not at all. Thanks to your assistance, I still had a chance to make a name for myself. But I squandered it foolishly. It’s only my future prospects I resent.”

“Your prospects?”

“Since His Majesty awoke, he’s clearly favored my older brother. At least I could keep a faction with the appearance of fairness, but now I have no chance of claiming the throne.”

“Your faction must be crumbling, then.”

“Yes. The nobles left Morlok Territory as soon as the war ended, all heading south to win my brother’s favor.”

Claudia spoke quietly, without bitterness.

She didn’t blame the nobles—they were only trying to survive, after all.

“All I have left is my title as Princess. But it’s unlikely my brother will leave me alone.”

“Since you were a rival…”

“Exactly. I’ll probably be banished to some remote estate, forced to live in obscurity and die in isolation. Or I could end up in a political marriage, wed to someone I don’t wish to marry.”

Martin couldn’t deny her words.

If the First Prince were less kind, that would be a merciful outcome. Some emperors had openly killed their rivals.

“I’d rather die than live like that. And if I’m going to die, I want to struggle to the very end.”

“I understand, but what does that have to do with my independence?”

Martin feigned ignorance, giving her a blank look as he asked.

Though he already had a rough idea of what she wanted.

“If you and the Adalbert family declare independence, you could establish a kingdom.”

“That’s the limit. To claim an empire, I’d need control over at least three dungeon entrances.”

“But if you join forces with me, you’d be a member of the Imperial Family. Even if you later establish the Adalbert Kingdom, you could legally pursue other dungeon entrances, with legitimate grounds.”

Claudia’s eyes flashed with determination as she spoke.

Watching her, Martin felt strangely overwhelmed—not by strength, but something more fundamental.

“So I’m offering you a proposal, Young Lord. Marry me. If we’re bound together, you’d have a claim to other Imperial territories.”

Claudia’s proposal was direct.

Martin’s mouth opened and closed, unable to form a response. Though he’d anticipated something like this, he hadn’t expected her to be so straightforward.

Claudia bit her lip.

‘This has to work.’

Rather than becoming a nameless princess, she’d make her husband an emperor.

Anxiously, Claudia awaited Martin’s reply.