Bloodhound’s Regression Instinct

Chapter 214

As Merriott’s bombshell announcement dropped, the atmosphere in the hall turned icy.

The first to speak was Marquis Daniel.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t think you’re someone who wouldn’t understand what I mean.”

Merriott’s words made Marquis Daniel clamp his mouth shut. He couldn’t believe that Merriott, who had lived his entire life as the right-hand man of the Duke of the Sun, would suddenly do something he wasn’t ordered to do.

Marquis Daniel frowned and looked at Yan.

“If I wasn’t dozing off during the meeting, you didn’t express any opinion. So, what is this about? Can you explain it to me?”

Yan smiled slightly at his words.

“It’s nothing special. The Duke of the Sun has favored me and supported me to achieve results this time as well.”

With each word Yan spoke, the faces of Marquis Daniel and the other nobles darkened. It was inevitable. Those words meant that all the merits from this war would go to Yan.

Yan could see through their thoughts.

“Of course, I’m not fighting this war alone. And as you all know, my experience is lacking. So, I’ll handle the big picture and leave the rest to you.”

The faces of the nobles began to brighten. Yan’s words were tantamount to sharing the merits. If Yan, who was personally supported by the Duke of the Sun, said so, it might be more beneficial than following Marquis Daniel.

The nobles, having finished their calculations, approached Yan with broad smiles.

“Hahaha, experience can be gained. Who had experience from the beginning?”

“We’ll help you from the side, so don’t worry about anything.”

“We have plenty of supplies from our family, so use them as you need. Our family is wealthy.”

Seeing the nobles quickly change their attitudes, Marquis Daniel’s cheek twitched.

‘Bats.’

Just a while ago, they were flattering him during the break, but now they were changing their stance like reeds.

Marquis Daniel glared at Yan, who was having a friendly conversation with the nobles.

‘Fine, laugh all you want now. I’ll make sure to pay you back for this someday.’

* * *

The meeting concluded smoothly.

Although Yan declared he would only outline the war strategy, he had already meticulously planned every detail. Once the war began, the nobles would be swept along by the pre-arranged scenarios, moving exactly as he intended.

Thud!

“I’ll be leaving first.”

Yan watched as Marquis Daniel was the first to storm out. His face was rigid, clearly finding the meeting centered around Yan unbearable. He looked like he was ready to cause trouble. But Yan didn’t mind.

‘If he wants to die, I’ll oblige.’

The plan was solid. One troublemaker wouldn’t change anything.

As Marquis Daniel’s departure chilled the atmosphere, the nobles began to rise one by one, heading to their tents. When most had left…

Tap.

“Can I have a word?”

Merriott placed a hand on Yan’s shoulder.

“Yes.”

Yan obediently rose and followed Merriott out of the tent. They walked to a secluded clearing. Once there, Merriott turned sharply.

“I did as you asked, but can this really prevent meaningless slaughter?”

Yan had asked Merriott to actively support him, creating the impression that he had the Duke of the Sun’s backing, thus forcing the other nobles to submit. Merriott knew what Yan was aiming for. However, Yan’s plan inevitably involved significant casualties.

Merriott had called Yan to confirm this.

“We can prevent meaningless slaughter.”

“But at this rate, the soldiers’ sacrifices will be inevitable. Am I wrong?”

Yan chuckled at Merriott’s words.

“We’re not dealing with a pirate raid. This is war. A war where we kill and get killed. The enemy isn’t just a handful. How do you expect to stop ten with one hand?”

“Still…”

“Should we fight the war without soldiers? Just with a few knights?”

Yan continued, looking Merriott squarely in the eye.

“If that’s what you want, I can’t work with you. While we can prevent the nobles’ foolishness from wasting troops, it’s absurd to think we can avoid casualties in war.”

Merriott sighed deeply. He knew Yan was right. He had been too idealistic. While he could personally reduce casualties in small skirmishes like pirate raids, it was impossible in a large-scale war.

