Chapter 252

# Episode 252: The Tin Knight and the Empire’s Banquet (2)

“…So, what’s the connection between this proclamation and the ‘preparation for revenge’ you mentioned?”

At Dorothea’s question, Alingd replied.

“Would you prefer a long, complicated explanation, a suitably summarized explanation, or an explanation that’s so brief it’s barely graspable? Which one sounds good?”

“Let’s start with the last one.”

“The radicals within the Lenart Duke’s family will either actively engage in the upcoming recruitment exam or completely ignore it and incite a rebellion instead. Either way, strike them down.”

“Alright, let’s go for the second option.”

Alingd smoothly continued, as if he expected this.

“The Lenart family has deep ties to the military power of this nation. It’s no surprise. While other families might nurture their best knights with care, finding someone without military talent in the Lenart family is a challenge of its own. Physical abilities are laughably incomparable, and they’re not lacking in magical talent either. Once they become proficient, they invest their remaining time into military strategies, making them competent generals. Not to mention the familial support they provide each other. If the royal household hadn’t intentionally placed limits on their quota, the entire military upper echelon might have been dominated by the Lenart family.”

Dorothea thought that the introduction felt a bit long for a summary, but she didn’t interrupt. It was information she needed to know, after all.

“Of course, it’s a very negative situation when a nation’s military power is wholly dependent on a single family. Historically, the emperors have wanted to keep the Lenarts in check, but dismissing the most powerful ally during times of war isn’t an easy choice. Knowing this, the Lenarts have only strengthened their influence.”

However, she insisted that the current situation was different.

“His Majesty the Ironblood Emperor is truly competent. He has pursued diplomatic peace over unnecessary military tensions with other nations, and he has directed the remaining resources into stabilizing the Empire’s internal affairs. As the risk of war diminishes, the military’s role also decreases, and with the Magical Association your master established, the Lenart family’s necessity has further declined. That’s why they yearn for war. Once fighting resumes, their influence will increase again.”

“And what does that have to do with the exam?”

“If a military force arises that takes orders solely from His Majesty, where do you think their blades will be directed?”

Adelheid cautiously intervened.

“…Are you suggesting that if the Emperor’s army is formed, they will attack Lenart?”

“Whether that really happens or not is uncertain. But the mere possibility is enough to send chills down the spine of the Lenart family.”

Dorothea frowned.

“If that’s a possibility, why hasn’t it been utilized before?”

Before Alingd could answer, Sophia spoke up.

“Because there’s a risk that the new sword created could fall into Lenart’s hands.”

“Exactly. If Lenart monopolizes the upper ranks of the newly formed army, rather than reducing their influence, it could actually amplify their power.”

Dorothea countered.

“Can’t the commanders be selected separately, or can’t we prevent them from taking command?”

Alingd shook his head.

“It’s impossible to fill the Emperor’s direct army with entirely new personnel. Even if it were theoretically possible, their authority and competency would be lacking. To gain the desired strength and authority, we can only take from existing forces, which means a long and dirty political struggle that gives the other side time to respond. If we try to create it solely based on merit, it leads to Lenart’s dominance. If Lenart is banned from participating, the backlash would be severe.”

So, she said.

“Participate in the recruitment exam. And crush any foes standing in your way. If you can make the problematic factions within Lenart’s family clash with each other to their mutual destruction, they might complain, but if they’re defeated outright by you, they won’t have any grounds to protest.”

“…….”

The group fell silent, deep in thought. They were trying to figure out if Alingd’s proposal was reasonable and if there were any flaws in it.

Then, Sophia spoke up.

“May I ask three questions?”

“Please, go ahead.”

“First. If you can freely manipulate the match-ups or the competition details, can you guarantee you won’t use us to eliminate ‘inconvenient opponents’ unrelated to Adel’s revenge?”

“There are no guarantees.”

Alingd answered bluntly, almost refreshingly straightforward.

