Ch.137137. Richard Henry Infractus

Two days had passed since Gilbert received the recruitment offer from Prince Richard.

Including that day and up until yesterday, nothing particularly noteworthy had occurred.

Since Prince Richard’s official schedule to inspect Demeia Academy was set to begin today, two days after their meeting, it seemed he was deliberately avoiding drawing attention to himself.

Thanks to this, Gilbert had ample time to think.

Currently, he had received recruitment offers from both Princess Seraphina and Prince Richard.

Princess Seraphina, with her strong desire for talent, had already extended her hand to Gilbert before, inviting him to join her faction.

Prince Richard had also made an offer for him to join his faction, perhaps signaling the beginning of the imperial succession battle.

Considering the remaining main scenario, choosing one of them would be beneficial in many ways. Having the full support of the future emperor was essentially the same as having the backing of the entire empire.

The dilemma was which one to choose. The likelihood of either becoming the next emperor largely depended on whom Gilbert would support.

His reputation had skyrocketed due to imperial propaganda. Although the label of “wastrel” still followed him, it actually created a dramatic contrast effect.

“The wastrel of the count’s family comes to his senses and becomes a hero of the empire.”

It sounded like the opening line of an epic heroic tale.

Gilbert understood how important narrative was to people. In the world he came from, politicians would often inflate even small good deeds for political purposes.

That was the power of storytelling—of narrative. People are drawn to those with compelling stories and admire protagonists of tales they themselves have never and will never experience.

Gilbert’s current situation was similar. His journey from wastrel to hero, with its hardships and challenges suitably embellished, had quickly become an epic tale, and the citizens were enthusiastic about him.

Of course, Gilbert’s fame was as precarious as a sandcastle built on the beach. It could be washed away by a single wave, and if he were to fall, there would be no shortage of wolves ready to tear him apart.

That’s why his past reputation was still a hindrance. People would surely say, “Once a wastrel, always a wastrel.”

However, until that collapse, Gilbert’s recognition would remain overwhelmingly high. It was like performing a dangerous aerial stunt—high risk, high return.

With the current support of the citizens, if he were to side with either faction, the people would follow. A ruler backed by both power and the citizens would also gain legitimacy.

The position of rightful heir to the throne.

Gilbert habitually stroked his chin. He still couldn’t make a decision.

From a military perspective, Richard, known as the “Divine Strategist,” was quite appealing.

Gilbert wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about military tactics. He had received military training, but it was specialized in modern warfare, specifically aerial combat tactics.

Even if there were fighter jets in this world, considering the technological gap with his original world, it would only be a reference point. Being under Richard, who was writing an undefeated legend, would increase the chances of victory on the fierce battlefield.

For Gilbert, who needed to clear the main scenario somehow, this was undeniably attractive.

However, even though Richard was second in line for the throne, the gap between him and Seraphina, who was first, had already widened considerably. While he might narrow the gap if he made his move, it seemed too late, making Gilbert hesitant to choose him outright.

On the other hand, Seraphina was also a good choice. He had already built a good relationship with her and had benefited from her numerous times, leading to a perception that he was already part of her faction.

Although some nobles were still cautious and watching the situation since it hadn’t been officially announced, the moment he definitively joined Seraphina’s faction, he could secure their support as well.

The talented individuals gathered by Seraphina, with her strong desire for capable people, were making names for themselves in all fields. With their help, clearing the main scenario wouldn’t be difficult.

However, what made him hesitant about joining her faction was the sub-scenario he still couldn’t grasp. He couldn’t predict the repercussions of turning away from Seraphina, who clearly seemed to be one of the seekers.

Gilbert’s dilemma deepened. He tried to gauge which choice would have the least risk, but no clear answer emerged.

Life is a series of choices, they say.

Gilbert shook his head as if to clear his thoughts, facing a challenging problem after a long time.

They say a bad move is made after long deliberation.

After various considerations, Gilbert finally made his decision.

His decision was quite simple.

If choosing either Richard or Seraphina would be problematic, then he would choose neither.

Just as Alexander III once solved the Gordian Knot, he decided to cut through the problem by rejecting both offers in one stroke.

***

[“So, Ian, what are you going to do?”]

At Fresia’s question, Ian let out a deep sigh. He had been pondering for days, but no answer had emerged.

He recalled Prince Richard, whom he had met recently.

Highly valuing Ian’s abilities, Richard had directly proposed that he join his faction. It was an enticing offer that he would have readily accepted before obtaining Fresia.

However, now that he had Fresia and had already received a recruitment offer from Seraphina, he cautiously deferred his answer. His value had increased too much to make a hasty choice.

To be honest, Ian, full of desire for recognition, wanted to enjoy this situation a bit longer. It naturally made him proud that the prince and princess, the highest powers in the empire after the emperor, were showing interest in him.

It was fulfilling a void he had long felt, and he couldn’t help but smile. Ian was thirsty for recognition, and he didn’t want to easily miss this good opportunity to satisfy it.

And the current situation was very favorable to him. To use an auction analogy, it was like two wealthy buyers competing for a high-quality item.

Ian prided himself on knowing his own worth. His talent was exceptional enough to attract the attention of both royal heirs, and he had the backing of a strong family.

