Chapter 5 : The Meeting

“It’s been a while. Prince Glenn, and I see Prince Ian is here as well.”

Someone called out to the two brothers as they made their way to the meeting room.

A man who seemed to be around their age.

Tylan Sailharun, the eldest son of Count Sailharun’s family, which was known throughout the duchy as staunchly pro-Empire.

Ian’s face twisted naturally as they walked side by side.

On the other hand, Glenn just glared at him for a moment, then nodded his head slightly.

“What was your name again?”

“…Tylan. I’m sure I mentioned it the last time we met… Oh, did you perhaps hit your head that day? Haha.”

Hit his head?

What was that supposed to mean? As Glenn thought it over, a memory suddenly surfaced.

The two had once run into each other by chance at a noble’s party held in a ballroom.

It was there that Tylan and Glenn ended up in a heated argument.

“I heard the eldest son of the Lepent family is a good-for-nothing. Seems it’s true? And your younger brother isn’t much better… Ah, now that I look at it, I suppose it’s a family tradition. Haha.”

When Tylan dragged Ian and their family into the argument, Glenn couldn’t take it anymore and challenged him to a Duel.

“Back then, I really didn’t know my place.”

Just as Glenn had been called a Swordsmanship prodigy as a child, Tylan was also praised for his remarkable talent.

He was two years older, and unlike most, he was a diligent knight.

Even among trainee knights, there’s a difference in level.

The result was obvious—Tylan’s overwhelming victory. Glenn had fainted in disgrace.

He barely lasted a few exchanges, losing as if he were just being toyed with. Even Ian, watching from the side, had to squeeze his eyes shut from embarrassment.

It was a humiliating Duel.

The Duke had harshly scolded his eldest son over this incident.

He spoke about how Glenn had dragged the honor of the Lepent family through the mud, and questioned whether someone like him was fit to be heir.

Glenn, who felt wronged, naturally developed a rebellious streak. In the end, he abandoned Swordsmanship training and spent his days drinking.

Because of this, the Duke had eventually expelled his eldest son from the Lion Knights.

“Ah, right. Tylan. Now I remember.”

“My, as a subject of the duchy, I truly worry for our future lord. A ruler who’s so up and down, just hearing about it is amusing, isn’t it? Haha. Ah, of course I’m only joking.”

Yes, he was exactly like this back then.

He would slyly provoke Glenn, who was full of insecurity and arrogance at the time.

Unable to watch any longer, Ian stepped forward, his face flushed.

“Isn’t that a bit much to say to my brother, Sir Tylan?”

“Ah, Ian, you’re here too. Sorry, but I don’t think this is your place to speak up. This is a conversation between eldest sons. Even if you’re young, you should know your place.”

The familiar condescension.

Tylan was treating Ian the same way he did back then—dismissing him simply for being younger.

And that annoyingly smug face, too.

Hasn’t changed a bit, has he?

“No matter what—”

“That’s enough. Let’s leave the greetings here.”

Glenn quietly stopped his brother.

Of course, that didn’t mean he would just let things slide.

“So, Sir Tylan. Is that all you needed? For someone who dragged the Imperial ambassador here, this is rather petty.”

“…Hmph, do you really think I came all this way just to see you two? It’s just a coincidence.”

“Well, how thoughtful of you. By the way, have you made any progress in Swordsmanship?”

At Glenn’s expressionless question, Tylan’s lips curled up on one side.

That mocking face—how irritating.

“Haha, of course. Did I mention it? I recently became a full knight. I’m the youngest in my family to do so, apparently. Quite something, haha.”

He’s going on and on about things no one asked.

Glenn almost wanted to laugh.

But, Prince, aren’t you… Oh, that’s right, you’re not a knight anymore, are you? I must have brought up something unnecessary…”

“What a coincidence. I also became a full knight not long ago. Congratulations to both of us.”

The sneering smile on Tylan’s face froze.

“…Excuse me? What did you say? A full knight?”

“That’s right.”

“But… weren’t you expelled from the Lion Knights?”

“Not anymore.”

Glenn shrugged as if it were nothing, and this time, Tylan’s brow furrowed.

“Prince, you’re not lying about something like this, are you?”

Falsely claiming knighthood was an extremely dishonorable act among nobles.

Tylan assumed Glenn was bluffing.

“Why would I? Ah, since it’s come up, how about a match after the meeting? Just to confirm.”

