425

Episode 425 I have to get it by force. (1)

"Ugh, ah, it tastes bad. Hey, why does it taste like this?"

Maurice licked his lips as he took the medicine.

Maurice said shamelessly as the other nobles looked on with bewildered expressions.

"What, why? A nephew of mine gave us some medicine for the plague, and you keep doubting him? He said the plague was actually spreading?"

He gestured to the escort knight beside him.

"Hey, bring me some water so I can rinse my mouth."

When the knight brought him some water, Maurice rinsed his mouth and said:

"Oh, that's refreshing. Okay, finish reporting."

The reporter who came in to report hesitated for a moment and then continued speaking.

"The epidemic is spreading rapidly in the area where the crack opened. In particular, most of the soldiers who fought the crack have fallen ill with the epidemic."

The Marquis of Branford asked with his eyes closed.

"I'm sure you told the troops that fought the crack to be quarantined? Are you saying that it spread to other areas?"

"That's… … There were quite a few lords who wouldn't listen. The military mixed in with the lords because they didn't create a quarantine zone, and some of them moved around while they were there, so it seems like it spread."

"… … Pathetic guys."

The Marquis of Branford clicked his tongue in anger.

I didn't think all the lords would listen, so I sent out official letters and emphasized it several times.

But eventually the epidemic spread.

I had heard in advance from Earl Fenris what was going to happen. I couldn't completely believe it, but I couldn't take it lightly.

If it's true, it's so dangerous that it's something you should prepare for even if it means taking a loss.

The Marquis of Branford looked around at everyone and said:

"Do you see now? Everything Earl Fenris said was true."

The nobles who had been hesitating and not actively following Giselle's words were left speechless.

I only prepared for the fight against the Duke and the Crack, and I thought there was no need to make a fuss about something that hadn't even happened.

We used to brag to each other that we were the cool-headed ones, but in reality, they were the ones who were stupid.

Only Count Ailsver looked relieved and relieved his chest.

'Whew, it was good that I listened to my wife. I'll leave everything to her from now on.'

The Earl of Ailsver was also quite dissatisfied because a huge amount of money was invested in the production of the plague medicine. However, Meriel took active action and secured a considerable amount of medicine.

Now that I think about it, Meriel was right. Thanks to her, the Count's status would rise even higher.

The Marquis of Branford spat out coldly.

"I will let Earl Fenris's actions against Earl Heseltine go unpunished. As an example, Earl Heseltine will be stripped of his title, and Baron Spenvel will be elevated to the title of earl, with his rights as lord acknowledged. Is there any objection?"

"… … ."

There was already a lot of talk about what Jiselle had done. Even though she had been given full authority over the rift, taking away the authority of another noble was crossing the line.

There was even talk of reducing the authority of the Earl of Fenris, who was acting like a king even though he was not a king. This was because Giselle's power and authority now exceeded that of the Marquis of Branford.

But as the plague spread and Giselle's words were proven right, it was difficult to argue. It was true that Count Heseltine had disobeyed orders and things had gotten worse.

The Marquis of Branford, who had silenced the nobles, asked the knight.

"So, how is the epidemic? Is it serious? How fast is it spreading?"

"When you get sick, you get a high fever and red spots all over your body. It spreads very quickly. Most of those who get sick collapse, and the number of deaths continues to increase. Divine powers do not work either."

"High fever? Red spots? You're saying that even divine powers don't work? No way… … ."

"Yes, it is a symptom similar to 'Eternal Punishment'."

"What? Isn't that an incurable disease? The symptoms are the same as that disease? And it's contagious?"

"Yes. The symptoms are a bit milder, but the transmission and onset are very rapid."

"Ugh… … ."

'Eternal Punishment' is the disease that Gillian's daughter Rachel suffered from. The reason Giselle knew the cure for the disease and was able to cure Rachel was because it had the same symptoms as the contagious disease that spread across the continent after the rift opened.

Just like in Jiselle's previous life, the epidemic spreading across the continent now had the same symptoms as the 'Eternal Punishment'. It was a variant that had relatively milder symptoms but was contagious.

