Chapter 28 ─ Walt Empire

After entering the private room, some knights personally selected by Marquis Brendan Zora Fredman, a man over forty years old, short in stature, with black hair balding in the center and a large belly, were waiting. His brown eyes saw the door close and then he greeted those present.

"It's a pleasure to see you, comrades."

Everyone greeted Fredman, who was the last member to arrive. They all belonged to the Black Rose, a criminal and secret organization that originated in the kingdom hundreds of years ago.

They were created with the purpose of protecting the royal family since the king's brother at that time was physically weak. His younger brother loved him very much, so, using the kingdom's emblem, he dyed it black to show his love for his brother.

Everything he couldn't do, his younger brother would take care of. This organization was created to help the royal family in secret, using loyal people who pretended to be enemies. But over time, their reason for creation and their motives were bastardized to the point that their origin no longer mattered.

They became a corrupt organization with the purpose of secretly taking over the kingdom and not just the country, but the entire world. They want to have power, political influence, and rule the entire globe. The problem is that they are gradually achieving it, and that is today's reason for meeting.

"How is the plan going?" Fredman asked.

"It's more or less as expected," a man replied.

"The Alzer Empire is causing fights with other countries."

"That's good, the goal is to make Alzer earn the hatred of many small countries, which will create a united front to fight back."

"Where is the problem?"

"The problem lies in that they are demanding the head of a guy who calls himself the Magic God Alzel."

"Alzel? That sounds too similar to the empire's name."

"That's why they are angry; they feel insulted."

"I don't know who that crazy guy is who wants to mock the most tyrannical empire in the world, whose ruler calls himself the Blood Emperor."

"In that case, I would also like to participate," said a voice from the back of the room; all this time, he had been sitting behind Fredman.

"Who is he?" Fredman asked, looking at him suspiciously.

One of his companions introduced him.

"He is an envoy from the United Kingdoms of Oxis, Ambassador Maurice Soule Offley."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Marquis Fredman."

The man in front of him was thin, not tall, and of ordinary appearance.

"Nice to meet you. Can I know what you are doing here? In a meeting where someone not from the organization is not welcome?"

Another of his companions lowered his suspicions.

"He has been a member for years, but he is a contact, so his rank is much lower than others. That is why he wants to rise and helps us with his country by creating political problems."

"I understand. And… what do you need?"

"My homeland needs lands, due to certain problems among nobles. The lands for farming have been poisoned, and those for building are in an impossible state for construction due to destruction."

Fredman smiled at hearing that.

"It's curious that you say that. Recently, I've been very interested in real estate."

"Really?"

"Yes. Lately, I have been buying territories from low-ranking nobles, either due to owing taxes or even being criminals and having their properties taken away. I spent a lot of money, but I have found some secret buyers. If you are interested, you can tell me what kind of property you are looking for. But of course, all the properties are in my name for obvious security reasons."

"Isn't that harmful to you?"

"It's not. If you are a man like me who has influence at the same level as a duke, you can do many things. I am part of the Four Great Nobles of this country."

In the kingdom of Rosenthal, there are five people, after the royal family, with incredible political power and influence. They are called the Five Great Nobles. But why did Fredman say there were four?

"Four? I thought there were five."

Fredman's expression changed to one of bitterness as he explained his reasons.

"We are five, but one of them is trash to me. The great nobles of this country start with Duke Realight, who holds the position of foreign minister. One is a guy named Crossfode, who acts as the prime minister despite being a count. Naturally, myself, who manages the finances of this country; if I don't present proof of what is spent, an investigation would be conducted, and that would be harmful to me. Then there's Viscount Barkley, who is a nobody, but his family is responsible for protecting the royal family using secret methods. Lastly, the most unpleasant of all," Fredman exclaimed with contempt, "a guy named Hamilton. That guy is of humble origin; even Barkley is of prestigious birth, being an Alba, and he is a Zora."

Maurice asked upon hearing about the second names.

"Excuse me, Marquis, but aren't you also a Zora? Or am I mistaken?"

"You are not mistaken. But my family has something special, just like that guy. Belange Noel Crossfode is a marquis who married a princess of the kingdom several generations ago. Outside of the duke, it's another family of the king, but without the right to the throne. I mention it because I also have that same type of blood, but my family lost the second name because they couldn't maintain it. That is why I hated only Crossfode until Hamilton managed to surpass him with everything he does. That guy doesn't behave like a noble, and even the palace servants make comparisons between him and me. I won't tolerate those injustices."

Maurice, seeing him, smiled sinisterly for some reason.

"If you wish, I can help you."

"How?"

"Well, to begin with, you seek to create a conflict to spark a small war, don't you?"

"That's right."

"What if we orchestrate a kidnapping and blame a country?"

Fredman was astonished.

"Blame? Who?"

"Please give me a few minutes."

◇◇◇

After almost an hour of waiting, Maurice returned.

"How did it go?"

He raised his hand in approval.

"It was perfect. I didn't even imagine they would do it at such a low cost."

"Who did you ask to do the kidnapping?"

"No less than the Walt Empire."

"Are you serious?!"

Everyone was surprised to hear that name. The Walt Empire, or rather, the country of swords and wars, is a small nation that lives off conflict. Its economy is based on creating conflicts, whether small or large. The emperor of that empire is a man who accepts any request for an exorbitant price.

"Yes. There's nothing to worry about; the payment will be made by my country since that way we can acquire the land at a reduced value, right?"

"As you say. Who will he send?"

"He said he would send the Eight."

"The Eight Great Knights?"

"That guy is really crazy."

"But with economic motives."

"Very well, let's agree on the date of the kidnapping and who it will be."

Maurice saw the whole situation as if it were something he wanted to happen while his smile grew more sinister.

________________

The fanservice is for Esther, since there was a lot of old man here.

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/7946519