“You’re serious?”

Tylan’s eyes went wide with disbelief.

“Of course. What, are you scared?”

“Ha, someone who got beaten to a pulp shouldn’t be talking like that.”

He no longer cared about showing respect for the duchy’s first prince.

Actually, that was fine by Glenn. He preferred it this way.

“So, should I take that as your agreement?”

“Fine. It’ll be a good show for the Lion Knights. Don’t regret it.”

It was an open secret that the Sailharun and Lepent families were bitter rivals.

Naturally, the knights of both families clashed constantly.

And now, the eldest son of the Sailharun family wanted to beat up Glenn, the eldest son of the Lepent family, in a public match?

It would be a disgrace for the Lion Knights.

But Glenn simply kept his faint smile.

“Will I be the one regretting it, or will you?”

Tylan didn’t seem to like Glenn’s relaxed attitude.

He stepped closer and whispered coldly in Glenn’s ear.

“This time, I’ll break your leg so you can’t even walk, you bastard.”

“I look forward to it. See you then.”

He truly meant it.

Ever since his days in Ricklang, beating up guys like him had always been fun.

Leaving the scowling Tylan behind, Glenn headed for the meeting room.

Ian followed anxiously after him.

***

It would be a good experience for himself and his brother.

Glen had persuaded his father with these words, and so was allowed to attend the meeting.

Of course, he’d been strictly told not to say a word and just listen.

Fortunately, as the Duke had ordered, his two sons sat quietly.

No, to be exact, there was no time to even check on them.

“Back in my predecessor’s day, the orcs almost overran the city. The duchy is barely holding on even now.”

“That’s why we must end the Empire’s civil war as soon as possible. This is the will of His Majesty the Emperor.”

They’d been talking past each other from the start.

The Duke looked at the Imperial ambassador, Count Shufenko, with a frustrated gaze.

“Count, I’ve already told you. I understand His Majesty’s will. But it’s simply not realistic for us to provide such resources.”

“The Kingdom of Lebanov will provide troops, the Kingdom of Arian will provide funds. And only the Duchy of Lepent will refuse? Considering your situation, we’re not even asking for soldiers. You seem to think only of yourselves.”

“Huu…”

Only thinking of themselves? And this was coming from the Empire?

Damn southern bastards.

The Duke gritted his teeth at the Empire’s shamelessness. They’d always been this way.

It was even worse during the previous Emperor’s reign, before the civil war.

They had treated the duchy like nothing more than a hunting dog they raised for their amusement.

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons his own father died young—worry over the Empire.

“May I say something, Your Grace?”

As the discussion continued to go nowhere, someone from the Sailharun side, who had been silent until now, stood up.

Javico Sailharun, the current Count’s younger brother.

Damn traitors.

The Sailharun family was infamous within the duchy for their pro-Empire stance. They’d come with the Imperial ambassador under the pretext of acting as escorts.

If the Empire was a gang of thugs, then the Sailharuns were the sycophants clinging to their coattails.

“…Go ahead.”

At the Duke’s nod of approval, Javico spoke again.

“Count Shufenko. Of course, His Majesty’s will is absolute, and as a vassal state, the duchy must fulfill its sacred duty. But I think we also need to consider the current reality.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Our family will provide all the resources and funds ourselves. With the direct approval of the Count.”

“Oh, what a delightful offer. The Empire will never forget the Sailharun family’s generosity.”

The Duke’s brow furrowed.

Could it be that the two had planned this farce together from the start?

“Ah, of course, that’s only if Your Grace, as the master of the Duchy of Lepent, agrees.”

“…It is a generous offer for us as well.”

It felt like being made a clown, but what choice did he have?

They were offering to pay what he couldn’t, so he couldn’t refuse.

“We can provide about forty percent. The rest, perhaps the Lepent family could pay back gradually?”

“The Empire finds this proposal very reasonable.”

Judging by their reactions, it was likely they had coordinated this before even arriving.

Is this what it feels like to be robbed in broad daylight?

“…Very well. We’ll discuss the repayment period later.”

“Understood. In exchange, I have a request for Your Grace, if that’s all right?”

This was probably their real aim.

For a moment, the Duke wanted to sew Javico’s mouth shut.

“…A request?”

Javico smiled and handed over a letter.

“A personal letter from Count Sailharun. The Count is concerned about the widespread famine and refugees in the duchy and the entire north.”

