NOVEL NEXT Chapter 161.1
Chapter 161.1. Attitude
“Oh, Your Highness! How wonderful of you to come!”
Inside the northern base, in a different meeting room.
As the group was guided inside, the man standing at the head of the line, Liliana, was greeted by a warm and cheerful voice.
A man of average build and height, seemingly around Jurgen’s age.
While his features were not particularly striking, his attire was of high quality, and his affable smile left an impression of a pleasant, middle-aged gentleman.
This must be Count Harvest, the noble overseeing this entire region.
From what they had gleaned on the way here, he was a Count renowned even in the North for commanding one of the strongest private forces.
His family’s influence had grown through their military prowess, which was likely why they had been able to endure the Northern Alliance’s tyranny until now.
The Count, for his part, welcomed a visibly tense Liliana with excessive humility—more than necessary—before seating the other five with equal courtesy.
Then, he began to speak.
“I have been informed of the circumstances. To think that His Highness, the First Prince, suddenly fell into madness, and that Your Highness is being targeted by a mysterious organization! Imagining the plight of Your Highness, who managed to escape the royal capital under such dire conditions, fills me with anguish! And to overcome it all—truly fitting of royal blood!”
“…It was simply thanks to the people around me.”
A torrent of exaggerated flattery.
The overwhelming courtesy and verbose delivery made Liliana a bit overwhelmed, leaving her to respond tersely.
The Count, undeterred, continued with further praises, hailing her modesty.
Finally, he got to the point.
“And so, yes. The plan is to rally behind Your Highness Liliana and overthrow that accursed Star God Church! By all means, I wish to assist in this endeavor! I pledge the unwavering loyalty of all the elite forces of House Harvest to Your Highness!”
He expressed his full support and willingness to cooperate.
Relieved at the prospect of gaining an ally, Liliana let out a breath.
“Then…”
Came his next words.
“──Naturally, you will grant me complete command, yes?”
The atmosphere froze.
Liliana, as well as Hermes and the others standing behind her, understood the implications of what the Count was saying all too well.
Still, Liliana confirmed cautiously.
“…By that, do you mean the five people standing behind me would also come under your command?”
“But of course!”
The Count replied without the slightest hint of hesitation.
“Ah, rest assured, I will offer them proper treatment. They are loyal retainers who protected Your Highness during your escape from the royal capital. …However…”
He asserted confidently, laying out his reasoning.
“This is my domain, after all. I understand that you have a duke’s daughter and head among your company, but I cannot allow outsiders to overstep their bounds. Under my command, unified coordination is the quickest path to victory, don’t you think?”
“…Hold on a moment.”
This time, it was Katia who voiced her objection to the Count’s words.
“Count, we too wish to respect your intentions. As you said, it would be unreasonable for us to suddenly demand complete authority over your forces. …However… that being said…”
“Is it truly acceptable to demand that we ‘completely comply with your terms’?”
After presenting her stance, Katia hesitated, carefully choosing her words.
Sensing her hesitation, Hermes stepped in to continue.
“Count Harvest. Does this mean that you believe you are better suited than anyone here to lead the soldiers and us to victory?”
The reason Katia hesitated was simple—she didn’t want her words to come across as direct criticism of the Count.
If her position made it hard to speak bluntly, Hermes would do it instead.
…Besides, the Count seemed suspicious. With emerald eyes, Hermes scrutinized him.
“We have individuals with powerful Bloodline Magic, including dual aptitudes, in our company.
The duke himself has experience commanding large armies and knows the enemy’s movements. Isn’t it rather presumptuous to demand full control without considering this? At the very least, allowing us some rights would seem more efficient for defeating the Star God Church, no?”
“Hermes…”
Katia murmured.
While his words might have been relatively mild for him, they were still pointed.
The Count furrowed his brow slightly before replying.
“…Hmm. Judging by your attire, are you a butler of the duke’s household? Your words are quite arrogant for a servant, but I’ll let it slide this once. …However…”
A mocking smile crept onto his face.
“…‘Powerful Bloodline Magic’? Don’t make me laugh. ──After all, weren’t you utterly powerless against Lucius?”
“──”
Ah, so that’s the angle he’s taking.
“Listen carefully. The role of Bloodline Magicians in war is simple—‘to defeat the enemy’s Bloodline Magicians.’ That’s all. If you can’t even manage that, yet you demand a say in the matter, it’s nothing but arrogance.”
“You’re absolutely right. There’s no denying our defeat. …However, the same can be said of you, can it not? Considering how far the Star God Church has encroached into your territory, it’s hard to argue that you’ve effectively protected it.”
“…Hmph. I haven’t lost. Admittedly, they’ve been more troublesome than expected, but I’ve deliberately concentrated my forces here. With them properly mobilized, we can achieve victory—even against the Six Families’ alliance.”
“Oh? Even with Lucius on their side? That’s quite reassuring.”
Hermes’ remark caused the Count’s brows to twitch further.
His reaction made it clear Hermes had struck a nerve, but the Count dismissed him and turned to Liliana with a smile.
“Your Highness, while your subordinates seem capable, their words are far too reckless. You, however, are far more reasonable. How about we conduct future discussions between just the two of us—”
“…Do not insult my mentor.”
Liliana countered with a slight edge of distrust in her voice.
“And… if you truly wish to rally under my banner, Wouldn’t it be appropriate to leave decisions—including personnel matters—to me?”
“Out of the question!”
The Count shrugged as if dismissing an absurd notion, speaking as though it were obvious.
“──Your Highness is a royal of no magical aptitude, is that not so?”
“!”
“A person like that cannot possibly command others, nor would anyone follow you. Your role is to be a symbol, a guiding light for the people to rally around. I may sound harsh, but this is all for Your Highness’ benefit. Please trust what I say.”
Before Liliana, rendered speechless by his unrelenting and painful remarks, the Count continued his monologue.
Taking over the stage entirely, he piled on his so-called advice.
First, he demanded full authority to oppose the Northern Alliance.
He also insisted on managing recruitment and leading the eventual assault on the royal capital.
Finally, he demanded recognition of his contributions after reclaiming the throne, including a prominent position in the government—supposedly not for personal gain, but as a matter of meritocracy.
His tone was condescending, as though lecturing a child on basic principles.
He went so far as to dismiss Hermes and the others from any future decisions and even proposed that Liliana take his son as her future consort.
…By this point, everyone, including Liliana, had realized the truth.
Ah──we’re being underestimated.
A princess without magical aptitude, seemingly fit only to serve as a puppet.
A small group unable to defeat their adversaries.
The Count had clearly decided they were in no position to refuse his terms and bombarded them with unilateral demands.
…Ultimately, after enduring the Count’s tirade, Liliana managed to muster her courage to say…
“I will give you my answer by the end of the day. Please allow us some time.”
Then withdrew from the room.
◆