“I misspoke. Do as you see fit. I’ll follow without complaint.”

As he admitted his mistake, Yan smiled.

“I’ve planned as much as possible to align with your wishes, so don’t worry too much.”

Yan bowed deeply.

“I look forward to working with you. Your support is crucial to my plan.”

“Understood.”

With that, they parted ways to their respective tents.

* * *

Crash!

“Damn it!”

Marquis Daniel was fuming, recalling the events from earlier.

“That brat, still wet behind the ears, dares to…!”

A nobody who uses his name as if it were a noble title!

If Yan hadn’t intervened, Daniel could have monopolized the glory. He could have expanded his territory with the merits he would have gained!

But that wretch overturned the table he had set and even took his seat.

“Damn it!”

If Yan were just a baron, Daniel could have crushed him with his title alone. The difference between a baron and a marquis was like the sun and a firefly.

But Yan wasn’t just a baron. He held the title of Executor, granted directly by the Emperor, and had the backing of several influential figures. Even as a marquis, Daniel couldn’t suppress Yan with his title alone. Especially since the Duke of the Sun had personally supported Yan in this war, the chance to take the lead was long gone.

Daniel gulped down wine straight from the bottle, trying to drown his anger. By the time three bottles lay empty on the floor…

Swish.

A breeze stirred inside the tent. Daniel, in the midst of drinking, froze like ice.

“Who… who are you?”

A cold blade was pressed against his neck. He couldn’t see the face of the person behind him.

A thin voice spoke from behind.

“Swear to cooperate with us, and you’ll live.”

“What… what is this? Do you know who I am?”

“I know very well. Marquis Majors Daniel.”

Daniel’s face turned pale. Knowing his name meant this was no innocent visit. Not that it could be, with a knife at his throat.

“What do you want? I’ll cooperate if you spare my life.”

First, he needed to get rid of the knife. Safety was paramount, even if he had to deal with something later.

At that moment, a hand appeared from behind. Daniel’s face went ashen at what he saw on the wrist.

“The… Oath Stone?”

An artifact from a barbarian tribe, now extinct due to the Empire’s control. It required the user to infuse it with mana, swear an oath, and swallow it. If the oath was broken, the stone would lodge in the heart, causing certain death.

The assassin spoke.

“Infuse it with mana, swear, and swallow.”

Daniel hesitated, and the blade pressed deeper into his skin.

Drip.

He felt a sharp pain and warm blood trickling down his neck. Daniel quickly shouted.

“Alright, alright!”

“Swear to unconditionally cooperate in killing Yan.”

Daniel’s eyes widened, then a smile crept onto his face.

“If that’s all, I can certainly cooperate.”

He had been looking for a chance to get rid of Yan himself.

“Swear.”

Under the assassin’s urging, Daniel grabbed the Oath Stone, conflicted for a moment, then declared.

“I swear to unconditionally cooperate in killing Baron Yan!”

Gulp.

Daniel infused the stone with mana and swallowed it. He felt it settle unpleasantly in his heart. The assassin, confirming the oath, removed the blade from his neck.

“I’ll inform you of your task soon. Wait until then.”

Freed, Daniel turned to see his assailant’s face, but…

“Gone?”

There was nothing. Only the broken wine bottles and scattered items remained, as if it had all been a dream.

“What… what is this?”

Daniel laughed bitterly, turning to see his reflection in a polished mirror, blood trickling from his neck.

Thump.

He felt the Oath Stone vibrating in his heart and closed his eyes.

“Damn it.”

Whoever they were, he was caught in a big mess. But then, his eyes lit up.

“No, this might be an opportunity.”

If they could infiltrate this far, they could be a powerful ally. And if they succeeded in killing Yan, he could claim all the glory.

With this thought, Daniel stood up abruptly and shouted outside.

“Bring me a bottle of wine, no, three more bottles!”

Tonight, he wouldn’t sleep without more wine.