The North had always been a harsh place for humans.

Arable land was scarce, and monsters roamed everywhere.

Especially the orcs, who had a major stronghold in the north, were a constant threat.

Most had been pushed beyond the walls, but they raided at every opportunity.

In other words, every year, much blood was shed to defend this land.

Naturally, this led to a shortage of people.

There weren’t enough hands to farm, and not enough people to go around.

And with the Empire’s civil war dragging on, the duchy’s economy had fallen apart.

Even the rations provided by the church and the duchy had decreased noticeably.

Naturally, the number of people starving or dying had soared.

“Our family is considering a charity project. But of course, covering the entire north is too much. So we’d like to start in the duchy’s capital, Lepent City.”

“In my city?”

“Lepent City is the face of the duchy, is it not? Of course, I may be a little biased… but on my way here, I saw many refugees.”

The Duke’s gaze turned cold.

It was true that the duchy’s capital, Lepent City, had been in chaos lately.

Refugees, orphans, and beggars fleeing the war had gathered there, leading to public order problems.

The Duke knew this well, and while it was a serious issue, it was not something for another family to interfere in.

Managing the city was entirely the Lepent family’s responsibility.

“Careful with your words, Viscount. Are you saying I’m unfit to govern my own city?”

“Oh, I would never mean that. These are just the unfortunate results of troubled times. When a storm blows in, it’s not the ruler’s fault.”

He had a point, but his attitude was irritating.

The Duke wanted to rip out Javico’s tongue.

How annoying, strutting around with the Empire at his side.

“So, what’s your real point?”

“All we ask is permission to carry out our charity work in Lepent City. And if you could help provide some guards for safety, we’d be grateful.”

There was no way this was just about charity.

The Duke’s suspicions grew stronger.

“You want me to lend my soldiers for security?”

“Wouldn’t that be more convenient for both sides?”

On the surface, it sounded reasonable. But it was unsettling.

If they’d asked to bring in Sailharun soldiers as guards, he’d have refused outright.

But since that wasn’t the case, his grounds for refusal were weak.

“What if I refuse?”

“The Count is deeply concerned about the Northern People. He also has high hopes for the charity project. If you refuse… I think the Count will be rather disappointed.”

A blatant threat.

Now it was hard to tell who was really in charge.

“So if I refuse, the financial support is off the table too?”

“I really couldn’t say.”

“Tch… Fine. I’ll discuss it with my retainers and consider it.”

As the Duke reluctantly agreed, Count Shufenko spoke up again.

“His Majesty wishes to see this issue resolved within two months at the latest.”

“I’ll let you know within three months.”

“I’m not here to negotiate. If there’s no answer in two months, I’ll return to the Empire. And then we’ll discuss what to do next about the duchy.”

What to do next?

Were they really threatening war with a border vassal state?

“…I’ll reply as soon as possible.”

The Duke felt trapped with no way out.

Meanwhile, the Empire and Sailharun sides smiled, having gotten what they wanted.

***

“It’s not going any differently, after all.”

Glenn sat quietly until the meeting ended.

Just as before, this very meeting would lead the duchy down the path of ruin.

Knowing the full story, Glenn could see right through their aims.

This was exactly the Empire’s way. He’d seen it countless times in Ricklang.

Immortal, cunning, meticulous, and ruthless.

‘Well, at least that much is the same. But the real problem is how to persuade Father.’

He already had a countermeasure in mind.

Having gone over this event countless times in his previous life, he was confident it was the best plan.

The problem was, this countermeasure would determine the direction of the family itself.

In other words, he absolutely had to persuade his father, the current head.

But how could he do that?

He still hadn’t shaken off his reputation as a good-for-nothing.

“Prince Glenn.”

At the familiar voice, he turned around.

There was Tylan, wearing a smug look.

“You’re not going to back out now, are you?”

Ah, that’s right, this guy.

“Haha, it’s nothing. Right, we had a match, didn’t we? I almost forgot. Shall we begin right away?”

“You seem very confident.”

Seeing Glenn’s cheerful smile, Tylan ground his teeth.

This time, he would definitely break at least one of Glenn’s bones.

He’d make sure that arrogant brat was put in his place.

The thoughts of the two men clashed, and before long—

The news of the Swordsmanship Duel between Ron Glenn Lepent and Tylan Sailharun spread throughout the entire estate.