In such a situation, not raising his value further would be foolish.

With offers from both the prince and princess, wasn’t it natural to go to the one who desired him more desperately?

Even Fresia, who never spared advice, had suggested handling the matter carefully, so his current judgment was absolutely correct. It was best to enjoy the situation a bit longer and make a choice when his value peaked.

That’s what Ian thought.

“Well, I’m still thinking about it. As you said, I need to be careful.”

[“Well done, Student Ian. This teacher is almost moved to tears by your growth.”]

“Are you imitating a professor now?”

[“Wasn’t this your preference? You seemed quite interested in Professor Briana the other day?”]

Her words hit the mark.

Ian felt a chill down his spine. He thought he had hidden it well, but the perceptive Fresia already knew how he felt about Professor Briana.

Of course, Ian wasn’t foolish enough to admit it outright.

“Well, she’s amazing. She’s the Sword Saint after all.”

[“She has admirable skills, I’ll give her that. But Ian, your gaze seemed quite impure for mere admiration?”]

She’s just too perceptive…! Ian complained inwardly. It was fortunate that their mental connection wasn’t complete, preventing her from seeing through his thoughts entirely.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t even be able to complain like this.

“That’s not true. I simply respect Professor Briana.”

[“If you say so… Anyway, it’s good that you didn’t rush to decide between the two offers. To be frank, do you realize how awkward your position is?”]

“…Mine?”

Ian frowned. It was a face that showed utter disbelief.

Fresia couldn’t help but sigh.

While she liked most aspects of Ian, this wasn’t one of them.

He had an excessive self-love. It was too much to be called self-confidence; the standard by which he judged himself was too low.

Should she say he lacked self-objectivity?

Positively framed, one could say he was overflowing with confidence, but Ian had crossed that line. It felt like watching a child boasting that they were the best.

But what can I do? He’s the master I chose.

Ian’s potential was sufficient just by the fact that he could contract with her. It was Fresia’s role to guide him on the right path, gently correcting these deficiencies.

[“Fool. Do you know what position your hated rival, that scoundrel, is in right now?”]

“He’s being treated as a hero of the empire. But I could do that too if I wanted. I have you, after all.”

Fresia felt pleased seeing Ian boast about her presence. She knew best how foolish it looked. However, she couldn’t help but feel good seeing her contractor regard her as the best.

No matter how much she was the finest artificial spirit that Atlantica boasted, there was still a delicate girlish sensitivity in a corner of her heart.

[“I appreciate the sentiment. But the current situation shouldn’t be viewed so optimistically. Have you forgotten your duel with that scoundrel?”]

“…He cut my iron sword in half.”

[“Yes, that. That wastrel has reached the realm of handling intent. He didn’t just crudely infuse mana; he imbued the sword with his will to cut.”]

“Is that such a big difference? Anyone with enough mana could do that, right?”

[“Fool. How can you say something so obvious? Imbuing intent isn’t something to be spoken of so casually.”]

Fresia felt a bit frustrated.

Usually intelligent, Ian would frown and become petty whenever Gilbert was mentioned. It showed how much inferiority complex he had built up against Gilbert, but to defeat him, he needed to face the level Gilbert had reached.

[“When categorizing martial realms, being able to handle intent is described as entering the superhuman ranks. Some say that’s when the true journey begins.”]

“Has that guy already reached such an impressive realm?”

[“Yes, that’s the level that wastrel is at.”]

“Sigh… Alright, I understand he’s reached an impressive level, but what does that have to do with the current situation?”

[“Ian, do you think the prince and princess made offers only to you?”]

“That’s…”

Ian’s previously good mood plummeted. It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about it; he had just been deliberately ignoring it.

While he was an excellent prospect for the prince and princess, he wasn’t the best. The best prospect in the current empire was someone else.

Gilbert Lion Hart.

The eldest son of the Hart Count family, recently hailed as a hero of the empire, was the most valuable prospect.

“Right. He must have received offers too.”

[“Exactly. That’s why we need to think carefully. Depending on where he goes, we might need to make a different choice. Or it might be better to move faster than him.”]

Either way, being in a passive position bothered Ian. The fact that he had to move based on Gilbert’s choice made him feel miserable.

“So it’s not something I should be entirely happy about?”

[“Yes. Acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged and look to the future.”]

“I understand. It feels like I’ve been doused with cold water.”

Ian slapped his cheeks with both hands, making a sharp sound. His cheeks turned red and stung, but it felt like his mind was clearing. He couldn’t afford to be intoxicated with a sense of victory or let his guard down yet.

He still had Gilbert as an obstacle, and only after overcoming that obstacle could he properly begin his story.

Fresia, proud of Ian for coming to his senses, didn’t spare her advice.

[“That’s right. Don’t let your guard down and see how that scoundrel moves before responding. That’s the best choice we can make.”]

“Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

[“And don’t worry. This big sister will make you the best!”]

“Suddenly calling yourself big sister… Well, if we’re talking about age…”

[“Hey! What do you mean ‘if we’re talking about age’! Do you want to die?”]

“It’s not wrong, is it?”

[“Ian!!!”]

Ian burst into laughter at Fresia’s outburst.

Regardless of the situation, he felt he could become the best.

With Fresia by his side.