“To be more specific, the classification of ‘your revenge targets’ versus ‘those we want to eliminate’ is inherently vague. We know the core list of radicals, but there are many others in the Empire who aren’t part of the Lenart family yet have ties with them behind the scenes. Whether you intend to annihilate all indirect associates or just the top orders issuing commands, we have no way of knowing. Without a clear definition of your revenge targets, it’s impossible to delineate those categories.”

“Then what’s the solution?”

“I’ll provide information. Details on backgrounds, affiliations, and so on. You can then decide whether to completely crush them or just give them a slight beating.”

Sophia looked around at her teammates, particularly seeking Adelheid’s approval.

Once Adelheid nodded, Sophia immediately proceeded to her next question.

“My second question is, if we take this approach, we have to participate in the ‘Emperor’s Sword’ test, whether we like it or not. Does that mean after we achieve our goals, we will naturally become your subordinates?”

“The recruitment exam only grants you the ‘right to volunteer’ for the new army; whether you actually volunteer is up to the individual.”

“That may be true in principle, but it’s the Emperor’s sword we’re talking about, right? If a participant records exceptional results and then turns their back on it, would you all look at us favorably? And in a situation where individuals fitting the criteria are gathered and excited, if the Crown Prince himself steps forward and declares, ‘From now on, my life will be with you!’ while announcing this loudly, how many would dare to shout, ‘I’m not interested!’?”

At Sophia’s words, Alingd stared blankly, for some reason.

He focused particularly on Dorothea and the Tin Knight.

And then, he said one thing.

“Were you the kind of people to care about that…?”

“…Um.”

The sudden occurrence of Sophia struggling to speak was surprising, but the wise Scarecrow didn’t fall behind.

“Isn’t it more problematic that you don’t care? You guys will have a hard time managing the backlash if that’s the case.”

This time, Alingd seemed at a loss for words, and instead quietly took a sip of water.

“…Alright. Indeed, I suppose we’ll have to make changes in that aspect. Let’s make the rewards for opting out of the army significantly greater. If you and others make similar choices, it would lessen the chances of you standing out compared to others. Sure, there might be a bit of negative sentiment they’re choosing personal gains over loyalty and honor, but I hope you can bear with that.”

While this would mean potential talents destined to become a powerful royal army could be led astray seeking rewards, it seemed Alingd believed it was worth it to bring in the Tin Knight’s group.

“Now, onto the final question. Even if everything goes according to your design and a perfect Emperor’s army is created, causing a significant reduction in the Lenart family’s power, that doesn’t necessarily mean their downfall. We may eliminate the radicals during the exam, but how will you handle the remaining remnants and ensure they confess to their crimes within the Duke’s family?”

“We’ll handle that without issue.”

In response to Sophia’s question, Alingd answered confidently.

“—I’ve already concluded discussions with the Minister of Defense regarding this.”

***

The office of the head of the Lenart family is notoriously uncomfortable, even within their own house.

The Minister of Defense.

The leader of all lions’ bloodlines, it was exceedingly rare to find someone who could display such confidence in front of the Empire’s greatest authority.

And even the children weren’t exempt; even Maris, the Duke’s own daughter, had to straighten her back when visiting her father in the office.

However, there are always exceptions.

The old man who entered the office now maintained a carefree demeanor, as though he were on a leisurely stroll, not nervous in the slightest in front of the Minister of Defense.

“The Empress has played quite the bold move. The children of our bloodline are quite unsettled; it poses a significant issue.”

“She surely has her own thoughts. Besides, this could be a great blessing for our family.”

The Minister of Defense’s attitude toward the old man was equally peculiar.

It wasn’t quite at the level of treating him like a superior, but it at least neared respectful recognition.

But that was to be expected.

Before him stood the old man, a great elder of the family, and at the same time, the head of the Elder Council.

The Elder Council Leader asked.

“A great blessing? You speak oddly for the family head. They’re trying to forge a blade to strike down our family; how could that possibly be a blessing?”

