episode_0188

“Hmm… so that’s how it is. What was bound to happen has finally come to pass.”

The Lord of Gordburg explained in a calm voice.

“Duke Robert. In truth, even before this tribute party began its collection, an envoy sent by His Highness had toured each territory. Ostensibly, it was an inspection for land surveying, but given the timing, the true intent was clear. It was to personally verify the prosperity of the four territories under Dragoness and ensure they were paying taxes commensurate with their wealth.”

“Such a thing happened?”

“That’s why the various lords couldn’t welcome your tribute party with much enthusiasm. They had to prepare three times the amount of tax compared to last year.”

King Desseo was merciless.

The city nobles were already under his thumb, so it seemed he believed all that remained was to strip the local lords of their power.

Thus, by imposing enormous taxes, he conveyed his message: ‘Defy me and you’ll die.’

But the local magnates were different.

These old nobles were men who had bathed in blood on the battlefield and wielded their swords for honor.

It is said that upon discerning the king’s intentions, they didn’t even bat an eyelid.

“His Highness doesn’t seem to realize. That this is the land of the prostrate dragon, Dragoness. That Teildun lies at its tail, Norukton at its wings, and this Gordburg at its head.”

The lord raised his wine glass and said.

“For the past two decades, we have fended off countless foreign invasions and held our ground. We have protected Desseo by sacrificing my loyal knights and the people of my domain, but if His Highness doesn’t trust us… what do you think we should do?”

“I imagine you would feel a profound sense of betrayal.”

“That’s why we’ve been preparing for a long time.”

A single word flashed through Robert’s mind.

Rebellion.

“Have Teildun, Norukton, and Gordburg all agreed to unite?”

“Precisely as you’ve surmised.”

But it had always been a mystery why only three of the famous ‘Four Lands of Dragoness’ were ever mentioned.

“What about the fourth one? Is it not joining?”

“Ah… about that.”

As if the question was unexpected, the lord scratched his beard.

“In the place known as the heart of Dragoness, there’s an independent territory called ‘Brizdon’.”

“An independent territory? What do you mean by that?”

“For instance, it’s a place where no one can interfere. Not even the King of Desseo.”

It was a story he’d never heard before. Such a place exists?

“Is that even possible?”

“That place is completely exempt even from tax duties. That’s why Duke Robert’s tribute party never passed through Brizdon.”

“Just what kind of person is the Lord of Brizdon to be receiving such a special privilege?”

At his question, the lord frowned, as if finding it difficult to answer.

“I’d say it’s closer to exile than a privilege.”

“Exile?”

“It’s not a very important story, but… are you truly curious?”

Robert instinctively realized he shouldn’t press the matter further.

This was because the lord’s expression hadn’t been particularly pleasant ever since the mention of ‘Brizdon.’

“No, you’re right. It’s not an important story.”

“Regardless, the Lord of Brizdon will remain inactive, as he always has. For him to side with anyone would be a very dangerous affair.”

The lord rose from his seat.

“Duke, please preserve yourself and rest here. I will try to write a letter detailing this matter to Lord Kintop.”

“…I’d be grateful.”

Time passed, and soon it was the dead of winter.

News of the tribute party’s annihilation traveled upstream and finally reached Gordburg. Robert, seeing his own name listed among the deceased, fell into profound despair.

Because that was tantamount to Alan’s death.

He at least wanted to know any news of Tia. But there was no space in the densely written letter to include the name of a commoner girl. Instead of such names, there was more talk about lost taxes.

“I’ve heard there are unusual movements within Desseo.”

As the new year approached, the Lord of Gordburg spoke.

“I heard they reached some sort of agreement at the autumn banquet.”

“Those people… have decided to act?”

“That’s right. The Robert family has reportedly decided to join them as well.”

“……”

“From now on, state affairs are likely to become somewhat chaotic. What will you do, Duke, regarding your stance?”

*Crack!*

Robert clenched the letter in his hand tightly.

He had considered it many times, but in his current predicament, there was only one decision he could make.

“Lord of Gordburg, please, lend me weapons and armor.”

The desperate knight’s choice was revenge against the king.

***

Preparations for the rebellion began in earnest.

As if they had been waiting for this very moment, everything proceeded smoothly. Robert remained in Gordburg, training the lord’s soldiers.

The objective was simple.

Unite with Teildun at the opportune moment. Advance together into Desseo.

Then, join forces with the internal noble factions and, ultimately, advance into the royal palace.

The plan was sound, leaving no room for disagreement, but there was one problem.

There was no clear justification for their rebellion against the king.

Justification was crucial. It was even more so for the local lords, who had little compelling reason to wage war.

To discuss this crucial matter, the lords of Gordburg, Norukton, and Teildun gathered together after a long time.

“As for justification… didn’t the King betray us first?”

“That’s true, but what evidence can we present to declare the King’s betrayal? It’s unclear.”