The nobles were very uneasy and their expressions were crumpled. A disease that was known to be incurable and that was even said to be a curse to those who contracted it was spreading.

Count Ailsburgh, who had been listening blankly, spoke to the other nobles.

"Wait a minute, so this medicine can also cure 'Eternal Punishment'? Right now, you're adding a very small percentage of the fairy's blessing. What if you increase that percentage?"

"That, that's right? It can cure incurable diseases… … ."

"No, how does Earl Fenris know that?"

The nobles gathered together and muttered.

Even if you heard the information from the Salvation Church priest, it's close to a prophecy that an infectious disease is spreading. And you even know the cure for it?

I couldn't understand it at all. At this point, I would have believed it if the Earl of Fenris had spread the disease on purpose.

When the nobles seemed to suspect something, the Marquis of Branford said.

"That's something we can discuss after the fact. Now that the epidemic has actually occurred, we must proceed with the work by force."

"What are you talking about?"

"I will prohibit the trade of materials needed to make medicine within the kingdom. In addition, I will forcibly confiscate the materials for medicine from territories that do not have proper manufacturing facilities or do not actively make medicine. Compensation will be paid later."

"Umm… … ."

The nobles let out a sigh.

It is best not to touch the private property of nobles or restrict their transactions, as nobles are loyal to the crown because the crown guarantees their authority.

But the Marquis of Branford continued with a cold look in his eyes.

"If we try to find our rights now, we will all die. Even in this situation, there are many who pursue personal greed. I can't tolerate this any longer. Do you understand?"

Everyone nodded. If we continued to be greedy, we would all really die together.

As the chaos grew, it became difficult to control it with the power of the Marquis of Branford alone. He had to rule with a little more force.

"Mobilize all available forces and use force. Deprive those who seek to take advantage of the situation of their rights and confiscate their property. And… … ."

The Marquis of Branford took a deep breath as if he had made up his mind about something, then said.

"Once everything is done, we will discuss the succession of the Ferdium family."

"Well, Your Majesty, that is… … ."

Everyone was shocked. How could they be discussing the promotion again after only a short time since Giselle was promoted to count?

Moreover, he said it was not the Fenris family but the Ferdium family. That means he will create another unique ducal family in the kingdom.

'Promoting the Marquis to a higher rank?'

'Are you saying that a ducal family will be established in the North, breaking with previous customs?'

'The rumors that the Marquis of Branford considered the Earl of Fenris as his successor were true!'

The Kingdom of Rutania has a custom that is a little different from other kingdoms. It is a custom that has continued since the founding of the country, and only the 'Delphine Family' is allowed to be the Duke.

Originally, royal descendants could also have the title of duke. However, as was the custom since the founding king, royal collateral branches also remained with the title of marquis.

Even the Marquis of Branford, the most powerful man in the kingdom, failed to become a duke.

No one knew why. They just accepted it as a given and lived with it because it had been that way for a long time.

But it was the Marquis of Branford who finally said that he would break that long-standing custom.

And that's not for the Marquis himself, but for Giselle.

Maurice frowned.

"Look, that's a bit… … . Even though he's my nephew… … ."

"I'm not suggesting that we decide right now. It's something we can discuss once the Delphine Dukes are gone. Didn't you want that too?"

"uh?"

Maurice flared his nostrils slightly. Come to think of it, wouldn't that custom become invalid now that the Delphine Dukes are gone?

Then, his family could also become a duke.

"Ahem, right. Well, let's talk about it again when we get there."

'Ahhhhhh. The Duke of Macquarie, isn't this cool?'

Maurice chuckled. If he could become a duke in his own generation, it would be something to brag about for generations to come.

'That too, if you are a member of a family that has contributed to ending the civil war, and you are given the title of Duke. Hehehe.'

Since even Maurice didn't say anything, the other nobles all kept their mouths shut.

The Marquis of Branford thus set the tone and drove the wedge in.

"Tell Earl Fenris what I want. I will take full responsibility, so move freely. Dealing with the rift is urgent, but quickly curbing the epidemic is also important."

"Ugh… … ."

The nobles showed signs of being troubled, but did not refute the claim.

The Marquis of Branford was determined to give Giselle a solid push.