“Crisis and opportunity are two sides of the same coin.”

The Minister of Defense calmly continued, as if finding this all quite trivial.

“If we can seize control of the army they’re about to create, the name of Lenart could thrive even more.”

“Hmm, I’m not so sure. I find that quite strange,” said the Elder Council Leader, stroking his long beard.

On the surface, he resembled an immortal sage, yet his gaze held a sly, serpentine glint.

“This tournament, where a distinct royal army will be selected apart from the existing military forces, is not something that can simply happen at will. It requires significantly burning through the political might of the Empress and performing great leaps to move up a coronation ceremony that should have waited years. If this attempt fails, the Empress will have to endure silence for over a decade just to recover. There’s a risk she could become voiceless forever.”

“What are you implying?”

“This old man has been observing the Empress since her audacious days as the impudent daughter of Marquis Heidehren, long before she gained the name Arcturus. Many dimwitted folks think the Empress simply climbed to her position due to her stunning beauty, but that’s nonsense. She only contests battles where she feels confident of winning. In other words, this situation indicates that the Empress believes there’s a ‘sufficient probability of victory’ here.”

The Elder Council Leader’s eyes fixed squarely on the Minister of Defense.

“Lord. You stand as the head of Lenart, and it is your responsibility to protect and lead the lions. Are you doing your duty as the family head?”

This remark could easily be interpreted as a challenge to the authority of the family head, but the Minister of Defense was no ordinary individual.

He answered with confidence.

“Yes. I’m doing my best for the family.”

“…Is that so? Then, this old man shall also do what I can. Fortunately, the Magical Kingdom is currently in a state of great confusion. Even if the Lion of Nemea is temporarily away, it shouldn’t be a significant issue.”

When the name of the Lion of Nemea was brought up, the Minister of Defense’s eyes flickered slightly.

That fleeting reaction was barely noticeable, but the Elder Council Leader did not miss it.

However, instead of baiting the Minister of Defense with such cheap provocations, he silently turned and exited the office.

The blonde girl, Hilda, followed closely behind.

Once the office door closed,

From a space that had seemed to lack any presence, a man emerged as if a shadow had gained substance.

Conrad. The Minister of Defense’s escort frowned.

“That wasn’t just empty bravado or a lie, was it? Could he possibly side with the Elder Council?”

“It’s too soon to jump to conclusions. My uncle is a difficult one to interpret. However… it seems we might be facing some complications.”

After a moment of thought, the Minister of Defense turned to his guard.

“How was Hilda’s side of things?”

“…I’m embarrassed to admit, but she was nearly flawless in detecting my presence. To be honest, there’s no guarantee I could win in a direct confrontation.”

“Quick, isn’t she? Perhaps too quick.”

The Lion of Nemea, Werner.

The family’s bodyguard, Conrad.

The prodigal of destiny, Hilda.

These three represented the strongest of Lenart, each from the past, present, and new generation.

And their strengths followed a pattern in years, with the older Werner being the most powerful while the younger Hilda lagged behind.

This was possible due to the distinct, lengthy decline and subsequent era of prosperity unique to the lion bloodline.

Had events unfolded as expected, when Werner retired, Conrad would have claimed the throne of strongest.

Yet already Hilda was eyeing that position of the strongest in this present generation.

An abnormally rapid growth trajectory.

“…With just natural talent, she’s already nearly unmatched in substitution for outside aids, but she’s been using all sorts of elixirs and magical devices to enhance her power. This is troubling.”

The Duke was the head of Lenart.

But he was also a subject of the Empire.

He was attempting to walk two paths that couldn’t harmoniously coexist, a choice difficult for the bloodlines to support.

Simply judging power alone, the far more substantial Duke often found himself outmaneuvered by the Elder Council, as he had to tread the path of retreat rather than advancement.

Thinking this would be a challenging contest, he quietly focused on the behind-the-scenes work.