“We need a cause that will convince even the frontiers. If we overthrow the King as things stand, there’s a risk of the flames of rebellion spreading again if the frontier regions oppose it. And if order isn’t restored immediately, malicious invaders will surely begin to salivate.”

“You speak truly. However, our interests might not align with those of the border counts…”

Robert, who had been listening silently, interjected.

“To the esteemed lords of Dragoness, may I be so bold as to speak a word?”

“Yes, Duke Robert. Please speak.”

“Since ancient times, Desseo has emphasized legitimacy. Here, ‘legitimacy’ refers to the noble blood of the late King Laikne.”

“That means…”

“Yes. Let us use the notion of inheriting a great king as our justification.”

The Lord of Gordburg spoke in a voice heavy with worry.

“It is certainly an undeniable justification. However, is there truly no one to inherit the blood of His Highness Laikne now? He had a prince, but his fate is currently unknown. Even if he were alive, after so many years, there would be no one to recognize the prince, nor any way to prove his identity.”

“Wait. Hearing Sir Robert’s words… it doesn’t sound bad at all. What do you all think?”

The Lord of Teildun proposed an astonishing method.

“If there is no prince, then we create one.”

“What?”

It was a thought no one had anticipated.

“Lord Kintop. By what means do you propose to ‘create a prince’?”

“I know a subordinate who was once closest to the crown prince. He now wanders under the name Joseph, but I believe you all have heard of the knight who wields ‘two swords’.”

“Two swords…? Ah, that’s the one!”

The nobles unearthed that name from their old memories.

There was only one knight known for uniquely wielding two swords and traversing battlefields, so everyone knew him well.

“We will task him with finding the prince.”

“Certainly, if we do that, there’s ample reason to mobilize our forces, but can this Joseph truly bring back the prince? The one who vanished so long ago?”

“If Joseph brings the true Crown Prince Laikne, nothing could be better. But it will still be acceptable even if he cannot find the prince.”

Lord Kintop said quietly.

“Whoever it may be, the one Joseph brings will ultimately receive the title of ‘prince’. We simply need to enthrone that person as king and serve him.”

“……”

They had planned to depose the current king under the guise of serving the legitimate bloodline.

Yet, it meant that the new king didn’t necessarily have to be ‘legitimate’ himself.

“Are you suggesting we set up a puppet?”

“That would be perfectly acceptable. If possible, wouldn’t it be better to have a king who listens well to our counsel?”

The Lord of Norukton asked cautiously.

“Won’t there be suspicions? If he brings some foolish person, it will certainly cause problems.”

“Joseph is a thoughtful and wise knight. His choice will undoubtedly satisfy everyone.”

The lords glanced at each other.

The Lord of Gordburg broke the silence.

“We don’t really have any better options. I’m inclined to adopt Lord Kintop’s proposal. What do you all think?”

“Let’s do that. After all, the war must begin.”

A month after that conclusion was reached,

the long-dormant Desseo finally plunged into a great storm.

The nobles had launched their rebellion.

They had been waiting for this moment all along, but once events unfolded, the lords grew quite anxious.

This was because, regardless of whether the rebellion succeeded or failed, they needed to bring the ‘prince’ before it was too late.

Around the time Teildun’s first expeditionary force departed,

a mercenary approached Robert, who was waiting in Gordburg.

It was Joseph.

“You are Joseph?”

“Hahaha! That’s right. I’m living under that name now.”

The shabbily dressed mercenary smiled brightly and removed his turban.

“To put it simply, I heard you’re looking for Crown Prince Laikne. Is that correct?”

“That’s right.”

“Then, I shall answer you.”

Joseph sighed and said.

“I found him. The prince.”

“Truly?”

It was astonishing news that the prince, whom they had believed to be dead, was alive.

But for some reason, Joseph was alone.

“But… you didn’t come together?”

“Haha. I did find the prince, yes. But I only found his grave. Under a pine tree in a remote mountain village.”

“Is it truly the prince’s grave?”

“Undoubtedly. Although he doesn’t rest there, the prince is no longer in this world. That much, I am certain of.”

Even though he hadn’t personally confirmed the prince’s remains, Joseph spoke with conviction when he said ‘certain.’

“He had a family in a village called Brizdon. But he mysteriously disappeared a few years after settling there. Even if the prince resented the former king, he would never abandon his family and flee. That’s why I believe he met an unfortunate end.”

“That’s not good news.”

Robert nodded as if he had already known. Everyone had accepted the prince’s death as a given.

More than that, what they needed now was ‘someone to replace the prince.’

“Lord Kintop said you would bring the prince.”

“Yes, of course. I know.”

Joseph replied humbly.

“Most fortunately, the prince had a daughter.”

Robert couldn’t believe his ears.

“……What? You mean the prince has a blood relative?”

“Yes. The noble blood of the Laikne dynasty has safely passed on to his daughter. I have personally met her.”

The man who had followed and served the prince more than anyone else reported with a joyful voice.

“The prince’s descendant was right there.”