The army that currently roams the kingdom the most while fighting the rift is the Northern Army.

Some of the royal army would move to secure resources, but it would be more effective if the northern army moved and collected them.

The Marquis of Branford decided to impose his will through the Northern army.

And the meaning was exactly what Giselle had hoped for.

* * *

"Wow! I won!"

After clearing another crack, the soldiers cheered.

The morale of the Northern Army was currently at its peak.

Because even though several cracks had already been removed, there was virtually no damage.

It couldn't be helped. No matter how many there were of the Crackers who would just charge forward, they would be swept away by Fenris' overwhelming skills and power.

In fact, other armies also had a bigger problem dealing with Equidema than with the Cracks. This was because they lacked the skills to take down the monsters that had reached superhuman levels.

But for the Northern Army, Equidema was now an easy opponent.

"Kaaaaaaang!"

"Oh, Goddess!"

All Piote had to do was close his eyes and crouch down in front of Equidema. Then Giselle would immediately shout.

"You took the bait! Let's catch it quickly!"

Equidema would go crazy whenever he saw Piote and would rush at him. In the meantime, if other powerful people joined forces, he could be easily defeated.

In addition, as time went by, we got along well with each other, so it became easier and easier to deal with Equidema.

The soldiers looked pleased as they watched Jiselle and his entourage coming with Equidema.

"I really feel like we are the strongest in the kingdom."

"At this rate, it seems like we'll be wiping them all out in no time?"

"The other armies are barely holding on. They say there is no place that can push back like we can."

These are soldiers who barely managed to survive in the poor northern territory. I have never felt this kind of pride in my life.

As they followed Jiselle, they gradually became more like elite soldiers. It was natural, as they constantly participated in battles and gained confidence.

As their pride and confidence in being a member of the Northern Army grew, the way they looked at Jiselle also changed.

"I wish Earl Fenris had united the North."

"We will also become part of Fenris."

"If Earl Fenris wants to invade our territory, I will follow without question."

They say that the times make their heroes. Traitors were emerging voluntarily within the Northern Army.

They sincerely hoped that Giselle would take over the entire North. Everyone's desire spread throughout the Northern Army.

As if to pour oil on the fire, the Marquis of Branford's intentions were conveyed to the Northern Army.

Belinda said excitedly.

"When the war is over, we will discuss the succession again? Will our young master become the Duke?"

Jiselle chuckled.

"What does the title matter? The priority is to end the war. And even if I win, my father comes first."

Giselle had no interest in that mere title. But the others did not.

Belinda clenched her fists and opened her mouth with a meaningful look in her eyes.

"You should take this opportunity to lead the entire Northern Army and completely unify the North. Everyone is impatient because they can't remain loyal to you. It's completely possible."

"… …Belinda is ambitious."

Giselle tried to just laugh it off, but Belinda raised her voice and shouted that it was no joke.

"After that, you will ascend to the Northern Grand Duke!"

"What? What the heck?"

"North. Bu. Dae. Air!"

"… …Northern Grand Duke?"

"Yes, that's cool. That's romantic!"

"A Grand Duke? Is that something you dream about? No, before that, is it something I can do as I please? Can't a Grand Duke only be a member of the royal family?"

At this, Belinda and all of her close associates looked dumbfounded.

A person who has lived his entire life without caring at all about what others think is saying strange things.

"Is there anything you haven't done as you wished? If you want to do it, you just do it."

"… … ."

Jiselle had nothing to say, so she kept her mouth shut. There was a reason for everything, but to others, it must have looked like a crazy idiot doing whatever he wanted.

Belinda moved closer to Giselle.

Her eyes were burning with ambition. It was so burdensome that I wanted to avoid it.

"You're going to do whatever you want anyway, right? So do it. Northern Grand Duke. Just do something cooler than a duke."

"… …Father?"

"You should retire. You've worked hard all this time. I think it's time for you to rest. I always feel heartbroken when I see you struggling."

Anyway, Giselle is Belinda's top priority. And Zwalter, who always says he wants to rest every day, will agree.

Jiselle swallowed hard.

The story was going in a direction similar to treason mixed with immorality.